Of Gallantry, Guilt and Grace
Chapter 9
There were more missed missions and it gnawed at Actor. As a result, he pushed himself to his limits. He could tell by Teresa's expression that she was unhappy and worried, but she did not say anything, for which he was grateful. He progressed to where he could run short sprints, only slowing to a walk instead of having to stop and rest. At one point, he tried the parachute jump with Teresa helping against her better judgement. The sharp pain in his ribs told him he wasn't ready for that yet. It put him in a foul mood for the rest of the day. It also made Major Kaiser add another week to Actor's enforced 'vacation.'
The con man watched Teresa. She was doing the best she could to make him happy. She cooked special meals just for him, coaxed him into teaching her more about music, art and antiques, and played chess with him. Occasionally, she shared his bed, just tucked up against him. However, his frustration with his recovery from the injury made him grumpy and, on those nights, she went to her room.
The Warden had been right. The longer he was confined to the Mansion, the more stir-crazy Actor became. After another week, he felt himself to be progressing again and decided it was time to get out for a bit.
GGG
Actor stood at the bottom of the stairs, blocking Terry's decent. This put her almost on an eye level with him. She waited patiently to see what he was up to.
"Miss Garrison," he said with his most enticing smile. "Would you be interested in going out to dinner with me? My treat."
Terry grinned. "What's the matter? Getting tired of my cooking?"
"Not at all," he smiled back. "I just feel a need to get out of the house and have a nice quiet dinner with a beautiful woman."
Terry studied his face and asked quietly, "Feeling closed in?"
Actor raised his eyebrows and gave a short nod.
Terry smiled warmly back at him, "In that case, Sir, I would be delighted to have dinner with you. And if you are inclined afterward, I know a nice little pub we can go to for an after dinner drink."
"And you think Miss Gallagher is not going to throw us out?"
Terry grinned, "You know I own half the bar. We can sit on my half."
Actor insisted on driving the MG. Terry didn't object. He took her to a French restaurant on the edge of Brandonshire. It was small, quiet and intimate. The food was excellent and much too expensive. And the company was very attentive. Afterward, they stopped at the Blue Fox.
Kit noticed them walking in the door and stared. Actor was wearing a dark suit, white shirt and tie. Terry was dressed in a black cocktail dress with spiked heeled shoes on her feet. Kit had to find out what this was all about.
Terry smiled at her friend. "A table for two please. Preferably somewhere quiet and discreet."
Kit looked between the two. They were both relaxed. Terry's hand was tucked in the crook of Actor's arm. "Are you two on a date or something?"
Terry looked up at Actor in amusement. "Are we?"
Actor grinned roguishly, "I believe we are."
Kit stared at them. She finally decided that the loss of blood to both of them must have affected their minds. But she would play along.
"Right this way," she said, leading them to a corner booth.
Actor seated Terry and sat beside her.
"And what may I get you to drink?" asked Kit in her best hostess imitation.
Actor smiled up at her, "Dom Perignon, if you have it."
Kit's jaw dropped. She turned to Terry, "You know I have a couple bottles. Who's paying for it?"
"He is," smiled Terry.
"Properly chilled please," instructed Actor.
Kit looked at him sourly, "All my good stuff is properly chilled."
The champagne bottle arrived in an ice bucket along with two champagne flutes. Actor poured some in each glass and set one in front of the woman beside him. He watched her reaction. She tilted her head and studied the glass as though it might jump up and bite her. She may have spent time in Roma but no one had introduced her to anything more than prosecco. Teresa picked up the glass and glanced at Actor. She tilted the glass toward him and he touched the rim of his glass to hers with that fine crystal clink. His eyes were on her as she took her first sip. Her eyes lit up in appreciation.
"Secco," she said.
"Sì," he agreed. "Do you like it?"
The girl nodded. "That's better than anything I've ever had." She looked up at him. "Thank you, Vittorio," she said sincerely.
"My pleasure, carissima."
An hour later, Kit quietly closed the bar early. Terry and Actor had moved to a table and were the only ones left. They were up dancing to some slow music. Occasionally they exchanged a kiss. Actor enjoyed the feel of her softness against him. She had put her hair up and done the trick he had taught her of putting scent in her hair. Whether she had done it for a definite purpose or not, it was working. He wanted her, and he wanted her badly. He thought she might be of the same mind. He held her right hand between them, but her left arm was inside his jacket. She was being mindful of the injured area on his right ribs, but her hand was slowly caressing his back. The kisses they were sharing were slow and sensual on both their parts.
