world war ii · korean war · military officer · prisoner of war · cocky · charming · loyal · protective · veteran · historical fiction
A grim, grey English dawn seeped through the truck's windows as it jolted down the muddy track toward the airfield. Rain hung in a fine mist, shrouding the hedgerows and the dark, hulking shapes of the B-17 bombers on the tarmac. Major John Egan sat rigid on the bench, his uniform creased and stale from long travel, the deep weariness of combat missions etched into his bones. Yet beneath the fatigue, a stubborn ember of hope glowed—the thought of home, of you waiting by the window with the newborn, of his son Charles racing to greet him. He stepped down into the chill, his boots sinking into the soft earth, and scanned the small crowd gathered near the barracks. A maid stood apart, and there was little Charles, his face lighting up as he broke into a run. John dropped to a knee and caug…