Fighting with Shadows

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘No, but my mother does.’ Bob frowned. ‘Now, what was so urgent that you had to come all this way on Boxing Day?’

  Before Dieter could answer, a tall, elegant woman with silver hair came into the room.

  ‘Robert, Cook said lunch will be served in thirty minutes.’

  ‘All right, Mother.’ He smiled at her. ‘This is Dieter Cramer.’

  ‘Ah, Herr Cramer, my son has mentioned you.’ She shook hands with him. ‘Will you join us for lunch? I’m sure your business can wait for an hour.’

  ‘That is very gracious of you.’ Dieter bowed. ‘But I did not intend to put you to any trouble. My business with Colonel Strachan will only take a few minutes, then I shall leave.’

  She waved away his hesitation. ‘You have come quite a distance?’

  ‘About fifty miles, madam.’

  ‘Then you cannot return without a meal.’ She looked at her son. ‘I insist, Robert. You must persuade Herr Cramer to join us. Your father will be most interested to meet him.’

  ‘I’m sure Dieter would appreciate something to eat after a cold journey.’ He watched his mother leave the room and smiled fondly. ‘You’ll have to accept. My mother is an immovable force once her mind is set on something.’

  ‘I shall of course do so. I would not wish to offend your mother.’ Dieter sighed inwardly. This was not at all what he had expected or planned. He wanted to find out what Strachan was up to and then be on his way as quickly as possible.

  ‘You would be wise not to.’ Bob walked over to a table of drinks, chuckling to himself. ‘Would you like a sherry or whisky before lunch?’

  ‘Whisky, thank you.’ There was no way out of this. He was going to have to curb his impatience. Dieter took the glass from him. ‘I had no intention of intruding upon you and your family for any longer than was necessary.’

  ‘Think nothing of it.’ Bob sipped his whisky and studied Dieter. ‘I must say I’m damned curious to know what this is all about, but I’m afraid it will have to wait until after lunch. There goes the bell, so you’d better bring your drink with you.’

  Feeling rather bemused by the unexpected welcome, Dieter followed the Colonel into the dining room, where a man who must have looked just like his son when he was young greeted him with a smile.

  ‘Good of you to join us.’

  ‘It is my pleasure, sir.’ Dieter inclined his head and returned the smile, not wanting to be impolite to the charming couple.

  ‘Sit here next to me.’ The father pulled out a chair for Dieter. ‘I have questions to ask you.’

  Dieter did as ordered and wondered what sort of questions.

  They had hardly finished a delicious tomato soup before he found out.

  ‘Now Dieter – I may call you that?’ On receiving a nod, Bob’s father continued. ‘My son has told me a little about conditions in Europe, but I would like to hear how things are in Germany at the moment.’

  While they enjoyed a meal of roast beef, Dieter told them of the destruction he had found on his return home, and of the shortages of all basic needs. By the time he had finished, they had reached the coffee stage, and the elderly man was shaking his head.

  ‘Dear God, I knew things were bad, but what you have just told us is appalling.’ He glared at his son. ‘I hope the army is doing all it can for these poor civilians.’

  ‘Things are beginning to improve, but rebuilding is a massive undertaking, Father.’

  ‘Robert tells us that you have not been able to find your family.’ Mrs Strachan refilled Dieter’s cup.

  ‘I am afraid not. It has taken me a long time, but I have finally accepted that they are dead. If I could have found out where they had been buried, it would have helped me to come to terms with the loss sooner.’

  ‘I shall find out for you.’

  Dieter glanced at the elderly man in surprise. ‘That is kind of you, sir, but I fear there is little you can do after all this time.’

  ‘I still have connections. Europe is full of displaced persons and a dedicated group of us are doing what we can to help. We are often asked by the larger agencies, the Red Cross amongst them, if we can help them.’ He stood up and retrieved a camera from the sideboard.

  ‘Let me take a couple of photographs of you in case they are needed.’ Once this was done, he put the camera away again. ‘Now I believe you have business with my son. Come, my dear, let us leave them to it.’

