Frank passed through security clearance at Derby House and made his way down the chilly corridor towards the two underground floors that held the Western Approaches Command. It was the day after Boxing Day but security checks were still rigorous. Plenty of people were on holiday or in holiday mood, but the business of communications for the war effort continued day and night nevertheless. He straightened his back. He didn’t want to be caught looking sloppy just because he’d had a distinct lack of sleep over the past couple of days, thanks to the shock of the twins’ arrival. He could have gone back to his billet, of course, but somehow he’d felt his place was with his parents and wider family, knowing they were all sensing the absence of Eddy, even as they welcomed the arrival of his children.

The Feeny house had been bursting at the seams, what with two extra babies and a non-stop stream of visitors keen to give their good wishes and catch a glimpse of the twins. Frank had realised again just how popular his parents were and, by extension, their children and grandchildren. Dolly’s WVS friends and Pop’s ARP colleagues all stopped by, bringing little trinkets of goodwill. He’d suggested sleeping on the settee in the parlour, but Rita would have none of it. ‘You’ll stay with me,’ she’d insisted. ‘There’s plenty of room. In fact I’d be grateful if you could, as Michael and Megan won’t be going back to the farm for a few days and, now Violet’s not able to see to them, I’d really appreciate it. They don’t need much, but if I knew you’d be here overnight it would be a weight off my mind.’ Frank could hardly say no after that.

Derby House was quiet, the corridor echoing as he made his way along it. At least it meant he wouldn’t be stuck in meetings for half the day. The downside, he reluctantly admitted, was that this also meant he wouldn’t have an excuse to seek Kitty out. The sight of her face in the firelight at Christmas had stayed in his memory, along with the sound of her singing. But he’d hardly spoken to her since, as the arrival of the babies had put paid to all the household routines. She’d been on shift yesterday and was unlikely to be back in today. Firmly he turned his thoughts elsewhere, to the pile of memos that had built up for him in the brief time he’d been away from the desk. He was sifting through them, putting them in order of priority, when he heard footsteps approach.