On Christmas morning, a blizzard hit Des Moines. Rain had warned Bett about the incoming weather the day before and had told her not to come home until it passed. “This will be a bad storm, Beloved. And though I will very much miss having you with me, I would rather you were safe there.” Her lover always had a special awareness of climate conditions, and Bett didn’t even consider questioning her prediction.
When she arrived at cryptography that night, Bett suggested to Major Ervin that a supply of cots be brought in, along with a small stockpile of C-rations. Even better received was the large quantity of soup and peanut butter sandwiches Rain had sent along. Bett had often managed to find some time each night to call, but since her setting was never particularly private, she’d suggested their own simple code: “Robert” was for Rain and “Bob” was Bett. When Bett said, “I had a very nice dream about Robert last night,” she didn’t have to worry if she was overheard. Rain didn’t like the code; she resented the lie it implied. But she came to like hearing the sweet words that Bett whispered about Robert, so she tried to see it as a translation, like putting Lakota into English.
Bett walked out of the cryptography building on the evening of December 26, having totally missed Christmas. Heading toward her car, the only thing on her mind was that the arrival of Patton’s troops at Bastogne was the best present she could have hoped for, until she looked over and saw Rain waiting for her. In spite of her exhaustion, Bett’s heart beat a little faster at the sight of her lover’s tall figure, bundled in her Army jacket, wearing a thick wool scarf and matching stocking cap with her braid trailing out from underneath it. Bett thought she knew all of Rain’s clothes, but she didn’t recognize those accessories. Or maybe she was just too tired to remember. “What are you doing here, Beloved? Why didn’t you wait inside? You must be freezing.”
Rain smiled. “I didn’t think I had the security clearance to come in your building. And I haven’t been here long. It felt good to get out and run. I only left the house when you called and said you’d be coming home in an hour.” Her eyes said And I couldn’t wait another moment to see you, looking like she was ready to devour Bett where she stood. As tired as she was, Bett felt a tremor of excitement, imagining being in bed with Rain again.
“So are you my chauffeur for the evening?” she asked, teasing.
Rain bowed. “I am. And for anytime thereafter.”
Bett hugged Rain tightly then, not caring who was watching or what they thought.
“Things are better?” Rain asked, sensing Bett’s mood.
“Things are much better,” Bett verified. “And I’m ready for a hot bath and a long winter’s nap with my Beloved.”
“And Luna?” Rain asked quietly.
“He’ll be transported to a field hospital once the area is secured,” Bett answered. “He’ll probably be in London by the end of the week and on his way home soon after that, depending on how quickly he can travel.”
Rain nodded and opened the car door. Thomas is safe. Knowing Bett had had a hand in saving him made her heart soar. “Thank you, Bett. You could not have given me a better gift.” The depth of feeling in her voice acknowledged that all their time apart had been worth it.
Bett was jittery from coffee and adrenaline and feeling fairly awake on the drive home. Rain told her of calling Nikki to cancel their visit. He’d been disappointed, especially because he’d recently gotten a showing of his work at a well-known gallery. When Bett started to speak, Rain took her hand. “Don’t apologize or feel bad about this, Beloved. You were doing exactly what needed to be done, and I told Nikki as much of that as I could.” At Bett’s look, she shook her head. “Not about Thomas, though. I’ll wait until he’s home.”
Bett kissed Rain’s knuckles. “Thank you.”
Rain smiled and turned on the radio. The local news came on, reporting four deaths in the area due to the snow.
Bett shook her head. “It’s terribly sad for those people, but being snowed in sounds good to me. I have three whole days off, and my first order of business is sleep. Then whenever I wake up, I’ll try to reach Mother again. I’m sure she’s disappointed, but I’ll tell her we’ll come sometime after the New Year. Maybe in late January or early February?” She looked hopefully at Rain, but her lover was concentrating on negotiating the jeep over the icy road. Bett went on, half to herself. “I’m sure I’ve displeased her by not being there over the holidays, but between the weather and this work schedule I’ve had…surely she’ll understand. And we’ll see Nikki then.”
Rain squeezed Bett’s hand. “I don’t want you to worry about that right now. Let’s just get you home and go from there.” Bett was happy to comply with that plan.
There was a wreath on the door. Bett knew something was different, but it took her a moment to figure it out. When she walked into the den, there were Christmas decorations everywhere.
