Billy Boyle (Billy Boyle World War II, #1)

by James R. Benn

I felt like she would break into a million pieces if I let go. If I didn’t, I’d break a promise I hadn’t even made yet. I had to buy some time, and I still had to get some answers. I tried to be a cop and think of her as just another civilian I needed something from. “Vicky.” “Oh yes, darling!” She smiled, her eyes still closed and her hips thrust against mine. “Vicky, tell me about the morning you left Jens’s room.” “I don’t want to talk about him.” “I don’t either. But we have to. Who else did you see, on the way back to your room?” “Another man.” “Who, Vicky?” “If I tell you, will you stop asking questions? So we can sleep?” “Sure.” “He was always very nice to me. Kind. He didn’t take advantage, like the others.” “Who was he, Vicky?” “Anders. Major Arnesen. I saw him on the main floor.” “In the corridor near the map room?” “Yes, I think so. We smiled at each other, but didn’t say anything. He must have a girlfriend. I’m glad.” “Did you see anyone else?” The music ended and she stopped dancing. The needle made a quiet hissing sound as the record went round and round and we both stood there, frozen. Her dreamy smile faded into nothing as she came back from that place she had retreated to. Then awareness crept into her face. It was like someone waking up and remembering what they had gone to sleep to escape. “That’s all you want, isn’t it?” There was a fury in her eyes that denied any lie I could tell. Her carefully constructed fantasy had just fallen apart. Without wantin...