Part 2 (2/2)

'No, I've taken the day off. Thought that best.' 'There you are,' Hazel declared, placing his drink in front of him. 'The way things are going there might not be any beer left come the end of the week. It's that bad.' At which point they were interrupted by PC McKechnie coming into the pub. 'h.e.l.lo, Haze, how are you?' 'Tiptop, Dougal, and yourself?' 'Looking for someone. Taffy Roberts hasn't been in, has he?' Hazel shook her head. ”Fraid not. Why?' McKechnie laid his helmet on the bar and ran fingers through his sandy-coloured hair. 'He's done a runner from the Army Gone AWOL.' Hazel laughed. 'Well, there's a surprise! I was amazed he joined in the first place.' 'He didn't join,' McKechnie corrected her. 'He was conscripted. And then only after I had a word with him and threatened jail if he didn't report in.' 'Lying b.a.s.t.a.r.d,' Hazel said contemptuously. 'Not you, Dougal, Taffy. He told everyone here he'd joined up. Made a big thing about it too. Was strutting all round the bar in his uniform.' McKechnie nodded to Julius. 'How are you?' 'Fine, officer, thank you.' At the funeral?' 'Yes, I was.' 'How did it go?' As funerals do. A lot of sadness, a lot of cry-in'. A lot of pain and grief McKechnie sighed. 'Rotten business. It was me who broke the news to Jess.' He paused for a brief second. 'You know, no matter how long I'm in this job that sort of thing never gets any easier, especially when you know the people involved. It's even worse when it's a child.' 268 Moonlit Eyes Julius could well imagine. 'So much death about nowadays,' McKechnie went on. 'It's everywhere, round every corner. Did you know old Ma Jenkins has gone? Pa.s.sed away yesterday.' 'I heard,' Hazel nodded. 'Grand old woman. She's another who'll be missed.' Aye,' McKechnie agreed softly. 'I used to call in on her from time to time to see she was all right. Never left without having had a cup of tea and piece of cake. Made lovely Dundee cake too, my favourite.' He cleared his throat. 'There's a new family moving into her house from up Canonbury way. They've been bombed out so the Council has given them Mas place.' 'That wasn't empty long,' Hazel commented cynically. 'It's the times we live in, Haze. The times we live in.' Hazel looked at Julius, then back at McKechnie. 'Will you have a dram while you're here, Dougal?' That surprised Julius, spirits hadn't been available in the pub for weeks now. 'How kind of you, Haze. I will.' 'You just wait there then.' And with that she hurried away. 'Had any more trouble recently?' McKechnie inquired of Julius, referring to the incident when Julius had been attacked by the three squaddies. 'None at all, I'm happy to say.' McKechnie grunted. 'That's good. You and your family are a bit of a rarity round here, you understand. Though it wasn't the locals who gave you bother. If any do, or try to, they'll hear from me quickly enough. I'm a foreigner here myself don't forget, I understand these things.' Julius was impressed to hear that. 'Thank you, officer.' Hazel reappeared carrying a huge gla.s.s of scotch. 'Get that down you, Dougal, it'll warm the c.o.c.kles.' He eyed the drink appreciatively. 'It will indeed. Haze. G.o.d bless you. They made small talk for a while longer, McKechnie finally leaving with the promise that either Hazel or Harry would be in touch if Taffy was spotted in the neighbourhood or came into the pub. 'You never saw that,' Hazel stated emphatically when McKechnie had gone. Julius feigned innocence. 'Saw what? I've no idea what you're talkin' about.' Hazel smiled. 'That's the idea. It's best to keep the police sweet, a good rule for any landlord and landlady. And in case you're wondering, we do have a few bottles of spirits on the premises. But for private consumption only. Not to be sold. Understand?' 'Perfectly.' 'Right then, another pint?' He drained his gla.s.s. 'I'd better before you run out of beer too.' 'Let's pray it doesn't come to that.' 'Amen,' Julius concurred. While Julius was in the pub Beulah and Pee Wee were discussing the situation with the Sykeses. 'I think I'll go round and see Jess later,' Beulah said. 'Maybe I can be of further help.' 'I wouldn't do that, hon,' Pee Wee counselled. 'Let them be, for today anyway. I'm sure they don't want no outsiders, no matter how well-meanin, b.u.t.tin in right now. They'll want to be by themselves.' 'Reckon?' He nodded. 'We done everythin we can for now. If they wants somethin more they'll come knockin. At least that's how I sees it.' Beulah thought that was probably good advice. She'd call round next morning and find out what was what. 'He was such a nice kid too,' she mused. 'd.a.m.n shame.' Pee Wee recalled Albert and Jess's faces at the graveside, two broken people if ever there were. He'd later spoken briefly to Albert, but what could you really say? Nothing. Words were 270 Moonlit Eyes empty at a time like that, but better spoken nonetheless. 