Beyond the Shadow of War Page 9

  “Nothing that can’t wait,” he said, with a quick glimpse through the rearview mirror.

  Anya reached for Danny’s hand.

  “Seriously, Charlie. Out with it. What’s going on?”

  Charlie eyed him again through the mirror, then slumped a bit. “Your orders came through.”

  Sophie turned to face them. “For the record, I didn’t think we should tell you yet. I didn’t want to greet you with such news.”

  “Yes, and we see how well that worked out,” Charlie countered. He put the car in gear as they got on the road, then reached over to squeeze Sophie’s hand.

  Anya looked from Charlie to Sophie, then over at Danny again. Whatever had churned in her gut earlier had solidified into a boulder on her chest.

  “And what are my orders, Charlie?” he asked quietly.

  He sighed again. “You’ll be leaving Wednesday to fly a Fort back.”

  Danny gasped. “Next Wednesday? As in five days from now?”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  Anya closed her eyes with a hushed groan, even as Danny threaded his fingers through hers with a tight grip.

  “I’m sorry, buddy. The plan is to move all the planes out over the course of three days beginning Saturday.”

  “Wait‌—‌you said ‘I’ll’ be flying out this weekend. You meant us, right? You and me?”

  “No, just you, actually. Since I’ll be staying here once I’m discharged, I won’t be flying back to the States with you. One less seat to fill on flights home, I suppose. The paperwork came through yesterday.”

  Silence filled the car for several moments. Anya steeled herself against the fear washing over her. She freed her hand to press the bridge of her nose.

  “Danny, surely you can tell them you’re staying too, can’t you?” she pleaded. “At least until we can figure out a way for me to‌—‌for us to fly to America together?”

  “Sure, I can ask, but chances are they’ve already assigned me to a crew and a Fort.”

  “They have,” Charlie said. “I saw the roster myself. You’ll be flying with Sol Mancini’s crew.”

  “But you’ll talk to someone, won’t you?”

  “Of course I will, Anya. I just don’t want you to get your hopes too high.”

  “But what about the colonel who helped you come back to Holland to find me? Maybe he can‌—‌”

  “Moller’s already back in the States,” Charlie said. “There’s a new CO here now.”

  “So ask him! You have to ask him. Surely he’ll understand?” She winced at the desperation in her voice.

  Danny put his arm around her and pulled her closer. “We’ll see what we can do. Just take it easy, okay? I promised I’d do everything I can to work all this out, and I will. Just trust me, all right?”

  Sophie reached over the seat and grabbed Anya’s hand. “You won’t be alone, Anya. Charlie and I will be right here with you. We’ll get through this. Together. I hate that it’s happening so soon, but we all knew it was coming. I’m just thankful there was time for you to get away for a few days.”

  “We’ll do what we can,” Danny said. “I’ll try to see what kind of arrangements we need to make for you. And you heard Sophie‌—‌she and Charlie will be here with you every step of the way.”

  Anya nodded, but much as her head might understand, her heart seemed to check itself then start a gradual descent toward numbness.

  11

  The next morning, Danny kissed his sleeping bride and slipped out of their room above the pub just as dawn streaked the sky. The scent of stale cigarettes and beer wafted around him as he descended the stairs. Moments later, Charlie joined him and the two made their way to the base in one of the 390th’s Jeeps. Danny was determined to keep his word to Anya and do whatever he could to get his name pulled off the flight roster. His buddy did his best to encourage him, but Danny knew his chances were slim to none.

  Three hours later, after talking to any higher-up who would listen, Danny had exhausted every possible avenue. Like it or not, he’d be heading back to the States with the rest of the crews that weekend. He was told in no uncertain terms to stop bothering the brass and join his crew at their hardstand to help prep the plane for the long flight home. He made his way to his quarters where he changed into his jumpsuit, his mind wrestling with the last remnants of hope.

  “They wouldn’t even let me register Anya’s information to get on the list for passage to the States,” he told Charlie as they walked the perimeter track toward his assigned bird. “Major Samford had a burr in his saddle from the moment I opened my mouth. What is it with that guy?”

