Coming Home
Chapter 10
The ambulance medics brought Terry upstairs first and put her into her bed. Craig was brought up next. The two-hour ambulance ride had not been any easier on the siblings than the ride in the Army limousine had been for the others. At least Chris and Julie had arrived in Christine's car ahead of the others so most of the beds had been opened.
Chief was his stoic self and went to his room, closing the door. Actor trudged up the stairs, tired and in pain, but silent. His bed was not opened. Casino and Goniff went to their rooms, but did not seem to be in any undue distress.
Chris took Julie aside in the hall. "Go open up your father's bed. His pajamas are in the armoire. Don't try to help him change clothes. He won't let you. Tell him I will be in after I get Craig and Terry settled."
Julie nodded and went to Actor's bedroom. The door was open, and the tall man was sitting on the side of his bed, trying to get up enough energy to pull the covers back. The girl walked inside.
"If you can stand up a minute," she said. "I will open the bed for you."
At this point, Actor was not going to object. He stood and leaned against the armoire, watching his daughter quickly get the bed ready for him. When she had the covers neatly folded down at the foot of the bed, he sat back down. The girl went to the armoire and took out his pajamas, laying them beside him.
"Aunt Chris said she would be in to help you after she gets Uncle Craig and Terry settled," said the girl, making no attempt to help him. But she did frown. "Papa, is that bed going to be too flat for your arm?"
"There is nothing to be done about it right now," said Actor with seeming unconcern. "There are not enough pillows here again." He smiled at the girl. "Thank you for helping me," he said.
Julie smiled at him. "If you need anything or want me to do something for you, tell me."
The smile he returned to her was genuine. "I need nothing now," he said. "But you have been a big help to me and all of us, My Julie."
She smiled brightly and went back down the hall. She had an idea and was going to follow up on it. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she could see the door to Lt. Garrison's office open. She could hear Gen. Garrison's voice talking. That took care of using the telephone right now. Instead she went to the kitchen and peeked into the refrigerator. There was a bowl of eggs and that was all. She would just have to wait for the telephone to be free.
Upstairs, Actor looked at his pajamas lying beside him. He rose painfully and closed the door to his room. He had no problem with Teresa seeing him nude, but was not comfortable with the younger sister. At least the break had been his non-dominant arm. Standing beside the bed, he worked his belt open and was able to unbutton his trousers. He slid them down his legs with his shorts and kicked them off. He had managed to work his pajama bottoms on when there was a knock at the door.
"Actor, can I come in?"
"Yes, Christine," replied the Italian.
The door opened cautiously, and the younger woman peered around it. When she saw him adequately covered, she straightened and walked inside and picked up the clothing on the floor, folding them.
"I wasn't sure what you would be able to do for yourself," she said. "I think you are going to need help with that arm."
"I think you are correct," he said. "How are the others?"
"Terry was asleep as soon as she hit the pillow," reported the younger sister. "Dad helped Craig and said he did the same thing. The other three seem to be okay." She helped Actor with his shirt and the pajama top and then helped him to lie down. Stepping back to the foot of the bed, she frowned at him. "Your head is too low, and that arm needs to propped. We need more pillows. I'm not even sure what to do about dinner. I doubt there is anything thawed or useable in the refrigerator."
"And sleeping arrangements are going to be a dilemma also," pointed out the Italian.
Chris chewed on a cheek. "Where did you put the cots the last time?"
"They are tucked into the third room on the left in the upstairs of the off limits side of the building."
Now the girl grinned. "Okay, we'll come up with something. Can I get you anything before I leave?"
"No, I will be fine," he answered.
Chris grinned at him. "You lie a lot, don't you."
Actor couldn't help but chuckle. "It's how I make my living," he said with a twinkle in his eye.
"I'll be back later," said Chris, stepping into the hall and closing the door.
Downstairs, Gen. Garrison hung up the phone and left the office, mounting the stairs. Julie had been waiting for that. She scooted into the office, locked the door and sat behind the Lieutenant's desk. Picking up the telephone, she dialed the number to the Fox and waited. Finally, it was answered by Madge.
"Hello, Madge," said the girl. "This is Julie Borghese. We have a problem. Well more than one."
On the other end, Madge frowned. "Where are you?"
"Back at the Mansion," replied Julie. "I think it can be said the base hospital kicked us out."
"What did Casino do this time?" asked the operator with a shake of her head.
"He didn't do anything. They ran out of room, so we had to go." Julie continued. "That's part of the problem. We didn't have time to make the rooms ready. We need a lot more pillows. Terry needs her arm supported. And Actor needs his head up and his arm supported. I don't think Chris is willing to leave here right now and I don't know if she or Terry want the General in Terry's apartment."
"Probably not," agreed Madge. "Hey, do you have anything to eat for dinner?"
"I have nine people and six eggs," said the girl.
Madge was already beginning to plot. "Okay, let me work on this. We'll come up with something. At the least more pillows. I 'ave a key to Terry's apartment. It will probably take a while. You may be stuck with sandwiches from the lunch bar."
"Thanks, Madge," said Julie with appreciation.
