‘You’re lying.’
‘Sam, please,’ she said, her resolve beginning to weaken.
‘Don’t you miss me at all?’ he demanded.
Of course she missed him. She missed him more than she ever imagined possible but to confess to that now was only paving the way for heartbreak. She had to remind herself of what was at stake.
‘I don’t mean to sound brutal,’ she said. ‘But I’ve been too busy.’
‘Too busy?’
‘I’ve got a new boyfriend,’ she said. ‘He’s a squadron leader. Jolly nice chap, too.’
Sam’s eyes narrowed. ‘A new boyfriend?’
‘Yes, that’s right.’
‘Do you love him?’ A muscle twitched in Sam’s jaw.
Fitz swallowed. Now was not the time to fall to pieces. ‘It doesn’t matter.’
‘It matters to me,’ snapped Sam. ‘Do you love him?’
‘I need to go,’ said Fitz, not able to meet his gaze.
Again, Sam blocked her path. ‘Do you love me?’ His voice was quiet, this time. ‘Did you ever love me, Fitz?’
‘Sam, please.’
‘Answer the goddam question.’
Before Fitz could answer, though, the duty guard came over. ‘Is everything all right here?’ he asked, eyeing Sam up.
‘Just fine, buddy,’ replied Sam, his gaze still fixed on Fitz.
‘Miss?’ queried the guard.
‘Everything is fine, thank you,’ replied Fitz. This time Sam didn’t block her path as she hurried on through the gates. She didn’t turn around despite being aware of his gaze still tracking her. She didn’t want him to see the anguish and tears on her face.
Fitz didn’t have time to dwell on her encounter with Sam. Despite Marjorie and Elsie trying to quiz her, she refused todiscuss it. The sooner she was in the air and away from everything and everyone, the better as far as she was concerned.
Half an hour after receiving her chitties for the day, Fitz was landing a Spitfire into Westhampnett. She had been given an assignment to deliver to the satellite airfield with an immediate onward trip to Biggin Hill, delivering a high-ranking officer back to his station. She was glad there was no hanging around at Westhampnett, just in case Sam turned up. Although in her heart of hearts, she knew he wouldn’t this time.
Soon enough she was landing the aircraft and her passenger at Biggin Hill.
Fitz climbed out of the plane, followed by the officer.
‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘You’re Fitz, aren’t you?’
‘Erm, yes, sir. Geraldine Fitz-Herbert.’
He studied her for what seemed like an age before he spoke. ‘Could you come with me please? I’d like to talk to you.’
‘Yes, sir.’ Fitz’s mind was racing. What on earth had she done to warrant a talking-to from an officer? She followed him into the station and down a corridor, before entering what she assumed was his office.
‘Sit down,’ he said, indicating to the chair. ‘Don’t look so worried. You’re not in trouble.’ He perched on the edge of the desk. ‘I’m Flying Officer Henley. I’ve heard a lot about you.’
‘Have you?’ Fitz didn’t think this was a good thing and didn’t really know how to respond. She opted not to say anything else.
