Home Front 1942: The Second Act

[Messalina]

Grace Anderson

"Drink up," Grace said, pouring a tall glass of iced tea for the Chief of Police. "Now let's get something in your stomach, too."

She could feel Cap's eyes on her back as she moved around her kitchen making small talk as she worked. Oddly enough, it didn't feel at all uncomfortable. Their conversation was pleasant and even comforting in some ways. It had been a long time since she had cooked for anyone besides herself and Mike in their home.

Before long, the room was filled with the aromas of frying ham and eggs. The hash browns were coming along nicely and she had sliced bread from a homemade loaf which was toasting on a griddle on the back burner. Barney had even managed to pad into the kitchen to see what she was making and to take advantage of the heat from the stove.
Grace set a heaping plate of food in front of Earl with a smile. "It's not fancy, but it'll stick to your ribs. Now eat up."

Cap looked askance at her when he saw that she was not going to eat with him. "I ate earlier. But I'll have a cup of coffee with you," she said quickly as she poured out two steaming cups of the chicory-laced brew. "Besides, it just does my heart good to see you having something home-cooked for a change."

Grace meant what she said, but found herself blushing like a schoolgirl nonetheless. It felt good to be doing something for a man again. Maybe too good.

 

[Tibxo]

'Slim' Sommers

(OOC: I am taking this character on)

From the shadows, he watches Frank Moore run from the pier.

"Well, well, well." He says quietly with a sneer before turning and heading off back up the alley...

 

[ariosto]

"My Gosh the whole towns falling apart!"
Jack rushed into the brightly lit diner in time to help the Lieutenant slide Claire into an empty booth.
Toni thrust herself between them and leaned close...
"Claire...CLAIRE!...are you okay...look at me."

The young woman's eyes fluttered open and she blinked up into the harsh overhead light.
Toni wiped sweat off her friends forehead with one of the diners napkins.
"Claire...."

The two men moved back as the pretty waitress swung her legs down and sat up.
She looked from one to another of them as though she didn't know them from Adams house cat.

"What happened?" Jack whispered to Bronson. They hadn't seen each other since the German prisoners escape and wild rampage a week ago.
"Dunno..we were talking and suddenly she froze up...dropped everything."
He nodded at the wreckage on the floor.

Toni was sitting next to Claire her arm around her shoulders.
"Honey...you okay?
Say something....please."

 

[captainb]

Earl

The late-night breakfast was just what the doctor ordered. Earl hadn’t realized how famished he was. The fact that Grace was a slambang cook didn’t hurt either. He was halfway through the plate when he looked up and caught her smiling at him over her cup.

“Sorry, Grace,” he said with a chuckle. “I guess I worked up an appetite somewhere.” She motioned him to continue, and when he finished she offered to make more. He waved it away with a satisfied grin, settling back with the cup of coffee.

“No thanks, that was absolutely wonderful!” he said. She smiled at that, and he was delighted to see her blush. She was awfully pretty, he thought for the hundredth time. Suddenly he didn’t want the evening to be over. He actually felt happy, and the emotion of the alley fight was fading, as long as he didn’t think too hard about it. Earl suddenly had a thought, and his mouth opened before he could stop it. But the words didn’t come out, and he quickly sipped at the coffee so he wouldn’t look too much like a fish silently gasping for air. After all, it’s late, he thought. And it's Thursday, not much happening in town tonight. But this weekend... Maybe she'll be working anyway, she might say no. He set the cup down and looked at his bandaged hand. You don’t get anywhere by not taking a chance, Earl.

He looked up to see her regarding him curiously. “Grace,” he began. “It’s a little late, I know…” Her eyes dropped and she nodded. “Would… you like to…” She looked up. Her eyes glittered with the light from the lamp, and her lips were slightly parted. He marveled that he was noticing such details. He swallowed and plunged in. “I know it's not until this weekend, but I was wondering if you were going to be at the dance?” For the first time, Earl silently cursed his job and that, although he'd be there anyway, he would be in uniform.

 

[Stardust Memory]

Bette Moore

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/BetteMoore.jpg
Bette and Davy had come home to an empty house and a note from Toni saying that she and Frankie had gone for ice cream. No matter how grown her children liked to think they were, it was the one thing she always insisted on. Especially after Toni had taken off that summer after graduation. She didn't know who had been more worried, Frank Sr. or herself.

When Toni finally let them know where she was, she stubbornly refused to give any details except for the address of a friend. Bette knew that Frank was in touch with her often, but they were always closer than she was. But it had all turned out for the best. Hadn't it? Toni was home now and safe. It just made her sad to think that it was Frank's death that brought finally their daughter home again. And now it would be Frankie going away.