"See you in a little while," said the operator, and hung up.
Julie hung up the phone and went in search of Christine. She found the young woman and her father in the upstairs common room, having a conversation about how they were going to set things up.
"Dad, I'm going to need some help," said Chris. "Actor told me the pieces of the cots from the last time we had to use them are in a room on this floor over in the private quarters. If you could help me carry them over here, I will set up two of them for me and Julie. You can have the spare bedroom next to Terry."
The elder Garrison did not look too happy. "I suppose we can do that. But what about dinner? Do you have anything you can cook?"
"That's been taken care of," smiled Julie. The two adults stared at her. "It may be sandwiches from the Blue Fox. I don't know yet. And Madge is getting help to bring pillows over here."
Will looked dubiously at Christine and spoke in Lakota. "Are you sure she isn't your sister's daughter?"
"I'm sure," replied Chris in the same language with a small grin.
Will turned his attention to Julie. "Thank you, Child. That was very resourceful of you."
The girl smiled. "Can I help carry the cots?"
"Come on," said Will. "We might as well get this over with before we have company."
Within a half hour, the three had the cots set up in the right hand corner of the common room and Julie was putting sheets and blankets on them. She had just finished when they heard noise downstairs and Kit Gallagher yelled for Chris.
"We're up here," called Chris.
"Well, come down here!" shot back the red-headed Gallagher girl.
Chris gave a put upon sigh and bounced down the stairs. She passed Madge climbing up the stairs with arms loaded with pillows and pillows tucked under her arms.
"Just leave them in the common room," Chris called out.
Downstairs, Kit motioned her to follow into the kitchen. Chris was surprised to see fat stuffed bags piled atop the table.
"What . . .?" she asked in confusion.
Kit smiled widely. "We raided Terry's apartment, my apartment and the Fox. There's milk, butter, a loaf of bread, streaky bacon as they call it here, and a bag of sandwiches that were for tomorrow's lunch menu at the Fox. We can make more tonight. The pillows upstairs came from Terry's apartment and the extra room upstairs where the girls live over the bar."
Chris shook her head. "You guys are wonderful," she said.
"Well," said Kit, "when Julie calls with a problem, we jump on it."
"You sure do that."
Upstairs, Madge dumped pillows on the round game table and received a hug and thanks from Julie.
Will chuckled. "I don't think you need me here," he said. "You ladies seem to have everything under control."
"Of course we need you, Papa Garrison," said Julie. "You helped us with the cots. And if the men need help getting up, they would probably rather it was you instead of me."
Papa Garrison? That was a first, thought Will. "Thank you, Madge."
"You're very welcome . . . Papa," the radio operator couldn't help but respond, turning and bounding out the door and downstairs before the General could react.
Julie moved quickly, putting a pillow on each cot. She grabbed up three more and headed out the door and down the hall.
GGG
The first few days went by. Casino, Goniff and Chief were beginning to get around without much help. Garrison and Terry still seemed exhausted. They made themselves get up and visit the others a couple times a day. Actor could not remain in his bed, so he was up in the mornings and downstairs, at first with the General's help and then unassisted.
By the end of the week, Terry decided it was time to get on with the business of taking care of the kitchen at the very least. She walked into the kitchen that morning and was surprised to find Actor there.
"Good morning, cara," said the Italian, getting out pots and a skillet one-handed. "What are you doing down here?"
"I came to make breakfast," said Terry.
Actor shook his head, "I have that taken care of."
"I beg your pardon?" asked Terry in surprise.
"I have been making breakfast for the past week. I have it down to a science now."
Terry stared at his back. "Oh," she said quietly. She was somewhat taken aback. Just then her father walked in.
"'Morning, Will," said Actor.
"'Morning, Vittorio," returned the general.
Vittorio? Terry's eyebrows lifted. Vittorio? Weel, it was Italian for Victor.
Will took a mug off the sideboard and filled it with coffee from the stove. He filled a second one for Actor. Terry opened the cupboard behind her and reached for a mug. Will turned.
"What are you doing down here?" he asked his daughter.
"Not much," replied Terry with a touch of sarcasm.
Actor turned around. "Teresa, let somebody get that mug for you."
"I can get my own mug," said Terry. "It's not that heavy." She pushed it across the table for her father to fill.
As the general was pouring, Goniff bounded into the room. Terry turned to reach for another mug. "Step aside, Love," said Goniff. "I'll get it." He crowded Terry out of the way. "Hey, Actor, got anymore kippers left?"
"There is enough for this morning, though how you eat those disgusting fish for breakfast is beyond my comprehension."
"Don't knock it 'til you've tried it, Mate," shot back Goniff with a grin.
"I would rather not," Actor replied with disgust.
Garrison poured coffee for Goniff. Terry took a sip of hers.
Actor did not turn around, but simply asked, "Teresa, what would you like this morning?"
"Nothing," she replied. "Coffee will be just fine."
Will shot a disapproving look at his daughter. "You have to eat something." He turned to Actor, "Make her an omelet." Looking back at Terry, "He makes an excellent omelet. Actually, he's an even better cook than you are."
