Title:
A Pearl of Destiny
Author:
Jaya
Rating:
FRM
Classification:
Nathan and Kristin romance
Archive:
NK archives and tay’s site – sometime in the near of distant future
Disclaimer: They belong to Amblin. I’m just borrowing them for a while.
Summary:
My answer to the Pearl Harbor challenge
Notes: I tried to be as historically correct as I
could so please forgive any poetic license.
The USS Dolphin was a real submarine stationed out of Pearl Harbor. She was in port on December 7th,
1941 and did fire on enemy aircraft.
The dates and destination of the sub match those of the real Dolphin
based on the records I could find. I
also tried to be accurate with the timing of the actual attack.
December
2nd, 1941 – Pearl Harbor Naval Station
The
sleek lines of the USS Dolphin knifed through the shallow water to slice
through the surface as it entered Pearl Harbor, returning to homeport for a
routine maintenance check and refit.
The crew gave a cheer as they flung open the top hatch and gathered on
the top of the sub, enjoying the warm sun and fresh air beating down on
them. A screech of metal on metal, the
sound of clattering chains and the submarine was secured to its dock. Her crew scurried below to gather their gear
or to return to their duty stations because a glance down the dock had shown
them that some very important brass was headed their way.
“Admiral
on deck sir!” The seaman’s voice rang
out.
Captain
Nathan Bridger moved to stand at the base of the ladder as his men were called
to attention. Nathan fought to keep the
grin off his face as a rather large backend began to descend into his bridge. As soon as the Admiral’s feet hit the deck
Nathan shot him a smart salute, which Admiral Noyce returned as, his face broke
into a smile.
“Nathan,
you old seadog, you look fantastic!
Carol can’t wait to see you.
It’s about time you brought this old rust bucket in. You are a month late!”
“We
had some engine trouble off the coast of the Philippines and had to make
repairs so we could get home for you to make repairs. I’ve arranged a rotating shore leave schedule for the men and I
am going home to see my wife.” Nathan
saw the look flit across Bill’s face.
“What? Don’t tell me we can’t go
home?”
“Well,
you can. Actually you are going to be
required to. But your crew… We have visiting politicos who want a tour
of all the vessels that come through here, a Senator John McCallister and his
entourage. Your tour is scheduled for
the fifth. Meanwhile, you are required
to attend a list of functions to be held in honor of the Senator and his wife.”
“Damn
it, Bill! I don’t DO functions. I am a sailor not a diplomat. That’s why you’re the admiral and I’m just
the captain.” Very few men could have
spoken to Admiral William Noyce in that tone of voice and gotten away with it
and no one who was beneath him in rank, no one except Nathan Bridger. The two men had been friends since the Naval
Academy when senior Noyce took the skinny gawky freshman Bridger under his
wing. Nathan’s first assignment had
been on board the ship where Noyce served as second in command. Bridger had stood as Noyce’s best man and
vice versa. Noyce was godfather to
Bridger’s son, Robert, and Bridger was godfather to one of Noyce’s two
daughters. They knew each other as well
as themselves and Noyce knew that Nathan was angry.
“Look,
Nathan. I know you don’t want to be
away from the ship while your men are still on duty but this is a real opportunity
for us. McCallister sits on some very
important committees and we could use the extra funding. You’re not really on leave, you’ll still
have to be here during the day getting the boat ready for inspection, you just
have to attend a few parties. You get
to go home at night, sleep in your own bed.
Besides, McCallister’s wife is a real looker.”
Nathan
rolled his eyes. He was the most
monogamous man on the face of the planet and Noyce knew that better than
anyone. Nathan had never met a woman
who could tempt him away from hearth and home.
Only the ocean had the power to do that.
Nathan’s
vehement refusal was seconds away from spewing out of his mouth when Noyce
played his trump card. “Oh, did I
mention that the Arizona is in port?
Bobby has a few days leave and I thought you might enjoy spending some
time with your son.”
Nathan’s
upper body shook with laughter. “You
son of a bitch. Why didn’t you tell me
that in the first place? I’d brave any
number of stupid politicians to see my kid.”
“Telling
you first would have been too easy. You
wouldn’t want to deprive me of all my fun would you?”
December
3rd, 1941
“I
can’t believe we have to wear uniforms to a beach party.” Nathan grumbled. “What if I spill barbecue sauce on it? I’ll have to come home and wash it before I can report tomorrow.”
Carol
Bridger slid up behind her grumbling husband and wrapped her arms around his
waist, stopping his hands from buttoning his shirt. “Like you don’t have ten sets of khakis in the closet and another
five in your quarters on board. Be
grateful you don’t have to wear your dress uniform.” She patted his flat stomach.
“Besides, you don’t have anything to catch sauce on.” Carol moved away to slip on her sandals as
Nathan finished dressing.
“We
could be spending the evening with Bobby.
Instead we have to go to this stupid party and be nice to people that I
don’t even know.”
“We
will be spending the evening with Bobby.
He’s a member of the Arizona contingent. I like beach parties. I
was also there when the Senator’s party arrived and met some very nice
people. His wife seems like a lovely
person and his daughter is very pretty.
She’s sixteen I think. She’ll be
turning sailors heads tonight.”
Nathan
started to say that according to Bill the wife would be the one turning heads
but thought better of it. “Maybe we can
sneak out early.”
Carol
just laughed.
*~*~*~*
The
party was in full swing by the time Nathan and Carol arrived. They were greeted at the entrance by
Lieutenant Robert Hale Bridger, twenty-two and very handsome, if his female
following was any judge. Bobby had
graduated from the Naval Academy and been posted immediately to the USS
Arizona. Nathan was proud of his son
but missed him terribly; not that he’d been around very often but he still
expected Bobby to run greet him whenever he walked through the door. Carol, on the other hand, was not so pleased
at Bobby’s choice of career. Although in
public she was the perfect navy wife she was deeply resentful of Nathan’s long
absences and had not wanted their only child to follow in his father’s
footsteps.
Bobby
gave his mother a small hug and his father a respectful salute followed by a
handshake.
“I
see Janet Noyce. I need to speak to her
about a luncheon we are hosting tomorrow.
I’ll catch up with you guys later.”
Carol disappeared into the crowd.
“Wanna
grab a brew or are you allowed to drink?”
Nathan asked his son as they made their way toward the bar.
“I
don’t think they’ll bust me for one or two.”
Bobby laughed then stopped and pointed.
“There is the Senator and his family, isn’t his daughter beautiful. Too bad she’s only sixteen.”
Nathan
glanced over in the direction Bobby was pointed and felt his heart stop beating
and his lungs stop breathing as blue eyes met brown. The connection between them was instantaneous. She wore an emerald green dress that
accented the creamy richness of her skin.
Shoulder length red hair was caught back at the nape of her neck, a few
wisps escaping to frame her beautiful face and large sable eyes. Her legs were long and graceful inviting the
eye to follow the lines of her perfect figure.
Her breasts were large and firm.
Nathan felt his palms itch with the desire to cup them. The woman’s tongue darted out to lick her lips,
an expression of nervousness but enticing nonetheless. He felt like he would explode if he couldn’t
kiss her and knew he would explode if he did.
Nathan knew everyone must be staring at them but he couldn’t move,
couldn’t blink lest he break the link with her.
“Dad,
Dad…Are you okay?” Bobby moved in front
of him. Nathan wanted to scream at him
for interrupting his view, push him out of the way but he swallowed and forced
himself to answer.
“Yeah,
I’m fine.” A quick glance around showed
that no one else had noticed anything out of the ordinary. Thank God that Carol had business elsewhere.
*~*~*~*
Kristin
McCallister cast another surreptitious glance at the naval officer she’d made
such intense eye contact with moments before.
He wasn’t handsome, not in the classical sense, but there was something
about him that drew her. His hair was
dark and flecked with gray. He was tall
and lean and his face was tanned and housed a nose that her medical training
told her had been broken at least one. But
his eyes were his most remarkable feature.
She been captured by them, felt as if she were staring deep into his
soul and seeing her own reflected back.
No one had ever elicited a response like this in her. Another glance found him looking casually back
her way. Kristin quickly averted her
eyes. Jack would be sure to notice if
their gazes locked again and Kristin knew she would never hear the end of it. Her daughter, Cynthia, who was standing just
beside her, pulled her from her thoughts by a tug on her arm.
“Mum,
look at that officer standing over there.
Isn’t he fabulous looking?”