  “He’s a pain in the butt. Always has been. But what’s this list you’re talking about?”

  “I don’t know much about it. A guy in line ahead of me at Samford’s office told me about it. He said there are literally thousands of ‘war brides’ needing transport to the U.S. The Army Air Force is trying to figure out what to do with all of them, and in the meantime, they’re supposed to put their names on some waiting list.”

  “Is that just for English brides?”

  “I’m not sure. Anya has a visa from Holland, but I’m not sure what else is required. The guy in line with me starting talking about all these requirements, but by then my head was spinning.”

  “Did he have any idea how long it might be until these war brides ship out?”

  “He wasn’t sure, but he said someone else told him it could be next year before they go.”

  “Next year?! That’s ridiculous. It couldn’t possibly take that long.”

  “Yes, but what if it does?”

  Charlie blew out a sigh. “I’m sure it will all work out.”

  “That’s just it, Charlie. I’m not all that sure it will work out. Especially since I’m leaving Saturday. How am I going to tell Anya? She’s already a bundle of nerves as it is. What’s this going to do to her?”

  “Hey, don’t underestimate her. Look at how far she’s come. She survived the Occupation for more than five years and fought with the Resistance. I’m guessing she’s stronger than you think.”

  “She used to be strong, that’s for sure. I knew how strong-willed she was from all those letters we wrote before the war. Even before that, her brother Hans used to tell me about all her antics and how she was always getting in trouble. Then when I first met her … well, let me tell you, she was a pistol. I’d never met a female that tough before.” He shook his head but smiled. “At least tough on the outside. But ever since she came here, she’s … different. It’s like she’s always right on the verge of having a breakdown or something. She’s so fragile. Which, by the way, is a word I never thought I’d ever associate with Anya.”

  “Maybe so, but I bet that strong woman is still inside her. The war affected all of us in different ways. Give her some time, buddy. She’ll come around. You’ll see.”

  “That’s just it. I don’t have any time to give her. Two more days, and I’m outta here.”

  Charlie patted him on the back as they neared the hardstand. “Look, at least Sophie and I will be here for her. We’ll help out any way we can. We’ll get her home to the States, even if I have to steal a plane and fly her myself.”

  “Don’t think I haven’t thought of doing that myself,” Danny muttered.

  “Patience, buddy. Hang in there.”

  When they joined the others, Danny greeted a few familiar faces, including Sol Mancini, a pilot from New Jersey. Sol introduced him to the other crew members.

  “Hey Charlie, what are you doing here?” the navigator hollered from the rear of the Fort. “I thought you weren’t going home since you married that English girl from the pub.”

  “I’m not. Just thought I’d lend a hand. Seems like the least I can do.”

  “Yeah? Well, grab a wrench and make yourself useful. We’re guttin’ this baby to make room for all our passengers. They said we could have as many as a dozen or more extras along for the ride.”

  “A dozen?!”
Danny whistled. “All the way to the States?”

  “That’s what I’m hearin’.”

  “Just be glad we’ve got a front-row seat in the cockpit,” Mancini said. “They’ll be packed like sardines in this old bird.”

  For the rest of the afternoon, Danny and Charlie helped the others outfit the Fort for the trip home. While others stripped the interior of any non-essential equipment, Danny and the other officers helped simonize the plane, polishing the exterior to give better mileage. The crew laughed and joked as they worked; everyone excited about heading home to friends and loved ones.

  But the only thing on Danny’s mind was the image of Anya’s face tonight when he’d have to tell her he’d be leaving come Saturday. Even worse, the disheartening news about that war bride list.

  On Monday, with their husbands at work on base, Sophie suggested she and Anya should take a walk in the countryside on the outskirts of Framlingham. Anya reluctantly agreed, but once outside enjoyed the warmth of the summer sun on her skin. The fresh air helped tamp down the overbearing gloom that had taken up residence in her spirit. As they passed a farmhouse, the mooing of cows and the whinnying of horses both calmed and soothed her senses as nothing else could. The familiar scents and sounds reminded her of the Boorman’s farm back home, and the many happy hours she’d spent there helping out with the chores after Wim broke his leg.

