3

The library was quiet as Pat slipped through the door ignoring the old men sat reading newspapers. She knew at least one of them would have spotted her and no doubt would rush to tell Bob of her whereabouts. Deciding she was doing nothing wrong and had nothing to hide she walked straight to the 'romance' section of the library.

"Pat."

She stopped in her tracks. He was there, staring at her. The man she had been trying to avoid - a vane attempt at crushing her feelings for him.

"Hello."

The Czechoslovakian soldier smiled at her. His gaze softening immediately.

"I wanted to read more English books. I would like to improve my English." He explained, smiling softly.

"I think your English is very good. Romance?" She raised her eyebrows, speaking softly so not to disturb the librarian.

"Jane Austin, Emily Bronte, Shakespeare - all the classics. They tell real stories; love and romance. Isn't that what life is all about? Really? Away from the War, fighting, rationing. Isn't that what really matters?"

"Marek."

"Please. Help me choose a book." He inclined his head slightly. Pat blushed.

"I missed you." He paused. "I still miss you." He watched as her eyes filled with tears.

"I." He caught her wrist, dropping it as she winced in pain. He pushed her sleeve up to reveal a yellowing bruise. "It's nothing."

"This is not nothing. Pat, he did this. I know he did."

"No." She shook her head as he tilted her chin up. Her eyes avoided his, hoping to avoid the scrutiny she thought she would see. "I'm clumsy."

"Maybe, but Pat. I'm a soldier. I know what causes bruises like this. This is a grip, a hand mark. He did this." His voice was low. She raised her eyes as his broke. "That man is not good enough for you. How can he love you when he does this?"

"For better, for worse."

"Pat."

"Marek." She looked up as tears filled her eyes. "I." He kissed her gently, knowing they were hidden by the bookcases. She wrapped her arms around his waist as he held her.

"He will kill you."

"Yes, if I left he would never give me a divorce. He would kill me first." She sighed as he held her tightly.

"No, if you stay he would kill you. Eventually. Pat, you deserve so much more. So much more." He kissed her hair as Pat closed her eyes, knowing he was right. Whatever she did, Bob would be the death of her.

"I love you." She whispered. "I can't put you in danger. It's not just me Bob would come for." Marek kissed her hair once more. His heart beating wildly in his chest.

"Then we find a way. You and I. We find a way."

Xxxxxxxx

Erica stepped out of the car as the head of nurse education shook Will's hand. She had no idea what state she would find her daughter in. Fear gripped her as she realised this was what Bryn and Miriam had gone through when David had been Missing in Action.

"Dr Campbell."

"Where is she?" Erica cut in. "I need to see my daughter. Now." The older woman nodded.

"Of course Mrs Campbell. Kate is well enough to come home. Please, follow me." The middle aged woman marched away leaving Erica and Will to follow her.

Xxxxd

Bob sat at his typewriter, his pipe settled on the ashtray next to it. He knew he should be writing, that he should be focusing on the article he had been asked to write. A profile of English village life at war would no doubt be picked up by a newspaper. Instead his mind was on the woman in his life and how he could make her pay for her betrayal. Patricia had got too big for her boots. It was time to make sure she knew that.

Xxxxxxx

A/N please review