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Finding Home (update p3 26/07) http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1490

Author:	Ray [ 18 Oct 2006, 22:04 ]
Post subject:	Finding Home (update p3 26/07)
This is a follow-up to my last drabble 'The Start of a Friendship'. I wasn't acshully planning on writing a big long series of this story, but the bunny had other ideas! Finding Home Chapter 1 "Fraulein Joey, may I speak with you?" They had been friends for nearing three years, but Anna still felt that odd thrill of nervousness on entering the salon of Die Rosen. It always seemed as if it wasn't part of her world and wasn't meant to be. Joey, who had been idly flipping through the pages of a magazine, looked up. "Anna; I didn't know you were up today. Of course you may! And, for goodness sake, it's just Joey," she added, a smile taking away any sting the mild exasperation might have provoked. Anna smiled back. "Joey, then. I have some news for you." She hesitated a beat, then continued, "I am betrothed." "Betrothed? How wonderful! Congratulations, Anna." And Joey flung herself into a warm embrace. As much as Joey always vowed to Anna that she would never marry, she never stinted in her joy when her friends made that announcement. "Who is he, and when is the wedding to be?" "Hans Bocher. It is to be a Christmas wedding; as nice as cousin Marie's wedding was, my parents and his both want it to be a traditional one." "Well traditions are never a bad thing." Joey released the hug and stepped back. "I hope that you'll both be very happy." "Mademoiselle? Pardon? Mademoiselle, attendez-vous le ferry?" Anna was rudely jerked from her memories by the shout. She was almost surprised to remember that she was far from the dainty salon where the conversation had taken place; that, in fact, she was leaning against the railing on the quay of St Malo's harbour awaiting the next ferry across to Guernsey. She blinked and took a quick look at her surroundings to spot the shouter. To her surprise, while she had been daydreaming the ferry had arrived and the shouter, a young man, was standing on the deck of the boat clearly waiting for her to embark. Before she could move, the man switched to accented English: "Excuse me, Miss, are you waiting for the ferry?" Anna mustered a smile and picked up her small suitcase. "Oui monsieur," she answered shyly. "Then hop aboard," he directed in French. "We haven't got all day!" Blushing, Anna did as she was bidden. She took a seat towards the prow of the boat and looked out across the expanse of sea. She had never seen such a wide vastness of open water before; it was so unlike her home on the shores of the Tiern See, even if the gentle rocking of the boat felt much the same as the motion of the white-painted steamers that travelled up and down the lake from spring to autumn. The familiar feeling brought with it a pang of homesickness and Anna shivered. A tiny part of her still wondered at the merits of this wild flight. She should have been at home, sewing her wedding dress and preparing for her marriage. But everything had changed. And changed so horribly. There had been a knock on the door of her home. Men in black uniforms. Hans smiling. "It's for your own good, Liebling." Anna shivered violently. She would not think of those things. She would never think of those things again. "Are you all right?" The young man had reappeared and was now looking at her with concern. "I am fine," she answered in halting French. "A little cold, perhaps." Without saying another word, he disappeared, only to return, a moment later, with a woollen rug and a cup of something hot and steaming. He handed the cup to her and Anna discovered it contained coffee, a little blacker than she was used to, still hot and welcome all the same. The simple gesture reminded her of what had been lost from her homeland. People no longer offered those simple kindnesses of courtesy for fear of finding those awful black-shirted men on their doorstep. The young man held out the rug. "It's another hour to Guernsey," he said. "Thank you," Anna replied, accepting the rug and wrapping it around her shoulders. An hour. It seemed both a life time and not long enough. What was she going to say? What would they say to her? She wasn't supposed to be here. In fact, but for Herr Flower, she wouldn't be here. Anna pulled the rug more tightly around her shoulders. He had helped her to escape and told her were she could find the others. He had been so kind. She hadn't been able to understand why he had remained behind when everyone else had left. "I have business deals to finish," was all he'd said, but something about the way he'd said it suggested he didn't mean with men like Hans. Was he trying to ferment resistance? Was he trying to help others who, like her, had become caught up by those black-shirts? Anna didn't know. She suspected she might never know. It just felt strange that he had stayed. The note of the boat's engine changed, jerking Anna from her musings once more. To her surprise, she found the boat was putting into harbour. Was this Guernsey already? The young man – surely a member of the ferry's crew, she belatedly realised – started calling out that this was, indeed, Guernsey. Blinking, Anna carefully folded the borrowed rug, gathered up her solitary bag and prepared to disembark behind the other passengers. As she neared the gangplank, the young man stopped her. "Are you all right?" he asked solicitously. "I shall be," Anna answered, mustering a smile. "Thank you." He smiled back. "Welcome to Guernsey." And as Anna set foot on shore, she felt that she just might be. Joey pounded the bread dough with more force than was strictly necessary. She wanted to be getting on with her new book, but certain aspects of life could not be placed on hold, and making bread for the next day was one of them. If nothing else, she really did want some nice, warm rolls ready for when Jack finally made it home the following morning. He was working a long, late shift that day and Joey considered it was the least she could do to have breakfast ready for when he arrived. But still, she could have been writing! Joey continued to grouse to herself as she finished kneading and placed the dough back in the bowl and covered it with a teacloth to prove. At least it was done now. She went to rinse her hands, her mind already on the next chapter, but just as Joey reached for the tap to turn the water on, there was a knock on the door. "Oh my sainted aunt!" she groaned. "What now?" Hastily wetting her hands under the tap and grabbing up a towel – incidentally causing herself some subsequent annoyance by coating that item in an elementary form of glue – she dashed to the door, just as her visitor began to knock again. Joey paused a moment, mentally composing a suitable response for the interruption to her nicely ordered afternoon, then she opened the door… ….and found all thoughts vanishing under the sight awaiting her. No door-to-door salesman; no family visitor; no guest requiring polite conversation, tea and cucumber sandwiches. Instead a total shock and one that struck Joey totally dumb for possibly the first time in her life. "Fraulein Joey? Bitte, please, say something!" Anna finally pleaded. All at once, Joey's senses returned. "Anna!" And heedless of the towel in her hands or the fact that she was still covered in flour, Joey flung her arms around Anna in an effusive embrace. "Anna; I am so sorry. You surprised me. Do come in. And…" Joey released her hug and eyed her friend cautiously, "I don't wish to poke and pry but---" "Why am I here?" Anna asked softly. Joey nodded. "I do not wish to speak of it." Joey could see the same shadows in Anna's eyes that she knew lurked in her own. "All right. Come in; come in and be welcome, for as long as you want, or need."