'I keep thinkin'. . .' Beulah trailed off, her expression stricken. 'What, hon?' 'Julius and Diane and baby Bradley. What I'd be like if any thin' ever happened to one of them.' Diane was Julius's elder sister, Bradley her son. 'Yeah,' Pee Wee agreed softly. It didn't bear thinking about. When Julius returned from the pub he couldn't understand why Beulah made such a fuss of him, and continued doing so for the rest of that day. Jess's visits to the graveside had become a daily ritual. Every morning she caught the bus to Highgate, returning usually just before noon. She was there now, staring at Paul's grave, the flowers adorning it withered and dead as he was. She knew she should remove the flowers and put them in the bin provided, but couldn't bring herself to do so. Albert didn't approve of these visits, saying she was only torturing herself. And maybe she was, but come she had to. She blamed herself for Paul's death. If only she'd left him in Devon with the Sellys he'd still be alive. But no, she'd had to go and bring him home. It was no use reminding herself how unhappy he'd been at High Barton, that was hardly relevant now. An unhappy Paul far better than a dead one. Jess groped for her handkerchief, and wiped her eyes. She'd already been standing there half an hour during which it had rained twice, but that didn't matter. It could have been a thunder or snow storm for all she cared. What was important was that she was with her son, her beloved boy, whom she missed so much it was mentally crucifying her. Not only had she brought him back from Devon but had been against it when the authorities had wished to re-evacuate him, wanting to keep him with her. Selfish, that's what she'd been, utterly selfish. And this was the result. A dead child and she with her heart broken. If only she could turn the clock back. If only she'd never gone to Devon. If only she'd insisted he be re-evacuated. For her, the two most painful and agonising words in the world right then. If only . . . Jess got wearily out of her chair when the sirens sounded, the ninth night in a row they'd wailed their warning that yet another raid was about to take place. Would it never end? Crossing to the fireplace she picked up the small, framed photograph of Paul, the only one she possessed. For a moment she held it to her bosom and closed her eyes, then gathered up the rest of the things she'd be taking to the shelter. 'Ellie?' 'h.e.l.lo, Julius.' 'I thought that was you.' He got out of the car and closed his door. 'It's so difficult to see anything, or anyone, in this black-out. People are just shapes moving in the darkness.' She laughed. 'Spooky, isn't it?' He turned up the collar of his coat, for it was wild and bl.u.s.tery. 'Shouldn't you be on duty at this time?' he queried with a frown. 'I'm on days for the next fortnight. I think they thought I needed a bit of a rest after . . .' She trailed off and bit her lip. 'Paul?' She nodded. 'How are your mom and dad? I haven't seen either of them for a while.' Ellie shrugged. 'Trying to cope. Getting on with it. It isn't easy for them.' 'Or you,' he added softly. 'No,' she agreed. 'But it's worse for them, particularly Mum. She really took it badly.' 272 Moonlit Eyes Julius glanced at the sky. 'I hope this weather keeps up. It's been over a week now since the last raid.' 'A welcome respite,' she smiled. 'The forecast is awful I'm happy to say' He had a sudden thought. 'Listen, what are you doin' after you've eaten?' She wondered why he'd asked that. 'Nothing much. Listen to the wireless I suppose. Do some ironing for Mum.' ”well, I've got a better idea. Why don't we go to The Florence for a drink? Far more excitin', don't you think?' She couldn't disagree. It would be good to get out and enjoy herself for a bit, have a break. All right,' 'Fine then. It's a date.' For some reason those words sent a thrill through her. Of course it wasn't a date in that sense, she knew that. It was only his way of saying meeting up. 'What time?' Then he remembered the state of affairs at The Florence, no spirits. 'I've had a better thought,' he declared. 'Instead of the pub why don't you come to our house? At least there I can offer you some gin.' She couldn't see why not. It was better than drinking beer which she didn't really like. As I said, what time?' He thought about that. 'Eight?' 'Suits me.' That gives you time to eat and get sorted out. Me too.' 'Eight then.' Julius found himself whistling as he went inside. He was looking forward to this. Im afraid Mom's out,' he declared, ushering Ellie into the lounge. 'She decided to take advantage of the raids being stopped and go into the club with Dad. I hope you don't mind that there's only the two of us.' Not in the least.' She nearly said, I presume I will be safe? ”Ut decided not to. It would only have been a tease anyway. Of course she was safe. Julius had no interest in her that way.

