‘Terrific! I’m driving the top brass around. This place is heaving with them. Do you know what’s going on?’
‘Sorry, I haven’t been told a thing.’
‘Never mind.’ Peggy did a little jig of pleasure. ‘Let them get on with whatever it is they are doing. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.’
After a good wash and change of clothes, Grace felt a whole lot better. Meeting Peggy again had lifted her spirits.
They were the only two women there so they had the dining room to themselves. They talked non-stop right through the meal and in their room until the early hours.
Although she hadn’t been told what time she would be needed, Grace was downstairs early. When they decided they needed her she would be waiting and ready.
It was ten o’clock before the officers arrived – by the front door, shaking rain off their hats.
The captain smiled in a distracted way when he saw her. ‘It’s pouring out there.’
‘Good morning, sirs. I didn’t know what time you might need me, so I stayed down here where you could find me. What are your orders for the rest of the day, sir?’
‘Collect your bag and be back here in thirty minutes. We are going back to Aldershot.’
‘Yes, sir.’ She spun round and walked up the stairs. Whatever they had been doing it obviously hadn’t been successful. The major general was in a bad mood and had spoken sharply, showing his irritation. It was a shame they were leaving so soon, she thought, as she hastily packed her bag. This was the first time she had been to Scotland and would have liked to see a little of the countryside. She had also hoped to have more time with Peggy.
Peggy was out, so Grace left a note for her, picked up her bag and went downstairs where the officers were already waiting.
The captain smiled apologetically at her. ‘This has been a waste of time for you, hasn’t it?’
‘No, it hasn’t, sir. A girl I met at training camp is the driver to one of the officers here. It was good to see her again, and we’ve had a lovely time.’
‘I’m glad someone has!’ Stan muttered, still clearly not a happy man.
The journey back was long and tedious. Although it was late when the driver dropped them off at the office, Grace made a much needed cup of tea. Sensing they weren’t going to discuss anything in front of her, she asked, ‘Do you need me any more tonight, sir? If you have notes, I would be happy to type them up for you now?’
‘There isn’t anything urgent. You may go.’
‘Very well. Goodnight, sirs.’
As Grace walked back to her digs she puzzled over the officer’s obvious dislike of her. He had made it clear that he didn’t want a woman working with him, but if he had felt so strongly, then why did he accept her instead of one of the men? She had been careful to always be cheerful and helpful; never complaining or being insubordinate. She usually got on well with anyone she had worked for in the past. So what was wrong? Was he trying to make her put in for a transfer? She shook her head. That didn’t make sense, but, if by some chance that was his intention, then he was wasting his time. She was staying.
‘That was disappointing.’ Stan ran hand over his eyes. ‘A mad dash to get there and we got nothing. There had been no need to call us there in such a hurry. What did Rudolf Hess really think he would accomplish with that ridiculous peace offer?’
‘It’s crazy, and Hitler will be furious, because I can’t imagine he would sanction Hess coming here.’
Stan smiled for the first time that day. ‘There is that to be grateful for, I suppose.’
‘You are treating that girl very badly,’ Bill said, changing the subject. ‘If you are hoping she will go of her own accord, then you are going to be disappointed. I don’t believe she is the type to run from a challenge. With her qualifications any other officer would snap her up. We’re lucky to have her, Stan.’
‘You’re right.’ Stan gave a wry smile. ‘I thought I was being so clever. When I saw that letter from Dan Chester and paid him a visit, I was intrigued. He was careful not to influence my decision in any way and gave me only the facts concerning her abilities. It was only when I spoke to others I discovered that their relationship might be closer, and I thought it might be a way to entice him over to us. I was wrong on all counts.’
Bill stared at Stan in astonishment. ‘I know you’ve always wanted him here, but that was never going to happen. When Grace went to work for him her husband had been killed in France only a few weeks previously. She would have been coping with her grief, so anything more than liking and friendship between them would have been impossible.’
