Angel on my Shoulder

by Carl Leckey

  “Good God Louise I am quite shocked to hear you say such a thing.” I scold her with a laugh.

  We climb out of the cab I am showing her the controls on the Rolls when I remember the Luger. Before she leaves I hug her to me and say. “Good luck my beloved sister I know it will work out for you.”

  I watch her drive out of the yard with fingers crossed. Louise needs some happiness after what she has been through. God willing she will find it with my friend Billy. With apprehension I search the truck. It is with relief I find the damn thing where I hid it so long ago. I wrap the gun in a newspaper, and I secret the parcel in the coach house at the back of a drawer. As I carry out this task I make a mental note to dispose of the Luger as soon as possible.

  I scan the papers I found in the back of the truck in Metz but they mean nothing to me as they are written in German.

  The bundle contains documents emblazoned with official stamps and what looks like personal letters. I lose interest and toss them into the drawer.

  Upstairs I find Denise and Daisy in the kitchen together baking a cake. Denise remarks over her shoulder. “I know why you stayed downstairs. Did you sort anything out?” I reply. “Louise has gone to see Billy now. I have had a long talk with her. If things work out they are coming back here together, we can tell them about Yvette and Jean. Where is Jean by the way he is not knocking about?” “Where do you think? He has gone to see his beloved. I have invited them around for supper. I am cooking enough for Louise and Billy as well.” Denise replies with a smile. “I know they will be here.” I wish I was as confident. “What are you up to Daisy making mud pies?” I enquire ruffling Daisies hair. She replies indignantly. “No don’t be silly Uncle Adam. Aunt Denise is helping me to bake a cake for Auntie Yvette’s engagement party.” What a kid? She has won my heart that’s for sure. I give Denise a hug from behind as she rolls pastry whispering in her ear. “Uncle Adam loves Auntie Denise.” I love to hear that girlish giggle again and give her another squeeze. Sometime later we both hear the engine of the Rolls together and rush to the bedroom window closely followed by Daisy. The window overlooks the yard. The three of us cram into the small space pushing and shoving playfully to have first glimpse of the scene below. Denise and I breathe a sigh of relief at what we see. Seated in the front of the car are Louise and Billy riding in the rear are Yvette and Jean. They climb out of the car. Billy and Louise walk across the yard together holding hands. Denise lets out a triumphal yippee. As they enter the coach house and begin to climb the stairs we rush back to the parlour to be sitting nonchalantly talking as they enter the room. Daisy rushes to greet them with. “Auntie Louise we saw you through the window holding hands with Uncle Billy.”

  “Who taught this kid to speak French?” I enquire with a smile. Louise is radiant Billy has a grin from ear to ear. We have four happy visitors for supper that evening. Both sisters are sporting their sparkling engagement rings. The supper party turns into an unofficial meeting. After the meal the men troop down stairs to examine the coaches. The Ladies go into huddle for a gossip with Daisy all ears in attendance passing from one to the other for a cuddle. Jean proudly conducts a tour explaining all about the coaches. He has about completed a wonderful restoration and thankfully painted out the coat of arms from the doors on my instructions. I feel this action closes a horrible chapter in our lives.

  Jean agrees to Alec’s idea he will attend the market tomorrow to purchase a horse, if they are suitable. Billy suggests that I teach Jean to drive. “We were having a talk on the way over here.

  Jean could be utilised as a spare driver for the depot when we are short handed? Of course he will only be available if his coach business is slack. What do you reckon then?” I respond enthusiastically. “That’s a bloody good idea Bill. I have been getting a bit of ear ache from Harry about Jean’s wages, this will solve the problem. I translate the idea for Jeans benefit. “What do you think Jean?” Jean is enthusiastic. He confesses he has always wanted to do this but hesitated to suggest the idea. I advise them “I plan to visit the old man’s farm in one of the trucks on Saturday to show Daisy the animals. I will collect hay etc for the horse while I’m there. On Sunday morning we are going to see Alec and Marguerite’s hotel on the coast.”

