Fading Thunder_A Historical Romance Page 16

  The speaker, praised our men for their service. The high school chorus sang “Soldiers of Christ Arise.” We all stood and sang along. After everyone settled back down, the mayor stood to speak.

  “Each of the men on this stage has a story to tell. We’d be here for days if we detailed all of their courageous deeds. However, one of our boys, Michael Hutchinson, was not able to attend today. We had a request from one of his fellow Marines, Corporal Isaac House, to speak on his behalf. Please give a warm welcome to Corporal House.”

  I sat straighter in my chair, searching the crowd for Michael, but I no longer saw him. Corporal House, in dress uniform, walked across the stage and shook the mayor’s hand. The mayor clapped him on the shoulder before sitting down. The man smiled, his teeth as white as the hat on his head, contrasting against his mahogany skin.

  “I would like to thank the mayor and the town council for allowing me to speak here today on behalf of one of the finest Marines I’ve ever been privileged to meet. Lieutenant Michael Hutchinson is my fellow brother-in-arms, and I’m sorry he’s not here today. I’ve been told his wife and son are in attendance, and I hope to have the honor of meeting them after the proceedings.” He searched the grandstand, and I nodded my head. He flashed another smile as his eyes met mine.

  “Today I’d like to relate the story of my first encounter with her husband.”

  Aunt Jenny grabbed my hand and squeezed it, but I kept my eyes focused on Isaac House.

  “On that day, my unit was transporting ammunition to the frontline through the jungle, and we came across a squad of men who had been ambushed by the Japanese and were under fire.”

  I folded my hands together in my lap. Could that have been the day the officer in charge had disregarded Argos’s detection of the enemy?

  “Several men had been killed, including the handler of the dog who served with them. Men from our squad took their places in the foxholes. It was already late in the evening, and soon night fell. Lieutenant Hutchinson had taken command of the group, the officer in charge being among the dead.” He paused and looked around at the crowd before he continued.

  “Several times during the night, the dog alerted us to the enemy’s movements and saved our lives. In the early morning hours, just before sunrise, we came to the realization that help was not coming. Lieutenant Hutchinson informed us we would have to fight our way out. He led the way, the dog by his side. Their bravery inspired us to leave our foxholes and scramble after them.”

  He stared down at the podium, as if to regain his composure. He cleared his throat. “At one point, the dog took down a Japanese soldier who was firing at me. Although wounded, the dog continually charged forward with the lieutenant. Eight of the enemy were captured, but, unfortunately, the dog was badly wounded. Lieutenant Hutchinson led us to safety, even while refusing to leave any of the wounded behind, including the dog. Without his leadership that day, I know the outcome would have been much different. I received a minor leg wound, and Lieutenant Hutchinson visited me while I recovered. Due to his diligence —” His voice broke, and he swallowed a couple of times before he could continue.

  “At his insistence that I deserved it, I received a medal —” His voice broke again, and he touched the medal pinned to his chest. He cleared his throat.

  “Lieutenant Hutchinson and I have skins of a different color, but he showed me we are brothers and sons of God. I would like to end today with this Bible verse from First John 3:16: Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” The corporal stood for a moment, looking out over the crowd, before he spoke again. “Lieutenant Michael Hutchinson, today I salute you.” At his words, all the military men on stage stood as one and followed his lead, saluting my husband. Had they planned it? My eyes watered, and I linked my hands in my lap, staring down at them.

  Aunt Jenny touched my arm and whispered. “Invite Corporal House to the cookout.”

  I nodded, and everyone stood as we recited the pledge of allegiance. The high school band played the “Star Spangled Banner,” and the crowd began to disperse. I left James Colton with Aunt Jenny and made my way to the stage, stopping to speak with several people along the way.

  Corporal House met me, and I held out my hand to him. He took my hand in both of his. His dark eyes filled with tears, as did my own.

  There was so much I wanted to say but couldn’t find the words. After searching his eyes, I spoke. “My aunt wanted me invite you over for supper.”

