...
True to Nixon's word, Easy Company spent its first night in France dug in outside Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont. Moving between trees and avoiding falling inside foxholes, Nora eventually reached the foxhole she planned to share with Winters. However, it was currently occupied by Welsh, who was speaking with Winters quietly…
"When I was coming down this morning". Welsh told Winters. Nora took cover behind a tree and listened carefully. "I drifted over a burning C-47 lying in a field outside Sainte-Marie-Eglise. Do you think that might've been Meehan's?"
"God, I hope not, Harry". Winters sounded sincere. "I keep hoping he'll show up".
"But you don't think he'll catch up, do you?" Welsh asked.
"What concerns me, is that it isn't just Meehan". Winters replied. "No one's seen anyone from that plane; not Sergeant Evans, or Carl Riggs, Dick Owens, Herm Colins. None of them. That's not good".
Welsh sighed. "Christ…that's a damn shame".
A small breath of wind rattled the leaves above them. Winters looked up for a moment and caught sight of the cloudy, night sky. Nora's eyes followed Winters's stare - it looked like it might start raining at any given moment. Stepping out from behind her cover, Nora made her way toward the foxhole. When the Officers noticed the girl, they sent her small smiles. Welsh climbed out of the foxhole and gave Nora's shoulder a gentle clap…
"Sleep well, Clopper".
"Goodnight, sir". Nora replied softly. Jumping into the muddy foxhole, Nora sat next to Winters with her legs stretched out. Placing her pack onto her lap, she moved some things around in order to reach a packet of crackers. With the crackers now in her possession, Nora set her pack to the side.
"You've 'gotta eat more than that, Nora". Winters said, "We've probably got a long walk ahead of us tomorrow".
"Oh, this is my appetizer, sir". Nora replied. "I will eat a can of meat after, sir".
A tiny smile lifted Winters's lips. He stared down at the girl, who was trying her best to make a bad meal into something good. "That's a good idea". He complimented.
"I need to warm-up before eating the mystery meat, sir". Nora admitted. "The texture doesn't feel nice".
"I'll agree with you there, kiddo". Winters sighed and leaned back against the mud. Arms crossed over his chest, his eyes slipped shut. The sound of Nora munching on her crackers brought a certain amount of peace to Winters. It reminded him of meals back in Mr and Mrs Barnes's cosy kitchen around a small table. And while the girl enjoyed her supper, Winters got onto his knees and began to pray. He always prayed before falling asleep, Nora was used to watching the man pray before bed. Winters thanked God for surviving the first, terrible day, and asked Him to watch over him and Nora the next day. Winters also made a vow that after the war he would settle down in some quiet place and live the remainder of his life in peace. "Amen…".
"Amen". Nora repeated softly.
Opening his eyes, Winters faced the girl, surprised. She had never said 'Amen' after his prayers at night. He asked, "Do you say this now because our risk of dying is…heightened?"
Nora shrugged and said, "I liked the bit about living in peace, sir".
"It does sound nice, huh?"
Nora wiped her hands against her jacket. Her meal was finished, and she ate every last piece. Placing her pack back onto her lap, Nora brought out a blanket and wrapped it around herself and Winters. It was chilly, a blanket was required to sleep through part of the night. Nora didn't see herself getting much sleep, however, she already missed her bed back at the Barnes's…
"So…". Winters asked, "Why did he punch you?"
Thinking for a moment, Nora leaned back against the mud. She said, "He was being…an asshole, sir".
Winters's eyes lightened with amusement at her choice of words. "Well…combat has certainly changed your vocabulary, Lieutenant Clopper".
Smiling small, Nora said, "Actually, he was going to steal your knife".
"Oh, really?" Winters asked, "And you swooped in to save the day?"
Nodding, Nora stared up at him. "I did, yeah".
Smiling, Winters gave her helmet a gentle knock. "I'd be knifeless without you, kiddo".
"Forget your Superman…I'm the hero, sir". Nora was joking, but her voice sounded serious. She cracked a tiny smile at her own expense. Winters, however, didn't smile back…
"Gosh, you are a bunch of heroes, huh?" Winters drew out a quiet sigh. "At my order, you'd all run into hell with me…I'm not sure what to make of that sometimes".
Nora shrugged and said, "I'm not worried, sir…you're humble, we're fine".
Winters stared down at Nora and admitted, "Some Officers take advantage of the power they have over their men. After everything they do for me, I can only hope they see me as someone who will treat them with respect. Whatever troubles they have, I hope they come to me for help".
