Riding the Tempest by Jackson Lee

Author:Jackson, Lee [Jackson, Lee]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical, War
Amazon: B09WS9DTTJ
Goodreads: 60722233
Publisher: Severn River Publishing
Published: 2023-03-28T07:00:00+00:00

23

Stony Stratford, England

Claire was surprised to see a Royal Navy officer accompany Paul as the two made their way through The Bull to the table she occupied. As Claire observed the officer, she thought him to be about six feet tall with a high forehead, wavy hair, and penetrating eyes flashing from a narrow face.

“Claire, this is Lieutenant Commander Ian Fleming, a friend, associate, and erstwhile journalist—"

Fleming bowed slightly and took Claire’s hand. “I’m hoping to return to journalism when this war is ended. Very pleased to meet you, Miss Littlefield.” He straightened and looked into Claire’s eyes.

Claire caught her breath as she felt dormant sensations stir. She hoped the rising warmth in her cheeks was not visible. Then her mind was flooded with memories of Red, the American pilot she had become enamored with, who was lost in the Battle of Britain.

“How’s Timmy today?” Paul asked as they took their seats. “He’s grown so big.”

Claire replied, laughing, “And eating everything he sees. He’s my bright spot in these days of gloom. Thank God they’re not as bad as days of the recent past.”

“Timmy is Claire’s ward,” Paul explained to Fleming. “Well, I should say that our younger brother Jeremy is his guardian and Claire stands in for him while he fights in this war.”

“At this point, I’ll fight Jeremy for custody, if it comes to that,” Claire said, only half-joking. “Timmy’s become an inseparable part of my life, and I’m sure the reverse is true. But we’re all very proud of Jeremy for having saved him from a shipwreck.”

“I remember hearing about that,” Fleming said. “The two of you have a remarkable family.”

“We have our warts like anyone,” Paul intoned. “But we usually get along with each other, which makes life simpler, and pleasant.”

The Bull’s manager came over to greet them and take their order. As he walked away, Fleming looked around the pub, admiring its polished wood and brass and the pleasant ambience. “This is quite the place,” he said. “I must remember it. The two of you seem to be well acquainted with it.”

“The Bull holds many memories,” Claire said, suddenly somber, thinking of Jeremy’s fighter-pilot friends, now gone. Their group had spent many evenings here, drinking pints and singing while Claire played the piano in the corner. “I shall always cherish it.” She roused herself from melancholy and smiled brilliantly at Fleming. “And now we have another friend to share it with.”

If Fleming warmed to the comment, he subdued it. “Thank you,” was all he said.

They chit-chatted until their food came, and having finished their meals, they conversed further. “Have you heard from Lance or Jeremy?” Claire asked Paul. “Do we know where they are?”

Glum silence followed. Paul shook his head, unsure if his knowledge of Jeremy’s assignment to France was classified. Gubbins had not specified one way or the other.

“There’s always at least one of my brothers unaccounted for,” Claire grumbled to Fleming, “and now there are two. Turning to Paul, she said, “If I

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