The Cuckoo's Song

Chapter Five

Anna felt entirely strange as they pulled into the town. She had been here so many times, yet only ever for fleeting moments. It was overrun with Americans, all milling around and chatting. The red banners that had always adorned the windows were now torn down, a few American flags in their place.

When the jeep stopped, the men piled out of it, going over to a group that was seemingly awaiting their return. Only Abe and Sam remained with them. They both helped Anna and Elli down from the cab, Elli looking around in amazement. She hadn't seen the outside world in so many years.

"Looks like Cotton is filling them all in," said Sam. They watched as Hollywood told the group of men something. "Showing off as always."

"Pipe down," sighed Abe, looking at Anna and Elli. "Did y'all wanna meet the boys?"

"I do!" said Elli, tucking her hand into his.

He grinned at her, then looked at Anna. She was unsure. "Come on, El, why don't you and me go over?" Elli nodded, walking over with Abe.

"They're not so bad," said Sam.

Anna looked at him gratefully. "I am sure they are not." But she knew they'd judge her, and her heart was too heavy to take any more today.

"Abe won't let them be rude to you. And I know Cotton is a pain in the ass, but he'll come around eventually."

"Why do you call him Cotton? I thought he was called Hollywood?"

"Well, actually his name is Matthew," laughed Sam. "But he likes everyone to call him Hollywood. I only call him Cotton to piss him off."

"But why? Is it a joke?"

"Sorta. He's from Mississippi, and he comes from a lot of money. And down there, that can only really have come from plantations. You know... cotton plantations."

"Slaves..."

"Yeah." Sam noticed her grimace. "Oh, don't worry Miss. He always says 'my Granddaddy weren't no slaver'," said Sam, doing his best Hollywood impression. "That's why he gets annoyed at me saying it. I don't know that there is any truth to it."

"That is a relief," breathed Anna.

They watched as the men began to greet Elli. All of them seemed to be trying to make her laugh, Abe's hand rested protectively on her shoulder.

Anna was so glad of his presence. She thought that she'd find it hard to let go of Elli at all times. But when it was to him, she felt more at ease. There was something about him so inherently soothing that it was hard not to trust him implicitly. But, for her own safety, Anna always kept a pang of doubt in her mind.

Abe turned and held out his hand to her, gesturing for her to join them. She let out a long breath.

"It's gonna be all right," promised Sam. He led her over to the group, Anna stepping into Abe's embrace.

Abe's hand sat lightly on the middle of her back, a declaration of acceptance as much as it was a comfort. "All right boys," he said, his voice a little sterner, "now this here's Anna. Y'all make sure to be nice to her."

They all nodded at her, clearly less enthusiastic than they were with Elli. So they already knew who she was.

At that, Tread, who she recognised, came over. "Miss Lehman," he said cheerfully. "Really good to see you again. Have the boys given you a good welcome?"

"No, they ain't," said Abe, his tone accusing.

"Barely given us a chance there, Abe," said one of them, who got to his feet. He held out his hand to Anna who took it lightly. "Sorry Miss, it's been a hell of a ride. I'm Marv. That there is Andy and Deano," he said pointing to the men on his left. "Then this here is Harrison and TT." He pointed to a young man beside Hollywood and then a tall man standing to his right.