Home Front 1942: The Second Act

[Guest]

Claire

They felt so right together, their bodies seemed to fit as if they were two parts of a whole. Claire's skin was alive; it tingled and shimmered with sensations under Nels' fingers. His touch was both arousing and reassuring to her.

She had pulled off his undershirt, pressed her lips to his puckered nipples and allowed her teeth to make them even more erect.

She had felt her moistness against him and his rigid arousal grazing her. They had kissed and caressed one another; she was holding her breath as he had been about to enter her when he suddenly rolled away.

Claire leaned up on an elbow. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands. "What is it? What's wrong?" She asked breathlessly, moving to hold him.

"You need Sean, not me." He had moaned and suddenly she remembered hearing her own voice calling out Sean's name as they had made love.

Claire shrank away from the devastated man. What had she done? She had selfishly been using this gentle, caring man to fill a void, ease her pain.

She had no right to do that and, suddenly self-conscious once more, she pulled the sheet around her nakedness.

"I-I-I am so sorry." She stammered, sitting on the opposite side of the big bed, her arms hugging herself as if to hold herself together. She felt Nels' weight shift from the bed and she closed her eyes because she knew he was dressing to leave.

She couldn't even turn round but sat wrapped in the sheet, shivering in the morning cold.

"Get something warmer on, Claire." He said softly. "You're shivering."

"It's not the cold." She replied simply but she reached out and pulled a blanket over her shaking shoulders. Once he saw she was covered Nels quietly kissed the top of her tousled head a let himself out.

 

[Miltone]

Lt. Nels Bronson, USCG

The sun had risen by the time Nels made his way back to his place. The long walk in the fresh air had done him good and the early warmth of this summer day melted into his bones. Along the way, he had chuckled to himself, knowing that his friend Charlie wouldn’t have thought twice about bedding Claire. Somehow, he couldn’t chase the image of her blonde curls and blue eyes and the warmth of her soft pale body from his mind. Maybe given enough time they could come together. He liked the thought of that.

Once inside his cramped apartment, much smaller than Claire’s rooms at her Grandfather’s place, Nels stripped down and hit the shower. The initial hot blast of water shook the lingering dreamy notions from his head as he washed his hair, but, as he washed his body, his hand became Claire’s and he responded as if she were there with him, wet and naked. He pictured her in the stall, just where her face would be in relation to his, where his hands might find her breasts, where they might slip down to caress the sweet downy fur of her sex. Just as he exploded and the built up tensions released from his body almost volcanically, the hot water ran out and he shook his head and stepped out dripping wet.

It was a different man he saw in the mirror than the one he was used to seeing. There was a rosy flush in the face and chest and this dick wagging in front was far from fully satisfied. He shaved with the tepid water that came from the tap, dressed quickly and walked the short distance to the station. He wondered what fresh hell he might find waiting for him. He wondered if he might see Claire again in the diner at lunchtime. Then he saw a flyer tacked to a telephone pole advertising the Saturday dance. Hmm.

 

[ariosto]

Carmody propped his size 9's on the window sill and stared out at the fleecy white cumulus, drifting like lazy white whales over Fair Harbor.

It was nice pretending he didn't have a damn thing to do.
The clock on the wall behind him clicked like a metronome...9:15...9:16...9:17...

More coffee?...sure John, another cup would hit the spot!

With an audible sigh the director of the Office of Volunteer Services, rolled his desk chair from the sun and the window and into the paper stacked canyons of his office.

Rose was off today, visiting her sick mother up in Hartford, so he'd half to make it himself.
Toni wasn't even here.

Now that was odd, Toni was almost never late.
He'd seen her the night before talking to some servicemen, sailors, that he didnt know, off the Quincy...

Some small worries nagged at him as he measured the dark coffee into the electric percolater.
Quite a thing that percolater. Bette had given it to him at Christmas. Not many around yet and likely not to be till the damn war was over.
Maybe he should call her up, see if the girl's okay.
Since Moore's death, Carmody had taken almost a fatherly attitude towards Bette's pretty daughter.

He picked up the phone and dialed. Then hung up...
There was Toni on the sidewalk below and she was talking to a sailor. The same one from last night. It was an animated discussion to be sure. He wished like hell he knew what they were saying!

 

[Guest]

Claire Fourree

For a long time Claire sat on her bed. She was still shivering but also burning with memory of Nels’ touch.

