Chapter 1 – The Prince from the Phone Company

THREE YEARS EARLIER

Kinch wasn't sure what was worse about the last mission: kissing a beautiful Princess and then watching her leave, or shaving off his beloved mustache.

It was hard not to think the latter as he ripped off the fake mustache, which was a temporary solution while a real one grew back. The spot above his lips itched like crazy and he was always glad to take it off for a while.

He slid into his seat behind the radio. He popped on his headphones to see if there was word from London and it was quiet.

He had told the Princess that he was stuck here, and part of him was glad. It was an honor to be part of this group, and this role in particular. The other members of the team were almost family to him, and it would be hard to see them go.

Although he did miss home and his family which reminded him of the letter that Sergeant Hans Schultz had just dropped off to him. It was a letter from his younger (and only) sibling Josephine, and he couldn't wait to rip it open.

He had always been close to Josephine. And that was because unfortunately due to tragedy, he had to help raise her.

Kinch and his sister Josephine had been born in Detroit to his Papa, who worked as a plumber, and his Mama, who worked as a maid. Although the family could afford a better home, the four of them had lived in a boarding house instead, and that was only because Kinch's parents were selfless in trying to give Kinch and his sister the best education and life they could.

Their parents wanted their children to be educated, so they used savings to buy brand new books to add to the collection of old ones they found in the garbage bins of libraries and schools. Their parents took out loans and used any professional contacts to get Kinch and Josephine into technical schools.

Kinch developed a fondness for both electronics and foreign languages as a result of his parents. He was grateful as both of those talents were necessary in the job he was currently in.

Then the tragedy struck. His Mama had been involved in a car accident, and died as a result.

The family was thrown into despair. Papa Kinchloe was stoic during the day but once home, cried for hours each night. He threw himself harder into work to keep his mind of it. A teenage Kinch had to watch and tutor Josephine after she got home from school.

And the fellas here wonder why I act like a mother sometimes, Kinch thought.

Kinch forced himself to think about Josephine again as he looked at the letter before him. Time went on and things got a little better. Despite the tragedy, she grew up, and had married a fellow graduate of the technical school. And right before Kinch had shipped out, she had given birth to their first son, a child named William, who they nicknamed Billy. Josephine and her husband John were ecstatic over his birth.

Kinch couldn't wait to hear what she had to say. Was Billy walking yet? Was he talking yet? He ripped the letter open and read:

January 31, 1942

Dear Ivan,

I heard news that you were captured and are in a POW camp. Are you OK? Is life as bad as I think it is? Do you get to see other prisoners? We are worried sick—please write home often about how you are.

Life is going good here, considering there's a war on. It can be difficult to eat since the government began rationing some foods but we should be fine since I will be planting a Victory Garden.

How will I be planting a Victory Garden? Because John got a great job and we are moving into our own home with a lawn!

John was able to get a job *censored* and we are thrilled. Of course, the down side is that the hours are long.

Since John got a job, we *censored* *censored* called the Brewster *censored*, housing. *Censored* *censored* *censored* and they are lovely. I have my own kitchen and lots of space for Billy to grow up and play. The housing seems well built and the neighbors are great. The only downside of the move is that Papa now complains about his extra space back at the boarding house!

I love to take Billy for walks. He seems fascinated by everything, and he loves the stained glass windows in our church.

We have neighbors down the block from us who have a child around Billy's age and I can't wait to see them grow up together. It's nice to talk to the other mother and relate about first-time child rearing.

Some of our experiences are different, though. The other mother envies me because her child cries for her during the night, and Billy is sleeping through with no problem.

I envy her because her child touches her face and grasps for her when she is changing diapers, and Billy doesn't do any of those things. Normally, when I change him, he is not focused on me at all, and he's usually looking at a light bulb that's on. But I don't think it's a concern.

Here's a funny story: my neighbor and I were sitting on the grass outside with both of our babies. We watched them crawl. She called out to her child and her little girl turned around and crawled back right away. I called out to Billy and he totally ignored me. Can you believe this child already?

Hope you are well and write often.

Love,

Josephine Kinchloe Harris

Kinch sighed as he read the letter. It was great to hear from her. He was glad about John's new job—it looked like he got his dream job at Ford Motor Company after all.

He couldn't help but feel the last couple paragraphs of the letter felt odd. Why would Billy rather look at a light bulb than his own mother? Why would Billy not come when called?

Perhaps it's just his age—he hasn't even turned one yet, Kinch thought, as he tried to push back a nagging feeling that something was wrong.


History of Brewster Homes/Projects and also mentions how residents worked in Ford's foundry: michiganradio dot org post / here-s- why - brewster- douglass- housing- projects- were- built- 1930s #stream / 0