Max Damage by Simon Haynes

Author:Simon Haynes [Haynes, Simon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sci-fi, spacejock, Science Fiction, scifi, Humour, Humor, comedy novel, Comedy, Series, science fiction comedy, Novel
ISBN: 9781877034374
Publisher: Bowman Press
Published: 2018-11-05T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

"Cylen, my darling boy. How lovely to see you!"

Mrs Murtay appeared to be in her early seventies, with a smooth, plump face and curly grey hair. She was wearing a quilted housecoat and slippers, and she seemed completely unfazed at having the Albion on her lawn — and, indeed, partly inside her house. After she greeted her son at the front door, he introduced her to Hal and Clunk.

"They're helping me with work, mother. It's a top-secret research project. Very hush-hush."

"That's wonderful, my dear. You must tell me all about it." Mrs Murtay stepped back, motioning them inside. "Do come in. The kettle's on, and I've just fed the cats so they won't bother you for a while."

Hal entered the trim little house, which had thick carpeting, freshly-painted walls and, nearby, a staircase leading to the upper floor. Glancing up, he couldn't help noticing the Albion's landing ramp sticking through the window. "I'm really sorry about the damage, Mrs Murtay. Clunk and I will make it good, I promise."

"Don't be silly, dear." The old lady smiled and patted the back of his hand. "There's a man in the village who'll sort that out in no time."

"But—"

"I won't hear another word," insisted Mrs Murtay. "You're helping my son, and I know what an important job he has." She led them into a small sitting room, crammed with furniture and side tables, the latter covered with knick-knacks. Hal and Cylen took a seat, while Clunk stood in the corner and tried not to knock anything over.

"They promoted him again last week, did you know that?" said Mrs Murtay proudly. "They made him head of the whole department!"

Her son looked uncomfortable. "It's still being reviewed, mother. Nothing official yet."

"I'm sure it's just a matter of time. And the next time you speak with President Oakworthy, you must give him my regards."

"Yes, mother."

"I voted for the other side, of course, but you don't have to tell him that."

"No, mother."

"Now, let me get the tea. Do talk amongst yourselves."

"Actually," said Hal, "we really ought to be going."

"Nonsense, you only just arrived. Wait right there and I'll be back in two shakes." Mrs Murtay left, and after a moment or two of strained silence, Hal turned to Cylen. "So what department do you run?"

"I don't," he confessed. "But every time I come to see mother, she presses me for news. I have to tell her something, and now she thinks I've had about thirty promotions in the past six months."

"You'll be president of Dolor before you know it," said Hal, with a grin.

"Don't even joke about it," said Murtay, in a hollow voice. "Mother keeps telling me I'd be perfect for the job."

At that moment a large tabby cat strolled in, leapt on the table, and from there walked straight onto Hal's lap. After staring into his eyes for a moment or two, it reached up and dabbed his face with its paw.

"That's Flynn," said Murtay. "She's a bit forward sometimes."

"Hey girl," said Hal, and he stroked the cat, working his hand behind her jaw, then down her neck and along her flank.

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