Back in her time by Patricia Corbett Bowman Page A

welc’. Go, go.” Bette turned, about to enter the house, when Taylor put a hand on hers.
    â€œWait. Tell your grandfather: I know Victoria College. We went there once on a school trip to look at the university architecture. Tell him the main stone staircase is old and worn-looking after all the years of students like him treading on them.”
    Bette nodded, repeating Taylor’s words, “… stone stair old,” then she pulled the massive wooden door closed behind her.
    â€œMost gracious? Treading? Where do you get this vocabulary, Junior?” Mac put an arm around her and the other around Whitey. “You Toronto residents sure talk fancy.”
    â€œYou might try reading books instead of numbers, sometime,” said Taylor, squeezing Mac’s arm.
    Mac laughed, and the threesome stumbled their way from the mansion and found a straw-strewn stable, where they collapsed for the night.
    * * *
    â€œGet up, you drunken louts. I can smell the Eyetie vino from here. And what is that other smell? What have you been eating? Garlic? Sarge has had me looking everywhere for you,” said Swampy as he prodded the boys with his boot. “We’ve got to vamoose.”
    Mac opened his eyes first. Whitey sat up fast, grabbing for his rifle, which wasn’t there. Taylor moaned. “I think my eyes are glued shut and my head … who hit me with a hammer?”
    â€œLucky devils. Where did you find something to snort in this rubble of a town? Pull yourselves up by your bootstraps. The Sarge is waiting.”
    The boys leaned against each other as they struggled to stand. Swampy rushed around and gathered up their rifles and packs.
    â€œCome on. Sarge will have my hide if I don’t bring you back now. Besides, there’s a surprise waiting for you guys.”
    The three untidy soldiers stumbled their way back to the main group waiting for them beyond the village. Thirsty, the boys gulped from their canteens, not caring whether or not they had added purification tablets since their last refill at a river.
    Taylor remembered what the surprise was before they saw it. Pops had told him they were separated from Red but he had made it back to them after he was treated.
    â€œYippee! It’s you, Red. You old Zombie. Getting your ass cut up didn’t get you sent home, you bastard,” Whitey said, patting Red on the shoulders.
    â€œYeah, I’m just too tough. After they had a few laughs those sisters plucked me like a chicken and covered me with so many bandages I feel like I’m wearin’ babies’ nappies.” Red smiled all around. “Of course, sittin’ down I don’t do so good.”
    Everyone laughed.
    â€œIt’s great to see you again, Red. We sure missed you,” said Taylor. And she meant it.
    â€œI got a message for you, Junior boy, from that pretty little sister.”
    â€œAlma?” She remembered me?
    â€œAllllmaaaa says to say hello to you and she hopes you’ll take good care of her handkerchief, as it was her grandmother’s.”
    â€œJunior has a cutie patutie. You lucky devil, right here in Italy.” Mac grabbed Taylor and swung her around. “Shall we dance, oh sweet face?”
    While twirling around, Taylor called out to Red. “Did she say anything else?”
    â€œThat she loves you, darling Junior,” yelled Whitey.
    Sarge sauntered up to the group. “The reunion’s over. Get moving, men. All except you, Junior. A word.”
    Taylor followed Sarge back to the rear. Great. What is it this time? More Highlanders? Am I to be put on notice for drinking underage last night or at the monastery?

Chapter Sixteen

    The captain wants to speak to you. Hop in.” Sarge indicated a jeep, motor running. Jumping in first, he sat next to the driver.
    Taylor followed and took the backseat. I’ve been found out. They know I’m not this Reid guy. They’re probably sending me to a military