by Lori Wick
"How long was it before you found this?"
"Not long." She remembered this part well. "I was so thirsty the first day that I could smell the water. I think it might be the only reason I'm alive."
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Without comment, Rigg stepped around to help her to her feet. The bones in her arm felt as though they would break in his hand, but none of his feelings showed on his face. "I'll let you lead the way back," he said.
"All right."
They stepped back into the clearing to see that Ellis had arrived with the food. He didn't speak but set the food down, dipped his head a little, and went on his way. Rigg took Lorri's arm.
"Here you go. Let's see what Ellis brought for you."
One look at the plate and Rigg's heart sank. The man had outdone himself, but Rigg wasn't sure Lorri was ready for this type of food. Lorri had sat down and reached for the plate. It took all Rigg's will, but he made himself take it from her. The hunger and confusion in her eyes were almost too much for him, but he sat near her to try to explain.
"I think you need to take very small bites of this, Miss Archer. I don't know if your stomach is ready for gravy and beef yet."
"Oh."
Rigg gave her the plate and hoped she understood.
Lorri looked at it, her mouth watering, but didn't know what to do. Rigg watched her, feeling his helplessness grow. Trying to remember commonsense eating guidelines, he searched the plate.
"Why don't you take some potato from right here," he pointed, "without too much gravy."
Lorn used the fork and took some, but it didn't make it to her mouth.
"I forgot to pray," she said quietly, surprised at her own thoughts.
"Would you like me to?"
"Please."
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She looked so grateful that Rigg was glad for a reason to close his eyes.
"Gracious Father in heaven, thank You for leading us to Miss Archer. Please help her to grow strong. Help her stomach to handle the food. Help us to get her home safely. And please end this war swiftly. In Christ's name and for Your glory I pray. Amen."
"Thank you," Lorri said, hearing his words in her head as she put the food into her mouth. She hadn't heard anyone pray for a very long time. It had sounded so nice. And his prayer had reminded her of her grandfather.
"He's probably wondering where I am," Lorri said suddenly, thinking she'd never tasted anything so delicious.
"Who is?"
"My grandpa."
Rigg knew nothing but relief to see Lionel returning. He stood to his feet and warned him about letting Lorri eat all that was on the plate. With a word to her to rest well, he took his leave.
Working his way back through the foliage to the beach, Rigg thought about his ideals as he entered this war. He'd told the Lord he was up for anything. He told God and his family that if he had to lay down his life for his country, he was willing.
What he hadn't banked on was an island in the middle of the South Pacific and a woman almost starved to death. He was supposed to be working alongside men. He was supposed to be commanding them, getting this war fought, and sending them all home if he had any say in the matter.
What he hadn't figured on was a woman with huge brown eyes, probably close to his own age, whose family must be sick with worry for her and whose vulnerability was almost more than his heart could take.
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Rigg lay in his bunk early the next morning and knew it would be the last time for some days. He shared a cabin with Hugh West-land. Hugh's bunk was built into the wall. Hugh would completely vacate for their guest. Rigg would take Hugh's bunk and hang a blanket in the middle of the room. It wasn't the most convenient, but it was unavoidable as the rest of the sleeping bunks on board were not in private cabins. Hopefully it would only be a matter of days before Miss Archer could be delivered to the base at Seaford. As soon as the radio was back in order, they would send word that she was coming. In the meantime, they would all have to learn to coexist.
"There's something you might want to see," Hugh said as he snagged Rigg the moment his feet hit the beach. "This way."
Hugh led Rigg toward an area not far off the clearing where they had found Lorri. She was separated from them by thick trees and bushes. After working their way through the foliage, Hugh
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stopped and Rigg found himself at the edge of a smaller clearing. He looked at the ground and knew he was staring at the graves of the other people who had been on the plane.
"Just the two, do you think?" Rigg asked Hugh, his eyes scanning beyond.
"As far as I can tell. It wasn't a large plane, but maybe she put more than one person in each grave."
Rigg shook his head, trying to imagine Lorri Archer having to complete such a task. He hoped for her sake that the folks in these graves were strangers but wasn't sure that would have made it any easier.
"Do you want me to question her?" Hugh asked.
"No, I'll put as much as I know in my report, and when she's ready to talk about it, she can tell us."
"And if she's never ready?"
"Right now I can't worry about that."
Hugh nodded and Rigg went on his way. The second-in-command stood for a time after the lieutenant left, his eyes strangely riveted to the fresh mounds of dirt, his concentration on the churning in his gut.
Lorri woke up in a way she hadn't in over six weeks: She was warm and under a blanket; she had a pillow; and there was no headache or stiff neck. But it was more than that. She wanted to think about things. It didn't take long for the terrifying plane crash to come rushing back to her, an event she forced from her mind, but it didn't matter because other things began crowding into its place.,
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Lori Wick
She could see the children's faces at the ranch. For days now, maybe even weeks, they had slipped from her mind. She could come up with a name but not a face, or a face that she could not label. Today she could do both.
The next thing she wanted was to bathe. She rose with just that in mind, only to see Lionel as soon as she stepped from the interior of the plane.