  “My wife and three kids are with me.”

  “They’re welcome also.”

  “In that case, we’ll be happy to join your family. I hope your husband will be there.”

  I nodded, hoping so too. I gave him directions. Others were crowding around, wanting to speak to him, and so I moved away, back to where Aunt Jenny held James Colton.

  Chapter 28—Corporal House

  James Colton and I went in search of Michael. I thought he might be at the office and checked there first. There was no sign of him. Next, I drove home, but he was not there; nor was he at Uncle Colt’s. The only other place he might be was his father’s house, and I continued there.

  I was relieved to find his truck parked in their yard. Uncle Aaron, Mr. Paul, and Michael were sitting on the front porch. As soon as we got out, James Colton ran up the steps to his father and climbed in his lap.

  “Nice ceremony, wasn’t it?” Mr. Paul greeted me.

  “Were y’all there? I didn’t see you.”

  Uncle Aaron scooted over and made room for me on the swing. “We didn’t sit in the grandstand.”

  I took a seat by Uncle Aaron. “I can’t stay long. I was looking for you, Michael. Aunt Jenny invited us over, and Corporal House is going to be there — is probably already there.”

  Michael raised his eyes to meet mine and shook his head.

  “He said he wanted to see you.”

  He shrugged his shoulders, and I looked to Mr. Paul for help.

  “Mike, this man only had kind words to say about you ...”

  Michael cut his father off. “I heard him, but that’s just it. He’s wrong. It’s my fault those men were killed.”

  Uncle Aaron shook his head, confusion in his eyes. “How do you figure it’s your fault? From what Corporal House said, you saved lives that day.”

  Michael took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Argos detected the Japanese, but Lieutenant Clanton refused to listen to the handler. He ignored him, and when I spoke up, he ignored me, too.”

  “So, how is that your fault?” Uncle Aaron asked.

  James Colton had fallen asleep in Michael’s lap, and my heart constricted at the scene. Michael shifted his weight slightly before speaking. “It’s my fault because Lieutenant Clanton and I were equal rank. I could have insisted, but I had my own doubts about the dog. I should never have doubted Argos.”

  I pushed back a strand of hair. “Michael, how many times have you told me to leave the past in the past?”

  “And that’s exactly what I want to do. I don’t want any reminders of what happened. I just want to forget.” He laid his head so it rested on top of James Colton’s, his eyes averted from mine.

  I let out an exasperated sigh. “The world is not going to let you forget. People consider those who fought heroes.”

  “I wasn’t a hero. I only did what anyone else would have done.”

  “You’re wrong, son,” Mr. Paul said. “Not many people would have had the courage to lead those men out of that trap.”

  “It wasn’t me; it was Argos. I simply followed him.”

  I leaned toward Michael. “Why don’t you tell Corporal House that? You could even take him to Argos.”

  “No.”

  “Why?” I insisted.

  He lifted his head and met my eyes. “Because the records show Argos was euthanized. No one can know the dog is alive.”

  Somehow I had known this all along. I licked my lips. “I�
�m sure Corporal House will not tell anyone. Don’t you think you can trust him?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “I probably can, but the fewer people who know, the better.”

  I got up from the swing. “Corporal House and his family are probably already at Aunt Jenny’s. I’d better go. I’ll make up some excuse why you’re not there.”

  Michael nodded. “Leave James Colton here. No need to wake him.”

  “He’ll be hungry when he wakes.”

  Mr. Paul smiled. “We’ll scrounge up something for him.”

  “All right.” I went to my son and kissed the top of his head. Michael caught my hand before I moved away and brought it to his lips, kissing my palm.

  I pulled my hand away, upset that he would not go with me, and turned to his uncle and father. “Y’all are welcome to join us. I’m sure they’ll have plenty.”

  Mr. Paul shook his head. “We’ll stay here with Michael.”

  I understood he didn’t want to leave his son. I nodded and headed to the car.

