Page 88 of Shadows In Paris
They had fallen into a daily routine of Jack waiting for her in the park so they could spend some time togetherbefore work. Lizzie had said it was out of his way, but he insisted, and now they both looked forward to seeing each other every morning before the SOE gobbled up the day.
Lizzie pointed towards the sky. ‘I know they are there to protect us from enemy aircraft, but goodness, they are ugly.’
Jack agreed the large, silver barrage balloons floating high over the park were an eyesore, but said he was grateful for them.
Several bombs had exploded in the park recently and what had been a tranquil oasis in London before the Blitz was now littered with rubble, and steel cables supported the anti-aircraft installations.
‘It’s just as well it’s freezing,’ Lizzie said as they neared the gate.
‘Why’s that?’ Jack asked.
‘No one will ever recognise us in all this paraphernalia! It’s my best disguise yet.’
Jack laughed, and they held onto each other, so they didn’t slip on the icy tufts of grass. They both wore heavy coats and winter hats, and thick scarves partially covered their faces.
‘Come here!’ Jack said, pulling Lizzie into his arms and planting a kiss on her cold nose. ‘That’s all I can see of you.’ They stood holding each other, knowing the inevitable moment for them to part had arrived. ‘Will you come to the flat tonight?’
‘Of course,’ Lizzie said. ‘I’ll see you around seven. Make sure you are home!’
Jack had a habit of losing track of time when he was working.
‘How could I not when I know you’re coming?’ Jack kissed her again, and they parted reluctantly, each taking a different route to Baker Street.
Jack entered the SOE building three minutes beforeLizzie. This was how it had to be for now. Seagrove and Raven lived secret lives, but they both agreed that as long as they had each other, all was well in their world.