Author:	Alison H [ 18 Oct 2006, 23:09 ]
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Oh poor Anna .

Author:	Lesley [ 18 Oct 2006, 23:10 ]
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Lovely Ray - a very realistic reason for Anna to have fled - I suppose they wanted to know all Anna could tell about the School? There is to be more of this, isn't there?

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 19 Oct 2006, 00:00 ]
Post subject:	Finding Home
This is great. Would love to hear more. Poor Anna, and by the man she loved and I loved her thoughts on Mr Flower. No wonder Corney stayed in school as long as she did, if he was helping with the resistence or people escape in Austria. It was the one place her Father knew she would be safe

Author:	Cath V-P [ 19 Oct 2006, 00:49 ]
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That was very thought-provoking. Thank you Ray.

Author:	Lulu [ 19 Oct 2006, 00:56 ]
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Poor Anna! This is great, I'd look forward to reading more.

Author:	pim [ 19 Oct 2006, 09:02 ]
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Oh... poor Anna. This looks fascinating. Thanks, Ray.

Author:	Jennie [ 19 Oct 2006, 09:06 ]
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Thanks, Ray. I'd like some more of this, please.

Author:	Ruth B [ 19 Oct 2006, 09:47 ]
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Oooh I'm all goosebumpy! Thank you Ray, and poor Anna!

Author:	Nell [ 19 Oct 2006, 10:16 ]
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Thank you Ray.

Author:	Alice [ 19 Oct 2006, 12:46 ]
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Thank you Ray, I'm glad you've written more of this.

Author:	leahbelle [ 19 Oct 2006, 13:28 ]
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Oh, poor Anna. thank you, Ray.

Author:	Josie [ 19 Oct 2006, 19:47 ]
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wants to give Anna a great big hug Thanks Ray.

Author:	ali [ 19 Oct 2006, 20:05 ]
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Was Hans Bocher in exile? I seem to remember the name from somewhere but haven't got the energy to go and check.

Author:	Vick [ 19 Oct 2006, 21:10 ]
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Wow! Thanks Ray, this looks really interesting

Author:	Tara [ 19 Oct 2006, 23:15 ]
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A sequel! And even better than the first. This is really interesting, and fills in lots of holes. There will be more, won't there?

Author:	Ruth B [ 20 Oct 2006, 09:48 ]
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ali wrote: Was Hans Bocher in exile? I seem to remember the name from somewhere but haven't got the energy to go and check. Wasn't he the one Joey picks out of the crowd in Spartz who are attacking Herr Goldmann?

