D-Notice Bill Walker (online e book reading txt) đ
- Author: Bill Walker
Book online «D-Notice Bill Walker (online e book reading txt) đ». Author Bill Walker
Leaving Erika in Nyeâs care, Michael ventured to the Harpoonistâs Perch, a narrow plank jutting out from the prow, with a waist-high metal rail encircling its perimeter. Standing at the point, he looked down, watching the prow slice into the water, the incessant hiss of the foam a balm to his soul. The salt air tickled his nose with its complex bouquet, and he reveled in the sting of the spray and the caress of the wind against his face. Visibility was nearly unlimited and, if he squinted, he could see the lights of the French and Belgian coasts hugging the horizon. Tension leaked from him, and for the first time in uncounted hours, he felt relaxedâat peace.
âWeâre almost there, Dad,â he whispered.
He cocked an ear, as if expecting an answer his conscious mind knew would never come; and yet he felt closer to his father than heâd ever felt in his life. It was a feeling that both comforted and left him bereft.
What happened out in that desert, Dad? And how the bloody hell did the Royal South Wessex regiment factor into all of it?
He knew the answer lay across the cold black waters. They had to reach Valdemarr, Jarmann, or Von Arnwolf before the killers did. If fate were on their side, one of these men would hold the key. Only then would the killing stop. Only then would they be safe.
He sensed Erikaâs presence before he saw her.
She waited for him at the entrance to the perch, trembling from the chill in the air, her delicate brow furrowed with concern. He retraced his steps, went to her and took her into his arms, feeling her body fitting to his like two halves of a mold. Her heart hammered against her ribs, keeping cadence with his own. And then he kissed her. Soft at first, it quickly turned more urgent, her tongue warm and insistent. For Michael, it felt as if nothing else in the universe mattered.
She broke the kiss a moment later, leaning against him, sighing. âYou looked so sad just now,â she said. âI was worried.â
âJust thinking about my father. As much as I want to know what happened, Erika, thereâs a part of me that doesnât.â
She shook her head. âYouâre afraid he wonât live up to your image of him.â
âAm I that transparent?â
âOnly in a way that is good.â
âWhat about you, Erika?â
âWhat do you mean?â
âDid your father live up to your image of him?â
Michael didnât get the reaction he expected. Instead of confiding in him, she pulled away and walked to the railing, her head bowed while she stared into the water. He stayed where he was, sensing she didnât want him near just then. After a long agonizing moment, she turned to face him.
âThereâs something we need to talk about, Michael. It canât wait any longer. Iââ she halted, the tears welling anew. âScheisse! It wasnât supposed to be this way.â
An icy chill swept through Michael. âWhat is it?â
âYouâll hate me.â
âNo, I wonât. Iâm too bloody much in love with you.â
An emotional tug of war played across her face. She bit her lip.
âYouâre married, arenât you?â Michael said, giving voice to his worst fear.
She shook her head. âIf only it were as simple as that.â
He went to her and grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to look at him.
âI donât care what it is. Do you understand? I donât care. I donât care if youâve had ten husbands, or had a fling with the bloody girl next door!â
âYou will care,â she said, her voice a tiny whisper almost lost to the wind.
âOi, you two!â Captain Nye called out. âItâs bloody cold as a witchâs bum. Get on back here, Iâve got some tea brewing!â
Michael saw the relief in Erikaâs eyes and decided that whatever was bothering her could wait. He took her hand, feeling her frozen fingers dig into his, and led the way back to the wheelhouse.
True to the old sailorâs word, a battered enameled teapot sat boiling atop an ancient hotplate, the odor of Typhoo permeating the air. Nye pointed a long bony finger toward two steaming cups, while taking a sip from his own. Michael nodded, picked them up, and handed one to Erika who retreated to the stern, taking a seat on the transom. Michael sat on one of the two swivel chairs and sipped from his; it tasted sweeter than he liked, but the warmth coursing through him was more than welcome. He took another sip and looked up to find Nye regarding him with an expression of cautious amusement.
âI never could understand âem myself,â he said, placing his mug on the instrument panel and grabbing the wheel with both hands.
Michaelâs puzzled look elicited a soft chuckle from the elderly sailor. âWomen. Loved âem as much as any man. Had one in every port, you see. But theyâd drive me bloody crackers with all their demands and their contrary ways. Couldnât abide being with one for longer than a week. By then Iâd feel the call oâ the sea and back I went.â He gave the wheel an affectionate pat. âMollyâs the only woman for me. Right old girl?â
Michael smiled in spite of his dark mood. It didnât take a genius to see that the old salt was trying to make him feel better. Funny thing, it was working.
âNo regrets?â Michael asked.
Nye shook his head. âNary a one. Molly and I have an understandinâ, you see. I donât go foolinâ with human females, and she donât never let me down. So far, itâs been a perfect match.â
Michael nodded,
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