Kristin
breathed a sigh of relief that Cynthia was pointing to the young man standing
next to the object of her interest. The
two men looked enough alike that it was obvious they were related in spite of
the young man’s light hair.
“Yes,
darling. He is very handsome.”
Senator
McCallister’s head jerked around as he heard his wife’s comment. “What?”
“Cynthia
was commenting on how handsome that young man is. I just agreed with her.”
McCallister’s
eyes narrowed. “A bit old for you,
kitten, don’t you think?”
Cynthia
laughed. “Daddy, I’m not a baby
anymore. I’m sixteen years old.”
“Your
father is right. You are a bit too
young for this crowd.”
“It
doesn’t hurt to look!”
Jack
McCallister smiled indulgently at his daughter. “Just as long as that’s all you do. Maybe you could have a dance or two as well, but that’s as far as
it goes.”
“Thank
you, Daddy, thank you so much! Can I go
talk to Ginny? She is just over there
with her mother.” During the week the
McCallisters had been in Hawaii, Cynthia had become fast friends with Ginny
Noyce.
“Go
ahead, but straight there.”
“I’ll
go with you, Cyn…”
Jack
placed a restraining hand on her arm.
To the casual onlooker the move would look like a caress but Kristin
felt the power behind it. “Now darling,
you know I like for you to stay with me until we’ve been introduced to all the
important people.”
“Of
course,” Kristin nodded and returned to her place at his side. The moment she had been dreading came
quickly. Admiral Noyce appeared at
Jack’s side with the handsome officer in tow.
“Senator,
I’d like for you to meet one of my best men.
This is Captain Nathan Bridger of the submarine USS Dolphin.”
Jack
shook the man’s hand. “I’m very glad to
meet you, Captain Bridger. I’ve heard a
lot of great things about you and your sub.
Oh,” he added, obviously as an afterthought, “this is my wife
Kristin.” Jack practically put Nathan’s
hand in Kristin’s as he turned back to Bill.
They
felt the heat shoot between them as they touched. “How very nice to meet you, Captain Bridger.” Kristin said with her lilting British
accent. God, she hoped she wasn’t
stuttering!
Nathan
bent low over the hand he held and brushed a light kiss just above the
surface. “Charmed, my lady.”
Kristin
laughed self-consciously. “How
gallant!”
“Constant
and rigorous training by my English grandmother.” Nathan turned to Bill and Jack.
“Who knew I’d ever have a chance to use it?” The three men laughed but somehow Kristin sensed that Nathan knew
just the right thing to say to save her from Jack’s anger later.
*~*~*~*
Nathan
moved surreptitiously toward the torches lighting the outer boundary of the
party. Bill had put him on parade for
the Senator and his party and Nathan desperately needed a break. He almost made good his escape when a gentle
hand on his arm stopped him. “Damn,” he
muttered more to himself than anyone around.
“Watch
your language, Nathan.” He turned to
face the gentle blue eyes of his wife.
Carol was smiling at him with understanding. “Can’t stand it anymore?
I can’t complain. I’m surprised you made it this long. I saw you talking with Senator
McCallister. He seemed very interested
in you. He could help your career,
Nathan. You should play that up.”
“Dear,
I’m nobody’s lap dog. Besides…”
Nathan’s voice trailed off. He couldn’t
tell Carol that he’d disliked the senator on sight. No, that wasn’t the right word but there was something. “…I just
need a few minutes of quiet. I’ll be
right back, I promise.”
Carol
Bridger shook her head as she watched her husband disappear around a bend in
the beach and into the night. She had
tried for twenty-three years to turn him into a social animal and failed
miserably.
*~*~*~*
Kristin
McCallister stared out into the black ocean along the path of moonlight as it
lay across the surface, reveling in the peace and quiet it offered. Thank God the introductions had been
completed and Jack was well on his way towards intoxication. She dreaded what his state would bring later
but at least she was free for a few moments.
Kristin slipped her sandals off and dug her toes into the sand, feeling
the grains slide between them as she thought once again about Nathan
Bridger. The reaction she’d felt to his
gaze was like nothing she had ever experienced. Kristin had met Carol Bridger when they arrived and knew she was
Nathan’s wife but just for a moment she allowed her mind to wander to what
being touched by Nathan would be like.
The hand that had gripped hers had been strong and beautifully
shaped. The gentle clearing of a deep
voice brought her back to the present and found her confronted with the object
of her thoughts.
“I’m
sorry to interrupt. I didn’t expect to
find anyone else out here.”
Kristin
smiled nervously. “I just needed…a
little break from the party. Meeting so
many people can be a bit overwhelming.
Jack didn’t send you to look for me, did he?”
Nathan
snorted. “To be honest I doubt the
Senator has realized you are missing.
He was enjoying himself a great deal.”
“Yes,
I noticed.” Several silent moments
passed between them before Nathan broke the quiet again. “Are you enjoying your trip to the islands?”
“The
scenery is quite nice. Cynthia is
enjoying being out of Washington in December.”
“What
about the base? It’s pretty awesome
don’t you think?”
“I’m
sorry, Captain but spending day and in day out touring military bases isn’t
exactly my idea of a good time. All
this effort should be put toward scientific research instead of finding more
efficient ways for the military to kill people.”
Nathan
saw her eyes flash in the moonlight as her voice rose. “Now wait just one damn minute, lady. If it weren’t for the British military you
and yours would be speaking German now!”
Kristin
turned on him, shoulders squared and eyes alive with fire. “Don’t you DARE speak to me about the
British military. You all sit here in
your safe little nests on the opposite side of the world debating about
Europe. My family is there. Can you even begin to imagine how it feels
to jump at the ringing of the telephone, cringe at the sound of the doorbell
because you are afraid of the news on the other side? The home two doors down from my mother was destroyed during a
night raid. I can’t go home because of
that damned little housepainter and his Nazi gibberish. My brother gave his life defending Britain!”
Nathan
held his hands out in front of him in a calming motion. The lady had a lot of passion beneath her
placid surface. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. You are the one who made negative comments
about the military.”
Kristin’s
body seemed to go limp as the fire within died. “I understand the necessity for the military, especially with the
world falling apart. But I’m a
doctor. I’m trained to preserve life
not take it. I loathe any situation
where lives are lost.”
“I
didn’t know you were a doctor, the Senator didn’t say anything about you having
a medical degree.”
Kristin
laughed derisively. “Of course
not. If he did that, someone might
assume I had a purpose in life other than decorating his arm.” It was obvious that she regretted the words
as soon as they left her mouth but she didn’t take them back.
“You
don’t practice at the moment?”
“Jack
doesn’t think it’s seemly for me to work.
I haven’t really worked since we got married ten years ago.”
“Ten
years…but Cynthia?”
“My
first husband, Cynthia’s father, died when she was two. Alex was a biochemist and he encouraged me
to get my medical degree. He was always
very proud of me. I practiced until
Jack and I married and he adopted Cynthia but he thought I should be a
traditional mother, stay at home and take care of the babies.”
“You
have other children?”
“No. The babies never came. Then he was elected Senator.”
Nathan
didn’t know what to say. He knew that
in just a few words she’d revealed herself to him more than any other
person. He’d felt desire for her the
moment he’d first laid eyes on her but something else was stirring deep beneath
the surface. Kristin wouldn’t want pity
so he told her what was in his heart at that moment. “I think that Senator John McCallister is a damn fool!”
The
moonlight played its silver threads across her auburn hair as she smiled up at
him. “Thank you, Captain.”
They
walked side-by-side back toward the party both trying to keep the conversation
casual, careful never to touch. Just
beyond the periphery of the lights they stopped. Kristin looked uncomfortable but Nathan came to her rescue. “I think I see Janet Noyce just ahead on the
right. Why don’t you go join her? I’m going to enjoy a few more minutes of
solitude before I jump back into the fray.”
Kristin
was a bit unnerved that this man seemed to read her thoughts so easily but she
rewarded him with a grateful smile before she carefully slipped back into the
light.
December
4, 1941
The
sun was low in the sky by the time Nathan pulled up in front of the Noyce’s
home. Carol was going to kill him. She had expected him around 3pm but there
had been too many little details to take care of on the sub for him to
leave. Nathan might not like Senator
McCallister but not one bolt would be out of place for the tour tomorrow. Carol and Janet had hosted an officer’s
wives luncheon for Kristin and Cynthia.
Their planning had led to an invitation for the Bridgers to join the
Noyces for a relaxing afternoon and evening.
Bobby had managed to get the afternoon off and Nathan hated missing the
opportunity to see him. There just
never seemed to be enough time.
