Chapter 6 – River Rescue

Craig, Rainey and George were sitting round the kitchen table drinking coffee while Mary was cooking breakfast, suddenly Sandy, Paul and the children piled into the room eager to be fed. Rainey watched them as they bustled round the table, Katie walked straight up to him, climbed onto his lap, gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Hello Uncle Rainey, you feeling better today?"

Rainey put an arm round her and kissed her on the top of her head. "You made me better, thank you Yázhí." He was feeling better and more relaxed, last night was the first he hadn't been woken by the vision of Major Bergmann coming closer, holding the electric prod.

Craig leaned forward. "Katie, where's my kiss? Don't you love me any more?"

"Course I do Uncle Craig," she leaned over and kissed him too. "I just love Uncle Rainey more."

Craig gave Rainey a mock glare. "Oh great, you've stolen my best girl, what am I gonna do now?"

Mary put the plates on the table. "Come on you lot, dig in, there's more if you want it."

After they'd finished breakfast and the plates were washed and cleared away Mary stood at the head of the table. "Sandy and I are going shopping in Southampton today. Can we trust you men to look after the kids for us?"

Paul looked up. "Of course Ma. You going for anything special?"

Mary and Sandy exchanged glances. "Nothing much, just some things we need, we'll be back in a few hours. Kids you behave, Pete, Mark and Katie you behave too."

Craig groaned. "Oh Ma!"

Sandy waved as they disappeared out the door. "See you all later."

GG-GG-GG

A couple of hours later Craig and Rainey sat in the living room playing chess, Craig was finding out that Rainey's game had greatly improved and he was having a hard time trying to win. Paul was reading a book in the library and George was working in his office. Rainey cocked his head and looked up. "Haven't heard the kids in a while, ain't Paul lookin' after 'em? What they up to?"

Craig looked up and saw the concern in his face. "Don't know, let's find out." They walked through and looked around. "Paul, Dad, where are the kids?"

Paul looked up. "They're outside playing Cowboys and Indians, they said they were going to paddle their canoe."

George appeared in his office door. "I haven't heard them for a while, let's have a look and see where they are." The men walked outside and looked around, the garden was empty. George pointed to a bare patch in the corner of the garden. "There was an old canoe over there, where is it?"

Craig and Rainey looked at each other. "The river!"

Paul went pale. "They wouldn't have, they couldn't have. Do you think they've taken it tthere?"

The four men ran indoors, Rainey raced upstairs and pulled his sheath out of the drawer, he buckled it on as he ran back out. George ran into his office, grabbed the keys to the car and ran outside to be confronted by Craig. "Give the keys to Rainey," he shouted. George baulked at the order. "Do you want to get there fast or too late?" yelled Craig. "Give Rainey the keys Dad, now." George threw them over.

Rainey snatched the keys out of the air, dived into the car and started the engine as the others clambered in. He gunned the engine and sent the car flying down the track, he worked up and down the gears as he hurled the car round slippery curves on the grassy track and floored the accelerator on the straight stretch to the river, throwing up clods of mud and grass behind them. He braked and slid to a stop by the bank, everyone leapt out and searched for the children.

Craig pointed. "Over there!" They looked to see the three children in the canoe, it was caught on something, the water was swirling round it, they were standing up trying to grab at the oars they'd let go.

Paul cried out. "Oh God no. I can't swim, can any of you get to them?"

Craig cursed his broken leg, he cupped his hands to his mouth and shouted over the rushing water. "Sit down, you'll tip the boat over!"

George started down the bank, Rainey ran down to the water's edge and stopped him. "You won't make it." He ripped off his boots and clothes and threw them on the ground, he needed to get out there quick and they'd slow him down. He dived into the river and swam as fast as he could, keeping his eyes on the sinking canoe, his heart sank as he saw the ancient, flimsy boat overturn tipping the children into the water, he kicked harder and surged through the water, his back screamed out in pain as barely healed scar tissue tore open yet again, he ignored it.

