Guarding Hearts

by Jaycie Morrison

  “You realize that even if you convinced her to spare the rest of us, she might still turn you in.”

  Rains nodded grimly. “Yes, I have considered that in the little time I’ve had. Believe me, Kathleen, I have no wish to sacrifice my career, although if doing so would save everyone else, at least it would not be in vain.”

  Everyone else at the table sat up straight, all talking at once. She could only make out a few phrases, most of which sounded like various forms of “no.” Whit’s face had darkened, while Kathleen was white as a sheet. She held her hands in surrender, but Bett didn’t stop.

  “That is not happening, Rain. I absolutely forbid you to do such a thing.”

  Rains hid her smile. It was very enticing when Bett took on a command presence, but this wasn’t the time or the place to say so.

  After they dropped Kathleen and Whit off, having agreed to keep in touch on the phone each evening with the latest news, Rains went back to her earlier thought. “I feel for Jo Archer. Her first time as a sergeant and all of this going on. I should have kept closer tabs on her.”

  “You’ve been having lunch with her once or twice a week, haven’t you? And she can always reach you at the motor pool.”

  “Still, I’m going over there early tomorrow to talk with her,” Rains said, waving Bett’s comments away.

  As soon as they were home, Bett hugged her lover tightly. “Are we in trouble, Rain?” she asked into Rain’s chest.

  Rain closed her eyes and Bett could almost feel her searching someplace far away. “I don’t know,” she said after a minute. “Too much remains undecided.”

  Watching Rain getting ready for bed, her heart ached to join her. She wished they could spend the rest of the evening in each other’s arms, their bodies moving together, and that they’d awaken together in the morning. She missed that start to her day almost as much as she missed the rest of it. But she couldn’t give in to that yearning now. She had to say her piece first.

  “There’s something I want you to consider, Beloved.” She took Rain’s hand and pulled her over to sit on the edge of the bed. “It’s about your plan to speak with Miriam Boudreaux. It shouldn’t be you who goes. It should be me.”

  Rain shook her head. “No, Bett. I don’t want you to be alone with Miriam Boudreaux.”

  “Rain, what can she do to me? She’s confined to quarters until her hearing. She’s not going to do anything stupid to jeopardize her case before that.”

  “But having you visit her may underscore her belief that she is irresistible to young women.”

  “And what if it does? It’s for the prosecution to prove that wrong.”

  “But you may put yourself in a position to testify in the trial if you go to see her.”

  “I might get questioned by the attorneys, but what could I offer to either side? Yes, she invited me to the rifle range but I didn’t go. And yes, I have heard she has a bad reputation, but that’s only hearsay.”

  Rain was silent for a moment, and Bett knew to wait. “You suppose you will be better able to determine her state of mind because she will only be angry if she sees me, but she might be more willing to talk with you.”

  “It’s possible it will play out that way.”

  “It’s also possible she will be vulgar and inappropriate with you, Bett. Certainly she would want you in any case, but she may feel she has nothing to lose and will take this opportunity to try and get to me through you.”

  Bett nodded. “That is also possible. But I can always walk out. She can’t follow me and I’ll come home to you, where we can discuss whatever she says.”

  Rain rocked a little. “And what about your temper? She might just make you mad enough to say something she can use to her advantage.”

  “I promise to stay very calm. Besides, I only used to lose my temper with you because I felt like I couldn’t ever win.”

  “And now?”

  “Now I win every day,” Bett said, pulling Rain on top of her. “And every night.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Bett called very early that next morning to say she wouldn’t be home, possibly for another day or two. She could only hint that major developments were happening and she needed to be there.

  “Have I told you that the work you are doing is extraordinary?” Rain asked.

  Bett sniffed. “I’ll want to discuss that with you later. When this is over.” If the specially trained paratroopers called pathfinders were able to land successfully near Bastogne and mark the drop zones for waves of supply aircraft, the surrounded troops—including Rain’s brother—might have a chance. She didn’t want to consider what would happen if their mission failed, and she couldn’t help worrying about how things would be between them if Thomas’s name appeared on the casualty list, especially after the way she’d been involved.

