New Moon Rising
Book III: Company of SpiesBy Margaret S. EmanuelsonAuthorHouse
Copyright © 2011 Dr. Margaret S. Emanuelson
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4520-8185-4 Chapter One
January 16, 1943 9:00 PM Bern, Switzerland
The flight over Switzerland encountered no problems, but by the time they approached the border of Belgium it became a different story. Flashes of antiaircraft fire surrounded them, some bursts coming close enough to cause the plane to quiver. Though he could not exceed the 10,000 foot oxygen safety level, the pilot gained altitude as quickly as possible and soon they were out of range.
Abby heaved a sigh of relief. Brett squeezed her hand. "Don't worry; I think we're out of it now—at least until we fly over the Channel."
"I hope you're right," Abby sighed. "It would be a shame to have escaped the Nazis this far and be shot down when we're almost back to home base."
"We'll make it, Abby. God will make a way." He turned to her and grinned.
Abby laughed. "I did say that, didn't I? Well, He has so far—too late to doubt Him now."
Outside the window, the dark clouds hovered as they flew on through the dark night; she could hear the sometimes heavy rain hammering in torrents upon the wings of the aircraft.
* * * January 17 1:30 AM BMT London
The plane landed with a gentle thud on the wet tarmac of the air station, and began its slowing roll to its final destination. "I wonder if word got through of our arrival," said Abby.
"Probably. I'm sure Alan Dulles has informed headquarters in London."
"I was thinking of Beatrice. Do you think she's been informed about Monty's death?"
"I should certainly think so by now," Brett said. "They're keeping it secret for now, but the Admiralty would have sent some of their own to inform her officially. He was quite an heroic figure in the British Navy, you know, and a duke at that."
"Of course, that's right. That would require the highest levels of protocol, wouldn't it? I hadn't thought of what an important figure he was."
"Yes, I've noticed that about you. People's importance to the world doesn't necessarily impress you, does it?"
"Not usually, but Monty was an exception. Do you suppose they've informed her that Biff is with us?"
"Well, we'll soon find out. The plane is coming to a full stop now."
The medics on the flight began to make preparations for debarking as the plane rolled to a full stop. Once the stairs were rolled up to the door of the plane, Abby felt a tug of anxiety.
What's coming next? she thought. And will we have the wisdom to know what to do with it?
Brett was first down the stairs to the tarmac, waiting to give her a hand down from the high bottom step. As Abby descended she looked out through the light rain.
A limousine, flags flying, was driving up and stopped several yards away, waiting for them. She saw a young naval officer open the door of the passengers' compartment. Sir Robert stepped out, followed by Cameron, and then she spied Beatrice coming toward her, accompanied by the young naval officer.
"Oh, my word," Abby said. "Even at this hour, they're all here to greet us."
Beatrice in all her regal elegance was dressed in the black of mourning.
She knows about Monty, Abby thought.
Instantly, her heart filled with sorrow for her. She took Brett's hand as he handed her down to the slippery pavement and quickly walked to meet Beatrice.
Without a word they embraced. They looked at one another for a long time. There was no need for words.
Finally, Abby shook her head, "I'm so sorry about Monty. What a tragedy for all of us, and for England as well."
"Yes, my dear Abby, Monty will be remembered long and well." She stared blankly for a few moments; "but now with Biff lost as well...." Tears began to fill her eyes.
Abby smiled, "Oh, Your Grace. I am so happy to bring you a wonderful surprise. Look...." She turned and pointed to the door of the plane. The medics, with Brett's and Wiley's help, were beginning to bring Biff's gurney down the stairs to the pavement.
Beatrice, confused, took one long look toward the plane; her mouth dropped open in utter amazement. She turned to Abby.
"Oh Abby, darling, you found him and brought him home. What a wonderful gift. I shall never forget this day." Suddenly the expression on her face changed from darkness to light. Her step became purposeful as she started in the direction of the medics.
"Wait, Your Grace," Abby cautioned. "Biff doesn't know about his father yet. Perhaps you shouldn't tell him right away."
"He hasn't been told?"
"No, Headquarters hasn't released the information to the public yet, and we felt that after all he had been through it was too much of a shock for him. But perhaps now that he is safely home, and can be settled in the hospital, he can be told."
"I see. Then I won't mention it until you've filled me in. Now, let me go to him, my dear."
"Of course, Your Grace. Tell him I will come to the hospital as soon as I can."
"Yes, my dear." Beatrice smiled and took off with a confident step. She had lost her husband but her only son had been returned to her.
Abby watched as Beatrice embraced her son. Her heart filled with joy for the both of them.
Another paradox, she thought; joy in the face of tragedy. Well, Dr. Warner said there would be days like this.
Turning to see Sir Robert and Cameron waiting for her, she walked quickly toward them.
"Abby, you really pulled it off!" Sir Robert said, with a hug. "I had no idea you were off on such a wild goose chase until after you left. I hear it was hazardous to say the least. You're a very fortunate girl that you were able to escape."
"Yes, darling," Cameron said, embracing her, "you were very fortunate; and you brought Ma Mere out of France to safety. Thank you, darling, we were so worried about her."
Abby began to laugh, "Well now, I'm not so sure who brought whom out. Cameron, your mother would make Sarah Bernhardt look like a novice. She played her part to a tee."
"Then we'll just see to it she gets an Academy Award," Sir Robert said, chuckling. "She was always a great actress."
"She's all of that! Now, you know I must say goodbye for awhile. I see our driver is here to take Brett and me off again."
"Yes darling, we know; we hope to see you soon," Cameron said, embracing her.
Sir Robert began softly in his rich baritone— "I'll see you again, don't know where, don't know when ..." and Abby joined in— "but I know we'll be together one fine day," and Abby walked away, waving at them, laughing on her way.
Chapter Two
January 17 2:00 AM London
Their driver delivered Wiley, John, Brett and Abby to the secluded back entrance of the Regency, where necessary accommodations had been set up for John and Wiley. After a word or two with the others, Abby and Brett were taken immediately to their rooms to settle in.
"At last," Abby said. "I never thought our 'safe house' would look so good."
"I know," Brett said. "No one could be happier than I to get you out of France."
"No one except me!" Abby laughed. "In fact, I'm downright euphoric!"
"Colonel Mathersby is here. He's waiting to greet us," Brett said, unlocking her door. "And the big brass will be debriefing us tomorrow."...