Rainey reached the canoe, the two boys were clinging to the side. "Where's your sister?" he yelled, the boys shook their heads. He took a deep breath and dived down to look for her, he saw Katie's legs under the canoe, swam under and surfaced next to her. He could see her huge, frightened eyes in the half light, he breathed out a sigh of relief. "Hey, you ok Little One?" he asked gently.

"Uncle Rainey, I'm scared." She reached out and clung onto his neck.

"Don't worry Yázhí, I'll keep you safe, take a big breath 'n I'll get you out. Don't breath 'til we're outside, alright? Hold on 'n trust me."

She looked into his eyes. "I trust you Uncle Rainey."

"Ready?" They both took a deep breath, Rainey dropped under the surface and struck out towards daylight, coming up on the far side of the canoe, he looked into her pale face and gave her a reassuring smile. "Good girl Yázhí."

The three men stood on the bank. "I can see the boys, where's Katie?" shouted George as he strode up and down the bank.

"Oh God, if anything's happened to her!" cried Paul desperately scanning for any sign of his daughter.

Craig gazed intently at the scene. "If anyone can find Katie Rainey will, he found me in a raging river," he knew Rainey wouldn't give up until he'd found her.

Suddenly they saw the little girl being boosted up onto the upturned boat. "Oh thank God!" shouted George in relief. They watched as Rainey surfaced next to the boys and helped them clamber up onto the boat behind their sister, his knife appeared in his hand, he slammed the blade into the prow and started to swim towards the shore towing the canoe behind him.

George and Paul waded knee deep into the current and waited, hands held out. Rainey got closer and felt ground beneath his feet, he stood up and dragged the canoe behind him. The men grabbed the children and carried them to the bank, Rainey snatched up his clothes and darted off behind a tree to put them back on.

"What were you thinking? Why didn't you tell us what you were going to do? You could have been killed," cried Paul as he fell to his knees and hugged his children.

Mark wiped his face. "We just wanted to play Indians, we wanted to be like Uncle Rainey."

"This isn't Rainey's fault, he'd never tell them to do that," protested Craig.

George looked at his son. "I know Craig, these kids decided to do it on their own, I don't blame Rainey at all."

Rainey stepped out from behind the trees and walked towards the group buttoning up his shirt, Katie broke away from her father, ran into his arms and hugged him, he picked her up and held her tightly, grateful she was safe. "You ready to go home Little One?"

"We all are Rainey," said Craig. "Thank you for saving the kids."

Rainey set Katie back down on the ground. "It's becomin' a habit haulin' you Garrisons outta rivers!"

Craig stepped forward and grasped his friend's arm. "Don't you dare stop Atsilí."

GG-GG-GG

They arrived back at the house and took the children inside, Paul ushered them upstairs to have a bath and put on clean clothes. George took Craig and Rainey into his office, he poured out three large glasses of bourbon, passed them round and dropped into a chair as the enormity of what had just happened washed over him. He'd nearly lost his grandchildren! He looked at the young man standing next to his son. "Thank you Rainey, how can I repay you?"

Rainey shook his head. "Ain't nothin', forget it. I'll go get showered 'n changed." He drained his drink and went upstairs.

Craig frowned as he noticed fresh blood stains on the back of Rainey's shirt, he turned to his father. "See, I told you he'd never ask for anything." The two men sat down and shared another large drink to settle their nerves.

There was the roar of a powerful engine as a car pulled up outside, George got up and looked out the window. "Trish's here!"

Craig limped over to join him. "Well, well if it ain't little sis!"

George and Craig went to the door to greet the youngest Garrison daughter, they walked out as she was getting out of her roadster, she gave a shriek of delight as she spied her brother and raced over to give him a hug. She paused to take a look at his leg before hurling herself into his embrace. "Hello big bro. You plastered again?"

Craig swung her from side to side as she hung from his neck. "Hello trouble." He put her down and grinned at her. "You're looking all grown up, how old are you now eleven, twelve?"

She rolled her eyes at him. "Where's Ma and Sandy? The kids here?"

