Jess looked up and caught the same look in Marty’s eyes that she could feel at the back of her own. Trepidation, which was, she supposed, somewhat different to fear or cowardice.

“It means you’re human,” Martha said gently. “Not that you’re incapable of doing your job. Channel it into your pictures. And your words.”

It was good advice. Before she could say so, before they could both get caught any further in the sticky emotions of war, Marty turned the conversation. “I heard that Warren Stone didn’t get the promotion he’s been hankering after. Which maybe means there’s going to be some good news for you.”

A knock sounded on the door. Jess opened it and her heart sank at the sight of an officer in dress uniform. “You’ve come to escort me to my doom,” she said.

The officer shook his head. “You don’t remember me, do you?” He removed his cap, as if that might help.

Jess studied his face. There was something familiar about him. “Shit,” she said when she realized it was the captain from the foxhole in Italy. Then she winced.

“I seem to remember that my language in the ditch was probably more colorful than it should have been. So I’d say we’re even,” he said.

“I didn’t recognize you without the mud,” she said grimly. Now, in the light and without rain, she could see that his hair was actually dark even minus the dirt. His eyes were the gray-blue of dusk and his face was serious. “I really am doomed if they’ve brought you in to bear witness.”

“I’m Dan Hallworth. I did come to bear witness.” His mouth turned up a little and she felt herself stiffen at the thought that he would enjoy ruining her career as a correspondent before it had even begun.

“And?” she said despairingly. She felt Marty step in behind her.

“And I told them it wasn’t your fault. That you had no choice but to be there because the U.S. Army brought you there. I told them that you put no one in danger and got out the minute you could.”

“You did?” Jess wrapped both her hands around the now-empty glass of whiskey to stop from flinging herself in thanks at Dan Hallworth. “What did they say?”

“That you should keep out of trouble in future. But,” he added, looking at Martha, “I can see that’s probably not going to happen. How are you, Gellhorn?”

“I’m damned fine, Captain, no, Major Hallworth. Look at that,” she said, fingering the golden oak leaf insignia on his uniform. “You outrank us both.”

He smiled at Martha. “I should have known you two would join forces. You even look like sisters.”

Martha touched her hair, which was short and blonde like Jess’s, but even curlier. “If I was ten years younger, perhaps.”

“Do you know everyone?” Jess asked Martha.

“Just the ones worth knowing.” Marty winked at Major Hallworth. “I met Dan in Italy a few weeks back. He took the time to explain to me how fast our men are dying around Cassino.”