Chapter 47

Cottage Sorted

2030 – Hereford, UK

Elvis had slipped into the bedroom whilst Georgie and Grace chattered away, packing non-essential kitchen items. His mum was due to arrive at 0800 hours tomorrow. Marco would intercept her at the station, then he and the two women would meet up with Geno at the cottage.

"Thanks for keepin eyes on Georgie." Elvis said into his mobile, pressing it against his ear as he pulled the curtain aside to take a gander out the window.

"No problem boss, you know that." Jackson said.

"Roger. Listen in." Elvis said moving from the window. "Wha' ya up to Sunday mate?"

"Clean slate as far as I reckon, ya need me?"

"Affirmative. The birds are plannin a baby do for Georgie. Lookin to 'ave it at the cottage, but her mum is takin her shoppin to get 'er out of the house. Could ya tail them for me?"

"Absolutely boss."

"We can get into some shit whilst they party, work on the front garden and such." Elvis said, walking forwards and backwards like he was planning a mission.

"Beer on hand?"

"For you lot? Oh yeah! Toni is on the invite list, so Spanner will be comin."

"Spunks and Tina are goin on holiday for the weekend." Jackson said.

"Affirmative. He told me about 'at last week."

"If the do is this Sunday... we need to get crackin on that back garden boss."

"Yeah. I reckon we'll finish 'at up Saturday and clean-up the conservatory. This is all classified. Georgie don't know about it."

"Roger that."

"Thanks again. Talk later mate." As he ended the call Elvis heard a loud cackle of laughter. It was nice that Georgie and her mum could spend this time together. They had not been in each other's company since the early stages of the pregnancy. He comically scowled at the thought of a house full of hens, then laughed knowing Georgie will shit when she sees everyone. He scrolled through his mobile for Molly's number and activated the call, rubbing a thumb across his forehead, waiting for her to answer.

"Well Elvis Harte!" He heard and smirked. "Molly James is it?"

"Yeah, it's me Elvis, ya know 'at. You made the call." Molly answered cheekily.

"How ya been?"

"Literally up to my eyeballs in shit with a busy little bloke, and you? No, no, put that down….mummy said no. Sorry Elvis. He's always into somethin." Elvis could hear the little one squealing in the background. "Wait! Oi! Reckon G. is about ready to drop!"

He chuckled. "Indeed. "At's why I'm callin."

"Is she OK?"

"Affirmative Molls. Her mum and sisters are 'avin a baby do for her 'ere. Can ya fancy makin it? I know she'd love to see ya."

"When is it?"

"Plannin for this Sunday. Now I know it is a bit of a late notice, but Grace and my mum will be 'ere this week. Georgie and I bought a cottage."

"Yeah, I know, she sent me photos. Looks really nice Elvis. Georgie is thrilled about it."

"Thanks. Can ya come ya reckon?"

"Yeah. I would love to."

"Good. Comin Saturday or Sunday?" Elvis asked clearly delighted the plan was coming together.

"Oh would 'ave to be Sunday Elvis. I can get a sitter for little Charles then."

"Wha? Ya mean I won't get to see my godson?"

"Sorry mate, nah. Not this time. He's 'ad some sniffles I think it best for him to stay home."

"Gotcha. Alright. See when ya can get a train and I'll have ya picked up at the station."

"Fine, but I may want to drive. I'll let ya know, yeah?"

"Right."

"Anythin Georgie and you really need for the baby?"

"George keeps talkin about nappies."

Molly laughed. "I'll try to get a size to fit ya Elvis."

He wheezed out a laugh. "Fuck sake, ya ain't changed one bit. I 'ave been through this before ya know. I can manage wipin a baby's arse."

"Yeah…yeah, I do know…..and ya are a good dad. That little boy is damn lucky to be 'aven ya two as his parents."

"Thanks Molls. Oi! 'Ave ya 'eard from Charlie boy?" Elvis asked now pacing again.

"I did actually, we face-timed last night. They were due back next week and nothing has changed so I'm looking forward to seeing my husband."

"Good. Section intact then?"

"Yeah. Didn't 'ear otherwise."

"Really good. Ok then. Let me know which way you're comin, lookin forward to seein ya."

"I take it this is a surprise." Molly said excited about the unexpected get-together.

"Completely classified."

"My lips are sealed. See ya Elvis."

Xxxxx

0930 – SAS Garrison, Herefored, UK

Elvis paused to read the latest text from Marco. Both he and the mothers were on their way to the cottage in the van loaded with cleaning products and boxes. Elvis sniffed out an amused laugh. It took Marco twenty minutes to pack everything inside the van. There was constant chatter as to what should go where and Elvis could quite imagine the words his cousin was mumbling under his breath. He thought about his mum and Grace trying to pack their kits for boot camp and massively grinned as he pocketed his mobile. He wondered why he had been summoned to Colonel Godfrey's office. He was due to oversee training at the pistol range at 1000 hours. His gut twisted at the notion there may be new intel on Evans or any other related developments. He boldly knocked on the door.

"Harte?!" came Godfrey's booming voice through the wood.

Elvis opened the door. "Affirmative sir."

"Get in here and close the door I have something to discuss with you."

"Sir." Elvis complied and was stood in front of his CO's desk, hands clasped behind his back. Godfrey looked up at him.