  Wim …

  She’d not thought of him since coming here to England. Not even once. A strange cloud of guilt meandered through her, as though she’d betrayed his memory.

  “Penny for your thoughts?” Sophie asked, reaching down to pick some wildflowers along the road.

  “Danny asked me that once. Such a funny expression.”

  Sophie chuckled. “I heard it from Charlie. I guess we’re both enlightened by these Yanks, aren’t we?”

  “I’ll never learn all their expressions. Like the difference between a dog and a hot dog. I once told Danny I thought I’d like to eat a dog at Wrigley Field in Chicago, America. He laughed and laughed.”

  “Charlie told me about those hot dogs! Such a disgusting name for something to eat, isn’t it?” Sophie feigned a shiver. “Oh, these men and their strange American English. Whatever shall we do with them?”

  Anya smiled. “But it does give us something to tease them about. And I love the sound of Danny’s laughter. It’s so carefree, as if the very sound of it could carry off all the cares of the world, and in that one moment, we could be happy.”

  Sophie handed Anya a handful of daisies. “I see your point. After meeting so many Americans in the pub these past few years, I have to admit I enjoy their more relaxed ways. We Brits are much more cultured and straight-laced, as they say. It’s been fun getting to know the Yanks and their easygoing manner.”

  “Easygoing. That’s a good description. I could wish it was … um, I don’t know the English word for … besmettelijk? Like to catch‌—‌”

  “Contagious? Like you could catch it from Danny?”

  “Yes, that’s the word. I wish their easygoing manner was contagious.”

  “Me too. They are rather fun to be with, aren’t they?”

  Anya smiled, the thoughts peddling through her mind. “Sophie, I don’t know what I should do. Always before, when problems came along, I knew what I needed to do, and then I did it. Now, I’m so far from home, and Danny is leaving, and I can’t seem to make any sense of my thoughts.” She shielded her eyes from the sun. “To be honest, I cannot stand living like this‌—‌always having to wait on someone else to act before I can do something as simple as buying a ticket on a boat to America. Why must I put my name on some list? Why must someone I don’t know tell me when I may go? I don’t understand.”

  Sophie nudged her elbow. “Let’s go this way, down this lane.”

  They took the narrow dirt road under a canopy of trees. As their footfalls crunched on dirt and gravel, a breeze set the leaves dancing.

  “Anya, I can’t imagine how hard this is for you. If Charlie was leaving, and I couldn’t join him for weeks or even months, I’m afraid I’d lose what’s left of my mind. But I know I would be all right because this is my home. I’m here with my father, surrounded by people I’ve known all my life. Whilst you have left everything and everyone you’ve ever known behind, and none of them family. Try as I might, I cannot grasp what you must be feeling. Our situations are so different.

  “But that doesn’t mean I can’t help you. Charlie and I want to help however we can. No matter if it’s days or weeks or months, you’ll have a place to live and friends who love you. In fact, Da asked if I thought you might like to work at the pub. We could use the help, and besides‌—‌it would give you something to do until you travel to America.”

  “That’s very kind of your father.”

  “He’s all gruff on the outside, but a real softie on the inside. Besides, Danny’s been one of his favorites amongst all the Americans who’ve been stationed here, so he’d like you to consider it a favor on Danny’s behalf.”

  “I would be honored to help however I can.”

  “He’d pay you, of course.”

  “No! I would not dream of it. As long as I’m able to keep the room upstairs, that would be payment enough.”

  “He’s a stubborn one, my father, so I’ll let the two of you work all that out.”

  “I should probably tell you I have never had a proper job before. At least not a paying job. I worked on a farm once, caring for the animals. Chickens and pigs and such.”

  “Then you’ll be right at home because we serve a lot of pigs, if you know what I mean!”