Madge came up from the basement and found Kit behind the bar, staring at the dance floor. She followed the red-head's gaze and she too stared.
"Blimey, what's with those two?" Madge whispered.
Kit shook her head, "I still haven't figured it out."
"'Er brother's going to kill them."
"Not if we don't tell him."
Madge sighed, "Gawd, that is one 'andsome bloke."
"He does clean up well," Kit had to admit.
Terry could have been content to stay on the dance floor all night. However, she was worried about her dance partner. The evening had already been long, and he was not used to this much activity. She tilted her head back and smiled up at Actor. He looked down at her was a lazy grin, but his eyes showed the fatigue he would never admit to.
"I'm having a wonderful time, but I'm getting tired," she said. "Do you mind if we go home?"
Actor sucked in his cheeks, "You are not getting tired. I know you."
"All right," said Terry. "You are getting tired and I want to go home."
Actor tucked her head back under his chin and sighed, "You are too astute, Little One."
"Well, you know, I do have strict orders to take good care of you. And that's what I'm going to do," she said into his chest.
Actor chuckled, "And who gave you these strict orders?"
"The Warden," said Terry. "And you know we have to follow the Warden's orders."
Actor chuckled again, "Why the sudden change of heart? This is the second time you have followed the Lieutenant's orders."
Terry took mock offense at this. "I sometimes do what he wants . . . if it's what I want.
"You are incorrigible, Teresa."
"Yeah, kind of like you," smirked Terry.
The music ended. Terry stepped away from Actor and slipped behind him. Placing her hands on his waist, she nudged him back to the table. He reached behind to get her, and she scooted out of reach, dipping into his jacket pocket and procuring the car keys, which she quickly dropped into her bra while behind his back.
At the table, he helped her into her coat. She picked up the half full bottle of champagne by the neck. "Can we take this with us?"
"Whatever you wish, cara mia."
Actor went up to the bar and smiled at Kit. "How much for the champagne?"
Kit looked at him, figuring he could never meet the price. "Two hundred and twenty-five pounds."
Actor pulled a wad of bills from his pants pocket and peeled off the correct amount adding another fifty for the pleasure of having the bar to themselves. Kit raised her eyebrows and accepted the payment with a nod of her head.
"Thank you, Kit," said Actor quietly.
"For what?" she asked puzzled.
"For allowing us this evening."
Kit looked at him seriously. "Actor, she loves you guys to death. You've become her family. I know you're watching out for her and taking care of her. I don't know what's going on between you two, if anything, but as far as I'm concerned, what happens here does not go past the doors."
Actor would normally not have answered that, but this time he quietly said, "Thank you."
Kit realized there was more to their relationship than they had previously let on. "Well, just take good care of her, and let her take care of you. I think she needs that."
"I will," said Actor solemnly.
Kit decided it was truce time and held her hand out to shake his. He motioned her closer. She leaned over the bar, allowing him to kiss her cheek.
"Will you quit flirting with the barmaid and come on," called Terry from the door.
Actor reached into his jacket pocket and frowned. He patted both pockets. "I can't seem to find the car keys."
Terry reached below her neckline and came up, dangling the keys from two fingers. "That's because I have them. I'm driving."
Actor looked at her in surprise. "Either I am very tired, or Goniff has been teaching you well."
"Probably both," said Terry. "And don't forget Craig. He's pretty good at it too." She thrust the bottle at him. "Here you are keeper of the good stuff."
Actor shook his head in amusement and took the bottle from her. He escorted Terry out the door.
"See ya," she called back
"Drive careful!" admonished Kit.
"Always . . . never," came the two answers simultaneously.
Kit shook her head. Madge came out from behind the curtains. "Bloody 'ell, next time I get to take 'is money."
Kit sighed. "I hope they don't get into trouble. He's not himself and she's just drunk enough to know what she's doing and not give a damn."
GGG
Terry seemed fully sober at the car. Actor had seen her drink before and knew she could hold her liquor better than the other three men of their group. Garrison was able to hold his liquor also. It must be a family trait.