'By the by, there's somethin for you on that chair there,' he said, pointing. Ellie went to the chair and picked up the carton of cigarettes lying on it. 'You really are terribly good to me, Julius. Thank you.' 'Only being neighbourly.' She'd been a little tense before knocking on the door, but somehow he'd almost instantly put her at her ease. She now felt completely relaxed. Julius waggled a gla.s.s in her direction. 'I've already started so you've got some catchin' up to do. Now make yourself comfortable while I pour you a drink.' She sank into the chair the cigarettes had been on and gazed around. She hadn't been in this room since the Postons had arrived and invited the family in for a meal. That seemed a lifetime ago considering all that had happened since. 'Tonic water as well!' she laughed. 'You are organised. All mod cons, I must say.' 'As usual, compliments of the Emba.s.sy. Uncle Sam looks after his own.' 'Hmmh!' she grunted in appreciation on tasting the G&T he handed her. 'This is strong.' 'Complainin'?' She shook her head. 'Don't be daft. It's wonderful.' Julius went to the sofa, kicked off his loafers and sat with his legs along the cus.h.i.+ons. 'So, how'ya been?' 'If you mean work, not too hectic. It'll liven up once the bombing starts again as it's bound to.' He indicated. 'There's an ashtray there if you want to smoke.' 'What about you?' 'In a minute or two.' What large feet he had, she noticed. Then flushed, remembering something she'd heard about men with large feet. 'What's wrong?' 'Nothing.' 'Sure? You went kind of pink all of a sudden.' 274 Moonlit Eyes She couldn't meet his gaze. 'There's no reason,' she lied. It had been Connie Fox who'd told her about men with large feet. Connie whom she hadn't seen since joining the auxiliaries. She made a mental note to try to get in touch. 'What's the latest between you and your girlfriend?' Ellie asked. 'The last time we spoke properly she was trying to get you to marry her.' The smile vanished from Julius's face. 'We broke up. I don't take her out any more.' 'Oh?' He wondered if he should tell Ellie the reason why he'd broken with Marybeth, then thought the better of it. That was a bit too personal. 'I just decided to call it quits while I was ahead,' he said instead. That pleased Ellie, though she couldn't think why. It was none other business. 'Do you miss her?' He considered his answer before replying. 'Some aspects of our relations.h.i.+p. But generally speakin', no.' Ellie understood what he meant by that. He missed going to bed with Marybeth. How like a man, she thought a trifle prudishly. 'So is there anyone new?' 'What is this, Ellie, the Spanish Inquisition?' This time she went bright red. 'Sorry. I wasn't being nosey. I'm genuinely interested. As a friend.' He had a long, satisfying gulp of bourbon. 'Well, there isn't. I'm a free agent again. What about you?' She laughed. 'When do I have a chance to meet anyone? I'm either at work or home, with nothing in-between.' 'There must be guys in the ambulance station?' That amused her. 'Two of them, both retired. Somewhere in their late sixties I should imagine. We're auxiliaries, don't forget.'

