“It does, doesn’t it? Well, we won’t be seeing her any time soon.”
“What happened to her?”
“Don’t know. The last I saw of her was when she told me she was getting married,” Eva replied. “I haven’t thought about her for a long time, and today when I mentioned her to Hannah, I felt like I can finally let that bitterness go.”
“Do you think she would have taken you away?”
“No.” Eva shook her head slowly. “No, she wouldn’t have. She just told me what I wanted to hear. That’s something else that you will never do.”
“She was a bitch. Let’s leave her to the rubbish tip with all the rest of the losers.”
“That’s a good idea.” Eva nodded. “Do you want to have dinner?”
“I don’t want to, but we have to because you don’t have enough time until you go back to the hellhole.”
“I cooked.”
Zoe’s eyebrows rose. “You did? Do I need to call the hospital just in case?”
Eva giggled. “I followed your recipe of meatballs with tomato.”
“Hm, this week is looking up. We made love, you got a new job, and we have a new kitten, plus you cooked!”
“Must be our lucky week.” Eva chuckled. Zoe scrambled to get off her and got up to head for the kitchen. Eva picked up Ourania and followed Zoe into the kitchen.
Chapter Fourteen
Zoe blew her nose into her handkerchief for what felt like the umpteenth time as she leaned against the railing of the balcony and sighed. She was alone in the apartment; it was quiet without Eva’s presence. Even when they weren’t talking or doing something together, she felt Eva’s presence. She turned and looked back into the apartment through the French doors at Eva’s camera and tripod, which were in the corner. It was only going to be overnight but Zoe felt alone.
“What did I do without you, Evy?” she wondered. A knock on the door made her glance down at her wristwatch. She entered the apartment and closed the French doors to the balcony.
Zoe opened the door to find a tall man, his face shielded by his hat, which hid half his face. It took her seconds before she let out an ear-piercing squeal. “Whooeee! HENRY!” She put her arms around Henry’s waist. The noise alerted the neighbors on either end of the floor. After more screaming, Elena came running out of her apartment.
“Zo! What is wrong?” Elena was carrying a broom, and she swung for Henry’s head, but she missed when he moved quickly out of the way. The broom struck the wall instead, causing Elena to rush towards him only to be stopped when he grabbed the broom away from her.
“Elena! What are you doing?”
“You were screaming! What do you want me to do?”
“You are going to protect Zoe with a broom?” Henry’s deep voice startled Elena, who stared up at him and scowled.
“This is funny.” Zoe giggled and took the makeshift weapon from Henry.
“Who is this?”
“This is Henry Franz, our dear friend from Germany,” Zoe replied as she looped her arm through Henry’s elbow. “Henry, this is my best friend, Elena Mannheim. When she’s not wielding a broomstick, she’s mild mannered.”
Henry took off his hat and smiled shyly. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Mannheim.”
“Hm. You are a friend from Germany?”
Henry didn’t have a chance to respond because Mrs. Jenkins came running down the corridor with a sour expression on her face. “Zoe, are you alright? I heard screaming—”
“I’m fine, Mrs. Jenkins. It was surprised.”
“Hm. A gentleman caller at this time of night?”
“Oh no, he’s not a gentleman caller!”
“I’m not a gentleman?” Henry mumbled in German, making Elena giggle.
“Shh, you,” Zoe replied before turning back to Mrs. Jenkins. “Mrs. Jenkins, this is our dear friend Henry Franz. He was with us in Greece. He’s a family friend.”
“Ah, I see.” Mrs. Jenkins nodded. “Alright then, well, try and keep it down, Zoe.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Zoe nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins.”
Mrs. Jenkins waved and disappeared down the dimly lit corridor.
Zoe shook her head and took Henry’s hand. “Sorry I woke you, El.”
“I’m sure I’m going to have a lot of questions tomorrow but now I’m tired,” Elena said. She eyed Henry and gave Zoe a peck on the cheek.
Zoe brought Henry into the apartment along with his suitcase. “You are just trouble, Herr Franz.” Henry laughed and they embraced. “I didn’t think a ship was due until next week.”
