Deathwatch: Inspirational WWII Suspense

by V. B. Tenery

  Grey rested his head on seat’s headrest. “Mine, too.”

  His friend paid no attention to the speed limit as he rushed Grey back to the Park.

  In his quarters, he bathed and dressed in slacks and a heavy wool sweater and tossed his damaged clothing into the trash bin. There would be no way to save them. He grabbed a nightgown, robe, and warm street clothes for Grace, and stuffed them into a small suitcase then headed back to the clinic, Aubrey again acting as chauffeur.

  Candler Surgery

  Buckinghamshire, England

  When Grey entered the clinic, he found Grace propped in a sitting position with pillows at her back, wearing a flannel nightgown two sizes too large. She’d apparently bathed away the toxic pool liquid from her body. The doctor was finishing up an examination of her head injury. He stood when Grey strode to his wife’s side.

  Dr. Candler had a full head of white hair. He was a tall, slender man with fine-boned patrician features, deep brown eyes, and olive complexion. He flashed a smile filled with perfect white teeth. “Good evening, Lord Amherst,” the doctor said and offered his hand. “I’m Jonathan Candler. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve been treating some of the children in your home from time to time. Victoria does a fine job with those boys.”

  Grey accepted his hand. “That’s good to know. I’ve been away from England and just returned today. How is my wife?”

  The doctor slipped into his professional manner. “Quite well, actually, considering the trauma she’s been through. She does have a mild concussion. I want to keep her here overnight, and we’ll see how she is in the morning.”

  “I’d like to spend the night, if I may,” Grey said. He intended to stay with Grace whatever the doctor said, but he’d ask nicely first.

  “Of course,” Dr. Candler said. “The other beds or a chair are at your disposal. I’ve given her something to make her sleep tonight. She’ll need rest until her injury heals.”

  The doctor nodded and was gone.

  Voice heavy with the sedative, Grace said, “I wanted to talk to you.”

  Grey smoothed the damp hair away from her brow. “Just rest tonight. We’ll have the rest of our lives to talk.”

  After dragging a heavy leather chair and footstool close to her bed, he took her hand. As soon as his eyes closed, he was asleep.

  ***

  Aubrey Milford arrived next morning at the Candler Clinic with an entourage, Victoria Hamilton, Edie Moorhead, and Bunny, in tow. Grey was sound asleep in a chair at Grace’s bedside. Grace, also still sleeping, held his hand clasped in both of her own.

  Edie stopped at his chair and glanced at Victoria. “How does he manage to look so devastatingly handsome in rumpled clothes and an overnight beard?”

  “He inherited it from his father.” Victoria stepped to his side and placed a gentle hand on his head.

  Her touch awakened Grey, his eyes widening. “Mother, when did you get here?”

  Aubrey answered for her. “I called Edie this morning to let her know what had happened, and they all insisted on accompanying me to check on Grace. How is she?”

  “I’m very well except for a slight headache,” Grace said, sitting up against the pillows. “All I want now is to get dressed and go home.”

  Grey kissed her brow. “I can help you with that. I’ll get the travel bag I brought.”

  As Grey stepped from the ward, the family clustered around him with hugs and concerned questions.

  Aubrey watched, amazed at how he downplayed the horrific incidents of last night. It was best that way. Their families would never know how near he and Grace came to losing their lives.

  “Let me see if I can get Jonathan to provide a bit of tea and toast for you two you leave,” Victoria said.

  Aubrey winked at Bunny and she gave him a conspiratorial grin.

  Victoria returned shortly with a tray and Dr. Candler.

  “We’ll wait outside until you’re ready to leave,” Aubrey motioning Edie and Bunny to follow him. He smiled down at Grace. “I have some rather good news to share with you and Grey.”

  ***

  The doctor’s efficient fingers probe the wound at the base of Grace’s skull. He then shone a light into her eyes and listened to her heart. Satisfied, he hung the stethoscope around his neck and looked at Grey. “Everything seems in order, but she’ll need to take it easy for a few days.” He chuckled. “No horseback riding or high diving, mind you. At least for a couple of days.”

  “You don’t have to worry about high diving, doctor,” Grey said. “She got that out of her system last evening.”

  “That’s for certain,” Grace added. “May I leave now?”

  Dr. Candler patted her hand. “Yes, by all means. You might want to check back with me in a week to make sure all is well.”

  Grey’s mother and the doctor exchanged a tender glance, and suddenly Grey realized they were more than mere acquaintances.

  In France while he was daily facing death, Grey gave much thought to what Grace said about his treatment of his mother. Grace had been right.

  When his mother picked up the tray to return it to the kitchen, he followed. She placed the empty dishes on the counter, and surprised flashed in her eyes to see him behind her.

  “Mother, I-I’m sorry for my behavior since Dad died. I—”

  “Shhhh,” she said and placed her fingers on his lips, tears pooled in her eyes. “Don’t apologize.” Her breath caught in a muffled sob and clung to him. “Oh, Grey . . . I’ve missed you so. I’m just glad to have you back in my life.”

