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

That was probably a bit of oversharing.

Agnes reached out a hand to touch Jo’s arm, smiling sadly.

“When my fiancée died,” Agnes said, “there was one night with his brother, too much wine, and things we’d both like to forget. I understand.”

“Eric’s not dead,” Jo said quietly. “Nor are he and I officially an item.”

"There is a reason some Catholics believe purgatory is worse than Hell," Agnes responded with a shrug. “It is much worse not knowing. Both about a relationship and whether someone is okay.”

"There were…some unfortunate words passed," Jo replied.

“It is unfortunate that you need to get ready for work,” Agnes said. “I am curious as to why you are not, as you say, an item?”

“Pride and stubbornness,” Jo said. “Both of them mine. Plus a fear of loss.”

“God knows the number of the hairs on our head and days in our lives,” Agnes said. “Both are unknowable to us, so we should enjoy each day like it is our last.”

“I lived each day like it was my last once,” Jo said with a wistful smile. “It led to my father nearly putting me in a convent and a young man getting sent to the Philippines.”

“Was he skillful at least?” Agnes asked. Jo looked at the other woman in shock, feeling her face warm.

Quite, thank you very much.

“Then not all was lost,” Agnes said with a wicked look.

I am never playing poker with this woman. Oh Jesus Nick, are you really ready for her?

Before Jo could respond, Agnes opened the door, stepped into the hallway, and was gone.

Then again, ready or not, she’ll be a very nice addition to the family.

Jo smiled, not feeling the least bit of guilt at her next thought.

Not the least because Patricia won’t know what to do with her.

As if summoned, Patricia opened Jo’s door and slipped in.

“You know, for someone who is concerned about her brothers seeing me in a state of undress, you sure don’t care about knocking.”

“My brothers are all on their way out to Ewa,” Patricia said. “Apparently that’s where Sam and David’s squadron is temporarily staying.”

“They just left Agnes?” Jo asked in a fierce whisper.

“Yes,” Patricia replied.

“So maybe one of us should go keep her company?” Jo said.

Patricia took a deep breath.

“I’m not sure how I feel about that woman,” Patricia replied. “I think Nick might have gotten in last night and stayed at her place.”

Jo really hoped that her expression didn’t match her internal ruminations.

You know, I think maybe I should just let it rip.

“I’m sure they did,” Jo replied evenly. “And I hope it was amazing for Nick as long as he’s been at sea.”

Patricia looked at Jo, her eyes wide in shock.

“Josephine!”

“There’s a war on, genius,” Jo replied. “I doubt you sent the good Lieutenant Read out of here with just a familial hug.”

If Patricia had been shocked before, Jo had a moment where she wondered if her roommate was going to lose consciousness.

You opened this dance 'Toots,' and we've been roommates long enough you should know better.

“But you know what’s more important?" she continued, pressing her advantage. "I don’t care, because if the last thought he has of you on this world is whatever happened in your bedroom, then at least he’ll die knowing someone loved him.”

Patricia’s face sobered.

Good job, Jo. You may not have said 'unlike Peter,' but damn if Patricia didn't hear it.

Before Patricia could speak, Jo held up her dress and undergarments.

“Now if you want a shower, you’ll go out and be a good hostess,” Jo continued. “Or I’m going to go be a good hostess and wonder if I’m giving off a stench all day. That will not make me happy, especially if we’re entertaining tonight.”

“Fine, I’ll go sit with her,” Patricia said.

“Try not channeling your mother for about thirty seconds,” Jo said. “While I’ve never met the woman, I’m pretty sure you’ll get along a lot better with your brother’s girlfriend.”

Patricia rolled her eyes, but left.

I swear to God, someday I’ll meet the famous Mrs. Cobb. I just hope she doesn’t make me want to grab and give her a shake like Patricia does at times. I can see that going poorly for me.

Jo looked at the clock and cursed under her breath

Going to be a quick shower unless I just want to put my hair up. I think Commander Tannehill believes I have enough mannish habits already, I really don’t need to start looking like one.

The sound of laughter from the kitchen made her smile as she slipped into the bathroom. It was Patricia’s deep, surprised laugh that indicated Agnes had apparently said something quite witty.

I guess she took my advice to heart. Or maybe I just misunderstand her sometimes.

As she put her clothes on the vanity, she noticed the corner of a piece of paper sticking out from her jewelry drawer.

Well that’s a little odd, she thought, pulling the drawer open. There was a folded up note inside. She pulled it out and recognized Sam’s handwriting. It was quick read, and Jo made sure to pass over it twice to make sure it was not misunderstood.

That complicates things. That complicates things a lot.

Taking a deep breath to fight down rising panic, Jo put the note back in the drawer and began getting ready for the day.

Gonna suck when I tell Patricia that her brother went looking for us first at the library, then at the shipyard.

For a moment, Jo indulged herself in a fantasy of Sam meeting Patricia’s former boss.

Probably fortunate for that handsy asshole he got reassigned to sanitation.

U.S.S. Yorktown

0400 Local (1800 Eastern)

350 Miles Southwest of Colombo

10 August (9 August)

“Sir, Lieutenant Commander Brigante would like to see all section leaders in the ready room.”

“Thank you, I am awake,” Eric said.

Actually I’ve been awake for the last half hour. But what’s a lack of sleep between all us boys?

The sailor nodded from the hatchway, but only moved off once Eric actually swung his legs out from his bunk. He rubbed his eyes then looked