16. Secret Passage

JUST AS ALEC HAD FEARED, NEWS HAD GOTTEN BACK to his folks about the German planes. Again, Mrs. Tanner was to blame. As she had done when Badger was hurt, Mrs. Tanner marched into the Shaftbury and gossiped about the Jerries. Alec stayed near the kitchen, trying to avoid his father.

"Oh, Alec boy, we've got trouble, you know. Those German planes prove how bold the enemy has become."

"We'll be all right, Aga. The Jerries were just out taking a few photographs, the captain said. Nothing happened."

"But it will, lad," Aga argued. "I know the signs of war. And we're seeing them for certain now."

He couldn't talk to Aga when she was so anxious. But then he remembered the necklace and pushed his hand deep into his pocket to pull out the tiny box. "Aga, I nearly forgot. Look what I've bought Mum for her birthday. Isn't it grand?"

At first, Aga only glanced at the box; then she looked again. "Why, Alec, that's like the cross Will wore. He showed it to me one day. It's a fine gift, lad."

"I know it's early, but I want her to have it now. So I'll give it to her after supper tonight."

"It's a gorgeous thing," Aga assured him. "And special since it's from you."

Together, they stood looking at the shiny cross nestled in its box. Then Aga threw her hands up and hurried toward the cooker.

"Oh, my, lad. We've got to get this supper on or we'll be late for the guests. Come help me."

Alec was relieved to get past the war talk. After his time with Eva, he would never tease Aga again about overreacting. But within minutes, he wished he had stayed longer with Eva, as the swinging door slapped against the wall and his father charged in.

"Alec, where have you been? Captain Cairns said you left the Britannia early this morning. What have you been doing all day? And what about those German planes? Your mother is nearly sick with worry."

"To market, Mr. Frank," Aga stepped in. "I sent him off on errands. Told him to take his time."

"I'm asking you again." Alec's father directed his words to Alec. "Why are you holding back news? You always—"

"That's what I'm doing," Alec shouted. "I'm holding back—staying out of your way so I don't have to listen to what a rotten son I am. If I tell you news, you fly off. If I hold the news back, you toss me off. I can't do anything that pleases you, and I'm sick of trying!"

Alec's father curled his hand and swung hard at Alec's face, catching him just below the eye and knocking him back against the larder. "You wretched boy. What can I do to make you understand?"

"Understand what?" Alec said, holding his face. "That you hate everything I do? That you will never accept I'm not like you? I will never be like you!" He darted past his father and hurried to his room.

Alec took a deep breath and vowed that his father would not see him cry. Slamming his door and falling back against it, he touched his cheek where his father had struck him. Already, the spot felt tender and puffy. His father had never hit him before. He now knew for sure that it was not going to work for him to live at the inn. His mum was hoping that he would take over the inn someday, but he was fearful that if he stayed, he would become as bitter as his father.

"Alec." The gentle tap at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in, Mum," he answered as he brushed his wet face with his hand.

The door opened just a crack, and his mother's face peered around the edge. "Have you got room for me, Alec?"

"Always room for you; you know that, Mum. Sorry, it's not made," he said, straightening his bed so she could sit.

His mum reached out to touch his face, but Alec pulled back.

"It's okay. He didn't hurt me," Alec snapped. Then, seeing his mother's sadness, he patted her hand. "It's okay, really, Mum. I'm fine. I probably had it coming for not telling you and Dad about the planes. But I thought if you knew, you would worry more."

"Oh, it's not the planes, Alec. It's the whole war. Your father's worried about you."

"No, Mum," Alec argued. "He's not worried so much for me as for his precious inn and the business. Ever since I've gone to the Britannia, he's looked for reasons to make me quit. He wants me here, at the Shaftbury, doing his work. Well, I'm not made for that, Mum. I'm a seaman."

"I know, Alec. I know you love the sea. You always have. But the Shaftbury needs you, and you'd be safe."

"It doesn't need me, Mum. You can carry on without me.... I'm sorry, Mum. I hate to see you caught in the middle."

"I've gotten used to the middle, Alec. It's a place I fell into years ago. I've let myself get too comfortable there." She paused, looking at her son. "When did you grow up so? Just like your father—always having to make your own path. Well, Alec, I can no longer ask you to stay and work for your father. I would rather have you go away and be happy than be like this." She touched his cheek. "Someday, your father will want that, too."

Alec stared at her, looking at the weariness in her face and wondering how she put up with her husband's bitterness. Then he remembered the gift in his pocket, and he handed her the box.

"For you." He grinned. "An early birthday gift. I've been saving my wages from the Britannia. The first time I saw it, I knew I wanted to get it. Something to give you hope."

"It's not my birthday yet," she argued.

"You can't enjoy it if you keep it all wrapped up."

"All right," she relented. "But if it cost every pound you've earned, I'll make you—" She didn't finish. She had the box open. The Celtic cross sparkled. "Alec! It's lovely!"

