Comes a Horseman

by Anne Barwell

  “We didn’t order these,” Matt said. They’d finished one each and decided to wait for Liang before ordering more.

  “Compliments of the house,” Brice said. “Dr. Zhou left a message he’d be running late as his wife needed to make a detour on their way here.”

  “Thanks,” Matt said. He waited until Brice had walked away before continuing. “It sounds as though married life is agreeing with Liang.”

  He’d sounded happy in his letter, more settled than Matt remembered him being. Of their original team, he’d been the least prepared for life in the field. A brief stint at basic training for something he’d never volunteered for hadn’t been enough, but then with the way the mission had gone, all of them had quickly been dropped into a situation they hadn’t expected or been prepared for.

  “More than he told us.” Ken nodded toward the door.

  Juliane Zhou looked around the café, her face lighting up when she saw them. She scurried over to their table. Matt stood and pulled out a chair for her.

  “It’s good to see both of you again. Liang will be here shortly. I didn’t want to interrupt his conversation, but I needed to sit down.” She sat and rested her hand on her stomach. “I’m afraid this child already has a mind of his own. Much like his father.”

  “And his mother,” Ken murmured.

  Matt kicked him under the table. “It’s very good to see you again too, Juliane. I didn’t know you and Liang had gotten married until I received his letter.”

  “He invited me to Cambridge to find him once the war was over.” She chuckled. “You should have seen the look on his face when I showed up. I don’t think he expected me to take him up on it.” She sobered. “There was nothing left for me in Germany. My family is gone, and Liang and I are very happy together. His grandparents have made me feel very welcome.”

  “I’m sorry about—” Matt wasn’t sure what to say exactly. He’d killed her brother.

  “We don’t choose our families, Matt,” Juliane said. “Karl was a driven man, and I didn’t agree with what he did. If you hadn’t shot him, someone else would have. I’m very sorry for what he did to both of you.”

  Liang walked up behind her and kissed the top of her head. “I hope my wife isn’t boring you with pregnancy stories,” he said. “It’s good to see you again. You’re both looking well.”

  “It’s been too long.” Matt hadn’t seen Liang since they’d parted ways in London. Matt and Ken had continued to serve in the military until the end of the war—in separate units—while Liang had returned to his academic life at Cambridge.

  The debriefing after D-Day hadn’t been pleasant, although they’d all been careful to word their statements so their superiors were left thinking their mission had been a failure. They’d returned from Europe without the formulae for the atomic bomb and the scientist who had helped develop it.

  He and Ken had been horrified when the bombs had been dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It had taken Ken over a week to get news of his grandparents, but luckily they’d decided to visit family in Iwaki a few days beforehand.

  “It has.” Liang looked apologetic. “I’m sorry I didn’t return your call last August. I…. The whole thing was a little too close to home with everything we’d been through.”

  “You didn’t fail,” Juliane said softly. “It could have been far worse, and they didn’t get the information to make that terrible thing because of you. Remember that.”

  “I hope K—” Liang stopped and sighed. “He wouldn’t have been happy.”

  Matt hoped Michel had been with Kristopher when he’d heard about it. Knowing Kristopher, he would have felt responsible, although he wasn’t. They all still had nightmares about the war, to some degree. Matt wondered if they would ever be entirely free of them.

  “You said you’d heard from them?” Matt was careful not to use names. Although the war was over, there would always be someone out there wanting to use Kristopher’s knowledge for their own agenda.

  “Yes.” Liang reached into his pocket and pulled out a playing card. It was a four of hearts with the name of the café written on it in Kristopher’s handwriting. “Oh hell. Wait there. I told them only a few minutes, and it’s been longer than that.” He jumped up from his chair and strode over to the back door of the café.

  A few moments later, he returned with two people. An older woman and a younger man. The man walked with a pronounced limp and used a walking stick.

  Matt frowned, not recognizing either of them at first. They’d changed so much.

  “Dr. Lehrer!” Ken exclaimed.

  “Clara, please.” Clara Lehrer looked at least ten years older than when they’d seen her last. Matt had tried to trace her after the war but with no luck, as the trail went cold after she’d been sent to one of the camps. “Juliane contacted me and asked if I was interested in seeing you again. Of course I said yes. Trevor insisted on accompanying me.”

  Trevor Palmer pulled out a chair for her, then took a seat himself. “I met Juliane by chance in Berlin a few months after the war, and we found Clara together, through some of Juliane’s contacts,” he said. “Clara’s still practicing medicine, and I thought I could do some good there, so I stayed.” He too looked much older since they’d last seen him almost three years ago, although he was still only in his early twenties. “Leg was never right again after that bastard shot me. He broke it to try and get me to talk. Waste of time, but he didn’t listen.”