"I received a communication this morning." He began. Elvis gazed down at the document folder lying on the desk beneath Godfrey's hands. It looked almost too official and Elvis' gaze returned to his CO's face. Godfrey opened the folder.

"Captain Elvis Harte. It is my pleasure and honor to inform you, that you have been commended to receive the Victoria Cross for your conspicuous bravery whilst commanding a covert operation in Afghanistan. You were commended to receive this Honor by Colonel David Warner of the British Armed Forces in collaboration with Colonel Hudson Fletcher of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Elvis felt a simultaneous jolt of shock and pride at the unexpected revelation. He had received commendations and medals in the past, but this was beyond anything he had ever dreamed.

"Your exceptional sense of duty has finally been rewarded captain."

Elvis swallowed. "Thank you sir."

"The Investiture is scheduled to take place next week."

"Next week sir?" Elvis replied rather stunned.

"Affirmative. Here is your personal notification. I realize that Investitures do not typically occur this rapidly, but as you are SAS, the Honor Ceremony will be private. Due to the nature of your operation the public will not be informed. Elvis' cheeks puffed as he exhaled a quick breath. "Additionally, you are ordered to refrain from disclosing this to family at this time. The operation is sealed from the public sector. Only your wife may attend as she is military and is obviously aware of your engagement with the enemy. Your team will be informed, under classified restrictions as well."

"Understood sir." Elvis said with a curt nod. He looked down at the folder containing his Appointment, thoughtfully fingering the embossed Royal Seal.

Xxxxx

2000 – Hereford, UK

The Harte's cottage platoon detail was in full swing. By day the two cousins and mothers cleaned and painted. In the evenings they were joined by Special Forces. The nursery furniture had been delivered Thursday, much to Grace's delight and now, this Friday evening, the lads had most of the items moved from the flat.

"This is incredible Georgie. I never thought it would be possible, but this is all coming together." Grace said. They were both stood in the lounge eyeing the arrangement of furniture.

"The place had been well kept but…yeah, never underestimate Elvis when he has a plan." Georgie said proudly, happily. Toni carried two lamps into the room. "Those will go here." Georgie said, walking towards the end tables. "Thank you so much." she added, reaching for the shades to place on each one.

"This is the perfect home for you two." Toni said watching her place the shades.

"Yeah. I love it! Even more now that our stuff is here."

"It's a bit sparse though Georgie." Grace said close to her ear.

"Well we didn't have loads of room in the flat, at least we have the essentials. Now we can take our time and add the other things we fancy." Georgie said, rubbing her hands together, looking around.

"The nursery turned out really well Mrs. Lane." Toni said.

Grace beamed. "Aww, ya reckon?"

"Yeah. It did mum. Thank you so much. The furniture is perfect." The three women heard a loud pounding overhead, then raucous male laughter. "What in hell is goin on up there?!" She shouted up the stairs.

"Spanner fell on his arse!" Elvis shouted back.

"Good Lord, he's always ending up on his arse!" Toni playfully lamented.

"What was that?!" Guilia exclaimed, hurrying into the lounge.

"A roomful of lads." Georgie quipped.

"I hope no one got hurt." Guilia said.

"Just their pride." Toni said dryly.

"What are they doin up there?" Grace asked, sharing a look with Guilia.

"Puttin the beds together." Georgie answered. Then the women became wide-eyed when they heard….a loud solo male voice…

"When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie…"

"At's Amore!" came the rousing group response from above.

All four women burst into laughter. "Oi! You're gonna get the neighbor's dogs goin!" Georgie shouted up the stairs.

"Full moon out 'ere George! Take a gander!" Elvis replied, suddenly sliding down the banister. She chuckled at his playfulness. "Come on babe…..let's 'ave a look." he said, taking her hand and affectionately kissing her forehead. Both mother's looked at each other and smiled. The couple walked through the conservatory with fingers intertwined as they gazed up through the glass rooftop at the white moon glowing overhead.

"This is awesome!" Georgie said leaning into him. "It's lighting up the entire garden."

"Indeed it is." Elvis said kissing her temple. "We got things pretty well sorted Georgiiiee."

"I knew you would." she said rubbing a hand up and down his back, then slipping an arm around him. "I am so proud of you Elvis. You so deserve that medal."

He looked down at her. Her words meant the world to him. The mission had been classified and would remain as such. "Are ya certain ya can make the trip babe?" he asked softly.

"Serious?"

"I would not be askin otherwise."

"Elvis. I will not miss seeing you honored for your work in Afghan. Let alone the fact that you were commended to receive the Victoria Cross." she said peering deeply into his eyes, those eyes that made her heart stutter. He shared a world of emotions with those eyes. "Ya can't tell your folks right now, as much as they would love to be there for ya. But I can be there and I will be there." she said in hushed tones. Elvis took in everything she was saying to him. He gazed at her, his eyes flitting all over her face.

"I love you." he whispered hoarsely.

Her hands reached up, fondling the sides of his face. "I love Elvis. I love ya to bits." she said. They kissed, long and lingering. Unbeknownst to them however…..eyes were on them…..

"That's amore! Came Marco and Geno's voices in musical unison as their heads and arms hung out a first floor window. The couple grinned against each other's lips.