  Anya laughed at Sophie’s giggle, which made them both laugh harder.

  “Oh Anya, we’ll have the most fun working together, won’t we?” She looped her arm through Anya’s.

  A horn blared behind them as a military Jeep sped toward them.

  “Charlie!” Sophie cried as the vehicle slowed. “What are you doing here?”

  “Hello, ladies! Just out for a spin in my luxury car. Fancy, isn’t it?”

  Sophie leaned in to kiss his cheek. “Have you already finished work today?”

  “No. In fact, you could say I’m on a mission.”

  “What kind of mission?”

  He pushed up the bill of his cap. “Very hush-hush and top secret, I can tell you that much.”

  “But you’ll tell me, Charlie Janssen, or I shall withhold all my kisses until‌—‌”

  “Don’t even think of it. I’m here to pick up Anya. And you, if you’d like to ride along.”

  “Me?” Anya asked. “Why me?”

  “Danny finally got an appointment for the two of you with Major Samford. He’s the CO heading up the transition, and his office is also in charge of processing forms for war brides needing transport to the States.”

  Anya struggled to swallow. “Did he say how long before I can go?”

  Charlie shook his head. “Danny didn’t know. He just asked me to bring you to the base to get registered. Hop on in, and I’ll take you to him.”

  She gasped as she smoothed her wrinkled trousers. “I can’t go like this! I should change into something nicer.”

  “Sorry, but no time for that. And remember, this is the Army. They aren’t exactly fashion experts, if you know what I mean.”

  “Come along, Anya. You look fine.” Sophie grabbed her hand and pulled her around to the passenger side. “We’ve got to get your name on that list!”

  Anya studied the American major sitting behind the battered desk. The man clearly had no manners, or personality for that matter. The cigarette hanging precariously on his lip scattered ashes whenever he spoke, spotting the page as he studied it. He had an annoying habit of talking directly to Danny when his questions concerned her, never quite making eye contact with her.

  “The problem is, your missus has no passport. And that visa won’t get her stateside.” He shuffled the papers. “Has she got a birth certificate?”

  “Yes, but�
��—‌”

  “Yes, Major,” Anya answered. “I have a birth certificate on file in the Utrecht Office of Records. But as you surely know, many of those files were destroyed by the Germans during the Occupation. There was no way for us to find out if mine was among those destroyed or whether it was still on file.”

  Still no eye contact. Another ash fell on the form. Samford brushed it away, leaving a gray streak on the page.

  “McClain, you should’ve thought this out before wasting my time. How am I supposed to put her name on this list with no valid documentation?”

  “But we were told the visa was all she needed, sir. Like she said, after the Occupation, all the government offices were in shambles. I doubt they’ve made much progress since we left.”

  Samford leaned back, his chair groaning in protest. “The problem is, if I put her on this list and don’t supply the proper identification, then it’s my butt they’ll wanna chew.” He took a long drag off what was left of his cigarette, then exhaled through his nostrils with narrowed eyes. “And if there’s one thing I hate, it’s having my butt chewed.”

  Anya shot a pleading glare at her husband. “Danny?”

  He turned back to Samford. “Major, we have to get her on that list. How can we make that happen?”

  Samford leaned forward and stubbed the butt of his cigarette in an overflowing ashtray. “Give me some time. Let me think about it.”

  Danny leaned in, shifting to the edge of his seat. “But sir, there isn’t any time left. I fly out the day after tomorrow at 0600. But I’m not leaving until my wife’s name is on that list.”

  Anya smiled, loving him for standing up to the pompous superior behind the desk. When Danny glanced at her, she noticed a slight shimmer in his eyes.

  “McClain, I told you‌—‌”

  “With all due respect, sir, do you have any idea what she’s been through? Do you know what it’s like to lose every single member of your family? Every friend you ever knew? Your home and all your possessions? My wife was part of the Dutch Resistance. She and her friends helped save the lives of thousands of our Allies who fell behind enemy lines, including me. She helped move children to safe houses …”