Kindred Spirits

Rating: Teen

Standard Disclaimer: Foyle's war quite rightly belongs to Anthony Horowitz, its genius creator and the brilliant cast and crew who brought it to our screens and I'm only borrowing some of the characters for fun.

Summary: Andrew returns home from the war to heal an estrangement with his father and Sam, only to unexpectedly run into another woman from his past. Parings: Foyle/Sam, Andrew/Anne Roberts. Borrows canon characters, dialogue and plotlines from Eagle Day, Bleak Midwinter, Casualties of War, Plan of Attack and All Clear.

Authors Note: I'm guessing that by May 45, since the German surrender was so close that the quantity of movies coming across the Atlantic to British movie theatres would have been increasing. I'm not sure how long it was between footage being shot and censored and it being shown in newsreels. So I'm guessing that it would be a few weeks and so by this time, the public would be seeing footage of the siege and capture of Berlin judging by the canon All Clear with the newspaper headlines announcing Hitler's death.

Chapter 8: 7th May 1945: Visions of the Past, Present and the Future

Andrew woke up the next morning feeling rather more optimistic than he thought he had a right to be. He was back in in his hometown, he had patched things up with his father and Sam, and had even found an absolute angel in Anne Roberts.

Getting dressed into his uniform, Andrew couldn't help but feel hopeful. His latest poem, which he had written just prior to leaving Malta no longer really describing how he felt.

He joined his father and Sam at the breakfast table, his father in the middle of explaining his planned trip to Town.

'If I'm lucky, I should be able to get back by about six o clock tonight. Miss Pierce ought to be able to get what I need without too much fuss. She still owes me a favour after the Hill House mess.'

'You have a care Christopher, remember what happened the last time we got mixed up with people like her.'

'Vividly my dear, but to be fair to Hilda it was Maccoby who sabotaged our car. If anything, the old tigress would be more likely to try and recruit me than kill us.'

Andrew sat down and asked, 'you're definitely off to Town today then dad?'

Foyle looked over at his son, 'yes, need some documents as they tie in to the case I've been investigating. Trouble is, I need to speak to an associate in Whitehall to get them, best if you don't ask too many questions as the woman in question is rrrather dangerous.'

Andrew thought back to Henderson, the ruthless special branch copper who'd held him in that cell all those years ago.

'Dad, mixed up with spies? This just gets crazier by the day.'

Foyle saw the intrigued look on Andrew's face, but hoped he could spare him Hilda's notice and soon kissed his wife and daughters goodbye before he left the house to head for London.

Andrew finished his breakfast before giving Sam a hand clearing up, Sam asking him as they finished up.

'Andrew, are you busy this morning?'

Andrew shook his head, 'no, but I am planning on visiting Anne this afternoon though. You need something Sam?'

'I want to go and call in on Edith Milner, she's due to give birth any day now. But we're running short of a few things. Don't mind doing the shopping if I give you a list?'

Andrew grinned, 'Is that all? Sure, no problem.'

'Thanks Andrew, you really are a brick.'

Glad to see her smiling at him again, Andrew took the shopping list and bags without complaint along with Sam and his dad's ration books and the money Sam passed over. Stepping out onto the streets he headed down towards the shops.

Sam meanwhile collected her offspring and began to head towards the Milner's house, smiling as the gazed at the happy looks of the faces of the Hastings residents. A few neighbours greeted her as she made her way through the streets. Sam stopped as she passed the Robert's flower shop, Sam looking through the window as she noticed a woman of about her age working on a display who Sam realized must be Anne. Anne looked up and stepped outside when she saw Sam.

'Hello, you must be Samantha, I'm Anne Roberts.'

Sam smiled and shook her hand, 'Samantha Foyle, nice to meet you. Andrew has told us a lot about you.'

'All good things I hope?'

'Oh yes, I don't think I've ever heard of him singing anybody's praises so highly. I doubt it'll be too long before he starts writing his poetry again at this rate. He actually used to be quite a good wordsmith and used to write reams of poetry when I first knew him.'

Anne frowned, 'and then just like the other survivors who had any kind of creative talent, his experiences stole his muse. I can definitely see that happening to him, the poor dear man. He's sweet, he really is, but I can tell how badly the war hurt him.'

Sam was impressed, 'you're right, but he's doing a lot better now thanks to you.'

Anne smiled as she looked at the children in the pram, 'lovely children Sam, how has Andrew liked being a brother?'

'He's a born natural, and the girls both love him. He gets climbed over quite a bit at home. Christopher said that Andrews mum had them both thoroughly housetrained and Andrew seems to have definitely inherited his father's loving nature around small children. '

Anne giggled, 'oh that's wonderful, and a good sign.'

Sam couldn't help but give her blessing, 'Foyle's have always been hard to resist and you definitely seem to be bringing the best in Andrew back out. Tell you what, why not come to dinner tonight at about six? Christopher wouldn't mind I'm sure.'

'I already agreed to go to the flickers with Andrew this afternoon.'

Sam smiled, 'not a problem, I've got him doing the shopping right now and I can just ask him to bring you to us after the film ends.'

