’ ‘What about your father? Couldn’t he help out?’ Leanne’s belly dropped, and her eyes flew to meet Joe’s. He looked curiously back at h...er. Leanne swallowed hard. ‘He – he wasn’t in the picture.’ That much was true, at least, even if it were a blatant evasion. ‘Wow. You’ve been through a lot.’ Leanne felt him looking at her, but refused to meet his gaze, gritting her teeth. ‘I don’t like to be pitied.’ She was already regretting telling him what little she did about her life. ‘I don’t. On the Thursday of that first week he was presented with some ordinary,if very feminine clothes, a white blouse, a red miniskirt and matchingshort jacket, even shoes but with still five inch heels, and was takengrocery shopping by Susan. At first he thought everyone was staring athim because he was a man dressed up, but then Susan pointed out thelook of lust in the men's faces. He was being stared at because he wasa very attractive woman.He got even more worried at that. Not because he was. "No, after Georgette he simply wasn't the same virile man who took over, but I suspect there are a few carrying torches for him, particularly as he's safe," giggled Pamela."I'll think about it and thank you, Pamela. It's been just so nice to talk to someone who understands," Jenny said, realising she had stumbled upon a good friend."Any time, Jenny," replied Pamela, who was having similar thoughts.In the lounge Tony and Abi were lying on the floor in front of the flickering television. Though. I walked into the commander’s outer office and found a staff sergeant reading the newspaper and sipping coffee. I explained that I was reporting in and asked if I should report now or come back later. The Sergeant looked me over, chuckled and said, ‘Hang tight, Lieutenant. I think they want to meet you now and get it over with.’ He walked into the next room and came out a minute later. He shook his head sadly and pointed to the open door. I marched in and saw a captain and a first sergeant.