“I didn’t come by ship,” Henry replied while taking off his coat. He folded it and placed it on his suitcase. “I flew.”
“On an airplane?”
“Yes, I believe it was one of those.” Henry chuckled. He took Zoe by the hand and gazed at her. “You are as beautiful as ever.”
“Thank you, kind sir. I can’t believe you are here and Eva’s not.”
“Eva’s not here? Where did she go?”
Zoe sat down and sighed. “She’s not here anymore.”
“What? You split up? No, I don’t believe that.”
“Yes, it’s true.” Zoe nodded and tried not to start giggling. She lost the battle. “The look on your face!”
“Not a nice thing to do to a weary traveler!”
“I’m sorry, but that was funny. Eva isn’t here at the moment. She’s at work.”
“Work? What work?”
“Eva’s working at a factory. She’s a process worker.”
“A process worker? What is that?”
“She stands in front of a conveyor and packs cookies,” Zoe patiently explained.
“She packs cookies, with her back like it is?”
“I know, Henry, I know, but you know Eva’s stubborn streak. She has this idea that she wants me to go to school and she is going to work.”
“Hm, I don’t like it.”
“Neither do I, but she won’t be working there soon,” Zoe said with a beaming smile. “Hannah found Eva an interpreter job with the Interpreter Division and she starts work in two weeks, but for now she’s working night shift at the factory.
“Ah, so that’s why you are here alone?”
“Yes, but not anymore. You haven’t made arrangements to stay anywhere, have you?”
“I have but I wanted to—”
“No.” Zoe jumped up and went to Henry’s suitcase. “You will not go anywhere other than here.’
“Zoe, I have—”
“No, you will not. You can sleep in Eva’s bedroom.”
“No, I can sleep on the couch. I don’t want to take Eva’s bed.”
Zoe smiled. “She doesn’t sleep there anymore,” she said. “Eva’s sleeping in my bed.”
“She is?” Henry’s quizzical look transformed into a beaming smile. “She’s made progress?”
Zoe nodded. “Yes, a lot better than when you last saw us.”
“I eagerly awaited your letters, Zoe. Thank you for telling me how she was dealing with her problems. I know it’s been a very difficult journey for Evy and for you.” Henry put his arm around Zoe’s shoulders. “You made it.”
“It’s been a long road, but we are much better. You look great.” She touched Henry’s beard. “I really like the beard—it makes you look older.”
“And wiser?”
“Let’s not go too far,” Zoe said with a giggle. “Now, it’s late. You can wash up in the bathroom over there. Have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
“Alright then, I will make you something to eat while you wash up and we can have a long chat. I was going to walk Eva home from work and you can join me, if you want.”
“I would love that, but I have something to tell you.”
“Oh? Are you getting married?”
“No, not that pleasant. We will talk over dinner,” Henry replied. He kissed the top of Zoe’s head. “I’ll go wash up.”
***
Oh, how Eva ha
ted the graveyard shift! Hated everything about it and it was only her first night. From ten at night until six in the morning. The only good thing about it was that it was cooler inside the factory at night, but not by much.
Earl passed Eva and blew her a kiss. Eva smiled shyly and continued to work, listening to her co-workers joke about her “boyfriend.”
Earl kissing Eva in the storeroom had become legend and cemented Earl’s reputation as the factory’s “lover boy.” Eva had found that she got a lot of jealous stares from some of the women, but she and Earl had become fast friends.
Eva smiled. She put another packet of biscuits in the box. One of the subjects that she, Zoe, and Earl had explored was Zoe’s wish to go to the university and study art. Not wanting to take advantage of their budding friendship, Zoe had been reluctant to ask Earl to help her with the entrance exam. Eva had mentioned the situation to Earl in passing. A few evenings later, Earl had shown up with a stack of textbooks. He told Zoe it was settled—he was helping her. Zoe was ecstatic and, between Earl’s tutoring and Eva’s patient help, she was making great progress. Her English was improving by talking to their new friend, and also because Eva had convinced her to speak English instead of Greek at home. At least until she passes her exams.