'Jolly good, I'd better get back to work though. Aunt Agatha will be wondering what's taking me so long.'

Sam smiled and waved as she headed on to the Milner's, soon finding Edith quite healthy and feeling rather large and inpatient. Her face soon melting into an adoring smile as she held Caroline and Rose.

'Oh sam they're absolutely gorgeous. I just want mine out, especially now that it looks like the wars going to end.'

Sam looked knowingly at her friend, 'it's all worth it Edie, oh I brought you a few things…'

Sam stayed with Edith for a few hours and gave her some of the clothes that the twins had outgrown before she left her feeling much more cheerful. Andrew had arrived and had unpacked the shopping. The younger Foyle busying himself with the kettle as Sam walked in.

'Good timing Sam, I was just making a brew, you want some?'

Over their tea Sam spoke of her meeting with Anne.

'She's a lovely girl Andrew, your father will be glad to meet her again. Don't mind if you leave the candlelit dinner for another date do you? I invited her to come here after your trip to the flickers.'

Andrew was surprised but pleased, 'no, when I think about it, it's probably a good idea and in fact I've got some good news I want to tell dad as well when he gets back.'

'What news?' Asked Sam.

'I don't know if you ever met Mr Dunning, he's the editor of the Chronicle. I ran into him while I was out and he offered to give me a job interview. Says he needs a new sub editor and that he knew I'd been at Oxford reading literature. You know what they say Sam, never look a gift horse in the mouth.'

Sam hugged him as she gasped, 'oh that's wonderful Andrew, and knowing you like I do. I think journalism would suit you. You've got the right sort of mind for it. And your father and Anne will both be proud. You can tell them both tonight over dinner.'

Andrew perused the copy of the Chronicle that he'd bought and soon found the listings for the Ruby and picked out a new comedy that looked promising.

After lunch Andrew headed down towards the Roberts and found Anne ready to go, a tactful Agatha waving them off with a cheerful.

'Have fun you two, but I want her back by a decent hour Andrew. Now the wars over I expect my niece to be courted as she deserves.'

Andrew soon led the way towards the Ruby and commented.

'I hear you met Sam this morning, how did you find her?'

Anne smiled, 'cheerful, independent, headstrong, a born matron and a lovely person. Your father is a very lucky man.'

Andrew laughed, 'I knew you'd like her. The assistant commissioner probably sent her to dad out of spite, only it ended up blowing up in the old twerps face. God definitely had a field day when he made Sam, mind you her whole family are vicars so that's probably not surprising.'

Anne's eyes sparkled in amusement, 'I hear you're a gifted wordsmith.'

'Sam's probably grossly exaggerated my talents, but yes I used to write poetry. Haven't really written a good one in years though. The last one I wrote just before I left Malta was a bit depressing to be honest.'

Anne couldn't help but be curious, 'let me hear it.'

Andrew recited.

'It's called All Clear.'

"They've sounded out the last All Clear

And told us, those who made it here

That very soon we'll hold once more

Those things we held dear.

Yet nothings clear to me.

I gaze from darkness to a summer daze

And though they part, the clouds of war lead only to uncertain days."

Anne felt her eyes mist, 'that's quite true and I can understand how you felt. I don't think there's many demobs who'd disagree with what you were thinking when you wrote that poem. Sam wasn't exaggerating, you definitely have a gift with words Andrew.'

The newsreel that proceeded the movie was disturbing and though Andrew had seen much of the earlier footage back at the last RAF post he had held in Malta. Even he couldn't keep his anger entirely in check as he saw the latest footage from Germany. Not one person in the audience could keep the anger and disgust off their faces and Anne was in tears, sobbing quietly in Andrew's arms.

'What a mess, the cost of an entire nation being overcome by madness? Some of those Jerry soldiers look barely old enough to play football, never mind hold a gun. Here we put brown labels on kid's years older than them but over there the authorities gave them guns when they guessed that the Russians were coming.'

Anne choked out

'I'm sorry Andrew, but that footage, it's inhuman.'

Andrew drew her closer, 'not your fault, when we saw some of the earlier reels just before I was sent home a lot of the pilots went out to be sick.'

The movie started and though it was quite funny and the acting was quite good, it didn't really do much to put Andrew's mind off what they'd just seen in the reel and judging by the look on Anne's face she hadn't forgotten it either.

When it ended, he gently guided her out and back towards Steep Lane, the walk back rather silent compared to the jubilance that was their companion to the Ruby. But when they reached home they were soon cheered by the infectious joy that seemed to have permeated the place in recent years.

Foyle was rather surprised, but pleasantly so as he ushered Anne inside, he noticed the grim looks on both of their faces but from Sam's earlier comments about where they'd been he could guess what had put them both out of sorts.

'Good evening Anne, good to see you again, especially now that both of you are safe from special branch. Please come and join us.'

Andrew drew Anne a chair and asked, 'did you get what you needed in town dad?'

'Yes, sshould be able to wrap up the case tomorrow. I just hope the old tigress doesn't come prowling after me anytime soon.'

