Day Will Come Read Online Free PDF

hospital.’
    Dan began to unbutton his shirt. ‘Get on with it, Doc. They’ve given me a bloody desk job, and I’m not going to put up with that!’
    ‘They’ve stuck you behind a desk?’ Steve burst out laughing. ‘Good grief, man, don’t they know your reputation? Where is this desk?’
    ‘The War Office.’
    ‘Oh, my!’ Steve was doubled over with laughter. ‘That’s priceless! Have you been to any meetings yet?’
    Dan smirked. ‘I’ve got my first one today. They are under the impression that I will be useful.’
    ‘Well, I’m sure you will be … after you’ve banged a few heads together.’ Steve managed to control his amusement. ‘Get stripped off. Let’s hope you’re strong enough for Sergeant Dickins to work you to exhaustion. The people at the War Office don’t know what’s about to hit them.’
    ‘The colonel will be there as well.’
    Both men looked at each and burst out laughing.
    ‘Oh, oh! I would love to be a fly on the wall.’ The MO shook his head, instantly serious as he began his examination.
     
    It was nearly ten o’clock when Dan walked into the office. ‘Good morning, Grace.’
    ‘Good morning, sir.’ He looked different today, more relaxed, and almost buoyant, she thought as soon as she saw him. The irritation of the day before had disappeared. Perhaps he had slept well for a change.
    She handed him the morning post. ‘I didn’t open anything in case it was something I shouldn’t see.’
    He nodded and eased himself into the chair. Ignoring the letters, he picked up a folder from his desk, read the contents, and then passed them over to her. ‘Sign those.’
    Grace controlled a smile. That was an order, not a request, but she would have to get used to that. She was working for an army officer now, not James Meredith. Sadness for all she had lost over the last few weeks tried to engulf her, but she pushed it away ruthlessly. This was no time for self-pity.
    She sat down and began to read through the forms.
    ‘Sign them. You don’t have to read every word.’
    The irritation was back. ‘Yes, I do, sir. Mr Meredith taught me not to sign anything without reading every word – including the small print.’
    ‘James was always meticulous. That’s what made him a good lawyer, and a safe pilot.’
    ‘I pray he stays safe.’ She looked down so he couldn’t see the distress in her eyes, but he was very observant.
    ‘You don’t want to be here, do you?’ he said gently.
    She looked up then. ‘Do any of us, sir?’
    Without answering, he stood up and flexed his leg, before walking over to the window. ‘I haven’t any choice.Orders have to be obeyed, but you were under no such constraints. Why did you take this job? I want an honest reply, Grace.’
    ‘I came only because James had arranged the interview for me – and I stayed because you needed help.’
    Dan studied her intently. ‘As simple as that?’
    She nodded. ‘I made my decision, and it might not have been the right one, but I’ll work hard and faithfully for you.’
    ‘I don’t doubt that, and just so we understand each other, I’ll be straight with you. The job might not last long because I intend to return to my regiment at the earliest opportunity.’
    ‘I am aware of that, but all any of us can do is to take each day as it comes. We don’t know what is going to happen. Hitler is only the other side of the Channel, so that is all we can do. My mother always tells us not to try and cross our bridges before we get to them.’ Grace smiled. ‘She has a saying for everything.’
    ‘Sound advice, and something I should try to keep in mind.’ He smiled wryly. ‘All right, Grace. Let’s deal with this day, and let tomorrow take care of itself, shall we?’
    ‘An excellent idea, sir.’ She handed him the signed documents.
    He checked they were correct, and then said, ‘Put the kettle on while I take these to the appropriate department. I won’t be long.’
    It only took him five minutes.