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“No.” He chuckled and pointed at his arm and the signs on the sleeve. “I’m a sergeant, following my father’s footsteps. Father was in the army during the war. He lost his leg, you see, and his mind isn’t quite right anymore.” Sadness crept into his voice. “He doesn’t sleep much and can’t stand the sight of blood. A paper cut causes him to panic.”
Sorrow hung heavily in my belly. “My aunt was a combat nurse. She told me many soldiers remained shell-shocked after the war. But many recover quite well with time, and with someone to talk to.”
“That’s what I hope.” He kicked a stone. “Sometimes, he spends hours staring at nothing, his mouth hanging open. He wakes up shouting in the middle of the night and cries without reason. Mum’s heartbroken, but when Dad is all right, he’s his usual self. Caring and kind. I want to make my parents proud. My dad worked here before the war.” He nodded towards the mill. “Not every soldier can find a job here. Raven Park is highly selective. Only the most trustworthy soldiers and some cadets get the job. Dad smiled when I told him I got a job here. It was the first time I saw him smile in years.” His eyes glistened with unshed tears, and something cracked inside me as he wiped his face with the back of his hand, trying to collect himself.
“I’m so sorry, Tom.” On impulse, I hugged him. He held me back, resting his head on my shoulder. He was all long limbs and protruding bones, but hard muscles tensed under his uniform. “I’m sure your father is proud of you.”
“I hope so.” His voice cracked, and I held him, rubbing his back. “He doesn’t talk much these days.”
“Be patient with him and keep talking to him, even if he doesn’t talk back.”
“I will.” He sagged against me, and I took his weight.
“Kristin.” The hiss that came from behind was laced with pure fury. Only one person could hiss my name like that and inject enough domineering power to make me quiver.
I released Tom and turned around. Roy’s scorching stare was about to set the woods on fire.
“Roy,” I said, brushing a lock of my hair from my suddenly heated face. I reminded myself that I hadn’t done anything wrong.
“I need a word with you,” he said, gritting his teeth. His fists clenched so hard that the knuckles seemed about to pop out of his hands.
Tom hurried to stand at attention, the iodine smearing his collar. “Sir.”
Roy pinned him with a narrowed glare that shredded the poor lad into pieces. “Come, Kristin.” There was no kindness in the order. Bugger.
I tugged at my shirt, trying to cover my belly. But it slid down a few more inches from the top, revealing the lace of my brassiere. Bother. Roy’s temper was boiling. I cleared my throat and turned to Tom. “Remember to see the nurse.”
“Of course. Thank you.”
I patted Tom’s shoulder before heading towards my very angry former mentor.
