There were rich pickings to be had along the main thoroughfares where the mutilated bodies of German soldier's still lay, not yet harvested by Von Hummel's army or perhaps discarded as simply too damaged. Grenades were plucked from dead men's hands and the scavenging crew quickly saw to it that any dormant vehicles were stripped of gasoline canisters and tanks siphoned. There was the odd close call with a roving patrol but even the enhanced visual acuity of the cold soldiers was not enough to detect the shadowy figures of the humans as they picked their way through mounds of rubble and debris. Hawkins delighted in finding a mortar with half a box of rounds in a bomb crater, it was just the job for some long range chaos and that is exactly what they planned to rain down upon the unsuspecting cold soldiers the following morning.
After a couple of hours and several trips back to the safe house, a small stockpile of arms and munitions were piled high in the corner of the room and Bauer got to work devising detonation devices as the others shared a cold meal before taking to their beds.
In the living room which was like a scout camp on the final day of the jamboree, the weariness had taken its toll and one by one, Leballieur's friends took it in turn to sit in the window and stared blearily eyed out into the road keeping guard over those who risked their lives the following day. Hawkins rolled himself into a shivering ball underneath the most meagre of sheets as the house was exposed to the night air through a gaping hole in its roof. Next to him, Genevieve lay facing him, her eyes always appearing to be open, and her mind in meditation.
“Can't you sleep?” Hawkins whispered. Genevieve rolled her head a little.
“I am fine, get some rest.” She said brushing off his attentions. Hawkins had something to say and it seemed the appropriate time.
“Look, tomorrow maybe the last time we ever see each other. I just wanted to say that I was sorry about what happened before. It shouldn’t have happened; I think I took advantage of you.” Hawkins whispered secretly as he brought his face closer to the girl's.
“No, think no more on it. You are a good man.” Genevieve replied, not giving anything away about how the affair had made her feel which was perhaps what Hawkins needed to hear.
“Can I ask why?” Hawkins continued, much to the annoyance of Genevieve who closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep. The extended silence brought about a big sigh from the Brit and he rolled over with frustration. As he fell asleep, Hawkins body lurched from side to side as he recalled the perilous car chase in Bayeux. The haunted faces of the cold soldiers were etched into his psyche and he saw them over and over in his dreams.
*
Hawkins awoke suddenly in a cold sweat, the room was still dark and as he looked around, he saw Genevieve's body squirming under her blanket and Bauer propped up against the wall opposite snoring serenely. He had been dreaming of the cold soldiers and envisaging the encounters of the coming day. He saw George Granger's face in the confusion, blackened and charred. He saw his friend walk with the other dead, an organic machine of death, relentless and indefatigable. It was enough to jolt him from a deep sleep and be relieved that the reality of the new day was mildly more tolerable than his perverse dream.
Hawkins rolled over to see Genevieve's bright white eyes staring at him. Hawkins smiled, embarrassed a little by his fitful sleep.
“Don't you ever sleep?” Hawkins whispered.
“There is plenty of time for that when I am dead.” Genevieve replied, her lighter tone coming as a surprise to the cynical Brit.
“There are so many things in life I haven’t done yet. I don't want it to be over.” Hawkins whispered, allowing his vulnerability to spill out a little.
“You are full of regret; it will mean nothing when you are gone. You think too much.” Genevieve replied cryptically.
“How did you get to be so strong?” Hawkins inquired; he had not failed to be impressed by Genevieve's strength at such a tender age.
“In this world, you must not hesitate to take the things you want.” She replied, her eyes intriguing Hawkins as much as her words. Genevieve took a deep breath and rolled over to face away from the Brit, the outline of her svelte body just about determinable in the darkness. Hawkins lay there for a few moments questioning himself. Was that a proposition? Was Genevieve testing his character? Was she attempting to find out if he was half the man she hoped he would be or was she testing his self restraint and his standing as a gentleman? Hawkins sighed as his mind raced. There was nobody else awake in the room, even the young lookout had succumbed to a seated slumber.