"Good morning," he greeted her, looking very fresh and put together, not in the least as though he'd spent the night in the jungle.
"Good morning."
"How are you feeling?"
"Better, thank you."
"I'm headed back to the boat, but Donald will stay with you."
For the first time Lorri noticed the other man. He was younger than Lionel, and he dipped his head nervously in her direction before looking away.
"Thank you for your concern, but I'll be fine on my own."
"It's no trouble," Lionel assured her as he went on his way.
Larri watched him leave and then looked to the other man, who was still looking everywhere but at her.
"If you'll just excuse me a moment," she started to say, moving away from him.
"I think I'm supposed to go with you."
Til just be a moment, really."
Til come with you."
Does this man not need to relieve himself when he first wakes up?Lorri woridered but stood silent. She had given up on washing herself, but the other would not wait. She thought fast, not wanting to make trouble but sensing a very real need.
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"You may tell Lionel or whoever asks that I am to blame."
At first Donald was too surprised by this statement to act. He watched this emaciated woman slip into the trees, following a little too late. He went after her but soon realized she was not to be found.
Just managing to retrace his steps, he went back to the clearing in time to see the lieutenant arrive. He saluted, mentally cursing the woman for the trouble he was sure to be in.
"At ease, sailor," Rigg said calmly. "Where is Miss Archer?"
"She slipped into the trees, sir, and I can't locate her."
The newest man to the crew, Donal
d should still have known Rigg well enough by now to understand that he didn't overreact, but he was surprised when the man only nodded.
"Are you not afraid she'll be lost, sir?" The question popped out before he could stop it.
The officer's brows rose. "She's lived here for six weeks. She's not going to get lost on this island." Rigg glanced around. "We'll just assume that she'll be back when she's ready."
As though just saying the words caused them to be true, Lorri stepped into the clearing. She was moving slowly, a look of concentration on her face, and for a moment she didn't see the men.
"Miss Archer?" Rigg spoke to her.
Lorri looked up at him and asked, "Why are you on this island?"
Rigg felt a measure of relief flood through him. Her voice was stronger, her eyes a little clearer.
"We had to make repairs to our boat. We'll probably leave here in the next few hours."
"And you'll take me with you?"
Rigg nodded and said, "Yes, we will."
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Something in his voice made Lorri uncomfortable. She ducked her head before saying, "I know you have things on your mind."
And you're one of them,Rigg thought, but he only assured her again that they wouldn't forget and went on his way. He passed Lionel, who was on his way back to see Lorri, his arms full of clothes.
"Good," Rigg said when he saw the pants and shirts. "She can't possibly be aboard theStormin that skirt."
"I thought as much."
"And from where did you get these?"
"Several of the smaller men."
"Clean?"
"Yes."
"She keeps asking me not to forget her, but other than that, she seems a little more lucid."
"All right. I'll keep her here until we're ready to shove off."
Rigg began to agree and move away but stopped short.
"No, get her ready with about half an hour to spare."
Lionel didn't question or delay him, but all the way to the clearing he wondered what the lieutenant had in mind.
"What'd Lionel get from you?" "Nothing. Did he take some of your clothes?" "A shirt and a pair of socks." "A shirt? You lucky dog."
Harlan Ellis looked up from the pot he was stirring, his gaze stern on the grinning men.
"What's your problem, Ellis?" the younger of the two asked.
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But Cook's only response was to turn his back on the two sailors. This had little effect. As their eyes met, they shrugged and went on their way.
Ellis turned long enough to scowl at the place they'd been standing. He wasn't that much older than the men who'd been talking, but in his mind, he was certainly old enough to know when someone needed pity and not to be lusted after.
"All right, gentlemen," Rigg said softly, knowing he had the attention of every man. "I know you've heard that we're going to have a guest on board. I'll be leaving in a matter of seconds to bring Miss Archer onto the boat. You're going to meet her. After that you're not going to do anything. You're not going to speak to her, look at her, or even think about her."
With those words still hanging in the air, Rigg turned and made his way off the boat. He moved calmly onto shore, a few men in his wake, only to have Lionel coming toward him at a fast pace.
"She's gone."
"She's what?"
"Gone, sir," he repeated reluctantly. "I can't find her anywhere."
Rigg stared at Lionel for a moment in disbelief.What could she have been thinking? She was so worried about being left, and now she's disappeared! Or was it not her fault? Was she harmed or suddenly sick?
Rigg's eyes scanned the tree line, his mind reeling with several possibilities.
"Let's look for her," he said grimly, knowing what this delay might cost them even as he moved toward the trees. Rigg, Lionel,
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Cliff, and Donald were halfway there when she suddenly emerged from the thick foliage. Rigg covered the distance alone.
"Where have you been?" Rigg"s tone demanded an answer.
"I had to do something."
"What?" he asked. He was not yelling, but there was an edge to his voice.
Lorri looked up at him, trembling a little under his stern gaze.
Rigg gave her a few moments, but when she said nothing, he started in.