He could understand her amus.e.m.e.nt. 'A little old for you, eh?' 'Just a little,' she agreed.

'Too bad,' he said. 'A good-lookin' doll like you shouldn't be without a gentleman caller.' Doll! She'd never been called that before. As for 'gentleman caller', how quaint. It gave her a warm glow to think he considered her good-looking. Unless he was merely being polite of course. She couldn't tell from his expression whether or not that was the case. She recrossed her legs, feeling one of them catch something on the chair as she did. 'd.a.m.n!' she swore when a quick examination revealed she'd snagged a stocking causing a ladder. 'What's wrong?' She explained. And it's the last pair I've got too. They're not to be had in the shops for love nor money.' Julius came over and had a look at the offending chair, a small nail that had partially worked loose being the culprit. 'I'll fix that right away,' he declared, and hurried from the room, returning almost immediately with a hammer. A couple of taps did the trick. 'Sorry about that,' he apologised. Ellie made a face. 'Hardly your fault. It was an accident.' 'Caused by our chair,' he pointed out. 'At least let me make amends. A dozen or so pair of nylons should be adequate compensation, wouldn't you say?' Ellie gasped. 'Nylons! A dozen pairs!' Her eyes were s.h.i.+ning. 'Can you really manage that?' 'Sure. It's not a problem. I'll have them for you as soon as I can.' 'Oh Julius!' she breathed. 'That would be fantastic. I'm not exaggerating when I told you they're like gold dust round here. And nylons are absolutely impossible to get hold of. If you do get lucky the stockings are lisle like I'm wearing. Horrid things really.' It pleased him to see how delighted she was; he made a mental note to sort out the nylons first thing in the morning on arrival at the Emba.s.sy. 'Let me freshen your gla.s.s, it's empty,' he declared. 'Not too much. I don't want to get tiddly.' 276Moonlit Eyes When he'd refilled her gla.s.s, and his own, he produced a cigar, one of a new batch recently arrived from Cuba, clipped it and lit up. 'Would you like to hear some music?' he asked. 'We have a Victrola and a great many records. Some of them featuring my dad.' 'That would be lovely,' she exclaimed, realising that a Victrola was what she knew as a gramophone. Julius replaced the needle before winding up the machine and putting on the first record. 'Let's try this for size, eh? It's one of my dad's called ”Moonlit Eyes”.' The alcohol was beginning to take effect, she thought, as the music, a ballad, wafted dreamily over her. 'What do you think, Ellie?' 'I like it, very much.' He beamed approval. How much better than the music played at the Poxy Roxy, she reflected. No comparison at all. 'Care to dance?' She'd closed her eyes for a few moments in appreciation, now she opened them again. 'I'm not very good,' she confessed, suddenly all shy and coy. 'Neither am I, so that makes us even.' He lifted the arm of the Victrola and placed it back at the beginning of the record. 'Shall we?' It didn't take her long to realise he'd been lying to be kind, he could dance all right, beautifully so. He reminded her of a big black panther, she thought, as they moved round the carpet, she drinking in the smell of the cologne he was wearing, unused to men who used such a thing. When the record was finished she asked if it could be played again, she liked it so much. A smiling Julius complied. Ellie found Jess asleep in the kitchen with a blanket draped over her lap. She was holding the photograph of Paul clutched in both hands.

