The Codebreakers

by Alli Sinclair

  ‘I see Mrs Hanley is lowering her Sunday lunch standards,’ she said.

  Louis looked up. ‘You’re late, Bug.’

  ‘Mrs Hanley said twelve-ish and’—she made a show of pointing at her watch—‘it says “ish” right here.’

  Louis laughed and folded up the paper. ‘Maude’s inside helping Mrs Hanley.’

  ‘Maude, eh?’

  ‘Yes, Maude, eh.’ He drew it out. ‘I would have thought you’d have dragged Harry along.’

  ‘He’s had to go to Townsville to take some training.’

  ‘When’s he back?’

  ‘Not sure.’ Even though he was only supposed to have been gone three days, it had already been eight and she’d heard nothing. It was unnerving that she was so besotted with Harry as it was a path she’d not navigated before.

  ‘Well, when Harry-boy comes back let’s all get together and go to the Trocadero. What do you think?’

  ‘That would be great.’ Ellie tried to sound more cheerful than she felt. She’d desperately tried to shake the Centaur from her mind, but she’d found it impossible. It brought home how brutal and unpredictable this war was and this only fuelled her anger—an emotion she couldn’t entertain in her line of work. She had to keep a level head and concentrate on the tasks at hand.

  ‘Are you all right?’ The concern in Louis’s eyes only made her feel worse.

  ‘I’m just a bit rattled about the Centaur.’

  ‘Ah, yes.’ Louis glanced at the closed wire door then motioned for her to follow him to the far side of the verandah. ‘About that.’

  ‘What’s happened?’

  ‘Mrs Hanley has a young guest today.’

  ‘Oh?’

  ‘Her neighbour’s son Georgie.’

  ‘Georgie Stewart? I haven’t seen him for ages. It will be nice to see … what? Why are you looking like that?’

  ‘His dad was on the Centaur.’

  ‘Oh no.’ Ellie sat heavily on the wicker chair. ‘I thought his dad was still in Sydney.’ She shook her head. ‘That poor, poor boy.’

  ‘He’s a good kid.’

  ‘He is,’ she said. ‘Has Mrs Hanley made scones?’

  ‘I don’t know. Why?’

  ‘She always makes scones with neighbourhood children who have just lost a family member. She takes them in so the mother can catch her breath, grieve and figure out what to do next.’

  ‘Don’t mothers need their children near them at times like this?’ asked Louis.

  ‘Some mothers do, others need to be alone so they can think straight. Everyone is different.’ Ellie glanced at the door to make sure no little ears were listening. ‘Maybe we should go inside.’

  Louis opened the wire door and Ellie walked down the hall and into the kitchen. Georgie Stewart, a sweet ten-year-old, stood on an upturned wooden crate at the kitchen bench. He rolled the dough flat while Mrs Hanley held a scone cutter at the ready as she talked Georgie through the process. Maude and Kat stood at the kitchen sink shelling peas and washing carrots freshly pulled from the garden.

  Mrs Hanley hugged Ellie. ‘I’m so glad you could make it, my beautiful girl. I’ve missed you so!’

  ‘It’s only been two weeks since I was last here.’

  ‘I know, I know. Georgie,’ Mrs Hanley touched his shoulder. The young boy turned around, his cherub face streaked with flour. ‘Do you remember Ellie?’

  ‘You’re the one who talks a lot,’ said Georgie.

  The room filled with laughter and Mrs Hanley let his cheeky comment slide.

  ‘I am known for great conversation.’ Ellie pointed at the dough on the counter. ‘How about you show me what you’re doing here?’

  Mrs Hanley sent Ellie a ‘thank you’ look and went to supervise Kat and Maude. Louis set the table and before long, the scones were in the oven and everyone was eating lunch.

  ‘How’s work at Qantas?’ Ellie asked.

  ‘Fine. Good.’ Kat put her fork down. ‘Come back. I miss you.’

  ‘I’d love to but AWAS is where I need to be right now.’

  Kat scowled at her plate. ‘Then come back and live with us.’

  ‘I want to, but I can’t.’ Guilt stabbed her. Had she not been there enough for her friend?

  ‘Honey,’ Mrs Hanley said, ‘we all have our jobs to do and Ellie needs to be elsewhere. At least we get to see her some of the time.’