Nora's smile softened at Winters's words. She said, "They know that, sir…they think the world of you, Lieutenant Winters".
"Nora…". Winters said with a sigh. "I'm beginning to think, we're not 'gonna see Lieutenant Meehan and the men from his plane again. Lieutenant Welsh said…".
"I know, I heard". Nora confessed quietly. Winters didn't doubt himself; he knew he could lead Easy Company. But Nora figured he was sharing thoughts that nagged at him about being an Officer the men couldn't trust. "It would be sad to lose him, sir…but you'll do good at leading us".
There was a pause, where they sat in a comfortable silence. Nora's eyes looked toward the sky, which soon turned into a glowing orange from a blazing fire in the distance. She leaned into the Lieutenant a bit more and soon pressed the side of her head against Winters's arm. However, her head soon moved below Winters's chest, when he moved his arm to wrap it around Nora's shoulders. Legs curling up toward her stomach, Nora got herself into a more comfortable position for drifting off to sleep…
Once the adrenaline left, Nora was exhausted and fell asleep quite quickly. Winters could feel her heavy and peaceful breathing and he relaxed, thankful that she was sleeping. Before he could close his eyes, Nixon soon appeared crouched before the foxhole…
"You know that map you found in the trench at Brecourt?" Nixon kept his voice down, so he didn't wake Nora.
"Yeah". Winters whispered back. "What about it?"
"It had every Kraut gun in Normandy on it".
Winters's eyes widened slightly. "Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah". Nixon confirmed. He took a drink from his flask and said, "I sent that map up to Division. I think it's 'gonna do some good, Dick".
After a pause, Winters asked, "Any word on Meehan and his plane?"
Nixon shook his head. "We haven't heard anything…it's not looking good, Dick".
"Maybe tomorrow will bring a bit of good luck, huh?"
…
As soon as the sun made an appearance, Winters and Nora were out of their foxhole and chasing after Captain Hester. Standing by the edge of a treeline, Hester poured himself and Winters some coffee – he had offered Nora a cup, but she declined. After the first sip of coffee, Hester handed the Lieutenant a pair of binoculars…
"Take a look at Vierville, Dick". Hester said, "1st Battalion were out at 0400 hours, and they found nothing".
About a mile and a half from where they stood, Winters could see the rooftops of the village of Vierville, despite the hedgerows that crisscrossed the marshy, flat fields. They had no idea what was inside that village. And Winters suspected, they'd find out soon enough. He handed Hester the binoculars back and took a sip of coffee.
"The Battalion's moving out shortly". Hester said, "I hate to do this to you after yesterday's fight, Dick, but your Company's got the point".
"So, all we have to do is walk straight down this road and knock on the front door". Winters said grimly.
Hester sighed. "Not my idea, Dick. Talk to Strayer".
"Sure, I will". Winters said to Hester with a wink. "Just like we'd have words with Sobel, right?"
Hester huffed. "Nothing got through his thick skull, Dick. At least Strayer can see some reason. But I wouldn't touch this with a ten-foot pole". He gestured toward the village. "We have to keep moving".
"Right…". Winters tried to mask his disappointment. Orders were orders, he knew that, but he wasn't a fan of taking unnecessary risks.
Hester turned to Nora, "We spoke with a guy from the French Underground this morning".
Nora stared up at him, "What did he say, Captain?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just that he's thankful we're finally here". Hester snorted. "He sounded a little angry at our late arrival…".
Winters placed his hand on Nora's shoulder and sent Hester a tight smile. "I'll prep my men".
"See you around, Dick…Nora".
The morning didn't bring Lieutenant Meehan back to Easy Company, which left Winters in charge until his return. Winters handed command of 1st Platoon over to Welsh. Buck kept 2nd Platoon, and Warren Rousch remained in charge of third. Winters was slowly beginning to accept the hard truth, that Meehan was unlikely to show up. But he couldn't dwell, Winters had a Company to lead…
"Gather round". He ordered the Officers. Soon, all the Officers from Easy stood in a small circle around Winters. "Here's the deal. We're point on the advance into Vierville…".
"Who?" Welsh interrupted.
"The village down the road from us". Buck told him
Winters continued, "There's no telling what we're likely to encounter, but if we meet resistance, Harry, you deploy to the left of the road. Buck, you take the right. Rousch, third platoon'll be in reserve with the mortars and Nora. Any questions?" No one raised their hand. "Good. Get your men ready and keep alert". When the men dispersed to gather their men, Winters turned to look down at Nora. "You stay safe, alright? Stick close with Rousch and Lipton, Nora".
