Code Red (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 11

"Can I take some back for Chrissy?"

Nicole nodded as they packed away the picnic. They were home ten minutes before Alan's return with Chrissy. She bounced into the lounge, looking thoroughly satisfied, Waverly guessing the lunch had gone well. "That was the most enjoyable experience of my life. Alan is such a gentleman. Doesn't say much, but when he does. He's so clever. And, I never knew beef bourguignon could taste that good."

Waverly produced the half of chocolate bar she had hidden under the magazine she was reading. "I have something else that tastes good."

"Is that? Can't be. Where did you get it?"

Waverly had to think. She couldn't tell her it was from Nicole. That would make Chrissy curious. It was in that moment Waverly realised how careful she would need to be to keep what she had with Nicole a secret. No leaks. No slips. "Alan left it for us, as a treat. His contact at the American Embassy gets it for him."

Chrissy's eyes were fixed on the chocolate. Waverly wasn't sure if she had heard the last sentence in her enthusiasm to get her hands on the bar. She handed the remainder to Chrissy. "Sorry, I hope you don't mind me taking some already."

"Absolutely fine. I would have done the same. Oh my, this tastes like heaven. And, we didn't have to sleep with anyone to get it."

Waverly smiled, knowing she would happily have slept with the person who gave it to her.

Alan and Nicole had been invited to a party in London. The girls were to accompany them, as a treat. Alan would drive. They would stay in a hotel overnight. Alan was instructed by Nicole to book four rooms. The party was being held in one of the Government buildings in Whitehall. All the top brass would be there. It was an occasion to acknowledge the work being done. Alan was his usual punctual self, arriving at the house at noon. They had lunch together. The girls were excited. Chrissy couldn't stop talking. Everyone listened, wondering how she could say so much and clear her plate at the same time. Their bags packed, party frocks on, they made their way to Alan's car.

The roads into London were reasonably clear. They passed several bomb sites, buildings in ruins, smoke still rising as fires burnt themselves out. Civilians worked to remove bricks and debris from roads in an effort to keep London moving. Alan pulled up outside the hotel. It was grand, imposing, still standing. Leaving Nicole and the girls to check in, he went to park the car. Waverly opened the door to her room. Spacious, luxurious, it had a large double bed. She had never stayed anywhere this posh. She had never seen anywhere this posh. Her walks around the pond to feed the ducks with Charles now a distant memory.

Nicole knocked on the door. Pulling her inside, Waverly couldn't resist kissing her. "This is perfect," Waverly said, her arms wrapped round Nicole's waist.

"I thought you would like it. The party starts at 5pm. We'll have drinks downstairs first. There's food at the venue. If I can persuade Alan we may go to a club afterwards. See you in thirty minutes."

One final kiss and she exited the room. Waverly knew this was going to be a good evening.

The party was in full swing when they arrived. Waverly had never seen so many people in uniform. She wondered why Nicole had chosen not to wear hers, then realised it was only men wearing them. They circulated. Alan shook hands every so often, looking uncomfortable. A young woman spotted Nicole, making a beeline, kissing her on the cheek. "My dear, so lovely to see you again. How are you keeping?"

"Well, thank you. Mary, you know Alan. May I introduce Miss Earp and Miss Nedley?"

She smiled, offering her hand for them to shake. "We must catch up. Call me."

Chrissy whispered to Waverly. "Tell me, you know who that is?" Waverly didn't. She would be forever in awe of Chrissy's ability to know who everyone was. "None other than Mary Spencer-Churchill. As in, Winston Churchill's daughter. Wow, Nikki must be well-connected."

A waiter carrying a plate of sandwiches walked past, distracting Chrissy. They ate, they drank, they talked. It was a very pleasant evening. At 8pm, Nicole motioned for them to leave. They retrieved their coats, hailing a taxi to take them the short distance to a club Nicole had in mind. It was busy when they entered. Music, dancing, drinking, Waverly was enthralled. So many new experiences. They stayed until just before midnight, enjoying the heady atmosphere, not wanting it to end. Alan eventually said he needed to sleep, the group making their way back to the hotel.

There was a knock on Waverly's door. Nicole was holding a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Waverly smiled to herself. From the first time Nicole had stood holding a mug of warm milk, here they were in a hotel in London about to share champagne. She would never grow tired of this woman. Nicole entered, placing the glasses on the table, pouring the champagne, offering a glass to Waverly. "Here's to us."

Waverly sipped her drink. It was the first time she had tried it. Delicious. The bubbles hitting her tongue, a crisp taste she could easily become accustomed to. She put her glass down, taking Nicole's from her. She ran her hand up the back of Nicole's dress looking for the zip. She released it, letting the dress fall to the floor. Nicole did the same with Waverly's dress. They stood for a moment, Nicole's eyes motioning to the bed. Taking Waverly's hand, she moved her towards it. Waverly had been waiting for this moment. She knew Nicole would guide her, make her feel things she had never felt before. She was ready.

A siren sounded. An air raid was in progress. It wouldn't be safe staying in the hotel room. Nicole instructed Waverly to get her clothes on, as she frantically pulled on her dress. "We need to leave. Now."

Nicole exited first, checking the corridor quickly for Alan and Chrissy. They were still in their rooms. She went to knock for them. Waverly emerged a few moments later, Nicole having returned with a rather dishevelled looking Alan and a sleepy Chrissy. They headed to the basement, where other guests were congregating. They heard the boom of the first explosion. Far enough away not to do damage, near enough to make Waverly anxious. Nicole looked over, desperate to hold her, knowing she couldn't.

It was a long night. The bombing went on for many hours. Unable to sleep, they amused themselves with a pack of playing cards Alan had brought with him. A baby was crying, his mother trying to comfort him. The 'all clear' siren sounded just after 7am. They made their way back to their rooms. Not enough time to resume what they had started, knowing they had to depart shortly for Bletchley. Nicole looked at Waverly as she left her at the door. A hunger in her eyes told Waverly she wanted her more than ever.