He
parked the car and walked around the house, knowing he’d find everyone gathered
on the large back porch. As he turned
the corner instinct took over and he grabbed the brown spherical object
hurtling towards him. The force behind
the football almost took him off his feet and he scanned the back yard to find
the quarterback with the great arm.
Nathan guessed that Bobby or Bill was the culprit or perhaps Bobby’s
friend, Ben Krieg who was also playing, but none of them looked guilty. Ginny and Cynthia McCallister were playing
but surely neither one of them had the strength to throw with such force.
“Okay,
who’s the wise guy?”
Nathan
could have been pushed over with a feather when Kristin McCallister emerged
from behind Bill and tentatively stuck her hand up. “Sorry, the ball got away from me.”
“I
want to be on her team!”
“Come
on guys, take a break. We’ve got
lemonade on the porch!” Janet called
out as she and Carol appeared with pitchers and trays.
Nathan
grabbed a glass and moved to the side of the porch, trying not to notice the
way Kristin’s sweat soaked tee shirt clung to her body. ‘Damn it man, your wife is ten feet away’ he
thought to himself to try to dampen his reaction. “Who is winning?” He asked
as Bill moved to join him.
“The
girls are up by six. That woman has got
an arm on her and Bobby and Ben are useless when one of the girls smile at
them.”
“ I
expect Mrs. McCallister has many hidden talents. Did you know she is a medical doctor?”
“I
had no idea. Do you think she’d like a
tour of the medical facilities? The
senator didn’t say anything but I’m sure I can arrange it.”
“I
don’t know Bill. I get the idea that
the Senator doesn’t care to do anything that doesn’t revolve around him. Speaking of the pompous politico, where is
he?”
“He’s
probably still locked up with Admiral Kimmel.
We had an afternoon meeting and then they were going on some tour. I had a meeting I couldn’t reschedule so I
escaped. The kids were playing football
when I got home and I joined in. Hey,
Bobby looks fantastic. I think life on
the Arizona agrees with him. I also
think he is quite taken with the Senator’s daughter.”
“Come
on, Bill. She’s a child. Bobby is just being nice. He’s probably been listening to his mother
about how the Senator could help his career.”
“Carol’s
on that track again?”
“I
know she doesn’t like the long absences but she knew I was a navy man when she
married me. I need the ocean…”
“Come
on, Admiral. We’ve got a game to
finish. We can’t let these women beat
us.” Bobby was waving Bill back to the
game. “Wanna play, Dad?”
“You
can have my spot.” Kristin offered.
“Oh,
no.” Bill Noyce interjected. “Men versus women that was the deal. Nathan doesn’t meet all the criteria for
your team.”
“What
do you mean all?” Before anyone could
move, Nathan had Bill in a headlock and the two men were tussling on the grass.
“Don’t
mind them.” Janet told Kristin. “I’ve known them almost thirty years and
they have always been this way. Knock
it off you two. Nathan you can play
with the guys and I’ll join the women.”
Nathan
was as slippery as an eel and before anyone realized it the score was
tied. The women had possession of the
ball just yards away from their goal line when Carol called out from the
porch. “By my time clock you have about
a minute left. Let’s make it good
girls!”
“Hey,
you’re supposed to be impartial!” Nathan and Bobby yelled at the same
time. Carol just shrugged her shoulders
and grinned. Janet snapped the ball to
Kristin who tossed it over to Ginny.
She made it half the distance to the goal before Bobby stopped her with
a staggering ‘touch’ to the back. The
women quickly went into a huddle to make their final plans while the guys stood
back and admired the view, confident in their ability to defend.
Once
again they lined up on the lawn with Nathan taking the end position. He stared Kristin in the eye. “You are going down.” He told her. She stuck her tongue out at him, which caused him to laugh, just
as she received the ball from Janet. As
she backed up to throw, Nathan counted off then charged toward her. Just as the ball left her fingers he lunged
to tag her back and slipped. They both
hit the ground hard, breath knocked out of lungs. Nathan found himself lying
flush on top of Kristin, her soft breasts pressing into his chest, a knee
pressed between her thighs. He buried
his face in the ground beside her shoulder; embarrassed because he had gone rock
hard in seconds and there was no way that she could miss his erection pressing
into her stomach.
Cheering
came from the end zone. Nathan rolled
to a sitting position and doubled over, trying to calm his desire before anyone
noticed. Kristin stayed on the ground
her hand on her diaphragm desperately trying to draw air into her lungs.
“Mum,
we won! Mummy are you okay?” Cynthia fell to her knees beside her mother
and helped her sit up. Kristin
immediately reached over and punched Nathan in the arm.
“I
thought…we…were…playing...TOUCH!” she gasped out.
Nathan’s
shoulders shook as he began to laugh.
This woman was amazing to him.
Carol would have given him the silent treatment for a week but Kristin
was trying to make him laugh.
“Hey,
Bridger?” Janet and Cynthia had managed to get Kristin to her feet and her
breathing was recovering. He looked up
at her with repentant eyes.
“I
slipped I swear. I didn’t mean to
tackle you.”
“Just
remember, pay backs are hell!”
Nathan
watched the slim figure silhouetted in the sinking sun from the crest of the
beach. He was loath to interrupt her but Janet had sent him to check on her
noted guest so he approached her quietly.
Nathan was just a few feet away from Kristin when a gust of wind blew
across the beach. Kristin flung her
arms open wide and arched her back into the breeze, her russet hair dancing
around her delicate features. Desire
welled up in Nathan again, for to him she looked like some mythological sea
nymph. He simply stood and stared at
her until she began to twirl in the breeze.
Kristin
caught site of the handsome man gazing at her and instantly stopped her
self-consciousness evident.
“You
look as if you belong to the water, like a siren or a Lorelei.”
Kristin
blushed prettily. “I’ve always loved
the ocean. When I was a little girl we
lived on the coast of Cornwall. I had
to go to the sea everyday no matter what the weather. It has always fascinated me.”
“I
feel the same. The ocean calms me and
yet it excites me as nothing else does.
I’ve felt that way since the very first time I saw it.”
“When
was that?” Kristin’s soft accent sent a
shiver down Nathan’s spine.
“I
must have been about seven. My dad
loaded all of us kids up in the old tin lizzie and drove us to the Jersey
shore. It took two days but it was worth
it. You are lucky that you grew up on a
beach.”
“The
beach below my parents home was an old smuggler’s cove. The path down was steep and rocky, very
mysterious and there was a natural cave in the cliff face that my brother and I
played in. I always got to be the
pirate king.”
“A
bit mercenary were we?”
“Oh,
Yes! The pirate king always won the
sword fights. I was a better fighter
than James.” Kristin smiled at the
memory. “From the time I was a little
girl I always wanted to be a doctor but I secretly always wanted to study the
ocean as well.”
“Why
don’t you?”
Kristin
laughed out loud. “I’d have to go back
to university. I can see me bringing
that idea up to Jack.” A dark cloud
seemed to pass over her face momentarily but she quickly hid it as she stared
into the blue waters. “The ocean brings
me peace. I think that perhaps it does
the same for you Nathan”
“You
are very perceptive Kristin.” Their
eyes locked and the same electric current they had experienced the first time
they saw each other happened again.
Nathan took a step toward Kristin and she responded in kind. One more step by either of them and they
would have been in each other’s arms. A
voice broke through their focus and they turned to see Robert and Cynthia
standing on the bluff.
“Come
on you guys!” Robert waved his arm
towards the house. Nathan gave an
exaggerated nod and waved back.
“I
was sent to bring you back to the house for dinner.” He bowed gallantly and held his arm out to Kristin.
“You
learned your lessons very well kind sir.”
Kristin told him as she placed her arm in his and allowed him to lead
her from the beach.
*~*~*~*
John
McCallister appeared to collect his family just as darkness fell. He was easily persuaded to stay for dinner
but then insisted that he and Kristin retire early. “After all, Captain, I’ve got an important submarine tour
tomorrow.”
“All
will be well, Senator. I’ve got the
best crew in the US Navy.” Nathan’s
statement brought protest from Bobby and Ben who both served on the Arizona.
“You
just wait until our tour on Sunday!
We’ll see who had the best crew, Dad.”
“You’re
on.”
