Against the Tide Imperial: The Struggle for Ceylon (The Usurper's War: An Alternative World War II B by James Young (story reading txt) 📕

the worst thing to ever happen to you?” Jo said sarcastically. "Let me tell you, I'm always happy when people ask me that question."

Self-consciously, Jo touched the burn scar on her arm. Sam reached over and patted her leg in a comforting way.

“Sorry Jo,” Sam said, glaring at his twin. “His mother actually died of cancer last year. Major Haynes was in the Dutch East Indies.”

“What took him to the Dutch East Indies?” Patricia asked.

“Killing Japanese,” Sam replied.

Now I’m starting to understand what you guys see in him as a leader.

Jo reached down slowly so as not to draw attention to her movements. Finding Sam’s hand on her leg, she squeezed it once to let him know it had stayed on her knee too long. He squeezed back, then took his arm away.

Goddammit Sam, I hate the way you make me feel sometimes. I don’t think you mean to, but Jesus.

Looking across the table, Jo saw Agnes looking at Sam and her speculatively. Before Agnes could say anything, Jo’s alarm clock went off.

“Well, Patricia, if you don’t mind starting breakfast, I’m going to get a shower,” Jo said.

“Wait,” Sam stated, standing up.

“Wait what, Sam?” Patricia asked, then stopped and covered her mouth in horror.

“Wait I have to go use the restroom and don’t think Jo wants to get scalded?” Sam replied. Before his sister could answer, he left. Jo gave him a moment, then followed.

I think that Eric needs to hurry up and get back here. There’s something … different about Sam and I.

A few minutes later, as she was finishing setting out her clothes, there was a knock on the door. She opened it to find Agnes.

This is a surprise.

Jo gestured for the other woman to come in, then closed the door behind her.

“I guess I can ask you—has always been as much a busybody as her brothers claim?” Agnes asked quietly, startling Jo.

“Uh…” Jo started, pondering the best way to answer. Agnes smiled.

"I will take that as a yes."

"I don't think she's a busy body per se," Jo said. "More she hasn't gotten punched in the face by life yet."

I mean, there was poor Peter, but that relationship hadn't really taken off.

A shadow seemed to cross Agnes' face.

"I don’t' think you and I have that problem," Jo continued evenly.

“Yes, like you, I have suffered tragedy,” Agnes said simply. "My father died when I was young, my mother a couple of years ago."

Oh my God, I cannot imagine. With a chill, her mind turned to where her father was. I might not have to imagine soon.

"I'm sorry, I have reminded you of something untoward," Agnes said, starting to turn to go.

"No, please, stop," Jo said. "I was just thinking about my father is all."

"Yes, I remember you mentioned he was in the Navy as well when we first met," Agnes said.

"Yes," Jo replied. "That seems like ages ago. But yes, you and I have both seen different things than Patricia."

“I think it makes both of us much more direct and less demure than what the Cobbs are used to," Agnes said. She then looked back at the closed door, raising an eyebrow as her gaze met Jo's.

“It’s solid enough to block sound and the board outside squeaks. We’re alone.”

“I know where you and Patricia work now,” Agnes said lowly.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” Jo replied without a second’s hesitation.

She turned back to the closet to compose herself, then realized that grabbing a dress when one was already on the bed was a dead giveaway of guilt.

Smooth Jo, really smooth. To attempt to salvage her gambit, she put the other dress back.

Have to remember to wear the padded bra, she thought, looking at the garment. It’s a little cold in that basement.

“I am happy to see you are the soul of discretion,” Agnes replied with a smile.

Yep, totally busted.

"I'm like a vault," Jo replied simply.

“Nick and I are getting married tonight."

Jo nearly dropped the dress and the slip that was going to go under it. She took two steps towards Agnes, causing the other woman to step back as if expecting an attack. Jo waved her concerns away, even as she spoke in a fierce whisper.

“I’m sorry, I swear I just heard you say you want to meet the vengeful spirit of Alma Cobb, matriarch of the Cobb family, in some dark alley,” Jo said.

"What?" Agnes asked. "Nick's mother is…"

“I say vengeful spirit, because that woman will most certainly have a heart attack at the idea of one of her sons getting married without her meeting the bride in question," Jo said, her eyes wide in genuine terror.

Agnes covered her mouth and fought hard not to laugh.

“I’m serious,” Jo said, her smile indicating she could at least see some of the humor. “I will not be an accomplice to murder nor sign my own death warrant in the form of Nick Cobb’s marriage license.”

“I was more worried about Patricia,” Agnes said. “That she’ll feel like I’m preying on her brother.”

Jo smiled at that.

“Out of all the boys, Nick is the least afraid to tell Patricia to mind her own business,” Jo said. “Just as long as this isn’t a shotgun wedding, you’ll be fine.”

Agnes giggled.

“We are careful,” she replied. “I have no desire to become pregnant and lose my job.”

Jo nodded at that.

Stupid customs that arise from stupid men.

“Do I need to make sure his brothers are there?” Jo asked.

"No, just Patricia," Agnes said. “One of Sam and David’s classmates owed me a favor. I have already arranged for the brothers to be told after they get to Ewa.”

“Remind me to never cross an admiral’s secretary.”

“That is always a wise decision,” Agnes replied.

“Compared to what you’ve already done, Patricia will be child’s play. But, I need to get ready for work.”

Agnes nodded, turned towards the door, then stopped to ask a question.

“Do you love Sam?”

“I don’t know,” Jo replied honestly and rapidly. "I’m not sure if I love Sam, or I love Eric and Sam’s just the