A Time of Peace (31 page)

‘Only once, but that was enough for Jane. I really did try to get back in time, but no one believed me.'

Gerhard produced a bottle of whisky and held it up. ‘Shall we drink to the single state?'

‘Good idea.' Jon found two tumblers and they sat down determined to try to numb all feeling with alcohol.

They were halfway through the bottle when there was a knock on the door. Gerhard hauled himself upright and went to see who it was. He came back with Kate.

‘I promised to let you know when I'm leaving,' she said to Jon. ‘There isn't much more I can do here. I'm sickened by the suffering this division of Berlin is causing.'

Jon stood up politely. ‘You managed to arrange everything?'

‘Yes.' She eyed the bottle and the two men who were still standing. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly and she sat down, allowing the men to do the same.

‘I'm leaving at six tomorrow morning. It wasn't easy, as almost all the flights were booked, but I have managed to get one to Paris. I'll catch a train from there and a boat at Calais.'

‘Will you stop off to see Sam and his family before you catch the boat?' Jon asked.

‘I might.'

‘If you do, remember me to them, won't you?'

‘I will.' She reached out, picked up Jon's glass and took a sip, then pulled a face. ‘I don't know how you can drink this stuff.'

‘It's an acquired taste,' Gerhard told her, his eyes already taking on a glassy look.

‘Are you two drunk?' she wanted to know.

Gerhard shook his head. ‘Not yet, but we soon shall be.'

That amused her, and she rose to her feet. Good Lord, Jon thought as he watched her elegant movements, she's even more beautiful tonight. Or was that the drink playing tricks with his eyes?

‘I won't disturb your valuable drinking time,' Kate said with a smile.

Both men stood up again as she prepared to leave.

‘You take care of yourself, Kate. If I'm ever in London, can I come to see you?'

‘Of course, Gerhard, it would be a pleasure to buy you a meal to thank you for your help while I've been here.'

‘Why wait until then?' He held his arms out. ‘Come and give me a hug.'

She laughed as she wrapped her arms around him, and he kissed her cheek. ‘It's been lovely meeting you.'

‘And you.'

She then turned to Jon. ‘Thank you as well, you've been very patient.'

Much to his astonishment, she slipped her arms around his waist and held tight for just a split second, then stepped back. He'd been quite tough with her as he'd tried to keep her in line, so he'd expected a good riddance kind of farewell, not that show of genuine affection. It had been a completely spontaneous gesture, but he was sure she had meant it.

He was still standing in the same position when Gerhard returned after seeing Kate out.

‘She had a taxi waiting for her, sensible girl.' Gerhard shook with silent laughter. ‘You look as if you need a drink, my friend.' He filled Jon's glass, then sat down. ‘That is a wonderful woman.'

The whisky burnt a fiery path down Jon's throat. ‘I'm beginning to think you might be right, so I'm obviously not drunk enough yet.'

When Kate arrived in Paris, it was only mid morning and she wasn't sure what she wanted to do. It was tempting to go to Sam's while she was here. She could probably get a train to Saint-Omer and a taxi from there, but her overwhelming desire was to get home as soon as possible. She bought herself a cup of coffee while she decided, and, as she gazed around the airport, her attention lingered on the booking desk. It was worth a try, she thought, finishing her drink quickly. It would be quicker than going by train and boat.

She was in luck: there was a spare seat on a flight to London, leaving in half an hour. She hurried, as they were already beginning to board the plane.

During the short flight her mind was busy making plans. If she went straight to the shop and worked on the last films she'd taken, then she might be able to get them to Andrew Stevenson in time for tomorrow's edition. She was sure these would earn her enough to open another shop for Terry to run. She would see her parents tonight and the boys tomorrow.

She closed her eyes, suddenly feeling drained. It had been a difficult time, yet she felt as if she had grown in that time. Self-doubt had faded and her confidence had increased. The kidnapping and trial were behind her now. She could look forward to the future. And another important thing was that she had not felt any revulsion
as Gerhard and Jon had hugged her. It was a relief to realize that a man's touch no longer frightened her. A huge step forward indeed!

When Kate arrived at the shop, Susan broke into a smile. ‘Kate, you're back! Oh, Pete will be so pleased you're here.'

‘It's good to be here. Where is he?'

‘He's doing a wedding and Terry's at another one.'

‘Is Terry already working for us?' She was surprised he had been able to start so soon.

‘He's been here for five days now and we're already taking on more work.'

‘That's wonderful.' Kate headed for the stairs. ‘I'll take my case upstairs, then I'll be in the darkroom for a while.'

‘Shall I make you a pot of tea?' Susan asked.