Ellie stared at her mother who looked so settled and comfortable. Wake her or leave her as she was? In the end Ellie decided to leave her. Going upstairs she thought about what a wonderful evening she'd had with Julius, it couldn't have gone better. They'd talked about all sorts, her life, his life, experiences they'd had, a whole range of topics. They'd also drunk a lot -- too much really, she hoped she wouldn't regret it in the morning -- laughed, danced and told jokes. The time had simply flown past. 'Moonlit Eyes,' she murmured as she undressed, and smiled. None of the other records he'd played had been a patch on that. Somehow its haunting melody was special. Just like the evening itself. 278

Chapter 21

Albert laid aside the book he'd been reading, and yawned. So far the s.h.i.+ft had been uneventful and he hoped it continued that way. The recent air raids had been sporadic, sometimes the Luftwaffe came, sometimes not. There was no distinguishable pattern to it. 'I've been meaning to ask,' Danny McGiver, sitting opposite, said. 'How's Jess?' Albert stared at his friend and colleague, thinking about his answer. 'Not so good I'm afraid,' he eventuallyreplied. Danny nodded. 'Understandable I suppose. It must be a terrible thing to lose a child.' Adding when he saw the look that came over Albert's face, 'For both of you.' 'Yes,' Albert agreed softly. At least I have my work to keep me busy, take my mind off it. Jess just sits at home and constantly broods. I know she tries to hide the fact, but she cries a lot when Ellie and I aren't there. And every morning it's the same, a trip to the cemetery to visit the grave.' 'Poor cow,' Danny whispered. 'The trouble is she blames herself for Paul's death. I've told her that's nonsense but she'll have none of it. She's convinced she's at fault and that's that.' 'Can't the doctor do something? Give her pills or whatever?'

'He might if she'd go and see him, but she won't. She says the doctor can't help what's wrong with her.' Albert sighed. 'If it wasn't for the war I'd take her away on holiday. A week in Brighton perhaps, that might buck her up somewhat.' He smiled cynically. 'There again, if it wasn't for the war Paul would still be alive and the holiday wouldn't be necessary.'

Danny shook his head. 'I sometimes think this is going to go on for ever, that it'll never end- But of course it will, one way or the other, eventually. Has to.' 'She's also losing weight,' Albert went on. ”Well we all are, what with rationing and shortages, but Jess more than others. She's skin and bone, which breaks my heart.' 'She had a lovely figure too,' Danny sympathised. 'I always admired her for that. A real bobby dazzler.' Albert smiled in memory. 'You should have seen her when I married her, Danny, a stunner if ever there was. I was the envy of nearly every bloke I knew. Now she's more like a scarecrow than anything else.' 'Christ, I'm sorry,' Danny murmured. 'Her face has gone quite haggard and lined, pasty with it. I swear she looks ten or fifteen years older than she did.' Danny was lost for words, he simply didn't know what to reply to that. Albert thought of his own grief, the hurt almost unbearable at times. Again and again pictures of Paul would flash through his mind. Paul playing, laughing, Paul as a baby with Jess changing his nappies, having him at the breast. He loved Ellie of course, but Paul had been different in that Paul had been his son. Nor would there ever be another boy child to replace Paul. 'How about a cup of tea?' Danny queried, and winked. 'I've got a couple of digestives in my box, so we can have one each.' 'Grand,' Albert tried to enthuse. A biscuit, and sort, was a treat nowadays. 280 Moonlit Eyes 'Shan't be long,' Danny declared, rising from his chair. Albert watched Dannys retreating back, but in his mind he was still thinking about, and remembering, Paul. His son. The fire had been extensive, but was now under control. This was the sixth trip Ellie and Josie Farnham had made to the scene, currently waiting to ensure the last of the casualties had been removed, at which point they'd return to the station to be in readiness for any further callouts. Ellie had spotted the mobile canteen earlier during one other previous visits, and now decided to avail herself of it while she had the time. 'I'll catch up with you in a few moments,' Josie replied when Ellie told her what she intended. 'I have to find somewhere for a crafty pee. I'm bursting.' Ellie smiled. 'You do that.' The canteen was manned by the WVS, the Women's Voluntary Service, a solitary member now serving. When she arrived Ellie found herself to be the only one waiting. A cup of tea and something to eat please,' she asked the woman who had her back to her. Ellie had a shock when the woman turned round. Dear G.o.d, she thought. 'h.e.l.lo, Miss Sykes, how are you?' Miss Oates asked, the face as stern as ever. Ellie was further taken aback that Miss Oates had recognised her so easily as she was in full protective gear with her face filthy and dirt-streaked. As though reading her mind Miss Oates said, 'Your voice, Miss Sykes, I never forget a voice.' Ellie swallowed hard, quite thrown to suddenly find herself in the company of her old boss and enemy. Tm fine, thank you.' Miss Oates regarded her keenly. 'Well, you don't look fine. I'd say you were totally knackered.'