  Kat nodded, her eyes glassy. ‘I just feel like everyone is leaving me.’

  ‘When I’m not physically here I’m still thinking of you,’ said Ellie.

  ‘I’m just feeling a bit fragile right now.’ Kat sniffed. ‘We got engaged a year ago today.’

  Ellie wrapped her arms around Kat as tears cascaded down her cheeks. Louis, Maude and Mrs Hanley set about collecting dishes while Georgie stared at Kat with round eyes.

  ‘Georgie,’ said Mrs Hanley, ‘would you mind going to the pantry and finding the apricot jam?’

  He did as asked while Kat retrieved a handkerchief from her bra, blew her nose and whispered to Ellie, ‘I feel like a fool crying over this when there’s Georgie who’s lost …’

  ‘Let’s go out for a bit.’ Ellie ushered Kat down the hall and onto the verandah where they sat on the chairs. ‘Sweetie, I know you’re upset but—’

  ‘I should shut up, I know.’

  ‘It’s not that—’

  ‘Around Georgie, I mean. I guess the anniversary and seeing Georgie set me off.’ She sighed and looked at the heavens. ‘The little fella reminded me of the children I’ll never have. And with Georgie losing his father … it just got too much. I’m sorry.’

  ‘You don’t need to be sorry. We all have our moments.’

  ‘You manage to keep it all together.’

  ‘I try but I’m human, just like you. How many times have you comforted me over Robert?’

  Kat pulled Ellie into a hug, her thin arms holding Ellie so tight her ribs felt like they would crack.

  She rasped, ‘I can’t breathe.’

  Kat’s tinkling laugh dispersed the cloud of gloom that had settled over them. She let go and sat back. ‘Sorry.’

  ‘Ah,’ Ellie waved her hand, ‘don’t be. You know you’re the sister I never had, right?’

  ‘And you’re my extra sister—the one I actually like.’

  It felt good to laugh with Kat, it took Ellie back to when they’d met a couple of years ago. From that very first day they’d continually talked about their dreams and hopes in a world full of uncertainty.

  ‘Scones are ready.’ Georgie swung the wire door open so hard it smashed against the weatherboards. ‘Oops.’

  ‘I won’t tell if you don’t,’ said Ellie.

  ‘You can have an extra scone.’ Georgie grabbed her hand, leading her back to the kitchen.

  Louis and Maude had already left, Kat had retired to her room for a nap and Georgie was in the backyard running around making aeroplane noises with his arms spread wide. Mrs Hanley and Ellie were at the kitchen sink washing and drying dishes.

  ‘How’s he doing?’ asked Ellie.

  ‘Putting on a brave face.’ Mrs Hanley put down the dishcloth and observed Georgie. ‘His mother isn’t coping at all.’

  ‘Is he staying with you?’

  ‘His mother and I agreed he needs to be in his own bed at night. The poor child wakes up screaming and needs her nearby. And she needs him just as much, but the break during the day helps immensely.’

  ‘That’s the thing, isn’t it? When a father dies the mother has to keep going for the sake of holding the family together, even though her heart has been ripped out.’ Ellie looked over at Mrs Hanley who leaned against the sink, her head lowered. ‘I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to—’

  ‘Ellie, darling, it’s all right. I’m fine most of the time, it’s just moments like these when I see little Georgie and know what he and his mother are going through—it reminds me of how the boys and I suffered. I know they were older but it doesn’t mean the pain was any less.’


  ‘It’s hard, no matter what age.’ Ellie said. ‘Did you make scones with your boys?’

  Mrs Hanley nodded. ‘During the Great War we would bake and deliver them to any neighbours who suffered loss. It was the least we could do. Perhaps, more selfishly, it gave me an excuse to have my boys with me, doing something together so we could create memories to treasure. And when I lost my own sweet boys in this war, it made sense to take in children and help them through their grief. If I can help another mother through that pain by giving them a few hours’ grace, then I will do that for as long as it’s needed.’

  Hot tears burned Ellie’s eyes. She missed her family more than ever. Gone were the days when Robert would barge into her room and throw one of his dirty socks at her head, or she’d tease him about the latest girl who had a crush on him. Nevermore would they have family meals around the dinner table, when her father would recite limericks and her mother would complain about shoes being left in the hallway.

