Author's Note: Characters speaking " " Characters quoting others or thinking to themselves ' '
Author's Secondary Note: I am deviating from my usual Sunday posting start for two reasons: 1. So the readers of the Foyle's War Fandom may have a little Christmas week gift from me. and 2. My next story posting (probably next 2 postings) will be to the Alibi 2003 Movie fandom, as they are the only stories I anywhere near ready for post. I will likely post them on Dec 31 and Jan 7. Posting the two Alibi 2003 stories will allow me the time needed to complete one story edit (make it ready for post) and get two more stories close; if not also 'post ready'. That will leave my last 2 (for now at least; as I have had no new ideas come to mind in several weeks) Foyle stories time for completion.
Author's Tertiary Note: Thank You to the guest reviewers I cannot respond to you in messages. And Thank You to those who have read and taken a moment to message me.
I appreciate knowing those reading are enjoying. Just so you know if you sign in to review – I usually include story hints/spoilers in my private replies J Just another incentive to get you lovely readers to review.
Prologue:
Foyle knew of Sam having lost the baby. One morning, she phoned him at the office and invited him to lunch at her home. He knew the moment she opened the door, his thoughts during their earlier phone conversation were correct; something was wrong with Sam. As they picked their way through their lunch she told him of her miscarriage and asked that he be there when she broke the news to Adam. She did not want Foyle to let on that he already knew; just listen as though she were telling them both for the first time. She explained she knew she should tell her husband first, but honestly feared she would not be able to get the words out when the time came. If Foyle were there, she was sure she would draw strength from that and be able to get through it.
Foyle had stayed and talked with her that afternoon; until she had regained her composure and reassured him several times she was fine and had her emotions under control. He had returned that evening for dinner as requested. Sam had said she wanted to tell Adam as soon as possible but was concerned just sitting down together as a trio to have a chat would sit badly with the younger man. Foyle understood each point she made, even if he didn't completely agree with her decision, it wasn't worth upsetting her further; therefore he, only somewhat reluctantly, agreed to her plan. The composure she showed at dinner was enlightening, and in an unexpected way endearing, to Foyle. He found even more to appreciate and admire about Sam and thought it was a shame her husband was completely unaware of the depth of her compassion in weighing just when and how to break the news to him and doing so as gently as possible. Foyle knew she was heartbroken and that Sam knew he knew; but, she went along as though nothing had changed since the last time the three had met.
Dinner went well, with Sam and Foyle both endeavoring to steer the conversation away from the baby. He supposed, in a way, it was a good thing Sam's pregnancy had not been farther along. Not only was the loss not physically noticeable, but his evening visits with the couple were still apt to span a variety of topics in conversation without discussing their new addition. That night had been no different, until close to the end of the meal, when Sam had gone to get the coffee and dessert from the kitchen. Adam had asked, rather out of the blue, what was next on Sam's 'baby to do list'. Foyle heard the clatter of the serving tray as Sam jostled it when caught unawares by the question. He tried to think of a way to cover for her reaction but the only thing he came up with was getting up and going to her.
He began speaking as he pushed his chair back to stand, "You really must let me help, Sam. Dinner was wonderful as usual. But, I am beginning to feel I'm not doing my part, at least not recently. I've not had you and Adam out to dinner in several weeks."
She picked up on the cue quickly, "That's not necessary, Christopher. You've been out of town more than you've been in town lately. We understand."
They met on the kitchen side of the doorway. Foyle took the tray from her and Sam whispered, nearly inaudibly, "Right after dessert."
He gave her a nod before turning about and heading back into the dining room; serving tray in hand.
As expected, Adam was initially shocked and then deeply saddened by the miscarriage. As he embraced Sam, she and Foyle exchanged a look over Adam's shoulder. Foyle collected his hat and coat and silently slipped out into the night; leaving the couple to grieve privately.
Six months later
It had deeply concerned Foyle that Sam had not reached out to him after the accident, as she had when she had lost her baby. He wondered whether he had said or done something that had caused her to think he wouldn't want to be there for her.
Sam and Adam had been in an auto accident; fatal for Adam, the driver. By the time Foyle had received word, Sam was out of hospital, but nowhere to be found. He had phoned Aubrey, not wanting to upset or disturb her parents. Foyle asked if Sam was at her parent's and if Aubrey had seen her?
Her uncle said he had seen her, knew she was not staying with her parents and had not been too badly injured physically; listed 'a few cuts and bruises as well as a severely sprained wrist and small bump on her head'. Aubrey strove to impress on Foyle that Sam was fine, by emphasizing 'her physical injuries were fairly minor but she may have needed a change of scenery for a while.' The older man sounded unconcerned as though he were sure Sam was or would soon be alright. Foyle requested his friend keep in touch and update him on Sam as soon as he had any additional news.