"Ma and Sandy have gone to Southampton shopping, they'll be back soon." said Craig.

Trish marched into the house turned round and looked at George's trousers, they were damp up past their knees, she raised a quizzical eyebrow and crossed her arms. "Ok, what happened to you?"

George looked down, he was still in shock. "The kids nearly drowned in the river this morning," he said quietly.

Trish's mouth dropped open. "What! Tell me everything."

They went into George's office to talk, they'd just finished recounting the story when the children thundered downstairs followed by their father, they ran up to their aunt, she gave each of them a big hug and looked them over to check they were alright. "I hear you kids went swimming in the river?"

Mark looked up at her and answered with childish logic. "No Auntie Trish, we were canoeing but it went over, then we had to swim."

Pete picked up the story. "We were really scared but Uncle Rainey swam out and saved us. Katie was trapped under the canoe and he dived under and got her out."

Trish looked at the little girl. "You alright honey?"

Katie nodded. "Uncle Rainey said he'd keep me safe and he did," she waved for Trish to bend down and whispered in her ear. "He didn't have any clothes on! Daddy said that was because he wanted to swim really, really fast."

"Really?" Trish stood back up and raised her eyebrows. "Where's Uncle Rainey now?"

Katie took her hand and pulled her out into the main hall, she looked round. "I think he's in his room, wait here I'll go get him for you." She ran upstairs, knocked on Rainey's door and walked in, he was sitting on the bed, drying his hair with a towel, he'd put on his fatigue pants, a shirt was on the bed beside him. He looked up and smiled at his unexpected visitor. "Hey Yázhí, you ok, what's up?"

"You got to come downstairs right now, it's important." She grabbed his hand and started dragging him out the door.

Rainey reached over and grabbed his shirt. "Hold on, got no shoes," he gave up and followed his determined guide.

Trish looked up as she heard them coming, she saw her niece trotting to the top of the stairs with a tall, slim, dark-haired man in tow, he was trying to put his shirt on, an impossible task as he only had one hand free. She smiled as she watched Katie drag him down the steps, he was barefoot, obviously Katie hadn't given him a chance to get dressed, they stopped in front of her, Katie looked up and grinned. "Auntie Trish, this is Uncle Rainey."

Trish looked up from her niece's happy face to the man standing behind her, her eyes skimmed over his body, noting the terrible wounds on his chest and carried on up to take in a handsome face that held warm, dark brown eyes. He had a dimple in his chin, there were also small dimples each side of his mouth turning it slightly up, making it look as if he was ready to break into a smile any second, his damp, black hair was tousled back. She was pleasantly surprised to see he wasn't much older than herself.

Rainey tugged his hand out of the little girl's grip and quickly struggled into his shirt, he fumbled as he tried to do up the buttons.

Trish smiled and held out a hand. "Pleased to meet you 'Uncle Rainey', I hear I have you to thank for still being an Aunt, I'm Craig's sister Trish."

Rainey took hold of her hand and found himself staring into her hazel/green eyes, they held a glint of amusement at his nervousness, he dragged his free hand through his hair. It seemed all the Garrison women were as striking as Mary. He pulled himself together and found his voice. "Pleased to meet you ma'am."

Trish listened to the soft drawl, it fitted the man perfectly. Sandy was right, no wonder Ma and Katie adored him, she was surprised to realise she was falling a little under his spell herself.

Craig and his father were bemused as they stood and watched the couple from the office door, they were still holding hands and neither had moved for thirty seconds as they stared into each other's eyes. The only movement was Katie as she stood between them looking up at them both with a huge smile on her face.

There was the sound of a car pulling up outside, Mary and Sandy walked in. Rainey and Trish realised they were still holding hands and let go, they spun round as Mary saw her daughter, put down her packages and ran over to give Trish a huge hug. "I'm so happy you made it, how you been? How's work?"

Trish laughed as she hugged her back. "Fine Ma, I should be running my own hospital in six months!"