Author:	pim [ 20 Oct 2006, 09:57 ]
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Ruth B wrote: ali wrote: Was Hans Bocher in exile? I seem to remember the name from somewhere but haven't got the energy to go and check. Wasn't he the one Joey picks out of the crowd in Spartz who are attacking Herr Goldmann? Yes - he was the one that Herr Goldmann & his wife had helped the previous winter.

Author:	Dawn [ 20 Oct 2006, 16:03 ]
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Ray thankyou for filling in so much about why Mr Flower stayed behind and why Anna had to leave Looking forward to lots more

Author:	Kathy_S [ 21 Oct 2006, 03:52 ]
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Very chilling, the part about Hans Bocher. Love the characterizations of Anna & Joey. Long may you continue, Ray.

Author:	wheelchairprincess [ 21 Oct 2006, 14:57 ]
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I love the friendship between Anna and Joey here and how understanding Joey is. Look forward to seeing more of this.

Author:	Mrs Redboots [ 21 Oct 2006, 15:46 ]
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This looks as though it's going to be good! Thanks, Ray.

Author:	JoS [ 23 Oct 2006, 22:40 ]
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Wonderful Ray - more please.

Author:	Ray [ 24 Oct 2006, 08:34 ]
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Thank you all for your comments and encouragement. I can certainly promise that there's going to be a lot, lot more! This part and the next one, though, come with an upsetting content warning. What I've written is probably in less detail than features in Exile, but... Mods: If you feel I'm straying into St Therese's terratory, please feel free to move me there. It will get happier. I promise! Chapter 2 The scream was bloodcurdling in the extreme. It had Joey awake in moments, although once awake, it took her minutes to work out where that cry might have come from. She had awoken herself with similar screams ever since the departure from Austria, but her throat didn't feel raw and, if anything, her dreams had actually been surprisingly pleasant. No, the scream hadn't been hers. With that much settled, it took Joey only a moment more to realise that it must, therefore, have come from her houseguest. That realisation sent her flying for the dainty guestroom, heedless of slippers or dressing gown. There was Anna, sitting up in a borrowed nightie, her face buried in her hands and soundless sobs shaking her shoulders. It was a sight that broke Joey's heart there and then. Quietly she climbed onto the bed behind Anna and wrapped her arms around her. "Shh," she soothed. "Anna, you're safe now." "Fraulein Joey, I did not mean to wake you," Anna mumbled indistinctly. "I know you didn't," Joey answered. "But sometimes the dreams become too much; don't they?" There was a moment of stunned silence, then Anna slowly turned her head and gave Joey a startled look. "Yes, but how---" Joey smiled faintly. "Perhaps," she began, "we should have this conversation somewhere light. To prove the shadows are gone now." Anna didn't disagree, and a few minutes later, they were both seated in the brightly lit kitchen, steaming mugs of coffee set out on the table between them. Anna was wrapped in one of the blankets from her bed while Joey had fetched her dressing gown and slippers. "Do you know," Joey began, "why I left the Tyrol when I did?" Anna slowly shook her head. "I thought that it had been planned. That is what you said, the last time we spoke." "Yes and no." She smiled faintly. "Jack, Robin and I were intending to leave at the end of that week. Margot, her two, Rosalie Dene and my brother's children were all supposed to leave at the beginning of it." She paused. "Come to think, I believe they actually did leave when they planned, but that was probably the only plan that worked out." "What, then, happened?" Anna asked. "The day before Daisy left, a group of us went down to Spartz. Daisy wanted to buy goodbye gifts for her friends, and there were sundry other items various people wanted. All told, there were ten of us – Robin and me being last minute additions to the party. It was a horrible visit all ways round; there was a…an atmosphere to Spartz; as if the whole place were spoiling for trouble. But, Nell Wilson and I managed to keep the girls from seeing too much, or, when we couldn't avoid the graffiti and broken windows, we made sure that no-one commented. It was all we could do." Joey shivered. "And just as we began to think that we might complete our trip without trouble---" "There was a riot," Anna finished softly. "Herr Goldmann and his wife and Vater Johann were killed, nicht war?" Joey nodded. "We were having kaffee in the Borkels' Gasthaus when it began. And we saw what the mob was doing to Herr Goldmann. And before you could say knife, Rob had charged out of the Gasthaus to help him. I had to follow because I knew – knew! – what would happen and I couldn't let Robin face that alone. Before I knew it, the whole party were out there, surrounding poor Herr Goldmann. "The rest of that afternoon is a blur in my mind. I know that at some point, Vater Johann managed to get us into his church and then into a secret tunnel that led from his church up to a cave high on the Sonnalpe, but I couldn't tell you how. I can't tell you why the mob didn't stop us leaving – for they should have done. Grown men against a group of school girls; it shouldn't have even been a contest." "Die Liebe Gott, he looked after you," Anna murmured. "Because you were brave enough to try and do the good thing." She gave a funny little laugh. "Hans told me of the riot. He spoke of what happened to the Goldmanns and to Vater Johann as if it was all simply a joke." In an instant, Joey was up and around the table, wrapping her arms around Anna once more as tears started to fall. "Anna, I am so sorry," she murmured. "But why? You did not make Hans become that, that thing." "No," Joey agreed, "but being let down by those we love is never easy. And Hans---" Joey stopped. "There's more to what Hans did than just that day in Spartz; isn't there?" Anna nodded convulsively. "He--- He reported me. Me and Eigen. After you all left. The--- the authorities wanted information about the school and he told them that I would know. He let them take me away. He--- he said it was for my own good." Without Anna needing to say anything further, Joey jumped to exactly what must have happened and she felt a surge of both nausea and anger. She had been shocked by Hans' behaviour in Spartz, but this went far beyond that. She also knew that there were no words that could comfort Anna. So instead, she held her friend close and murmured soft nothings; gently rocking her until the storm had finally past. Jack walked up the garden path yawning every other step. It had been a heavy night and all he could think of doing was having a quick cup of coffee and then a nice, satisfying twelve-hour sleep. Quietly, so as not to disturb Joey, Jack let himself into the house and made his way into the kitchen. The scene he found there, however, made him stop dead. On the table were two visibly discarded cups of coffee, while seated on one of the kitchen chairs was Joey. In her arms, and wrapped in a blanket, was a blonde haired woman he vaguely recognised. She was obviously asleep; Joey wasn't. As he came to a halt, she lifted dark, tired eyes to his face. "You're early," she murmured softly. "The operation went better than we expected," Jack answered in similar tones. His curiosity got the better of him: "I didn't know you were expecting a visitor." "I wasn't," Joey admitted. "Then---" But at that moment, the blonde haired woman stirred. "I--- I am sorry," she murmured in guttural German that made Jack's jaw hinge open in surprise. "You don't need to apologise, Anna," Joey answered. "I'm your friend; whenever you need someone to talk to, or a shoulder to cry on, I'm here." Anna – was she one of the maids who'd worked at the school? Jack wondered – shifted until she was sitting properly on her own chair. Then her eyes fell on Jack and she uttered an alarmed sort of squeak. "I'm sorry," Jack offered. "I didn't mean to startle you." Anna mustered a faint smile. "Herr Maynard." Joey opened her mouth to say something, but Jack got in first: "That will be Jack to you," he said gently. "You're Joey's friend; Joey is my wife. If you'll let me, that makes you my friend, too. And," he added a small smile on his face, "I hope that my friends wouldn't call me Mister to my face."