“Oh, Rain! Did you do all of this? It looks wonderful.” A delicious aroma of cooking almost distracted Bett from the garlands and candles and bows and balls around the room, with the fire blazing as usual.
“Well, I’ve had a little time without you.” Rain smiled. “And since you had to work on Christmas, I thought you might like a little seasonal festivity in the house.”
Bett knew Rain didn’t celebrate Christmas. “Thank you, Beloved. This is a beautiful gift and I appreciate it.” They held each other for a long moment.
“I’ve never asked you how you feel about being surprised,” Rain said, brushing a bit of snow out of Bett’s hair.
Bett cocked her head. “Well, it is Christmas, and people usually surprise each other with gifts at this time of year, so I guess I’m okay with something unexpected right now.”
“Good,” Rain said, grinning mischievously, “because I want to give you your most special gift right now. Wait there.” She stepped briskly down the hall as Bett took off her coat.
Later, Bett thought it was fortunate that Rain had given her what little warning she’d had. Even so, she was completely unprepared for the sight of Ann Randall Carlton walking up the hall from the second bedroom. Clearly, Bett’s shock was evident as both her mother and Rain burst into excited laughter.
“Mother, what…how…when…?” Bett couldn’t even frame a complete thought.
Her mother embraced her warmly, and Bett was immersed in her familiar perfume. “Bett, darling, merry belated Christmas. I’m glad you’re home at last, safe and sound.” Bett returned the hug, almost automatically. Ann Carlton added, “And I’m so proud of you, darling. Your friend Gale has told me about your very important work. I’m very pleased to hear of your contribution to the war effort over the past weeks.”
Bett couldn’t imagine anything else her mother could have said that would have made her feel as good. That, and the release of tension from the past days, made her fight against tears. “I’m glad you’re here, Mother. And thank you. You don’t know how much it means to me to hear you say that.”
Mother and daughter pulled back and surveyed each other. Then they spoke at the same time. Bett said, “You look fabulous,” just as her mother said, “You look tired.” They laughed and Ann took the lead. “Go change your clothes, darling. Gale has assured me that lounge wear is the order of the day here. In fact, she only got dressed to go get you.” Bett was shocked to realize her mother was wearing a patterned flannel gown under a thick robe, along with socks and slippers. “These were Gale’s Christmas presents to me.” Ann practically giggled. Bett wasn’t sure if her mother was amused or secretly pleased by the gift. “Did you like the scarf and hat I got for her?” Bett looked around at Rain, who was standing with her arms crossed, her chin lifted a bit, surveying the scene with great satisfaction. I can’t wait to hear this story, she thought.
The kitchen table was only suitable for two, so they ate in the dining room, but everyone sat on one end of the bigger table there, Ann at the head, and Rain and Bett on either side. There was champagne and a kind of pâté first, followed by a salad and a roast chicken and rice, served with white wine and asparagus. Dessert was a chocolate torte, served with red wine. Rain didn’t drink, of course, but she served mother and daughter in the appropriate glassware. Even though the delicious meal was restorative, Bett went easy on the alcohol, not even finishing a full glass. Ann led the conversation, as Bett expected and Rain had clearly grown accustomed to, and she talked of people Bett vaguely remembered, New York in general, and herself. Bett also noticed Rain didn’t really meet her eyes, other than to flash her a shy smile here and there. Ann and Rain occasionally commented to each other about the food.
“Where did all this come from?” Bett asked, as Rain was serving the dessert.
Ann smiled. “I brought the pâté, and then Gale and I began composing the menu and comparing recipes. She has made four trips to the grocery store in the last twenty-four hours.”
“And the last time, they were closed,” Rain reminded her. “Or we would have had a soup.”
“Yes. I forgot we weren’t in New York, where there is always something open.”
Bett was still trying to wrap her head around what was happening. “When did you get here, Mother?”
“Christmas afternoon, about three, wasn’t it?”
Rain nodded, standing to clear the dessert plates.
“And where are you staying?” Bett asked.
Her mother looked surprised. “Why, here, of course. Gale insisted. She says she is fine on her pallet in front of the fire and sleeps there half the time anyway. I’m in her room.”
“I’ve put some of my clothes in your closet, though, Bett,” Rain added, “so I won’t disturb your mother when I get dressed for work.”
Rain ducked out of the room as Bett thought, There is no way I’m not sleeping with Rain tonight. Not after being apart for four days…and five nights.
“When do you have to go back to New York?” Bett tried to frame the question delicately, as opposed to When are you leaving?
