He was injured. But how? When? What had happened on their journey?
As the three neared, they bore an untold story in the muddy stains discoloring their coats and clinging to their worn shoes, their faces road-weary. They had only one small suitcase between them. Ava’s gaze was drawn back to James, alarmed at the amount of weight loss evident in his gaunt cheeks and slender neck since she’d last seen him.
Alfie and James shook hands in a gentlemanly greeting.
“Ava Harper?” The woman drew her attention, large hazel eyes brimming suddenly with tears. Her son burrowed deep into his mother’s coat like a frightened little mouse.
Ava’s throat was too tight to do anything more than nod.
“The American librarian,” the woman said in French. “You are the one who helped bring us here?”
“Oui.” Ava swallowed. “I saw the message in Combat. I’ve been preparing for your arrival, to help…”
Tears streamed down the woman’s face. “Thank you. For everything you’ve done. Thank you for seeing Elaine’s message and to you, James, for taking us on this journey to safety.”
Ava’s eyes prickled with emotion, and she nodded as she attempted to wrest control of herself once more.
“Ava,” James said. “This is Sarah and Noah Cohen.”
“It is so wonderful to finally meet you,” Ava choked out. “I’m grateful you’ve arrived safely.”
Someone swept by Ava, their shoulder striking against her hard enough to make her stumble. Alfie reached to steady her, but James was there first, his solid hand on her shoulder as he threw a glare at the person who accidentally knocked into her.
“Are you all right?” he asked, his brow creased with concern.
“Are you?”
He gave an easy chuckle. “Of course.”
“You’re limping.”
He grinned. “I have it on good authority that a chap with a limp is rather dashing.”
Ava rolled her eyes at him, the way Peggy always did, but there was no real annoyance behind the action. “Come, let’s get some food in all of you.”
Together they walked from the train station out into the March sunshine.
Sarah stopped abruptly, her eyes widening at the city around her, taking everything in from the expanse of clear blue sky overhead to the reflection of sunlight on the limestone and the heavy flow of cars roaring by. A little girl strolled by with her mother, a large pastry in her hand. Noah had lifted his head and mutely followed their departure, gaze fixed on the confection.
Two German men nearby began speaking, their voices loud. Sarah hugged Noah tightly to her as her body went stiff.
“No one will hurt you here,” Ava reassured her. “Portugal is neutral. The Germans have no power.”
It was mostly true. While the Portuguese people were absent prejudice and gave freely, sharing their possessions and food with the refugees, there were always those whose loyalty could be bought.
Fortunately, the Allies had supporters in their corner too.
“Rossio Square is right around the corner,” Ava said gently. “I’ve secured an apartment for you both there. You’ll be close to restaurants, grocery stores, whatever you need.”
“We don’t have ration cards,” Sarah whispered, her eyes fixed on everything around them, her body taut.
“There is no ration here.” Ava set a hand on the woman’s shoulder and gently led her forward. “I purchased some groceries for you, but nothing has been prepared to eat. If you like, we can order a meal here.”