The sound of a door banging downstairs reminded Claire that she wasn’t alone in the big, old house. She stood slowly, stiffly. She suddenly became aware of the tiny cuts on her legs, they no longer bled but they stung her still, as did the coffee scalds.

She washed her face and tidied her hair in the small bathroom. She had been told to take a day or two off from the Diner for which she was very grateful. She slipped a simple summer dress over her bra and panties, slid her feet into her sandals and went downstairs

“’Mornin’ Darlin” her Grandfather said, not looking up from his newspaper. “Bin out and done the chickens, there’s a dozen eggs over there. I think the red’s broody again.”

He looked up over the top of his spectacles. “Land’s sakes, Claire! What have you done to your legs?”

“It’s nothing. Grampa. I dropped a coffee carafe at the diner last night.” she poured herself some of the precious coffee her Grandfather favoured and sat at the table across from the old man.

“I told you should take some time off, sweetheart. Toni’s right, you’re not yourself.” He folded the paper, removed his specs and looked at her hard. “You okay? You look a bit peaked.”

Claire shifted impatiently. “Oh Grampa! Stop your fussing. I’m fine.” Then, after a pause. “ Jack left already?”

“Yep. Bout five minutes gone. Surprised you didn’t hear us talkin’ down here.” Claire thought she caught the glimmer of a twinkle in her Grandfather’s eye.
Then, because he just couldn’t resist, he added.” That young coast guard fella high tailed it outta here a mite before Jack left.”

“Oh, all right! I know you don’t miss a thing around here!” she smiled at his nosiness. “If you must know, he was kind enough to escort me home after I dropped that coffee and I asked him to stay because it was so late.”

“He sure looks a lot like………”and his voice trailed away as he realised what he was about to say.

“Sean? Yes, I know.” Claire’s voice was wistful.

“I’m sorry, honey! I’m a tactless old man.” He reached across the table and took her hand in his.

“It’s alright, Grampa.” Claire squeezed the gnarled old hand gently then stood up. “ I better go clean Jack’s room and there’s a load of washing to hang out”

In the sunny yard, with the breeze sending a few clouds scudding, she felt better. She hung out the damp sheets and work shirts then finished a few other chores.
Later, she called her Grandfather in for lunch, and he emerged from one of the out buildings carrying a large bunch of lilac. Claire smiled as he shyly presented her with the fragrant bouquet.

“They’re lovely, Grampa. Thank you.”

“Just thought you could do with somethin’ pretty in your life right now.” He mumbled gruffly.

Claire put the blooms in a vase and sat with him to eat the soup and fresh bread she had baked that morning.

“Jake Harding dropped by. Says that Maisie Taylor was attacked. You hear anything about that, Claire?”

“Well, I know there was a ruckus over at the Tradewinds. Maybe that was it.” Claire replied absently, her thoughts were drifting back to Nels.

She toyed with the apple she had picked to finish off her lunch.
“I hope she’s alright. She’s a nice kid.”

Her Grandfather laughed. “Kid? She’s only a year or two younger than you, old lady. “ He teased. “I suppose an “old lady” like you won’t be going to the dance on Saturday?”

“Dance?” Claire asked listlessly, dancing was something she and Sean had loved to do, she couldn’t imagine ever doing it again.

“Yes, Saturday night. Why not see if Toni and Jack are going? It might be fun.”

“No, I’m not really up to dancing, Grampa.” Claire rose to clear the dishes and her Grandfather lit his pipe.

“Well. I think it’d do you good.” He persisted. “Give Toni a call, why don’t you?”
.



__________________

 

[Messalina]

Grace Anderson

Grace was tempted to offer to make breakfast. Cap could use more home-cooked meals. But she knew that going to the Diner would be a lot faster and would make parting easier too. Listen to her! Parting... Who did she think she was... Juliet?

Grace chuckled and Earl looked at her quizzically. She ran her thumb over his lips. "It's nothing, Cap. Let me get my sweater."

The drive wasn't a long one and the regulars greeted both of them as they walked in and were taken to a booth. Earl had lost the tender, gentle look he'd had earlier, reverting to his Earl Talbrut, Chief of Police look, but the surreptitious touch of his fingers as they grazed across her hand when they sat told her that what was inside had not been.

"Morning, Adele." Grace greeted their waitress, trying to sound more cheerful than she felt. "We'll have coffee and a juice for Cap while he's deciding what he's having. Me, I'll just have toast and jam, please."