‘I didn’t know that at the time. Chester never mentioned it and neither did anyone else.’
Bill was shaking his head. ‘You obviously didn’t look into her background enough, and it’s not like you to make such a blunder. Now you’ve got to accept that she was the best candidate for this job and give her a chance.’
‘I know.’ Stan sighed, and changed the subject. ‘Now I have another matter to discuss with you. Do you think you could pass yourself off as a German pilot?’
‘As long as Grace isn’t around,’ he joked. ‘What do you want me to do?’
‘Go into a prisoner-of-war camp as a downed pilot. They might talk freely to one of their own.’ When Bill began to speak, Stan held up his hand to stop him. ‘Before you answer, let me finish. I know you’ve mingled with prisoners before, but that was only for a day. We are asking you to stay there, and only the commander will know who you really are. We think there are one or two Nazis in the camp who are causing problems, but no one is talking and we don’t know who they are. It could be dangerous – very dangerous.’
‘Where is this place?’
‘Somerset.’
‘Nice part of the country. When do I get captured?’
‘After the next big raid. Once in the camp you will be on your own, Bill. This isn’t an order. You are quite at liberty to refuse.’
‘If it isn’t an order, then I volunteer for the mission.’
Chapter Sixteen
His damned phone never stopping ringing, Dan thought as he strode into the office and grabbed the offending instrument. ‘Chester! Ah, hello, George. I’m busy at the moment; can I call you back?’
‘I’ve got some bad news, Dan. James has been shot down over the Channel, and we don’t know if he’s dead or alive.’
‘Oh, hell!’ Dan sat on the edge of the desk and bowed his head in shock. ‘Are they searching for him? He might still be alive. Have his parents been told?’
‘Not yet. James evidently left instructions that I was to be notified first. I don’t want to tell his family until I have some definite news.’
‘No, you’re right.’ Dan was having trouble grasping the fact that he might never see his lifelong friend again, and he could hear that his uncle was very upset. People were being killed all the time but somehow you never thought it was going to happen to you. ‘Let me know the moment you hear anything.’
‘I will.’
He put the phone down, and when he looked up his sergeant was standing in the doorway. He beckoned him in.
‘What is it, Sergeant?’
‘I’ve got news you must hear, sir.’ He was excited enough to make him drop his military bearing. ‘Hitler’s invaded Russia! It’s all round the camp and the officers are coming from all directions. They’re gathering in the strategy room for a meeting. I’ve been sent to tell you, sir. What a damned foolish thing to do!’
‘If that’s true then it is absolute madness on Hitler’s part!’ Dan declared, heading for the door. ‘Oh, Sergeant, get someone to listen for my phone. If Colonel Askew phones they are to come and get me immediately – no matter where I am.’
‘Yes, sir. I’ll come myself.’
As Dan marched through the camp his mind was assessing the implications of this astonishing news. To hear about this on top of being told that James was missing had come like body blows. James, he thought angrily, you
had better still be alive and in once piece, or I swear I’ll kill you myself. You bloody fool! You had to go and fly planes, when you could have stayed in the comfort of your office with Grace. And you needn’t think I’m going to tell her! He shook his head to clear it of such daft thoughts and swung into the meeting room.
Later that evening while he was having a drink in the officers’ bar he was called to the phone. He was dreading the news his uncle might have.
‘Have they found James, George?’
‘Yes, and apart from a couple of broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder and a prolonged dip in the sea, he’s in reasonable condition.’
‘Thank God!’ Dan exclaimed with relief. ‘Where have they taken him?’
‘The military hospital in Aldershot. Grace is stationed there so I’ll try and see her while I’m there. It will only be a quick visit because this place is in uproar after today’s news.’
‘I’m not surprised. Everyone is dumbfounded at the lunacy of this move by Hitler. We’ll talk about it later, George. You get off to see James, and tell him I’ll come tomorrow.’