Author:	Alison H [ 24 Oct 2006, 09:03 ]
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Thanks Ray. Joey and Jack are being such good friends to Anna, but she's obviously gone through a horrific experience .

Author:	leahbelle [ 24 Oct 2006, 14:55 ]
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I'm glad she has such good friends.

Author:	Lesley [ 24 Oct 2006, 18:07 ]
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Just what did happen to Anna when the authorities took her? Thanks Ray, very powerful. Pity Anna never learnt to call them by their Christian names!

Author:	Dawn [ 24 Oct 2006, 18:09 ]
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that was so sweet of Jack to welcome her like that Ray wrote: Thank you all for your comments and encouragement. I can certainly promise that there's going to be a lot, lot more! Really looking forward to lots and lots and lots more Ray - thankyou

Author:	Cath V-P [ 25 Oct 2006, 00:58 ]
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Joey's being very sensitive to Anna's needs here - and Jack is definitely a SLOC! But, oh poor Anna - and Eigen too.

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 25 Oct 2006, 07:31 ]
Post subject:	Finding Home
Jack just melted me there. That was so sweet of him. (by the way what does SLOC stand for. I see it all thru CBB)

Author:	Miriam [ 26 Oct 2006, 11:08 ]
Post subject:	Re: Finding Home
Fiona Mc wrote: Jack just melted me there. That was so sweet of him. (by the way what does SLOC stand for. I see it all thru CBB) Solid Lump Of Comfort Famously first used by Jo in reference to Jack after the ill-fated picnic where they failed to hide the Peace League document, and crops up in a few other places after that. In CBB use, normally means husband.