He'd told her that the body they'd found belonged to Deak Taylor and she didn't envy him having to go talk to his parents. Marie and Edward had been through the ringer already with that boy of his. Grace smiled at Earl, intent on making the start of his day as pleasant as the end of it had been.

 

[Stardust Memory]

Bette

"Davy!" Bette called out to her youngest, setting a stack of pancakes on the table. For such a skinny critter, that boy certainly could eat, she thought as she watched him attack his breakfast with gusto.

And speaking of boys... Bette tilted her head to listen for sounds from upstairs. Not hearing anything, she went to the bottom of the stairs and called up.

"Frank! Breakfast's ready! Hurry up before it gets cold!"

When he didn't answer, she listened again. Still no sounds from upstairs. "Where is that boy?" Bette hoped he hadn't snuck out the door while she was busy in the kitchen.

Worried that might be the case, she slowly climbed the stairs and knocked on the bathroom door. "Frank? You still in there?"

 

[Tibxo]

Frank Jnr

He lays in the bath. The truth of his recent actions beginning to sink in.

It had started yesterday when Mai's stinking step-brother, Deak, came up to him on the pier. Deak had warned him to stay away from Mai or else there would be trouble. The two of them started fighting and ended up with Deak falling over the side. Thinking that Deak was dead, he had rushed home.

But had it been his fault? Deak had attacked him, not the other way round. Surely Mr Talbrut, the police chief, will understand that?

Don't be stupid! He will arrest you and lock you up. Maybe even have you executed!

He can feel the panic rising in him again. The urge to run, getting stronger.

I don't deserve this! That bastard came after me!

He suddenly jumps when he hears the knock on the door.

Are they found him and are here to arrest him?

"Frank? You still in there?"

It is his mom. Still, they could be with her.

"Er! Yeah, mom" He replies.

"Are you okay?" She asks him. Maybe the police aren't there.

"Yeah! Just fell asleep is all." He answers.

"Well your breakfast is on the table. You don't want it to get cold." And he hears her footsteps as she walks away.

So they are not here.

But for how long?

Knowing he cannot stay in the bath any longer, he pulls himself out. The now lukewarm water telling him that he had been in it for quite a while.

Almost mindlessly, he goes to his room and gets change before joining the others at the breakfast table...

 

[Yoc]

'Slim' Sommers

"Malcolm! Malcolm! Get yer lazy ass outta bed! Ya got work to do!"

Malcolm 'Slim' Sommers slowly lifts the pillow from over his head.

"Alright, Ma! Gimme a break willya?" Grumbling, he drags himself out of bed and pulls on his pants.

"Anything to eat, Ma. I'm starvin'!" He asks as he walks into the fleapit that looks like a kitchen.

"Getta here! I ain't got time to feed lazy bums like you. Shoot!"
His mother wants him out of the house and he knows why.

"Alright!" He shouts back as he makes for the door. "Yer cooking is lousy anyways!"

He doesn't even listen to his mother's colourful reply.

 

[Graybread]

Johnny Bell

OOC: Many thanks to Maid for letting me take over this character.

IC:
“Damnit Toni!” he cussed, his hands raised, palms open in a questioning gesture. “What the hell are you doing here? You’re not supposed to be here. You’re supposed to be in New York.”

“Don’t you cuss at my Johnny Bell!” Toni answered back, her fists on her hips, leaning slightly forward, anger written all over her face. “I can be where ever the HELL I want, I’m not yours anymore. You left remember?”

God she was beautiful, he thought to himself. Even angry she's beautiful, maybe more so. He wanted to forget everything and take her in his arms right there, to make love to her again, like before. He dropped his arms to his sides.

“And why are you back? Come back to find some other girl to get pregnant, so you can leave her too? You’re a bastard Johnny, a real bastard.” Toni said, getting even more angry the more she spoke. “Tell me damnit, why are you here?”

“I can’t tell you. All I can say is it has to do with the Navy, The Department of Defense, really.” He replied, his demeanor changing, becoming calmer. “That’s all I can say. I’m stationed here now. Kinda keeping an eye on the shipyard. If I’d known you were back, I wouldn’t have taken this duty station.” He paused for a second, before continuing. “So tell me, … who’s this new guy you’re seeing?”

He could feel a jealousy that shouldn’t have been there. She was right, he had left her, pregnant and in New York City, of all places, and gone off on his own adventures, never thinking about her. But as he stood looking at her, he felt the old desires coming back. She had been a toy, a sweet young plaything, which he had used and tossed away. But now he wasn’t sure if he should have tossed her? Her being here complicated this whole Department of Defense thing.