“I leave mid-afternoon on the twenty-ninth, so this will be a brief visit, I’m afraid. But Gale already told me you already have New Year’s plans here, and that was the latest flight time I could get.”
Bett tried to figure out what was different about her mother. Maybe it was because she wasn’t on her home ground, but she seemed much more relaxed, much less the imperious, frequently overbearing woman Bett knew.
Rain came back in and asked if they wanted coffee. Both declined, even as Bett yawned.
“Bett, you should get ready for bed,” Rain said.
The Carlton women stood and walked back into the den.
“Yes, darling, please go on,” Ann Carlton agreed. “We’ll have plenty of time to talk tomorrow. I won’t be far behind you. Gale had me up early for a walk, and I suspect she might do the same again in the morning.”
Rain smiled from the kitchen. “Only if you want to, ma’am.”
Bett shook her head in wonder. “I can’t believe you’re really here, Mother.”
They hugged again, both saying, “Good night.”
There was murmured conversation from the den as Bett got into bed. She tried to make out the words, but somehow they turned into coded signals and then she was asleep. She was dreaming of a beach in California where they often went as children when a wave brought the feel of soft, warm skin slipping in beside her. Bett wrapped herself around the wave and it whispered, “I love you, Bett. Merry Christmas.” She floated happily away.
* * *
Rain was gone from her bed and bright winter light was pouring in when smells of food woke Bett. She looked at the clock: 9:30. She’d been asleep for almost twelve hours.
“Well, good morning, sleepyhead,” her mother greeted her from the stove.
Rain was standing beside her, saying, “Now watch the edges. That is the guide to the amount of heat.”
Ann Carlton punched her spatula at the pan and looked back around at Bett. “Gale is teaching me to make eggs over easy.” Bett couldn’t remember ever seeing her mother in the kitchen, except to express displeasure to the help about some aspect of a meal, and certainly not wearing an apron with a cooking utensil in her hand.
When Ann turned back to the pan, Rain looked around and smiled at Bett. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, almost too well,” Bett answered, gesturing at the clock.
Rain shook her head. “No, it’s good. You were very tired.”
They ate breakfast and Rain changed into her uniform while Bett did the dishes. When her mother excused herself to change, Bett went over to adjust Rain’s tie as she always did. “I wish you didn’t have to work today.” She lowered her voice. “I’m a little afraid to be alone with this woman. I’m not sure who she is. She strongly resembles my mother in appearance, but not one bit in actions.”
“I’m going in late as it is, but I wanted to entertain your mother until you woke up. Repair requests are slow right now, so I’ll try to leave a little early,” Rain said. “Surely it will be good for you to visit with your mother for a bit.” She lowered her voice too. “She’s been nothing but nice to me. I don’t think you need to worry.”
Bett hugged Rain quickly, whispering. “I promise I won’t be as tired tonight.”
Rain answered softly. “It felt so wonderful just to have you in my arms again, Beloved.”
Bett pulled Rain into the dining room and kissed her soundly. “Oh, I’ve been missing that,” she murmured when the sound of the bedroom door opening startled them apart. Bett could tell by the way Rain was still leaning toward her that she wasn’t ready to stop either.
“Bett?” They heard Ann’s voice and walked back into the den. She seemed concerned that they had been in the dining room. “You aren’t changing our dinner plans for tonight, are you?” she asked Rain.
“Oh no, ma’am,” Rain answered.
“We have dinner plans?” Bett asked.
“I made reservations,” Rain said, standing a little taller. Bett covered her mouth to hide her smile. Her lover’s pride at having successfully accomplished something new was absolutely adorable.
“Gale said we’re going somewhere special,” Ann added.
“I’ll see you both tonight,” Rain said, opening the door.
“Have a nice day at work, dear,” Ann Carlton called.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
As the sound of Rain’s motorcycle faded away, Ann turned to her daughter. “She’s a very nice girl, Bett. I’m glad you’ve found someone of such good character to live with.”
Bett wasn’t sure what to say. Ann went on while Bett poured herself another cup of tea and sat at the kitchen table. “Apparently she has quite an interesting background. Half Sioux, she told me. Do you remember meeting my godfather, Will Rogers? He was a quarter Cherokee. I see the resemblance in their straightforward, unpretentious manner.” Ann Carlton sighed. “Father produced several tours for him, and they remained close friends until his tragic plane crash.”
