Carousel of Time - An Alternative Bucky Barnes Story

Chapter 5. A Storm is Blowing

The first couple of weeks of September in New York were some of the warmest in memory as Kate prepared for the birth of her son. She was often hot, and uncomfortable from the both the pregnancy and the heat. Nothing prepared her for what became known as the Great Atlantic Hurricane which hit New York overnight between September 13 and 14, 1944. With warnings that it would start bringing heavy wind and rains by September 12, Jarvis spent a lot of time boarding up anything that could be broken by wind driven debris. Together they moved all the furniture away from the windows so if one did get broken the furniture at least would be safe. Residents of lower lying areas were told to move to higher ground. Kate phoned Bucky's parents and was assured by Mr. Barnes that they would be alright. They asked about her and she told them the same. They both promised to stay put.

She never rested on the day the full storm hit that part of the east coast. Winds of over 100 mph were recorded and the whole day was spent listening to it blow and moan, followed by the sound of something hitting the building or breaking a window. It was worse when it continued into the night as they lost power and had to sit there in the dark with only a few lit candles to keep the darkness away. By the time it blew through on its way northeast towards Canada Kate had been awake for well over 30 hours and was exhausted. Ana finally forced her to go to bed, and watched her until she closed her eyes and slept. The damage in New York City was considerable, trees were blown down, windows broken, debris was everywhere. When Kate phoned the Barnes family and learned they were alright she cried in relief.

While she was awake Kate read and reread a letter from Bucky.

August 30, 1944

My dearest Kate,
What an incredible woman you are. I am so proud of your accomplishments in the art world. You truly have a gift that I recognized when I looked through the pictures you drew of the Howling Commandos. It pleases me that others have agreed with this and have paid for the privilege of owning your art. I hope, as your husband, I get a discount or a services in kind as payment for any original artwork you wish to create for our home.

As to our home, I have asked my father for advice. I hope he speaks to you about it the next time you are at the house. On the one hand we can probably get something for a good price but if we wait for the GI assistance we can perhaps get something bigger that will suit a bigger family. We haven't talked about this but I want as many children as we are blessed with but we can talk more about it once I return. Someone over here pointed out that with all the returning GIs house prices could rise so there is that to consider. Perhaps if you wait for the second commission cheque you can check the market again. If the prices have risen then jump on the best deal. If they are the same then wait for your third commission to pay dividends. I trust your judgment. You have already demonstrated your abilities to save money and don't need my advice on something you obviously have a handle on.

Now on to the question of Dottie. I would beg your indulgence on this one. It should be discussed face to face rather than on the pages of a letter. If she has become your friend, then so much the better because she is a firecracker, as are you, and I think you two could make a lot of noise together getting things done in the process. I always regretted hurting her the way I did. She deserved so much better and it sounds like Frank has been good for her.

Your description of your carousel dream almost brought me to tears. Me, the ladies man, turned into devoted husband and father of two. I am true to you and always will be my dearest Kate. A future like that with you sounds idyllic and with the added bonus of my best friend and his wife as well. If you recall what the house looked like, and go searching in the neighbourhood, and find it, buy it!

I have been giving some thought to what I should do once I am out of the service. There has been talk of continuing the work of the Howling Commandos in pursuit of certain agencies which I cannot name. If I leave the service I must have work. Police work appeals the most to me. We can discuss this when I return as I would not make any decision without your consent and guidance.