Ellie's jaw literally fell open to hear Miss Oates use such language. It was beyond belief. 'I suppose I am,' she eventually mumbled. 'Not surprised in that job. I admire you for doing it. Miss Sykes. Yes indeed.' Was there no end of surprises? Ellie watched as Miss Oates poured her a cuppa and then placed a sandwich and bun on a plate. 'These buns are fresh baked this morning. They're nice and tasty, couldn't have made better myself,' Miss Oates declared, placing the tea and plate on the canteen counter. 'Thank you.' Ellie blew on the tea which was scalding hot, then started on the sandwich, wolfing it down as she was ravenously hungry. 'I ran into a friend of yours the other day,' Miss Oates informed her. 'Oh?' 'Miss Fox. She left the office shortly after you, but you probably know that.' Ellie shook her head. 'I didn't.' 'There's hardly anyone there now,' Miss Oates stated. 'Reduced to a skeleton staff. Just enough to keep business ticking over. The others are all off doing war work. In Miss Fox's case she's taken over a milk round she said.' 'A milk round?' Ellie found that incredible, unable to imagine Connie driving a horse and cart. 'Releases a man for the Forces you see. Told me she was enjoying it. Loves being out in the fresh air.' 'So how is she?' Ellie asked. 'Happy as a pig in the proverbial. Took up with a new chap just before she left and, according to her, the pair of them are getting along famously. A seaman, I believe. Well, good luck to them I say. I hope it works out.' Ellie vaguely remembered something about Connie possibly having a new boyfriend just before she herself had left the office, but as she recalled Connie had denied it at the time. She guessed Connie had done so because she and this seaman had 282 Moonlit Eyes only recently met up and she hadn't wanted to look foolish if it hadn't lasted, been a flash in the pan so to speak. She could well understand that. Ellie tried her tea again which was now drinkable, and then had a bite other bun. As Miss Oates had said, it was delicious. A middle-aged ARP warden came strolling over. 'Evening, Beryl, how are tricks?' The stern expression vanished to be replaced by a broad smile. 'h.e.l.lo, Stanley. Wondered if you'd be around.' 'Here I am, in all me glory.' Beryl? Ellie had never known what Miss Oates' Christian name was, and would certainly never have guessed something as common as Beryl. In other circ.u.mstances she would have laughed. 'Tea and two sugars is it?' Miss Oates queried winsomely. b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l! Ellie thought. Miss Oates was actually flirting with this Stanley. She simply couldn't believe it. 'That's right, ducks. Two sugars it is. If you can spare that amount.' Miss Oates winked. 'Anything for you, Stanley. You know that.' Stanley laughed, then turned to Ellie. 'Do you belong to that vehicle over there?' he inquired, pointing. A stunned Ellie nodded. 'Well, you've got the all clear. No more casualties, that's been confirmed now.' 'Thank you.' Ellie finished her bun and tea while Miss Oates and Stanley chatted, then, having said goodbye, went in search of Josie who she presumed was having difficulty rinding a secluded spot. Talk about a turn-up for the book! Beryl, she thought, and this time did laugh. Ah> there you are. Please sit down,' Station Officer t.i.tmuss said, indicating the chair in front other desk.

