Chapter 1 – Bad News

Craig and Rainey Garrison walked out of St Luke's into the sunshine, Craig squinted as his eyesight adjusted from the cool shadows of the church to the bright light outside. They had spent the last hour talking to the priest about arrangements for a double wedding and had set a date for four weeks' ahead, the earliest time available.

Rainey looked around, walked over to a nearby wooden bench and sat down, Craig joined him. "Ya ta hey Atsilí?"

Rainey leaned back and laughed. "Ya ta hey Ánaaí! I can't believe this is happenin'."

Craig grinned. "We're getting married in four weeks, can't go back on it now or Trish'll have your hide and Laura will have mine!"

Rainey breathed out a contented sigh. "That's the least o' my worries, don't wanna die before then or Trish'll kill me. Already been 'killed' once this week, I prefer to stay alive."

Craig regarded his brother and thought about the con he'd pulled to capture Pryor, how realistic his 'death' in the cage had been. His heart rose up into his throat as he recalled how helpless he'd felt, tied to a ringside seat as he watched Rainey fighting five men to save his family and team from Pryor and how devastated he'd felt when he thought his neck had been snapped by the huge fighter who turned out to be Drummond.

Rainey caught Craig's expression and smiled. "I ain't dead yet, not by a long shot, you're gonna have me around for a long time."

Craig shook himself out of his thoughts and nodded. "Then I'm guaranteed to last out the war, can't do anything else with you around watching my back."

Rainey stretched his legs out in front of him and raised his face to the warmth of the sun. "Don't want the girls 'n Shimá after me for losin' you."

Craig caught the gentle, affectionate, Navajo name Rainey had given Mary Garrison, Shimá – mother. Mary was the only mother Rainey had known and Craig knew he loved her and the Garrison family as much as if they'd been his own, he'd already more than proven that.

Rainey pointed a thumb over his shoulder. "Why've we gotta go through all that rigmarole o' ...banns?"

Craig smiled and looked at his brother. "Marriage banns are the announcement of a couple's intention to marry. They are made in church on at least three Sundays preceding a wedding. They offer an opportunity for someone to make a legal objection to a marriage and for the congregation to pray for the couple. I think we need all the prayers we can get to survive and get through this damn war."

Rainey shook his head and gave a soft snort. "If you say so. You think Casino's gonna raise an objection just for the hell of it?"

"Not if he wants to live!" Craig looked at his watch and stood up. "We'd better get a move on, aren't we training Navajo 12 in half an hour? We've got to pick up Actor, Casino and Goniff, they look forward to these sessions."

Rainey nodded and smiled. "Another group o' innocent kids who are gonna be shown the error of our ways." He twirled the keys to the jeep around a finger. "Let's go."

Craig shook his head and trailed after his brother.

GG-GG-GG

Garrison was woken up by the sound of the phone ringing in his office, he rolled over, switched on the bedside lamp and looked at his watch – it was 2 am. He stumbled out of bed and padded downstairs, the creaking of the wooden steps echoed round the quiet mansion, he walked over to his desk and snatched up the phone. "Garrison here. This had better be important to wake me at this hour in the morning." He heard a familiar voice. "Dad? What's wrong?" He listened for a few seconds and collapsed into his chair. "You sure? When? What can I do? Ok I'll wait for news, I'll be right here." He put the phone down and stared at his desk.

Chief had also been woken by the phone and heard the Warden go down to answer it, he frowned, mission calls came during the day not in the middle of the night unless something was really urgent. He listened for the sound of Garrison coming back upstairs and became worried when everything stayed silent. He got up, quickly put on his fatigues and went down to the ground floor, he made no noise as he descended barefoot, he knew where every creaky board was and it was second nature to him now. He could see a line of light coming under Garrison's office door, he knocked quietly and waited. "Warden?" There was no answer, he knocked again and entered. He looked at Garrison's face and knew something terrible had happened, he rushed over to the desk. "Craig? What's happened? Is it Mary? George? The girls?"

Craig looked up at his brother and saw the concern in his eyes. "No Rainey, they're fine,that was Dad on the phone." He took a deep breath and sighed. "He called to let me know Rick's missing, his plane went down over Germany a couple hours ago."

Rainey sat down on the chair opposite him. "Rick? What happened?"

Craig put his face in his hands. "You know he's in the ASAAF, flying B-17s. Dad said his squadron was attacked by the Luftwaffe over Germany after a bombing mission. His plane was hit and went down. Witnesses said there were no chutes. He's gone Rainey." He reached in his shirt pocket, took out a pack of cigarettes and lit one.

Rainey looked at his brother and shook his head. "Just 'cos no-one saw any chutes don't mean there weren't any. There's been no moon tonight, they wouldn't have seen anythin' in the dark. You know what it's like, remember when we were in Poland 'n you were hangin' ten feet up a tree 'n couldn't see the ground? I had to bang your foot before you'd drop."

Craig looked up, there was a hint of hope in his eyes. "You think there's a chance Rick's alive?"

