Part Seven
September 2nd 1938, Dunmow, near London, England
“What’s it like?” Colin asked.
“What’s what like?”
“You know… being in the SIS”.
Bradley began walking down the road home. His little brother followed him.
“Come on! Don’t be a sourpuss”, Colin moaned.
“It’s very classified. The only person I’ll talk about it to is maybe dad”, Bradley said, turning to his little brother and attempting to emulate Churchill’s expression on the train.
“Okay. Just stop making that stupid face. It makes you look like some sort of halfwit”, Colin said, taking out his chocolate bar. He took a bite out of it, and began munching as loudly as he could. Bradley put his hand on Colin’s shoulder.
“For the love of God, Colin. You’re seventeen. Stop skulking”.
Bradley was about to say more, but his eyes locked on a girl on the other side of the street. Bradley knew everyone in Dunmow, but he couldn’t remember her, which meant she had to be from out of town.
Colin noticed his staring, and said “Sammy says she’s a Yank, you know. Her family’s got some sort of business obligations in London, and the parents wanted to see the countryside. They’re staying at the Winchester”.
The Winchester was Dunmow’s local pub, but it doubled as a hotel when family members came to visit. It was the first time that Bradley had heard of anyone staying at the Winchester who wasn’t somehow related to one of the locals.
“A Yank you say?” Bradley said, not even looking at Colin.
“Yup. All the way from across the Atlantic, and they decide to stay at the Winchester. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it had something to do with the will of God”.
Bradley was barely even listening to Colin anymore. All his attention was focused on the girl across the street. She was the most beautiful person Bradley had seen in his entire life, and he had just spent a week in London. His thoughts were interrupted by Colin’s sharp command to turn. He had been so enamoured by the girl that he had entirely forgotten to look where he was going.
“What is wrong with you? Stop looking at the Yank. I know she’s good looking, but that’s no excuse to forget your brain. If you’re so darn interested, go see her at the Winchester during the weekend”.
Bradley followed Colin, making a mental note to go to the Winchester. They reached the house, and Colin knocked on the door.
“Dad! Mom! Bradley’s home!” he shouted, taking glances at his older brother, almost as if to make sure he didn’t run away.
They stood outside for a while, listening to the shuffling of feet inside, and then their mother opened the door. She hurried Colin in and gave Bradley a hug before allowing Jack Ellis to come and shake his son’s hand.
“Bradley, you’re going to tell me everything”, he said, and shook Bradley’s arm a little more vigorously.
Last edited:
