A Good Time
Christopher Foyle prided himself in being a good judge of character. He was also, very good at reading people in general. So it hadn't taken him long to figure out that his driver Samantha (Sam) Stuart and his son Andrew were dating. He pretended not to know, for both their sakes. When Andrew left for Debden, his father and girlfriend watched as he soared off in his spitfire.
It had all come out just before that. Seeing your son kiss a girl who is like a daughter to you, is an interesting and slightly disturbing experience. But it all seemed to turn out fine. There wasn't any awkwardness between him and Sam, so nothing was said to rock the boat. But then, the Americans came.
Joe Farnetti seemed like a good man. A bit fresh, a bit forward, and just a bit snarky. But it didn't seem to matter. After the first couple times he had pestered Sam for a date, she'd finally given in. In a way Foyle was glad. She'd been lacking that sparkle in her eyes, the real happiness and pep that were Sam Stuart. He knew that Andrew hadn't written for a while. This was most likely part of the cause. The lack of communication had bothered Foyle too. But, he knew Andrew was busy and that he would write when he had time.
Christopher Foyle had begun to pray at night, making sure his son was going to come back smiling. And he knew somewhere deep in his heart, that one day, the War would be over. And his little boy, the child that was now a cracker-jack pilot and was training new recruits would come through the front door laughing and saying the same thing:
"Things always look the same here Dad."
But, anyway, back to Joe and Sam. When Foyle had found out how Andrew had jilted Sam through a "Dear Jane" letter, he'd accepted her relationship with Joe much better. So when he saw her with Joe dancing under a huge banner welcoming the Americans at the dance at "Saints Preserve Us", he had smiled ever so faintly. He and Milner were chatting with Captain Keifer, and Milner had thrown a glance over his shoulder at Joe and Sam as well. She was laughing as Joe taught her the Jitterbug. Throughout the evening, Sam was smiling and having fun.
This was what she'd really needed, Foyle decided (and though he didn't know it, Milner silently agreed) a good time, and someone to show it to her. The crowd continued to dance, sing, drink, eat, and chat for quite a while. Everything was nice, and everyone, especially Joe and Sam, were having a good time.
Then of course Susan Davis got murdered. So much for a long night of fun.