Rainey leaned forward. "There's always hope Craig, besides I haven't met my brother yet 'n he can't die 'til I do. What's happenin' now?"

Craig sighed and blew out a cloud of smoke towards the ceiling. "We just gotta wait for Dad's next phone call, I'm staying here."

Rainey stood up. "So am I, I'll brew us up some coffee 'n we'll wait it out together." He walked out into the kitchen and started off a pot of extra strong coffee, he looked back at the office door and thought about his new family; there were two brothers he hadn't met yet, Rick and Ben. Ben was the youngest brother and still in college back in the States, Rick had enlisted in the ASAAF and was a pilot flying bombers in the Eighth Air Force. Rainey wondered what it was like flying mission after mission over Europe in a huge tin can, constantly at the mercy of flak and enemy fighters, it took a lot of courage. There was a popular saying going round that 'to fly in the Eighth Air Force is like holding a ticket to a funeral —your own.' He wanted to meet this brother and tell him how proud he was to be a member of his family. His thoughts suddenly went to Trish, did she know? How was she taking the news? He decided to ask Craig as soon as he got back to the office.

Craig ground out his cigarette and looked up as Rainey walked back in with a large pot of coffee in one hand and two mugs in the other, he set them down and poured two mugs full. Rainey looked at Craig with concern as he lifted his mug. "Does Trish know?"

Craig took a grateful sip of his drink, put the mug down and shook his head. "Dad couldn't get hold of her, she and Laura are working their shift at the hospital."

Rainey looked at his drink. "Shall I go 'n tell her? It might be better if she hears it in person rather than down the phone."

Craig tossed his brother the keys to the jeep. "That's a good idea, you can't get a hug down the phone and Trish will need a hug. Be there for her Rainey. Laura knows Rick too, be there for both of them."

Rainey caught the keys and strode out the door to go upstairs and get dressed, he was glad he could do something other than sit around and wait. He needed to be active and this was the best he could do for his family at the moment.

GG-GG-GG

Trish looked up and spied a familiar, dark-haired figure standing in the hospital reception room, she gave a cry of delight and launched herself into her fiancée's arms. "Rainey! Have you come to carry me off for a night of passion? You'll have to wait another four hours 'til my shift ends."

Rainey held her tight for a few seconds and let her go, she looked into his face and saw something was wrong. "Rainey?"

Rainey reached out, took her hand and turned her towards some chairs. "Trish, we better go sit down."

She sat down, looked at the man she loved and tried to make light of the situation. "You're not going to tell me you're breaking up with me are you?"

Rainey gave her a small smile. "Never Nizhóní," he paused. "It's your brother."

Trish looked at him quizzically. "Craig? What's happened?"

Rainey shook his head. "Craig's fine. It's Rick, he's missin'. His bomber was shot down over Germany. George has been tryin' to get a message to you, I thought it might be better if I came 'n told you - if anythin' about this could be better." He held her tight as she dissolved into tears. "I'm sorry Nizhóní, tell me what you want me to do."

Trish's voice was muffled as she buried her head in his shoulder. "Just hold me Rainey." He held her as she cried, desperately wanting to tell her he was there for her and would do anything to make her feel better. He gently ran his fingers through her hair and felt his eyes burn with tears for the brother he'd never met and probably never would. He breathed deep and composed himself, he wouldn't let strangers see him like this, this was private and not to be shared with anyone who wasn't family.

He started as he felt a light touch on his shoulder. "Rainey?" It was Laura's voice. She sat down and looked at them. "What's wrong?"

Trish looked up. "It's Rick. His plane went down."

Laura's face went white. "Not Ricky. We have to go to Mary, she'll be devastated." She looked at her future brother-in-law. "Take Trish home Rainey. I'll tell the boss and make arrangements for leave. You got a car?"

Rainey gave her the keys to the jeep. "It's just outside, I'll take Trish home in the Alvis. Thanks Laura, we'll see you later." He gently helped Trish to her feet, guided her to the cloakroom to gather her belongings and then out the door to the roadster. He took the keys and helped her into the passenger seat. She sat there, still and quiet as he drove to the cottage they now called home, he missed their light-hearted banter and the feel of her hand in its usual place on his thigh.

He parked the car just outside the door and took her into the living room. "You want somethin' to drink?"

Trish looked at the sideboard. "Bourbon." She put her head in her hands and sobbed. "I've got to get home to Ma, she'll need us with her."

Rainey poured out a measure and handed the glass over, he took one look at her tearful face and shook his head. "You're not gonna drive to Hampshire like this. I'll take you 'n Laura there, it'll be safer 'n Craig 'n I'll be happier knowin' you're both ok."

Trish downed the drink and held her glass out for a refill. "One more and I'll go start packing." Rainey poured out a smaller measure and put the bottle away. Trish took longer this time, put down the empty glass and started upstairs. She stopped halfway, turned round and held out her hand. "Come with me, please."

Rainey walked up to her and took her hand, she silently lead him upstairs and into their bedroom, turned and lost herself in his embrace. Rainey held her tenderly. "What can I do Nizhóní? Tell me what you want." He felt Trish's fingers undoing his shirt buttons, her hands slid under the material caressing his skin.