  Rain probably heard the anxiety in her voice, because her tone softened. “Take care of yourself…until I get to be in charge of that job again.”

  “You too.” As Bett disconnected, she bit her lip, feeling tears close to the surface. They’d had very little time lately, and now there was this situation with Boudreaux. Since she’d been working nights, Bett had tried not to be too tired or distracted while they were together or during their brief phone calls, but Rain seemed to sense her limits and never asked for more than she could give, never tried to give her more than she could accept. In the still hours of the morning, an understanding had settled in Bett’s mind: Rain is the most wonderful woman I’ve ever known, and no one has ever loved me like she does. It’s not just the sex—incredible though it is. It’s a kind of caring I’ve never experienced. She’d been a fool to doubt Rain’s fidelity. It was a miracle that her harping and accusations hadn’t pushed Rain away. She vowed to herself to never let Kathleen Hartley or anyone else outside their relationship influence her behavior again. She’d spend every minute letting Rain know how grateful she felt to have this life with her. Hopefully Rain still felt the same way, since she was doing her damnedest to get Thomas home alive.

  * * *

  After a quick stop at the motor pool, Rains went in search of Jo Archer. It was shortly before reveille and the base was relatively quiet. Jo wasn’t in her quarters or in the mess hall. Rains was walking across the parade grounds on her way back to the motor pool when she heard a voice.

  “This is a great spot, Lieutenant. No wonder you used to hang out here.” Jo was on the top row of the bleachers.

  They talked for forty-five minutes, Jo filling in details of the incident, Rains telling Jo how bad she felt for not having dealt with Miriam Boudreaux more decisively herself.

  “But, Lieutenant, your testimony would go a long way toward putting this woman out of the service,” the little drill instructor said excitedly.

  Rains nodded slowly. “That may be true, Sergeant Archer, but for my own selfish reasons, I would prefer not to testify. I am hoping the prosecution’s case can be made without bringing me into it. The main consideration is that my testimony would only be hearsay. They would have to call in my former recruit and she would have to relive the whole incident again. Then there might be questions as to why I didn’t pursue the case at that time.” Rains paused to let Jo consider these facts. “If we believe the case against Lieutenant Boudreaux cannot be won without my words, I will testify. But otherwise, I won’t.”

  Jo Archer looked at Rains for a long moment, not saying anything. Rains waited while she made her judgment. Finally Jo said, “Okay, Lieutenant. You’ll be my secret weapon.”

  “Fair enough,” Rains agreed. They shook hands. “Have you eaten today, Jo?” she asked, realizing after the fact that her question might sound overly familiar…or overly protective.

  “No, ma’am,” Jo admitted, her mouth crooking into a slight grin. “But I’m feeling kinda hungry now.”

  They went over to the mess hall together and had a quick breakfast at the officers’ table. Rains was pleased that several other officers came over to speak to Sergeant Arche
r. No one spoke specifically about the situation, but each one was showing their support simply by stopping by. Rains could see Jo’s confidence growing with each conversation. It was one of the times she was very proud of the WAC.

  * * *

  Rains was surprised when the home telephone rang as she was changing on Friday evening, because that was when Bett should be working. She answered as she’d promised, and a vaguely familiar voice said, “Hey, champ.”

  It took her a few seconds to remember that was what Whit had called her—although she didn’t know why—and then she could visualize her friendly face. “Hello, Whit. How are you?” As much as she hated talking on the device, she’d learned something of the expected conversation. She was aware that yesterday had been Kathleen’s conference with Colonel Issacson and wondered if the call could be about that.

  “I’m sorry to bother you this late, but we’re having some trouble we were hoping you could help us with.”

