Winter was beginning to show its teeth now it was November, and Kathy was quite pleased to be in the cosy underground office. Over the months she had been following the progress of the invading forces, hoping for an end to the war this year, but it was now obvious that wasn’t going to happen.
‘Looks like another wartime Christmas,’ she said, handing David letters to sign. ‘That man is beaten, so why doesn’t he surrender and save thousands of lives?’
‘Max reckons there’s no chance of that. He will hold to the very end.’
‘Have you been to the camp lately?’
He nodded. ‘I’ve called in, briefly, a couple of times. They are all right, and Erik has given Robert two paintings. He is delighted with them and very excited about the boy’s talent.’
‘Any sales yet?’
‘No, but they’ve been attracting quite a bit of interest and Robert is hopeful. I’ll get permission for all of us to see them before Christmas.’
‘That would be good.’
The door opened, and Peter walked in, smiling. ‘Thought you’d like to know that the RAF has sunk the Tirpitz. That’s the last of Hitler’s big battleships. He’s lost in the air and at sea, leaving the land battle. The end is in sight now. What are your plans, David? Are you going to stay in the navy?’
‘That’s good news. Regarding plans, I’ll be going back to my job as a lawyer as soon as I can. I’ve already started making arrangements, and I’m looking forward to picking up a career again.’
‘I’m sure you’ll do it very successfully, but I’m sorry you won’t be staying in the navy. We’ll miss you, and a lot of people will now be thinking about their future. So many lives have been put on hold. Anyway, it’s good news about that battleship.’
‘It is, and thanks for letting me know.’
The door closed behind Peter and Kathy stared at it for some moments. That conversation had made her face something she had been pushing away. David would be going back to his life as a lawyer – and walking out of her life. That was going to hurt. Without her noticing it he had become a big part of her life, and she badly wanted that to continue. He was clearly already making plans to leave the navy.
‘Will you miss the excitement of the job you’ve been doing?’ she asked.
‘There’s plenty of excitement in the law courts. You must sit in on a trial sometime and see for yourself.’
‘I’ll do that. Have you decided where you’ll set up your business?’
‘In London. Alan and I are considering working together. He can handle the shipping cases and I’ll concentrate on criminal and business trials.’
‘You’ll need an efficient secretary, and as I’m going to need to find work I would like to apply for the job.’
He sat back and shook his head. ‘You can’t be my secretary.’
‘Why not? You won’t get a better secretary than me,’ she told him confidently, hiding the hurt his refusal had caused her.
‘I know that, but it wouldn’t be right for us to work together.’
She frowned. ‘I don’t understand. Will you explain, please?’
‘I’ll tell you when the war is finally over.’
‘And how long will that be?’ she asked, mentally adding something else to her list of things he was going to tell her.
‘Who knows?’ He was laughing quietly now. ‘Have you managed to open the locket yet?’
‘I haven’t tried. You told me not to and I always obey orders from an officer.’ Her hand rested on the locket under her shirt. ‘Don’t you think this silly game has gone on long enough? Will you show me now?’
‘Not yet.’
Kathy was hurt by David’s outright refusal to consider her as a possible secretary for when he left the navy but wasn’t going to let him see that. ‘I bet that when I do open it I will find it empty. I really don’t understand why you gave it to me. If it really is in appreciation of the time we have worked together, then the end of the war would have been more appropriate, surely?’
‘Maybe that is only part of the reason and there is another much more important one.’
‘Maybe, maybe, maybe. It is so difficult to get a straight answer out of you. Are you sure you are a lawyer and not a politician?’
David tipped his head back and laughed, changing the subject. ‘We ought to celebrate the sinking of the last big battleship, but it’s too early for whisky.’
‘Hans will be upset to hear his ship has been sunk. Will you go and see him?’
‘The last person he will want to see at this moment is me. I’ll give him time to get over his grief of knowing that a lot of his friends will have died in the attack. You’ve got some leave due, so when do you want to take it?’