Goniff flashed a look at Terry. She was chewing on both her lips. "I'm sure he is, Dad," she said brightly. "So far we haven't found anything he doesn't do well."
Both Actor and Will missed the barb in that. Goniff caught it.
"Teresa, why don't you go out and find someplace to sit down," suggested Actor offhandedly.
Oh bloody hell, thought Goniff. He looked at the stricken expression on Terry's face. She set her mug on the table and pushed past the Englishman to leave the kitchen.
Terry was partway up the stairs when she passed Casino.
"Hey, Babe, what are you doin' down here? Shouldn't you be in your room?" he said, never stopping.
"What am I confined to quarters now?" shot back Terry.
"Geez, you're in a bad mood this morning." Casino kept on going.
Terry was trying not to cry. She went into her room, grabbed her purse and headed back downstairs. She grabbed the keys to the jeep and let herself out the front door.
Chris was just getting back from a run. She looked at the tearing eyes of her sister in alarm. "Terry, what are you doing? What's wrong?"
"I'm going home," said the older girl, trying not to cry.
"You are home."
"Not anymore," said Terry. "I'm going to my flat."
"What happened?" asked Chris worriedly.
"I'm no longer needed. Actor kicked me out of my own kitchen. Dad insulted my cooking. Goniff pushed me out of the way. Casino wanted to know why I was out of my room. I will not be a prisoner in my own damn . . . mansion!" She burst into tears as she climbed into the driver's seat of Craig's jeep.
Chris was staring open mouthed. Terry pushed the ignition button and brought the engine to life.
"Wait!" yelled Chris. "Terry you can't drive and shift one handed."
"Don't you start telling me what I can't do!" flung back Terry.
She hooked her left hand over the cross bar of the steering wheel and the fingers of her right hand on the shift stick as the cast would allow, shoved the jeep into first and took off.
"Terry!" yelled Chris.
Her sister never stopped.
Chris shook her head, anger building, and stormed into the house and into the kitchen. "What is the matter with you guys?" she demanded. "Terry's on her way into town."
"How?" asked Actor turning in alarm.
"She took the jeep." Chris had a good head of steam up now. "Oh, you are just a fine bunch!" She glared at Actor, "You especially!"
"Me?" Actor yelped in astonishment. "What did I do?"
"You all took away her usefulness and just pushed her out of the way." She glared now at her father, "Of course she ought to be used to you by now, Father. You've done it her whole life."
"What the hell are you talking about?" demanded Will.
Goniff was the only one who thought he understood, and he looked at the floor. Anywhere but at Chris.
"She damned near got killed saving your sorry asses," she rounded on Craig's men. "Now you act like she doesn't even belong in this house. You take away her independence, make her feel unwanted and unappreciated." In frustration she looked at Will, "And you insult her cooking, just like you always do."
"I did not insult her cooking!" said Garrison, defensively.
"Well, yeah, you kinda did, Sir," ventured Goniff.
Will gave the Garrison glare to the little cockney. For once, Goniff didn't back down.
"I'm trying to make things easier for her!" shouted Actor.
"There's a difference between making things easier for her and just taking over. But you probably can't understand that." Chris looked pointedly at Actor's casted left arm. "Your arm is broken even worse than hers and you won't let her in her own damned kitchen."
That caused something to click in his understanding. He stood stock still.
"I'm going into town," said Chris, "and make sure she gets there in one piece.
"No, you're not," said Actor firmly. He shoved the spatula at her. "I'm the one who is supposed to be the worst. I will go get her."
"And just how do you propose to get there?" asked Chris sarcastically, not sure how she ended up with the spatula.
"That is my problem not yours," yelled Actor.
Julie had heard the raised voices of her father and the others and come downstairs. She stepped back in apprehension at the wild-eyed anger on her father's face.
Actor looked hard at his child, "Do you know how to drive?"
"Yes, Sir," said Julie.
"Then you will drive me to Teresa's flat and then go stay at the Fox until I send for you." He grabbed the keys to the Packard and shoved them into Julie's hands.
She scooted out the door ahead of him, not about to object and not wanting to get within his reach.
"You can't make that child drive!" yelled Chris after him.
"Scopare!" shot back Actor.
Chris had followed him to the door. Her eyes blazed at the swear word. "I hope she kicks your asino!" She slammed the front door shut behind him. Turning around she flung the spatula that was still in her hand at Casino's head. He just barely ducked in time. Chris stormed into Craig's office, slammed the door shut and locked it.
She called Kit from the phone on Craig's desk. "Kit, get over in front of Terry's flat. Julie's driving Actor in. You need to get that child away from him and take her over to the Fox. He is insanely angry."
"I don't think he would hurt Julie," said Kit dubiously.
"No," agreed Chris, "but I don't want her to have to witness Actor and Terry beating the crap out of each other."
"I know Actor would never hit Terry," assured Kit.
"He might this time," said Chris. "They are both mad enough and Terry will almost certainly take a swing at him."
"God, what the hell is going on?"
"Don't ask."
9