Contents (45)
- DULCE ET DECORUM EST
- ONE
- TWO
- THREE
- FOUR
- FIVE
- SIX
- SEVEN
- EIGHT
- NINE
- TEN
- ELEVEN
- TWELVE
- THIRTEEN
- FOURTEEN
- FIFTEEN
- SIXTEEN
- SEVENTEEN
- EIGHTEEN
- NINETEEN
- TWENTY
- TWENTY-ONE
- TWENTY-TWO
- TWENTY-THREE
- TWENTY-FOUR
- TWENTY-FIVE
- TWENTY-SIX
- TWENTY-SEVEN
- TWENTY-EIGHT
- TWENTY-NINE
- THIRTY
- THIRTY-ONE
- THIRTY-TWO
- THIRTY-THREE
- THIRTY-FOUR
- THIRTY-FIVE
- THIRTY-SIX
- THIRTY-SEVEN
- THIRTY-EIGHT
- THIRTY-NINE
- FORTY
- EPILOGUE
- AUTHOR’S NOTE
- ABOUT THE AUTHOR
- CONTENTS
“I apologize for our tardiness,” Frederick said. “But as you well know, I’ve never had good luck with trains running on time.”
The boys chuckled at the memory of their first meeting on the transport train at Charing Cross station.
“Tardy or not,” Thomas said, “I’m glad you both could join us today.”
“We all are,” Mrs. Sullivan said, patting Frederick’s arm.
“I wouldn’t have missed it,” Frederick said. “We made a promise.”
Thomas smiled. “Yes, we did. How have you been?”
“Good. It took some persuasion on my father’s part and a sizable donation, but Eton let me return.”
His father cleared his throat and raised a warning eyebrow at his son. “Manners, Frederick.”
An ashamed blush warmed Frederick’s cheeks. “Sorry, sir.” He motioned to his Eton uniform. “I’ll graduate a year late, but at least I’ll graduate and be reinstated into the army.”
“The army would be lucky to have you again,” Thomas said.
“Thank you.” Frederick looked past Thomas to Charlie, who’d joined them along with Mr. Sullivan, Henry, and the twins. “How are you, Mouse?”
“I’m well. It’s good to see you, Frederick.”
Frederick shook his hand. “You too.”
“Come on,” Thomas said, leading him down the dock. “Let me show you the first vessel of Sullivan Brothers Shipping’s fleet.” While General Chamberlain and Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan became acquainted, Thomas and Charlie led Frederick over to the boat.
“King George!” Frederick exclaimed with a chuckle as he read the name painted on the stern. “You’re a man of your word, Thomas.”
“That he is!” a voice called out from behind them.
They turned to see George striding down the dock.
Frederick smiled. “If it isn’t the King of the Secret Soldiers himself.”
“Former king,” George corrected. “I abdicated my throne to become part owner of the newest shipping company in Dover. It promises to be the finest to sail the Channel.”
“I had heard rumors of your new venture,” Frederick said, extending his hand. “Congratulations, Shillings.”
George pulled him into a hug. “Thanks. How are you, Eton?”
“I can’t complain.”
“Of course you can,” George said with a teasing smile. “It’s your special skill.”
After Thomas and George christened their new boat, George announced he had something to show everyone.
“What is it?” asked Letitia, bouncing on her toes.
“It’s a surprise. You’ll have to come with me to find out.”
They followed George up a worn path leading to the cliffs of Dover. Max trotted along at Thomas’s heels. When Thomas reached the top, he stopped short.
Before him, in the spot where he and James had sat and dreamed about their futures, stood a white cross. A short inscription was carved into the stone.
JAMES M. SULLIVAN
LOVING SON AND BROTHER
1898–1917
Mrs. Sullivan let out a gasp and covered her mouth. Mr. Sullivan pulled her into an embrace, and Letitia and Charlotte fought back tears as they drew close to their parents.
Thomas didn’t speak. He stared at the memorial, his face void of expression.