Carol
rolled her eyes. “Sometimes I wonder
which one is the father and which one is the son.” Nathan leaned over her shoulder and whispered something in her
ear, which caused her to blush. “Watch
it fella or you might not be crawling into bed with me tonight.” This evoked a round of laughter from all the
adults but Nathan could tell that Kristin’s laugh was a bit put on. He realized then that the best thing he
could do for himself and this woman was to keep as much distance as possible
between them. He didn’t understand what
was happening between them but he couldn’t risk it going any further.
December
6th, 1941
Saturday
night on a naval base was always a social time and tonight was no
exception. Senator McCallister and his
family were leaving after attending special services and touring the Arizona on
Sunday so the formal ball was viewed as a good-bye send off.
Janet
and Carol, along with the decorations committee, had done a fantastic job
turning the social hall into a tropical paradise. Potted palms and exotic flowers covered every available inch of
wall space and a fabulous orchestra played in the corner. Nathan looked out over the dance floor and
saw that Bobby was dancing with Cynthia McCallister for the fourth time this
evening. Bobby seemed very taken with
the young lady in spite of her youth.
Nathan was a bit concerned but she would be gone in twenty-four hours
and the likelihood of them ever seeing each other again seemed very
remote. ‘Just like I’ll never see her
mother again’ he thought, his heart saddening even though he knew it was for
the best. Nathan looked around for
Carol and found her with the Senator and Kristin. She’d been very angry with him for the last few days because he
refused to cozy up to the Senator to advance his career. Carol couldn’t understand that Nathan was
happy at sea. He didn’t want to be tied
to a desk in an office.
Jack
McCallister caught Nathan looking his way and beckoned him over. He sensed that Bridger didn’t like him and
was curious as to why. Surely no one
had said anything to Bridger. Nathan
joined them grudgingly.
“Great
party wouldn’t you say, Captain? Your
wife certainly did a fantastic job with the decorations.” Nathan’s eyes narrowed as the Senator
caressed Carol’s arm. Was he just
trying to get a reaction?
“My
wife is very gifted in many areas, as is Janet Noyce.”
“Would
you mind terribly if I danced with your lovely lady? I promise to behave myself.”
Nathan
lifted an eyebrow at Carol and waited for her slight nod before replying. “Of course you can dance with Carol…” he
felt gentle pressure on his foot and saw Carol incline her head slightly
towards Kristin, “as long as you return the favor.”
“You
want to dance with Kristin? She’s not
really much of a dancer but please feel free.”
Jack took Carol’s hand and led her to the dance floor leaving Nathan
alone with Kristin.
“You’re
dress uniform suits you well, Captain.”
“You
look lovely tonight.” Nathan told her
quietly and it was true. The long black
dress she wore was simply made but stunning.
Her auburn hair was piled at the top of her head; gentle tendrils
curling down to kiss the sides of her face.
She wore no jewelry other than her wedding band but she didn’t need
any. Suddenly Nathan wanted nothing
else but to hold her in his arms.
“Would you care to dance with me?”
“Are
you sure you’re willing to put life and limb at risk?” She asked bitterly, her eyes narrowed in the
direction Jack and Carol had taken.
“I
think of you as grace personified. I
suspect you must be a marvelous dancer and I’d like very much to dance with
you.” Nathan led her to an uncrowded
corner of the dance floor as far away from Jack and Carol as he could get and
took her in his arms. Kristin fit
against him perfectly as they danced to 'Moonlight Serenade’.
“How
do you do it?” She asked him.
“What
do I do?”
“You
see through Jack. He can charm the
birds out of the trees but you see him exactly for what he is.”
“So
do you.”
“No,
I had to learn from experience. You saw
from the beginning. I could tell. He knows you don’t care for him. He just doesn’t understand why.”
Nathan
started to tell her but thought better of it.
They danced silently for a few moments before Kristin inclined her
head. “They move very well together
don’t they, Jack and your Carol. She’s
been very kind to me during my stay here.
She talks about you all the time.
She obviously loves and misses you very much.”
Nathan
groaned under his breath. Not only had
Carol been working on the Senator but on his wife as well. “I’m sorry if she’s been…well…Carol doesn’t
like living on Oahu. She’s can’t stand
the ocean and her fondest dream is to see me posted to some boring
administrative job somewhere landlocked.”
Kristin’s
sable eyes bore into his blue. “You’d
hate that. I can’t imagine you anywhere
without the ocean.”
‘How
can she know me so well, better than my own wife?’ Nathan thought to himself. “I can’t really imagine myself without the
ocean.” They changed tempo slightly as
the band moved into ‘A String of Pearls’.
“You are a marvelous dancer.”
Kristin
smiled at his praise, but then her smile faltered. “Jack is looking this way.
We’ve probably danced long enough.”
She tried to move away but Nathan held onto her.
“Why
do you always do what he wants? What
about what you want? Let’s go out on
the balcony then he can’t see what you’re doing. You go and I’ll join you in a few minutes.” He saw the indecision in her eyes. “Please?”
Kristin
backed out of his arms and thanked him graciously for the dance before moving
away. Nathan melted back into the crowd
and saw her accept a glass of champagne from a waiter before slipping through the
open doors onto the balcony. Nathan
stopped to speak with Admiral Kimmel until he was sure he’d been seen then made
excuses and moving surreptitiously outdoors.
Couples
were scattered around the balcony but it was by no means crowded. Nathan spotted Kristin waiting in the
shadows of the balcony far away from the light. ‘She really doesn’t want him to know where she is’ he thought.
Nathan couldn’t imagine living like that.
His relationship with Carol had always been so open. He joined her in the shadows.
“Why
don’t you leave him?”
Kristin
sighed. “I did, once. Going back was the biggest mistake I ever
made. Now, I don’t have anywhere to go. Cynthia loves him as if he was her father
and I don’t doubt that he loves her. So
I stay.”
“He
is smothering you. You have so much to
give. I bet you are a fantastic
doctor.”
“Why
did you want me to meet you out here?
You’ve been avoiding me for the past two days. Do you really think that I believed that nonsense about having a
woman on your submarine being bad luck?”
“It
is a well-known superstition.”
“You
didn’t want me there. You avoided the
dinner last night. Why? I thought we were friends. I enjoyed having someone to talk to about
the ocean…about everything. I felt like
I could tell you anything.”
She
looked at him pleadingly and he realized that she feared his rejection. “Kristin, I am your friend but…I love my
wife. I am madly passionately in love
with my wife.”
“I
know that, Nathan.” He heard
bewilderment in her voice. “I haven’t
asked for anything more. I’d never be
unfaithful to my marriage vows and I know you wouldn’t either. Are you upset because of your reaction
during the football game? That was just
a physiological response to the excitement of the game. Men can get very stimulated during sporting
events. I know that it didn’t have
anything to do with me.”
Nathan
couldn’t believe his ears. Didn’t she
have any idea how exciting she was?
“Then how come it happens every single time I see you or I hear your
voice. Hell, Bill or Janet mention your
name and I’m hard as a rock!” He gave
Kristin no time to react to his statement but took her in his arms pulling her
fully against him so she could once again feel him. He heard her gasp. “No
one I’ve ever met has had this effect on me, not even my wife. Do you understand now why I have to stay
away? I love my wife but I’m falling in
love with you too, Kristin.” He kissed
her then, pouring all of his passion into the touch. Her mouth opened to him and tongues mingled tasting of champagne
and each other as her hands caressed the back of his neck. The kiss was ended as quickly as it had
begun both of them knowing that to continue was madness.
“You
feel it too, don’t you?” Nathan whispered.
Kristin
didn’t answer but confirmed his question with a small nod as she turned her
face away.
Nathan
brushed his fingertips across her cheek then turned and left while he still
could. Kristin left a few moments
later, brushing small tears from her eyes as she did so. As she disappeared the deep shadows stirred
and a couple emerged. The woman looked
at her man and shook her head. He
nodded in agreement then they both moved back into the crowd of people.
*~*~*~*
Robert
Hale Bridger was in love. He couldn’t
believe the object of his affection was only sixteen years old but that didn’t
matter. Cynthia seemed so much
older.
Her
father had watched her like a hawk all week but Ginny had helped them spend
time together. The Senator had given
him permission to escort Cynthia to the dance perhaps thinking that Robert
would be a shield against other young men.
Robert still expected to be watched and he had been for the first few
hours but in the last hour they hadn’t seen either of Cynthia’s parents. He wanted to take her out to the balcony for
a moment of privacy but knew that if the Senator caught them he might never see
her again. They were sharing yet
another dance when Kristin McCallister appeared at the edge of the floor
beckoning to her daughter.
“Mummy,
you look flushed. Do you have a fever?”
