Leeanne came to attention. “How do you do, sir.”
“If I may, Captain,” Bennett said as he kissed the back of Leeanne’s hand, “you have a very beautiful wife.”
James smiled. “Damned straight, sir.”
“Still the same old insolent pup, eh?”
“She’s trying to change me, but no luck yet, sir.”
Bennett laughed and walked back to his desk. “Please, have a seat. May I offer you a cup of tea?” He reached into an ornate wooden box sitting on the corner of the desk and pulled out a meerschaum pipe, the face of an angel carved into the bowl.
“Tea would be fine, sir,” Leeanne said, and rubbed her temples.
James looked at her closely. “Are you all right?”
She smiled, but her eyes bore into him. “Back off.”
“Seeing as you already know the barracks, James,” Bennett said, ignoring the brief exchange, “I’ve arranged for a small tour for Leeanne. I hope you don’t mind, my dear.”
“I’d be delighted, sir.”
“Captain!” he called loudly. Smoke swirled around his head as he stood.
James stood and turned to face the door. His eyes opened in shock. “Sweet Jesus! Brian!” He walked over to his friend, and the two embraced.
“You had us worried for a while there, Jimmy. I thought I told you that this hero bunk can get a man seriously hurt.”
“Nobody ever said heroes were smart.”
“Captain Crawford, I assume you know Mrs. Morgan.”
“Yes, sir.” Brian, an inch shorter than James, but more muscular, walked over and wrapped his arms around her. She squealed as he twirled her around. “Hello, my dear.”
The two men had been friends since James’ tour with the Royal Regiment of Wales several years ago. With a similar sense of humor and honor, and with both having family in Brecon, an instant friendship had formed and was nurtured through the years.
Leeanne kissed his cheek and ran her fingers through his short hair. “If only James had red hair like this, he’d be perfect.”
“Careful what you wish for, lass. He’s hard enough to live with already.” He took her arm and guided her to the door. “Don’t worry, boyo, I’ll take good care of her. We shall see you for lunch. Brigadier,” Brian said, and saluted.
“Wouldn’t you know it? I don’t see the man for two years and what’s he do? He walks out with my wife.”
James and Brigadier Bennett meandered through the compound while Bennett explained some of the newer, less classified security measures around the perimeter and made their way across the parking lot to the museum. As they walked through the displays, they stopped at the tribute to Lieutenant J.R.M. Chard, Royal Engineers, Officer Commanding, Rorke’s Drift.
During the Zulu wars, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot, Welsh Borderers, with only 137 men, successfully defended an outpost from several thousand Zulu warriors. Eleven Welshmen were decorated for extreme valor during the battle.
“It’s a lovely shade of purple, don’t you think?” Bennett and James stood in front of the replica of the Victoria Cross awarded to Lieutenant Chard.
“Yes, sir.” The admiration in his voice was clearly evident.
Bennett looked at his watch and sighed. “Well, Captain, time to go.”
“Sir?”
“Just follow me.”
“Yes, sir.” There were some senior officers you could joke with, and while Bennett fell in this category, James knew better than to say no to him. The two men walked into the bright morning sunlight toward a Royal Air Force helicopter sitting in the middle of the parking lot. The pilot and copilot stood at ease on either side of the door.
“Going somewhere, sir?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. And so are you.”
“Sir?”
“Do be quiet, Captain, and get on board.”
“What about Leeanne and Brian?”
“They’ve already left.”
“Okay,” he said slowly. Making a valiant effort to keep his mouth shut lest he annoy the Brigadier more, he leaned back as the helicopter lifted up and nosed into the wind.
James marveled at the natural beauty of the area as they flew over the Welsh countryside. Gentle rolling hills led to the top of Pen y Fan, the highest of the Brecon Beacons. It had seen a storm during the night, and its snow-covered peak contrasted sharply with the purple heather gently blowing in the fields lower down.
James closed his eyes. A bit of sleep wouldn’t hurt him, and Bennett was already reading a newspaper. Besides, he thought as he folded his arms across his chest, if my eyes are closed, I won’t die screaming when the rubber band on this thing breaks.
It seemed only minutes had passed before Bennett shook him awake. “Captain. Captain Morgan,” Bennett called loudly over the whine of the engines. “Time to wake up, James.”
“James wants some more sleep.” He rubbed his eyes and looked out the window. A vast city sprawled below. “May I ask where we are, sir?”
“We’ll be landing shortly. If your geography is as good as your history, you should be able to tell me where you are.”
“London, sir.” James continued looking about as the helicopter began to descend. A second helicopter was already in the courtyard. “Sir,” James said weakly, “is there something I should be aware of?”
“Captain Morgan, you are getting a medal, and as a Canadian soldier, you are entitled to receive it here.” The helicopter touched down and several men rushed forward.
“Welcome, gentlemen. You should only be here an hour, but we must keep moving. Time is tight.” James looked at the man dressed in a black tuxedo with tails. Comprehension was slow and Bennett laughed out loud at James’s discomfort.
“Shall we go?” Bennett asked pleasantly. James nodded again, stepped out of the helicopter, and held his beret in his hand until they were out of the down-blast from the rotors. Only when he was inside did he put his beret on.
James’s mind had stopped working. He knew where he was, but he had never been this close before, never saw anything but pictures. The sheer size of the building astounded him. Royalty wasn’t just a word around here: it was a state of mind.
They turned a corner and entered a large room with forty or so people standing, chatting. Brian, now in his dress uniform, walked up to his ashen-looking friend. “Welcome to Buckingham Palace, Jimmy. I’d take more of your time, but someone is waiting to see you.”
He moved aside, and from across the room, Leeanne walked forward. The business suit was gone, and in its place she wore a full-length navy blue satin gown. James had never seen her like this. Not even on their wedding day did she look this radiant. Long sleeves covered her arms, and the high Victorian collar accentuated her slender neck. She reached up and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. “My God,” he said as their eyes met, “you really do look like a princess.” She blushed and smiled more warmly than he could ever remember. She was about to speak when the little tuxedoed man entered the room and called for everyone’s attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen. When your name is called …”
“Would someone please tell—“
“Be quiet and listen,” Brian said. “This is one show you don’t want to muck