The girl unlocked the passenger door for him and then went to the driver's side. After having the MG stolen once, she locked it now, even in the car park at the Mansion. Actor climbed in and secured the open bottle, holding it by the neck to not dissipate the coldness of the champagne. He did not want to admit how tired he was. But he was not down for the count by any means. He just needed a bit of a rest and he would be good again. He smiled to himself. He had done well.
Once they were on the open road outside of town headed back toward the Mansion, Teresa's left hand reached over and rested on Actor's right knee. Her fingers rubbed lightly over the pantleg.
"That was wonderful. Thank you," she said. "Boy, when you take a woman on a date, you really do it right, caro," she said.
"You are most welcome," replied the Italian. "I make it a habit to leave my date happy and satisfied."
Terry chuckled. "That is so very Actorish," she said with a grin.
"Of course," replied the confidence man. "That's because I am 'Actor'."
"You're also Vittorio, but for now that is just between you and me."
"Yes, well, Vittorio is in there somewhere. He's not too bad," mused Actor.
The incongruity of that statement caused Terry to laugh outright. "You think that might be a little backwards?"
"Only with you," capitulated Actor. "After all, you and Masons are the only ones left who know Vittorio Mancini."
He placed his hand over hers and kept it on his leg until she had to shift again.
Back at the house, Actor semi-collapsed into his armchair and put his feet up on the ottoman. Terry sat sideways on the sofa, kicked her shoes off, and carefully peeled the precious stockings off, affording him an appreciative look at a lot of thigh. She got up and pulled Actor's shoes off and then perched on the arm of his chair. She unknotted his tie and opened the top buttons of his shirt.
"That's better," she said. She looked at the bottle that now sat on the end table beside them and asked, "I suppose it's sacrilegious or something to drink that stuff out of the bottle?"
"Oh, very much so," intoned Actor, seriously. He held the bottle out to her with a wicked grin. "Ladies first."
Terry smiled mischievously and took a swallow. Both hands now free, Actor hooked her waist and pulled her onto his lap with a grimace at pulled rib muscles. It was an unusual move that surprised her, but she made no attempt to get up.
"Careful, caro," admonished Terry softly, "You'll hurt yourself."
"I'm fine," he assured her.
Terry handed him the bottle and snuggled against his shoulder. In companionable silence, they passed the bottle back and forth until it was empty. Actor took the bottle and set it on the floor next to the chair. Terry remained where she was, one finger idly playing with a button on his shirt. Actor placed a kiss on her forehead and relaxed with one arm around her, the other resting over her legs. He placed another kiss on her forehead. His eyes closed as her hand slid up to run fingers through his hair. He dropped his head a bit, rubbing his cheek against her hair, giving her more access to his. The slender fingers massaging his scalp and combing his thick wavy hair coupled with the scent of vanilla and lavender he would always associate with her, caused a stirring in him that surprised him.
Terry became pensive. She savored his strength, comfort, and his unique scent mingled with tobacco and champagne. It brought home even more the realization she had almost lost him. She remembered vividly the plane ride back to England. She had nightmares about it. Actor could not see that she was chewing on her lower lip, but he felt a change in her. Seemingly of its own accord, her hand slipped between his jacket and shirt, unerringly moving to cup lightly over the fresh scar on the side of his chest.
"What is bothering you?" Actor asked gently.
"Just remembering how scared I was," said Terry pulling her head away from his chest and looking at him.
"I know," he said.
Terry's head went back down to his shoulder. Her hand moved back to the middle of his chest, toying with the button again. His hand slipped beneath her dress and caressed the soft, warm skin on her thigh.
Actor was also brought to the realization of how close they had come to losing each other. His hand left her thigh and came up to run fingertips lightly up and down her arm. His wrist brushed against a soft swell. They both went still. The backs of his fingers moved to where his wrist had been, a thumb coaxing a response from the mound of soft flesh beneath the light material. Terry slowly undid the rest of the buttons of his shirt, allowing her fingers to explore. His hand moved to tip her chin up. The first kiss was strangely tentative on both of their parts. The following ones became increasingly more passionate. Actor pulled back first. They locked eyes, her hand remaining on the silky fur of his taut chest.
"You know where this is going," Actor said, giving her a chance to retreat. Terry nodded again. "It's your call, cara."
Terry went still for a moment. Actor's eyes closed, and he felt a stab of regret. He didn't know why, and wouldn't admit it, but he needed her tonight. Terry felt the same way. Her face became troubled. They had agreed earlier on this wasn't going to happen in the Mansion. Still she did not remove her hand from his chest. She rubbed her cheek against him.
