He knew the routine well. He pulled into the driveway a few short minutes later and parked his service truck behind the house then walked around to go...in the garage. He came in the door and sure enough she was folding clothes. ‘I’m home.’ Hmm, was her only response without even looking up at him. Kent knew the answer to his question before he even asked but he asked anyway. ‘How are you?’ ‘Fine.’ Kent thought the word as she said it. Sighing to himself Kent bent and took off his shoes. When the. .." He looked up suddenly, catching me by surprise, staring into my soul with those eyes. "That's how many times I told her..." His voice drifted softly away beneath his gaze."Uh..." I looked away, finding my bar towel."You're a beautiful young woman, Ivy." He drank his shot, grimacing in the mirror as I watched. "Good bartender too." Thanks." I wasn't sure what else to say. Most guys are easy to talk to, or easy to ignore, but not him."Who are you?" He caught my look as I refilled his glass.. ‘I’m sorry, I just can’t imagine how much this hurts. Where do you get your strength?’ A tremor passed my lips and I started crying. I cried for not being able to please my husband. Laura held me until I calmed. She looked so young and frightened. ‘I have to ask one question Laura. You could have any man, why Jack?’ Laura stood pacing the floor. ‘Are you sure you want to know? I don’t want to hurt you.’ ‘Yes, I must know.’ Laura bit her lip then sat on the edge of the bed. ‘Day after day I saw. "I haven't decided if I'm going to send them on or not. What is the situation in the village?" The situation is optimal, Sir," the Lieutenant continued. "The village is secured; the wharfs and warehouses locked and guarded. I estimate there are abut fifteen hundred living in the village, maybe an equal number outside scattered around. With the three-hundred troops ashore and the five-hundred still afloat we should fine. The population is not exactly welcoming us with open arms, but at least.