“I’m
not feeling very well, darling, so I’m going to go back to the house. I can’t find your father but I’ve spoken
with Janet Noyce. She’s agreed to keep
an eye on you until your father returns if you’d like to stay for a while longer.”
“Thank
you, Mummy, I’d like that very much.
Are you sure you don’t need me to go home with you?” Cynthia felt Robert’s hand tighten on her
arm but she had to ask.
“No
thank you. I have a bit of a headache
so I’m going to go straight to bed. Robert,
I’m trusting you to be on your best behavior with my little girl.” Kristin had sensed the undercurrent between
the two and sought to subtly remind the young man of her daughter’s age. “Have a good time and I’ll see you in the
morning.”
*~*~*~*
Nathan
saw Kristin gather her things and leave the party alone. He hadn’t meant to drive her away but her
nearness and the darkness had pushed him into giving in to his baser instincts. He knew he would have to apologize. He couldn’t bear for her to go away without
seeing her one more time. He’d take
care of it tomorrow on the Arizona.
With so many people around, there would be no chance for them to be
alone but he could manage an apology she would understand. Nathan was surprised that Jack had allowed her
to leave but as he looked around the ballroom he couldn’t locate the
Senator. Curiosity got the better of
him and he went into search mode.
Nathan
worked his way through the ballroom without finding any trace of Jack
McCallister so he decided to check the back offices. Luck paid off and he had time to dive into a dark alcove when he
heard a door begin to open. A glance
down the hall showed Jack emerging, his shift half buttoned and his tie loose
around his neck. He repaired his
appearance as he moved down the hall past Nathan. When the hallway was empty Nathan moved to the door McCallister
had just closed and opened it. Someone
was going to get a big surprise on Monday morning. All of the paperwork on the desk had been swept to the floor and
left there. The smell of sex hung
strongly in the air. “You son of a
bitch!” Nathan muttered to himself as
he noticed a woman’s scarf on the floor.
He picked it up absently, his mind racing. He wondered if Kristin knew about her husband’s infidelity. For some reason Nathan knew that this wasn’t
the first time it had happened and realized that Kristin must know. This was the reason she was so unhappy.
December
7th, 1941
Lifting
a single eyelid told Nathan that the sun hadn’t risen. He sat up with a groan and stared at his
wife through the bathroom door. “It’s
barely 6am and it’s Sunday. What are
you doing up?”
“I
am getting ready to go to the Arizona to help set up for the Senator’s tour and
special services. You just go back to
sleep. I’m sorry I disturbed you.”
Nathan’s
head began to ache dully. An argument
between he and Carol was rare but last night’s had been a doozy. She was angry at Nathan’s refusal to play up
to the Senator to advance his career but furious at his refusal to try and help
Bobby in the same way. She didn’t
understand why Nathan felt Bobby needed to advance without help from his father
any more than she understood Nathan’s need to be at sea. Nathan had apologized profusely and Carol
accepted but when they’d turned the lights out and he’d tried to kiss her she
had turned away from him. Nathan had
actually been relieved because he knew he had acted, at least in part, out of
guilt over kissing Kristin.
“Carol,
in just a few hours Senator John McCallister and his family will be on their
way back stateside. Can’t we just put
all of this behind us? I’ll talk to
Bobby and if he wants my help I’ll put in a word with some people and ask Bill
to do the same.”
The
hard line of Carol’s back softened slightly.
“I hear the rumors, Nathan. I
know that it is just a matter of time before we are dragged into this war in
Europe. There have been rumors flying
around the base all week about the Japanese increasing their activity. I don’t want my son in the middle of all
that. I don’t want you in the middle of
it. I just want you both safe with
me. I am willing to do anything that I
have to so that it happens.”
Nathan
accepted her motives as the basis for an easy truce. He swung his legs out of bed.
“Why don’t I get dressed and drive you down to the harbor. I can get some work done on the sub while
you are setting up. Once this is all
over with maybe we can take Bobby out to dinner. I suspect he is going to be devastated when that little girl
leaves.”
“They
are quite taken with each other. I know
she’s a bit young now but in a few years they will make a very handsome
couple. I’m sure Jack would advance his
son-in-law.”
Nathan’s
mouth dropped in disbelief. “You just
don’t get it do you?” He stalked into
the bathroom and slammed the door.
*~*~*~*
Nathan
stopped the car so that Carol could get out then continued his drive towards
the submarine docks without saying a word.
The entire trip had been made in silence. As Nathan passed the transport bay he noticed lights on and decided
to see if Manilow Crocker was on duty.
He and Gator had served on their first tour together and Nathan always
tried to get in a visit when he was in port.
Sure enough Gator was behind his desk when Nathan came through the door.
“Cap,
good to see you. I heard you were in
port. I guess you’ve been tied up with
all the big wigs in town.”
The
two men had settled down for coffee and memories when Gator’s phone rang
again. He rolled his eyes. “Nobody’s working but everyone has somewhere
to go. All of my duty drivers are
picking up for that show at the Arizona this morning.” He scooped the phone to his ear. “Transport Bay, uh huh, yes ma’am. I’ll get on it right now. I’ll send a driver as soon as I have one.”
Gator
slammed the phone back into its bay with an expletive. “Case in point, right there. I’ve already sent a car to take the Senator
to the Arizona. My driver probably left
his quarters two minutes ago and now the Senator’s wife needs a driver. Even if she wasn’t going to the show she
could have gone in the same car then directed the driver on. Now I’ve got to find somebody to go pick her
up.”
“Where
does she want to go, Gator?”
“She
didn’t say, just said she needed to leave the base for a while and could she
have a car. Now I’ve got to get on the
horn and find another driver. She’ll
complain to her husband about having to wait and he’ll complain to Kimmel and
my butt will be on the line.”
“I’ll
tell you what. I’m feeling generous
today. I’m not due anywhere for a while
so I’ll go get the lady and take her where she wants to go. I’ll even use my own car.”
“I
owe you big time for this one, Cap.”
*~*~*~*
Nathan
stopped the car in front of the home that the McCallisters had been assigned,
his cap pulled low over his face. He suspected
that Kristin might not be happy to see him but at least he wouldn’t have to
deal with Jack. Kristin must have been
watching for the car lights because she came flying out of the house as soon as
the car stopped. The sun hadn’t
appeared above the horizon. She was
dressed completely in black – shoes, skirt, and blouse. Nathan realized that he’d never seen her
hair loose as it was now. She climbed
into the back of the car.
Nathan
changed the pitch of his voice in hope that she wouldn’t recognize him. “Where to, Ma’am?”
“Just
get me off this base. I don’t care
where.” Her voice was tense and Nathan
knew that she and Jack must have argued.
Could someone have seen them on the balcony? He didn’t think so but he couldn’t let Kristin suffer for his
mistake. He put the car in gear and
pointed it east around the coast and then up into the hills, heading to one of
his favorite places on the island.
Throughout the ride he listened to her gentle sobbing and watched her
dab her tears in the rear view mirror.
Her
head came up as the car came to a stop and he parked. “Why are we stopping?”
Nathan
pulled his cap from his head and turned around. “Because I want to show you something, someplace special.”
“Oh,
Nathan. Why did you do this? You were right about us staying away from
each other. Take me back, please.”
Nathan
climbed out of the car and opened the back door extending his hand to her. “Come with me. It won’t take long, I promise.”
He led her up the path shining a flashlight to guide their way until
they came to a small clearing. Kristin
heard the sound of water but couldn’t see it.
Nathan turned the flashlight off and they stood in total darkness, never
touching but painfully aware of each other.
Gradually the sun began to appear on the eastern horizon. As it filtered over to them Kristin realized
she was standing on a rock ledge bordering a lush green clearing. Just in front of them was the edge of a dramatic
drop off into the ocean. A small but
gorgeous waterfall ran down the volcanic rock beside them. They stood in silence watching the sky
change from gray to red, orange and yellow, at peace with nature and each
other.
“Thank
you. I shall never forget my last
sunrise in Hawaii.”
“Kris,
I wanted to tell you that I’m sorry about last night. I shouldn’t have kissed you.
It wasn’t fair of me…I just…”
Kristin
laid a hand on his arm. “I understand,
Nathan. Actually, you’ve shown me that
I have to make some very important decisions about my life. I thank you for that. I was blessed to find your friendship and I
shall never forget you. I think that
your wife is a very lucky woman.”
Kristin
moved to step off the rock ledge just as Nathan reached to help her down. His hand gripped her waist to steady her and
he felt her sharp intake of breath. He
dropped them away as a cry escaped her lips and she fell to her knees.