“Hey, Muzza.” Earl tapped Eva on the head as he passed.
“Wiggy,” Eva replied, accepting a kiss on the cheek.
“There’s someone waiting outside for you,” Earl whispered in her ear.
“Oh, don’t tell me...” Eva shook her head and looked out the window. Opposite the main entrance to the factory was a small brick wall. Sitting on top of the wall was a diminutive figure wrapped up against the weather, along with others who were waiting for their wives or husbands. “I told her not to.”
“Uh huh.”
“She’s got a cold,” Eva told him, watching Zoe with some annoyance. “She’s already had to take two sick days from her job at the restaurant.” She continued staring. “Zoe, will you ever listen to me?”
“Apparently not.” Earl gave Eva a wave, took his timecard, and punched out.
“Apparently not,” Eva repeated, shaking her head over Zoe’s stubbornness.
***
Earl buttoned his jacket and lifted the collar to keep his neck warm. He walked outside into the early morning cold. A light rain fell as the city began to come to life.
“I hate the night shift,” Earl muttered. He wanted to wait to see Eva off, so he made his way to the brick wall. Usually at that time of the morning the entrance area was deserted. Earl decided to have some fun with Zoe, and went over to where she was perched. He could not make out her face. All he could see was two legs, two arms, and a bomber jacket. The beanie on her head almost covered her face completely. He smiled at the sight.
Earl had found himself feeling very protective of both women, but in particular of Eva. He had soon discovered Zoe had an underlying steel resolve, despite her slight frame and her youth.
“G’day. Are you waiting for anyone?” Earl asked, pretending Zoe was a stranger.
She nodded.
“It’s cold, huh?”
She nodded again.
“You must be freezing out here.”
“Oh, yeah, it is rather chilly,” Zoe said, deepening her voice to artificial gruffness.
The fact she attempted the disguise was something Earl found rather humorous. He forced himself not to guffaw. “Who are you waiting for?”
Zoe lifted the beanie and exposed her face. She gave Earl an impish grin. “It’s me, Wiggy.”
“I know, Stretch.” Earl laughed. “Eva’s punching out in a few minutes.”
“Oh, gud.” Zoe sniffled, took out a handkerchief, and blew her nose loudly.
“Oh, that’s nice.” Earl ruffled her hair. “You’re in big trouble, missy. You shouldn’t be out here.”
“Where do you want me to be?”
“In bed,” Earl replied seriously. “Eva’s not very happy with you.”
“I’ll go to bed.” Zoe winked at Earl before her glance went to the factory door. Earl followed Zoe’s gaze. “Here I thought you were waiting for me,” he teased. “I think both of you should go to bed.”
Zoe lifted her beanie and stared open mouthed at Earl. It took a few moments for Earl to realize what he had said. “I didn’t mean that. Eva looks as tired as I feel, so I figure...” He stopped as soon as Eva reached them.
Earl kissed Eva on the cheek. He then bent down and kissed the top of Zoe’s head.
“Hey.” Eva ruffled Zoe’s hair. “What did I tell you last night?”
“You loved me,” Zoe’s mucus-muffled reply came back.
Eva sighed. “Come on, let’s go.”
Unbeknownst to Eva, Henry came around the corner and stood just behind her. “Where do you want to go?” he whispered, making Eva jump back in surprise.
“Henry!” Eva squealed in delight and put her arms around his neck. “You little sneak!” She gently slapped his arm.
“You look lovely as a nurse.”
“Don’t start! When did you come in?”
“Last night. Zoe made me some dinner, we had a little chat, and then I slept in your bed. It was nice and soft.”
“I’m so happy to see you,” Eva said as she embraced Henry. “Where are my manners? Earl, this is my dear friend Henry Franz. Henry, this is our friend Earl Wiggins.”
“Good morning,” Earl said. He shook Henry’s hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“I hope it was good.”
“Some of it,” Earl quipped. “Why don’t I drive you home before Zoe’s cold gets worse and we can have a chat on the way?” Earl offered.
“I’m looking forward to finding out why Henry is here.” Eva looped her arm through Henry’s arm.
