Prisoner Of Yesterday

In my Voyage universe, it made sense that the refit for the flying sub would follow Seaview’s sinking.

Chapter 1

Sitting in the co-pilot seat of the Nelson Institute’s new flying sub – FS.1 for short, Lee Crane refused to give in to his exhaustion. It had been a tough year for everyone at NIMR, especially for Lee Crane. Culminating in Seaview sinking after straying into a derelict minefield and several compartments were flooded. The submarine had been raised and was currently at Groton, undergoing repairs and a refit to accommodate the Flying Sub. Both Lee and Chip had been dividing their time between Groton and Santa Barbara. It would be several more weeks until Seaview would be ready for a shakedown cruise.

In the interim, both officers had been involved in the hiring of new crew, to replace those unfortunate crew who had died, and those that had decided that they no-longer wanted to serve aboard a submarine. Lee couldn’t blame them, he’d thought that they were all going to die. If it had not been for Chip and Curly, risking a rescue in the diving bell, they very likely would have suffocated when the air ran out.

On top of everything, Curly Jones had suffered a heart attack and died. His death had hit Nelson and Chip hard, they’d worked with Curly since Seaview’s first cruise, and Lee had done what he could to help.

xxx

With Christmas fast approaching, Admiral Nelsen had taken the flying sub to Groton and sent Chip Morton home, to spend the holiday with his family. As for Lee Crane, the man was a stubborn, workaholic who thought everything was his responsibility. Nelson glanced at his Captain, slumped, asleep in the co-pilot seat. Now what am I going to do about you?

Switching on the co-pilot, Nelson reached across and nudged Lee.

“Hmmm,” Lee jerked awake. “I’m sorry, Admiral. I guess I was more tired than I thought.”

“That’s all right, lad. You’re exhausted. Why don’t you use the bunk to grab a couple of hours sleep? I’ll wake you when we reach Santa Barbara.”

“That’s all right, Admiral. I’m fine.” Lee insisted, straightening in his seat.

“Nonsense, Lee. Go on,” Nelson nodded towards the bunk. “You’re going to have stiff neck sleeping in that chair.”

Nelson thought Lee was going to argue with him but then the Captain seemed to relax and grinned. “All right, thank you, Admiral.” Lee unstrapped and pushed to his feet. Moving to the bunk, he pulled a pillow and blanket out of the storage compartment and made a makeshift bed.

Nelson smiled as he watched Lee settle on his side and close his eyes. He wondered what Lee had planned for holidays.

xxx

Lee stirred as Nelson submerged ready to dock FS.1 in Seaview’s underground pen. Sliding down from the bunk, Lee returned to the co-pilot seat and strapped in.

Nelson silently debated broaching the subject of Christmas. Lee had been tight lipped when the subject had been raised, and had steered the conversation onto other things. Lee was a very private person and rarely spoke about his personal life outside of the institute. Lee’s first Christmas as Seaview’s captain had been spent at sea, after Seaview had been called upon to convey a young prince back to his country. When the mission was completed and Seaview had returned to port, the crew had been given leave and Nelson had assumed that Lee had gone home to visit his mother.

“Are you looking forward to Christmas?”

Lee shrugged. “I guess, I hadn’t given it much thought.”

“Don’t sound so enthusiastic.” Nelson suspected that given the chance, Lee would have spent the holiday in Groton, probably aboard Seaview. Lee had been pushing himself hard, trying to be everywhere at once. The dark shadows beneath his eyes were an indication of how little sleep Lee had been getting.

Lee continued, “It’s not Christmas Day, it’s all the preparation. I don’t have the time, and I never know what to buy people.”

“It’s not the presents that are important, Lee, it’s being with the people you care about.”

Lee wasn’t sure how to reply. If Chip had been in town Lee could have spent the holidays with him. Lee loved his job but a life dedicated to Seaview made it hard to make friends and certainly any women he’d dated hadn’t been interested in waiting for him to return from a long cruise for another date! Lee felt that Chip – and Nelson – were his closest friends. Best to move the conversation to safer ground. “What about you, Admiral. Are you spending Christmas with Edith?”

Nelson chuckled. “Yes, Edith is coming to spend the holiday with me, although she complains it is not Christmas without the cold.”

