Read Online Arnie Jenks and the House of Strangers by Tim Bradley - Free Book Online

‘appy.’
    Thomas puffed heavily and his lungs strained like exhausted bagpipes.
    â€˜How old are you?’ said Arnie, trying not to cough.
    â€˜Eighteen – though I know I don’t look it. Long pins don’t run far in our family.’
    â€˜Were you forced to join the army?’
    â€˜No one made us. But everyone was signin’ up and I wanted to do my bit. When the posters came out spoutin’ “Your Country Needs YOU”, I didn’t think twice.’
    â€˜Ok,’ said Arnie, ‘I get that.’
    â€˜But I ‘ad no idea…’ said Thomas, looking away.
    â€˜Is it
really
awful out there?’ Arnie said after a moment.
    â€˜Yeah – ‘tis,’ said Thomas, drawing hard on his cigarette. ‘Whatever they tell you – nothin’ can prepare you for standin’ on the top of the ladder and lookin’ out over the miles of churned up ground…coils of barbed wire and…bodies…I just couldn’t deal with it…I failed.’
    â€˜You tried though…’ reasoned Arnie. ‘That’s important isn’t it?’
    â€˜Look where I am now. In a real fix!’
    â€˜But you could explain…’
    â€˜No. I ran away. That’s not an excuse. I left ‘em behind…’
    Arnie floundered, thinking of something helpful to say.
    â€˜So, you’re really a stranger ‘ere like me then.’ Thomas said changing the subject.
    â€˜Kind of,’ said Arnie, swinging his legs a little. ‘I’m just passing through. I’d meant to leave earlier but my plans changed and so had to stay for the night. I hope to be away first thing.’ Arnie crossed his fingers behind his back and wished.
    â€˜Likewise,’ yawned Thomas through dense patterns of mucky smoke. ‘But if I’m gonna ‘ave a fightin’ chance…I should ‘ave that rest now.’ He stood up and dragged himself over to a corner.
    â€˜You cross with me?’ he called back as he lay down.
    â€˜Why?’ said Arnie.
    â€˜Disturbin’ your peace. I must be the last person you expected to find down ‘ere. ‘Ell of a surprise?’
    â€˜Not quite,’ said Arnie truthfully.
    â€˜Well, sorry ‘bout that, but I didn’t plan it that way either – it just ‘appened.’
    â€˜What? You running away?’
    â€˜Didn’t want to but ‘ad to in the end.’
    Arnie looked to the floor.
    â€˜It’s ok you can say it. Not right to desert your country. I
do
know that.’
    â€˜I don’t know what to think,’ said Arnie, leaning back in his chair.
    â€˜Why should you? You’re only a nipper – what do
you
know?’
    â€˜Yes,’ said Arnie softly. ‘I don’t know anything really.’
    Thomas sighed. ‘Thanks for not judgin’ me – I’ve done enough of that myself for one day.’
    Arnie stood up and indicated the sofa. ‘You should sleep on this.’
    â€˜No, no…I’ll be all right ‘ere. I’m more used to sleepin’ on the ground.’ Then Thomas sat up and pointed a finger at Arnie.
    â€˜You promise not to ‘and me in while I’m asleep?’
    â€˜You’re fine. I’ll keep watch,’ said Arnie, forcing a flat smile.
    â€˜Keep watch?’ Thomas frowned.
    â€˜Yes, till it’s time for you to see your mum.’
    â€˜Oh. Ok. I thought you meant somethin’ else,’ he yawned. ‘A few minutes spark out is all I need. At least it’s quiet ‘ere,’ he said softly, closing his eyes and laying back down. ‘Little chance of an attack tonight,’ he said resigned, ‘so peaceful…’ He rolled over away from Arnie. ‘Do you know a funny thing?’
    â€˜No.’
    â€˜Until I got called up, I’d never spent a night away from ‘ome before.’
    â€˜Oh?’
    â€˜And ‘ere I am – to