Mary held her daughter out at arm's length and regarded her fondly. "Six months? Where's your ambition child? I expect you to do it in three! When did you get here?"

"Not long ago. Traffic wasn't bad, I made good time."

Sandy put down her bags. "Hi little sis, I see you've met Uncle Rainey." They exchanged knowing glances, Sandy laughed.

Trish pointed to the office. "Ma, Sandy, I think you need to talk to those three useless men over there. Uncle Rainey, will you help me take these bags through to the kitchen."

Mary snatched up a small package and a large, brown envelope. "I'll keep these."

Craig, George and Paul stood in the office doorway, they all looked guilty, Mary fixed them with a laser glare. "Come on Sandy let's hear what they've done." The children followed them in, Mary shut the door firmly. "Spill!"

GG-GG-GG

Rainey and Trish carried the bags into the kitchen, Trish put them on the worktop and hoisted herself up to sit next to them.

"I love getting my big bro into trouble he can be such a pompous ass at times. Don't you agree?"

Rainey smiled, she was right, she knew he'd have a gorgeous smile, she looked into his eyes. "Ok Uncle Rainey, tell me all about yourself."

Rainey hung his head, trying to escape the hazel/green eyes that were filling his vision and making his head spin, he suddenly felt he wanted to be so much better than he was. "Nothin' much to tell."

Trish settled herself into a more comfortable position on the worktop. "It won't take long then, go on."

Rainey felt embarrassed. "I'm a con," he said quietly.

Trish nodded. "I know, is that it? Surely you're not just a con."

Rainey looked up sharply. "Worthless breed?"

Trish noticed the small flash of anger in his eyes that he quickly suppressed, she sensed the inner turmoil inside him, she snorted. "Oh come on Rainey! That's not what I've heard."

Rainey shrugged. "That's all I am. Nothin' more nothin' less."

A shriek of "WHAT!" burst out from the office. Trish smiled. "I think the guys just fessed up."

Mary's voice echoed around the house. "Go to your rooms, all of you. I don't want to see any of you until dinner!"

Trish chuckled. "Oh they're in big trouble alright if Ma's sending everyone to their rooms. The mood she's in they'll have to stay there for a week, serves 'em right!"

The office door slammed, Mary and Sandy stalked into the kitchen. Mary ran over to Rainey and flung herself round his neck. "Thank you. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there," she kissed him on the cheek.

Sandy gently pushed her out the way. "My turn Ma." She held out her hands and took Rainey's, she pulled him in and hugged him, her eyes were full of tears as she kissed him on both cheeks. "Thank you for saving my babies."

Rainey was getting embarrassed at the attention. "It's ok, forget it."

Sandy took out a handkerchief, wiped the tears from her eyes, blew her runny nose, stuffed the soggy hanky back in her pocket and took a deep breath to calm herself down. "Ok, I suppose we'd better get dinner prepared."

"What we got Ma?" asked Trish.

"Venison, Rainey went hunting in the forest and brought back a fallow deer. I don't know whether I'll let that lot have any! Those useless idiots can stay in their rooms all week and starve."

Trish winked at Rainey. "Told you."

Mary shook her head. "Well maybe a few hours so they'll think twice before doing it again. First we got a girl's meeting, we can use George's office. Can you unpack the bags for me Rainey?" They left him in the kitchen and went to the other room, he shrugged and started his task.

The three Garrison women sat around the General's table, Mary told them what she wanted to do and then opened the box, they looked at what it held. "It's perfect Ma," said Trish.

Mary put the box away in a drawer. "We all agreed? Alright, dinner's not going to cook itself, come on."

The women breezed into the kitchen and started preparing dinner. Sandy turned to her sister with a sly look. "Hey sis, you brought your luggage in from the car yet?"

Trish shook her head. "Not yet, I'll go get it now. I got three bags in the boot, won't be a minute."

Sandy looked nonchalantly at the man standing next to her. "Rainey, would you mind helping Trish take her stuff upstairs? Knowing her she's brought enough clothes for a month."