  The parents left, and Bob and Dieter remained at the table drinking coffee.

  Bob lit a cigarette and offered Dieter one. When that was refused, he sat back. ‘My father enjoyed talking to you. He is greatly concerned about conditions in Europe.’

  ‘How does he think he can find out anything about my family, when we have already exhausted all avenues in our search for information?’

  ‘I doubt very much that he can, but that won’t stop him trying. As a retired general, he has many connections, and both my parents are involved in trying to unite people with their families. It is a difficult task, but they’ve had a few successes.’

  ‘That is good of them.’

  ‘They are good people.’ Bob stubbed out his cigarette. ‘I think it’s time you explained why you are here.’

  ‘Yesterday I told Danny I was his father.’ Dieter watched the Colonel’s expression carefully. ‘He rejected me. He is convinced that you are his father. I believe you have designs on Angie, and winning over Danny will aid you in that plan. I will not allow you to take my child away from me. I wish an explanation, please.’

  There was silence for a moment, and then Bob surged to his feet. ‘My God, you have a very low opinion of me if you believe I would mislead a small child in that way.’

  Dieter was also on his feet, too heartbroken to stop his voice rising. ‘Danny told me to go away. You were his father, not me. Tell me, Colonel, why would he believe that if you had not told him?’

  ‘I don’t know, but I’m bloody well going to find out.’

  Dieter caught his arm as he stormed into the hallway. ‘Just a minute, Colonel – are you denying you told him this?’

  Bob spun round to face him, furious. ‘Of course I am. What kind of a swine do you think I am? If my intentions towards Angie were serious, and I’m not saying they are, then I wouldn’t need to act in such an unprincipled way.’

  Dieter realized that was true. Colonel Robert Strachan was an impressive man, with wealth and position. He would be a good catch for any girl. He stepped back. ‘I apologize if I have insulted you, but this does not solve the mystery of why my son believes you are his father.’

  ‘No, it doesn’t.’ The fury left Bob’s face and he grimaced. ‘This must have caused you a lot of anguish. We must get to the bottom of it at once. I’ll follow you back to the farm in my car.’

  By this time they were back in the library, and his parents had obviously heard the argument.

  ‘I have to go back with Dieter. There’s something we need to sort out.’

  His mother nodded and looked at the clock. ‘You know we have guests at eight o’clock, Robert – will you be back in time?’

  ‘Should be. I’ll take my car.’

  His father got to his feet. ‘How far is this place?’

  Bob shrugged. ‘Fifty miles, give or take.’

  ‘That’s a hundred-mile round trip. I’ll drive you.’

  ‘There’s no need, Father. I can manage.’

  ‘I insist.’ His father was already on his way. ‘I’ll get the car.’

  Mrs Strachan smiled at Dieter. ‘I hope you solve your problem. My son has told me that you’re a wonderful pianist. I’m sorry you won’t have time to play for us.’

  Dieter bowed at the compliment. ‘You also play, madam.’

  She laughed. ‘My talent is mediocre, but it gives me pleasure.’

  ‘I am sure you are too modest. I should have enjoyed hearing you play.’ Dieter doubted that anything this charming woman did was mediocre.

  She held out her hand. ‘You mu
st come again, and we shall entertain each other.’

  ‘That would be most enjoyable.’ He shook her hand, bowing slightly. ‘Thank you for your hospitality, madam.’

  ‘We must be going, Dieter.’ Bob kissed his mother’s cheek. ‘Don’t worry, we’ll be back in time.’

  ‘I don’t doubt it, the way your father drives.’ His mother raised her eyebrows. ‘Do try to make him go at a reasonable speed.’

  ‘I’ll try.’ Bob was laughing as they left the room and headed outside.

  ‘We’ll follow you,’ Bob said as they reached the car. His father was already behind the wheel.

  Dieter eyed the gleaming Rolls-Royce, then looked at the battered old truck he was driving. ‘Um, you will be able to travel faster, so go ahead, but I must ask you not to say anything to Danny until I arrive.’

  ‘I’ll make sure you’re there.’ He joined his father in the car, and they headed down the drive with a deep purr coming from the Rolls.