"Then could we please do this tonight? I don't want to think we might not get another chance."
His response was to tip her head back and kiss her with unrestrained passion.
GGGGG
Christine let herself in the front door of the mansion. It was late morning. What first struck her was how quiet the house was. The second thing that struck her was the man's tie lying on the stairs. She stared at it a moment before turning her head to look into the common room. Terry's shoes were by the sofa, her stockings on the coffee table. Actor's shoes were by his chair, his jacket in an untidy pile hanging from the arm. It was highly unusual for the fastidious man. Chris looked farther up the stairs. A garter belt was hanging from the newel post at the top of the stairs.
"Oh, dear God," she thought. "They've gone and done it."
The younger sister moved quickly into the living room. She carefully started folding clothes and stacking them neatly. Her eyes widened in appreciation when she found the empty bottle of champagne. That would explain Terry, she thought in amusement. Eyes darting around, she went to pull the face mask up on the suit of armor and stuffed the bottle inside. Gathering shoes and clothes, she started up the stairs. Almost stepping on and retrieving a gold cufflink, she searched for the mate, but didn't find it. Arriving at the junction of the upstairs halls, she looked in both directions. There was no more trail of clothing to indicate whose room they had gone to. Thinking about what she would have done under the circumstances, she went to Terry's door as it was closer. Chris knocked on the door.
"Terry, come to the door!"
Waiting, she heard murmured voices followed by movement. A moment later, Terry opened the door a crack. She was rather nonplussed to see her sister standing there holding clothing and shoes. Chris cocked a jaundiced eye at her older sister, standing barefoot in only Actor's oversized dress shirt, clutching the front together.
"Craig wanted me to come. He thought you could use a break," said Chris. "They're about an hour behind me."
"Merda," breathed Terry.
She couldn't take the clothes from Chris without letting the shirt fall open. She darted a glance back to see that Actor was covered and with a shrug opened the door. Chris walked in and headed to the chair by the window. There were more clothes strewn on the floor that she stepped over.
She turned her head to look at the man casually watching her from her sister's bed. "Morning, Actor," she said.
"Good morning, Christine," he replied, calmly with amusement.
Chris dropped the clothes on the chair. "I'm missing a cufflink."
"I'll find it," said Terry hurriedly.
Chris turned and walked back past her sister and out of the room, shutting the door behind her. She stifled a laugh. Mind running at high speed, she trotted down to Actor's room. Moving inside, she pulled the covers back on the bed and scrunched the sheets with her hands. Using a little bit of excessive force, she punched the pillows to make them look slept on. Moving back into the hall, she stalked past Actor, clad only in his pants and carrying his clothes.
As she moved past him, she said trying to hide a smile, "Idioto."
"Certamente."
Chris couldn't hide a grin as she bounded back down the stairs and into the kitchen. She was making coffee when Terry entered, hair still damp from a quick shower. Actor was still running water upstairs.
"Uh, Sis," broached the older girl.
"Can it, Terry," said Chris. She turned and looked at her older sister with affection. "Don't worry about it. As close as you two are, and with the cons you pull together, it had to happen. Is it going to continue?"
Terry shook her head. "It was drink, and fear, and need on both our parts last night. Can you see us together for the duration and after?"
Chris nodded and cheerfully said, "Yes." After a moment she asked, "So is he?"
"Is he what?" asked Terry, getting coffee.
"Is he as good as he thinks he is?" asked Chris conspiratorially.
"No," said Terry with a shake of her head. The two girls looked at each other. Terry shrugged with a tiny smile. "He's better."
A short time later, Actor entered the kitchen. Terry handed him a cup of coffee. Chris leaned back against the counter. She and the con man exchanged a long look. Actor watched her with wary appraisal. Chris looked at him wryly shaking her head.
Terry frowned in exasperation. "Crystal . . ."
Christine smiled. "Don't worry," she assured Actor. "I've got your backs. There are some things that Craig just does not need to know about." She looked at the two and chuckled. "Of course, everyone in this house already thinks you two are having an affair. Including Craig."
"We know," said Actor resignedly.
Chris shook her head, "Hey, you are too good at what you do together."
"We are that," admitted Actor with a devilish grin.
Terry looked at him and burst out laughing.
