Helena Stark: A WWII Legacy

chapter one: Helena Rogers

Standing on the deck of the small cabin, I had an amazing view of the Wind River Range that brought so many people to this area of Wyoming. The city of Lander was a lovely little town, the people were a strange mix of outdoorsman and college students from a small Catholic College. 

The coffee warmed my hand and soothed my soul as I looked at this beautiful landscape. "You know," Steve said as he joined me outside and wrapped a blanket around my shoulder. "When we got married, I had hoped we would see each other more often."

"I'm just happy I get to see you at all," I said. 

"Yeah, I doubt they'd let us visit each other if I was in prison," Steve admitted.

"If we were in prison," I told him. "They stopped asking questions, but unlike before, I do know where you are most of the time." 

"Ish," Steve said as he wrapped his arms around me. "I always find you, I think this is the first time you decided where we would go."

"Well, it is our first anniversary," I reminded. 

"At least it isn't raining today, unlike last year," Steve said. 

"Yes, I thought Rosemary was going to curse the sky into obedience," I said laughing. 

"I've never heard her curse," Steve mused.

"I didn't know she could curse like a sailor," I said, "but I guess she got it from her father."

"You can curse like a sailor," Steve reminded. 

"Never around her," I countered. 

"Right." 

"So, are we going for another hike today?" I asked brightly.

"You are not subtle," Steve said smiling.

"I'm not?" I asked in fake surprise. "Whatever makes you think that, darling?" 

"What do you want?" Steve asked as he tried not to laugh.

"What makes you think I want something?" I asked smiling.

"You only call me darling when you want something, honey," Steve said.

"Well, it seems you want something as well," I said with a raised eyebrow. 

"Perhaps a trade?" Steve suggested. 

"Alright," I agreed. "What do you want?"

"I want to go back into town and get a burger," Steve said. 

"I knew we should have gone with the strange restaurant," I said shaking my head.

"Who names a high-end restaurant the Cow-Fish?" Steve asked. "No, Gannett was much better."

"You want another burger?" I asked.

"They were really good," Steve said defensibly. "And there was that smoothie place, not to mention the ice cream down the street."

"They said it doesn't open until the Summer," I said.

"Why isn't an ice cream place open in April?" Steve asked.

"Because it's Wyoming," I reminded.

"Right, well what do you want to do?" Steve asked. "Please, don't say rock climbing. I didn't think you could scare me that much."

I glared at him, "I thought about a moonlit rappel."

"That should sound romantic, but you'd still give me a heart attack," Steve said dryly.

"But, there are apparently these really neat spots in Sinks Canyon, and I thought it would be fun to explore," I said brightly. "You look like a mountain man, might as well do what they do."