Enemies and Traitors: The Norsemen's War: Book One - Teigen and Selby (The Hansen Series 1)

by Kris Tualla

  His brows shot upward. “Hi.”

  “You couldn’t sleep either?” she asked.

  “No.” His body relaxed and he huffed an irritated sigh. “I’m still figuring out the bomb I’m supposed to present to the honorable Major Hans Helgesen in less than forty-eight hours.”

  Selby tucked one foot under her and turned her body to face Teigen. “I thought you had it worked out already. Back in Oslo.”

  “I have the explosives worked out,” he clarified. “But I’m still not sure of how to detonate them.”

  Selby considered the long and shifting trail of churning water that the ship was leaving in the otherwise calm sea. “Tell me what the problem is. We can work on it together.”

  And then you won’t ask me why I’m out here.

  Teigen folded his hands, his elbows on the arms of the chair. “Part of the problem is that I don’t know the size or shape of the compartment that the bomb needs to fit into.”

  “But that can be changed if it needs to be—right?”

  “I expect so. But that leaves me wondering what would be the best choice if I do redesign it.”

  Selby pulled her gaze from the mesmerizing water. “What are your unchangeable conditions?”

  Teigen held up one hand and ticked off fingers as he spoke. “First, the parts of the explosive must be secured and stable so they aren’t accidentally set off.”

  “Okay.” Selby rested her chin on her hand. “What are the parts?”

  Teigen’s hand remained in the air when he turned to look at her. “Either a cigarette lighter and a pouch of gunpowder, or two chemicals which flame up when they’re mixed—and the pouch of gunpowder.”

  Selby nodded. “Got it.

  Teigen return to counting on his fingers. “Second, the detonator must be triggered by a specific movement—the opening or closing of a drawer.”

  “So the movement either lights the lighter, or mixes the chemicals.” Selby drummed her fingertips against her cheek. “Could the drawer act like a thumb and flick the flint on the lighter?”

  “That’s what I was thinking initially, and it might still work.” Teigen’s hand lowered a little. “I’d have to make sure that the lighter is fastened so securely in place that moving the desk doesn’t knock it out of alignment.”

  “Lighters don’t always spark on the first try, either,” Selby observed. “Would that be a problem?”

  Teigen’s expression changed. He looked hopefully surprised.

  “Actually, that might be an advantage. If the desk doesn’t explode the first day, then the men delivering it can say the bomb was placed there later.”

  That was an interesting idea. “Could the bombs be placed there later?” she asked.

  “No. They have to be securely attached… Ha!” Teigen clapped his hands together and whooped.

  Selby sat up straight and giggled. “What?”

  Teigen’s whole body turned to face her. “But the packet of gunpowder could be put in later! At least if we use a lighter!”

  “And it won’t set the desk on fire because the flame goes out when the lighter closes.” Selby pointed at him. “You’ll have to be careful where you put it.”

  “But won’t work with the chemicals, because they will set the desk on fire.” Teigen was pensive again. “I’m thinking something spring-loaded for that. When the drawer opens, it drops one chemical into the other, and when it closes it mixes them somehow.”

  Selby sat back and snuggled into her fox coat. “It sounds like you do have it worked out.”

  “I have the concepts, true. I guess that’ll have to suffice for now. I’ll figure out the actual construction when I see the desk.”

  Teigen peered at her. “So why are you out here?”

  *****

  Selby’s mouth opened, but no words came out.

  Because she doesn’t want to tell me.

  He waited.

  She shrugged, the movement nearly smothered by the thick fur. “I just couldn’t sleep.”

  Teigen lifted one accusing brow. “If a person can’t sleep, it’s because something unpleasant is weighing on them.”

  Selby frowned. “Not necessarily. They could be figuring out a problem, like you. Or just be wakeful.”

  “Are you just wakeful tonight, Selby Hovland?” he pressed. “Or is it something that you don’t want to talk to me about?”

  Selby turned away and looked toward the water churning behind the ship. In the moonlight Teigen could see her delicate profile and her pale blue eyes appeared colorless.