‘I’ll do that, Dan.’
Dan put the phone down and took a deep breath before ordering another drink. What a day! The non-aggression pact between Germany and Russia hadn’t meant a thing to Hitler. In his opinion the German leader had made a monumental blunder, but only time would show what kind of an impact this would have on the war. The best news he’d had today was that James had been found alive. He would sleep tonight after all.
‘That was a damned stupid thing to do, James,’ Dan declared as he walked up to his friend’s bed.
James turned his head and glared at the tall man standing beside him. ‘You’re a fine one to talk! And what are you still doing here? I thought they would have sent you to where the fighting is by now.’
Dan grinned, pulled up a chair and sat down. He recognised the symptoms of anger and grief smouldering under the surface, and knew just what to do.
‘So, what happened?’
‘If you’ve come here to ask stupid questions then I’m going to sleep!’
When James closed his eyes and turned his head away, Dan watched him for a moment, and then said quietly, ‘I’m not going away, James, so you might as well tell me what’s troubling you.’
‘That damned fool had to go and chase him!’ James didn’t open his eyes. ‘He swooped down when I was in the water, and then took off in hot pursuit of the one who shot me down.’
‘Who was this idiot?’ Dan asked, prompting to keep his friend talking.
He opened his eyes then, showing his anguish. ‘Tim! He was heading straight for the French coast, and he hasn’t returned. He didn’t have enough petrol to pull a stunt like that!’
‘Did he have enough to reach the coast?’
‘Just.’
‘What’s his full name?’
‘Timothy Sheldon. He shouldn’t have risked his life like that, Dan.’
‘Perhaps not, but it was his choice, James. In the heat of battle you sometimes have to make a snap decision, regardless of the risks. You might have done the same thing if he’d been the one in the sea instead of you.’
‘You’re right, of course.’ James sighed. ‘Thanks, Dan. Your usual clear thinking has helped. I’ve been feeling so bloody angry.’
‘I know exactly what it’s like. When I got back from France and they gave me a desk job, I was ready to explode. Then this girl arrived who organised the office with calm efficiency. She didn’t fuss or ask questions, she just got on with whatever I asked her to do. When I found out that her husband had been killed only a few weeks previously, I marvelled at her composure and courage. It made me realise that riling against what had happened was a waste of energy and would accomplish nothing. “Take each day as it comes”, she told me.’
‘Ah.’ James smiled for the first time. ‘Grace.’
Dan nodded.
‘She’s stationed here, you know. George was going to let her know I’m here. Why don’t you go and see her, Dan.’
‘No. We parted friends, and that’s the end of it. I have no intention of seeing her again.’
James gave his friend a speculative glance. ‘No ties, eh? Thinking you might get killed, are you?’
‘After France I’m not so certain of my immortality.’
‘I know what you mean. I’ve had a few near shaves, but I really thought I was a goner this time.’ James gave a quiet chuckle. ‘Grace always said that lightening doesn’t strike twice. If that’s true then she won’t be made a widow a second time in this war, so perhaps I should increase my chances of surviving by marrying her.’
Dan stretched out his long legs and grinned, pleased to see his friend more relaxed. ‘Do you think she would have you?’
‘Not a chance. She’s far too sensible to marry again so soon – if she ever will. I met her husband a couple of times and they were very much in love. They had been childhood sweethearts and I don’t think, in her mind, that anyone else could replace him.’
‘That’s the impression I got,’ Dan agreed. ‘Anyway, we both made it through this time, so what do you think about Hitler invading Russia?’
For the next hour they talked until James was having a job to keep his eyes open. Dan stood up just as a nurse appeared.
‘You must leave now, Major. Squadron Leader Meredith must rest.’
‘I’m going, Nurse.’ He smiled down at his friend. ‘I’ll see if I can find out what happened to Tim, James.’
‘Thanks, Dan. Come again when you can.’
