“I’ll be fine, Alex. I promise. There’re things happening here that I have to deal with before I come back.” She laughed in an attempt to lighten the mood. “You know how I used to get so involved in my cases that I lost track of time. This is kind of the same thing, which is good I think. Getting my groove back might make all the difference. I’ve found a few things that don’t add up and I want to try to sort them out. I need to make this story the best one I’ve written, Alex. You understand that, right?” The muted actions of the current newsreaders filled the screen while she waited for his response. When he didn’t say anything she continued. “You know you’re the most important person in my life.”
Billie smiled at the grunt he finally issued forth. Typical teenager.
“You are and I wouldn’t do this if there was another way. I have to sort things out before I come back and hopefully it won’t be too much longer. I need to go back to the house tomorrow and check a few things out. I found something that needs to be followed up, connect the dots better and see where that takes me.”
“Is it from a reliable source, Mom?” Alex sounded so like her, it made Billie smile.
“Yes, my dear. A very reliable source which I cannot at this time, divulge to anyone for fear of death.” She knew that would get a smile out of her son. It always had done in the past. “In the meantime, this is where I’m sleeping.” Billie gave him the name of the motel. “You can call me anytime. If I don’t answer it’ll be because I’m out sleuthing, but leave a message with the manager and I’ll call you right back as soon as I get in. Promise.” She said goodnight and hung up, her gaze going to the letter on her lap. Who are you Gertrude?
3rd January, 1941
Dearest Wilz,
The heat is suffocating and the dust! It’s everywhere. You would be horrified.
Our tent is covered in a layer of sand permanently. I’ve tried to sweep it out but it seems to be a complete waste of time. By evening, It’s all back again. The other nurses laughed at me when we arrived, told me to get used to it and wait until it gets really hot. How very dreary it all sounds but this is my life now.
The last few months have passed in a blur of long days and short nights. A day off is a thing of the past, I fear. We have suffered more casualties of our own thus we never manage to catch more than a few hours of sleep.
I was devastated when my dear friend, Lucy passed away. We had hardly got to know each other and she perished in a bomb blast while helping the ambulance to bring in soldiers. I’ve had little time to grieve and that’s probably just as well. I’m surrounded by death and feel with each day that passes, it taps me on the shoulder to remind me that my turn will come.
I do miss her so.
Your dearest sister,
Gertrude.
P.S. Don’t forget the roses
The roses, again. Whatever did she mean? Billie carefully folded the letter and slipped it into the envelope before adding it back to the pile.
* * *
“Lucy, you have to do something.” Hamish ran a hand over his hair and groaned in frustration. “Alex is frightfully upset over his mother’s failure to return home and I have to admit that I’m more than a little bit worried myself.”
She raised an eyebrow and gave him a haughty look, so unlike the woman he was used to. “I understand, Hamish, but to be honest, I think she’s having another break down and will return in her own good time. She couldn’t deal with Stephen’s death. That was such a terrible time for us all so that is why this time I’m not going to be swayed and rush into coming to the rescue. Once bitten, you understand. I think she’s using the story as a cover-up to get away from us.” She sat down on the couch and smoothed her ivory pencil skirt over her knees. “Isn’t that what you told Frederick, she’s not dealing well with her grief? I told you it was a mistake for her to go there but you wouldn’t listen.”
“Yes I did. But I think this is more than that. She wouldn’t leave Alex like this.”
“You’re wrong, Hamish. I appreciate your concern, but you don’t know her as we do, nor did you witness her behaviour after Stephen died. We’ve seen firsthand how she lacks maternal feelings. Billie thinks of herself first and foremost.” She rose and stepped over to the window, gazed down over the street, now bathed in darkness, her back rigid. “Far be it for me to put my own daughter down after all she’s gone through, but this could have happened anywhere and I’m glad Alex has us to look after him this time.” She paused. “When she called him, the poor boy was beside himself. He didn’t believe her story for a minute. His words, not mine.”
“I’m grateful he’s here too, but I think you’re making a mistake.” As well as sounding as unstable as you make out your daughter to be.
She contemplated him, her hand on her locket. “Alex tells me you want to take him down to pick up a pup this weekend. I’ve spoken to Frederick about it and we both agree. We think that’s a splendid idea, take his mind off things.” She stepped over to drinks trolley and picked up a glass. “Gin and tonic?”
Hamish shook his head. “No, thank you. I’d planned on talking
