Chapter 32
The church was full. Frankie’s mum worked her way down the aisle, holding hands, thanking. Like she was comforting them, instead of the other way around. Father Ryan followed, keeping a professional eye on her, keeping his distance.
It was bigger inside than Cook had expected.
Ancient stone blackened by soot, bright beams of light through the stained-glass windows.
Could have been any church, anywhere in the country, apart from the smells.
Fish, tar, spices, and most of all – smoke.
It reminded Cook of his time in Hong Kong, a lifetime ago.
Two island ports on opposite ends of the earth, linked by a non-stop procession of ships.
Something Hitler didn’t understand, if he thought he could intimidate Churchill.
Britain wasn’t just an island across the English Channel.
It was a spider in the middle of a web that spanned the globe.
The largest empire the world had ever seen.
Hitler may have taken most of Europe, but he’d still run short of the resources Britain could depend on.
It was a short service. Father Ryan evidently knew his flock, knew they wanted comfort but not preaching. Cook appreciated a clergyman who didn’t try to labour the point.
A short walk from the church, back to the pub.
Washing hung from gantries spanning the high street.
Only a week since Cook had been here, but the days and nights since hadn’t been kind to the island.
More buildings were gone than left standing.
The streets were empty. Many who’d survived the bombs had fled.
Relatives in the country, or elsewhere in the city.
Only the die-hards remained, and the men who relied on the docks for work.
Gracie had made sandwiches, neighbours chipping in their rations. Cook took a cup of tea from the barmaid, gave her a sombre nod of thanks.
‘How’s Frankie taking to the country life?’ the priest asked.
Cook nodded, looked about for Frankie. He’d spent the service fiddling with his cricket ball. Hadn’t let it out of his sight since he’d got it.
‘It was hard at first,’ Cook said. ‘For both of us.’
‘Gracie tells me you’ve been a good influence,’ the priest said. ‘It’s a great comfort.’
Cook didn’t know what to say. Gracie rescued him.
‘Got a job for you,’ she said. ‘Before you head back.’