  Rains’s natural instinct was to agree immediately, but she paused upon hearing Whit say “we,” understanding that Kathleen must also be involved. It would be completely unlike her not to offer help, but she didn’t want to trouble Bett again by spending time with the woman she perceived to be a threat. But Whit would be there too, so after only another second’s hesitation, she asked, “What can I do?”

  Thirty minutes later she was showing Whit the finer points of jump-starting a battery while Kathleen looked on from behind the wheel of her car, which appeared to be dead. The problem was critical because Whit was starting back on nights, and the Alfa was blocking her in.

  “Neither of us could have figured this out,” Whit said, slapping her on the back as Kat followed Rains’s signal and her machine roared to life. “We talked about trying to push it out of the way, but the driveway’s too narrow.”

  “I’m glad you called me,” Rains assured her as she removed the cables. “Even though I have limited skills, I have lots of resources.”

  Whit’s laugh made Rains suddenly conscious of something. She’d been missing Bett badly, but she realized her longing was eased by the company of these women, her friends. She bumped Whit’s shoulder playfully, as she’d seen others do. “Besides, we haven’t spoken about what’s going on. I’m sorry you’re back on nights, or I would stay and catch up.”

  “I thought you’d be in a hurry to get home.” Whit winked. “We don’t mean to keep you from your lady tonight.”

  Kathleen joined them, slipping her arm through Whit’s, her face showing the slightest hint of guilt. “Didn’t I tell you? Bett is working nights right now.” She turned to Rains quickly, as if struck by a thought. “Since we’re both on our own tonight, you should let me fix dinner for you…just to say thanks.”

  A quick reaction crossed Whit’s face and was gone, but Rains recognized the significance. She’s uncomfortable. When Kathleen shifted slightly, her expression hopeful as she waited for Rains’s reply without a second glance at her lover, Rains sensed the invitation was the source of Whit’s apprehension. If Whit had reason for concern about her and Kathleen being alone, perhaps Bett’s worry was equally justified. Rains searched her own heart. If she and Kathleen were both unattached, would she say yes to the dinner invitation? And would dinner lead to something more, something…deeper…between them? For whatever reason, she’d found Kathleen Hartley unusually easy to talk to, and she’d never witnessed Hartley being condescending or unkind to anyone, which Rains very much admired about her. Was there more than appreciation between them? Spending another evening without Bett, she would deliberate those concerns.

  “That’s a very kind offer, but I’ve already made dinner for tonight.” She turned away from Kathleen’s obvious disappointment as Whit spoke again.

  “Well, come in and have some cocoa at least. You can warm up before driving home, and Kat can tell you about her meeting while I get ready to go.”

  Rains nodded, and once they were settled in the kitchen, Hartley began describing her conversation with Colonel Issacson. “The colonel told me she and her committee had already looked over the PR and protocol department’s roster and they didn’t have any questions for me. I was incredibly relieved, needless to say.” Kat took in a breath. “That was about it, really.” She lifted her mug with a shaking hand and Rains was certain she was holding something back. “Do you imagine other officers…even those who aren’t in our position…will feel the same kind of pressure that we do? Or is it that I’m a coward?”

  Rains reached out to touch her friend’s arm, realizing a second too late that Whit was coming back into the room. It would have been awkward to stop, so she continued with the gesture, making sure it was brief. “You are not a coward. This scenario is probably repeated at each meeting, and I imagine most officers are intimidated in the colonel’s presence. She is the highest-ranking female officer in the entire military, and it’s a well-deserved position. But in their desire to help or to impress her, there may be those who suggest names of those who are innocent of any wrongdoing.” Rains looked at Whit before adding, “We are all glad you are not one of those.”

  “She’s not. I can guarantee it,” Whit concurred, putting her hand possessively on Kat’s shoulder. “And I’m glad I’m not the one who has to go before the colonel for the medical office, that’s for damned sure.” Rains watched her give a little squeeze before she let go. “But our captain has already told us that she doesn’t have any concerns about our group.”