Henry quickly glanced at Zoe, who shook her head slightly as they walked down the street to where Earl had parked his car.
Chapter Fifteen
It was close to five o’clock in the afternoon. That morning, the clouds had parted to reveal another beautiful day, but Eva and Zoe had been oblivious to it, since they fell into bed after seeing Henry off when he had to go and meet with the War Crimes Unit. They woke to find gorgeous sunshine streaming through the window.
They decided upon a picnic at their favorite spot as the order of the afternoon. Zoe’s cold had been proclaimed much better, and now she was sprawled on the grass on a hilltop overlooking the harbor, her sketchpad open in front of her. She brushed away yet another fly buzzing around her head and sighed. Flies. She hated flies, and she had quickly discovered that Australia had lots of them. She surmised that Sydney was the fly capital of the world, and had soon perfected what the Aussies called the “Great Australian Salute,” which was the hand motion of shooing flies away from the face while carrying on with normal activity. After a while the action became second nature to Zoe and she did not consciously think about it very much.
The flies did not seem to bother Eva, who was sitting in her chair, face to the sky, with her eyes closed. Her long legs were spread out in front of her and she had her head tilted back to catch the final rays of the setting sun. Zoe grinned as she noticed that Eva’s skin had become bronzed. Zoe had more difficulty in getting a tan. Her fair complexion easily burned a lobster red by the sun, a look she did not particularly like. She sighed again and glanced up at the sky, where soft, fluffy clouds drifted lazily by.
Zoe loved this vantage point because it gave her an unrestricted view of the beautiful harbor. They had found the site when they were strolling one day, and they promptly fell in love with the hilltop. Zoe considered it their “special place.” Although Eva had pointed out the Municipal Council signs prominently displayed around the place, it had not stopped Zoe from claiming it. They regularly had picnics at the lookout, as they were doing now.
Eva, her dark hair neatly combed back, got out of her chair and sat cross-legged beside Zoe on the cool grass. She leaned across and tapped Zoe on the knee. “Let’s read our
letters.”
Zoe took out the requested envelope, having tucked it there when they had left their apartment earlier.
“Have you already read this?” she asked, pointing to the envelope as she turned her head to see Eva.
“No, not yet,” Eva replied. “I was waiting for you to wake up so we could read it together.” Zoe’s grin reappeared. Eva had gotten out of bed and prepared breakfast, which, despite Zoe’s illness, had been well received. Afterwards, the postman had delivered the letters. One of which was from their friend Thanasi.
“Oh, that’s sweet. No wonder I love you.” Zoe leaned forward to kiss Eva.
“I knew there had to be a reason.” Eva grinned. “Are you going to read it or just stare at it?”
“Alright, hang on.” Zoe opened the envelope, laid the letter flat on the sketchpad in front of her, and began to read it aloud.
“My dear sisters, I hope this letter finds you well and happy. I want to thank you for the food package you sent over to me. Some of it was quite tasty. I do have a question about one thing you sent—this jar of Vegemite. Am I supposed to eat it or use it to grease my truck? I tried it, but I think you left out the instructions on how to use it on my truck. I did anyway, and the truck goes really well now! Ha, ha, ha.”
They burst out laughing. Zoe could imagine the look on Thanasi’s face when he had tried the Vegemite. She had learned to love the spread, which was really a yeast extract, but Eva could not stomach the taste and was horrified every time Zoe spread the black substance on her toast. Zoe went back to the letter.
“Despina sends her love and tells me to let you know she misses both of you and wishes you all the happiness in the world. Paul wanted to know if you ride kangaroos. Well, do you? Everyone wishes you the best in The Land of Milk and Honey.
The news from here is not that good. Greece has descended into anarchy. We’ve had the Turks, the Italians, and the krauts, and now we are our own worst enemies. Brother is fighting brother. My dear sisters, I don’t know what this country will become, but at the moment Greek blood is being spilt by our own countrymen. I am so glad I listened to Father Haralambos and got you out of here. I’m quite sure Zoe would have found even more trouble to get into, Eva.
Where Shadows Linger (Intertwined Souls Series Book 2) Page 13