Trish's voice was a desperate whisper. "I want you Rainey, I need you. Come to bed and hold me for a while."

Rainey felt her hands running up and down his back before moving round to his chest, he caught hold of them as they started to go lower, bent his head down to her ear and whispered. "If you want more'n holdin' Nizhóní you'd better get that nurse's uniform off."

Two hours later Rainey heard the jeep pull up outside, he'd nestled his face in Trish's hair as she slumbered in his arms and held her close. He was glad he'd been there for her, her need for him had swept them both up and left them clinging together, exhausted. He'd done his best to alleviate her fears and his gentle caresses had aroused a passion in her that had nearly consumed him. He quietly got out of bed, careful not to disturb her, put on his fatigue pants and threw on his shirt. He padded barefoot down to find Laura in the kitchen making a quick snack as the kettle heated up. She looked up as he entered. "How's Trish?"

Rainey glanced quickly up the stairs as he buttoned up his shirt. "She's sleepin'," he looked back to Laura. "How're you doin'?"

Laura sighed. "As well as can be expected. You didn't get the chance to meet Ricky, did you? He was a great guy, full of life. Typical Garrison, you'd have loved him." She pushed the finished sandwich across to him. "You must be hungry, I'll make another one, coffee?"

"Thanks," Rainey looked at his watch. "Better phone Craig and see if there's any news." Five minutes later Laura heard him go upstairs, seconds after that he walked back in the kitchen carrying his jacket and boots, he sat down and put them . "She's still asleep. Gonna go pick up Craig and fetch him back, let Trish know if she wakes up. Won't be long." He gulped down his coffee, grabbed the keys to the jeep and drove away as quickly and quietly as he could.

GG-GG-GG

The sun was rising when Rainey arrived at the mansion, Craig was outside waiting at the foot of the steps as he pulled up, he threw his kit bag in the back and climbed into the passenger seat. Rainey turned the jeep and gunned it back down the gravel drive, they went past the security gate and roared off down the road to Colchester. Rainey glanced quickly over at his brother, he was leaning back in his seat, eyes closed and a grim look on his face, he turned back and concentrated on driving.

Craig opened his eyes as they pulled up outside the cottage, he jumped out, grabbed his bag and ran inside. Rainey followed to find Craig and Laura hugging each other, he waited quietly in the doorway glad to see his brother had someone there for him as he'd been there for Trish. Eventually they parted, Craig turned round. "Sorry I wasn't good company on the way over. Dad called just after you left and then Major Richards phoned. I had things to do before I could get away."

Rainey nodded. "It's ok Craig, I understand." He looked at Laura. "Trish awake yet?"

Laura put a comforting arm round Craig's waist. "Don't think so. I made a load of sandwiches and coffee, why don't you take her up a cup and make sure she's alright?"

Trish's eyes opened as she heard the bedroom door open, she could smell coffee, she sat up and yawned. Rainey walked over, sat on the bed and held out the cup. "Mornin' Nizhóní, how you feelin'?"

Trish smiled as she took the cup and then her expression turned to one of anguish as she remembered the night before. "Ricky!" She looked at Rainey noticing he was dressed, she put the cup down on the bedside table and reached out. "Any news? What's been happening?"

Rainey held her close. "No news yet. Craig's here, I went 'n got him. Get dressed 'n come downstairs."

The four of them sat round the kitchen table and ate breakfast, although they didn't feel hungry.

Craig looked at the girls, "Major Richards called, he'd heard the news and insisted I take a week's compassionate leave, I'll take you to Hampshire to be with Mary and Dad." He gave Rainey a regretful look. "Sorry Rainey, I couldn't get the same for you, the Army doesn't recognise you're a Garrison, yet. I've left passes for a couple days back at the mansion, that was the best I could do."

Rainey looked at Trish and saw her disappointed expression, he quickly diverted his gaze to his brother. "That's ok Craig, I understand. Give Shimá 'n Dad my love, tell 'em I'm thinkin' of 'em."

Trish looked at her brother angrily. "That's not right, Rainey should be with us, he's family!"

Rainey held up a conciliatory hand. "It's alright Nizhóní, go 'n be with your parents, they need you right now. I'll be fine." He stood up. "I'll go now 'n give you time to pack 'n leave."

Trish followed Rainey outside to the jeep and grabbed his arm. "We haven't had a chance to say goodbye."

Rainey gave her a gentle smile and curled a lock of her hair around his finger. "I know your 'goodbyes' Nizhóní 'n after last night I got nothin' left." He held her close and kissed her. "Let's wait 'til we see each other again 'n we'll have a good, long 'hello' instead, I promise."

Trish wriggled up against him and look adoringly into his eyes. "You're on, don't try backing out of it."

Rainey grinned. "More'n my life's worth, I know better'n to argue with a Garrison Woman." He gave her one final, deep kiss, jumped into the jeep and drove away. He watched in the rear-view mirror as Trish dropped her head, turned and walked slowly back into the house; it was all he could do not to turn round and drive back to her.