Author:	wheelchairprincess [ 26 Oct 2006, 13:48 ]
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I hate to say it but I love Jack in this. If I ever find myself a SLOC I hope he's as nice!

Author:	Nell [ 26 Oct 2006, 15:26 ]
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Thank you Ray.

Author:	KathrynW [ 28 Oct 2006, 15:40 ]
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Thanks Ray, this is so moving

Author:	patmac [ 28 Oct 2006, 17:35 ]
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This is so possible! I'd always wondered how Anna got away and Mr Flower staying on after the others left always surprised me - nice to have mysteries explained. I should imagine Anna would have too much pride to let them support her after she had got over the last few months (as far as one ever could get over such an experience, of course) and would have been glad to be a proper employee and stay with Joey who understood her and knew her story.

Author:	Tara [ 28 Oct 2006, 18:10 ]
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Yes, indeed, one wonders what Anna went through. Joey and Jack are delightful here. Thank you, Ray

Author:	Kathy_S [ 29 Oct 2006, 06:08 ]
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Despite -- or maybe because of -- the horrors, Joey & Anna communicate so well here. And good for Jack, acting a proper SLOC. Thank you, Ray. Glad to hear this is only the beginning.

Author:	LizB [ 29 Oct 2006, 13:21 ]
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This is fantastic! Thanks, Ray. would like a few (or maybe more) hours with Hans and some rusty scissors and similar implements

Author:	francesn [ 30 Oct 2006, 18:39 ]
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LizB wrote: This is fantastic! Thanks, Ray. would like a few (or maybe more) hours with Hans and some rusty scissors and similar implements would like to be included in the fun Thanks Ray - this is very powerful

