There was a tapping next to Dolly’s ear. She reached up and unlatched the door, pushed it open an inch, and put her face up to the opening. His face was there, on level with hers. “She’s gone,” he whispered, making fun of her.

Dolly blushed. His blue eyes were only inches from hers.

“Maybe you should come inside to finish the story,” she whispered. “In case she’s watching.”

“Then she’s probably seen you out here all morning already,” he whispered back.

“Still,” she insisted.

He shrugged, smiled. She let the door swing closed between them.

Chapter 60

Pine Rapids
Thursday, November 22, 1945

The cold burned in Elissa’s lungs as she ran. There was burning, too, in her eyes, her throat. Just the thought of what she’d done! Was doing! Running down First Street in the rain, choking back tears and laughter at once, the sound of the river rushing in her ears, the cold rain coating her skin, flattening her hair. Her legs cold, too, in the rain, and the heels of her fashionable, pinching black pumps clicking (pounding!) against the sidewalks, the streets.

If someone saw me—they’d think I’d gone crazy.

She screamed a little, to herself, covering her mouth with her hand. No one would hear, in the rain. Even if there was anyone around. Running past Shorty’s Pub, she drew the stares of two men just heading inside. She paid them no attention.

What if he doesn’t want me?

She crossed First Street, pain shooting up her leg when her ankle turned sideways for a moment in a puddle. But she went on, across the bridge, the Bear Trap rushing underneath her, giving her a sense, for a moment, that she might just fly away.

But where is he? I should have caught up to him by now.

North of the bridge, it was harder to run. This part of town had been let go, since the mill burned, all those years ago. The streets were gravel, not paved like the rest of the streets in town. She was reduced to a speedy walk, and tried to catch her breath.

What if I’m too late?

What if I’m wrong?

With the depot in sight, two blocks in the distance, she broke into a jog, wincing with every step at the pinching of her shoes. She could see a train waiting on the track, belching steam. She pushed herself to run faster. What if Nick was on that train, leaving?

Chapter 61

THE MICKELSON HOUSE
502 W. First Street, Pine Rapids
Thursday, November 22, 1945

It was all Jack’s idea to join the Marines.

So John was thinking as he sank into the chair at his desk and dug in the drawer for the bottle of whiskey he kept stashed there. He didn’t require it often, but if ever there was a time for it, the time was now.