  “I don’t think I ever told you how much I love your hair,” he said.

  One hand jumped to her short locks and she turned back to him, obviously surprised. “You do? Why?”

  Teigen’s gaze moved over her face. “Because the wigs overwhelm your features. When I see you like this I notice your cheekbones and the curve of your jaw.”

  She cringed. “I don’t have any makeup on.”

  Teigen shrugged. “You don’t need makeup. You’re beautiful just as you are.”

  For some reason, that angered her. “Why do you say things like that?” she growled.

  “Like what?” Teigen was knocked sideway by the question. “Do you mean compliments?”

  “Yes. What do you hope to gain?”

  Gain?

  “Nothing!”

  Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t believe you. Men always want something.”

  “When have I ever… What do you think I…” Teigen sputtered his frustration at the unfounded suggestion. Then his recent suspicion about Selby’s past ran to the front of his mind, jumped up and down, and waved its hands.

  It’s time to address this.

  “Good God, Selby—what happened to you?”

  When she jumped to her feet he thought she was going to bolt. Then when she clenched her fists, he was sure she was going to punch him.

  Instead she froze.

  Teigen slowly reached for her hand, which was shaking, and pulled her down into the chair he had been using to prop his feet.

  “I’m sorry. You don’t have to tell me,” he said gently. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

  The moon was behind her now, so her face was harder to see. When she didn’t speak he continued, saying what he needed to say to her.

  “It just seems like your general mistrust of men must have come from something that happened in your past.”

  She tried to pull her hand from his when he said that, but he wouldn’t let her. Instead, he placed his other hand over the one he grasped.

  “You don’t have to tell me anything, Sel. It’s none of my business.”

  Her arm relaxed at that, no longer tugging her hand toward escape.

  “But I do have one thing to say that I feel very strongly about.”

  Her eyes, which had been staring to the side unfocused and blank, jumped to his.

  “What?” she rasped.

  Teigen squeezed her hand as he spoke. “I. Am. Not. That. Man.”

  Selby gasped, wide-eyed. Her free hand clamped over her mouth.

  “Do you hear me?” Teigen probed.

  She gave him the tiniest nod.

  “I promise you, I will never harm you in any way. In fact…” Teigen decided at that moment to go all in. “If at all possible, I’ll protect you from anyone else who tries to harm you.”

  Her hand dropped to her lap. “Why?” she whispered.

  “I need to redeem my gender.”

  Her brow flickered. “What?”

  Teigen’s heart drummed in his chest. Was it too soon to be fully honest?

  If I’m not, how can I expect her to be?

  “Redeem my gender.” He looked at her in a way that he hoped telegraphed his feelings. “I was afraid that if I said it was because I love you, you might get upset.”

  Selby was silent, her eyes intently fixed on his.

  “Did you hear me?” he ventured.

  She nodded. “Do you? Love me?”

  “I might.”
Don’t be a coward. “Yes.”

  She bowed her head then. He couldn’t see even a shadowed version of her face.

  “Please believe me, Sel, I don’t expect you to fall in love with me. No one can control who they fall for. I think my own sad experience proves that.”

  Nothing. No reaction.

  He squeezed her hand again. “But I really want you to stop thinking the worst about me at every turn, just because I happen to be a man.”

  She sighed and gave another tiny nod.

  Good. Move on.

  “So was there something else that wouldn’t let you sleep tonight?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Encouraged that she spoke, Teigen asked. “Do you want to stay out here a while? I’ll go in if you want to be alone.”

  She didn’t seem to know what she wanted to do.

  “I guess I’ll head back to my cabin then.” Teigen let go of her hand and stood. “Try to get some sleep.”

  He turned to leave.

  “Wait.”

  He looked down at the petite woman engulfed in expensive fur. She looked up at him so that the moon illuminated her face again.

  “Thank you.”

  Don’t ask for what.

  He smiled a little. “You’re welcome.”

  “I’m sorry but I—I can’t tell you.”