“Jack?” Her face softened as she said his name. “That’s none of your damn business either. And you just stay away from him! You understand me Johnny Bell! You just stay away from both of us!”

She turned and started to leave, angry all over again. He reached out and took her arm, stopping her.

“You know he speaks fluent German, don’t you?” he said as she turned her head to look at him.

He could see the anger raging through her at the accusation, but before she could speak, he added.

“Toni, where’s the baby?”

He released her arm, leaving her standing there. Smiling, he turned, and walked away. Looking down at his spit shined shoes as they appeared from under his Navy bell-bottom trousers. “Yes,” he thought to himself as he walked toward the shipyard, “she still has spunk.”

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Toni Moore

Toni had hoped she'd been mistaken when she spotted Johnny at the Trade Winds but when she saw him standing outside the OVS, she knew that she had not been. He must have been watching and following her.

Johnny grabbed her arm before she could answer to anything he'd said. "Toni, where's the baby?" Her heart lurched.

Toni was shaking with both anger, indignation -- and just a touch of fear -- by the time Johnny smirked and walked away. No. Swaggered away. The cocky bastard. She'd call to make sure everything was all right when she got a quiet moment at work.

Toni hadn't considered having to deal with this. Then again, she hadn't counted on coming home for daddy's funeral and meeting Jack either. He had asked her last night who Johnny was. She was going to have to talk to him tonight. Tell him everything and let the cards fall where they may.

"Oh brother, Antonia Moore. You've really stepped in it this time," she murmured under her breath as she turned to walk into the OVS building. Glancing up, she saw John Carmody watching her through the window and wondered how much he'd seen. She'd find out soon enough.

John wasn't one to hold his tongue about much. Only his affair with her mother, she thought with a chuckle. For a smart man, sometimes he wasn't very smart. Didn't he realize that everybody knew?

Smiling her sunniest smile, Toni walked into the office and called out. "I'm here. Sorry about being late. Did you get the coffee made?"

 

[Zehrman]

Edward Taylor

"Fair Harbor Depot! We are now at Fair Harbor Depot! shouts the train conductor, snapping Edward Taylor out of his doze. Glancing through the window, he sees the familiar platform.

"Home at last!" He says to himself, yawning. He was supposed to have been back two days ago but thanks to last minutes' hitches in his last project, he is late.

But I am here now. Even if it is only for a few days.

Once again he feels the guilt of neglecting his family. He is especially worried about his son, Deacon. But what he can do? He is part of a vital project which is important to the war. He can't turn his back on that. Besides, the war can't last that much longer. Can it?

Grabbing his battered suitcase, he merges into the line of departing travellers and gets off the train.

Once out of the station, he stops and looks at his pocket watch.

It's after nine! Great! I can buy Marie some flowers on the way home!

He always tries to buy his wife flowers if he can. Maybe, subconsciously, it is to make up for his absences.

 

[captainb]

Earl Talbrut

“Thanks, Adele,” said Earl as she refilled his coffee cup. He was in a good mood, despite everything that had happened yesterday. Life went on, unpleasant as it often was. Others would have to deal with far worse things today than he did. It helped to put things in perspective.

“Well,” he sighed, looking up at Grace. “I need to go talk to Marie. I’ll… stop back for dinner. Of course.” He sipped his coffee with a grin. Now I’m telling her where I’ll be! A smile played across her lips at the shared thought and he nodded, then stood up. “Watch out for the crazies today,” he said with a wink. He dug a handful of bills out of his pocket and lay them on the table, touched her shoulder briefly and walked to the entrance before he could say something stupid.

He took a deep breath outside and looked up into the blue sky, then got into the patrol car. The tires crunched as he pulled onto the street, giving a glance back into the diner window. It reflected the street and he couldn’t see inside.

He idly looked at the sidewalks as he drove up the main street, then did a double-take at the man exiting the florist. “Son of a gun,” he muttered, turning the car into a parking spot. He opened the door and stood up. “Ed!” he called with a wave. Edward Taylor turned and smiled back as Earl approached. “Good to see you,” Earl said as they shook hands. “You just got in, I suppose?” He looked at the flowers. “I guess you haven’t been home yet. I’m… I’m real sorry about this whole situation.” He stopped, seeing the puzzled look cross the man’s face. Oh CRAP! he thought. He hurried on. “Let me give you a ride home.” They settled into the car and Earl started up the street again. The chief was mostly silent for the ride, biting his lip as they approached the Taylor home. He pulled the car to the curb and turned toward Ed, who was reaching for the door handle. “Listen Ed, there’s something we need to talk about…”

 

[Messalina]

Grace

Grace didn't envy the task Cap had before him. It couldn't be easy telling someone that their child had died. No more easy than hearing that news. She said a quiet prayer for Marie and Ed -- and Deak, rest his soul -- and another to keep her own boy safe where ever he was fighting this horrible war.