  He held her close for a long time.

  CHAPTER 24

  Candler Surgery

  Buckinghamshire, England

  Grace dressed and brushed her hair, wishing she could do more with it, then sighed and left the bathroom.

  Grey and Vic stepped into the room, arm in arm. They didn’t have to say a word. The reconciliation was written on their faces.

  The three of them moved into the waiting room together and joined the rest of the group.

  Henry took Vic, Edie, and Bunny back to Amherst and Moorhead. Aubrey drove Grace and Grey to the Mansion.

  Once they were on the road, with Aubrey at the wheel and she was wrapped in Grey’s arms in the back-seat, Aubrey said, “I bring you tiding of good cheer from C.”

  Grey caught his glance in the mirror. “I could use some good news. What did C have to say? He’s sending me on another mission?”

  “On the contrary. You and Grace have been granted a fortnight’s leave. And that’s not all. Mack Hanson is flying back to the States and has offered you and your lovely wife a ride with him to a resort free from bombs for a while. Says his parents have a house on the Mexican Rivera which is all yours for the overdue honeymoon. C did say to remind you there is still a war going on and he expects you back on time.”

  Grey looked down at Grace. “What do you think?”

  “It sounds like heaven. When do we leave?”

  Aubrey laughed. “Actually, the flight leaves this afternoon. That gives you about two hours to pack. Mack says he’ll pick you up at the Park airport.”

  ***

  Hand in hand, Grey and Grace strolled to the plane waiting on the black tarmac. Mack stood in the doorway, smiling. “Welcome aboard. And Grace, you’ll be glad to know this one has heat. Almost as cushy as a commercial flight.”

  Once airborne, Mack brought coffee and sandwiches, then sat in front of them. “Have you thought about what you’ll do after the war, Grey?”

  “I gave it a lot of thought on that hard cot in France. If we win this one, and make no mistake, we must win, I want to work to ensure there is never another war.”

  Mack chuckled. “I’m with you on that, my friend. Do you have a magic formula to end war? If so, please share it with your American cousins.”

  Grey pulled his wife closer then gazed across at Mack. “No one can do it alone. It will take a lot of wise men dedicated towards that end: men who recognize evil, who wi
ll call it by its name, and will never compromise. I’ve considered running for Parliament. Bad decisions and naiveté got us into this war. We must ensure that never happens again. However, we must first win this one.”

  Mexican Rivera

  Acapulco, Mexico

  Mack pulled the Jeep up a long gravel drive to a white stucco villa with a red tile roof. A veranda hung over an oceanside pool with blue and white striped deck chairs. A light breeze carried temperatures in the mid-seventies. The turquoise sea sparkled like a rare jewel under a cloudless azure sky.

  They exited the car and Mack handed the keys to Grey. “The house keys are also on the ring.”

  Grace’s eyes widened as her gaze scanned the casa and grounds. “It’s magnificent, Mack. Thank you.”

  “Indeed,” Grey said looking into his wife’s shining eyes. “You realized we’ll have to make these memories last a long time. In ten days we have to get back to saving the world.”

  Her cheeks dimpled. “So what are we waiting for?”

  “The hacienda is fully stock with food and drinks. Enjoy.” Mack winked at Grey. “I’ll be back in ten days. If you need anything, call me.”

  Grey unlocked the door, shoved it open, and looked over at Mack. “I’m a seaman, Yank. We know how to survive with very little.” He looked into Grace’s eyes and lifted her into his arms. “I have everything I need right here.”

  Mack gave a deep chuckle, got into the car that had pulled in behind the Jeep, and drove away.

  Thank you for taking the time to read DEATHWATCH.

  If you enjoyed this novel, please consider leaving a brief review on Amazon or at the Good Reads website. Here is the link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YG5J9AW Word-of–mouth and reviews are how most readers select the books they read. Reviews are an author’s best friend and they are always appreciated.

  I love to hear from my readers and have made many friends from the comments on my website and through emails. Please feel free to contact me at any of the following:

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  email Address: vbhtenery@aol.com

  OTHER BOOKS BY V. B. TENERY

  WORKS OF DARKNESS

  Book 1 in the Matt Foley/Sara Bradford Series

  Some secrets just won’t stay buried.

  A construction site provides a horrific discovery when a worker uncovers the skeleton of a small child wrapped in a sleeping bag. Police Chief Matt Foley soon links the murder to another cold case, the hit-and-run death of Attorney Josh Bradford.

  The long suppressed memory of the young victim’s childhood friend, Sara Bradford may hold the key to both crimes. But Matt has mixed emotions about Sara—his prime suspect in her husband’s murder.

  Matt soon discovers the twenty-five-year-old mystery has the power to stretch across decades to kill again.