‘I will. Sleep well and get your strength back. You’re strong and the bones should heal quickly.’
Although it was late when Dan arrived back at camp, he phoned his uncle to tell him that James was fretting over his lost pilot friend, Tim.
‘Well done for finding that out about him, Dan. He wouldn’t talk to me about it. I’m tied up with meetings at the moment so could you phone the commander of Kenley to find out if there is any news about Tim. I know Peter Harrison well, so mention my name when you speak to him.’
‘I’ll do that first thing in the morning. Get some rest, George. You sound tired.’
‘I am. Let me know how you get on. Goodnight, Dan.’
‘Night, George.’
Tim followed the two men as they moved stealthily through the darkened village. They made faster progress after reaching the open countryside and soon reached an isolated farm. They pushed him through the door of the building, shut the door and bolted it securely. When the lamps were turned up it took Tim a moment or two to adjust to the sudden light. There were five other people in the room – an elderly husband and wife, and two young men who were probably their sons. When Tim’s gaze rested on the other person he gasped, not being able to believe his eyes.
‘Helen?’
‘Hello, Tim. Are you hurt at all?’
‘A few bruises, that’s all. What are you doing here?’
‘I’m working with the resistance. We are going to try and get you back to England. You must never tell anyone you saw me here. Do you understand that?’
‘I won’t say a word. I promise.’
‘No one knows what I’m doing – not even my family and friends. They receive letters from me so as far as they are concerned I am still in England. Everything is arranged to keep it that way. If I’d known it was you arriving tonight I would have disappeared until you had been moved on. The damage is done now and I have to trust you never to speak about this meeting.’
‘I understand perfectly just how dangerous this is for you. I will never breathe a word of this.’
She nodded, said something he couldn’t understand to the others, and he saw them relax. He was now wishing he had paid more attention to French lessons at school. His limited knowledge was not enough to cope with this.
‘Are you hungry?’
‘Starving.’
The entire group sat around the large, scrubbed wooden table, and the woman served them with bowls
of stew and chunks of home-made bread.
Tim was so hungry it tasted like the best meal he had ever had in his life, and the woman smiled when he tucked into a second bowl. He was then taken to a derelict looking barn where there was a concealed cubbyhole filled with straw and items for his need while in there. Helen told him he was to stay there and not come out until someone came for him.
‘How are you going to get me back home, Helen?’
‘We have several routes in operation, but I’m going to see if I can get you back by the quickest way possible. We have to contact London first. Be patient and don’t go wandering around. If the Germans discover this family are hiding you they will be shot.’
‘I won’t do anything to jeopardise their safety.’
‘I’m sure you won’t.’ Helen smiled. ‘I had to warn you, though. Get some rest.’
‘And you take care,’ he told her as she climbed through the small entrance.
For the next two days he was cooped up in the small room. He was fed at irregular times, and often heard people, sometimes German voices, but he kept very quiet. He was worried about Helen. He had liked her from the moment he had set eyes on her, and to find her here had really shaken him. This was damned dangerous.
When Helen did finally arrive the relief was immense.
‘Come on, Tim. There is a Lysander due to arrive tonight with another agent. They will take you back. We must hurry!’
He was stiff after being confined to that small space and he was glad to get out and stretch his legs. The field was about a mile away and they reached it without mishap. Then they settled down in some trees to wait. No one spoke and Tim could feel the tension radiating through the group.
After what seemed like an age, Tim heard the sound of a small plane, and watched as the men ran out to put lights to mark the landing spot. He was jumpy, expecting Germans to arrive at any minute. He would rather be up in the air than on the ground like this! At least he had some control up there; down here he felt too vulnerable.
When the plane landed one of the men grabbed hold of Tim and rushed him towards the Lysander. He was on the plane before he had a chance to thank his rescuers or say goodbye to Helen. The plane was back in the air in what seemed a matter of seconds.
The Day Will Come Page 13
