Part Ten
September 2nd 1938, Dunmow, near London, England
Bradley crept into the corridor that separated his room from his father’s office. He had never been in there, but he had to know now. His father was keeping secrets from him, and he was sure the answer was in the office.
Bradley opened the door as silently as he could. It still made a creaking sound that was amplified by the silence of midnight. He tiptoed in, and turned on the light. His father’s office was small and cramped, much like Bradley’s. The most noticeable difference was the walls, which were plastered with pictures of people Bradley had never seen.
A figure sat hunched in the chair. The desk itself was home to hastily scribbled notes, a typewriter, and endless empty alcohol bottles. The figure stirred, and spoke in a voice that commanded respect, despite being clearly that of someone drunk.
“Bradley? Is that you?” his father asked.
Bradley took a step back. Jack Ellis continued talking.
“Of course it’s you. I knew that this day was coming the moment you marched off to training. Although I must admit, I expected Colin to be the first to consciously wander in here. He always was the curious one”.
Bradley reversed his step back, and walked toward his father.
“You knew I’d come?” he asked. His father simply downed more alcohol.
“Dad, I asked you a question”.
Jack stared at the wall. Bradley traced his line of sight to a lone picture of his father and a man in German uniform. It was dated on March 3rd 1921. The man was the same age as Jack and both had the same, solemn, smile.
“Who is that dad?” Bradley asked.
“Ehrlichmann, Manfred Ehrlichmann”.
“Why are you shaking hands with a German dad?”
Jack seemed to realize what he was talking about, as he quickly took on a much colder demeanour.
“Bradley. Go back to your room. Now”.
“Dad...”
“Go and spend time with Miss Roosevelt or something. Just get out of my office. I’ve told you time and time again you’re not allowed to come in here. Get out”.
Bradley began backing out of the room when he realized what his father had just said.
“Roosevelt?” He asked incredulously.
“Get out!”