Finishing her toast, she picked up her sweater and swung it over her shoulders. It was already later than she normally went to the Tradewinds. She had to do the books and get the banking done before opening, and Vinnie should be through to make a delivery as well.

Walking the couple of blocks to the bar, Grace went over everything that had happened last night with Cap. She was still feeling like a teenager with a crush, and there was something really comfortable about the way he made her feel.

She was singing happily by the time she let herself in and walked back to her little office. Cap would be back for dinner, he'd said. Grace Anderson grinned. Now what was she going to make him?

 

[ariosto]

Carmody peered at her over his glasses and nodded at the pot steaming on the stove.
"Go ahead...should be ready. It'll taste awful. My coffee always tastes like shit."

Carmody's dialogue was often spiced with explitives though not usually at this hour of the morning.

"Anything wrong...you want a cup John?"
She'd walked over to the coffee pot and was eyeing it dubiously.

"Yeah, I'll take one. I need something to wake me up."
She was pouring the thick scalding liquid into his mug when he asked her...

"Who was that swabby you were arguing with down there.
Be careful of those Quincy boys Toni. They only have one thing on their minds."

"Ohh Damn!"
Carmody turned to see her holding the back of her hand and grimacing in pain.
"Clumsy of me...burned myself."

He looked at the burn. It wasn't bad...
"Need an ambulance?"
He grinned but Toni looked ashen.

"Hey now it's not that bad."

"Yes it is John, it's worse than bad."
And tears began to run down her pretty cheeks.

 

[Zehrman]

Taylor

As he walks away from the florist, the bunch of flowers firmly in his grasp, he hears someone shout out his name. Looking round, he sees a recognisable figure coming towards him.

Earl Talbrut!

“Good to see you,” Earl says as they shake hands. “You just got in, I suppose?”

He is about to reply but sees the look on Earl's face.

"I guess you haven’t been home yet. I’m… I’m real sorry about this whole situation.”

The Police Chief's words catches him by surprise.

What situation? What is he talking about?

But before he can say anything, he is quickly bundled into Earl's car.

My God! What has happened? Ed wonders as they drive silently. Has something happened to Marie, Maisy or Deacon?

He waits for Earl to speak but still there is only silence.

Why won't the man say anything?

Finally, the car comes to a halt as they draw outside his home. By now, he wants nothing more than to get inside his house and make sure that his family is okay.

Earl stops him.

“Listen Ed, there’s something we need to talk about…”

 

[Stardust Memory]

Bette Moore

Bette absent-mindedly sipped at her coffee while Davy ate his breakfast talked about the book he had been reading. Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. "Wouldn't it be neat, mom, if Captain Nemo could just wipe out the whole German Navy?"

She nodded quietly and looked across the table at her youngest son as he pushed his chair back and announced he was going over to Jeff's to do stuff. Children were so resilient. To listen to him talk, you'd never know he'd been held captive by those Germans not so long ago. Bette sighed, hoping that whatever had happened to Frank Jr. would pass just as quickly from his mind.

Kissing him on the top of his head, she began the usual routine with him. "Davy, dinner is at five. Don't be late. And don't... " Bette grinned and sighed. " ...run." That boy was always in a hurry to get somewhere.

The sound of footsteps on the stairs alerted her to Frank Jr.'s arrival. She stood and went to the stove to make her eldest son a plate. "Sit down and eat. We'll figure everything out when you've finished," she said over her shoulder.

 

[captainb]

Earl

The police chief shifted uncomfortably in the seat. He and Edward Taylor had never been close friends, but they had enjoyed each other’s acquaintance for many years. Earl didn’t know much about what Ed did beyond being an Army engineer. No one seemed to really know, and that caused the usual good-natured suppositions whenever his name came up. But no one ever pressed the issue, not these days. Earl knew he was a conservative man and a good husband. He was sure the man had done all he could with Deak.

He slipped into the role he knew well, however unsavory it might be. There was no way to do it than to just do it.