  As they know nothing about this I have to inform them of the details. Billy is unusually quiet after I reveal Alec’s plans to leave the company. Jean is showing us the stables and smithy when Bill asks may he have a word in private. Jean discretely leaves us alone. Hesitantly Bill begins to speak. “I don’t know if this is the right time to tell you this in the light of what you have said about Alec. But here goes. Louise and I have been talking and making plans. You know I am spending as much time away from Le Havre as I am here? Well when we get married I would like to be close to her and the kids. I really like being with them.” He adds hastily. “I thought we could establish a depot around the village maybe at the old folk’s farm and work from there. It would suit us and we could give the old un’s some cash for using their property. You know they are struggling and won’t take any help. If it was a regular business deal they would accept it. They do not like charity Adam they are very proud people.” “Yes Bill. I know that from my stay there.” Billy reveals other details.

  “They have a good telegraph line to the village now. I have heard on the grape vine they are installing a telephone exchange close by in the near future. So we will be able to keep in touch easier. I will be still coming here of course but that would be my base.

  We reckon we could set a garage up there as well. Motor transport is on the increase and there is nowhere around there that can handle repairs and serving. I have an idea of giving the boys training in vehicle mechanics and driving. It’s the transport of the future as you have proved. What do you think?”

  “You mean you want to break away and be on your own?” I must have sounded disappointed. “No, no.” Billy looks shocked at the suggestion. “We want to stay part of the OSCADA organisation. Just be like independent to make our own successes or mistakes.

  It’s going great guns up to now, thanks to you and your generosity.” I protest. “No let’s get it straight Bill, it was a decision based on sound business practice and it is paying it’s way.” He laughs. “Ok. Have it your way, but I know better.

  Anyway for example I have an idea about vehicles that tip the load. It will save all the shovelling when we have loose goods to carry I have lots of ideas like that. I reckon if I had a good workshop I could do some experimenting. “ I grasp his hand. “Bill I am proud of you. Of course I like the idea. I will have a word with Harry and sort things out. I’ve already asked Harry to find a company that makes tipper trucks, one of your ideas Bill. What about finance? Do you need a cash advance to get going. It can be a loan you know, all business like?” “No thanks.” He replies proudly. “We have already discussed this. Louise appears to be soft and feminine. But under that lovely exterior she is a shrewd business person I will have you know? We reckon with the backing of a petrol company we can get it off the ground. I just need to find a good mechanic that can teach as well. I have his apprentices ready and waiting.”

  “Good for you Bill, you know where to come if you need anything? But listen to what I am about to tell you. Don’t you be keeping my sister in law to yourself, we will all be family soon and these sisters have just found each other. By the way, seeing it was your idea to get Jean driving you can teach him. I have had enough of being a driving instructor.”

  The supper party breaks up after a great deal of business has been completed. Louise gives me a hug and whispers as she leaves. “Thanks for everything dearest Brother.” Her kind words, really gets to me. At last I have the family I always longed for and it includes my wartime comrade. I have lent them the Rolls to go back to Alec’s house in style. They leave the loaded truck in the yard for security we arrange to swap over tomorrow morning early. I only realise after they have gone we didn’t get to talk about Father Peter and his future or where or
when their weddings are to take place. Daisy has decided she will be staying with her Aunt and Uncle for the weekend. With the help of Jean we set up a make shift bed for her in our bedroom. By morning she is no longer in her own bed I find her cuddled in Denise’s arms.

  I kiss them both leaving them asleep and creep quietly into the kitchen to brew my morning tea. How Daisy is changing our lives, usually Denise is up at the crack of dawn washing, cooking, and cleaning. This morning she lies contented with the child held close to her.

  Louise arrives in the Rolls at seven o’clock we have a quick chat and she if off in the truck to the market.

  The engine noises have evidently disturbed my sleepy pair of girls. When I get back to the flat they are both in the kitchen preparing breakfast. A great breakfast English style even though it is not Sunday this is followed by an equally great day.

