The Coast Watcher

The Coast Watcher

By: Bruce Cooke

The Coast Watcher

By: Bruce Cooke

Eternal Press

A division of Caliburn Press, LLC.

P.O. Box 8747

Madison, WI 53714

www.eternalpress.biz

Digital ISBN:

Print ISBN:

Cover art by: Dawné Dominique

Copyright 2017 Bruce Cooke

Worldwide Electronic & Digital Rights

Worldwide English Language Print Rights

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any form, including digital and electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the Publisher, except for brief quotes for use in reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

To the woman who inspired me to continue writing as she was dying. My wonderful wife who will always be in my memory. Without her inspiration, I may not have succeeded.

Chapter One

Death and destruction never entered the head of Penny Cartwright when she enlisted. The fall of Singapore shocked not only her but the entire group of dedicated nurses who worked tirelessly to bring help and support to the wounded soldiers of the Australian and British forces.

Malacca Malaysia June 1941

When Penelope Cartwright stepped ashore to join the British Hospital in Malacca Malaysia, she didn’t know if she was happy or disappointed. She had joined up as a nurse to help the Australian soldiers fighting in the Western Desert against Rommel’s Africa Corp. Instead they sent her to Malaysia and to the comparative safety of the Pacific country, which was not what she wanted. Well, she had to make the most of it, even though the climate vastly differed from Melbourne. Penny pulled her compact out of her handbag to check her sandy blonde hair, and powder her fair complexion.

A stern-faced soldier escorted her to the hospital in his green Jeep to meet the staff and doctors.

The Matron made the formal greeting giving her the rules and requirements needed to run the hospital. The place was a long way below the standard of Australian Hospitals. Primitive would be a word best chosen, but the nurses did their best to maintain a good standard. Materials and food were scarce, and there never seemed to be a lack of patients. Tropical infections were common, and skin disease kept the nurses all busy. Most had never been out of Australia before, so the whole thing was a shock. Malaria was common as was dengue fever in this region. Keeping the patients healthy was a great task. Not everything was bad as some of the nurses were invited out by the colonial gentry. The excursions helped relieve the stresses most felt, and many partied as much as they could while knowing trouble lay ahead.

Another nurse Wilma Savage made her welcome and teamed up with her. It was good to have a friend to talk to during her duty at the Hospital. She soon learned the rules and was complimented on her efficiency. After only a month, Wilma came to her with a smile on her face. Lucky you, said Wilma looking at Penny. Popular with all the nurses, Wilma always had a smile on her face.

And why am I lucky? Penny asked enjoying Wilma’s enthusiasm.

Doctor Gorgeous wants to know who you are.

And who is Doctor Gorgeous? she asked still amused.

Doctor William Carrington, that’s who, don’t tell me you haven’t seen the handsome English Doctor all the nurses drool over.

Penny smiled again. I guess I have, but I didn’t know he was interested in me.

And why wouldn’t he be? You’re the most beautiful nurse here. Have to go, here comes the Matron.

Wilma disappeared, and Penny noticed the Matron approaching. About fifty-five, very efficient, hair tied back, stocky but always very approachable.

Penny dear, I’ve had a request from one of the doctors. He wants you to assist in an operation this afternoon. Only as an observer of course but he thinks this will add to your experience.

Thank you, Matron. I’d be pleased to help. Who is the doctor?

Doctor Carrington. Don’t make a mess of it, dear. Be there at three.

Penny smiled to herself. Looks like Wilma was right. She had to admit, he certainly was very handsome, and she looked forward to it. She felt a flutter of butterflies in her stomach as she thought of his chiselled features, golden hair, and sky blue eyes.

At three she was ready and was introduced to the good looking Doctor Carrington.

She entered the operating room and stood back as the experts went to work. It was a minor operation and required surgery on the leg of one of the soldiers from the camp. He had broken his leg. It required surgery to be set back into place and a pin inserted. Later William took off his gloves and turned to Penny

Is this your first operation?

She nodded a little tongue tied from being in such elite company.