  “Reiniger never did,” Liang said quietly. Juliane took his hand in hers and caressed it with her thumb.

  “I was hoping you had news of my brother.” Clara sounded hopeful.

  Matt felt bad he had to lie to her. “He’s—”

  “He’s still alive. Both of them are,” Liang said. “That’s part of the reason Clara is here.” He lowered his voice. “Kit asked me to find her. I didn’t expect either of our mutual friends to show up, but I’d hoped there might be a way to get word to them as they arranged this meeting. I know they survived the war, but that’s all I know. I have no clue where they are.”

  “Dr. Zhou?” Brice brought over two bottles of wine and a tray of glasses.

  Matt eyed him suspiciously. “I hope those aren’t compliment of the house as well.”

  “My nephew described all of you very well.” Brice chuckled and indicated the playing card. “The wine is from him and his… cousin. I have a letter for you. If you wish to reply, I can make sure they get it.” He handed Matt a note. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Monsieur Bryant.”

  “Merci, you’ve been a very gracious host.” Matt frowned. “Your nephew?”

  Brice placed two extra glasses in the middle of the table and, instead of answering, gave them all a nod and returned to his work.

  “Michel had an Uncle Brice,” Liang said slowly. “Kit told me that once, I’m sure of it.”

  “Oh,” Clara said. “So the letter could…. Read it. Please.”

  Matt opened the letter with shaking hands. He recognized the handwriting immediately, and began to read aloud.

  “I hope this finds you all well. I can’t tell you much, but I can say that we are both alive and happy with our life. I’m sorry we couldn’t be with you today, but I’m sure you understand why. Please give my love to my sister and tell her I’m sorry. If you wish to reply, B will make sure we receive it. We miss you all, our dear friends. K and M.”

  Ken filled their glasses, then raised his. “To absent friends,” he said, breaking the silence.

  Of those who couldn’t be with them today, at least Kristopher and Michel had been able to send word. Too many people had lost their lives and given themselves bravely so others could live.

  Elise Schuster.

  Ed Walker.

  Leo Dawson.

  Isa Beckert.

  Jacques Dubois.

  The members of the Resistance who had helped them both in Germany and France.

  They hadn’t heard from Sébastien again. After Cyrville-sur-Mer h
ad been liberated from the Germans, he hadn’t many friends left alive to go back to either.

  Matt glanced at Ken, then frowned as something—or rather someone familiar—caught his eye outside. No, it couldn’t be.

  “Matt?” Ken asked.

  Matt looked back out onto the street, but whomever he’d seen was gone. If they’d been there at all. He filled the two empty glasses before raising his own. “To absent friends,” he said.

  “To absent friends,” Liang echoed. “Lest we forget.”

  KRISTOPHER LOWERED his head when he saw Matt look up. It had been a foolish idea coming to Paris, but he’d wanted to see their friends one last time.

  He and Michel had a good view of the café from across the street, and Kristopher had thought that would be enough. Then Clara had arrived, and he’d needed to see her, to make sure she was all right. He missed her terribly, although he knew it would be too dangerous to meet directly. Brice had a second letter for her, in case she had come, and offered to act as go-between so they could at least stay in contact that way.

  Michel waited until they were a good distance from the café before he spoke. “I miss them too,” he said softly.

  “There was so much I wanted to put in that letter.” Kristopher wished he could rest his head on Michel’s shoulder like they were free to do at home.

  “I know.” Michel grew quiet. He led Kristopher to a quiet spot where they wouldn’t be overheard. “Any regrets? Not just about today or the letter.”

  “I regret a lot of what I’ve done.” Kristopher smiled. “Do you remember the evening by the pond at St. Gertrud’s?”

  “I’ve never forgotten it. We talked about the future we both wanted, and when I asked you whether you were happy with the choices you’d made in life, you couldn’t answer me.”

  Kristopher nodded. “I’d imagined a future in which we’d just played a duet, and after we finished, you put your arms around me, kissed me, and asked me that question.”

  “I liked that future, and I still do.” Michel brushed his hand against Kristopher’s arm, the most intimate touch he could risk out in the open. “Kit,” he said softly, “can you answer that question now?”

  “I think so.” Kristopher spoke slowly. Although he’d given it a lot of thought, he wanted the words to be just right. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I don’t regret any of the choices I’ve made since I met you. Although the weapon I’d hope would never be built was used, I at least know it wasn’t because of me. I don’t think anyone goes through life without regrets, so instead of berating the past, I want to focus on what we have now. We’re together, and I thought we’d never have that. It’s enough. So yes, I have regrets, but I’m happy with my life as it is now.”