Alec smiled, pleased that he had made the right choice. "Will had one, you know. Thought it gave him hope—forever, he said. I wanted you to have one, too. You can wear it to church."

"Oh, I do like it, Alec. It's a real treasure. Thank you, love."

For a moment, they were silent, and then they heard his father's voice just outside the door.

"Gwen!" he called "We have guests who need to eat. Are you coming?"

"Yes, I'm here," she answered, and rose slowly from the bed. Touching her hair lightly and adjusting her apron, she turned to look once more at Alec. "Why don't you just rest for a bit, Alec? I can help Aga ... and I'll tend to your father."

Alec nodded, not wanting to face his father again..

Fingering the cross, she whispered, "It's a special gift, Alec. I'll think of you whenever I touch it."

Then she slipped out the door and was gone, leaving Alec alone to think about all that had just happened. He didn't know when, but he would make a choice soon as to where he would live.

He didn't go to supper. Aga brought him some cabbage and bread, and he waited for night to come and for his parents and Aga to retire to their rooms. He wrote about his day with Eva, about her running away at the Priory Station, about her new clothes. He recounted how at first he had not wanted her with him, and then how much he had enjoyed the day. Her attention had made him blush. Walking down the pavement with her, I felt important—like her protector, he wrote in his journal. It was good to be needed—to just be myself and have someone want to be with me.

He scribbled these thoughts quickly and returned the journal to its spot. Then he grabbed a pile of clothes and stuffed them under his bedcovers. If anyone opened his door to check, he wanted it to look as if he was sleeping.

He listened for any noise that would tell him Aga was still up. Hearing nothing, he stepped into the hallway, went past the dining room and through the kitchen. The whole place was dark.

In seconds, he was outside and leaping off the back steps. Coming out of the alley behind the Shaftbury, he hurried down the street and turned right onto Market, heading toward the pub section of town. He was out before curfew, so he wasn't worried about the constable—though after being chased the last time, he was always wondering who else might be lurking in the dark. It would be harder to keep hidden tonight. The half-moon gave some light to the blacked-out streets. He raced the two blocks down Market, but as he turned the corner, someone called his name.

"Alec!" the voice said. "Alec. Wait!" He recognized Eva's accent. She was a short distance back and racing toward him. He waited for her to catch up.

"Eva, what are you doing here? Where's your aunt?" He glanced around to see if anyone else was nearby. "Why are you following me?"

"Was ist los—what—what is the matter? I was in the alley. Mit—with the rubbish und I saw you run by. Something ist bad, ja?"

"Nothing's wrong. At least, nothing more than usual. My father heard about the German planes. We had a terrible row," Alec confessed. "I'm done with him."

Eva was silent as they stood together on the curb. He thought she was feeling sorry for him. Then she turned toward him. "Be sure, Alec. Your papa and Mutter? They may not always be near."

Eva was looking at him, expecting him to say something. But he turned away, convinced that she didn't understand. "You need to get back," he snapped. "I've got something to do."

"Was? What? Was ist—what is it?" Eva asked. Then she saw him glance toward the pubs. "Nein, Alec. You told me nein—you said stay away from there."

Alec needed to leave. He didn't have time to argue with Eva. "I've just got something to do. It won't take long, but I need to do it now. So please, Eva, go home. I don't want to worry about you tonight."

"Worry? Ich—I don't need your worry."

"That's not what I meant," Alec answered, wondering why she was so angry. "I've just got to do something."

"Then wait," Eva pleaded. "I want to help. I'll tell meine Tante. If I'm with you, she will say yes. Wait here, bitte—please?"

"No, Eva. I won't wait, because you can't come. I need to do this alone or the man will—" He stopped himself.

Eva looked puzzled. "I will go with you. Bitte, Alec, don't send me off. I can help."

Alec was speechless. He had never expected this from quiet Eva. What had happened to change her? But he couldn't have her wandering around the pub area; he had to wait for her. So he nodded, and she gave him a rare smile before she dashed off.

In a few minutes, she was back, sliding her arms into the sleeves of her sweater. They made their way quietly down the street and turned into the alley across from the White Horse. There, they squatted against the wall and peeked around the corner, watching the door. The street was filled with little pubs wedged next to each other. In the moonlight, Alec could see the pub shingles dangling above the pavement, announcing their brews. Alec had never been inside a pub, but Aga had told him they were noisy and grim. "Not much good happens in there," she had said.

He heard Eva breathing next to him. In the dim light, she held even more mystery for him. His stomach felt tight; his palms were damp. Although he thought his mission would go best if done alone, he remembered how lonely it had been the first night when he was sprawled out in the dirt behind the rubbish bin, waiting for the man in the white hat. With Eva next to him, he wasn't wondering about the time or thinking about the cold.

"Auf was warten wir? For what are we waiting?" Eva wrapped her sweater tighter around her.

