Across a War-Tossed Sea by L.M. Elliott

Author:L.M. Elliott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction - Young Adult
Publisher: Disney Book Group

Riveted by Murrow’s grisly poetry, his depiction of the dangers the aircrew faced, they all remained absolutely still for several moments.

Finally, Charles dared to look at Patsy. Tears were sliding down her face, but her expression was defiant. “That settles it,” she said, breaking the silence. “That could be Henry up there in D for Dog. That’s what he has to endure. I’m not about to sit around and not do anything to help our fight.”

She stood. “Daddy, I ran into Mr. Ewell at the library the other day. He’s been volunteering as a plane spotter for the Aircraft Warning Service, but he’s been called up by the army. He asked me to replace him. He gave me the handbook and the flashcards so I can memorize the planes I’ll need to know. All I’ll be doing is standing on the tower and watching the sky. Then I telephone the civilian defense office to report any aircraft I spot and which direction it’s flying. It won’t keep me from finishing my homework.”

“Now hold on, girl. Wasn’t Ewell doing that at night?”

“Just from four to nine o’clock, Daddy.”

“It’ll be dark when you have to walk home along the road.” Mr. Ratcliff shook his head. “No.”

Charles stood up too. “I’ll go with her, Mr. Ratcliff. I wouldn’t mind memorizing those planes myself. Could come in handy when I return to London. Frankly, sir, some older lads from my school are now RAF pilots. They might have been flying in that very raid Mr. Murrow described. I’ve got to start doing something myself.”

Mr. Ratcliff frowned. “It’s December. You’ll freeze.”

Now Mrs. Ratcliff stood. She smiled at her husband. “I’ll send them off with extra coats and a thermos of hot chocolate, just like those boys in those planes. It’ll be all right, Andy. They need to do this.” She nodded her head toward Patsy and Charles and added gently. “Take a look, honey.”

Mr. Ratcliff opened his mouth to argue some other point. But just as he did, Bing Crosby’s newest song lilted out of the radio: “I’ll be home for Christmas.…”

Charles caught his breath, furious at how the bittersweet song made his throat close up and his eyes burn. He put his hand on Wesley’s shoulder and tightened his grip a bit, knowing Wesley would be feeling the same pangs he was. He willed himself to seem manly in front of the Ratcliffs.

For a moment Charles and Mr. Ratcliff gazed at each other as Crosby crooned on about making it home to family for Christmas.

“If only in my dreams.” Crosby’s voice trailed off.

Wesley sniffed.

“All right, Chuck.” Mr. Ratcliff relented.

It was the best Christmas present Charles could have.

22 January 1944

Dearest Mum,

It was a terrific Christmas, except for not seeing you, of course. We even had a proper snowfall on the 28th with FIVE INCHES of good packing snow for snowballs and snowmen. Freddy and I built a fort with escape tunnels. It was brilliant! Even the brothers said so.

The Ratcliffs were awfully kind to us this Christmas.

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