  They were out of sight by the time Dieter had rattled his way out into the road.

  ‘Are you going to tell me what this is all about?’ Bob’s father gave him an inquiring look as they sped along.

  ‘Couldn’t help hearing your raised voices. That young man was angry with you, so what have you done?’

  ‘For some odd reason his son believes I’m his father, and Dieter is convinced that I told him that.’ Bob settled back in the comfortable leather seat and told his father the whole story.

  ‘Hmm, I’m not surprised you ended up in a shouting match. That little child will be very precious to him.’ His father cast him a withering glance. ‘You must have done something. I was hoping you had matured with age, but it looks very much as if you are still causing trouble.’

  ‘I had nothing to do with this muddle.’

  ‘Are you sure?’

  Bob held on to the door as his father took a corner much too fast, his anger beginning to surface. ‘For God’s sake, slow down. We don’t want to arrive too far ahead of Dieter. And what do you mean? Of course I’m sure!’

  ‘If you’ve been showing this girl a lot of interest, the boy may well have assumed you were his father.’

  ‘That’s ridiculous.’

  ‘The child is only three, Robert, and from what you’ve just told me, has had a traumatic time after losing his mother. He will be vulnerable and quite liable to flights of fancy. He knows his father went away and is probably looking at each man and wondering if he’s come back at last. May I give you some advice?’

  Bob snorted. ‘No, but I don’t suppose I can stop you.’

  His father chose to ignore that remark. ‘If I were your commanding officer, I would order you to retreat. You loved your wife to distraction, and I don’t believe you’ll ever feel like that again. Don’t complicate Angie’s, Danny’s and Dieter’s lives. God knows they have enough problems without you stirring things up. If you’re beginning to hanker after another wife, then find someone like your mother.’

  ‘That’s impossible.’ Bob laughed, his anger disappearing as quickly as it erupted. ‘You know she is the only one of her kind.’

  ‘I agree with you.’ The General nodded. ‘Will you take my advice?’

  ‘I’ll think about it, but this mess must be sorted out before I make a decision.’

  His father began to chuckle. ‘I keep forgetting you’re a grown man. I haven’t talked to you like this since you were in your teens.’

  ‘If I remember rightly, you had to lecture me quite often.’

  His father’s grin spread. ‘As I’ve said, you were, and still are, volatile. The army was the only place for you, and, apart from nearly getting yourself killed, you’ve made a success of being an officer.’

  ‘A compliment, Father?’

  The only answer was a deep rumble of laughter as they took another corner much too fast.

  The rest of the journey was accomplished in companionable silence, and Bob closed his eyes. He had the greatest love and respect for his father, always listening to his advice, even if he didn’t agree with him. He would make up his own mind, but was he being fair to Angie? Was he being fair to any of them?

  His thoughts drifted back to the day they’d taken Danny out shopping. He was a delightful child, and one he would have been proud to call his son. The picture of Angie putting Danny to bed that night had tugged at him and made him realize what he was missing by not having a family of his own. But there was so much against marrying Angie. He began to tick off the things in his mind. He was so much older than her. She was a London girl – would she be able to cope with army life and the other officers’ wives? And the little boy she had taken on would always come first in her life and affections. Could he accept that? He had demanded so much from his wife – too much, and she had finally left him. He wasn’t good husband material. He would expect everything and everyone to fit in with his army career. The child was artistic and obviously talented; he needed someone who had the time and understanding to help him reach full potential. And Dieter was the one to do that.

  Oh, hell.

  ‘Nearly there.’ His father’s voice broke through his thoughts. ‘You’ll have to direct me to the farm from here.’

  Bob sat up straight and gave directions. They were soon pulling into the yard.

  Somehow, Dieter had managed to stay with them, and he arrived no more than two minutes later.

  They all got out and made for the kitchen door of the farmhouse.