"A man in a white sailor hat," Alec whispered. "But keep back; he can't spot us or we won't be able to follow him."

As he talked, three chaps wandered out of the pub; none of them wore a hat.

"And this man? He ist there heute abend—tonight?"

"I don't know for sure. But Douglas says he comes often. So I'm hoping he's here and he'll lead us to the castle."

"The castle?" Eva said. "In der Nacht?—at night?"

"Shh," Alec whispered. "It has to be at night; we'd be seen during the day. I followed him before. But I lost him. Tonight I'm going to find out how he gets in and out. There are secrets there. Secrets about the war, about our boys. I've got to know."

Eva sat quietly, trying to understand all that Alec had said. She did understand that she had made things worse.

"I'll help you, Alec," she offered.

Looking at Eva's face, Alec could not help thinking about Georgie. He had always wanted to be a part of Alec's plans. Georgie was like a puppy, nipping at Alec's heels, begging to go along. Alec would never forget the price he had paid for not being more insistent that Georgie stay home. Now, looking at Eva, he had the same fears. But something was different with her. She'd already fought her own battles, and she had not given up.

"Eva, promise me you'll do only what I say. I know the area around the castle. It can be dangerous."

"Ja, Alec." Eva nodded. "Ich verspreche—I promise."

Turning back to watch the door, Alec decided that something about Eva made him stronger. It was that she wanted to come, that she liked being with him. Maybe, he thought, she would help. Just then, the pub door swung open wide, and out stepped the man in the white hat.

Alec nudged Eva and pointed toward the pub. Rising from their hiding spot, they waited for the man to move up the street; then they strolled behind him.

As before, the man sauntered along the pavement. Doffing his hat at two blokes heading the other way, he continued. Alec and Eva walked slowly, their heads down as they kept a safe distance from the man.

They'd only gone a few yards when the man suddenly stopped and turned. Impulsively, Alec grabbed Eva's hand and turned her to face him, wrapping his arms around her and drawing her close.

"Shh," Alec whispered in her ear. "He's watching us. Just pretend we're a couple out for a stroll."

Alec could feel Eva's heart pounding. Her rapid breathing told him she was afraid. Then the man continued, and Alec pulled her along as they kept after him.

Soon the man turned and started up Castle Hill Road. Alec could see the lane winding its way toward the castle, silhouetted high above them.

"We've got to stay close," Alec whispered to Eva. "I lost him the last time after that bend up there." Eva nodded.

Alec led the way, lengthening his stride as he kept the man in view. Eva was close behind—so close that when Alec stopped suddenly, she bumped into him.

"Wait," Alec whispered. "He's resting on the rock like before. I'm going to keep moving up. You stay off to the side here and watch for my signal. Then come on up once I tell you it's safe."

Alec moved farther up the path and turned briefly to see Eva huddle behind a hedge. Insects sang around him. The wind ruffled the nearby trees. On the street below, someone called out to a mate. Still watching, Alec saw the man rise to his feet and continue his climb. But almost as soon as he had stood, the man stepped to his right, pushed back a large pine bough, and disappeared into the thick shrubbery.

So that's how I lost him, Alec thought. He didn't take the normal path. He's got some secret passage on the side of the cliffs.

Alec waited a moment and then tunneled through the shrubbery near the castle. He stayed back far enough to not be found out, but the man's quickness told Alec the path was a familiar one. As the man neared the spot where the castle path narrowed and hung above the Channel, he slowed. He clung to the rocks on his left and made his way around the bluff. Just to his right, the cliff dropped three hundred feet into the Channel. The man paused and looked up.

Alec ducked behind a rock as the man glanced casually around before stepping onto a small boulder. Looking around again, he climbed even higher, to a narrow ledge that hung out over the Channel.

Where was he going? Alec strained to see in the darkness. The castle and white cliffs stood as a backdrop against the man's black clothing. Then Alec saw an opening about waist high on the side of the castle wall, just to the left of the man. Hunching his shoulders and leaning out a bit more from behind the rock, Alec looked again. The opening was square, and big enough to spot even in the dark. As Alec watched, the man shuffled along the ledge until he stood next to the opening. Then, as smooth and silent as a thief, the man removed something from the opening and slipped easily through the space. Alec watched as the man fit the cover back into place and disappeared within the wall.

"So that's it," Alec breathed aloud. All the time Georgie and I spent scrambling over these rocks, we never saw that window. It was a well-kept secret. He wondered how the man had not been caught.

Alec retraced his steps on the path, climbed through the shrubbery, and waved for Eva to come to him. Taking her hand once again, he led her through the shrubbery and out to the castle wall where the man had disappeared.

"Wo ist er—where is he?" Eva asked.

"Inside. He climbed through that small window above the ledge. You wait here. In the bushes. I'll duck in the same way."

"You're going in? Jetzt—now?"

"Yes" Alec answered. "And I'm going alone."