‘I’ve been saving it in the hope my father would be home soon, but I have no idea when that will be. I haven’t seen him for some time and his letters give no indication when he might be on leave.’
‘It’s tough not knowing where our family and friends are, but it is something we have to live with, I’m afraid. We haven’t seen Ben for some time, either.’ He gave her a sympathetic smile. ‘I’m going home for Christmas and my parents have asked me to bring you along as well. They would be pleased to see you again.’
‘That is kind of them, but as you are going to be away then, I would like to go to the cottage. I’ve hardly been there, and I have some changes to make before Dad comes home again. Please thank them for me.’
‘I will, but they will be disappointed.’
The door opened, and Peter peered in. ‘Can I borrow Kathy, David? Just for an hour.’
He sighed. ‘This is becoming a habit, Peter. Make sure it’s only an hour.’
When they had gone a slight smile crossed his face. He’d guessed she would offer to work as his secretary, but she had taken his refusal quite well. It was encouraging she wanted to stay with him, though. They were all thinking about the future now and he had it all planned.
Alan strode in and sat down. ‘Have you heard about the sinking?’
‘I have. Are you going to marry Alice?’ David asked, abruptly changing the subject.
‘Of course. You know I adore the girl. Why do you ask?’
‘Have you told her?’
‘I was going to wait until the end of the war, but I was afraid if I didn’t, then she would find someone else, and I wasn’t prepared to risk that happening. What about you? Any romantic plans on the horizon?’
David shrugged. ‘I vowed I wouldn’t get involved in a serious relationship while the war was on.’
‘It’s nearly over and our part in it almost at an end. We will soon be changing uniforms for three-piece suits, and to go with that I want a wife and children. I’m sure you do as well. This war has robbed us of a few years, and we’re not getting any younger.’
‘That’s true, but it is going to be strange after all we’ve seen and done. I’m still eager to get back to it again, though.’
‘Me too. I wonder what Kathy is going to do?’ Alan asked innocently. ‘A beautiful girl like that won’t stay single for long. From what I’ve seen, Max is more than a little interested in her, and being a prisoner is the only thing holding him back.’
‘That entire crew is in love with her, but they are all wasting their time.’
‘Oh, and why would that be?’
‘You know her history.’
‘She’s put that all behind her. Look how she’s helped those prisoners, and she seems genuinely concerned about them.’
‘She’s got a kind heart,’ David said, switching to another subject as he had a habit of doing. ‘Have you managed to persuade Ted to come and join us as an investigator?’
‘He’s thinking about it. We are going to need a good secretary, so how about Kathy? We won’t get better.’
‘She has already asked, and I’ve said no.’
Alan stared at his friend in astonishment. ‘Why on earth would you do that? She would be a real asset.’
‘She would, but I don’t want her working with us.’
‘I thought you liked her, or was I mistaken?’
‘I do like her, but I have other plans for her,’ David told him.
‘Have you told her, and can I ask what those plans are?’
‘No and no.’
Alan was silent for a moment and then shook his head. ‘Be careful what you’re doing. Kathy has a strong character, and if she doesn’t agree with what you’re planning she will walk away, and you’ll never see her again. I can’t believe that’s what you want. You’ve been together a long time, and I’ve always felt there was more than friendship between you. I would swear you have real affection for each other.’
‘Of course we have, otherwise how would we have survived being cooped up in this underground bunker?’ David joked. ‘Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing and intend to see she is all right.’
‘You’re a risk-taker, my friend,’ Alan told him, shaking his head.
‘So are you, and that’s why we have been doing this job. Now, about the future. We need Ted, and his skill as an investigator, so we’ll have to corner him and convince him somehow to join us.’
‘I’ve had my go and will leave the next interrogation to you,’ Alan told him.
The letters were typed and signed. ‘Is there anything else, sir?’ Kathy asked Peter.
‘That’s all, thank you.’ He glanced at the clock. ‘You work so fast that my allotted hour is not yet up. Sit down, I would like to talk to you.’
