The Show (Northwest Passage Book 3) by John A. Heldt

Author:John A. Heldt [Heldt, John A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: John A. Heldt
Published: 2013-02-17T05:00:00+00:00

When the meals arrived twenty minutes later, Alistair took a long look at his griddle cakes and patted himself on the back for trying something new. He then took a long look at the couple sitting at his table and congratulated himself again for bringing them together.

He believed Grace when she said she was a married mother of two, but he also knew that she would eventually have to get on with her life. He knew that John Walker would be a good friend and a patient mentor to a woman who probably needed both.

Alistair had not explained his house guest in great detail. He had told the captain merely that Grace was a family friend who had asked to stay in Kenmore while she resolved some personal matters. He said she had hoped to find new opportunities in Seattle by the end of the year. What those opportunities might be was anyone's guess.

"I managed to catch a glimpse of the campus as we drove in and saw an assembly in front of the administration building. I imagine the influenza restrictions will go by the wayside today."

"You're right about that," John said. "When I stopped by the training camp, Commander Freeman himself was organizing a march. The swabbies should pass this way soon."

"The Navy operates a training facility about a mile from here," Alistair said to Grace.

Grace nodded at her uncle but quickly returned her attention to the window and the street beyond. She appeared to be focused on something else, something even more important and relevant than the end of the bloodiest war in history.

"Does the Army plan a celebration?" Grace asked John.

"Nothing official is in the works, but I'm certain that will change by the end of the day. The whole city seems gripped by the news."

"That's wonderful, Captain. I can only imagine how difficult the past few years have been for you and others serving our country," she said.

"It's been hard on everyone, civilians included," John said. "You're the folks who've had to bear the funerals and separations. I can at least say I volunteered to be a part of the misery. My parents did not, nor did many of the men who served. But I thank you for the words, Miss Smith. Not everyone appreciates the meaning of sacrifice and loss. It appears that you do."

Alistair watched Grace smile weakly at the captain and put her fork on her plate. It was obvious that she had lost whatever appetite she had brought to the café. He tried to think of something cheery to say but was soon distracted by noises from the street.

"Here they come," John said.

The boys of the naval training camp had indeed come out in force. Led by Commander Miller Freeman, they marched north along the Ave to the accompaniment of drums and whistles. Dozens of civilians fell in behind them, followed by motorists who honked and waved from their cars. Within minutes, students, pedestrians, and others crowded the sidewalks. Most wore smiles. None wore masks.

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