The sound of the front door slamming and footsteps running up the stairs startled her from her thoughts. "What in the world?"

Bette got up and went to the staircase, calling up. "Toni? Frankie? What's going on?"

Getting no answer aside from the sound of a banging door, Bette climbed the stairs quickly. Toni's bedroom door was open and a quick glance told her that her daughter was not at home. Crossing the hall, she knocked on her eldest son's door, which must have been the one she heard slam.

"Frankie? Are you home?" Concern overriding propriety, she didn't wait for a response before opening the door. Bette heard Frankie before she saw him, huddled in the corner of his bedroom, crying his heart out.

Hurrying to his side, she knelt beside him, cradling her son in her arms and rocking him gently as she had when he was a boy. "Frankie... What's the matter? Nothing can be that bad, love. Tell me what happened."

 

[Yoc]

Frank Jnr

He is not aware that his mother has entered the room. He is only vaguely aware of someone taking him into their arms, that words are being whispered into his ear.

Perhaps recognising who it is on some instinctive level, his only response is to wrap his arms around the body holding him, his sobs become more violent as his buries his face into his comforter's shoulder.

 

[Messalina]

Grace

Grace found herself studying Cap's face while he ate, making small talk as much to keep her thoughts from wandering as to make him feel comfortable in her home. She had noticed him looking around earlier and had followed his gaze to be sure that nothing was out of place. Grace knew she was a good mother and had been a good wife to Benny, always keeping their home neat and clean for all its lack of fancy trimmings, but for some reason she found that she wanted Cap's approval, too.

The lines on his face had softened as he ate. The stern set of his jaw, the way he examined everything as if expecting to find a clue to some crime that had either happened or was in the offing. It was good to see the smile on his face extend to his eyes, something she didn't think Earl Talbrut allowed to happen very often.

Her eyes glanced at the clock when he finished eating. Grace didn't want him to leave just yet, but wasn't sure how to keep him any longer. She offered more food which he refused. She swore silently, angry at herself for not having baked something to offer as a dessert. Next time there would be something in the ice box. Next time? She couldn't believe that she was thinking about a next time. Why would he even be interested?

"Grace," The sound of Cap's voice startled her back to the warmth of the kitchen and the reality that he would not be coming back again. His next words made her quite certain of that fact. "It's a little late, I know… "

Grace demurred, ready to say there was no need to be polite, that she would have done this for anyone. After all, what are friends and neighbors for? But he was already talking before she could muster the courage up to say anything.

"I know it's not until this weekend, but I was wondering if you were going to be at the dance?"

Her hand moved to her throat, as if to choke back the surprised gasp that threatened to escape. Was he asking her if she would go with him, or was he just making chitchat? She hoped for one and was afraid of the other when she answered.

"I... Well... I'm on the Committee." Blast it, Grace. Just answer the man. You talk all day at the bar, flirting and salving egos and you can barely put two words together in one sentence tonight. Grace smiled awkwardly, wondering if she sounded as much a simpleton as she felt.

"Sorry. That wasn't an answer, was it? Yes, I will be going. I don't have an escort though... " She stopped short, her eyes widening in horror at what she had just said. I don't have an escort though? What kind of foolish schoolgirl are you? That is not what the man is asking you. Her face turning a million shades of red, Grace Anderson longed to slide under the table into obscurity.

 

[Stardust Memory]

Bette Moore

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/BetteMoore.jpg
Frankie buried his face against his mother, sobbing as if it were the end of the world. Holding him close, she cupped the back of his head in her hand and rocked him back and forth, crooning. "There, there... It's all right... Everything is going to be all right... "

She didn't know what had happened to upset Frankie so, but she swore that whoever made him feel this way was not going to get off lightly. Feeling like a lioness protecting her cub, Bette Moore did the only thing she knew to do in the meantime, and that was to comfort Frankie until he was ready to talk about it. However long that took.

 

[Yoc]

Frank Jnr

Finally, still wrapped in his mother's arms and unable to cry anymore, Frank slowly drifts into a trouble sleep...

 

[MBS1969]

"Here you go, Sean..."

The young waitress said as she returned with my not wholly correct order. Confused he was just going to ask her if she was confusing him with someone else when she started to sway and with the words "I'm sorry" she began to crumple and fall.

He caught her as she fell and with the help of Jack eased her into the seat I had occupied. Toni brushed past us and patted the girls forehead with a napkin.

"Claire...CLAIRE!...are you okay...look at me." she gushed and we watched as the waitresses eyes began to flicker open. "Claire" She looked a little startled at the three faces peering at her and instinctively the men stepped away as she regained her balance and sat up straight.