She waited, wondering what he wanted to discuss.
‘Do you have any plans for the future?’
‘I haven’t given it much thought yet.’
‘Why don’t you stay in the Wrens? You are well thought of and could have a good career with the navy.’
‘That is an option, I suppose, but Commander Evans is already making plans to leave, so I would be given another post. I don’t know what that would be or where I would be sent.’
‘If you signed on for a longer period I would put in a request that you work with me.’
That surprised her, and she turned it over in her mind before answering. ‘That is appealing, sir, but I’m not sure I want a career in the navy. I would need time to give it serious thought.’
‘Of course, and that’s sensible. I wanted to mention it in case you were wondering whether to stay in the Wrens or return to civilian life. Let me know what you decide.’
‘I will, and thank you for the offer, sir.’ She returned to the office deep in thought.
‘Hello, Kathy,’ Alan greeted her with a smile. ‘Why the pensive look?’
‘I was thinking about something. Nice to see you, Alan.’
The phone rang, and she picked it up, delighted when she heard the familiar voice. ‘Dad, where are you?’
‘I’m at home. My ship is in for an overhaul and I have seven days’ leave. Any chance of you getting away?’
‘I’ve got some leave due to me. Hold on a minute.’ When she turned to David he was already holding out a signed chitty to her.
‘Your leave begins as of now. Will five days be enough?’
‘That is perfect. Thank you so much.’
‘Remember me to your father.’
‘I will.’ Kathy turned back to the phone. ‘I’m on my way, Dad.’
‘Splendid. We’ll have a little celebration at the pub this evening.’
Still smiling she cleared her desk, said goodbye and almost ran out of the door. This was unexpected and just what she needed. A few days relaxing with her father would help to clear her mind. Working with David and Alan was clearly out, and she really ought to be deciding what to do once the war ended.
She had to wait a while for a train, and it was around eight o’clock when she walked into the cottage. ‘Dad!’ she called, but there was no reply. Instead she found a note on the kitchen table letting her know he was in the pub.
After dropping off her bag she went straight to the village pub, and found her father sitting at a table with several of their neighbours, including Pat.
He got up the moment he saw her and held out his arms for a hug. ‘It’s so good to see you, darling. I must thank David for letting you go so quickly.’
Kathy hugged him. ‘He had the authorisation ready before I’d finished talking to you.’
He held her away from him, so he could have a good look at her. ‘He’s still a man of action, then. What would you like to drink?’
‘A small beer, please.’
One of the locals she had already met stood up. ‘You sit down, Kathy. This round is on me.’
‘Thank you.’ She smiled at Pat. ‘How are you?’
‘I’m fine. It’s lovely you have been able to come home at the same time as your father.’
‘Yes, it’s a rare treat.’
They stayed until closing time, enjoying a pleasant evening, and then walked back to the cottage. Kathy made a pot of tea and they sat at the kitchen table to catch up on all the news. ‘Pat’s nice,’ she said.
Her father nodded. ‘I’m glad you like her. We’ve been writing to each other. Do you mind?’
‘Of course not, Dad. You have the right to live your life as you want, and goodness knows you have earned that. I like her.’
‘I’m pleased. I did wonder if you would be upset if I became interested in another woman.’
‘Quite the reverse. I am delighted.’ Kathy reached across the table and grasped his hand. ‘Mum has been gone a long time now, and she would want both of us to move on with our lives.’
‘Yes, she would.’ He squeezed her hand. ‘You are like her in many ways, you know. So sensible.’
‘I don’t know about that.’ She laughed. ‘All through the war I’ve had a father out there dodging U-boats, and what do I do? I become friends with a U-boat captain and two of his crew.’
‘Tell me the whole story.’
Starting from the time she walked in to where the crew were being held, she explained what had happened and how the meeting with Erik and his brother had helped to heal the anger she had been burdened with since the raid. ‘I suddenly saw both sides of the conflict and the suffering this war was causing, no matter what side you were on. In a strange way we helped each other. Crazy, isn’t it?’