Can you clean up? Change the sheets and tidy the room up.

Yes, Doctor. She held his stare. Will there be anything else?

One more thing would you do me the honor of having dinner with me tonight?

In the canteen? she asked not believing his invitation.

Good heavens no, I would like to take you to a nice little Malaysian restaurant in the town, it’s a very nice clean place, and the food is great.

Thank you. I’d be pleased to accept.

Great. I’ll pick you up around six thirty. It shouldn’t be a late night.

It wasn’t but very enjoyable. He wanted to know everything possible about her. He asked where she came from, and her reasons for becoming a nurse. She found herself unable to stop talking and had to pause a few times realizing how she was babbling on.

I’m sorry; I’m a bit of a blabbermouth.

He laughed. "Don’t be sorry. I’m enjoying your company.

Okay, your turn. Where do you come from and how did you end up here.

I came from London. I joined up as soon as the war started. Like you I had little choice but they sent me here because the hospital was short of doctors. My family live in Kent, but I moved to London as soon as I started my medical course. It’s not so bad here as other places. The climate is hot and sticky, but it has its side benefits.

What sort of side benefits are we talking about? Penny sipped her drink as he talked.

The shopping is good, the pool is inviting, and the nurses are beautiful.

Penny smiled. He was certainly coming on to her, but she didn’t mind at all. Later when he returned her to the nurse’s quarters, they stood talking for a few more minutes. Then he leaned his six-foot height down and kissed her gently.

Thank you for a very nice evening. Would you consider doing it again soon?

Absolutely, she said and closed her door.

The magical evening was the first of many dates to follow. Soon they were the talk of the hospital, and Penny became the envy of all the nurses. After months she knew she was in love and thought William felt the same. One night he took her hand and sat her down.

I know this is a bit impetuous as we’ve only been seeing each other for a few months, but I’m in love with you. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? He offered her a diamond ring.

Penny’s heart soared. Her dreams were coming true. I love you too; William and I’d only be too happy to accept.

He smiled at her acceptance. Of course we will have to wait a while for the wedding. The war is not going well in Europe, and we may have to move there.

It’s where I wanted to go anyhow so even after a year will be okay with me.

You’ll love London. It’s being bombed at the moment but if we have to go back then, I’ll keep you safe.

I’ll look forward to it, she said as happily as she had ever felt.

When she showed the ring to Wilma, she received a shout of excitement. I’m as jealous as hell but am very happy for you. He’s a great doctor and will give you a good life when this war is over.

I’m not marrying him for getting a good life; I’m marrying him because I love him.

Of course but marrying someone with money and position wouldn’t be hard to take. Have you done it yet?

Penny smiled. I’m not about to divulge my sex life with anyone. You’ll just have to guess.

Wilma gave a giggle. I know what I’d be doing if I was in your position.

When they had the chance, they would slip away into the town, rent a room and make love. Penny felt she had met her soul mate and could see a bright future. The months rolled on until it was December 1941. The news in Europe hadn’t improved, but Penny felt contented she was doing the best she could in her environment.

It was lunch time, so she found a table in the canteen to wait for William to join her. She bought herself a fish sandwich and a cup of tea and sat back reading a magazine when she suddenly was aware of a man sitting at her table.

G’day, he said when she looked up, into his steely blue eyes.

I’m sorry, but I’m expecting my fiancée to join me in a few minutes.

Then I’ll keep you company until he gets here.

I’d be happy if you didn’t. I don’t want to be rude, but I prefer to be left alone.

Fiancée? Hell, you’re not going to marry one of those snooty doctors are you?

Excuse me, she said appalled by his arrogance. Who I marry is my business. I don’t even know you.

She studied the man. Tall, rugged looking as if he hadn’t shaved for at least three days and stared at her with deep steely blue eyes. She thought he would be reasonably good looking if he scrubbed himself up a little. Obviously not in the army as his clothes were very casual.

I can fix that. My name is Thomas Ryan, but you can call me Tom. He offered his hand that Penny looked at and ignored.

"I can see you’re Australian like me but why aren’t you in the