"What happened?" Jack asked Bronson quietly. "Dunno..we were talking and suddenly she froze up...dropped everything" Nils replied indicating the mess on the floor.

"Honey...you okay? Say something....please." Toni was saying to the waitress who was called Claire.

"I think the young lady needs a little fresh air" Nils said and went on to say he'd be happy to escort her if she wanted to go outside for a little while. "I'll clear it with your boss for you to finish early tonight" He looked at her pale face and knew that he needed to find out why she had had such a strange reaction to him and also why she'd called him Sean.

 

[captainb]

Earl Talbrut

An escort! Earl was barely able to suppress a grin as Grace blushed deeply at her own words. This is like being back in high school, he thought. Part of him was nervous as any fifteen-year-old, and another part was watching detached and delighted with their halting attempts.

“Well, actually I’m going to be there as part of the security,” he said, looking at her hands. “With all those boys from the ship, plus the way this town’s been lately…” Earl shrugged. “I’ll tell you, if I could just drink some punch and lean against the wall all night, that would be about the best I could hope for.” He glanced up at her and smiled. “If I was in uniform, I mean. But, at any rate, I’d be happy to be your escort whether in or out of my uniform.”

Grace’s eyebrows arched slightly, and his jaw tightened. Cripes, can’t I come up with anything that couldn’t sound suggestive? He straightened in his chair.

“Grace, that meal was delicious, but this room’s so comfortable that if I don’t move around I might just nod off right here. Would you like to take a walk with me, maybe down to the pier and take a look at the Quincy? It’s real pretty at night, all lit up and everything.”

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Toni Moore

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/ritaplaid.jpg
Looking pale and more than a bit shaken, Claire finally sat up. Toni didn't know what had possessed her friend to try working after receiving the news of her fiancee's death. Perhaps Claire thought that keeping busy would help. It did make sense in a way, but even working in a busy diner would not keep the shock of Sean Sullivan's death from finally sinking in.

"Here you go, Toni." It was Martie, the other waitress on duty, with the cold cloth she had asked for. "You okay, Claire? Is she okay, Tone?"

"She'll be fine. All Claire needs now is to get home and get some rest." Toni looked up at Jack. They had walked, leaving the car at home. She supposed they could call a taxi and was about to ask someone to do that for her when she heard the uniform speak.

"I'll be happy to see that Claire gets home safely," he said. "My car is just outside."

Toni looked up at him and her breath caught. Sean! No. It was that Lieutenant who had been there when Jack saved Davy Jones. No wonder Claire had fainted. The hair color. His eyes. Nels Bronson didn't actually look like Sean, but a quick glance could easily fool someone.

She hadn't noticed that about him before. Then again, she hadn't thought much about anyone besides Jack since they'd met. Now what did she do? Did she let him take Claire home?

"Claire. Honey. You remember Lt. Bronson, don't you?"

 

[Messalina]

Grace Anderson

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/GraceAnderson.jpg
"I'd be happy to be your escort whether in or out of uniform." When she saw Earl's jaw tighten, Grace first thought it was because he had had second thoughts and had only suggested they go together out of some sense of politeness or gratitude for the impromptu patching-up she'd done on his hand or the hastily prepared dinner. When she finally realized that Cap's discomfort was caused by the double entendre, she arched her eyebrows.

Down at the bar, she would have grinned and retorted in kind, but there was something about the way they were both trying to be so careful in choosing their words that stopped her. Grace was almost relieved when he asked if she'd like to take a walk on the pier. They could both do with a bit of fresh air.

"I'd love to," she replied. "Just let me brush out this mop of mine and put a sweater on."

**********

The streets were quiet at this time of night. It was midweek and most of the residents of Fair Harbor were safely tucked away in their beds even though there were still some sailors from the Quincy wandering about. Of course the Tradewinds would still have its handful of regulars and the Diner was probably still busy as well.

Earl Talbrut offered his arm and Grace shyly tucked her hand through the crook he made with his elbow. She liked the way he pulled it close, holding her hand against his body in a way that was both protective and proprietary. Like it or not, Grace Anderson was beginning to realize that she really liked this man who was best thought of as the Chief of Police of Fair Harbor. He wasn't quite the hard-boiled egg that he would like everyone to think he was. And she liked knowing that as well.

They walked in comfortable silence toward where the USS Quincy lay at anchor. She could see guards standing at the gangway in the distance, more than usual Grace thought. Especially after the incidences of the past few days. Earl placed his hand over the one she had through his arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze as if to say 'I'm here. Don't worry about a thing.'