Mary watched the couple go out the door, she nudged her daughter in the ribs. "Couldn't you be any more obvious Sandy?"

Sandy chuckled. "Oh come on Ma, you saw them in the hall, all that was missing was an orchestra and bluebirds flying round their heads! I'm just giving things a little nudge in the right direction, Trish can carry on from there if she wants to."

GG-GG-GG

Trish watched as Rainey admired the low slung roadster parked out front, he walked around it taking in the gleaming cream bodywork contrasted by the black wheel arches and running boards, the soft top was folded down. He inspected the range of dials on the dashboard and ran his hands over the leather upholstery, she laughed. "Stop drooling over her."

Rainey smiled as he inspected the roadster's impressive front, it had very large headlamps, fog and pass lights and post horns, he looked over at its proud owner. "Beautiful car, never seen one like this before, what is it?"

Trish patted the gleaming coachwork. "Alvis 4.3 Litre Tourer, hand-made by Cross & Ellis in Coventry. She's got six cylinders, 32 horses, an all synchro gearbox, independent front suspension and servo assisted brakes."

Rainey nodded in appreciation. "You know your cars, how fast can she go?"

Trish laughed. "Haven't had the chance to really open her up, the roads are terrible, let's just say she's really fast."

Rainey stroked the long bonnet. "Love to drive this some time, I'd make her fly."

Trish chuckled. "Maybe I'll let you one day if you're really lucky. What car have you got?"

Rainey smiled. "Never owned a car, stolen a few though."

Trish laughed and shook her head sending her light brown hair cascading over her shoulders. "If she goes missing I'll know who to blame. I can see I'm gonna have to keep my eye on you." She watched him as he took a long last look at the roadster. "In more ways than one," she thought.

Rainey walked to the back of the car and waited for Trish to open the boot, they reached in to grab the bags at the same time. He smiled. "Sorry ma'am, I can manage 'em all, just show me where to take 'em."

She took a step back, put her hands on her hips and fixed him with a mock glare. "Ma'am? Do I look ninety?" Rainey shook his head as he gathered the luggage. "Good. In case you've forgotten my name's Trish. Follow me, my room's on the second floor."

Craig crept out of his room to see if the coast was clear, he nearly collided with his sister as she walked past, followed by his scout carrying three large bags. "Uh, little sis, Rainey's here for some rest and recreation, not to be your personal servant."

"Can it Craig." She turned round and gave him a sweet smile. "Shouldn't you be in your room with all the other naughty children? I'll tell Ma on you."

Craig pulled a face at her. "Brat!"

Trish opened her door and walked in, she turned to see Rainey waiting just outside, she looked at him archly. "Come on in, I don't bite. Ever been in a lady's boudoir before Rainey?"

Rainey shook his head. "What's a boudoir?"

Trish laughed. "A posh name for a bedroom. Get your ass in here, you can put my bags over there on the bed."

Rainey walked in, put down her bags and looked around. "Nice boudoir." He gave her his dimpled smile and went out closing the door behind him.

Trish sat on the bed and looked at the door, she was surprised at the effect Rainey had on her. Yes, he was young and good looking but there was also the promise of danger lurking just under the surface, she'd seen it in those dark eyes, the way he held himself and moved, he was like a coiled snake ready to strike. Up until now she'd never regarded any man as worth bothering about, they were too normal, too boring, but Rainey was different to anyone she'd met. She threw herself back on the bed with her arms over the top of her head. "You were right big sis, I think I'm gonna love him."

GG-GG-GG

The children were fed first and put to bed to get over their ordeal, although they seemed to have bounced back with youthful resilience. Mary stood at the head of the table as Craig, George and Paul were summoned down for the meal, they crept in with doleful looks on their faces, she looked at them and burst out laughing. "You look like little whipped puppies, let that be a lesson to you. Oh, I can't stay angry with you, just don't do it again or you will live to regret it."

Everyone went to sit down, Sandy directed who should sit where, she made sure Trish and Rainey were seated side by side. Mary looked over. "Trish make sure Rainey gets enough on his plate he takes half of what everyone else does."