Reaching out, Hawkins traced the outline of Genevieve’s hips and bottom with his hand hovering over her form almost close enough to feel the warmth of her body. Did he dare touch her and if so would he be callously spurned again or invited into her comforting breast. Hawkins shuffled closer to her and moulded his body next to hers and with an element of relief; she returned the gesture, planting her backside into the contours of his eager body. Hawkins nuzzled his face into the nape of her neck. Her long curly hair smelled of the smoke and destruction from the burning houses but her skin was as soft as silk, it was such a contradiction of experiences much like the multi-faceted character that was Genevieve herself. Hawkins ran his hand under Genevieve’s sheet and lifted her dark blood red dress, running his hand across her hot thighs he felt close to her at last as she relaxed under his careful touches and allowed him to roam freely and explore her body. Genevieve did not reciprocate Hawkins bold gestures, she laid back and allowed the Brit to be in charge, Hawkins saw this as a favourable sign, at last he was in control and Genevieve appeared to be enjoying the experience. Hawkins shuffled closer still and through careful and silent manoeuvres, entered Genevieve who accepted him with little fuss. Unlike the previous occasion in the farmhouse, Hawkins was deliberate in his actions, he did not want to rush, fumble or make a fool of himself. He was aware that they were not alone and he strained to keep himself in check even as the pleasure heightened into an excruciating euphoria. Genevieve once again remained in control of herself and although she offered little resistance, she did not go overboard to accommodate her lover. If the Brit wanted her, he would have to work hard for his gains. Hawkins filled her with his seed and as he experienced the unique sensation of joining with his partner, this time he did not feel the terrible guilt of the first encounter. Genevieve had not been straight forward, at times she had been downright unpleasant, selfish and unnecessarily aloof. She had always remained alluring, however. Hawkins accepted from the start that he was infatuated by her elegance and her power to influence him. By taking her again, he felt a little of that power draining away, he had succeeded in breaking her barriers, in time perhaps, he would operate on an equal footing and it would be she that would come running to him for comfort.
Hawkins relaxed and withdrew from Genevieve who still writhed around enjoying the power to command her man to climax at her pleasure. He kissed slowly her bare shoulders and lay with his head close to her. He expected her to roll over and thank him with a kiss but none was forthcoming. This was still sex on her terms despite Genevieve's attempts to make Hawkins feel in control. Hawkins was past caring. The morphia-like glow of contentment was enough to send him into a fast and dreamless sleep. It was maybe the final moment of true solace that remained before Hawkins' very own D-Day which was now only mere hours away.
CHAPTER 24
When Hawkins awoke, it was not naturally. It was via a flick of his ear which startled him and he sat up ready for a fight. When he realised that it was the young boy who he had spotted in the window the day before, he relaxed a little before pointing a 'finger' gun at him and shooting him callously. The boy laughed and trotted off leaving Hawkins to note that all the others had risen.
“You must have needed the sleep.” Bauer said as he sat up, his back to the wall. The morning light streamed into the room and it was enough to pain Hawkins brain behind his eyes.
“Yes, thanks. I thought I’d make the most of it as I don't expect I’ll get to d
o it again.” Hawkins remarked pessimistically but with a light humour.
“Oh, I don't know. You may get a longer sleep than you could wish for.” Genevieve said with insensitivity that Hawkins had grown to accept. She was sat up, filling a pack with grenades, her bare legs surrounded by explosive devices.
“Well, if that happens, then it will probably come as a relief after all of this.” The Brit replied.
“I'm glad optimism is alive and well in England.” Bauer laughed as Leballieur entered the room looking sweaty and nervous.
“We will begin to set off the explosives at eight thirty. Do not expect us to hang around for much longer after that. We have acquired a vehicle for our escape. With any luck, Von Hummel will think that a full scale assault is taking place and send his minions out front to deal with it. I suggest you already be in the passage by that time and make haste to the laboratories. Don't stop to take in the scenery.”
