Page 168 of Crocodile Tears

It felt like a honeymoon, but as they inched closer to Geneva, Josiah was aware that it was coming to an end.

“You’re quiet today,” Peter said on their last day, as Josiah drove them towards base camp. “What’s going on, Joe?”

He pulled the jeep over to the side of the road and turned to face him. “Am I just another rule for you to break, Peter?” he asked. “I have to know now, before we go back.”

Peter looked bemused. “Joe, don’t be?—”

“No, see, I’ve never fallen for anyone this way before. So, if this – us – is just another way for you to stick it to the army, then tell me now, so I kn–”

Peter shut him up by taking his face between his hands and kissing him passionately.

When he was released, Josiah sat there, blinking.

“Did that clear it up for you?” Peter asked.

Josiah cleared his throat. “Yeah. That definitely helped. Thanks. So, when we get back to base…”

“We’ll be assigned another convoy, and we’ll be out on our own for months again, just like we were this time. There’ll be plenty of opportunity for us to spend our days and nights together without the top brass ever finding out.”

“I don’t like the idea of creeping around, Peter – and what about the unit?”

“What about them?”

“Are we keeping it a secret from them, too? I’m not comfortable with that.”

“Then we’ll tell them.” Peter shrugged.

“And expect them to lie for us? I’m not comfortable with that, either.”

Peter sighed. “Look, Joe – I run an underground railroad that smuggles escaped indentured servants out of the UK. Sleeping with you is small beer by comparison. Besides, the army won’t care – it’ll be like Hattie all over again. I’ve won enough leeway that if we get found out, all I’ll get is a slap on the wrist, and you won’t get into trouble at all. I’m happy to take that risk.”

“Right. I see. Okay then,” Josiah said thoughtfully. Then he turned on the engine and started driving.

They went their separate ways when they got to the camp. Peter proceeded to report in, while Josiah did some laundry. He felt troubled. Peter’s ease with breaking the rules bothered him, and he hated the idea of either lying to the unit or asking them to keep their secret.

He mulled it over as he ironed sharp creases in his jeans and pressed the purple shirt he intended to wear for his date with Peter later.

When he was done, he took a trip to the adjutant general’s office to make some enquiries. Afterwards, he took a shower, got dressed in his smartly pressed outfit, and went looking for Peter’s quarters.

“Hey.” Peter opened the door, dripping wet, clad only in the towel that was wrapped around his waist. He was freshly shaved, and he smelled of soap – although no amount of washing ever completely removed the grease engrained in his fingers.

“Hmm, you look good.” He gave a little whistle. “All dressed up. I’ll never measure up beside you.” Grabbing a rumpled tee-shirt from the bed, he pulled it on.

Hattie came running over to greet him. Josiah petted her, glad of the distraction, until she returned to her spot, curled up on a blanket at the foot of Peter’s bed.

Then, squaring his shoulders, he stood stiffly in the centre of the room, suddenly feeling nervous.

“I went to get our orders. They’ve sent the convoy back to Reims with Big Jen in temporary command,” Peter said as he got dressed. “They left a few days ago, so we’ll need to set off at dawn tomorrow to catch up…” He paused, frowning. “Why are you standing to attention, Joe? You’re not on the parade ground.”

“I know. I just wanted to tell you that I’ve decided to request a transfer,” Josiah said stiffly. Peter’s face dropped. “I’ve been to the AGC’s office to make enquiries about joining the Military Police.”

“And what did the AGC say?”

“That they can arrange an immediate transfer – with my commanding officer’s permission.” Josiah raised a questioning eyebrow.

Peter sighed. “Come now, Joe – you know I won’t stand in your way, if this is what you really want.”

“It is.”

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