Author:	Ray [ 06 Nov 2006, 08:17 ]
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Thank you very much for your kind comments I'm rather hoping that the next part will be a little quicker (since it's one of the original scenes I had in mind when I started!) And yes, rusty implements and Hans should definitely have a prolonged meeting... - though I am thinking that he will receive his just rewards. (Though probably NOT in this drabble!) There is another minor content warning on this part. Chapter Three One thing was immediately clear to Jack, even as Anna offered him a tremulous smile: Explanations could wait. Joey's face was white and had taken on the 'all eyes' appearance that had characterised much of her growing years, while Anna looked little better – and Jack knew that he probably made a very close third. "How about," he began, "we have a spot of bed?" Anna, he noted, immediately looked frightened by that prospect and Jack began putting two and two together. "Joey, can you rustle up some cocoa? I think we might all sleep better for a warm drink." "Of course." While Joey busied herself with that, Jack turned his attention to Anna. "Are the nightmares very bad?" he asked. Anna stared like a startled rabbit. "Aber---" "Anna," said Jack softly, "both Joey and I understand. Austria has become a place of terrible things and that you're here…" He trailed off as Anna silently nodded. "I can give you something to take, to help you sleep and keep the dreams away." "Please." The speed with which the reply came back and the utter desperation in it made Jack quietly curse. What he should like to do was stick the men who did these things into their own detention and see how they liked it. "All right." He went to fetch the sleeping draught. When he returned, Joey was just dishing up the cocoa. "Good timing," said Jack with a grin. "I do my best," Joey replied, smiling back. "Here you are, Anna," she added, handing over the first mug of cocoa. "Thank you," Anna murmured. "Come," sad Jack. "I'll see you into bed, Anna. Joey---" "I shall follow," said Joey. "And yes," she added with a grin, "I shall bring your cocoa. I did only forget that the once, you know; you might let me off that by now?" Jack grinned. "Would you let me forget, roles reversed?" "I suppose not." "There's your answer." Jack gently helped Anna up and wrapped a guiding arm around her shoulders. "This way, Anna." Mindful of her cocoa mug, Jack gently led Anna back upstairs and saw her into the guest bed. When she went to help him straighten the blankets, he batted her hands away. "Let me," he said. Meekly, Anna submitted. Jack tucked her in, almost as if she was a child instead of a grown woman. Then from his pocket, he took the dose and put it down on the bedside table beside the cocoa mug. "It's not a permanent solution," he said, "but it will give you a little peace just now." Anna nodded. "Thank you mein…Jack." Jack smiled. "Sleep well, Anna." He withdrew and pulled the bedroom door shut just as Joey reached the top of the stairs. "Poor girl," he murmured in an undertone. "And you haven't heard the half of it," his wife responded with a shudder. "Well don't tell me now," said Jack. "I should like us both to sleep if possible. It's just as well, though," he added as they made their way into their bedroom, "that neither Jem nor myself are working this afternoon." "Oh?" "Well, it strikes me we're going to need Jem's connections," he replied, loosening his tie. "Anna must have travelled out of Austria on false papers or by some other nefarious means and all it would take is one over zealous official to decide she should be sent back---" "Jack, no!" Joey cut in. "That can't happen!" "It won't," said Jack calmly. "Not if I know about it. But that means talking to Jem. He knows the people we should speak to." He sat down on the edge of the bed and started to take off his shoes. "We'll make sure it's all right, Joey; don't fret about it." Anna roused, finally, sometime in the early afternoon if the way the light was streaming in through the curtains was anything to go by. She lay in bed for a moment, quietly enjoying the fact that she was warm and somewhere safe. And she was safe; she knew that. Although she was far from everything familiar, she was with people who would keep her safe and treat her as a being worthy of respect. The bedroom door opened and the tousled head of Joey appeared. "Jack thought you might be awake now," she said. "How did you sleep?" Anna considered the question for a moment. "Well," she finally said. "Thank you." "I'm glad if I helped." Joey smiled. "Could you manage a little lunch?" "I think, yes." "All right, stay put and I shall bring you up a tray." And before Anna could object, Joey had withdrawn from the room. It felt very strange to be the one being served, she decided, and it wasn't something she thought she could become used to. She was too used to being active and busy. That just led her to the obvious question: Now that she was here, what was she going to do? While she'd been travelling, that hadn't been a question Anna had permitted herself to dwell on. There had been far too many uncertainties on her journey for her to even consider a future, but now she was here and safe, it became an unavoidable problem. That was far as Anna got on that train of thought as Joey returned, this time bearing a tray. To Anna's surprise, she found that she truly was hungry at the sight of a fragrant omelette aux fine herbs, a pot of coffee, a rack of crisp fresh toast and a dish of a very strange looking orange substance. "It's what we call marmalade," Joey explained, seeing her frown. "It's the best I can do for jam just now." She looked sheepish. "I was going to make some proper jam, from the glut of strawberries we have, but I haven't yet got round to it." "Perhaps," said Anna hesitantly as she wriggled into a sitting position in bed, "I might help you with that?" Setting the tray down on Anna's lap, Joey grinned. "We'll see." She perched on the edge of the bed. "I should warn you; Jem – my brother in law – will be coming to see us later today. There are certain things that we must arrange." Anna suddenly felt a spike of fear. "Arrange?" she echoed. "Oh what an idiot I am," Joey muttered. Then, more kindly, she said, "You want to stay here, yes? Either with us directly, or at least with the school people?" Silently, Anna nodded. "Then what we must do is make certain of that. I'm not exactly sure of the legal terms," Joey added slightly sheepish, "but Jem knows. He helped Karin, Marie, Andreas and Rosa; he'll help you too." The spike of fear dissipated into relief. "I understand." "Good; I'm sorry for scaring you – again!" Anna mustered a smile. "At least it was not another glowing devil." Joey giggled. "True for you. Now, I shall leave you to enjoy your lunch. When you're ready, just come down – we're in the kitchen just now." Anna nodded. "Thank you." Joey grinned. "See you later." And with that, she bounded away as if she were still a schoolgirl. Anna chuckled and started to apply herself to the food and tried not to feel apprehensive about the coming interview with Herr Russell.

Author:	Alison H [ 06 Nov 2006, 08:52 ]
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Poor Anna - but how lovely to see a different side to her relationship with the Maynards. The poor woman always seemed so put upon, especially in the Swiss books!

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 06 Nov 2006, 10:52 ]
Post subject:	Finding Home
This is great and am so glad to see an update

Author:	leahbelle [ 06 Nov 2006, 14:37 ]
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Lovely to see their relationship. Thanks for such a nice, long update!

Author:	Mrs Redboots [ 06 Nov 2006, 14:54 ]
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Thank you for the update! Wonderful story.

Author:	MaryR [ 06 Nov 2006, 17:23 ]
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Poor Anna. But lovely Jo and Jack. Thank you, Ray

Author:	Lesley [ 06 Nov 2006, 18:35 ]
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Lovely to see the start of their relationship - and a very newly married Jack and Jo! Thanks Ray.

Author:	Jennie [ 06 Nov 2006, 21:37 ]
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Thanks, Ray, it's good to see another side of it.

Author:	Cath V-P [ 07 Nov 2006, 00:13 ]
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Oh that poor girl - seeing all those little moments of fear seizing her. Jo and Jack are lovely here.