  I parked beside Uncle Colt’s truck and got out. The yard was full, and the House children were running around with sparklers. William and Corporal House were comparing war stories while Uncle Colt and Walter occasionally asked questions. I greeted them and motioned for Corporal House to follow me, walking a few feet away.

  The smell of the cooking burgers made my stomach churn, and I turned my back to the smoke.

  “Michael didn’t feel up to coming,” I said. “I’m sorry. I know you wanted to see him.”

  Corporal House had taken off his uniform and changed into a button-up shirt and dress pants. “I live over in Coffee County. Maybe I can come back another day.”

  “Michael is so busy with work, I’m not sure when he’ll have time.”

  Corporal House’s eyes clouded, and then he nodded. “I understand.”

  I moved closer. “Corporal House —”

  “Please, call me Isaac.”

  I smiled. “If you’ll call me Jay.” I searched his dark eyes. “To tell you the truth, Michael feels responsible for what happened. The commanding officer disregarded Argos’s warning. Michael thinks he should have been more vocal, demanding that the officer heed the dog’s alert.”

  “What’s done is done. We can’t undo the past. But he got us out of a tough situation and should be proud of himself for that.”

  I kicked at the ground with the toe of my shoe. “Thank you for your kind words today. Michael hasn’t talked about the war since he’s been home — not until today.”

  “You mean he was there, at the ceremony?”

  “Yes, in the crowd. He heard what you said.” Tears pricked my eyes.

  Isaac nodded. “I’m glad he did. Thank you, Mrs. Hutchinson.”

  “No, thank you, Corporal House.” We smiled at each other, and I went to find the ladies.

  Aunt Liza, Aunt Jenny, Laurie, and Mrs. House were on the front porch. Aunt Jenny had out the ice cream maker. Laurie forced the lever around, the cranking taking extra effort, probably almost ready.

  I introduced myself to Isaac’s wife. She shook my hand and told me her name was Elizabeth just as Michael’s truck pulled into the yard.

  “Excuse me. There’s Michael.” My heartbeat quickened, and I ran to the truck to meet him. When he got out, Argos jumped down behind him.

  I reached for his hand. “Michael, there are children here. Isaac’s, plus Joe Joe is around somewhere.”

  “I brought a leash.” Argos sat down at his feet, and Michael clipped the lead to his collar.

  I breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. Where’s James Colton?”

  “I left him with Daddy. He was still sleeping.”

  “He’s not going to sleep a wink tonight.” I linked my arm in Michael’s, and we walked to where Uncle Colt was finishing up the burgers.

  Isaac was laughing at something William had said when he turned and saw us. He walked as if his feet moved of their own volition. He didn’t greet us, but looked at Argos in astonishment. “Is this the dog? Is this Argos?”

  Michael nodded, and Isaac dropped to his knees. To my astonishment, Argos met him like an old friend, wagging his tail and whining. Isaac fell on the dog’s neck and cried.

  I struggled to hold back tears. William rescued me, draping an arm over my shoulders. “Why don’t we go in and let them catch up?” he murmured.

  Uncle Colt and Walter were already headed toward the house. William and I followed. I looked over my shoulder to see that Michael had knelt beside Isaac, and he, too, had an arm around Argos.

  His face was hidden, but I knew it, like Isaac’s, was wet with tears.

  Later that evening, long after the sun had set, we gathered on Uncle Colt’s front porch. There weren’t enough chairs, so some of us sat on the floor and the steps. Michael sat at the end of the porch, his knees up, his arms dangling loosely. He looked completely relaxed. The light from inside gave enough illumination for me to make out his outline and sink down beside him. The skies had clouded and no light came from the stars or moon. Argos was on his other side, his head on his paws.

  After everyone had found seats, we fell quiet, even the children. For a few minutes, we stared into the darkness, each preoccupied with our own thoughts.

  Michael let his head fall back until it rested against the wall. He spoke without preamble. “When Isaac was taken to the field hospital, I followed, with Argos in my arms. At first, they refused to let me enter, but so many of the men urged that they relented. I operated on Argos, in the midst of my own wounded men. Afterward, they allowed me to rig up a cot for the dog next to Isaac.” Michael chuckled softly. “I caught Isaac sneaking Argos part of his own rations.