‘Please, I'm gasping for a cup of English tea.' Coffee was all right, but she'd been brought up on cups of tea. Her Grandma Marj had always had the kettle on the boil. Kate went up to her bedroom and left the case there – she would unpack later. Gathering all the films from her camera case, she went back downstairs.

Susan was busy with a customer, but the tea was ready, so Kate poured a cup and sat down to enjoy it. There was nothing as refreshing as this favourite home brew. After nearly draining the pot, she poked her head in the shop. ‘I'll be in the darkroom if you need me.'

Susan nodded and carried on serving her customer. She really was very conscientious, Kate thought, and they'd been fortunate to find someone like that. It was funny to think that only sixteen months ago she'd been so excited about starting at the
Explorer
, and now she
owned her own business and it was proving to be successful. There was much to look forward to. Now they had Terry, it would be exciting to expand, providing they could keep him, of course. She would have to work on him, try to persuade him not to look for another job on a newspaper. She put on the red light and started work, singing to herself. That was something she hadn't done for some time. For a while, Derek Howard had taken her joy of life away, but thank heaven it was coming back.

She was just hanging up the last of the prints when there was a rap on the door. ‘You can come in,' she called.

Pete tumbled into the room, and gave her a big hug. ‘It's lovely to have you home.'

‘It's good to be here.' She put the main light back on.

Immediately Pete was examining the rows of pictures. He whistled softly. ‘Wow, these are wonderful.' He pointed out several photos. ‘You must let the paper have those. Andrew Stevenson will be ecstatic.' He perched on the stool, his eyes fixed on the prints. ‘How many more have you got?'

‘About ten rolls,' she told him.

‘Then I think you ought to put on an exhibition. People will flock to see what's really happening in Berlin.'

The idea came as a complete surprise to her. Put on an exhibition?'

‘Do it, Kate.' Pete was now pacing the small room in excitement. ‘We'll all help.'

‘Oh, I don't know.' She was very doubtful; only famous people had exhibitions.

Just then Terry came in and Pete grabbed him. ‘Come
and look at these. Kate's got loads more and I'm trying to convince her to put on an exhibition.'

‘Hello, Kate.' Terry grinned at her.

‘Hello, Terry, great to have you here with us.' Kate gave him an impish smile. Any chance of persuading you to stay permanently?'

‘I'll think about it. I must admit that I'm enjoying the work. It's a relief not to have Andrew Stevenson yelling for me all the time. Now let's see what you've got here.' Terry studied the prints for quite a while, working his way slowly along the line, then he turned to Kate, his expression serious. ‘These are some of the most moving photographs I have ever seen. An exhibition will help to highlight the plight of the German people.'

Now that was something she dearly wanted to do. ‘Well – '

Pete didn't give her a chance to say anything else. ‘I'll find you a gallery and make all the arrangements. You just concentrate on making large prints of them and we'll choose the best to show.' He was halfway through the door when he glanced back. ‘Ask Andrew Stevenson if we can use those he's already bought from you. Tell him we'll give the paper plenty of publicity.' Then he disappeared.

Kate raised her eyebrows. ‘Looks as if that's settled, then.'

‘He's right,' Terry said, ‘and you found yourself a gem when you plucked that young man out of the newsroom. It's hard to believe it's the same person.'

‘I know. He deserves it, though, he's very talented.' The prints were now dry, and she selected half a dozen of the best to take to the newspaper.

‘Make Andrew pay a lot of money for those,' Terry advised. ‘No one else will have anything of such emotional quality. That man was crazy to let you go.'

She was heartened that Terry thought so highly of her work, because he was an experienced and expert photographer himself. ‘I'm glad now that he did, because it's opened up new possibilities for me. Working as a freelance is more exciting and profitable.'

‘Hello, Kate,' Mike called as she came into the newsroom later that afternoon.

She waved. It was strange. She felt more at home here now than she had ever done when she was an employee. The disappointment had been awful when she'd had to leave this job; now she could see that it had all been for the best. As much as she'd wanted to work here, it hadn't been right for her.

‘What have you got for me?' Andrew Stevenson came out of his office to meet her when she stopped to speak to Mike.

He took the envelope from her and marched back into his office. She followed and watched him spread the prints across his desk and lean over to study them.

‘Good,' he told her. ‘I'll take them all. Jon's report arrived today and he mentioned that you had these.' The Chief gave her a quick, calculating glance. ‘Would you like to come to work for me again?'

‘No, thanks.'

‘I promise not to shout at you,' he persisted, his mouth twisting in a wry smile.

That made her laugh. She couldn't help liking him, now that she knew why he'd been so against her at the
start. ‘You know you couldn't keep a promise like that.'

