Read Chapter 9: — THE WALL OF NAMES

Clara had grown up with a family story she never fully understood.

Her maternal grandmother, Evelyn Hart, had served as a courier and wireless operator during the final years of the Second World War. She died in 1945 after an air raid, only weeks after Margaret was born. The family possessed one photograph and three letters.

During Margaret's treatment, Clara became obsessed with finding more.

An archivist at the Imperial War Museum North located a service record and a group photograph. On a grey Sunday, Clara asked Daniel to go with her.

They stood before the enlarged image in silence.

Evelyn was twenty-two, smiling at someone outside the frame.

Clara's mouth trembled.

"She looks like Mum."

Daniel nodded.

Clara pressed two fingers against the glass.

"I know this is irrational."

"What is?"

"Wanting a dead woman to protect her daughter."

Daniel considered that.

"You don't have to be rational every minute."

She looked at him.

"Who are you and what have you done with Daniel Mercer?"

He almost laughed.

Then Clara began to cry.

A museum volunteer quietly moved other visitors away without making a scene.

Clara whispered, "If you survived that war long enough to give us Mum, let her stay. Please. Just let her stay."

Daniel's throat tightened.

He did not believe history answered prayers.

He believed memory could change what people did next.

Outside, wind came hard off the canal.

Clara took his hand.

Neither of them let go.