“Of course,” Bett said, although she had forgotten about it until now. “I remember how sad everyone was when he died. It even made the news in England.” Ann didn’t say anything more for a moment. “So what else is going on with you, Mother? You seem different somehow.”
Ann Carlton smiled. “You always were the perceptive one, Bett. The rest of us could never have any secrets from you.” She took Bett’s hands. “I’ve met someone. Someone special. I wanted to tell you myself before you met him. That’s why I wanted you to come to New York and why I was so delighted when Gale and I talked and she invited me to come here instead.”
That’s it, Bett realized, my mother’s in love! “How wonderful, Mother. Tell me all about him.”
Ann did. Davis Weatherton was his name. He was wealthy, of course, though not nearly in her father’s league. Even more surprisingly, he was a Roosevelt Democrat and quite attuned to social causes. They’d met at a fundraising dinner. He’d been widowed for almost three years, with two grown boys, of whom one was in the Navy in the Pacific and the other a Methodist minister stationed with the troops in Europe.
“I’m beginning to feel a bit differently about spending my time at parties and society events,” Ann Carlton remarked, “when there is so much need in the world.”
“I can’t wait to meet him,” Bett said sincerely.
“And I can’t wait for him to meet you,” Ann replied. “After all, you are my only daughter. I—I’ve been trying to figure out a way for us to be closer, Bett. I had called here intending to finalize our Christmas plans, and Gale answered. She seemed a little reserved at first, but the longer we talked, the more I learned about your work and how well you’re doing here. She talked me into coming, came to get me at the airport, and has been entertaining me since I got here.” Ann smiled. “Gale is quite impressed by you, you know. In fact, I get the feeling she almost idolizes you. You are the one topic she’s been willing to talk freely about since I’ve been here. I feel like I appreciate you more by being around her.”
“Did she tell you she was my drill instructor in basic training?” Bett asked. “I’d have to say I gave her a bit of a hard time.”
“Well, yes, she told me you had some trouble adjusting to the military at first, but that you finished off in grand style.” Ann Carlton’s face changed. “Your father had called to tell me about that incident with the guard and how he came here after your graduation and tried to convince you to quit. I’m glad you didn’t listen to him. Surprisingly, the Army seems to have made you much more your own person. You seem happy.”
“I am happy. And I really have Gale to thank for it. I’m not sure I would have made it through basic training without her help. I think the world of her too. I suppose you could say we have a mutual admiration society going on here.” A little voice inside Bett’s head was saying, You could tell her now…tell her you’re in love too…tell her you adore Gale Rain and—
Ann took her daughter’s hands again. “Now tell me about Phillip. Gale said you were divorcing, is that true? Why didn’t you tell me? I’m sure I haven’t set a very good example, but I hate to see you giving up on marriage when it’s been such a short time.”
“I’m not giving up on marriage, Mother. I’m just giving up on Phillip. Father practically forced me into that, you know. And please don’t tell him about my divorce. I’ll tell him myself in my own time.” She looked away briefly, trying to hide her anxiety. She had no idea how her father would react when he learned she had broken her end of their earlier bargain, but that was beyond her control. She only knew she was committed to honoring the promise she’d made to Rain.
Her mother patted her arm. “Well, I will say I didn’t ever really understand what you saw in Phillip, darling, but he seemed quite smitten with you. I’m sorry it didn’t work out. Perhaps you will follow my current example and find someone else and be very happy.”
“I believe I will, Mother. In fact, I’m quite sure of it.”
Ann Carlton looked at her watch. “Well, this must be a new record for us. We’ve gone over thirty minutes without talking about shopping.”
Bett laughed and hugged her mother. “Let me get dressed and I’ll show you what Des Moines has to offer.”
* * *
Kathleen Hartley’s unease started the moment she stepped onto the base that morning. Gone was the feeling of friendly camaraderie that had always been present at Fort Des Moines. Instead, a pervasive sense of tension filled the air. There was no friendly banter from the female MP at the gate. Kat’s ID was given only a cursory glance and she was waved through hurriedly, as if it would be more dangerous to spend too much time talking than it would be to let some unauthorized person enter. Most WACs walked alone on the base sidewalks, moving quickly with their heads lowered slightly. Her only greetings were the mandatory salutes, and no one made eye contact, not even her fellow officers. Everyone seemed to be almost cringing, as if anticipating a blow of some kind, and for once Kathleen hated being in the know about what was going on.
