The Code Girl From London: A WWII Historical Fiction Novel by Deb Stratas

Author:Deb Stratas [Stratas, Deb]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Readmore Press
Published: 2024-05-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“And how is Horace doing now, luv? Have you seen him since the blast?” Mum hovered over Katie, home with a short pass to fully recover from her injuries. Alice held the teapot aloft, offering her daughter another cuppa.

“No thanks, Mum. I’m floating already.” She laughed. “And his real name is David, but he’ll always be Horace to me. He isn’t out of the woods yet, but he’s awake and alert. Matron thinks he will recover, but it’s going to be quite some time before he’s well enough to be released. He wants me to sit with him now, too. But I’m fully occupied with Chris, albeit he’s probably going home soon.”

Katie was pleased to see the light behind her mum’s eyes again – if it took worrying about her youngest daughter to help her heal, Katie was all for it.

“That’s wonderful. You must have really helped him loads.”

“I’m not sure about that. But he’s finally agreed to visitors. His mum and sister came last week, and it did him no end of good. I even convinced him to see his fiancé, Violet. I’m ever so happy about that. Hopefully, his heart will melt when he sees her, and the scars and burns won’t matter. Isn’t that the way of true love? Sweethearts all over the country are coming home with limbs missing, scars and burns, and even nerves or anxiety. We welcome them with open arms, and cherish them all the more. That’s what I’m banking on, in the event.”

Katie’s hands and knees were healing well, but she looked worn out. Alice resisted telling her so, and focused on giving her youngest daughter loads of love and nourishment – as much as she could in the short time Katie was home.

“Splendid, darling. You’ve really made a difference with that young man. Perhaps he’s turned a corner in his recovery.”

“I hope so, Mum. He’s also said he’s now open to more surgeries – including skin grafts – to help the healing and make him look more like his old self. He has a long recovery ahead of him, but with the support of his mum, sister, and fiancé, his future is looking a little brighter.” Katie turned a weak smile towards her mother.

Alice took a sip of her tea.

“You’ve neatly changed the subject of the V2 explosion night, luv, but you’ve glossed over your part in the safe evacuation of all those patients. It must have been frightening.”

“You know, Mum – I didn’t even stop long enough to be scared. Not until the end, at least. I was just that intent on getting those men to the shelter, that I didn’t even consider how dangerous the situation really was.”

“That’s my Katie – rushing in headlong without a care for your own safety,” Alice tutted. “I trust you won’t be trying that again anytime soon. You’re too precious to us.”

Katie let that slide off her, discarding the compliment. As always. Anyone would have done what she did. She was nothing special.

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