“What’s
wrong?”
“Nothing,
I…twisted my ankle when I stepped. I’ll
be fine in a moment.”
Nathan
bent down and gripped Kristin’s waist to help her up, intending to carry her if
he had to. Once again he heard a
muffled gasp as his hands took hold of her waist. “You are not fine. What
the hell is wrong?”
Nathan
dropped to his knees beside her and grabbed the back of her blouse. Kristin realized too late what he intended
to do and pulled sharply away when she felt his hand. “NO!” but Nathan wouldn’t be dissuaded. He reached around to the front of her blouse and pulled. The buttons flew from the delicate fabric as
it ripped and the blouse slid down her arms.
Kristin
closed her eyes and covered her naked breasts with her hands as Nathan perused
her upper body. “Oh my God” she heard
him mutter. She flinched as his finger
lightly touched one of the many bruises that covered her torso. Kristin staggered to her feet and tried to
move away but Nathan refused to let her go.
His hand brushed a bruise at her waistband before moving to the zipper
of her skirt. She stood wordlessly as the
garment slid to the ground revealing her almost completely to his gaze, the only
barrier her cotton panties.
“He
beat you, the bastard hit you!” It was
a statement but she answered it nonetheless.
“Yes”
Nathan’s
eyes fell to the bruises covering her inner thighs. “He…forced you?”
Kristin’s
silence spoke volumes.
“I’ll kill him.” Kristin was amazed that anyone could make that statement with
such calmness in their voice but she had no doubt that Nathan meant it. He lifted her skirt back up to her waist and
gently pulled the zipper up to anchor it back in place.
“That
won’t be necessary. I’m going to leave
him when we get back to Washington.
This is the last time I let him do this to me.”
“He’s
done this before? You won’t have to
leave him once I’m through with him. Oh, God, this is my fault. He found out I kissed you last night and he
did this to you.”
Tears
came to Kristin’s eyes. “It isn’t your
fault Nathan, it’s mine. At least in
his eyes.”
Kristin
found herself sitting in Nathan’s lap, sobbing in his embrace. “Tell me. Please?” he asked.
“Jack
wants a son, a house full of sons. I
was an established breeder with a good pedigree so he married me. Stupid me thought that he loved me. Maybe he did in the beginning. I don’t know anymore. He became very frustrated when I didn’t get
pregnant. Eventually he hit me, just
once and he felt so guilty. He cried
and pleaded with me to forgive him. It
didn’t happen again for over a year.”
“That’s
when you left him.”
She
nodded. “I went home to England, worked
in the village I grew up in and tried to raise Cynthia by myself. She didn’t understand. She had already lost one father and couldn’t
deal with losing another. A year later
Jack begged me to come back. He said
that he had dealt with his anger and swore he’d never hurt me again. In reality he had decided to run for the
Senate. I went back for Cynthia’s
sake. Things went very well for several
months but…I didn’t conceive. The
beatings became worse and more frequent, every time my monthly cycle began, the
older I got. My body stopped behaving
normally. He’s afraid to hit me if I
haven’t had my period for fear it might damage a nonexistent child so when the
cycles do come the beatings are very bad.
I had one this week, which I tried to hide from him. He had to be careful her because Cynthia was
sleeping in the next room instead of on another floor but last night she slept
over with Ginny Noyce.”
“How
could he hurt you? You’re so beautiful.
He should be grateful that you married him but instead he beats you up
and cheats on you.” Nathan tried to
stop the words but couldn’t. He felt
her tense in his arms.
“I
didn’t mention that so you must have another source. I understand that he’s known around Washington as the Capitol
Hill Stud. But I’m not going to be his
punching bag anymore.”
“God
I wish things were different!”
Kristin
cupped Nathan’s cheek in the palm of her hand.
“No you don’t. You love your
wife. I know you wouldn’t wish her
away. I’ll be gone in a few hours and
your life will get back to normal.
You’ll forget all about the pushy English broad.”
“I’ll
never ever forget you, Sweetheart.”
Nathan closed the distance between their faces, meeting her mouth with
an intensity that startled them both.
She responded in kind. Their
kisses went from gentle to passionate and back again, rejoicing in the one
intimacy they would allow themselves just this once. Eventually they broke
apart, breaths coming in staccato bursts, resting their foreheads against each
other with eyes closed. When their
breathing had returned to normal they found themselves gazing at each other in
wonder. Both of them were imbued with a
strong sense of honor and neither would betray their marriage vows but they
recognized that the bond between them was something special.
Kristin
found the strength to break the moment, reminding them both of their
obligations. “We have to go back. You’re due on the Arizona at 9am and it’s
almost 8 now.”
Nathan
reluctantly agreed and moved to help her stand. “What about you? Does the
jack ass expect you?”
“No,
I’m going to be busy packing for our return home. He can’t take a chance on anyone seeing my bruises or commenting
on my choice of clothing. Or lack of…”
she smiled as she tried to pull her blouse back on but the garment was
ruined. “I’ll make a run for the
door. Maybe no one will see me.”
Nathan
unbuttoned the shirt of his khaki uniform to reveal a heavy white tee shirt
beneath. He shrugged the shirt off and
offered it to her. “This will cover you
a little bit better. I’ll stop by the
sub and pick up another one on the way.”
Kristin
accepted the shirt with a smile and he helped her pull it to her
shoulders. She was buttoning it up when
she noticed Nathan cock his head toward the sky. “What’s wrong?”
He
brought his fingers to her lips and she heard the sound as well, the hum of an
airplane engine, more than one. One
airplane appeared overhead, then another.
Suddenly the sky seemed to be full of them. Nathan swore and grabbed her hand. “Come on. We have to get
back to base now!” He began dragging
her down the path. She stumbled on a
rock and he caught her as she fell.
“I’m sorry, Sweetheart, but we have to hurry.”
“What’s
wrong, Nathan. I don’t understand. Is it some sort of exercise? Are they putting on a show for Jack?”
“I
think your Mr. Churchill just got his birthday wish. Those were Japanese war planes and they are headed straight for
Pearl.” The sound of an explosion in
the background punctuated his words.
“Cynthia!”
Nathan barely heard Kristin’s whisper but he felt the emotion behind it. Explosions roared like thunder as they raced
back to the car.
Nathan
took a little used back entrance into the base but travel was still slow. Smoke limited visibility and debris pelted
the car. Kristin sat beside him pale
and silent until he pulled the car to the side of the road. “We’re going to have to walk from here. Most of the action seems to be near the
harbor but I don’t want take any chances.
I’ll get you to Janet and then go on.”
“But
what if they’d already left for the Arizona?
We have to go there!”
Nathan
pulled Kristin out of the car. “You
have to listen to me and do what I say.
Do you understand?”
Kristin
nodded and took Nathan’s hand. He led
her between homes and through gardens until she was completely turned around
but in a few minutes they stepped out into the Noyce’s back garden and ran for
the house. Kristin ran through the door
screaming for Cynthia but no one answered.
She was becoming hysterical when Nathan grabbed her and shook her
gently. “Janet’s car is still in the
drive.” He led Kristin into the kitchen
and stopped by a narrow door Kristin hadn’t noticed while visiting. She could see that steps led down into the
dark. Nathan moved to the first step
and yelled. “Janet, are you here? It’s Nathan!”
They
heard movement and Janet face appeared.
Nathan pulled her through the door and closed it behind her. They embraced. “The girls?” Nathan asked
as he nodded toward the door.
“I
told them to stay safe- Ginny and Cynthia.”
“Thank
you God.” Kristin whispered and burst
into tears. Janet immediately wrapped
her arms around Kristin, not noticing her flinch.
“Where
is Bill?”
“I
don’t know. He left early to run by the
office before going to the Arizona. I
had a headache so he was going to send a car back for the girls. I haven’t heard anything else. What’s happening, Nathan?”
“The
planes are Japanese. You take Kristin
and go back to the cellar. I’m going to
try to get to the harbor and find out what is happening. I’ll send word as soon as I know anything.”
Nathan
turned to Kristin. “I’ve got to try and
find Carol and Bobby. You’ll be safe
here. Janet will look after you.”
Kristin
nodded wordlessly and Nathan was afraid she was going into shock. He placed a kiss on the top of her head then
moved away, catching Janet’s eye so that she would follow him.
When
they were alone in the hall Nathan started to speak but Janet stopped him. “You don’t owe me any explanation Nathan.”