There was something soothing about the sound of the water as gentle waves broke against the hull of the ship and she smiled up at Cap as they walked the length of the pier, their footsteps echoing hollowly as they made their way to the far end.

Grace wasn't sure, it happened so quickly, but she thought they spotted it at the same time. At first it looked like a pile of rumpled clothing that someone had dumped and then Earl suddenly had her behind his back and was looking in all directions at once, his hand moving quickly to his holstered gun.

"Oh my God, Cap! Is that what I think it is?" she half-whispered as her hand came up to her mouth in shock. A body! It was a body. But whose? And why?

 

[Stardust Memory]

Bette Moore

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/BetteMoore.jpg
Bette shifted their bodies, catching the edge of an afghan that she had knitted long ago. In another lifetime it seemed. When life was simpler and her children were still young and Frank Sr. was still...

Still rocking her him, Bette covered Frank Jr. as the heaving sobs subsided and his breathing slowed. He was asleep now but she would not leave him. No. She would stay right here with her boy. He would be leaving in two days and she didn't know when she would be able to hold him again.

Leaning her head back against the wall, she closed her eyes, still wondering what had happened to upset him so.

 

[ariosto]

Jack looked up. It was Bronson all right. They hadn't seen each other since the German had escaped.
"Hiya Lieutenant, seems like Claire may need a ride...you still running on government issue gas?"

The Coast Guard officer smiled and nodded. The fuel situatiuon for civilian automobiles had been cut again. An awful lot of Fair Harbor was on foot these days.

"Sure am." He said putting an arm around the waitress shoulders.
"I can give you a lift too. Just tell me where you want to go."

Jack knew exactly where he wanted to go, he exchanged a look with Toni.
"I'll make it easy for you Nels. We can all go to Claire's Grandpa's place.
I have a room upstairs and there's something in it I want Toni to see.'

His wink could be seen a mile away.

 

[captainb]

Chief Talbrut

Earl leaned on the railing and stared at the body on the rocks beneath them. Everything had really seemed to be coming together, walking arm in arm with a lady that made him feel young again. He’d actually thought that maybe the worst was behind them, that the German and the alley punks and their ilk were threats that just might recede, letting Fair Harbor return to an imagined idyllic time.

His mouth tightened and he looked at Grace. She had turned away in horror and stood hugging herself against something colder than the air.

“Grace,” he said quietly, placing his hand on her arm. “Are you alright?” She nodded mutely, looking at him with a deep sadness. “I need to find a telephone. Come on.” He put an arm around her shoulder and they walked off the pier. She stood silently as he pounded on the first available door, and stepped inside with him as he called the police station. Back out on the street, they waited at the pier entrance for the squad car to arrive.

“I’m sorry about this, Grace,” he said. “I appreciate dinner and all tonight. Breakfast, I mean.” She looked up at him as the siren’s wail approached. Her eyes glistened in the Quincy’s lights, and he felt a sudden, powerful urge to lean forward and kiss her.

Headlights and twin sirens swept over them, bathing their faces in flashing red. He breathed deeply and glanced up as the patrol car crunched to a stop, with an ambulance right behind. “I’ll have Officer Gresh drive you back home,” he said. She looked so sad, it made him ache. “Don’t worry about this. I’ll call you later. Besides, I still need you to save me a dance, okay?”

 

[mr spikey]

Professor Taylor

After the usual fight at the bar, I started on my way home. I decided to take the long way and look out at the harbor on my way. The Quincy came into view, laying at anchor. I noticed guards standing along the gangway.
I made way onto the pier. Perhaps I would be able to do a little night fishing, since the Quincy was at anchor. I walked slowly down the wooden pier to the end. The night was cool and the fog had yet to roll in. I looked out across the water and thought I spotted a light blinking out in the channel.
I watched the light for a short time, blinking off and on in irregular intervals. I turned to leave the pier and make my way home. As I exited the pier, I thought I heard a splash. I turned to look and no one was there. It was probably just a big wave crashing against the hull of the Quincy.
I turned slowly and left the pier, maming my way home.