She made her way to the PX, following Gale’s advice to avoid suspicion by not going directly to Boudreaux’s quarters. Even there, in place of the usual excited conversation over shopping and the happy exclamations over mailed messages received from loved ones, voices were subdued and no one lingered over their purchases. Kat wandered aimlessly for a bit, observing the behavior of women who were obviously apprehensive—possibly for themselves or for their friends or for Fort Des Moines in general. Her mood was wavering between despondent and angry when a soft voice startled her out of her reverie.
“May I help you, Captain?”
Kathleen looked around, realizing she’d stopped at the men’s underwear section of an aisle. Blushing, she faced the speaker, a slight PFC with a sweet face and dishwater blond hair, whose genuine expression held not even a hint of amusement, or thankfully, condemnation.
“Uh…” She’d been about to say no when her eye fell on a package that showed a pair of boxer shorts in a size that seemed too small for any of the men on the base. Unexpectedly, her ever-active imagination supplied her a fantasy of Whit, her small round bottom encased in these underpants…and nothing else. Whit, who was the first and the only one to open her mind and body to the pleasures of touch, and who deserved so much more than she was getting from Kat at the moment. A rush of heat deepened her blush, and she put out a hand to steady herself, accidently touching the package. She knew Whit was growing frustrated at her detachment, but Kat hadn’t yet been able to find her way back to where they’d been. Perhaps a gift? “Uh…” she tried again, moving her hand away quickly. “Are these sizes…?” She ran out of courage before she could complete the question, but the little clerk brightened.
After a quick glance to confirm they were alone, she whispered, “These we mostly sell to women.”
For the first time since she’d arrived on the base that day, Kat felt a grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Really?” She made sure her voice held only interest and not disapproval.
“Yes, ma’am.” The clerk nodded. “Especially those ones who work outside. They say these keep them warmer than the standard issue panties.”
“I see.” Kathleen looked at the package again.
Perhaps she hadn’t sounded enthusiastic enough, or maybe the girl had suddenly remembered things were a little different at Fort Des Moines right now. With a slight stutter, she began to backtrack. “I—I mean, that’s what someone told me once. I’m sure everyone is perfectly h-happy with the standard issue. No one has bought any of these for a l-long time now.”
Kat wasn’t sure where her burst of daring came from, but she turned back to face the clerk with a smile. Glancing at her nameplate, she said, “Don’t worry, Private Owens. I don’t wear standard issue either, though these are not quite my style.” She lifted the package. “But I know someone who would enjoy them. Thank you for the information.”
She gave the girl’s arm a little pat and started away. “Um, Captain?” Private Owens’s voice stopped her. “Why don’t you let me ring you up over here?” Kat saw the girl was pointing to an empty cash register off to the side. “That way we can get you on your way more…quickly.”
Kathleen wondered what the girl really meant. More safely, maybe? Was she being completely foolish? Trying not to show the ripple of nerves that had suddenly overtaken her earlier bravado, she nodded. “Good. Fine. Thank you.”
Her purchase wrapped in a bag under her arm, she walked toward the mess hall, hoping some coffee would help settle her nerves. With each step, the idea of facing Miriam Boudreaux had seemed more daunting than it had the night before, and despite her pleasant interaction with the little private at the PX, the mood on the rest of the base was only adding to her anxiety.
Breakfast was over and lunch wouldn’t start for another hour, so the mess was lightly populated. She stopped a few feet inside the door, looking for a friendly face. When she saw Gale Rains talking to one of the servers, her heart lifted in that way she knew it shouldn’t but that she couldn’t seem to control when Rains was in view. Whit had been in her thoughts only moments before, but now she was consumed by the need to be near Rains, to hear that low, sensuous voice and lose herself in those dark eyes…if only for a moment. Taking a steadying breath, she walked toward her, deliberately keeping the smile off her face. Don’t overdo it, she cautioned herself as she neared. People could be watching, and you need to be careful.
She was opening her mouth to speak when the lieutenant turned, a small collection of tea bags in one hand. “Hello, Captain Hartley. How has your day been so far?”
Her tone was reserved, but Kat recognized the true meaning of the question. Have you seen Boudreaux yet?
“I’ve only just arrived on base,” she answered, grabbing a coffee cup before following Gale’s glance to the package she was carrying. “Well,” she admitted, “not just. I stopped by the PX for a little shopping, but that’s all.”
