Page 79 of Shadows In Paris
‘The same way we get in. You have my word. I’ll see to it that you return as soon as you wish. My mother will be overjoyed to see you. She never fails to ask after you, which is tricky given how I’m sworn to secrecy. You’ll be doing me an immense favour.’
Hannah’s blue eyes misted up as she looked at Jack.
‘I promise I’ll think about it. It would mean the world tome to see Henry, too. It’s been so long. Sometimes, I can’t quite picture his face.’
Lizzie was reminded once again of the tough life Hannah lived. Of course, she couldn’t carry a photo of her handsome, brave boyfriend, who flies Spitfires for the RAF.
‘It would be incredible if you came,’ Lizzie said softly. ‘We could all use a bit of a rest, even if only for a couple of days.’
Dusk had descended on the cottage and Jack stood to light a lamp. Lizzie crossed to look out the window and moved the blackout blind aside to see a gleaming white curtain of snow falling. ‘Are we safe here for the night?’ she asked, turning to Jack.
‘We should be, out here in a snowstorm, in the middle of nowhere. I imagine the Boche have their hands full with locking down the city. But I’ll keep watch and you two can turn in and catch up on some sleep. You must be exhausted after the excitement of the past few days.’
Lizzie sought Jack’s eyes in a secret signal. She wanted to convey how much she longed to be with him, but it wouldn’t do with Hannah around, so a passionate glance would have to suffice until they were back on home turf.
‘I’ll take a turn. You must be tired as well,’ she said.
‘Me too,’ Hannah said. ‘It’s only fair.’
Jack nodded. He knew there was no point trying to stop these two firecrackers from doing their bit. With either of them keeping watch, he would sleep. ‘Very well. I’ll take the first shift. Who wants the second?’
Lizzie opened her mouth to volunteer, but Hannah beat her to it. ‘I’ll take it.’
‘Fine, then me,’ Lizzie said. ‘Just call me when it’s my turn.’
Lizzie and Hannah took their bowls into the small kitchen, and Jack readied himself for the lookout.
Hannah washed the dishes, and Lizzie dried. Tirednessseeped into her muscles. When Hannah went upstairs, she would make tea and keep Jack company for a while. The thought of a few stolen moments alone with him instantly dissipated the weariness, and excitement buzzed through her like an electric power grid. He didn’t need to come. He had risked his life for her.Again.
Hannah looked up from the sink and whispered. ‘I’d better give you two some time alone.’
The words jolted Lizzie out of her trance. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Oh, come on, Liz. Who do you two think you are kidding? I wasn’t born yesterday, you know!’ Hannah grinned and Lizzie saw the mischievous glint in her blue eyes.
Lizzie’s face felt hot as she returned Hannah’s stare. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ she whispered. Jack mustn’t hear this exchange. He’d be mortified Hannah had rumbled them so easily.
‘Of course you don’t. Anyway, don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. If there’s anyone who’s an expert keeper of secrets, you’re looking at her!’
Lizzie was about to deny it again, but she couldn’t think what to say to convince Hannah she had misread the situation, when clearly, she hadn’t.
‘Is it that obvious?’ Lizzie asked after a pause. ‘What gave us away? I thought we were being so careful.’
‘I’ve known you are in love with him since you arrived in Paris. It’s the way your eyes light up when you say his name.’
‘Oh dear,’ Lizzie said.
‘And if I hadn’t guessed then, I would have seen it today by the way he looks at you.’
Lizzie looked sheepish. ‘And we think we’re so unreadable. I hope everyone at home doesn’t know.’
‘I doubt it. Most people are far too busy thinking abouttheir own life to pick up on such things. I read people for a living. It’s the only reason I’m still alive. Talking of which, I could kick myself for how I endangered us all by missing the signals from that bastard Hans. I should have known he was onto me.’
‘Don’t beat yourself up over that. You salvaged the situation, and he got what he deserved.’ Lizzie squeezed Hannah’s shoulder. ‘When I grow up, I want to be like you.’
Hannah hugged Lizzie, and they stood there for a rare moment of silent camaraderie. When they drew apart, Hannah whispered, ‘Now go and make the most of your time together. I’ll be upstairs. You are two of my favourite people and you deserve every second of happiness you can snatch in this insane world.’
Lizzie left the kitchen and went in search of Jack.
