Chapter 61

August 1944

It had taken Richard several weeks to track Helen's family down after their home had been hit by one of the doodlebugs, as people were now referring to the terror of the skies. He had only heard one once and his fear had been intense. He doubted he would ever forget the noise of the engine as it tore across the sky and the horror of hearing it cut out. Then of having to count as he ran for cover to the nearest doorway, covering his head and facing the wall as the bomb exploded several streets from where he was standing, making the ground shake violently beneath him.

Now he was on his way to see them. And to do his best to persuade them to speak to him. He needed to see for himself that they were fine before he sent another telegram to Helen. Although he had no way of knowing if his previous telegram had reached her, he suspected she must be desperate to hear news of her family after so long. Whether the Bowmans liked it or not, he intended to let them know that she and their grandson were doing their best to survive on the island.

Since discovering he had a child he had found his resentment towards the Bowmans increase. They might not like the fact that he and Helen weren't married, but he didn't understand why they hadn't told him about his son. He wasn't sure how well he might be able to keep hold of his temper, but he was determined not to let himself down. After all, he was going to see them for Helen's sake.

He checked the flat number again to make sure he was at the right place, then rang the doorbell and waited.

Helen's father opened the door and looked him up and down, not appearing to recognise him.

Richard didn't have long before he had to return to his base, so he introduced himself. Mr Bowman's expression changed immediately.

‘I don't know why you've bothered coming here,' he snapped. ‘We've nothing to say to you.'

He began to shut the door but Richard pressed his hand against it to stop it closing. ‘I only wish to speak to you for a moment,' he explained. ‘I thought you might like to know how your daughter is doing?'

Her father looked over his shoulder, then called over his shoulder.

‘This chap of Helen's has news of her.'

‘How so?' Mrs Bowman hurried towards the door wiping her hands on a tea towel.

Taken aback that they were giving him the chance to speak, Richard explained about the telegrams. ‘Obviously I don't have much information, but I know Helen and Bobby were fine the last time I heard from her.'

‘Bobby?' Mrs Bowman frowned and looked up at her husband for an answer.

‘It seems you were right to suspect Helen was pregnant. So she had a boy then,' her husband scowled.

Richard felt his hackles rise at the cold description of his precious son. ‘Our son,' he said, hoping to annoy them. ‘He and Helen are being well cared for by neighbours since her aunt died?—'

‘Sylvia's dead?' Helen's mother cried, covering her mouth, her eyes wide with shock.

Richard tensed. Of course, they were sisters. How had he forgotten that? He was mortified to have made such a shocking announcement. ‘I'm so sorry, I thought you knew.'

Mr Bowman shook his head. ‘And how do you suppose that could have happened?'

Richard didn't like to remind him that people had been able to send and receive telegrams and that maybe, if they had bothered to contact their daughter or her aunt, they would have discovered this news for themselves.

‘I think you should go,' Mr Bowman said putting his arm around his wife's shoulders.

This time it was she who stopped him closing the door. ‘No, he's here now. I'd like to know how my daughter is doing. And the little one.'

Reassured to hear that Helen's mother still cared for her, Richard calmed slightly. ‘All I know is what I've told you. The situation on the islands is dire, I think we all know that much, but Helen and Bobby are with people who care for them. They had to move after it became too dangerous for them where they were, but I've received an email from a friend of the Hamels.'

He thought of the telegram he had received several weeks before, wishing it had been from Helen but grateful to receive any news about them. He hoped he would get the chance to meet Tony at some point and thank him personally for all he had done for his small family.

Both safe with friends and doing well. Try not to worry. Life bit of a struggle but all coping. No messages received for months. Tony

‘Helen and Bobby are now at another house. I assume they're somewhere safer.'

Mrs Bowman gave him a grateful smile. ‘I'm sorry for our unfriendliness. It's been difficult coming to terms with Helen leaving. I admit I have some responsibility for what she did and resented her for getting into trouble like she did.'

‘What are you saying?' Mr Bowman asked, giving his wife a surprised look.

‘Only that if I had been more understanding, then maybe Helen wouldn't have run to my sister.' She turned her attention back to Richard. ‘We're relieved to know she's coping and with her little boy.' She cleared her throat. ‘Your little boy.'

Unsure how to react, Richard decided it was time for him to go. ‘I'm glad we've spoken and that I can tell Helen you're safe and well.'

Mrs Bowman drew in a sharp breath. ‘You can do that?'

‘It might take months but I'm hoping she'll receive my telegram.'

He left feeling as if he had achieved something worthwhile. Finally, he had reassuring news for Helen.