Author:	KathrynW [ 07 Nov 2006, 14:29 ]
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Thanks Ray, it's very touching to see this side of the story

Author:	Kathy_S [ 08 Nov 2006, 22:02 ]
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Hadn't even thought of the legal implications! Good thing someone did. amused by the marmalade (Sounds like some people in my family, after a shipment of our grandmother's preserves.) Thank you, Ray, for another fine installment.

Author:	LizB [ 22 Nov 2006, 14:23 ]
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This is lovely, Ray - you can see why Anna was so devoted to the family - it's already clear that she is family - or very close to it and going to become closer! Thank you

Author:	Josie [ 22 Nov 2006, 15:22 ]
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Thanks Ray. Fab as ever.

Author:	Ray [ 26 Feb 2007, 12:44 ]
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Well, I wasn't exactly intending to take four months (!) to write and post the next part, but various things did rather get in the way. Thank you all for your patience - I guess better late than never! This is probably the last chapter for which there's a content warning. Again, it's probably less graphic than can be found in Exile, but Mods, please feel free to move me. Chapter 4 It was nearly five o'clock before the Herr Doctor arrived. By that time, Anna felt frayed and worn and, above all, terrified that the Herr Doctor would refuse to help her. At first, both Joey and Herr Maynard – and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't think of the kindly doctor as anything other than Herr; not yet at least – had tried to ease her mind, but as the time had dragged on, their efforts had gradually faded and the last hour of the wait had passed by in a strained kind of silence. It was a silence that was now broken by the sound of a knock on the front door. Anna's first impulse was to stand and answer it, as she would have done at the school, but there was someone even faster than that impulse. Joey bounded to her feet as if she were suddenly made of springs and hurried out of the dainty sitting room. Something of her nerves must have shown in her face because even as Joey went to answer the door, Herr Maynard murmured, "Chin up. This will be all right." Anna hoped that he was correct. She heard the front door open, then heard Joey greet the Herr Doctor, then heard Joey exclaim in surprise. Moments later, as Anna nervously climbed to her feet to greet the Herr Doctor, she found the reason for Joey's surprise: Rosa had travelled with the Herr Doctor. There was one long moment of silence, then Anna found herself being vigorously hugged by her young cousin. "Anna! Liebling!" Rosa murmured. "We thought you were lost." To Anna's surprise, she felt something wet against her neck and realised that the younger girl was crying. "Rosa; do not cry, madchen. I am all right, I am here." "We heard about Eigen," Rosa sobbed. "And Hans. And---" Anna hugged her cousin close and gently stroked the girl's hair. "Eigen was set free with me; he was going to make for Switzerland. If he can join us here, he will, but he has Katrin to think of." Rosa hiccupped. "I was so scared that I would not see you again." "Hush," Anna murmured. "I am here and I am not leaving again. Not until we may safely go home." "Rosa?" Joey's golden voice gently intruded. "Would you help me with making coffee?" Rosa gulped and scrubbed her eyes vigorously in an effort to stop crying. "Of course, Fraul---Frau---" "Joey," said that young woman firmly. Anna watched as Joey gently led Rosa from the sitting room. She knew a pretext when one was supplied and she was grateful. As much as she was pleased to see her cousin, not for all the world would she have the girl hear the details that she knew she would have to give to the Herr Doctor. Anna turned to face the Herr Doctor, who was regarding her with a kindly smile. "I'm sorry, Anna, for the slightly unexpected reunion, but ever since we received the news about Eigen, Rosa's been worrying about you." "How did you hear about his arrest?" Anna asked. "Your aunt was able to get a letter out, about a month ago," came the answer. "It was barely more than a note. She mentioned that you'd been harassed and that Eigen had disappeared. You say he was released?" Anna nodded. "Herr Flower, I believe, was involved. They'd also taken poor Jockel and, I think, it was for Jockel more than anything, that Herr Flower intervened. He did not know about Eigen, or me. Not until later." The Herr Doctor looked troubled. "You were arrested?" "I was---" Anna hunted for the right words to describe what Hans had done. "I was betrayed." She sat down on the nearest armchair and studied the floor rug intensely. "They took Eigen first. Then, they came for me." Herr Maynard uttered an English word that Anna didn't know. From his vehemence she guessed it was some kind of curse. "What did they do?" he asked, lapsing back into the German that the interview had so far been conducted in. Anna swallowed. She had never planned to tell of the indignities visited on her by Hans and his black shirted friends and then, later, by her German jailors. It had been so very bad that at least some small part of her had wondered if, perhaps, she had deserved it. The expression on the two doctors' faces told her otherwise. What had happened to her was something she hadn't deserved and not speaking of it would make it seem as if they had won. She swallowed again. "They asked me questions. Always the same questions: What did I know of the school's plans; what could I tell them about the school's spying; how had I been involved in the plot. They were things that I knew little or nothing of and I cannot believe Fraulein Annersley or Madame would permit the school to have housed spies." "They didn't," Herr Maynard confirmed. "The spying charges come from a mis-understood picnic." The bitterness in his tone took Anna by surprise. She looked up. "A picnic?" "Perhaps, later, Joey can tell you the story," he suggested. Gently, the Herr Doctor asked, "Anna, what did they do to you?" "The Germans beat me," she stated baldly. Herr Maynard said that English curse once more. "The others---" She swallowed. "The others did something worse." It was a shock to hear the great Herr Doctor curse. It didn't seem right that such a great man should know such language. Much of it was in English so rapid that Anna couldn't follow, but the odd word caught her attention as being favourites of Eigen or Andre. The thought of the Herr Doctor learning to curse from his servants struck Anna as funny and she began to giggle. In an instant, Herr Maynard was crouched before her, his hands on her arms. "Hush; you've been so brave so far. Hysterics won't help." Anna blinked. He thought she'd been brave? "I am not brave, Herr Maynard. I am just a servant." "You travelled half way across Europe after such a horrendous experience," the Herr Doctor countered. "If that doesn't take courage, my name isn't James Russell." He smiled. "Anna, I may need to ask you some more questions later." She bit her lip and nodded. "But I will do everything in my power to make sure you stay here and stay with us. I promise that you are safe now." She was far away from everything she knew, but with those words Anna realised one thing: She'd found a place where she could be safe. She'd found home.