  Purchase WORKS OF DARKNESS on Amazon

  THEN THERE WERE NONE

  Book 2 in the Matt Foley/Sara Bradford series

  Mass murder doesn’t happen in Matt Foley’s town... it doesn’t happen to his friends. Someone is going to pay.

  Disturbing crime scenes are nothing new to the Twin Falls Police Chief. But this one is different. The victims are friends. In their Tudor mansion just inside the city limits, a family is dead—husband, wife, two kids, and the family cook.

  The killer made one mistake. He left a survivor.

  The husband is one of the big three in the microchip industry. The family lived a quiet modest life. It doesn’t make sense.

  Until...

  Purchase THEN THERE WERE NONE on Amazon

  DOWNFALL

  Book 3 in the Matt Foley/Sara Bradford Series

  Chief of Police Matt Foley has a new bride and the most complex case of his career.

  A prominent couple prepares to retire, when an assassin’s bullets retires them permanently. And he doesn’t stop there.

  As the investigation pushes forward, layers of deceit, greed, and bitterness are peeled away, and two families, connected by marriage and murder, face the exposure of their darkest secrets. It’s just another case until Matt finds his wife caught in the killer’s crosshairs.

  Purchase DOWNFALL On Amazon

  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YG5J9AW

  DEAD RINGER

  From the Pelican Book Group

  Mercy Lawrence is terrified.

  Bermuda airport facial recognition software has identified her as missing runway star, Traci Wallace. Despite Mercy’s protests, Traci’s husband, ex-CIA agent Thomas Wallace, is convinced Mercy is the mother of his ill six-year-old son. With only his son’s welfare in mind, he abducts Mercy and takes her to a private island to care for the boy.

  But Mercy soon discovers there are men much more dangerous than a father desperate to save his son. Her doppelganger has made deadly enemies—a relentless team of killers who now want her dead.

  When Thomas is lured into a covert mission to rescue a CIA asset and uncover a government mole, Mercy is left isolated and alone—and Thomas finds himself stranded on foreign soil with a compromised mission and a wounded agent. Fighting against a rogue nation’s timetable for launching a nuclear strike, he has to escape Saudi Arabia alive and rescue Mercy and his son before assassins finish the job they started.

  Purchase Dead Ringer on Amazon

  THE WATCHMAN

  Gifted with supernatural abilities, he’ll protect the innocent and avenge the abused, he is... The Watchman.

  When Detective Noah Adams meets the abused son of a powerful judge, he knows he must intervene, and fast. The violence is escalating, and even Noah’s special gifts may not prevent the unthinkable from happening.

  Relentlessly pursuing two cases, Noah receives a chilling message: Cody’s deranged father has taken his son and it’s up to Noah to follow the judge’s twisted trail to find the boy before it’s too late.

  Corrupt city officials, a missing socialite, an attempted murder, and a rescue in the middle of a blizzard entangle Noah in the most complicated case of his career. A case that will mean his ultimate redemption or will take him back into the dark history that haunts him.

  Purchase THE WATCHMAN on Amazon

  BONUS NOVELLA

  Read the prequel novella to the award-winning

  Matt Foley/Sara Bradford series

  BROKEN VOWS

  The Josh and Sara Bradford Story

  by

  V. B. Tenery

  Attorney Josh Bradford can resist anything but temptation. A serial

  philanderer who, despite his failings, is still deeply in love with his wife.

  He has vowed to change, but when his most recent lover is murdered, he and Sara find themselves at the top of the authorities list of suspects.

  The murder is his wakeup call . . . his only hope . . . that the police will find the killer before his marriage and career are shattered beyond repair.

  BROKEN VOWS

  COPYRIGHT © 2015 by V. B. TENERY

  This novella is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. The town of Twin Falls, Texas exists only in the imagination of the author.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, photocopy, recording—or in any other manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  eBook editions are licensed for your personal enjoyment only. eBooks may not be re-sold, copied or given to other people. If you would like to share an eBook edition, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with.

  Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated are taken from the

  King James translatio
n, public domain.

  Cover Art by Sharon A. Lavy

  Editor: Glenda Anderson

  Publishing History: First Edition CBC Press, September 2015

  Published in the United States of America

  CHAPTER 1

  Friday, July 3

  Global Optics

  Twin Falls, Texas

  The telephone on Sara Bradford’s desk buzzed. Engrossed in the report she’d been studying, she reached for the receiver and lifted it to her ear.

  “Mrs. Bradford, my name is McKenzie St. Martin.” There was a long pause. The voice was cultured, professional, but nervous. “Um … Josh wants a divorce . . . we’re in love . . .”

  Sara tuned out after the first few words, knowing what was coming. A familiar pain exploded in her chest. This wasn’t the only call she’d received from a woman with such claims, but the deep sorrow never lessened. Her husband’s infidelity had eroded the foundation of their marriage past her endurance, leaving her insecure and shaken to the core. He didn’t want a divorce. If he did, he would have asked for it, not sent his girlfriend to do it for him. To quote an old cliché he wanted his cake and eat it too.