"I realize this has been a harrowing experience for you, Miss Archer, but in case you have forgotten, we are at war!"
"Yes, sir," Lorri whispered, not able to take her eyes from his.
"I have a PT boat full of men waiting to get underway. No area of the Pacific is safe. We could be under attack at any moment."
Lorri nodded but didn't try to speak or explain.
When Rigg saw that he would get no explanation from her, he gave up.
"Come on," he ordered shortly, not having noticed that she was dressed in jeans and a shirt that were a bit too large but covered her well compared to the skirt and blouse. At the last minute, he saw that she carried a small tied bundle.
"Let me take that for you."
Lorri surrendered the extra clothing she'd been given and trudged across the beach behind this angry officer. She hadn't come to the beach much. The trees, even with the bugs and reptiles, had felt safer.
Not even noticing the ship they were headed toward, Lorri climbed into the lifeboat and sat down, her heart thundering. A moment of panic filled her and she looked back at the island. She moved a little and found her wrist manacled in the lieutenant's
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hand. Looking from her wrist to his face, she didn't realize that he'd been watching her closely.
"We have to go to the boat now." His voice was calm again.
Lorri nodded but couldn't control the trembling that had started. She reclaimed her wrist and folded her arms tightly over her chest. It was a hot day, almost noon, but she felt so cold inside that her teeth chattered. And again, her eyes went to the island. She wasn't going to jump in the water and swim back, but for more reasons than she could name, she couldn't take her eyes from that small strip of land.
And small it was! The farther the raft went from shore, the more she realized how tiny it was. It had become her world. She knew every inch of it. It had never felt small to her until this very moment.
"All right, Miss Archer," Rigg was saying. "Do you think you can manage this ladder?"
They were at the boat! Lorri was so startled that for a moment she only stared at it. If she had thought the island tiny, she knew not what to think of this PT boat. It was one of the smallest crafts in the war, and she couldn't help but wonder where everyone lived and slept.
"Can you manage it?" The question was asked again, and Lorri mentally shook herself.
"Yes," she whispered, hoping it was true. She did not wish to be carried on board.
She was given no time to think or look around. She climbed the ladder, only glad she was able to accomplish it, and then found her upper arm in the lieutenant's grasp as she was led to an open space on the deck. The men were lined up.
"Miss Archer," he began. "The men are lined up to meet you. They will step forward and introduce themselves."
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Lorri looked at each man as he stepped out of formation, stated his name and rank, and then moved back into line. Lorri had met a few of them already, and even though she concentrated on each one, she knew she would never remember all the names she'd just heard.
"Thank you, gentlemen." Rigg's voice was at its most commanding. "Now I'll remind you again. For however many days Miss Archer is with us, you will keep your distance. Some of you will have business with her; most of you will not. Any man caught fraternizing with our guest will answer to me. Dismissed to get underway."
The men fell instantly out of formation to scatter in all directions, and Lionel was suddenly there.
"I'll show you below, Miss Lorri."
"Thank you." She almost smiled at his
familiar face, but feeling as though she'd just been swept from one surreal world to the next, Lorri only followed him down the narrow steps to the passage below.
"This is the galley," Lionel said from the incredibly tight space of the passageway, the throb of the engines all around them, as he forced himself not to look at Lorri's vulnerable face. "You'll take your meals in here in the officer's mess." Lionel indicated the table. "Ellis will tell you when."
Lorri looked up at the cook, who nodded at her, his expression open.
"Right this way is your cabin. Lieutenant Riggs will be in here with you, but you'll have privacy behind this sheet. Ensign Westland may need to stop in now and again to retrieve something, but they'll both give you as much privacy as you need."
"Thank you." Lorri uttered the first words that had come from her mouth since boarding the vessel.
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Rigg chose that moment to see how the tour was going, and as he did, put Lorri's small bundle of clothes on his bed in his cabin. His bed was not built into the wall but was actually in the room, next to a small desk. He then moved into the passageway where he listened to Lionel.
"And right here is the officer's head."
Lionel opened the door, and Lorri looked in to see a toilet, sink, and an area to hang wet things.
Rigg had come upon them and just stood listening as Lionel finished explaining. He'd no more stopped speaking than two enlisted men chose the moment to come through the passage. The men backed up to give them room, as did Lorri, but it wasn't remotely the same. Rigg watched the men's chests as they passed Lorri's front and was strongly reminded that this boat was not meant to be shared by men and women.
"Miss Archer." Rigg got her attention. "Whenever you can step out of the passageway for the men to pass, that's going to be best. Do you know what I'm talking about?"
Lorri nodded. The men hadn't touched her, but small as she was, it had still been a tight squeeze.
"Yes, sir."
"Did you want to rest now?" Rigg offered, wanting her out of the way as much as possible.
"Thank you."
"I've got lunch ready for Miss Archer."
The three in the passage turned to find Ellis addressing them. Rigg turned back to Lorri.
"It looks like you can rest or eat, Miss Archer. Your call."
Lorri looked into Rigg's face. Some corner of her brain registered the fact that she shouldn't be on this vessel. It was nothing