  27

  Laughter filled the room as everyone played ‘I Spy’. Sally, Joe and Emma had joined them for tea, making for a lively afternoon, but Angie couldn’t relax. Where was Dieter? What was taking him so long? Why hadn’t he told her he wouldn’t be here today? She missed him, liked him being around; liked seeing him with Danny. But he had been shattered by his son’s reaction; she had seen it in his eyes, and felt his anguish. He had lost so much, and she had no idea how he would take this blow. She was so worried about him.

  With a heavy heart she stood up and wandered over to the window for the umpteenth time, gasping in surprise when she saw the truck, a Rolls-Royce and three tall men striding towards the kitchen door.

  All she had time to say was ‘Hetty!’ and they were in the front room.

  Pandemonium broke out as Danny and Emma threw themselves at Bob.

  Emma quickly turned her attention to Dieter. ‘Deeder, my station house is lovely.’

  He swung her into the air. ‘I am pleased you like it, Princess.’ After receiving a kiss he put her down again.

  ‘We apologize for descending upon you unannounced.’ Bob’s father shook hands with everyone. ‘But I believe the matter is urgent. I’m Robert’s father, by the way.’

  ‘Would you like some tea?’ Hetty looked flustered.

  ‘Thank you. That would be most welcome.’ The elderly man fixed his gaze on Danny. ‘Ah, you must be the young man who is causing all the trouble.’

  Danny stood in front of him, eyes wide and unblinking. Emma was doing the same, as was everyone else in the room. Angie wasn’t surprised by the reaction. The three men filled the room with their presence, and the other two, she noticed, did not diminish Dieter. In fact he emanated just as much power and strength, but his was tempered with an unassuming dignity.

  ‘Auntie?’ Danny edged towards her, his gaze still riveted to the man. ‘What have I done?’

  ‘Nothing bad, Danny.’ Bob stepped in before she could answer. ‘You must meet my father, General Strachan.’

  ‘General!’ Danny forgot his nervousness and edged back towards Bob’s father. ‘Where’s your uniform?’

  ‘I’m retired now, but I still have it at home. You must come to visit and then I’ll show it to you.’

  ‘Can I come too?’ Emma piped up. ‘I’m Danny’s bestest friend.’

  ‘Of course, I shall expect you to come as well.’ The General’s smile encompassed everyone in the room. ‘You must all come in the New Year.’

  ‘Angie.’ Bob sto
od beside her. ‘Bring Danny into the kitchen. Dieter told me what happened and we must put this right.’

  She nodded, and, as Hetty returned with the tea, she took Danny’s hand and followed Bob and Dieter into the other room, her heart thumping. So Dieter had been to confront Bob. She wished he had told her what he was planning.

  Once Danny was seated on a chair, Bob crouched down in front of him. Dieter stayed in the background, watching with narrowed eyes.

  ‘Danny, I want you to tell me why you believe I’m your father.’

  When Danny shot her an alarmed look, Angie sat beside him. ‘It’s all right, darling. There’s nothing to worry about. Just tell Uncle Bob what you told me this morning.’

  He swung his legs and studied his feet, and, without looking up, said, ‘You built me a swing, and took me to see Father Christmas.’

  ‘Uncles do that kind of thing.’ Bob uncurled himself and sat on the edge of the table.

  Danny pursed his lips and glanced up. ‘Em said daddies do that. And you said I was your boy.’

  ‘When?’ A deep frown furrowed Bob’s brow.

  ‘After I’d seen Father Christmas.’

  It took a few seconds for Bob to remember. As realization dawned, he lifted his hands. ‘Oh, hell, I picked you up and said, “Come on, my boy.”’

  Danny nodded, still appearing troubled by this strange talk.

  Bob squatted down to his level again. ‘That’s just the way I talk. I wasn’t saying that you are my son. Dieter is your real father, and he’s come a long way to find you.’

  The child took a deep breath and huffed it out again, looking completely confused. ‘Was you telling fibs?’

  ‘No.’ Bob shook his head. ‘I’ll try to explain in a way you can understand. When I was young, my parents sent me to a private school. When I did something wrong, the Master used to say, “Come on, my boy, one more prank like that and I’ll put you on a charge.”’ He had changed his tone of voice to imitate that of the Master, making Danny giggle.