“Ed, I’m sorry to tell you, but Deacon’s dead.” He saw the man’s face grow ashen and pressed on in a measured tone. “It happened last night. Marie knows, but I haven’t had a chance to speak with her yet. We found him under the pier. He may have fallen.” There was no sense in speculating, not just now. He thought of mentioning the attack on Maisy too, but dismissed it quickly. Time enough for that.

Ed blinked and looked out the window, then opened the door and hurried across the street to his house, the flowers somehow incongruous in his hand. Earl rubbed his face and followed at a slower pace. The Taylors would need time to absorb their tragedy, but he still needed to ask some basic questions. Better to find out now than later if anyone might have had a grudge against their son.

 

[Zehrman]

Ed

Deacon dead???

He is hardly aware of entering the house and rushing up the stairs. He only stops when he is standing in Deacon's room.

The silence is almost deafening as he surveys the room, his eyes first going to the bed where had expected to find his son. The bed is empty and neatly made up.

"Deacon...?" He says absently, hardly aware of the sounds of footsteps behind him.

"Edward? Edward? Oh Edward!!!" Ed turns and finds himself wrapped in his wife's arms, her face meshed into his chest as she sobs uncontrollably. All he can do is pull her to him and hold on tight even as he sees Earl slowly coming up the stairs.

"How...?" He chokes out, realising that he too is crying.

 

[Yoc]

Slim

From the alley across the road from the Taylor household, Slim watches as the police car pulls up and Edward Taylor runs out.

"He knows." He grins to himself, morbidly wondering what the old man would do if he knew who had killed his precious son.

Pulling out a cigerette, he places in his mouth and lights it. At the same time, he glances up and sees a familar face staring from a window, staring at him.

"Hiya, Maise." He says to himself and waves. "We still have a date, remember?"

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Toni Moore

She hadn't planned on staying in Fair Harbor when she came back for her father's funeral. She never imagined she would meet Jack Becker and fall in love. Most of all, she never dreamed she would ever see Johnny Bell again. Antonia Moore hadn't thought about a lot of things it seemed, and now they were all jumping up and biting her right on the ass.

Toni tried to make small talk with John Carmody when she walked into the office, not really wanting to discuss Johnny with anyone. Truth, she hadn't even had a chance to consider all the implications herself. She thought she had it all under control until John burned his hand and it all came spilling out. But it was Jack she should be telling. Not John Carmody.

"I have to talk to Jack. I... " Toni reached for the phone and dialed. Claire's grandfather answered. "Hi, Mr. Fouree. It's Toni. Toni Moore. Is Jack there?"

Please please let him be there. Sweet heavens let him be...

"Hiya, baby doll. I thought you had to work?"

"I... " Her voice caught in her throat and came out high and squeaky as she fought to keep herself from crying. "Can I come over? Please?"

"What's the matter, Toni? Did someone hurt you? Who was it? I'll... " Jack paused. "Of course you can. I'll start walking to meet you." She could hear the concern in his voice and somehow that only made her feel worse.

"I just... I'm leaving now. Okay?" She hung up without waiting for Jack's response and was out the door before getting her boss' approval. She'd square things with him later. Right now all she could think to do was get to Jack before Johnny did.

 

[ariosto]

Ten minutes before Toni arrived at the Fouree's, Jack recieved another call.
Caire was sitting at the kitchen and watched as his face darkened and a frown, heavy as a thunder cloud knit his brow.

"Who is this...WHO THE HELL IS THIS?"
She heard him say several times, each time more angry that the last.
Suddenly he slammed the reciever down and strode into the kitchen.

"Jack...anything wrong?"

He didn't answer but poured himself another cup of coffee. He was shaking so badly he spilled the burning liquid over his hands.

"SHIT!"
He slammed the cup down on the counter.

"Jack.....?"

He suddenly turned and confronted Claire who shrunk under the intensity of his angry expression.

"You ever heard of some guy named Johnny Bell being mixed up with Toni.?"

Claire's heart sank...*Oh no...it was out in the daylight at last.*

She nodded,
"Better she tell you Jack, not me,"

Becker looked like he wanted to break something. Then the horn blew. Toni called to him from the driveway.

"Yeah, I guess she 'll have a lot to say."
He stormed out slamming the screen door behind him.

 

[Miltone]

Lt. Nels Bronson, USCG

It was shy of noon when Nels left the base and walked to town. It wasn’t that he was all that hungry, but going by the diner might give him a chance to see if Claire was interested in going to the dance with him. After their encounter this morning, he wasn’t sure how he would ask, or even if she would be interested. He laughed at his train of thought. Given her recent loss, would she even feel like getting out for a big social event?