Anne looked confused so Andrew filled her in, 'dad's been investigating a murder, one of the members of a victory day committee. He had to go to Town today to see somebody as part of his enquiries. All very hush hush, but considering some of the people he's dealt with over the past few years I'm not surprised he's managed to get tangled up with people in intelligence.'

'Why not?'

'Sam and dad have been telling me the most amazing story about how they were drawn together and the sorts of people they had to deal with. Corrupt senior officers, a belligerent Spanish diplomat, an armed Jerry spy, idiot kids with explosives, and a crazed wannabe gangster. So another spy is hardly more than another chapter, even if it would be a rather interesting one. Believe me Anne, dad and Sam's story would make for several bestsellers, even though a lot of dangerous people probably wouldn't like us printing it.

Sam asked, 'you really think our story would make a good book?'

Andrew grinned, 'are you joking Sam, it's got all the ingredients of a Hollywood epic! Lonely widower policeman and war veteran meets beautiful young woman sent to assist him. Said couple fall instantly in love and get drawn into all sorts of chaos stirred up in a world gone mad. Policeman tries to resist the charms of his charming young companion out of a sense of propriety while said lady tries to hide her feelings out of a sense of respect. Only for both of them to admit their feelings and get married after several near death experiences. Good triumphs and the pair settle down to raise a family, while many assorted villains get thrown into prison as the evil dictator causing most of the chaos around them dies a rather pathetic death.'

Foyle arched his brow at the sound of both his wife and potential daughter in laws laughter and said simply.

'Wwell, bit more to it than that Andrew.'

'Still, you have to see how the people would love it.'

'Mmmight be worth talking to your friend Bruce once the government changes the laws on official secrets. Rrrather not see you stuck in prison again now you've actually brought a nice young lady home with you.'

Sam had outdone herself and by the time dinner was over, everyone was feeling full and contented. Andrew's announcement of a possible job was welcomed by all, all giving him their congratulations. Foyle smiling knowingly at the look Anne was sending to his son and resolving to retrieve a letter he kept upstairs. The drowsy twins who had both loved their visitor had just been taken upstairs by Sam and Foyle while Anne beamed across at Andrew.

'This is better than any fancy candlelit dinner Andrew, your family are so wonderful.'

Andrew took her hand and grinned, 'as if they wouldn't love you Annie, you bring out the best in me. You're a florist, you're used to bringing out the best in late bloomers.'

Anne laughed, 'oh you, flatterer.'

A clearing throat announced the return of Sam and Foyle and the elder smiled at his son and said.

'Getting a bit late Andrew, pprrobably best to take Anne home before Agatha sends a search party.'

After bidding their goodbyes, Andrew felt the sensation of somebodies hand in his pocket and noticed his father standing behind him with a look of total innocence and mild amusement.

'What's he up to?'

As Andrew led Anne towards the flower shop she asked him.

'What did your father give you, just now? I could have sworn I saw him put something in your pocket.'

Andrew checked his pockets and pulled out an aged envelope. The light of a nearby streetlamp revealed a rather legalese heavy letter inside which dated to 1933. Andrew read it through with a look of astonishment before he laughed.

'Cheeky old devil, now I can call you a hypocrite on matchmaking efforts as well.'

'Seems like my father is as prone to matchmaking as my godmother. This, my dear is a letter to his solicitor. When my mum died, dad placed all her jewellery in trust along with the deeds to a house that belonged to my maternal grandparents in _ Street as well as a sum of money from my dad's family. All of that is to go to me on my marriage, with the jewellery to only be released upon the delivery of this letter that dad was to hand over to me when I brought home a woman he approved of.'

Anne's jaw dropped, 'oh my goodness, what will you do?'

Andrew smiled, 'well if the war taught me one lesson, it was never to rush into things like this. Rushing blindly into a marriage would be a very bad idea even if the woman is an absolute corker. So once I'm settled into my new job and doing well, and if things are still working out between us….'

Anne looked radiant, 'Handsome, a flatterer, and smart, I think you're a definite keeper Andrew Foyle.'

Andrew pulled Anne into his arms and kissed her deeply, both of them lost in the visions of the future. After a long moment they drew apart and Andrew led Anne the rest of the way back to the flower shop where they parted with another lingering kiss, which soon drew a fond rebuke from an unseen watcher in the shop window.

'Do try not to eat Annie's face dear boy, at least not before you make an honest woman out of my niece.'

Both blushed and sprang apart before Andrew waved to them both and hurried home clutching the letter before he found his father and Sam waiting for him.

'Dad, you are now officially a more shameless matchmaker than Aunt Elaine and Aunt Helen combined.'

Sam giggled as Foyle raised his brow fondly, 'rrread it then did you? Trust you didn't jump the gun.'

'No, figured I'd wait until I'm at least settled in if I get this job at the Chronicle and then if we're still walking out, go from there. Better not waste too much time though or Aunt Elaine will probably handcuff me to Susan and put us on a train to Scotland when I next go to their house.'

'Doubt she'd go that far, besides. I do believe Susan already has a beau if my powers of observation haven't deserted me, even if her mother doesn't yet realise it.'

'Trustworthy I hope,' said Andrew.

'Trustworthy, if a bit mischievous and fun loving.'