Battle Cry - Leon Uris [99]
“That is correct, but you didn’t give me a chance to tell you.”
“We do hope you boys like us. We owe so much to you, with the Japs breathing down our necks and our own lads so far away.”
“You here often?”
“I do a regular turn twice a week. Now, I told you, no fraternizing.”
“No fraternizing Andy,” he corrected.
“I’ve another customer. Excuse me please.”
“Don’t stay too long. I want to tell you about what an amazing fellow I am.”
He watched her move on down the counter and serve a Kiwi airman. Andy disliked these opening maneuvers. However, he reckoned they were necessary. He also liked what he saw and there were only a few invaluable moments to try for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. As she moved about on her duties, he managed to slip in a word of conversation from time to time.
“What part of America are you from?”
“Washington.”
“Oh, the capital?”
“No, Washington State, there’s a difference.”
“Come now, I went to school, you know. Washington is on the western coast of the United States and produces large quantities of timber,” she recited.
“And I cut down half that timber before I enlisted.”
“Really, that is interesting—a woodsman.”
“Lumberjack.” (Now don’t flit off again, honey.)
“And you really cut trees at one of those camps?”
“Topped them, cut them, and floated them down the river.” (That’s right, just lean over the counter and get real interested.) “My name’s really Bunyan but modesty forbids so I go by the name of Hookans.” (Smile pretty.) “By the way, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Pat, Pat Rogers.”
“I knew a girl by the name of Pat once.” (What a dirty bitch she was.) “Heck of a nice girl. Came from Spokane, I had a big crush on her when I was a kid.” (Every guy in town was laying her.)
“Yes, there are Pats all over. Small world,” she said. (Clever comeback…ripping, eh wot?)
“Say Pat, in the interest of harmony among the Allies and lend-lease and my morale, how about a date?” (Close in, boy.)
“I’m afraid I couldn’t.” (Aw honey, don’t make it rough on old Andy.)
“I haven’t met anybody since I’ve been here. I guess I don’t make friends easy. I sure would like an evening of dancing and movies. Maybe help me forget I’m so homesick.” (To say nothing of a night in bed with you.)
“Thanks very much, Andy, but I’m afraid I’ll have to let that part of the war effort down. Nice meeting you.” (Boy, she didn’t mince words. I’ll play it pathetic, then quit.)
He gave a weak smile and grinned like a naughty puppy that was caught in the act and looking for pity. She sighed, shrugged and turned to meet the onrush of Marines pouring in for a quick cup of coffee. He propped his elbows on the counter, put his chin in his hands and looked doleful. Then he spotted the wedding ring on her hand. (Married!) He slipped on his overseas cap, squared away and turned to leave. She met him at the end of the counter.
“Andy.”
“Yes?”
“You don’t mind if I’m fickle, woman’s prerogative. Flickers and dancing do sound nice and I haven’t been out in an awfully long time. Could I take you up on it?”
(I’ve heard everything now, sister. Pining away for your old man in the Middle East? I’ll bet you haven’t been out since last night.) “You bet you can take me up on it. Just lead the way, wherever you want to go. I get liberty Thursday. I’ll be ashore around six, how’s that?”
“I’ll have to get someone to take my shift, but I’ll arrange it.” (I’m sure you will…old Andy likes married broads, well broken in.)
“Where shall I pick you up?”
“Salvation Army Hotel for Women. On Nelson Square, a bit above Lambdon Quay.” (Salvation Army Hotel…oh well, I can always get a hotel room.)
“See you Thursday and thanks, Pat.” (Yeah, see you in the sack, old bean.)
“I don’t give a big rat’s ass…see, I don’t give a big rat’s ass.” Ski wavered and hit the bar with his face.
“You’d better cut this out, Ski, or you’ll get shipped to field music.”
“I don’t give a big rat’s ass. Don’t make no goddam difference nohow, any more.”
“Are you coming or do I get rough?” Danny demanded.
“You’re my buddy, Danny. You’re