  “I will do the same,” Rains mused. “And perhaps this will all be over before it’s my turn.” She drained her cocoa and stood. They all began walking toward the back door when Rains remembered. “Oh, I wanted to ask you both a question. If you could have anything—within reason—let’s say, anything that money could buy as a gift, what would it be?”

  Whit cocked her head. “Is this a riddle?”

  “No, I’m serious.” Including Kathleen with a quick glance, she went on. “I’ve ordered a gift for Bett, but it won’t arrive in time for Christmas. So I need to come up with something else for now and save that item for another time.”

  Grinning, Whit put her arm around Kathleen’s waist. “Women will usually give you a hint of what they’d like, but you have to listen very carefully. And sometimes they go about it in funny ways. Like, is there anything she’s mentioned being interested in or worried about lately?”

  Rain considered the question for a few seconds. Interests? Rain’s mind immediately went to the two of them in bed. She hid her embarrassment behind a cough. It had been many days since they’d been together that way, and until events were settled in the Ardennes, there was no point in thinking of it. Worries? “Besides the war, her only worry of late is about canceling a trip to see her mother for the holiday.”

  Whit pursed her lips. “You know, that might be my answer to your question.” She pulled Kathleen a little closer. “Since I have all I could ever want right here, if I could have anything else, I’d like to spend a little time with my dad. He’s not really up to traveling right now and I can’t get away anytime soon, but it would be really nice to visit.” Her voice had become uneven over the last few words, and she blinked a few times, looking away. Kathleen kissed the side of her face. “You should give him a call, Whit. Let’s make a point of it as soon as you get home tomorrow, okay?”

  Whit nodded and sniffed.

  Rain was quiet for a moment, letting her friend’s emotion play out. When Whit looked back at her, she said, “I’m not sure how much Bett wanted to go, but she normally spends Christmas at her mother’s, and I believe she was distressed about breaking her promise for them to be together.”

  “Well, champ, I’ve heard this saying. I’m not sure if I’ve got it right, but maybe it’ll help you solve your problem.” She cleared her throat, demonstrating with back-and-forth gestures as she spoke. “If Muhammad cannot get to the mountain, maybe the mountain should come to Muhammad.”

  * * *

  Bett felt almost delirious, though it could
have been at least partly due to lack of sleep. The brave pathfinders had taken incredible risks, dropping into the midst of the enemy and setting the beacons, allowing the relief airdrop to proceed in spite of the terrible weather. In the course of four hours, 241 planes had delivered 144 tons of supplies, over ninety percent of which were successfully recovered by the embattled forces. In equally good news, they had word that Patton’s Third Army was marching hard, and the famous general had predicted they’d be there in three days.

  “A week, if they’re lucky,” Major Erwin had said skeptically. “But don’t tell Luna that.”

  Erwin had told her to go home and rest, but Bett had other plans. Buoyed by the resupplying of Bastogne, she decided this was a good time to pay Miriam Boudreaux a visit.

  At Boudreaux’s quarters she had to sign in as a visitor with the MP outside. She supposed these lists would be turned over to both attorneys, but she had no intention of letting this threat linger much longer. Miriam was lying on the bed, fully dressed in her uniform, except for the jacket, which was draped over a nearby chair. She stretched indolently as Bett came through the door. “I was wondering who would have the guts to come see me.” Then she stood and pulled out a straight-backed chair from the desk, offering Bett an upholstered armchair across from her. When she lowered herself into the chair, Bett could see a half-faded bruise blackening Boudreaux’s right eye. She forced herself to contain a smile as Miriam went on. “And I’m pleased to see my first visitor is bringing me exactly what I wanted for Christmas.”

  “You’re expecting a Christmas present?” Bett asked neutrally.

  “Ah, sweet thing, you being here is the gift I’ve always wanted.” She reached out and put her hand on Bett’s arm. “And now I’m wondering how much of you I’m gonna get to save your lieutenant’s skinny ass.”

  Bett let Boudreaux’s hand stay where it was. “And should I believe that one ass is all you’re after?”