He wasn’t even all that surprised when she wasn’t there. Asking around the diner, they said she had taken a few days off and he didn’t pursue it further. But for some reason on the way back to base, he found himself wandering out of his way along the road that led to her Grandfather’s place. Like an eerie dream the place looked different than he remembered from the night before and this morning. He paused at the gate and not seeing anyone, almost walked past. Then he caught a glimpse of a slender figure in the side yard.

There was no mistaking the blonde hair and pale skin of Claire, her body sheathed in a light summer dress, silhouetted by the backlighting rays of the early afternoon sun. Again he almost walked on, but when she looked up and caught sight of him he had no choice.

“Hello,” Nels called out, moving through the gate.

“Hello,” Claire replied, taking down another sheet from the clothesline.

“Just … um, thought I stop by and see how you were getting on,” he said coming to stand near her as she continued to remove the washing.

“Thank you,” she said coolly, regarding him closely. “But I’m all right. I’ll be fine.”

“Good … good … real good,” he said stalling, trying to find just the right words.

“Nels … about this morning,” Claire began.

“Yeah, I know …” he said not really paying attention, then his normal train of thought kicked in. “Um … what?”

“I’m sorry … I was lost and hurting,” Claire said slowly. “I shouldn’t have tried to take advantage.”

“S’okay,” Nels said. “Don’t feel like you have to apologize. It was just as much my doing.”

She paused and smiled at him.

“But if …” he began, trying to smile, “You might … you know … want to sort of make it up … maybe you could … come to the dance tomorrow night with me.”

 

[Graybread]

Johnny Bell

“More coffee son,” Eunice Bell asked, holding the blackened pot over Johnny’s mug.

“Sure Ma,” he replied, stabbing the Camel out in the remains of the fried egg on his plate. Picking the chipped mug up, he held it to his mouth, sipping, starring, thinking. His mood was as black as the coffee and just as bitter. Who the fuck are you Jack Becker? He thought.

He could admire the man for being an ex-prize fighter, and it didn’t bother Johnny in the least that Jack was an ex-con. What did bother Johnny was the fact that Jack spoke fluent German and that he was sleeping with Toni. The last shouldn’t have bothered Johnny either, but it did, and it bothered him badly. Why, he didn’t know, he hadn’t seen her in five years, and had only thought of her on occasions, usually when he couldn’t pick up any girl to spend the night with. But once he had seen her, the old feelings come back. Was it love or something else, he didn’t know. He wasn’t sure if he even knew what love was, but he did know what possess was, and he would have Toni again. Just as soon as he got rid of Becker. He’d have the DoD run a background on him.

Just then, the phone rang; Eunice answered it on the second ring. “Yes he is, just a moment please,” she said holding the phone out toward Johnny.

“Yeah,” Johnny said into the mouthpiece.

“Edward Taylor’s in town.” a female voice said.

“I’ll be damned,” Johnny replied. “Where is he, at home?”

“Yes,” she answered.

“Thanks,” Johnny said, hanging the phone up.

“Gotta go Ma,” He said, slipping his uniform jumper over his white T-shirt. He picked his Camels and his Zippo up off the table, tapping one out and lighting it before placing the pack in his sock. Dropping the lighter in his pocket, he set his ‘Dixie cup’ on his head, and cocked it to one side, in typical seaman style, and headed for the door. Halfway out the door he stopped and turned back to his mother.

“Ma,” he asked. “You still got Dad’s old 38?”

“Well….I think so. I think it’s still in the hall closet where he last put it. Why?”

“Just wondering, is all.” He turned and stepped down the sidewalk.

“You going to be home for supper, Johnny?”

“I dunno,” he replied, cigarette smoke curling from his mouth.

 

[Guest]

Claire Fouree

Claire couldn’t stop worrying about Toni. Jack had left in such a fury after taking that call earlier. She had tried calling Toni to warn her, prepare her for Jack’s anger but couldn’t find her anywhere.

Surely Jack wouldn’t do anything foolish, he obviously cared a great deal for Toni who seemed to love him right back. All this was churning in her mind when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a movement.

The sight of Nels made Claire’s heart leap in way it hadn’t since – catching sight of Sean – it would race and want to burst from her chest. She was careful to hide her fluster, concentrating on calmly taking down the laundry as he approached.