  ‘Thank you,’ said Ellie.

  ‘For?’

  ‘For allowing me to visit even though I don’t live here any more.’

  Mrs Hanley kissed Ellie on the forehead. ‘You are family, my darling girl, no matter where in the world you are.’

  Ellie sat with her back against the Moreton Bay fig while Louis and Maude opened the picnic basket and took out sandwiches and a thermos and placed them on the tartan rug. Ellie was delighted to take some much-needed time away from the barracks and be a normal person—as normal as one could be while holding on to some of the country’s biggest secrets.

  ‘How’s work going?’ asked Louis.

  ‘Busy.’

  He nudged Ellie’s foot with his. ‘What is it you do exactly?’

  ‘Lots of paperwork.’ It wasn’t exactly a lie.

  ‘What kind of paperwork? Filing? Typing letters? Taking dictation? I didn’t think you knew shorthand.’

  ‘I don’t know shorthand, and I don’t take dictation.’ Although she had created her own form of note-taking since working at Central Bureau—with the messages coming in thick and fast, Ellie had needed to find a way to process everything quickly and identify the communications that needed immediate attention.

  ‘Let’s not pester Ellie.’ Maude pushed her sunglasses back up her nose. Her simple yellow dress hugged every curve and her perfectly styled red hair fell to her shoulders. If Hollywood ever came to Brisbane looking for a new starlet, Maude would be their first choice.

  Louis casually rested his hand on Maude’s arm. Ellie could have felt like a third wheel, but Louis and Maude had made it clear they wanted her there. Witnessing the growing love between them warmed Ellie’s heart, but it brought home the fact that it had been nearly five weeks since she’d heard from Harry.

  Louis exchanged a look with Maude, who nodded. He cleared his throat. ‘Maude and I have something to tell you.’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘We’re getting married!’ Louis and Maude yelled together.

  Ellie’s mouth hung open. ‘Married? But you’ve only just met!’

  ‘It’s been three months, Ellie, and we know each other well enough to realise we can’t stand being apart.’ He sounded indignant. ‘Besides, there are no certainties in this world right now apart from love.’ He held Maude’s hand and she rested her head on his shoulder.

  Ellie brushed her fingers across the top of the grass. A bomb could drop at any moment or the Japanese could invade and they’d all be dead. Maybe Louis was right. Earnestly, she said, ‘That’s wonderful news. I’m really pleased for you both.’

  ‘We’d like you to be our witness.’ A bubble of delight surrounded Maude. ‘We’re doing this as soon as possible.’ She stood. ‘First though, I need to go to the ladies’.’

  Maude took off in the direction of the public toilets. She caught the eye of every man she walked past.

  Ellie turned towards Louis. ‘I am really happy for you. Sorry about before, I was just a bit surprised.’

  ‘I know it’s quick, but I can’t see the point in waiting.’ He picked some strands of grass then flicked them away, his gaze off in the distance. ‘It would have been nice if Robert was here. He’d have got along famously with Maude.’

  ‘He sure would have,’ she said quietly.

  ‘I thought it would get easier with time but …’ He shrugged. ‘I’m sure he’s up there, having a celebratory beer for us.’

  ‘I imagine he is.’ Ellie chewed her lip as a question sprang to mind, but it wasn’t the time or place.

  ‘Spill,’ said Louis.

  ‘What?’

  ‘Spill whatever it is you’re dying to ask.’

  She paused for a moment then realised she wasn’t going to get away without saying anything. ‘I was just wondering whether you asked me to be a witness because I’m Robert’s sister. Like I’m his replacement.’

  Louis studied her for some time before answering. ‘You may be his annoying little sister who got us into trouble when we were growing up but’—he gently placed a finger under her chin and locked eyes with her—‘you have grown into a beautiful, kind, loving person who I trust more than anyone else in this world.’

  ‘Even Maude?’

  ‘You know me better than any other person. I want to share my happiness with you, my dear, dear friend.’

  Ellie reached over and embraced Louis. They stayed like that for some time and she revelled in the warmth and gentleness emanating from the man she trusted with her life.

  ‘I go away for a few weeks and this is what I come home to?’