“Of course, this all hinges on whether or not the stinking bastards have found the secret tunnel. If they have, we may as well head for the coast and find a sturdy boat.” Hawkins replied, realising the flaw in the plan.
“Just getting to the tunnel undetected will be vital. For this, I will escort you personally as we will have to cross the town to do so.”
Bauer heaved himself up and on to his feet and stretched.
“We appreciate your held Jean-Paul. I would like to think that I have not coerced you or your friends in any way to do this. I am aware that there are big risks for everyone.”
Surprisingly, Genevieve was the one to pitch in first.
“If it is not us, then it will be no one. We must put an end to them now.” Genevieve said with an imperiously noble posture. Hawkins smiled and shook his head with delight. This was not her fight yet she stood with the others shoulder to shoulder, brave as a lion; she was an inspiration.
“The time is now zero seven hundred give or take the odd minute. I suggest we start to make a move.” Bauer said as he looked about his feet for his weapons. Leballieur nodded and smiled with admiration.
“Remember, you don't have to worry about getting out, once you have disengaged Von Hummel from the machine, the soldiers will not continue to function. Swift, sure and with spirit, my friends.” Leballieur offered his morale boosting effort and it did lift Hawkins' heavy heart somewhat. The Brit saw the faces of the young collection of boys and men that followed the scientist and they too looked terrified of what was to come. They had tasted personal tragedy too; Hawkins hoped that like himself, the thirst for revenge would drive them on to do a good job.
*
Leballieur skipped from house to house, Bauer, Hawkins and Genevieve following closely in his footsteps trying desperately to not rattle their heavy loads or rush into any wandering patrols. The town quickly became more devastated the nearer they moved towards the centre. Leballieur made a point not to move as the crow flies, there had been carnage around the plaza and plenty of enemy movement the previous day. It was better to take the lengthy but cautious route along the smaller streets and alleyways.
The research bunker was situated just on the other side of Caen and clearly stretched for some distance beneath the previously bustling population. Its main access point was via a compound which had probably seen a full scale battle. If the fallen German soldiers had dealt any major blow, the entrance would have been severely damaged and reconstruction would be quite an intensive effort for the remaining cold soldiers. This and other factors played into the hands of the insurgents who dare not blow this opportunity to put an end to Hitler's secret weapon.
Time ticked on and Hawkins became aware that if they were not in position by half past eight, then it was to be all in vain anyway. Giving Leballieur the hurry up, the pace quickened until the group almost stumbled upon a duo of patrolling enemy soldiers who marched slowly in perfect synchronisation down the rubble strewn street before them. Remaining undetected, it was the first time that Hawkins had the time to look upon the foe with any great length of time. They were after all just men, not even alive. They were not creatures from outer space or monsters from the depths. They were becoming easier to understand, the psychological barriers were beginning to break. Killing other men was always difficult even under the rules of war. Taking another’s uniqueness, their individuality and destroying it forever was a sin no matter how justified it be in the game of 'kill or be killed'. There was no sin in killing something that had already been killed. If anything, it made the whole process less difficult. Hawkins looked forward to killing more of these things; he relished the prospect of blowing them to bits, stripping the flesh from their bones. It was tempting to put an end to the two marching soldiers as they grimly paced away down the road but restraint was key. Leballieur's words filled the Brit's mind. Stealth was the name of this game.
By the time the small squad had reached 'Rue de Champagne', a long arcing street, the home of a number of local shops, it was a quarter past eight and there was great relief that they had reached their destination without major incident. The fleet footed fighters quickly crossed the street and ducked into an alleyway just along from 'la Boucherie de Alain Rominaux'.
“That is the place.” Leballieur whispered marking the shop with the point of his finger. Besides the shop there is an alleyway. There is a brick wall to the left and a high white gate. Inside the rear courtyard, you will find the rear entrance leading on the right to the scullery. If it has been left undisturbed as we hope, you will see a small rectangular panel about two feet wide just below the sink to the right. That is all I can do for you now, I must return to rendezvous with my boys and get out of here. Unfortunately, I will not be around to know immediately if you have been successful in your quest but if you are then I pray we will meet again under more pleasant circumstances.” Leballieur looked keen to be away from this street, it seemed the thought of being close to the bunker was enough to disturb him.
