SWING
Chapter Twenty-Two

Frank, Jack, and Fabrizio stood a distance away from the DeWitt Bukater house. Tommy was directed to return to headquarters. There was no use for him to get in trouble if they were caught. So after an uneasy good-bye, he left.

"She’s guarded, all right. We’re going to have to be quick about this. There’s no room for error," Frank whispered.

"I’ll make sure they don’t return anytime soon." Fabrizio nodded. He looked once more at his friend. "I wish you and Rose the best, Jack. Good luck."

"Good luck to you, too, Fabri. Don’t get caught."

"Don’t worry. I won’t." Fabrizio grinned, leaving the two men. He approached the guards that stood under Rose’s window. He stuck up his middle finger. "Hitler sucks!"

Angry, and as planned, the guards left the window unguarded to chase after Fabrizio.

"The palace guards of England they’re not." Frank laughed.

"I just hope he’ll be okay."

"He will, Jack. That kid can run like the wind. Now, I guess it’s my turn. Flirt with Ruth, while you climb up and get your girl. Good thing the window’s open."

"Let’s get started. The sooner Rose is out of that house and in my arms, the better."

Frank nodded and walked up to the door and rang the bell. Jack watched as Frank began to charm Rose’s mother, and quickly made his way to the tree outside Rose’s window and began the climb up. He was in a perfect position to hear Cal’s voice yelling at Rose. He climbed the rest of the way up, and saw Rose and Cal. Cal had his back to Jack.

"I’m giving you another chance here, Rose. You’ll never survive Auschwitz, and you know it. Marry me and live."

"No." Rose glared at the older man.

"Why? So you can be some swinger’s whore?"

"I rather be his whore than your wife."

"Why, you…" Cal’s hand swung back and gave her a stinging slap, causing Rose to see stars and not Jack slipping through the window and punching Cal to the floor.

"Don’t you ever touch her again!" Jack hissed, standing by Rose’s side.

"Why, you…" Cal got to his feet again, just to meet Jack’s fist once more. This time he was knocked unconscious.

"Jack!" Rose fell into his arms, clinging to him desperately. "I thought I’d never see you again!"

"You should have known better than that. I promised I wouldn’t let them send you away, and I always keep my promises."

"Rose! Cal!" Ruth’s voice floated up.

"Frank mustn’t have been able to keep her. Let’s get out of here." Jack grabbed her hand. Together, they climbed out of the window and ran off into the horizon. It would be a long time before either of them saw their families again.

After a last visit to a swing hall, Jack and Rose went to the airship station, where Frank was waiting.

"There you two are!" Frank waved. "I was getting worried there. Here you go. Two tickets to freedom. All of your belongings are already aboard, Jack. The money and…your father. Make sure he gets a decent burial."

"I will. Thank you, Frank. For everything. I’ll never forget you."

"Just take care of Rose and write me! I want to know all about America."

"I will." Jack smiled, hugging the older man good-bye.

"You take care of Jack, now. He’s going to need you in the coming weeks." Frank hugged Rose.

"I promise. Thank you, Frank. For everything."

"Last call before departure! Last call before departure!" The intercom went off.

"We better go." Jack took Rose’s hand in his. "Good-bye, Frank."

"See you later." Frank waved, watching the couple disappear into the airship, unaware of the tragedy looming ahead. He just wished them a happy and safe voyage and a life full of love and happiness.

The End.

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