‘No, you're right. So what are you going to do now? I hope you're not thinking of stealing more of my staff?'

That was a mild rebuke from such a volatile man, she thought. Being careful to keep off the subject of Terry, she explained about the exhibition, and asked if she could use the photographs he had bought from her.

He considered this for a moment. I shall expect the relevant editions of the
Explorer
to be on display as well. In a prominent position.'

‘We'll be happy to do that.'

‘Then I agree.'

That was easy, she thought, wondering why she'd ever found him intimidating. ‘So how much are you going to pay me for my work?' She sat down, expecting this to take some time, but the figure he immediately gave made her gasp in amazement.

He actually laughed. ‘That took your breath away, didn't it?'

She was speechless and merely nodded.

‘Our sales have shot up and it's a lot to do with your photographs and Devlin's reports. You were a good team.'

‘Yes,' she agreed, ‘but I think he was glad to get rid of me.'

‘I expect he felt responsible for you, and you being there would have restricted his movements a bit. He likes to get right in amongst the action.'

‘I'm sure he does.' She stood up. ‘When will I receive your cheque?'

‘Within the next four days.' He gave one of his rare smiles. ‘I shall expect an invitation to the show.'

‘You're first on my list.' She stifled a yawn, suddenly feeling tired after her travelling.

‘Oh, by the way, Robert Sinclair wants to interview you.'

Now why didn't that surprise her? ‘I'll send him an invite as well.' She left, and once in her car headed for Roehampton.

Kate was delighted to find James with her parents, as they were about to sit down for a late dinner. They were all pleased to see her, and she didn't miss the look of relief on their faces.

‘Are you staying for dinner?' her mother asked.

‘I'd love to, thanks.' She didn't hesitate, because she knew her mother always cooked more than enough for second helpings if wanted. Her father often joked that it was a hangover from her childhood, when there had never been enough to feed the Webster family.

It was lovely sitting around the large kitchen table with her family. They wanted to hear all about her time in Berlin, what it was really like to be there. It was a relief to talk about it with those who knew and understood her. It had been a very upsetting time, and she didn't have to hide her feelings from her family. Afterwards she told them about the exhibition.

‘That's a marvellous idea.' Her brother was obviously pleased. ‘Where are you going to hold it?'

‘We don't know yet. Pete's going to try to find somewhere.'

‘What about using the foyer of Grant Phillips?' her father suggested. ‘If we cleared it out, there would be plenty of room.'

‘Wow, that would be perfect.' Kate could just imagine
her pictures there. The lighting was very good. She glanced at James, who was nodding his head in agreement.

‘You let me know when you're ready to put on the show, and I'll have the place set up for you.'

‘That's wonderful, James.' She yawned and stood up, now that the meal was over. ‘Do you mind if I leave now? It's been a long day.'

‘It sounds like it. It's wonderful to have you home again, sweetheart,' said her father, obviously happy to see her so enthusiastic about something again.

Kate promised to come and spend more time with her parents as soon as she could. She hugged them all and went out to her car. As she drove towards Kensington, her mind was already planning the exhibition. When Pete had suggested it, she hadn't been enthusiastic; now she was. It would be great fun to organize, and people would be able to come in off the street and see graphic pictures of the outrage in Berlin.

After parking the car, she went up to her flat, cleaned her teeth and fell into bed, her case still unpacked. She was asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.

‘That was more like my sister,' James said later that evening, as he sat in the sitting room with his parents.

‘It certainly was.' Bill savoured his nightly glass of brandy. ‘I was afraid that the trouble in Berlin might have made her withdraw into herself, but it seems as if quite the opposite has happened.'

‘Perhaps she's fallen in love at last.' James grinned at the thought.

Bill glanced at Rose. ‘Do you think she might have?'

‘You men,' Rose scolded. ‘Why are you so eager to see Kate tied down with a husband and family? At the moment I don't think that's what she wants.'

‘I would like to see her settled and happy, that's all,' Bill protested.

‘I expect she will be one day, in her own time.' Rose's expression softened as she considered her husband. He worried so much about Kate, and since the kidnapping his concern for her happiness had grown. ‘Our daughter is a giver, Bill, always has been, but she's taken some hard knocks and must have time and space to recover.'

‘We don't have to worry about her, Dad.' James poured another small measure of brandy into his father's glass. ‘I'm sure she's back to normal now.'

Bill swirled the golden liquid around in the glass, then the deep frown smoothed out. Rose gave an inward sigh of relief. His angina attacks were becoming more frequent, and he'd had to slow down quite a lot. She knew that inactivity frustrated him, but she didn't want too much stress in his life. A ripple of fear went through her – she couldn't imagine life without him.