Lee chuckled, “You could drive up to the cabin. There would be snow at this time of year.”

“That’s a good idea, Lee. Why don’t you join us? You’d be more than welcome. I’m sure that Edith would be pleased to see you.”

“Thanks, Admiral, but I already have plans.” He didn’t add that his plans were for takeout and then to sleep for 24 hrs. Christmas with Nelson and his sister sounded kind of nice, But right now he wasn’t in a festive mood. He was still responsible for Seaview’s sinking, and was not good company. Everyone had told him that it wasn’t his fault; it had been Bishop who had indirectly caused the accident but Lee was still having trouble convincing himself of this. At least Nelson still had faith in him. Had he been in the Navy, he would no doubt have been relieved of his command, and possibly court marshalled. The Navy took a dim view of captains that sunk their boats. He was aware that there where those who were just waiting for the opportunity to get him relieved of his command.

Lee had been kept busy these past months while Seaview had been undergoing repairs and refit. Seeing the new control room take shape had been exciting. However, it did not negate the fact that he had been in command on that fateful day. Ultimately, the safety of the boat and crew was his responsibility.

What sort of Christmas would the families of those who had died be having, knowing that their loved ones would never be coming back. He didn’t deserve to be celebrating.

“AT least come to dinner tonight. I bet you don’t have any food at home.” Nelson broke into his thoughts.

“I’ll be okay, Admiral. But thanks.”

“Lee, it wasn’t your fault.”

“I’m the captain.”

Nelson reached across and grabbed his arm. “Lad, stop blaming yourself. It won’t change anything and neither will driving yourself to exhaustion. When was the last time you had a proper night’s sleep?”

“I’m okay. I can sleep when I get home.” Lee knew that his behaviour was self indulgent and childish. But he just couldn’t seem to shake himself out of his funk.

Nelson shook his head in disapproval. “Believe me, I understand, it has been a tough time for everyone, but you need to cut yourself some slack, Lee. The past is the past, there is nothing you can do to change it. What do you think Doc would say if he saw you?”

Lee sighed. Now that he thought about it, it had been some time since he’d eaten, and it would save him a visit from Jamie. “Thank you, Admiral. I am hungry.” He admitted.

As he brought FS1 in to her berth, Nelson hid a grin, happy to at least have persuaded Lee to come over for a proper dinner. As they unbuckled their seat belts Nelson checked his watch, “it’s 16.00 hours. If you go to your office I’m sure you’ll be there all night so instead, head home and change out of that uniform. Maybe you’ll feel more relaxed. How about 18.00 hours at my place?”

Lee wasn’t too happy with this idea, he had indeed planned to spend a few hours at his desk, but better to give in graciously. “Okay, thanks, Admiral. What can I bring to contribute to the dinner?”

“No need to bring anything, Lee, my staff always makes sure I have lots of fixings for the few things I like to cook.” Nelson preceded his Captain up the ladder from FS1. “See you later, Captain.”

xxxxx

Parked across from the institute main gate, Lisa Simmons watched through the windshield – waiting. Nelson and Crane had to pay. Did either of them feel guilty about the men that had died when Seaview sank? They had both survived; wasn’t the captain supposed to go down with the boat?

She didn’t care what happened to her. Her life was over, all their plans and dreams had died the day that her husband had been taken from her and she didn’t even have a body to bury. She had nothing left to live for now. He’d been so proud to be part of Seaview’s crew.

Taking a shaky breath, she looked at her watch, unsure of what to do. It had been easy to get on the NIMR grounds, the Security staff assumed she was here to complete some paperwork or talk to someone in the Administration office but she had no need to do that. The only thing Lisa wanted was revenge.

Her patience was paying off, there was Nelson and Crane walking across the grounds. Lisa felt her heart clench – the two men she blamed for her husband’s death. As she watched, Crane got into his car and drove off but Nelson kept walking towards the administration building. Suddenly things were falling into place. She knew that Nelson had a penthouse on the top floor.

xxxxx

Lisa had waited patiently – most of the NIMR staff had left for the day. Of course, there were always people around, but it was much quieter now and the sun had just about set. Checking for what seemed the 100^th time Lisa made sure her gun was ready in her purse and slipped out of her car. She couldn’t enter through the reception, even at this time, there would be someone on duty at the desk.