Chris looked at the two, relaxed and easy with each other, and shook her head. "Uh, are you two going to be able to go back to the way you have been?"
"Of course," replied Terry. She moved to stand beside Actor's right shoulder with her fingertips rubbing along his left shoulder. "Isn't he the greatest con man on two continents? And aren't I his protégée?" Actor's right arm went around her hips and carefully gave her a hug.
"Gawd, it's too early in the morning for this," said Chris in mock disgust.
"It's ten o'clock, Sis."
Chris eyed her sister. "I know how you get with champagne, Terr. How come you don't have a hangover?"
Terry shrugged, "I worked it off."
"You did do that, cara," smiled Actor. "And most admirably I must say."
Christine knew she should be shocked and disapproving but watching them so happy and relaxed after the weeks of fear and tension, only made her glad for them. She just wished she could be the same way with Rainey. But that wasn't going to happen either.
GGG
The hour behind Christine dragged on into four hours. When Garrison and his men finally arrived, they were tired and not in the best of moods. Chris herded the men into the kitchen for sandwiches and coffee. Garrison stayed in the foyer and motioned for Actor and Terry to follow him into his office.
The two confidence people looked at each other with resignation. One of them was going on a mission. Actor rose from his chair and Terry left the table where she was doing mending. They followed Garrison and Terry shut the door behind them.
"Is there a problem, Lieutenant?" asked Actor.
Craig sat back in his desk chair. Terry took the corner of his desk and Actor took the chair in front of it.
"We have a mission," said Garrison.
"Which one of us?" asked Terry with concern.
"Actor," replied Craig. He held up has hand to forestall Terry's objection. "I already got clearance from Major Kaiser. It's a short mission. In and out by sub. No jumping out of an airplane. We meet at a party. Actor keeps a general occupied while Casino and I copy intelligence from a safe in his office. Then we leave."
"Craig, they're never that easy," denied Terry.
"Sometimes they are," said Actor. Truth be told, he was more than ready to get back into it with the group.
Terry eyed her brother. "You said Actor. What about me? Am I going with you?"
This was the part Craig didn't like. "You have a mission, but not with us. You're going in with Lt. Johnson on a different assignment. They need a con woman and the last one they tried wasn't any good at it. You work well with Carter, so you get to go."
"And when are we both leaving?" asked Actor.
"Tomorrow night."
"They're pushing it with you guys again," said Terry unhappily.
"Can't be helped," said Garrison. "We have no control over what the Germans come up with and when. If we did, the war would have been over a long time ago."
"So, where to this time?" asked Terry resignedly.
"We're going to France," replied her brother.
"And where is Teresa going?" asked Actor.
"Belgium." It was said quietly. Craig knew that would not go over well with either of them and it didn't.
"Terrific," said Terry with disgust.
Actor looked at the girl. "Try to not get yourself shot this time," he said.
She turned her head and looked at him with raised eyebrows. "I didn't get shot the last time," she said.
Craig gave her a look of disbelief. "The last time you went to Belgium, he . . ." Craig pointed toward Actor, ". . . had to put you back together."
"I've been to Belgium since then and didn't get shot or knifed," countered the girl.
"When?' shot back Actor.
"It wasn't with Randy," added Garrison.
Men. Terry answered Actor first, "Between getting shot and now." She turned her head to look at her brother. "I go in with other people besides Randy. And who is none of your business. Either one of you."
"I don't like it," objected Actor.
"So?" shot back Terry.
"I don't either," inserted Craig.
"I am the one who has to 'put you back together' as the Warden pointed out," fired back Actor.
"I can get somebody else to do it, if you like," said Terry, voice rising an octave.
Garrison just sat back in his chair. Great. They were fighting again. He idly wondered how the two managed not to kill each other when they were alone in the house. Pushing back the chair, he stood up and pushed around Terry's knees.
"You two fight it out," he said. "I'm going to get a sandwich before Goniff eats them all. Then you two can get out of my office and let me work."
The two silently watched him walk out the door. Terry got up and went to stand beside Actor.
"I still don't like it," he said quietly.
"I know," said Terry with a soft smile.
She glanced out the door and bent down to exchange a quick kiss with him.
Smiling over-brightly she added. "And if I come back with a new hole, you'll put me back together again. And if you come back with a hole in you . . . do it in a different spot. That last one isn't totally healed yet."
She shot out of reach and headed for the door, grinning at the grumbling in Italian behind her.