  Ellie jerked back then jumped up and ran towards Harry, her legs unable to cover the ground fast enough. She wrapped her arms around him as tight as she could. ‘You’re back!’

  ‘Yes, I most certainly am. Yet I find you in the embrace of another man.’

  Ellie laughed, her heart light. ‘It’s just Louis. Besides, he’s engaged!’

  Harry gave Louis a friendly slap on the back. ‘Got suckered in, I see. Congrats, old boy.’ He looked around. ‘Where is the bride to be?’

  ‘Here I am.’ Maude arrived behind them. ‘It’s lovely to see you, Harry.’

  ‘And you too. I hear congratulations are in order.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Maude beamed.

  Harry reached for Ellie’s hand. Her breath caught in her throat. She’d missed his touch more than she’d realised.

  ‘Do you mind if I take Ellie for a walk? Leave you two lovebirds to bask in your pre-marital bliss?’ asked Harry.

  ‘Sure,’ Louis said. ‘We were about to head back to Maude’s and plan the wedding, anyway.’

  They said their goodbyes then Ellie strolled away with Harry, their hands intertwined. She couldn’t stop staring at him. Finally, he’d returned.

  ‘How did you find me?’ she asked.

  ‘I went to the barracks. Florry’s like your own personal secretary.’

  ‘She is.’ Ellie dropped his hand. ‘You said you’d write.’

  ‘I’m sorry. I could say I was busy—which I was—but I needed some time.’

  ‘Time for what?’

  Birds chirped in the trees above. A light breeze rustled the leaves.

  ‘Time for what?’ she asked again.

  Harry cleared his throat and put his hands behind his back. ‘For figuring out my feelings for you.’

  Ellie halted. Oh no. Did he want to break up? She’d once sworn she wouldn’t allow herself to fall for anyone, yet here she was, acting like a starry-eyed teenager hanging off her beau’s every word.

  ‘What do you mean by figuring out your feelings?’ she asked.

  ‘Because you make me crazy. All I do is think about what you’re doing, where you are. Then I wonder whether you’re thinking the same about me.’

  ‘If you needed time then you should have said so, rather than leave me wondering what had happened to you.’

  ‘I’m sorry.’ Harry looked at his polished black shoes, now covered in dust. ‘I guess I needed to know if absence made th
e heart grow even more fonder.’

  Ellie bit her lip. ‘Does it?’

  Harry leaned in, his lips inches from her ear. Goosebumps sprouted on her skin and a shiver ran down her spine.

  ‘It does,’ he whispered. ‘I am falling hopelessly in love with you, Elanora O’Sullivan.’

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Ellie nestled against Harry’s chest, his strong arms holding her close as dancers swept across the dance floor of Trocadero Dansant. After Harry had returned from his training in Townsville, their relationship had blossomed. Her work at Central Bureau continued, and each day the messages being sent and received increased. There were also more comings and goings at the house. Worryingly, ever since the attack on the Centaur three months ago, Florry had become quieter than usual. Although Ellie had tried to get her friend to talk, Florry had promised everything was fine. Ellie wasn’t so sure.

  Louis and Maude were on the other side of the dance floor in a tight clinch, dancing slowly even though the tempo was upbeat. Since getting married at the registry office a few hours ago, they hadn’t stopped grinning and whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears.

  ‘Do you think they’re in this for the long haul?’ Harry watched their friends.

  ‘They’re very much in love.’ She shifted so she could look directly at him. ‘Why do you ask?’

  ‘So many people get married quickly these days. Most of the time they barely know each other.’

  ‘We can’t predict what tomorrow will bring so if Maude and Louis want to live in the moment, they should. Besides, in a world that’s being torn apart, marriage gives people hope.’

  ‘For?’

  ‘Hope for a future when the present is so heartbreakingly sad. Without love of all kinds—romantic, family, friends—what do we have? What are we fighting for?’

  Harry looked at the chandelier above. He returned his attention back to her, his expression serious. ‘You know I love you.’

  ‘And I love you,’ she said.

  ‘But I’m not ready to propose.’

  ‘I wasn’t expecting you to.’ Although she’d often dreamed of the moment, how it would transpire, how she’d feel, what he’d say, she’d also sensed that if it happened, it would be way into the future. ‘Why are you saying this?’