  First of all we go to the market to watch Jean select a horse despite Daisy trying to persuade him a cute little Shetland pony would be just what he needed. We have lunch at a market stall surrounded by traders shouting their wares. Then onto the farm where the old man falls instantly in love with Daisy who holds his hand and calls him Grand Pere Jacque. The three of them disappear while I load hay straw, and feed for the horse. When it is time to leave the old man refuses payment for the goods he says our visit is payment enough, please come again. He looks so lonely as he stands waving goodbye at the gate. My two passengers are raving about their visit. When Daisy describes an incident or animal Denise quickly follows with one of her own. It’s like having two kids on an outing rather than one. But I love it. By the time we are halfway home Daisy is fast asleep with Denise’s arm around her. Denise says. “Thank you Adam for a lovely day. You know I feel so at home on that farm? That old man is the Grandfather I wished to have instead of the very strict unsmiling man we had to endure.” When we reach home Jean has already arrived with the horse a nice looking mare. He and Yvette are grooming the animal in the yard. Daisy wakes as the truck stops and joins them immediately she stands looking at the horse holding Yvette’s hand. Jean explains the horse he has purchased is trained to the harness having been used on a hackney carriage until the owner acquired a motor taxi. I back up to the hay loft, with Jeans help we empty the truck and I leave to return the truck to the depot and bring the Rolls back to the yard for our Sunday excursion. Harry emerges from his office and informs me he will meet us at the hotel Hazel is bringing him in her truck.

  It has been a wonderful day followed by a nice supper prepared by my wife and future Sister in law. The horse is well fed and bedded down to Daisies satisfaction. As we settle her down for the night she informs us the horses name is to be Pegasus and we have to tell her a story like Auntie Hazel does every night. It has to be about a farm a Grandfather and a horse named Pegasus. Alone at last like an old married couple we sit together my arm around my wife’s shoulders completely exhausted by our first day solely in charge of a child.

  Sunday morning Daisy attempts to drag us out of bed for the trip to the seaside is calling. She has already been awake for nearly an hour sitting between Denise and I plaguing us with questions about the sea.

  Do sea horses neigh? Are hotels like houses? etc, etc. Sunday morning is our traditional lie in usually we have a bit of a romp before getting up. Denise opted to miss the Sunday church visit because Daisy is visiting.

  After being bludgeoned with questions I have an idea. “Daisy why don’t you go and see Uncle Jean next door, I’m sure he would like to see you. Pegasus would like to see you as well. I bet that lazy horse is still asleep in his stable?” She evidently thinks this is a wonderful idea leaps off the bed and heads towards the stairs. As she leaves Denise calls. “Don’t go near the horse dear unless Uncle Jean is there.” “I won’t Aunty.” Daisy replies as she disappears. Peace at last. “Denise whispers as I cuddle her to me. “You are a scheming monkey Adam. What have you in mind on this lovely Sunday morning? As if I don’t know. We will have to hurry she may be back if Jean is not up.” Have I got time for my Sunday morning bit of loving?” I try my hand although Denise responds and Jolly Roger thinks it is a good idea Daisy has other plans for us. Uncle Adam is about to have his evil way with her Aunty Denise when we detect the thunder of tiny feet on the stairs. I slump back onto the bed defeated. Denise giggles like a silly kid. Jolly Roger hangs his head in disgust as she bursts into the room and informs us without seeming to take a breath. “Uncle Jean is not coming to the beach. He is having driving lessons from Uncle Billy. Aunty Yvette and Aunty Louise are all spending the day together. Can we go for a ride in the coach? Uncle Jean is putting the harness on Pegasus and she looks lovely he has plaited her tail and curled her main. We all had nits at school.” I needed to know that last piece of news especially on a Sunday morning.

  What a life, what a kid? But we love her.

  Jean joins us for breakfast which is not the leisurely affair that usual takes place on Sunday morning.

  It is consumed at speed due to the impatience of Daisy. She has a wash and brush up performed on her by her doting Aunty. Jean, Daisy and Pegasus set off for a half hour trip around town. Denise and I stand at the gate waving them goodbye. The coach and horse is a credit to Jeans dedicated efforts.