  “Then we were ordered to move out, but Argos had not recovered from his wounds, so I carried him. I was still in charge of the platoon, since a replacement for Lieutenant Clanton wasn’t yet available.”

  “I asked to go with you, and I know you did all you could,” Isaac said.

  “Yeah. I requested you be transferred into my unit but was refused,” Michael said. “Thankfully, I think this war has helped pave the way for desegregation, at least in the armed forces.”

  Isaac stirred. “The day’s coming. We just have to be patient.” He climbed to his feet. “Mr. and Mrs. Bryan, I want to thank you for your hospitality.”

  “Stay with us,” Aunt Jenny urged. “We’re enjoying your company.”

  Isaac helped Elizabeth to her feet, and then she turned toward Aunt Jenny. “We would love to, but it’s been a long day. We’d better get the kids home and in the bed.”

  I leaned closer to Michael. “We need to pick up James Colton. It’s past his bedtime.”

  Everyone stood and shook hands, insisting we’d get together soon. Isaac gave Argos several more pats, then he and Michael clasped each others’ arms for a full ten seconds, each reluctant to let go.

  Michael and I returned home in our separate vehicles. Michael went to Mr. Paul’s to pick up James Colton. He fell asleep in the truck, and Michael carried him in, putting him to bed still clothed, only pulling off his socks and shoes. Then he left to put Argos back in his pen.

  It had been a long day. I left a light on for Michael, then undressed and climbed into bed. I decided that when I felt better, I’d cook a meal for the Houses. Maybe we could borrow Uncle Colt’s grill.

  When Michael came back, he lay down beside me, and I snuggled against him, not caring that the heat was stifling.

  He wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Are you feeling okay? You didn’t get overly tired?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Good. I wanted to tell you something.” His thumb traced patterns on my arm.

  “What?” I prompted when he fell silent.

  He stirred, shifting positions slightly. “The lieutenant who died that day, his full name was Jonathan Clanton. I won’t repeat the exact words, but the men called him J.C. behind his back — Jesus Christ in the flesh. And it wasn’t a compliment.”


  “Oh.” No wonder he didn’t want me calling our son J.C.

  “He was such a know-it-all, full of bluster, going off half-cocked.” He rolled away from me and pushed back his hair with both hands.

  I moved to lay my head on his chest, and his arm wrapped around me again.

  His fingers stroked my arm. “He was killed, and I still can’t forgive him.”

  “With the war at an end, perhaps you can come to terms with it.”

  “Yeah. I reckon. And it’s good to have a friend in Isaac, someone who understands.”

  “We’ll have them over soon,” I promised. We were quiet for a moment, and then he spoke again.

  “It’s back to work tomorrow — unless you want to take a long weekend? We could get away, drive down to the beach?”

  “It sounds tempting, but there’s so much catching up to do at the office.”

  “All right.” He sighed deeply. “It’s late — we’d better get some sleep.”

  “Let me check on James Colton.” I slipped out of bed and padded into the other room to find James Colton sleeping soundly. By the time I got back, Michael had fallen asleep, one arm thrown across his forehead. I pulled his arm around me gently and nestled into the place where I belonged. I silently breathed a prayer of thanksgiving for Michael and for Argos; I was only beginning to understand how much they had endured.

  Chapter 29—Momma

  We brought Momma home after work the next day. She followed me around that first evening, asking where Zeke was. It didn’t matter how many times I explained to her that he had just visited and had to go back to Plainsville.

  Momma joined us at the table for supper. As soon as we finished eating, Michael went out, taking James Colton with him. I cleaned up the kitchen and asked Momma to dry the dishes. She pretended she didn’t hear me. When I finished, I joined her at the table. She asked me again about Zeke.

  “Momma, you remember — the doctors at Fort Benning wanted Zeke to go back.”