Rains nodded her understanding as she gestured toward the bag. “Is that a gift?”
“What? Oh…yes, it is, as a matter of fact.” Kat tried desperately not to blush as she thought of the item she’d purchased. “How did you know?”
“It is tightly wrapped and you carry it very carefully,” Rains noted, getting a cup also. “Most people are more casual with items they have bought for themselves.”
Kathleen couldn’t help looking into Gale’s eyes. “Have you always been this observant?” If asked, she couldn’t have explained why she found this woman so interesting, why she wanted to ask dozens of questions, to listen to her stories and learn all her secrets. Nor could she say why she was absolutely positive she could never tell Gale about herself, about her own sexual aberration. The idea that Rains would think less of her or even condemn her for her desires made her cringe inside. That part of her needed Whit, but some other part wanted Rains. For what, she wasn’t exactly sure. I must be losing my mind.
Rains met her gaze for a few seconds before she looked away. “Yes. I’ve depended on observation to tell me what situations did not or people would not. Haven’t you?”
“Indeed I have,” Kathleen agreed, wondering if was possible that Rains had sensed her thoughts. She tried to keep the conversation going, lowering her voice slightly. “That very instinct led me to have a particular conversation with Bett, and our subsequent dinner together resulted from that.”
Gale nodded thoughtfully for a few seconds before turning toward the drink station, pouring hot water over one of the tea bags. As Kathleen fumbled with her package, the mug, and the coffeepot, Rains smiled at her for the first time that day. “May I help you?”
Kat gestured with her chin toward the item under her arm. “Could you get that?” She began to turn as Rains began to reach, and their uncoordinated simultaneous movements caused Rains’s fingers to brush against the side of her breast as they closed on the bag. She fought not to close her eyes as a jolt of pleasure surged through her, while Gale drew back her hand as if she’d been burned. In the process, the parcel fell to the ground. When Kat gathered the courage to look, she bit back a smile at the blush on Rains’s face. It made her look much younger and charmingly vulnerable.
“My apologies,” the lieutenant murmured, stooping to retrieve the bag. “I hope this wasn’t breakable.”
Kathleen was certain Rains wasn’t expressing remorse about the fallen gift, and even though there wasn’t anyone else near them, she knew that direction was the only way to continue their conversation. “No, it’s fine. And if you’ll sit with me for a moment at that empty table, I’ll tell you all about it.” In the stillness that followed, she could feel Gale’s reluctance to accept, and it hurt—even though she understood it.
“I’ll need to get back to the motor pool soon,” Rains said, following what felt like a long moment.
“Of course.” Kathleen used her most charming tone. “And I have another matter to attend to myself.” After a few seconds, Gale nodded again and gestured toward a nearby table. As they sat across from each other, Kat glanced around, noting they were the only two people sharing a table. The only other occupied tables were singles and one table of three very nervous-looking PFCs. Deciding to lead by example, Kathleen took it upon herself to lighten the mood, and in a few minutes they were both laughing as she described her fumbling arrival at the men’s underwear aisle. Gale assured her that Whit would enjoy them, and the way she spoke made Kat think she had firsthand experience, which made her even happier about her purchase. When they’d each taken another sip of their drinks, Kat lowered her voice. “We were talking earlier about observation and intuition. I’m wondering what your senses tell you about the feeling here. I’m speaking of the mood on the base,” she added quickly, lest Rains judge she meant something more personal.
Rains breathed in slowly, almost as if she was sniffing the air. “There is much fear,” she said softly. “People are not themselves because they are worried about their place here. By now everyone probably realizes why this is happening.”
Hartley nodded and went on to express her worry about the PX clerk being so open and willing to help her with her purchase. “She seemed like a sweet girl, and I’d hate for her to get into trouble for her attitude.” The room was almost deserted, but she lowered her voice anyway. “I just wish we knew what they were looking for.”
Rains’s mouth drew into a frown as her eyes dropped. “I blame myself for not acting differently when I had the chance. All of this pain might have been avoided.”
Kathleen started to reach for Rains’s hand where it rested on the table, but she stopped herself. “There were many others who were complicit in this matter. You don’t carry all the blame or all the responsibility to fix it. You’re not alone, Gale. Whit and I will do all we can to help. And I’ll start now.” She took another drink of her coffee and stood. Her voice still quiet, she said, “I’ll speak with you later.”
Rains stood also and saluted her. “Thank you, Captain.”