“Okay. See you at seven,” Jorden agreed, though somewhat puzzled. She had a couple hours of free time. No need to change. She decided to write Alex to ask what he did for Thanksgiving. The doorbell rang as she completed the address on her letter. It had to be routed through an APO number in San Francisco, California. Alex should get it within the next ten days. Jorden placed it in her top dresser drawer. She glanced at the mirror and smoothed her hair back before going to the door.

“Come in, I’m ready. Is there any place open at this time on Thanksgiving?”

“There is one place, a section of the Officers’ Club on Fort Benning. Is it okay with you?”

“Fine.” Jorden still wasn’t sure what was up with Matt.

The ride down Victory Drive took only twenty minutes. The Officers’ Club wasn’t crowded. Matt ordered two Heineken’s before he began to explain. “I had dinner at Eloise and Nora’s apartment. Major Hawkins and I joined them along with her friend Lisa. You remember the Saturday we helped them look for an apartment?”

“Of course I do.”

“I know you want to keep up on Nora. This is the main reason I asked you out tonight.”

Jorden listened as Matt took the next fifteen minutes describing the afternoon in detail. Finally he concluded, “The dinner started out well, but after Sam crashed the party it became dangerous!” Matt looked at Jorden’s astonished face. “At least Lisa is fine, and thankfully no one else was hurt.”

Dazed, Jorden looked at Matt. “I hope Eloise pressed charges.”

“Yes! Sam’s in jail with numerous charges against him. At least he’s off the streets.”

“Thank goodness!” Jorden sighed.

“I’m sorry, I should have forewarned you or waited until after Thanksgiving,” Matt apologized.

“Oh no, I’m glad you told me. I want to know how Nora and her mother are doing. The major sounds like quite a guy.”

“He is. I’m proud to know him.”

“I can’t believe this is happening to Nora and Eloise.” Jorden looked off. She could only imagine how this was affecting Matt.

“I didn’t mean to upset you—thanks for coming,” Matt replied.

“I’m glad you called. Nora and her mother mean a lot to me.” Jorden touched Matt’s hand. “This is scary.”

Chapter 14: November 1969

Chapter 14

November 1969

Nora trembled as she lay in bed. Thanksgiving shouldn’t bring fear—but terror is what Sam always brought. How could her mother have married him? Then she thought of that horrible day, a year ago. It reminded her of today.

***

November 1968

Nora met Cheryl after school—they always walked home together. She wished her life could be more like her friend’s. After ten minutes, they reached Cheryl’s house.