Ellie, who'd been summoned to see the SO, was wondering what this was all about. For the life of her she couldn't think of anything she'd done wrong. 'Thank you.' SO t.i.tmuss regarded Ellie kindly. 'What would you say to a spot of promotion, Ellie? I'd like to make you up to DSO.' That meant Deputy Station Officer. Ellie was flabbergasted, she'd never imagined this to be on the cards. 'Why me?' she queried. 'Because you're a born leader and all the other girls look up to you. You're a natural choice for the job.' Ellie tried to digest that, having been completely unaware she was held in such esteem by the others. 'What about DSO Winterbottom?' she asked. Alice Winterbottom was the current DSO. 'Alice is also in for promotion. She's taking over a new station being opened in the Ball's Pond Road. So her post is falling vacant as from the first of the month, and I'd like you to a.s.sume her duties. It means a little extra money of course, which always comes in handy.' Ellie thought about that. It would mean she wouldn't be out in the ambulances as often as before, paperwork being the new priority. And lots of it. 'Well?' SO t.i.tmuss prompted. Ellie made a decision. Why not? Anyway, she rather fancied the idea of wearing two stripes on her arm. And as the SO said, extra money would be useful, her mother would certainly welcome it. 'Thank you, I accept.' SO t.i.tmuss beamed. 'Good girl. Well done. Congratulations.' Rising, she came round her desk and shook Ellie warmly by the hand, Ellie having also risen. Josie Farnham wasn't best pleased when told the news as it meant she'd have a new partner, she and Ellie having become close during their time together. More importantly, they both got on terribly well. Ellie found herself looking forward to her new duties, even if they wouldn't be quite as exciting as what she now did. 284 Moonlit Eyes Maybe less exciting, but also less dangerous she reminded herself. Which, if she was honest, was something of a relief. The date was May 10, 1941, and if Londoners thought they'd been through the worst of the Blitz, that it couldn't possibly get worse than it had been, then that night proved them horribly wrong. Later it would be called the night that nearly took the heart out of London. The news slowly filtering through to the battling firemen was one of terrible carnage. The Chamber of the House of Commons had been reduced to rubble, the Lords' Chamber having also been hit, as had Big Ben, though that was still standing. The roof of Westminster Hall was ablaze, while the square tower at Westminster Abbey had fallen in. Miraculously, although surrounded by fires, St Paul's remained intact. The number of dead, dying and casualties didn't bear thinking about. All the services, including the Fire Brigade, were stretched to the limit, and beyond. Henry Leway staggered up to Albert, having to shout to be heard above the roar of flames and crackle of burning buildings. 'We haven't a hope in h.e.l.l of controlling this lot,' he gasped. 'We'll just have to,' Albert snapped in reply. Henry shook his head. 'It's impossible, I tell you.' Albert paused to stare at his colleague. Henry was on the point of breaking he realised. 'Get a grip of yourself. Henry, for Christsake!' he shouted. To Albert's amazement Henry started to cry, tears rolling down his soot-blackened face. 'I've had enough. Can't take any more. Too much. Too much.' Albert let go of the hosepipe he was holding and slapped Henry hard causing him to cry out. 'Stop snivelling like a child and get on with it,' Albert bellowed. 'We need every man we've got and you're one of the best. Don't let us down now. Don't let the public down, they're relying on us. All of London is relying n us tonight.' By that he meant the entire Fire Brigade. Henry blinked several times, then ran a hand across his face.

Taking a deep breath he straightened himself. 'Sorry, Albert,' he apologised. 'I don't know what came over me.' 'Are you all right now?' Henry nodded. Albert gripped and squeezed his arm. 'Good chap. Let's just forget this, eh?' 'Thanks.' Turning, Henry hurried away. 'Gas!' someone yelled a little later. 'Gas escape!' Oh my G.o.d! Albert thought. He couldn't smell anything, but that was hardly likely in the smoke-laden atmosphere that was also heavily polluted by the many combined odours from all manner of burning things. Seconds later the gas ignited sending a searing ball of flame billowing in all directions. Albert was lifted off his feet and thrown backwards to land with a jarring thump which knocked the breath out of him, leaving him dizzy and dazed. He slowly became aware of Henry Leway by his side. Are you hurt, Albert?' He gingerly felt himself all over. 'Don't think so.' 'Then try and sit up.' Albert hesitantly brought himself into an upright position to stare at the roaring gas escape. From the size and intensity of it he guessed a main had been breached. 'That has to be turned off,' he croaked. 