Page 73 of The Women of Oak Ridge
“Yes, sir.” I hurried to where my bike was parked. I peeked at Garlyn. He wore a silly grin and didn’t seem at all flustered at being caught fraternizing.
“See ya, Mae. Mr. Colby. Have a good day.” He walked out the door, but not before tossing me a wink.
Mr. Colby didn’t question me about Garlyn’s presence and went on with his business. Requests for tools and parts awaited me, so I loaded my basket and set off into the cavernous belly of K-25. When I passed through the pipe gallery, I waved to Velvet where she sat atop an enormous pipe, polishing it. I’d enjoyed my time at her humble home and hoped she’d invite me again. I doubted it was appropriate for me to invite her to the dorm, but I would check with Mrs. Kepple just the same.
By the time my shift was over, my mood was much improved from when I’d first arrived that morning. The normalcy of work. The friendships of Garlyn and Velvet. Even Mr. Colby’s steady leadership. All served to remind me I had a good life here in Oak Ridge. A life I wanted to continue, despite the troubles with Sissy and Clive.
While I made my way to the bus terminal, I came to a decision.
I wouldn’t spend another moment trying to figure out what to do about Clive Morrison. Even though I was certain he was a spy and was up to no good, someone else would have to report him to the authorities. He’d proven himself dangerous when he set his own trailer on fire. I couldn’t jeopardize my job or my freedom, no matter how much I wanted to see him stopped.
I also decided to wait until after Christmas to write to Sissy. My letter might cause her further hurt, and I didn’t want to spoil her holiday with her family. But as soon as the new year arrived, I would tell her everything, assuring her that I had not betrayed her and had no feelings for Clive. If she chose not to return to Oak Ridge, I still hoped we could remain friends.
The line for the buses moved at a snail’s pace. It seemed one of the big vehicles had broken down right there at the stop and was causing a backup. While I waited, my mind wandered back to my conversation with Garlyn. Warmth spread up my arms despite the chilly breeze, remembering the way he’d looked at me when he invited me to dinner and a concert. When I saw him on the operating floor later, he said he’d pick me up at my dorm. Maybe I should purchase a small Christmas gift for him. He’d already shown himself to be a generous sort of fellow by surprising me with the rubber galoshes and a candy bar. We weren’t officially dating, but I had a feeling that might change soon.
The blare of a car horn interrupted my sweet train of thought.
Everyone turned toward the sound.
My stomach dropped to the ground when I saw Clive standing next to his Army sedan, parked a short distance away. He stared right at me. With a smirk, he waved me over.
I quickly turned away. I didn’t know what he wanted, but I wouldn’t play along.
The horn sounded again. This time, a long, shrill blast.
“Who is that jerk?” the woman behind me said.
“What’s he want?” another woman asked.
I peeked in Clive’s direction. His glare told me he wasn’t going to give up and leave. He lay on the horn again, and again.
“Idiot,” I finally muttered and stepped out of line.
“You tell him, honey,” a woman called after me.
I practically stomped toward him. “What are you doing? Everyone is watching.”
“Don’t. Ever. Ignore me. Again.”
The barely controlled rage in his voice sent a chill racing up my spine.
“Get in the car.”
I swallowed and took a step backwards. “No. I’m not going anywhere with you. You need to leave me alone.”
His eyes narrowed on me. “Get in the car, Mae.Now.”
I turned to leave. He wouldn’t dare touch me in front of all these people.
“Do you see that MP over there?” he said. “The one watching us?”
On their own, my eyes found the military man. He stood outside the portal guardhouse, arms akimbo, his gaze fixed in our direction.
“All I have to do is walk over to him, tell him you set my trailer on fire in a jealous rage, and your life is over.”
I stood frozen, heart thundering.
His words were not a ploy. He’d made certain I was at the scene of the fire. Someone was bound to remember me. It was as though Clive had read my happy thoughts from minutes ago. He knew he had the power to destroy everything good in my life in an instant. To ruin my present and my future.