“Thank you Jean-Paul, for everything.” Bauer said as he shook the man's clammy hand. The scientist nodded, offered a farewell wave and scurried off in the direction he had just come from.
“We have only minutes, Bauer.” Genevieve impressed on the Colonel that there was no time for sentimental goodbyes and the German led them up the street to their goal.
True to his word, the alleyway besides the butchers was as described. Leballieur had done well to remember such detail in what must have been a blind panic. There was still no sign that the soldiers had come to this place although if the door to the passageway had been sealed, that did not bode well at all. Bauer carefully opened the tall white gate which led to the courtyard which was filled with bins which contained the stench of rotting meat. The back door swung gently in the breeze and it was a relief to know the building had not been secured. With weapons at the ready, Bauer took point and cautiously entered the shop, quickly finding the scullery and much to the relief of all, there was the small white wooden panel which was left wide open revealing a pitch black hole which emanated a warm waft of air. Bauer looked down at his watch; there were only three minutes till Leballieur's boys would begin the barrage.
“Let's move now, we have minutes to spare.” The German said, his heart beat audible in his voice.
Weapon, then head first, Bauer climbed into the dark portal and crawled his way through. When his feet had disappeared, Hawkins followed suit, his MG42 machine gun rattling against the floor as he pushed it forward into the abyss. Genevieve pushed the box of ammunition in after him and took one final look at the light of day before she too braved the confines of the narrow tunnel and entered into a world of darkness.
CHAPTER 25
The tunnel remained claustrophobic for a number of metres before widening somewhat and after another ten or so metres more; the headroom began to increase significantly. Bauer used a small battery powered torch to light the immediate area before him. It smelled damp and slick green algae seemed to inhabit the walls until the tunnel began to sharply decline and the air became mo
re arid.
“I think we got lucky.” Hawkins whispered as he stooped low moving in a shuffling motion shortly behind Bauer.
“Maybe, maybe not.” Bauer puffed, it was hard work carrying their load in such a manner.
“We may get to the inner door and find it locked, then this will all be for nothing.” Bauer continued.
“Shut up fools, do you want them to hear us coming?” Genevieve hissed and even Bauer recognised that she had a point.
The tunnel continued to wind its way down at a steep descent until it began to plateau. Bauer caught a glimpse of something up ahead and he silently brought the others to a halt. Lying prostrate upon the rocky floor ahead was a white shirted man, his face pale under the luminosity of Bauer's torch. The left side of his breast was darkened by dried blood and the warm atmosphere of the tunnel did nothing to aid the extended preservation of his body.
“It is the Commandant.” Genevieve whispered.
“Just as Leballieur mentioned.” Hawkins followed up.
“Several bullets to the chest, not healthy.” Bauer mumbled as he shone the torch over the forlorn figure, the light reflecting in the man's still open eyes.
A low rumble was audibly perceived by all followed by a crackle of distant noise. Bauer shone the torch on his watch and it rightly suggested that it was time for the chaos to begin.
“Let's move.” Bauer whispered as he hurried along the remainder of the passageway which grew taller by the foot.
Turning his torch off as he neared what he thought might be a source of light; he was greeted by a thin sliver of red light, seeping in through a slender crack in the darkness. Approaching with caution, he peered into the light and was greeted by the warm wash of air which signified the underground facility. Through the crack in the inner door, he could see what looked to be a plush office, paper strewn about a large wooden desk and several tall filing cabinets in the corner. Gently pushing the door further ajar with his finger poised over the trigger of his MP44, he climbed stealthily through the opening remaining vigilant as he went. The office door to the adjacent corridor was wide open and a strobing alert light bathed the scene in pulsating red glow. Bauer signalled the others to follow as he skipped across the office and to the corridor, his ears pricked for any sign of movement.
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