No one seemed to notice Lisa walking from the parking lot to slip around the side of the administration building in search of another way in. There didn’t seem to be any security patrols, although she was sure they were there. At the rear of the building, she found the fire escape and started up the ladder. Her black pants and blazer helped to conceal her from any passing security patrols. She could hear the sound of the ocean in the distance.

Half way, she paused and flattened herself against the ladder as a security patrol passed by below in a jeep. Once the jeep had passed, she continued climbing until she reached the balcony of the penthouse. The drapes were open, giving her a good view of the interior of the room through the sliding glass doors. The family room was empty and she stepped inside.

xxxxx

Smiling to himself at his small success with Lee, Nelson walked into the kitchen to start preparing dinner. He’d realised that Lee was more to him that just Seaview’s Captain. He also knew that Seaview’s sinking and the deaths amongst the crew had hit Lee hard. Lee would rather put himself in harm’s way, than let his crew get hurt.

After checking the refrigerator, he decided on steak with potato wedges and salad. He washed and cut the potatoes into wedges and placed them in a pan of boiling water to blanch while he prepared the salad. He started with a bed of crunchy lettuce, adding chopped tomatoes, cucumber, onion and green olives. Covering the bowl, he returned it to the refrigerator. He was draining the potatoes, before placing them in a dish to finish in the oven, when he thought he heard something. Thinking it might be Lee, he walked through to lounge. “That was...” Instead of Lee, he was confronted by a woman holding a gun. “Who are you?”

“I’m Lisa Simmons, Greg Simmons wife. You killed my husband, now I am going to kill you.”

“You don’t want to kill anyone. Put the gun down and let’s talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. You took everything. I didn’t even have a body to bury.” She used her free hand to wipe away the tears falling down her face.

Greg Simmons had been the pilot of the mini-sub, it had been destroyed when the mine exploded while he was trying to free the cable. “I’m truly sorry about your husband, he was a good man.”

“Sorry! You think you can say sorry and it makes everything all right.”

“Of course not. I understand that you are upset.”

“Upset!” She shook her head. “You have no idea.” He accusing gaze dripped hatred. “How could you let that happen? He trusted you!”

He didn’t blame her for hating him. “Believe me, if I could go back and change things, I would.”

“No, he didn’t kill your husband.” Lee interrupted from the door. “I am very sorry about your husband. If you want to blame someone, then blame me. I’m the captain. The safety of the boat and crew are my responsibility.”

“Lee.” Nelson objected.

“No, Admiral. I was in command. If I’d been in the control room, things might have been different.” Lee turned back to Simmons “If killing me will make you feel better, then go ahead, but it won’t change anything. It won’t bring your husband back. Do you think he would want you to throw your life away?” Lee walked slowly towards her as he spoke, keeping her attention on him.

“My life doesn’t matter.”

“Every life matters. A lot of good men died that day. Your husband died trying to save the boat and crew. Don’t become another casualty.” Lee reached out a hand. “Come on, give me the gun,” he coaxed gently, taking a step closer.

“Think about what you are doing. What about your family? Do you want to put them through the trauma of watching you being tried for murder?” Nelson reasoned.

Lisa shook her head. “You both deserve to die. I don’t care what happens to me after.”

“Then you had better shoot me first, because I am not going to let you kill Admiral Nelson.”

Lee told her, taking another step closer.

Careful Lee, I don’t want her to kill you either. “You don’t really want to kill anyone. Put down the gun and let us help you.”

Lisa turned her attention to Nelson. “Enough!”

Lee pounced, tackling her and taking her down. The gun flew out of her hand. He pinned her and caught her wrists as she screamed in rage and fought him.

Nelson grabbed the gun and tossed it away. “I’ll call security.”

xxxxx

An hour later Nelson and Lee finally sat down to eat dinner. Nelson had reluctantly called the police. They both would rather have handled it internally, but she was a civilian and they couldn’t detain her against her will.

“Thank you for the invite, this looks good.” Lee picked up his knife and folk.