“Nothing
happened between us Janet, I swear. She
needed a friend. That bastard raped her and beat her up. She’s black and blue. I’m afraid she may be hurt worse than she
will admit. Will you help her?”
After
giving her word and seeing Nathan off into the haze, Janet stood at the door
for a few moments staring into the fiery sky.
She whispered a silent prayer for her husband’s safety before moving
back into the kitchen. Kristin was
still huddled by the door, one hand picking at the sleeve of the top she
wore. Nathan’s uniform top, Janet
realized. She picked up a blouse from
the laundry area and offered it to Kristin.
“Maybe you want to change before you see Cyn?”
Kristin
automatically went through the motions of removing the shirt. A cry slipped
from Janet’s lips when she saw the extent of Kristin’s injuries. What kind of monster could have done that?
“I
assume that Nathan told you what happened?”
Kristin’s eyes were wary.
“He
told me that Jack hurt you. I don’t
need to know any more than that. I’m
your friend and I’m going to help you any way I can.” A loud explosion shook the kitchen. “That was closer. Let’s
get below with the girls before they get scared and come after me.” Janet glanced at the clock as she closed the
door.
The
time was 0855.
Nathan
fought his way through the haze towards the fiery inferno ahead. He thought that the intensity of the attack
might have dropped off a bit but he couldn’t be sure. His ears picked up the sound of anti aircraft fire. ‘Thank God we’re fighting back’. He finally made his way to the docks and
stumbled in the direction of the Arizona.
His Captain’s instinct told him to report to the Dolphin but he knew the
Arizona was closer and love of family won out.
He couldn’t believe the carnage he saw all around him and prayed that
the Dolphin and her crew were unhurt.
Time
passed in slow motion as he searched but chaos reigned all around him and he
couldn’t pinpoint his location. Bombs
began to burst in the sky and he realized that the attack was once again
intensifying. He reached the spot where he thought the battleship should be but
all he saw was a ball of fire. ‘This
has to be the wrong spot.’ He thought to himself but he knew it wasn’t. Someone grabbed him from behind and Nathan
began to fight. “Let me go. I’ve got to get out there. I’ve got to get to my wife and kid!” He fought like a madman until a solid right
hook knocked him unconscious.
A
glass of cold water in the face brought Nathan back to consciousness. He sputtered and jumped up, anxious to
continue the fight but was disoriented by his surroundings. “Nathan!”
Bill Noyce’s voice reached through the haze and he realized that he was
in the Admiral’s office.
“What
happened? Please tell me it was a dream!”
Nathan heard the bombs falling even as he spoke.
“The
Japanese are attacking us, started about one and a half hours ago. We had a
lull and were able to mobilize some defense strategies but they caught us with
our britches down.”
“How
did I get here? I remember being at
your house and then trying to get to the harbor.”
“You’ve
seen Janet? She’s okay…and Ginny?”
Nathan
nodded. “They’re in the basement with
Kristin and Cynthia. How did I get
here, Bill?”
Bill
Noyce had aged ten years in the last hour and it showed in his face. Somehow he had to give his best friend the
worst possible news. “Lieutenant Kreig
brought you here. He found you at the
dock trying to fight your way onto the Arizona.”
“The
Arizona…Carol and Bobby are there. I’ve
got to find them.”
Bill
gripped Nathan’s arm and faced him, compassion in his eyes. “The Arizona is gone, Nathan. We think she took direct hits in the first
wave. She exploded and went down. We don’t know if anyone got off.”
Nathan’s
mind was grasping; refusing to accept what Bill was telling him. “Ben got off. He wouldn’t have left Bobby and Bobby wouldn’t have left Carol.”
“Ben
wasn’t on the ship when the attack started.
He had gone ashore to perform an errand for Senator McCallister, who was
also on the ship.”
“McCallister
was there? Damn it! How can I kill him if…”
Bill
Noyce was taken back. He’d never heard
Nathan Bridger threaten anyone, much less a United States Senator. “You’re in shock, Nathan. Stay here until we get this under
control. I promise you we will do every
thing we can to find them.”
*~*~*~*
The
women had slowly emerged from the shallow basement, Janet and Kristin first
and, after their mothers were sure the danger was passed Ginny and
Cynthia. The electricity was off and
the phone was out. They all wanted to
find out what had happened but Janet insisted that everyone stay inside the
house until word came from Bill or Nathan.
That word finally appeared in the form of Lieutenant Benjamin
Kreig. The young man knocked quietly on
the door half hoping that no one would answer and he would be spared the task
ahead of him. His face fell even
further when Janet opened the door.
“Hello,
Mrs. Noyce. The Admiral sent me to
bring you word.”
A
single tear formed in Janet’s eye as she slipped through the door and closed it
behind her. “Bill is okay?”
“Yes,
ma’am. Admiral Noyce had gone to his
office before the assault began. He is fine, although he doesn’t know when he
will be home. Things are crazy.”
“Of
course, Lieutenant. What is wrong with
your arm? Are you hurt?”
“I’m
not sure, ma’am. I’ll report to the hospital after I finish my duties.”
“What
could be so important that you can’t go now?”
“I
have to find Mrs. McCallister and Cynthia.
I have to tell them…”
“Tell
me what, Ben?” Kristin had slipped
through the front door without either of them noticing. “Did you find Nathan? Is he hurt?
What about Carol and Bobby?”
Ben
was surprised that Kristin asked about the Bridger family instead of her
husband but he didn’t show it.
“Captain
Bridger is with Admiral Noyce. He is
unhurt, at least physically. In fact
he’s the one who got my arm.” Both
women were shocked. Kristin instantly
began a medical examination of Ben’s left arm, which hung limply at his side.
“It
is not broken but strained badly. You
need to have this seen to immediately.
I’ll immobilize it until you can get to the hospital. Why did Nathan hurt you?”
“I
was attempting to stop him from boarding the Arizona, or trying to at
least. There was nothing left to
board.”
A
small cry escaped Janet’s mouth. “Did…”
“No,
ma’am. From what we can gather she was
hit hard and exploded. She went down almost immediately. We…we haven’t found any survivors.”
“None? Carol?
Bobby? Both gone?”
“Yes”
“And
Jack. He was there too.” Kristin’s voice was flat, emotionless.
“Yes,
Mrs. McCallister. We know that the
Senator was on board below deck when the Arizona exploded. We’ve found no survivors who were below
deck.”
Janet
moved to Kristin’s side. “I’m so
sorry.”
“How
do I tell Cynthia? She has already lost
one father.” Kristin had gone very pale
yet her cheeks were flushed. Janet
moved a hand to her forehead and found that Kristin had a temperature.
“You
need to go to the hospital. Are the
roads clear, Ben? I’ll drive you both.”
Kristin
shook her head. “I’d like to go to the
hospital. I’m sure they need help, but
I’ve got to talk to Cyn first.” She
moved back to the door with Janet and Ben reluctantly following her. Cynthia stood when they entered the parlor,
knowing by her mother’s face that something was wrong. In halting words, Kristin gently told her daughter
what had happened and that her father was missing, along with Carol and Bobby
Bridger. Cynthia took the news as badly
as Kristin feared she would, bursting into tears and throwing her arms around
her mother in a desperate embrace.
Kristin returned the embrace but Janet could see her biting her bottom
lip and noticed the sheen of perspiration on her forehead.
She
motioned to Ginny and gently disengaged Cynthia, transferring her to Ginny’s
embrace but it was too late. No sooner
had Cynthia released her mother, than Kristin slid to the floor in a dead
faint.
December
8, 1941
Bill
parked the car and rested his forehead on the wheel for a few moments before
opening the door. Midnight had long
gone and still they had searched with no success. Nathan sat motionless beside him in a state of shock. The sun would be up in a few hours and Bill
would be back in the midst of things trying to make order out of chaos but he
had to see his family and Nathan had to have rest. With a deep sigh he climbed out of the car and pulled Nathan out
after him. “We’re home. Come on inside. You’ll stay with Janet and I, no arguments.” Nathan followed Bill inside. Janet was waiting at the door, greeting Bill
with a wordless embrace and a long kiss.
“You
should be in bed.”
“I
couldn’t sleep. I got a quick nap
earlier. I’ve got coffee and some
sandwiches waiting.”