After the way I’ve behaved he must think I’m such a floozy she thought. “Nels…about this morning….”

He seemed casual at first smiling and nodding, but maybe the look on her face made him pause. “Um…what about it?”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have taken advantage when you were being so kind.”

His reassurance that he expected no apology made her relax and she inwardly gave a sigh of relief.

When he shyly asked her to the Saturday dance her face fell. “My father was trying to persuade me to go with Toni and Jack.” She said. “But I’m not sure if they’ll be going now.”

When Nels looked at her inquiringly she realised he wouldn’t know about Johnny Bell. “ Oh, something’s come up. They might still go, I don’t know.”

“What about you, Claire?” Nels asked again. “Would you like to come with me to the dance?”

Claire once more gave all her attention to carefully folding a pillowcase. This gentle, shy man had held her, comforted her that morning and she wanted nothing more than to be in his arms again.

“Yes.” She said, smiling up at him and squinting into the sun. “ Yes, I’d like that very much.”

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Toni Moore

The look on Jack's face didn't bode well though Toni couldn't imagine what had happened to make him so angry. She jumped when he yanked open the door and practically propelled himself into the car.

"Jack? What's wrong?"

"You tell me, Tone. Who the fuck is Johnny Bell and what does he have to do with you?"

Toni blinked in astonishment. No one. Absolutely no one in Fair Harbor knew about her and Johnny. Well, except for John Carmody -- but she'd only just told him a little while ago. That bastard! He must have phoned Jack! It was the only thing she could think of.

"Jack. It's not what you think. I'm sure what ever he said was filled with lies. That's what I picked you up to talk about. I wanted to tell you... "

"Drive. Just fucking drive."

Toni nodded and put the car in gear. She didn't want to have this talk in old man Fouree's driveway either, but where to go? She'd thought they'd talk over lunch at the diner but wondered if that was a good idea with Jack in this kind of mood.

Their silence was deafening as she drove, finally turning onto the Bay road and heading for the Point. At least they'd be alone out there. The level of Jack's anger alarmed her -- Toni knew he'd gone to prison because of his temper, but it wasn't herself she was afraid for. She sighed softly.

It didn't take long to get there. Toni pulled up near the lighthouse and turned off the car, but before she could speak Jack was at it again. "Okay. Spill it, Tone. Who is this guy and what does he have to do with you?"

Digging into her pocket, Toni pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit one up. She longed for a Marlboro, but Pacayunes were the best she could do with the major brands going to the GI's overseas.

Taking the first long luxurious drag, she could feel herself beginning to relax a little as she sat back. Jack's reaction to what she had to tell him would be a major turning point in their relationship. She should have told him sooner, but truth be told, Toni hadn't planned on falling for the lug in such a big way. Never even saw it coming.

"Johnny Bell," she began slowly. "I met him when I was a senior in high school. He had already dropped out. Ran with the tough boys, you know? He was handsome and exciting and well... Let's face it -- he was really off limits and that's what made him so cool."

God she wished Jack would stop glaring at her like that. It wasn't making this any easier now Toni was beginning to feel a little defensive to boot. "Dammit, Jack! This isn't exactly easy for me to tell either, you know. It's not like I two-timed you or anything. This was five years ago for Pete's sake."

Toni took another drag off her cigarette and continued. "I found out that I was pregnant right before graduation. Johnny took me to New York. I would have followed him anywhere. I thought he was going to marry me. He had other plans."

"He knew someone who knew someone over in Jersey. Johnny wasn't ready to settle down and do the family thing, see. Neither was I -- but I didn't want to have an abortion either. We quarrelled and he took off. Left me with friends. Jay Huston and his girlfriend, Faye. They put me up and helped me out til I could manage on my own."

"Yeah. He's the guy who's combo is going to be playing at the dance," she answered to Jack's raised eyebrow. "I didn't plan on ever coming back to Fair Harbor. The only person who knew where I was was my dad -- He never even told mom. But when I heard that he had died, I had to come. I just didn't plan on a couple more things that happened. You, for one. Ever seeing Johnny Bell again was another."

"Jay will be here tomorrow morning with Faye and the guys... and... I asked them to bring him. My son. His name is Daniel, Jack. He's four now. I love him very much. I didn't mean to hide him from you. I had hoped... " Toni's voice trailed off.

Say something dammit! Just say something! Toni Moore willed the man she sat not even an arm's length from to speak. Even if it was to tell her goodbye.