 

[mr spikey]

Professor Taylor

I turned on the alley from the street to make my way to my home. I noticed a small figure walking in the distance. She was short and wearing a red sweater. There was only one girl who was that small and had that kind of body.
I called out "Miss Hawthorne, what are doing out so late?" She stopped and looked around. I walked up to her and said "Miss Hawthorne, you shouldn't be out late at night. You never know what could happen to you." She was always being teased at school over her looks. She drove the boys crazy, teasing them with lewd remarks and constantly flashing her legs. She would try to make me uncomfortable during lecture by not wearing a bra or criss-crossing her legs each time I looked in her direction.
I must admit, it was difficult concentrating on my lecture while she was in class. "Miss Hawthorne, there are drunken Sailors everywhere who would not think twice about ...well you should be home in bed, Miss Hawthorne"

 

[mr spikey]

Professor Taylor

I turned red at her reply. I knew she had a bad reputation around school. I stammered "Yes, Reb .. Rebecca I'm sure." I noticed the skirt rising against her thigh. A thought came into my head, I wonder....
Yes, perhaps it could work. I needed to measure my reply. "Yes, Rebecca indeed. A drunken Sailor fumbling around for his dick is a smashing good time in bed." I looked her up and down. Yes, she would do nicely. If I can only convince her. I reached around her back and pulled her close to me. I whispered in her ear 'Perhpas you need somone sober and who knows how to please a woman.'

 

[mr spikey]

Professor Taylor

She pushed me away. I had overplayed my hand. She said "I don't understand..." all the while twirling her hair around her finger. I wondered if she did understand. I would loved to teach her, but she seemed disinterested, as she stood up and pulled her skirt back into place.
"I am sorry, Miss Hawthorne. I don't know what came over me. Please accept my apologies." I stepped back and told her "You must be getting home and so should I." I looked deeply in her eyes searching for her decision.

 

[mr spikey]

Professor Taylor

She smiles at me and eventually invites me to walk her back to her house or go to the diner. I inform her that the diner is closed by now, due to yet another fight. I manage to say "Yes, you are quite right Miss Hawthorne. It would be my pleasure to walk you back home." Just then, faint footsteps can be heard coming up behind us.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Toni Moore

"I'll make it easy for you, Nels. We can all go to Claire's Grandpa's place. I have a room upstairs and there's something in it I want Toni to see."

Toni felt the heat rise to her face when Jack spoke to Lt. Bronson, though whether it was embarrassment or arousal was not plain to see. She grinned up at Jack, whispering "Your... etchings?"

Jack's answer was an even broader grin followed by another wink as he leaned down to help Claire to her feet. Still concerned for Claire, Toni couldn't help hoping that her friend would find some solace with the handsome Lieutenant. He did seem genuinely concerned.

Within minutes, they had all bundled into Bronson's car and were headed toward Claire's grandfather's house on Hampton Street.

 

[Tibxo]

Slim

He has almost reached his own neighbourhood when he hears the sirens.

So they have found him then. Wonder if he's dead?

He hopes so then he has got really something over that Moore kid.

Mebbe I can have some fun with that snooty gal of his!

A broad grin spreads across his face, revealing the gap in his set of off-white teeth.

Deciding that it is best to lay low for the night (he doesn't want to get the rap), he returns home for the first time in days...

 

[ariosto]

They left Bronson and Claire in the parlor and slipped into the kitchen to make some coffee.
The old man was snoring softly in his bedroom up the stairs.

"He's a nice guy, Claire's grandpa, but he's usually ready for bed right after 'Hit Parade'"

Jack sat at the table and watched as Toni poured the ground beans into the percolater.
She was graceful in even the smallest things.
He desperately wanted to take her to bed.
Right now.

"This stuff is like gold."
She said adjusting the gas flame under the pot.
"It's over a dollar a pound at IGA."

"Be grateful, there may not be any next year, I hear...."
Suddenly Toni was in his lap, arms around his neck, her soft full lips brushing his.

"Kiss me, " She said in her Lana Turner voice...
"It's been a damned long day."

 

[mr spikey]

Professor Taylor

I turn to look in the direction the footsteps are coming from. I can feel Rebcca grabing my arm, her fingernails digging into my forearm. Suddenly, a trash can lid falls over and a cat screeches and runs out into the alley. I relax as I see the cat scurry down the alley. I can still feel the fingernails in my flesh.
" Here, here. Rebcca it is alright, it is only a cat." I try to sound convincing, as I thought for sure in was human footsteps.
"Look at the time, we must get home. You will need a cover story for being out so late. Why don't we say you stop by my house to get some help with Physics class. Seeing that you are barely passing anyways, it is near the truth. "
She looked me in the eye and I softly whispered to her "Remember, I can always fail you if I wish. In fact, I think it is an excellent idea for you to stop by and catch up on your studies. I will expect you Friday night. In fact wear the outfit you have on now." I get a dirty look from her, anger rising up in her eyes.
"Besides, we wouldn't want the authorities to find about your parents now, would we." I think the last remark hit home. We walk back to her house. She does not say a word all the way home.