  “Don’t apologize. I shouldn’t have asked.”

  Selby rose to her feet so that she stood in front of him. “You’re a good man, Teigen Hansen. I’m going to try and remember that.”

  He chuckled. “I’d appreciate it.”

  When she made no move to leave, he asked, “Is there something else?”

  She chewed her bottom lip and nodded.

  “What?”

  “I want to give you something, but I don’t want you to misunderstand the gesture.”

  Teigen put his hands up in surrender and kept his tone light. “Okay. So it’s just a what, a peace offering? A simple sign of friendship?”

  Selby looked very relieved. “Yes. Exactly that.”

  Teigen waited.

  Selby looked at the chair he had just vacated and stepped on its seat, eliminating their twelve-inch difference in height. She now faced him eye-to-eye.

  Which a resolute sigh she placed her hands on his cheeks, leaned forward, and kissed him.

  Chapter

  Twenty Eight

  March 16, 1943

  Bergen, Norway

  Major Hans Helgesen had a hidden office in the back of a barn on a plot of land that overlooked Bergen’s bustling harbor, and that’s where today’s meeting was taking place.

  The troupe’s ranking officers, Dahl, Selby, and Bennett, along with a grinning Falko Jensen, stood in a semi-circle around a beautifully crafted office desk while Teigen explained his ideas to the major.

  “I like it, Hansen.” Helgesen rubbed his chin and his eyes narrowed. “You’re right about the lighter not striking right away, and that delay offering an alibi… But once you test both methods we’ll know for sure.”

  “Yes, sir,” Teigen agreed, relieved that Helgesen was pleased. One obstacle was cleared. “When can I start working on them?”

  “I see no reason to delay.” The major looked at Dahl. “Can you spare him until he figures it out?”

  Dahl nodded. “We’ve picked up a stray, so we’ll be fine.”

  Helgesen’s gaze hit each of the troupe’s three officers. “What do you mean by a stray?”

  “Hansen was testing explosives in the woods one day and he came back with a fifteen-year-old Jewish fugitive.” Dahl looked amused. “He’s a good worker. So we kept him.”

  Selby’s elbow hit Dahl with enough force to make Teigen wince. “Don’t talk about Ben like he’s a dog.”

  “Ow!” Dahl rubbed his side. “I’m just giving Teig a hard time.”

  Helgesen’s gaze pinned Teigen. “You gave him papers, of course.”

  Teigen nodded. “Before we left Oslo. Benjamin Isaksen is now Ben Thorkelsen Hansen.”

  The major’s brow quirked. “Hansen?”

  “I’m claiming him as a cousin,” Teigen explained. “And he’s traveling with me because I’m tutoring him for his university exams.”

  “Which he actually is,” Selby interjected without looking at him. “Tutoring, I mean.”

  “Because you’re a teacher, obviously.” Helgesen nodded. “That’s a believable story.” He returned his regard to Dahl. “So can this boy take up the slack while Hansen works on the desk?”

  Dahl was still rubbing his side. “Yes, sir.”

  “And if you don’t object, sir,” Falko spoke up. “I’d like to work with Hansen on this project. That way when the kinks are worked out, there’ll be two of us who know how to assemble the bombs.”

  The major nodded. “Good thinking, Jensen.”

  Falko grinned at Teigen, who smiled back. He was looking forward to working with his friend again.

  “All right, then.” Helgesen grinned. “Let’s get to work.”

  *****

  After everyone left, Teigen lined up his chemical supply on a plank. “So how have you been? Has your leg healed?”

  “Oh, yeah. I’m fine. See?” Falko hopped on the shot leg. “What about you?”

  Teigen smacked his belly with both hands. “Back to fighting weight. You, too, I see.”

  Falko chuckled. “I may have added a few extra pounds in reserve. Just in case.”

  “Well, you look good.”

  “Thanks. You too.” Falko leaned against the desk, crossed his arms, and pointed toward the door with his head. “What’s up with you and her?”