'I know.' 'Then get to it. I'll be with you in a moment.' 'Right,' Henry declared, and dashed away. Albert pulled himself to his feet where he swayed slightly. He had to hold a hand across his face to ward off the intense heat which was already blistering his skin. 'Over here!' someone shouted. 'Unconscious fireman!' People were milling everywhere, like ants in a heap, all trying to do something specific connected with their job. Albert wondered who the fireman was. One of theirs or from another station? He made his way over as an ambulance crew appeared carrying 286 Moonlit Eyes stretcher between them. Alberts heart sank when he reached the prostrate figure to see it was Danny McGiver. Instantly he was kneeling alongside Danny feeling for a neck nulse swearing beneath his breath when he couldn't find one. Before he could try another point the ambulance chaps, regular service and not auxiliaries like Ellie's lot, were also there doing a quick examination. 'Can't tell if he's dead or not,' the older of the two shouted to Albert. 'He a friend of yours?' Albert nodded. 'We'll get him straight to hospital where he can be dealt with.' Albert watched numbly as Danny, one arm trailing over the side, was stretchered away. Not Danny, he thought in despair. Please G.o.d, not Danny. Then he turned his attention again to what had to be done. It was another half an hour before the gas main had been turned off and that particular fire extinguished. Jess came out of the cemetery gates and crossed over to the bus stop where no one else was waiting. Twenty minutes later a bus still hadn't appeared, which didn't surprise her after the previous nights terrible raid. The buses could hardly be expected to run to schedule after that. She'd been lucky on the way there having caught one almost immediately. Then the idea came to her. Why not walk home? It was an awful long way, miles, and would take her ages, but the more she thought about it the more determined she became that's what she'd do. A sort of punishment, she told herself grimly. A small penance for Paul's death which had been all her fault. She started off knowing it would probably take her a while. no matter what, no matter how many buses pa.s.sed her, it was a journey she was going to complete. A small penance, she thought again. * *

Albert knocked on Danny's door. He was done in, almost dropping from exhaustion, having just come off his longest s.h.i.+ft ever. On returning to the station it was to be told that Danny wasn't seriously hurt and was now home. 'How is he?' Albert asked Danny's wife Vera when she answered his knock. 'Come in and see for yourself. He's in bed.' Albert followed Vera through to where Danny was. 'h.e.l.lo, mate,' Danny whispered by way of greeting. The upper part of Danny's head was swathed in bandages which ended just above his ears. There was no sign of blood on them, a relieved Albert noted. 'Some people will do anything to skive off,' Albert joked. Danny attempted a smile, and winced. That hadn't been a good idea. 'As if.' 'He discharged himself, you know,' Vera stated disapprovingly. 'They wanted to keep him in for forty-eight hours for observation.' 'Now don't start again,' Danny chided. 'I explained, they needed the bed for someone worse off than me. Best I was home anyway, you're a far better nurse than any they have at the hospital.' Vera wagged a finger at him. 'Don't you try and soft-soap me, Danny McGiver. It won't work, you hear?' 'Yes, dear,' he replied meekly, knowing full well, despite what she'd said, Vera would have been delighted to be told that. Anyway, in a way it was true. 'Cup of tea, Albert?' Vera asked. 'Please. Good and strong. The sort you can stand a spoon up in. 'Coming right away.' 'Hey, what about me?' Danny protested. 'You've already had four since you woke. We are on rationing, don't forget.' 'If you're making a pot for Albert then it'll stretch to me, Danny pointed out. 288 Moonlit Eyes 'Well all right.' Vera pretended to concede, having been going give him a cup anyway, and disappeared out of the room. 'She's a gem. Don't know what I'd do without her,' Danny declared, having enjoyed that little bit of banter. Albert smiled and sat on the edge of the bed. 'You gave me a h.e.l.l of a fright last night, mate,' he said softly. 'I thought we'd lost you. What's the damage?' 'Concussion, that's all. And a few abrasions. I was lucky.' ”What happened exactly?' 'Don't know, Albert. One moment someone was shouting eas, the next thing I knew I was in an ambulance. I must have been hit on the head by flying debris of some sort. Thank G.o.d for my helmet. It might have been curtains if it hadn't been for that.' Albert was noting how pale and wan Danny was. 'Head 'More than I'm letting on to Vera. She thinks I'm a mug for discharging myself, but it was the right thing to do. There were casualties everywhere, most i

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