‘I don’t think so. When we see sailors struggling in the water we haul them out, giving no thought for what nationality they are. When the war is over you must take me to meet them. The boy must be a very good artist for David’s friend to be interested in him.’
‘He is, and he’s a gentle soul who should never have been put in a submarine. His brother told me that the brutality of war upset and disturbed him greatly.’
‘It’s sad that so many are being made to do things they find unpleasant. Being captured has probably been a blessing to the lad by ending that part of the war for him.’
‘Max told me he was going to send him for medical treatment when they returned to base, but of course that never happened. Still, he made a quick recovery once he was reunited with his brother.’
‘Talking of brothers, I saw David’s brother a while back.’
‘Did you? How is Ben? I only met him once and liked him. David never talks about him very much, but I know he worries at times.’
‘He’s fine. Now, I want to know what plans you have for when the war comes to an end, which won’t be too long now.’
‘I honestly don’t know. Commander Douglas has suggested I could make a good career in the Wrens, but I’m not sure that’s what I want. David is going to leave the navy as soon as he can.’ Her smile was tinged with sadness. ‘We have been together a long time now and it’s hard to imagine we will be going our separate ways. I did ask if I could apply to be his secretary, but he refused, saying we couldn’t work together again.’
Jack frowned. ‘That doesn’t make sense. I thought he would have snapped you up. I don’t understand.’
‘Neither do I, but you know David, he never explains why he does certain things.’
‘Never mind, darling, with your skills you won’t have any trouble finding a good job if you decide to leave the Wrens.’
‘You’re right.’ She brightened up, relaxing in the warmth of the kitchen and opening the top button of her shirt. ‘If you want to spend time alone with Pat you don’t have to worry about me. I can find plenty to do around the cottage.’
‘We will see her, of course, but this is our time together, and she understands that.’ He tipped his head to one side. ‘What’s that you’re wearing round your neck?’
‘David gave it to me.’ Kathy unfastened it and passed it across to her father. ‘Pretty, isn’t it?’
He frowned as he examined it carefully. ‘This is old, and I would say very valuable. Why did he give it to you?’
‘I’m not sure. He’s always seemed concerned that I didn’t have much after our house was bombed, but he said it was in appreciation of the time we have worked together.’
‘Why give it to you now? Surely when he leaves the navy would have been a more appropriate time?’
Kathy shrugged. ‘You never know what David is going to do, or why.’
Her father handed it back and studied her intently. ‘Are you in love with him?’
‘Yes,’ she replied honestly, and when she saw the concern on his face she said quickly, ‘There’s no need to worry. He doesn’t know, and he’s never given any indication that he feels anything but friendship for me. I can deal with it, Dad.’ She gave a bright smile. ‘I’m going to start looking for a good job I can go to the moment I’m out of the Wrens.’
He squeezed her hand. ‘That’s a wise thing to do, darling. However, try to find out why he gave you such an expensive gift. Men don’t give girls things like that just because they have worked together.’
‘I will, I promise.’ She fastened it round her neck again, feeling troubled by what her father had said.
‘Good.’ He stood up and smiled down at her. ‘It’s time we got some sleep.’
Although it was late, and she was tired, the events of the day kept running through her mind. The fact that her father thought the locket was a valuable heirloom was cause for concern, but she couldn’t do anything about it at this moment. There were decisions to make. Staying in the Wrens didn’t appeal and working for David was out of the question. There was also the prospect of her father’s relationship with Pat. If they were to marry, then they should have the cottage to themselves, so she would need to find somewhere to live. The best place to look for a good job would be the business part of London, and she would start looking to see what was available. It would be time enough to find lodgings when she knew where she would be working.
She let out a ragged sigh. This was not what she had hoped for. She had known for some time that she was in love with David, which was a damned stupid situation to be in. However, that was her problem and she would get over it. The only person to think about now was her father – his happiness was paramount – and it was up to her to make a good life for herself. How that turned out, only time would tell.