  “As am I. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together, mon cher. That’s all anyone can ask for. Ich liebe dich, Kit.”

  “Je t’aime, Michel.” Kristopher smiled. “You’re mine just as I am yours. The two of us. Making our future together.”

  More from Anne Barwell

  Echoes Rising: Book One

  Berlin, 1943. An encounter with an old friend leaves German physicist Dr. Kristopher Lehrer with doubts about his work. But when he confronts his superior, everything goes horribly wrong. Suddenly Kristopher and Michel, a member of the Resistance, are on the run, hunted for treason and a murder they did not commit. If they’re caught, Kristopher’s knowledge could be used to build a terrible weapon that could win the war.

  For the team sent by the Allies—led by Captain Bryant, Sergeant Lowe, and Dr. Zhou—a simple mission escalates into a deadly game against the Gestapo, with Dr. Lehrer as the ultimate prize. But in enemy territory, surviving and completing their mission will test their strengths and loyalties and prove more complex than they ever imagined.

  Sequel to Shadowboxing

  Echoes Rising: Book Two

  Germany 1944

  Hunted for treason and the information he carries, Kristopher and Michel leave their safe house to journey across Germany toward Switzerland. Caught in a series of Allied bombings, they stop to help civilians and narrowly escape capture by German forces.

  While investigating a downed aircraft in the Black Forest, the two men discover an injured RAF pilot. After they are separated, Kristopher and the pilot are discovered by a German officer who claims he is not who he appears to be. Determined to find Michel again, Kristopher has to trust the stranger and hope the man is not connected to those hunting him.

  Meanwhile Michel is intercepted by one of the Allied soldiers he met in Berlin. His help is needed to save one of their own.

  Time quickly runs out, and loyalties are tested and betrayed as their enemies close in. Michel can only hope they reach safety before information is revealed that could compromise not only his and Kristopher’s lives, but those of the remaining members of the Allied team—if it is not already too late.

  Readers love the Echoes Rising series by Anne Barwell

  Shadowboxing

  “Shadowboxing is a thought-provoking novel that is insightful in the way it addresses several issues about the control of the Nazis and the war. Kristopher and Michel’s romance never feels out of place and the fast-paced story mesmerizes the reader.”

  —Joyfully Jay

  “…if you’re looking for a read that is suspenseful, thought-provoking, and will keep you on the edge of your seat, then you will probably like this novel.”

  —Rainbow Book Reviews

  Winter Duet

  “An in-depth plot, in-depth characterizations, and just a riveting story that’s not over yet. I’m certainly looking forward to the next book in the series.”

  —The Novel Approach

  ANNE BARWELL lives in Wellington, New Zealand. She shares her home with two cats who are convinced that the house is run to suit them; this is an ongoing “discussion,” and to date it appears as though the cats may be winning.

  In 2008 she completed her conjoint BA in English Literature and Music/Bachelor of Teaching. She has worked as a music teacher and a primary school teacher, and now works in a library. She is a member of the Upper Hutt Science Fiction Club and plays violin for Hutt Valley Orchestra.

  She is an avid reader across a wide range of genres and a watcher of far too many TV series and movies, although it can be argued that there is no such thing as “too many.” These, of course, are best enjoyed with a decent cup of tea and further the continuing argument that the concept of “spare time” is really just a myth. She also hosts other authors, reviews for the GLBTQ Historical Site “Our Story” and Top2Bottom Reviews, and writes monthly blog posts for Authors Speak and Love Bytes.

  Anne’s books have received honorable mentions four times and reached the finals three times in the Rainbow Awards. She has also been nominated twice in the Goodreads M/M Romance Reader’s Choice Awards—once for Best Fantasy and once for Best Historical.

  Website: annebarwell.wordpress.com

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/anne.barwell.1

  Twitter: @annebarwell

  Email: darthanne@gmail.com

  By Anne Barwell

  ECHOES RISING

  Shadowboxing

  Winter Duet

  Comes a Horseman

  Published by DSP PUBLICATIONS

  www.dsppublications.com

  Published by

  DSP PUBLICATIONS

  5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886 USA

  www.dsppublications.com

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of author imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Comes a Horseman

  © 2017 Anne Barwell.

  Cover Art

  © 2017 Reese Dante.

  http://www.reesedante.com

  Cover content is for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted on the cover is a mode
l.

  All rights reserved. This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. Any eBook format cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact DSP Publications, 5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886, USA, or www.dsppublications.com.

  ISBN: 978-1-63533-665-8

  Digital ISBN: 978-1-63533-666-5

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2017903381

  Published August 2017

  v. 1.0

  Printed in the United States of America