  When they return the rest of the day goes well. Hazel and Harry arrive in the truck and meet us as arranged. The hotel is a very elegant building on the coast road it is just as Alec described it. Harry and I see the potential right away and he gives Alec a favourable report. I wheedle the price Alec is going to offer out of him without him suspecting my motives. After we paddle in the sea and play in the sand we have an excellent meal at a small restaurant recommend by Alec.

  After lunch comes the sad part of the weekend Daisy joins Hazel in the truck for the trip back to the village and school. We have previously arranged to take Harry back with us in the Rolls.

  Louise is staying over another night and travelling back with Billy Monday morning as he has a load to deliver close to the village.

  Although Denise is tearful to see Daisy leave we have enjoyed her company. We now look forward to having her for the long summer holiday in a couple of weeks time.

  The end of an era.

  Monday morning when I arrive at the depot a letter waits for me from Oscar’s lawyer containing bad news. Oscar has been attacked by another prisoner a madman who imagines he is the Kaiser. He evidently objected to Oscar’s opinion regarding the war. My friend is in the prison hospital in a critical condition. The Doctors have expressed the opinion that Oscar would not survive the attack. The letter is dated nearly a week ago. Harry evidently sees my distress as I slump in the corner of the office letter in my hand staring blankly into space. He enquires. “What’s up Adam is it bad news?” I hand him the letter to read for himself as words fail me. Harry takes charge as efficient as ever. “The first thing to do, we have to find out how Oscar is. I see the letter is already a week old. I think we should send a telegraph to the lawyer do you agree?” “But of course.” I reply. He writes a note with the enquiry regarding Oscar condition and explains I have only just received the letter this morning. “You have your car with you?” He asks. I nod agreement. “Take this to the telegraph station, you should get a reply pretty quickly I suggest you stay at the office.”

  The wonders of modern communications within half an hour of sending the wire I have a reply. I apprehensively read the sheet of paper the clerk hands to me I note a sympathetic look on his face that bodes ill. It contains the news I am dreading. Oscar my good friend is dead. Not only is he dead but he has already been buried in his home town of Leipzig. I recall Oscar telling me the city of Leipzig had a famous university of which he was a member of the faculty before the war. As I digest the sad news I read on to discover the lawyer requests me to visit him in Germany. He has a matter of urgency he wishes to discuss personally with me. He will not disclose the information by letter or telegraph. The date he proposes is less than a week away. Returning to the depot I hand the t
elegram to Harry he has a quick read and enquires. “Are you going?” I reply. “I really would like to if only to pay my last respects to my old friend. He didn’t deserve an end like that, cut down by an idiotic psychopath. Although I am hesitant to leave Denise so soon after her misadventure, it is something I know I have to do.”

  “I think you will regret it for the rest of your life if you don’t go.”

  Harry advises. “Let us presume you are going?

  Denise has her sister she could stay with her while you are away. That is if you are not taking her with you?” “I hadn’t thought of that Harry it has all been so sudden. I wonder will she be interested in going with me to Leipzig? She thought a great deal of him. I know Oscar considered Denise like his own daughter, I shall have to ask her.”

  “Right let us suppose one way or another you are going to Leipzig either with or without your wife, how would you travel by car or train?” “Jeeze Harry I haven’t a clue where the place is, what would you suggest?” Without hesitation he replies. “By train I wouldn’t consider driving through Germany so soon after the war. There could be people you meet who would not welcome you to put it mildly. Plus there is the question of petrol and availability. No myself I would go by train there is an excellent rail network on the continent. Even during the war in my time at movement control I used it to get goods about. The only trouble then it was overloaded with military stuff. I reckon now it will be almost back to normal. The cross channel ferries are running on peacetime schedules I had no trouble getting a passage. Alec informs me you haven’t had a break since you were demobbed?” I confirm this with a nod. “I know the reason you are going to Germany is tragic, but why not treat the trip as a holiday or if you like the honeymoon you didn’t have, go on enjoy yourselves? I am sure your friend would understand by what I have heard of him.