Bill
nodded, not remembering the last time he’d eaten. He ate ravenously and after some gently prodding from Janet,
Nathan did as well. The food seemed to
help Nathan, making him more aware of his surroundings. Unfortunately his awareness brought his
tears. Janet held him as he cried
gently. “We can’t find any trace of
them, Janet. They are gone, both of
them. I never got a chance…Carol and I had
a fight this morning. We didn’t even
say good-bye. While they were being
attacked I was…”
“Nathan,
don’t do this to yourself. Carol and
Bobby knew you loved them. Everything
that has happened in the last twenty-four hours seems like a nightmare. I wish we could wake up and find out that’s
exactly what it was but that isn’t going to happen. You helped someone who desperately needed help. You did nothing wrong. Do you understand me?”
Nathan
nodded although it was clear he didn’t believe her.
Bill
looked puzzled, not understanding a great deal of the conversation. “Nathan said Kristin was here with you this
morning. Is she still here? We’ve notified the president about the
senator’s death. He’s making special
arrangements for her transport out of here.”
Janet
licked her lips nervously. “You need to
put a stop to that, Bill, at least for the moment. Kristin and Cynthia will be staying with us for a while. Neither one is in any fit shape to
travel. Cynthia is in shock and
Kristin…well…”
“What’s
wrong? Has she seen a doctor?” Nathan interjected.
“Kristin
collapsed. I sent Ben to the hospital
and Dr. Levin was able to come over here for a few minutes. She’s resting in the spare room upstairs. He doesn’t think she should be moved for several
days.” Janet glanced at Bill, knowing
he was lost. She’d never kept secrets
from him and wasn’t about to start now.
“She has three broken ribs and Joshua thinks there may have been some
internal bleeding but it’s stopped now.
She’s running a fever. The
trauma on top of the shock…” Janet stopped speaking as Nathan stood up and left
the room without speaking a word.
“Would
you like to tell me what is going on?”
Bill asked.
“Sit
down, sweetheart. This could take a few
minutes.”
*~*~*~*~*
A
sharp knock at the door woke Nathan from a deep but troubled sleep. He still sat in a chair next to the bed
where Kristin slept. When he’d left the
parlor that night he’d come straight to her side, not waking her but needing to
know that she was okay, that someone he cared about had come out alive in this
crazy mess. The knock sounded again and Nathan moved to answer the door.
Bill
stood in the doorway with a tray of food and coffee. Nathan stood aside to allow him to enter and he sat the tray on a
small table.
“Janet
thought you might like something…Sweet Jesus!”
Bill was shocked at the dark bruises visible on Kristin’s arms and
shoulders. “Janet told me but I had no
idea!”
“She’s
bruised from neck to ankle. The bastard
is lucky they got him first. If I’d
gotten to him earlier, Carol and Bobby would probably have been visiting me in
the brig instead of being on that boat.”
“If
you’d gotten there earlier you might have been on the boat as well. Why don’t you have something to eat? Janet’s got our room fixed up for you to get
some sleep today.”
“You’re
going back?”
Bill
nodded. “We’ve got to recover, get
ready for the next fight. President
Roosevelt will be making a declaration of war today.”
“I’m
going with you. I need to get to the
Dolphin, find out how she fared, how my crew is. We’ll have to get her seaworthy quickly.”
“Nathan,
you don’t have to do this. No one
expects you to do this now. Take a few
days to recover.”
“And
do what, Bill? The Japanese killed my
family, attacked my country. I’m a US
naval officer. I know my duty. Just give me a few minutes to get cleaned
up.”
Once
again Bill nodded. Perhaps keeping busy
was the best thing for Nathan right now.
“Janet sent Ginny over to pick up some clean clothes for you. I’ll wait downstairs.”
Bill
left the room and Nathan returned to the bedside to stare at Kristin. “I have to go.” He whispered. “I’m sorry
but I have to do this.”
Nathan
left the room without noticing the small tears that escaped from Kristin’s
eyes.
December
19th, 1941
Captain
Nathan Bridger looked as if he were carved of stone as he stood at attention
while the bugler played taps in honor of his lost son. The navy chaplain spoke a few more words,
said a prayer and the private memorial service was over. Janet had done a wonderful job arranging the
service, knowing that Nathan needed some sense of closure.
The
Dolphin had sustained little damage in the attack and even managed to return
fire, possibly even bringing down a Japanese plane. Nathan was proud of the way his crew had performed in his
absence. Two days after the attack on
the sub, with Nathan at the helm they had left Pearl to help search for
Japanese submarines in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands. They’d only returned the previous day and
were scheduled to depart on full patrol in the Pacific in five days time. By the time Nathan returned they had all
known that no more survivors of the Arizona would be found. His mind had accepted that his family was
gone but his heart refused to do so.
Nathan
turned to greet the small group of people waiting to speak to him – the Noyce
family, Benjamin Kreig, Manilow Crocker, and Kristin and Cynthia
McCallister. He acknowledged their
words of comfort without really hearing them. Janet pulled gently on Bill’s
jacket and motioned him toward the door.
“Leave him alone. He has to find
his own way to grieve. I’m sure he will
come to the house later.”
Once
he was alone in the chapel, Nathan turned to the two pictures at the front,
Bobby in full dress uniform and Carol sitting on the beach. Pictures, all that was left of his
family. Nathan’s shoulders began to
shake but he made no sound. He started
when he felt a pair of soft arms surround his shoulders but quickly gave way to
his grief, his silent sobs now vocal as he returned the embrace, tears
streaming down his cheeks.
Kristin
held the grieving man until no more tears would come and his shaking body
became still within her arms. Finally
Nathan pulled back.
“I’m
sorry.”
“For
what, Nathan? For being human? For hurting? That isn’t anything to be sorry for. I was worried about you because you haven’t cried, at least not
since that first night.”
“Have
you cried?”
Kristin
eyed Nathan shrewdly before answering.
“Some, in private. Mostly for Cynthia’s
hurt and also for you. Have I cried for
John McCallister? Not a tear. Perhaps that makes me a horrible person but
I mourned the loss of the man I married a long time ago and I’ll not shed a
single tear for the loss of the monster that he became.”
Nathan
tightened his arms again, pulling Kristin back into his embrace. “I don’t have any idea what to do now.”
“I
told you once that the ocean brings me peace and I think it does the same for
you. Go to sea. Do your duty, not for some misguided sense
of revenge but because you are a US naval officer and you know your job. I think that you will find whatever you need
there.”
Nathan
nodded then slowly lowered his head to Kristin’s, their mouths meeting in a
tender kiss, not of passion but of comfort.
They broke apart with a smile at each other.
“Come
on, Sailor. Janet is expecting you back
at the house.” She linked her arms
through his as they left the church.
*~*~*~*~*
December
24th, 1941
The
sleek lines of the USS Dolphin sliced through the shallow water as she circled
left around the island of Oahu in search of deeper water on her way to patrol
duty in the Marshall Islands. Her
Captain stood on deck watching the water part before them, the wind on his face
and the spray on his skin making him feel more alive than he had in the past
three weeks.
‘Perhaps
Kristin was right. Maybe the sea can
heal my heart.’ Nathan felt a small
pang as he thought of Kristin. He had
his work to occupy his time but he wondered how she was going to cope now that
she no longer had to play the Senator’s wife.
He hadn’t seen her since the afternoon of the memorial service but Janet
told him that Kristin had already begun helping out at the base hospital. Nathan sincerely hoped that once Kristin got
back to Washington she would be able to find meaningful work to keep her mind
occupied. Then perhaps one day…
Nathan
cut the thought off quickly. He knew
that he and Kristin shared strong feelings but he loved his wife and her death
hadn’t changed that.
“Look,
sir.” Communications officer Tim
O’Neill’s voice cut through Nathan’s musing.
“Isn’t that ‘your’ spot?”
Nathan’s officers had sailed with him enough to recognize the overlook
that Nathan always tried to pass on the outbound voyage.
“Indeed
it is, Mr. O’Neill. Thank you.” Nathan stared at the outcrop in the distance
for a long moment before turning and calling for binoculars. A pair was quickly produced and he trained
them back towards the island.
Nathan’s
breath caught in his throat as he observed the woman standing on the rock
ledge.
Kristin
smiled as she watched the submarine in the distance. Although it was too far away for her to recognize any particular
person she knew that Nathan would be on deck and she sensed that he was
watching her as well.
Nathan
saw Kristin’s lips move and heard her words in his heart. ‘Be safe, Nathan
Bridger, until we meet again.’ She
pulled her hand back then forward and Nathan smiled as the lei flew across the
cliff into the churning waters at the base of the waterfall. He watched, and she watched, until the
submarine disappeared over the horizon.
~fin~