"I will, sir". Nora replied.
"Nora…". Winters placed a hand on her shoulder. "You've 'gotta promise me, okay? I know you probably won't but don't run up ahead and be a hero, okay? Can you promise me that?"
"I promise, sir". Nora said to him firmly.
"Good". Winters warned her, "It might get loud, okay? But don't run back. Just stick with third, you'll be fine".
"I will, sir".
After giving her shoulder a squeeze, Winters let go and gave a nod to her rifle. "You use that if you need it, okay? Did you put ammo in it? Have you got enough ammo?"
"It's loaded, sir". Nora assured him. "And I picked up ammo, sir".
"The safety on?" Winters asked, "You remember how to turn the safety off?"
"Yes, sir".
"Show me". Winters lightly placed his hands against his hips.
"Really?" She asked, with a note of disbelief.
"Yeah, yeah…". Winters replied. "You've not used it for a while. I just 'wanna make sure you know what you're doing, Nora".
Taking her rifle, Nora turned the safety off. Winters gave a nod, about to voice his approval and a quick thank you for complying. However, Nora soon held up her rifle, looked through the sight, and fired a shot at a hedgerow…
"Jesus!" Winters exclaimed. "Nora!" He grabbed Nora's rifle and pulled it away from her. "I didn't say fire the damn thing…".
Nora shrugged. "I thought you might've asked me that next, sir".
"Is it a fight?!" Welsh called. "Are we in a fight?!"
"No!" Winters called back. "Stand down, we're fine!" He sighed and told the girl off again, "That's why we don't fire out of combat, Nora…you're 'gonna spook the men and they'll start firing".
Nora cringed. "Sorry, sir". She was handed her rifle back. "I guess I thought I was in training, sir".
Winters smiled small. He said, "Forgiven and forgotten". But he added, "Just don't do that again, alright?"
Staring down at her rifle for a moment, Nora was suddenly reminded of Speirs. Using the strap attached to her rifle, she slung it over her right shoulder. "Can I see Hoobs before we leave, sir?"
Winters nodded. "Be back in five".
"Yes, sir".
Leaving Winters's side, Nora moved toward Welsh and his 1st Platoon. Hoobler was sat on the ground, leaning against a tree and cleaning his rifle. She said a quick hello to Luz, Bull, and a few others she passed along the way to Hoobler. And once she reached her friend, Nora sat beside him on the soggy earth. Drawing her knees up toward her chest, Nora wrapped her arms tightly around her legs…
Hoobler chuckled and asked, "What the fuck are you doing firing your weapon like that, pal?"
Nora said, "I did it without thinking".
"Yeah…that much is clear". Hoobler snorted. He stopped cleaning his rifle to light a cigarette.
"Hoobs?"
"What?" Hoobler asked between his cigarette.
Nora turned her head to face him, and she asked, quietly, "Have you met Lieutenant Speirs?"
Hoobler shook his head, "Why?" He asked.
"Promise to keep this secret?"
"Oh, now you got me interested…". A sly smile spread across Hoobler's lips. "But yeah, I'll keep it to myself, pal".
Nora whispered, "Speirs shot twenty prisoners".
"When?"
"D-Day". She replied. "At the farm in Le Grand Chemin".
Hoobler reminded her, "Well…we ain't supposed to have prisoners, Nora. He was probably following an order or something".
Nora sighed. She said, "Why do I think…he enjoyed it, Hoobs?"
"Cause you've been around fucking Nazis for years". Hoobler reminded her. He said, "Look, Speirs ain't like that – I'll bet it was an order".
Nora faced the front with a sigh. "You're probably right". She mumbled. Perhaps being around the Nazis altered Nora into thinking people killed because they enjoyed it. However, there was something about Speirs that Nora feared…
"Of course, I'm right…". Hoobler smirked. "I'm always right". He then asked, "What the fuck happened to your eye, by the way? Did some idiot punch you?"
Nora gave a nod. "A man from the 82nd…".
"You get his name?" Hoobler sounded angry.
Nora shook her head and said, "Just leave it, Hoobs…he's probably dead now, anyway".
Hoobler huffed out a tiny laugh. "Jesus Christ, Nora".
"Nora!" Welsh called, "Winters wants you back!"
Hoobler grabbed a hold of Nora's arm and pulled them both onto their feet. He smiled at the girl and said, "See you in the village, pal".
"So long, Hoobs".
Hoobler joked, "Don't fire unless you mean it, huh?"