  Teigen looked at his friend in surprise. “Selby?”

  “Yeah. Are you two…” Falko unfolded his arms and clasped his hands together.”

  Teigen laughed. “What? Dating?”

  He refolded his arms. “I was thinking something a little more intimate than that.”

  “I haven’t bedded her, no.” Teigen set the wooden case on the end of the plank. “And why would you even ask me that?”

  “Because she’s obviously interested in you.”

  Teigen rested his hands on his hips, incredulous. “What did you see here that I didn’t?”

  “Dahl made a joke out of you sheltering that kid, and she let him have it.” Falko grinned. “You saw that, didn’t you?”

  He did, but, “That didn’t mean anything.”

  “Sure it did. She was standing up for you.” Falko pointed a finger at him. “And then she said the nice thing about you tutoring—what’s his name, Ben?—to get him ready for his exams.”

  Could Falko be right? Was Selby sending messages that he’d been missing?

  Wouldn’t surprise him; he wasn’t exactly experienced in the romance arena.

  Falko’s lips curved as he added, “And I would bet money that it’s mutual.”

  Teigen walked over and leaned against the desk next to his friend. “It is,” he admitted. “But it’s a slow burn.”

  “Have you kissed her?”

  “Once.” Teigen smiled. “And she kissed me once.”

  Falko laughed. “Four months and that’s it? That is a slow burn.”

  Teigen spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness. “We’re at war. It’s not like we could get married and start a family anytime soon, even if we wanted to. There isn’t a future for any one of us until somebody beats the other guy.”

  Falko looked resigned. “And gets the hell out of Norway.”

  “To that end, we need to arm some desks so they explode.” Teigen pointed at the line-up of glass containers. “We’ll need to make more gunpowder, for sure. And we’ll need to go buy a couple cigarette lighters.”

  “What if I could get you some gunpowder?”

  Teigen looked at Falko. “Can you?”

  He winked. “I have connections.”

  “Great!” Teigen straightened. “Then let’s go buy some lighters—and maybe a beer or two.”

  March 17, 1
943

  Selby sat at her backstage dressing table wondering if she could send Captain Rolf Schmidt a note begging off for the night. Today was her twenty-ninth birthday and she really just wanted to hole up in her room with a bottle of wine.

  If only she had one.

  The European war had thrown her life into some weird universe where capricious and sullen men in brown uniforms controlled everything around her. And the idea of her controlling them in any way was far less probable than she wanted to admit.

  “Sel?”

  Selby turned toward Teigen’s softly spoken greeting. “Hi.”

  “You have a minute?”

  “Sure.”

  Teigen walked toward her and sat on the chair next to hers. “Is Ben doing okay? Working, I mean?”

  “Yep. Doing great. He seems happier than ever.” She waved a hand toward backstage. “He’s even started repainting some of the other flats.”

  Teigen’s shoulders relaxed. “Good. I didn’t want to leave the troupe shorthanded.”

  Selby dipped her chin. “And we appreciate that. So—how’s it going?”

  Teigen’s expression lit up. “Well, we tried figuring out how to install the bombs by turning the desk upside down, but that didn’t work. So then we had to remove the top so we could reach the space in the back the man left for us to use.”

  That sounded like more work than was intended, and she said so.

  Teigen waved an unconcerned hand. “It’ll be fine. I asked Major Helgesen to let the craftsman know not to attach the desks’ tops when he has them delivered to our outposts.”

  “So you’ll attach the tops after the bombs are installed.” That made sense.

  “Plus we don’t have to worry about how the desks are handled before we get them because they won’t be armed.” Teigen gave her a relieved look. “I have to admit, that was one of my biggest concerns.”

  Selby couldn’t stop herself smiling at the man’s enthusiasm for his task. “When do you think you’ll be finished?”

  His expression turned impish. “In plenty of time to deliver it here in Bergen and see how it goes.”

  Selby’s mood soured. “Can you deliver it to Captain Rolf Schmidt?”

  Teigen stiffened. “Is he giving you trouble?”