Forget-Me-Nots in September Read Online Free Page B

done, he leapt to his feet. “OK, packs on. Six miles around the track. Last one back makes breakfast.”
    “They’ll miss you when you leave in a week,” Brigadier Hereford-Jones said as the men ran off.
    “It’s R and R. I’ll be back. I’m sure Steve will keep them busy enough.”
    “Got any plans?”
    “I’m staying with Gran. Also planning on catching the first few games of the season.”
    “Sounds fun.”
    “Yeah, for the most part. Save the mail for me. I don’t trust this lot with my parcels. Toothpaste keeps going missing.”
    The brigadiers face creased into a frown. “What in the world is that?”
    Bev followed the pointed cane and groaned. “That is Elf. The unofficial mascot of the unit. Only he isn’t meant to be tied to the flag pole.”
    “Cute,” Hereford-Jones said. “You’d better find out who did it and deal with them.”
    “Oh, I will.” Bev jogged over to the flagpole and retrieved Elf. Then, he jumped into a jeep and headed after the unit. He caught them up as they ran, bunched together. “Is this as far as you got, ladies? Speed up or it’ll be eight miles. And who was the joker who attached Elf to the flag pole?”
    The men laughed. “He’s guarding it.”
    “Very funny. The brigadier thought so too.”
    “I did.”
    Bev drew level with Wallis and stared at him. “Why?”
    “Just did,” the kid replied evasively.
    Bev narrowed his eyes. The kid was the newest member of the unit, drafted in to replace Smudge. Bev could guess what was going on. “Right. The lot of you. If you’re not back in half an hour, there’s trouble. And Wallis, my office, after breakfast.”
    He had no intention of disciplining the kid, but it wouldn’t hurt the others to think he was. Or for the kid to sweat it a little.
    ~*~
    Jude pushed her trolley along the aisles of the supermarket. She hadn’t heard from Bev for over a week and was trying not to worry. He was probably busy, or bored of letter writing or something. It was September, and she imagined the novelty of a “pen pal” had probably worn off by now.
    Hers was about the only shop that still closed at lunchtime on a Wednesday. But, she argued, she needed the time off and her takings didn’t seem to suffer for it. They were pretty dismal anyway, and she didn’t see how staying open another four hours a week would make any difference in the long run.
    Jude approached Mrs. Bowen, her landlady, who had paused beside the apples.
    “Hello, Mrs. Bowen.”
    The older woman turned and smiled. “Hello, dear. How are you?”
    “I’m OK. You?”
    Mrs. Bowen nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. I have my grandson staying for a few weeks. So I’m filling the cupboards. Can’t have him starving. His mother would never allow him to stay again.”
    “They only had lemons, Gran,” a voice came from behind her.
    Mrs. Bowen smiled. “Bev, meet Jude, my tenant. She rents the house across the road.”
    Jude turned, taking in the tall, tanned bloke behind her. She recognized him instantly from the photos, but wasn’t prepared for the heart fluttering, instant attraction.
    And from the look on his face, Bev felt exactly the same way. He recovered first and gripped her hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Jude.”
    “Do you two know each other?”
    Daren grinned. “Jude is my adopter, this tour. She’s the lady who sent me Elf.”
    “Is he really the unit mascot?” Jude finally managed to speak.
    “Oh, yes. And he’s very good at getting into trouble and ending up in places he shouldn’t be.”
    “Well, I must get on, but I’ll let you two catch up, I have a standing appointment every Wednesday with my hairdresser.” Mrs. Bowen said. “I’ll see you back at the house, Bev. Did you bring your key?”
    Bev nodded. “What? Oh, key, yes.” He didn’t take his gaze off Jude as he kissed his grandmother’s cheek. “Bye, Gran.” He walked beside her for a moment. “Jude, would you like some help with your shopping?”

3
    Bev took the