“I should thank you. I’m glad that you were here. Things might have been different.”

“What is going to happen to her now?” Lee asked, pausing in cutting his steak. He felt responsible. He could only guess how difficult it must be for her, spending the holiday without her husband.

“I’ll talk to our lawyers, but she has to accept help. We can’t force her.”

“Poor woman. She doesn’t deserve to be locked up. especially at Christmas.”

“I’ll do all I can to help her. Maybe there is some family member we can contact.”

“I have a confession to make – my plans were to go home and sleep through the holiday. This has made me realize how important family is and I’ve decided to go home to see my mother.”

Nelson smiled indulgently. “Of course, Lee. Take as long as you need, you’ve earned it. I have to collect Edith from the airport tomorrow. Why don’t you stay here tonight and I can drop you to the airport.”

“Thanks, Admiral.”

“In the meantime, eat your dinner before it gets cold.”

“Aye, sir.” Lee grinned.

Chapter 2

“Lee, I didn’t know you were coming. Why didn’t you let me know?” His mother hugged him.

“I didn’t know myself.” I’m sorry, Mom, for not coming home more often.”

“Oh, Lee, honey. You’re here now, that’s all that matters.” Stepping back, she regarded him.

“Are you all right? You’ve lost weight and you look tired?”

“I’m fine, Mom, just a little tired.”

“I realize that since dad died, I’ve been running away. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and I wouldn’t change anything. But I never considered what you were going through.”

“It’s all right, honey. I understand. I just want you to be happy. You deserve to have the life you want.

“Thanks, Mom – for everything.”

“How long are you home for?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Are you hungry? I made apple pie.”

Lee smiled. “Sounds good.”

xxxxx

Lee stood beside the elegant white Georgian fireplace, a glass of hot cider in his hand. The mantle was decorated with a garland of evergreen foliage with pinecones, white berries and coloured lights. A fire burned in the hearth.

“I’d forgotten how much I love this house.”

His mother smiled. “It will be yours one day.”

Lee wasn’t sure how he felt about that. He’d grown up in this house and could never consider selling, should anything happen to his mother, but his life was in Santa Barbara. “You don’t have a tree?” he observed.

“I guess I was waiting for you. We can go and pick one out tomorrow and decorate it together.

“I’d like that. Is Middleton’s nursery still there?”

“Yes, it is, although Mr Middleton is semi-retired. His son Ben is running the business now.”

“Wow, Ben Middleton. I haven’t seen him since I went to Annapolis,” Lee said thoughtfully. He was beginning to realize that he’d let a lot of things slip. Maybe he should make some time to think about what and who were really important.

xxxxx

“Do you want to stop at the diner for hot chocolate? Alice is managing the diner now.”

His mother suggested after they had secured the tree to the car roof. They had chosen a 6ft Norman Fir. “

Lee rolled his eyes. “Are you match-making again, Mom?” He was used to his mother trying to match make, every time he came home.

“It’s a mother’s prerogative. You need someone to look after you.”

Lee smiled and shook his head. Reminded of Chip, who also thought it was his job to look after his C.O. Opening the passenger side door, he waited for his mother to get in, before getting behind the wheel. “Believe me, I have more than enough people watching out for me.”

“I’m just saying.” His mother told him.

xxxxx

The Roadside diner was a 1940s converted railway carriage.

“Hi, what can I get you?” The waitress smiled.

Can we have one hot chocolate with cream and marshmallow one peppermint mocha and gingerbread cookies, please.” His mother answered.

“Sure, I’ll be right back.”

Lee didn’t comment on his mother’s addition of cream and marsh mellows to his hot chocolate. Secretly, he liked marsh mellows with his hot chocolate. It reminded him of Christmas when his father was alive. Lee turned his attention to outside while they waited for their drinks to arrive. They’d had snow overnight, with all the decorations, it really felt like Christmas.

“You know, we should go to the wharf for the Christmas tree lighting.” His mother told him.

“Does Santa still arrive by boat?”

“Yes.” His mother smiled. “The children really enjoy it.”

Lee smiled to himself at the memory. There were a lot of happy memories here; he just hadn’t allowed himself to go there. Maybe coming home had been a good idea.