Author:	Ruth B [ 26 Feb 2007, 12:57 ]
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Great to see this back, thanks Ray.

Author:	Alison H [ 26 Feb 2007, 13:37 ]
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Thanks Ray - but poor Anna, how horrific.

Author:	LizB [ 26 Feb 2007, 13:59 ]
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How awful for Anna - I'm so glad she's safe now. Thanks, Ray

Author:	Lesley [ 26 Feb 2007, 15:04 ]
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Very human of Jem to keep swearing like that - can understand it. Poor Anna - so glad Jem was able to reassure her. Thanks Ray.

Author:	brie [ 26 Feb 2007, 18:13 ]
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thanks ray- this is very touching and its lovely, if very sad, too see this side of the relationship

Author:	Tara [ 27 Feb 2007, 00:04 ]
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Very believable, very moving, excellent characterisation. Thank you, Ray.

Author:	Cath V-P [ 27 Feb 2007, 02:19 ]
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So sad and so horrifying.... and possibly the saddest line of all: Quote: "I am not brave, Herr Maynard. I am just a servant." . No Anna, you're not 'just' anything! Thank you Ray.

Author:	Kathy_S [ 27 Feb 2007, 07:19 ]
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Thank you, Ray. I can certainly see how that would be difficult to write, combining all Anna has faced and her current fears, with the caring interactions between the characters. Jem's cursing, for example, simultaneously helps get across the horror behind Anna's terse statement and helps establish Jem's personality. I loved Anna's stress-release giggle about where he learned some of those words! And well done Joey, knowing when to remove Rosa.

Author:	leahbelle [ 27 Feb 2007, 11:05 ]
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Thanks, Ray. Good to see this back. Poor Anna .

Author:	Mrs Redboots [ 27 Feb 2007, 15:27 ]
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Thanks, Ray - it's great to see this back!

Author:	francesn [ 02 Mar 2007, 19:24 ]
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Poor Anna. She must have had such a horrendous experience Thanks Ray

Author:	JustJen [ 07 Apr 2007, 03:35 ]
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Oh poor Anna.

Author:	Smile :) [ 07 Apr 2007, 16:07 ]
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Just found this. Thanks Ray. Poor Anna!

Author:	aitchemelle [ 11 Apr 2007, 00:03 ]
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Another just found this! Many thanks Ray

Author:	brie [ 01 Apr 2008, 13:05 ]
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Just re-read this, and please can we have some more!!!

Author:	roversgirl [ 01 Apr 2008, 13:38 ]
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ditto!

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 05 Apr 2008, 07:52 ]
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Can't believe I missed the last update. Can we please have more now your back?

Author:	Billie [ 22 Apr 2008, 20:56 ]
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I've just found this one. It's so heart-wrenching. Poor Anna! What a horrible experience. Please, Ray, we want some more. has obviously got too stuck into her Oliver! show

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