"Right you are Ma." Trish picked up the mashed potatoes and loaded a good helping onto Rainey's plate, he reached out and put his hand on hers to stop her adding more, their eyes met for a second. She put down the bowl, reached for the peas and put a couple of large spoonfuls on the plate, waiting for his touch. She smiled up at him as he gently brushed his hand against the back of hers. "Would you like some venison Rainey? It smells delicious."

A soft voice replied. "Yes please Trish."

Sandy smiled with self-satisfaction. "You go girl" she thought.

Craig looked up from filling his plate. "Why's Rainey getting waitress service?"

"He's a guest and you're family," replied Mary giving him a mock glare.

They finished dinner and started to clear away the dishes. Mary shooed them away. "Why don't you get out from under my feet and go for a walk outside, I can manage."

"Sounds like a good idea," said Sandy, "Craig you coming?"

He waved them away, "Think I'll rest my leg, I've had enough exercise for one day."

"I'll stay with you," offered Rainey, he tensed slightly and looked down as he felt Trish link her arm through his.

She looked up with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "And who is going to protect me from all those wascally, wild wabbits running around out there in the wild Hampshire countryside?"

"Better take your blade, if only to fend her off," laughed Craig.

"Stow it bro," Trish called over her shoulder as they grabbed their coats and went out the door behind Sandy and Paul.

They decided to walk down the track towards the river, Sandy and Trish wanted to see where the earlier incident had happened. A half moon was rising in the clear night sky, Rainey could see clouds looming on the horizon and smell the scent of rain on the freshening wind, he thought he caught flashes of lightning below the horizon. He guided them along the track, avoiding the deep ruts he'd carved in the grass during his desperate drive. They reached their destination and looked at the old canoe lying upside down on the grassy bank, Sandy shivered and hugged her husband close.

Trish held Rainey's arm tighter. "Well done kiddo." She stood on tiptoe and planted a kiss on his cheek, he looked down at her and smiled shyly.

The wind rose as they walked back and rain spattered down, it got heavier as they tried to beat the storm back to the house. Rainey took off his jacket and held it over Trish to keep her from getting soaked, she circled her arm round his waist and cuddled into his warm body, she felt him tense up at the contact and then relax as he accepted her touch. She could feel the stitches on his chest rubbing against her cheek through his shirt, she leaned in even closer and felt his arm go around her.

Mary was in the kitchen preparing dough for next morning's bread when the door opened and four bedraggled people ran in accompanied by a blast of wind, she looked fondly at her youngest daughter, noting how Rainey had tried to protect her from the elements. "You all look like drowned rats," she commented. "Get yourselves dry and I'll make some hot cocoa, I'll even lace it with some of the General's good bourbon."

Four large, steaming mugs were waiting in the kitchen, Sandy came down and took two upstairs. Trish padded downstairs in her pyjamas, dressing gown and slippers, she'd towel dried her hair and it hung limply over her shoulders. Rainey came down in vest and fatigue pants, his bare feet soundless on the wooden floor, she handed him a mug, took his hand and lead him into the living room, he went to sit in an armchair but she gently pulled him over to a sofa, they sat down.

Rainey leaned back, stretched his legs out and put an arm along the top of the sofa, Trish curled up her legs and leaned against his side. She smiled as she felt his arm tentatively drop onto her shoulder, she moved and it suddenly lifted. "Sorry, shouldn't have done that," Rainey said quietly.

Trish glanced up at him. "Just making myself comfortable, put it back." She smiled as Rainey obliged. They sat and drank their cocoa in silence. Rainey laid his head back and closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of her warm body pressed up against his, he wrapped his arm round her a bit tighter and felt her nestle even closer. He listened to the storm get closer and louder. Eventually they reluctantly finished off their drinks and took their mugs into the kitchen, Trish washed up and they climbed the stairs. She stopped outside her door, stood on tiptoe and kissed him. "Well this is me, goodnight Rainey."

"Goodnight Trish." He watched the door close.