‘Sorry, sir, I was just sorting out my thoughts.’ There was only one place to start and that was from the moment they landed in France. Grace began to speak; her voice firm and clear.
It took almost an hour to relate all that had happened, and when she had finished she looked at the officers. Now the questions would come.
‘We’ll take a break here for refreshments.’
‘Thank you, sir. May I leave the room for a moment?’
He inclined his head. ‘Ten minutes.’
Grace hurried to the ladies’ room, relieved to find it empty. That had taken more out of her than she thought it would. She splashed cold water on her face, took several deep breaths, and only when she felt in full control again did she make her way back to the debriefing.
They were talking among themselves when she returned, but stopped as soon as she entered the room. She was given a welcome cup of tea and sipped it, longing for this ordeal to be over.
‘Do you know what the chateau was being used for, and what the explosion destroyed?’
‘No, sir. I never saw Captain Reid again.’
‘So you left without knowing what had happened to him,’ one of the other officers said.
His remark hurt, but Grace tried not to let it show. ‘I was following orders, sir. I was told to avoid capture, because if Captain Reid was caught they could use me to make him talk.’
‘Even so, you left before finding out what had happened to him, or what the chateau was being used for.’
Grace bristled at the man’s tone. ‘I was following orders! With the area swarming with German troops searching for you it would be dangerous to disobey orders. Not only for Captain Reid and myself, but for the many others who were helping us. I don’t suppose you have ever been in that situation, sir, so I realise it is hard to understand.’
There was silence but Grace didn’t lower her gaze. They could do what they liked with her; she didn’t care. After what she had gone through no one was going to intimidate her.
‘Quite right.’ Stan glared at the offending officer. ‘Captain Reid is an experienced operator and would know exactly what had to be done if things went wrong. It would have been imperative that his companion was safe. With only himself to worry about he will have had more chance of surviving.’
‘I agree,’ the chairman said firmly. ‘Let’s move on. You said you came over the Pyrenees. Did you make the journey on your own?’
‘No, sir, I had a guide as far as Spain; an English man by the name of Harry.’
There were puzzled looks the other side of the table as they all turned to the SOE instructor. When he shook his head, the chairman turned to Grace again.
‘What do you know about him?’
‘Nothing. He was waiting at the house when we arrived. Captain Reid knew him, though, and called him Harry. The captain told me that if there was trouble I was to find Harry and he would help me.’
‘And he took you over the mountains?’
Grace nodded. ‘Once we were over the border he turned back and told me he was going to find Captain Reid.’
Stan let out a pent up breath. ‘Did Bill give Harry your codes?’
‘I don’t know, sir, but he seemed to know him well, so he might have done. The Germans had found our wireless set, though, so we couldn’t send any messages. When we went to the chateau I don’t believe Captain Reid expected to come out again.’ Grace struggled to keep her emotions out of her voice. ‘He was insistent that I left the chateau if he wasn’t back by twelve.’
‘A sensible decision.’ The chairman gave Grace an understanding smile. ‘And I suspect that was not an easy order to obey.’
‘No, sir, I wanted to stay, but I trusted Captain Reid. He’d told me it was imperative that I got away.’ She sat up a little straighter, longing for this to end. ‘I followed his orders and did just that.’
‘How did you get to Gibraltar without money?’ one of the officers asked.
‘Harry gave me what little he had, and when I needed more I worked as a waitress in a cafe until I had enough for the train fare. That’s why it took me so long to get home.’
The man in charge looked at the others. ‘I think you will agree that this is a story of determination, resilience and courage, gentlemen. It is unfortunate that we still do not know what was in the chateau. However, after listening to Lance Corporal Lincoln’s account of her escape we can hope that Captain Reid will also return. We do know, however, that there was something important there and the captain put his life at risk to destroy it, trusting that his companion would escape. Whoever this Harry was, Captain Reid trusted him enough to ask for help if it was needed. He played a vital role in Lance Corporal Lincoln’s escape, and he deserves our gratitude.’
When they all nodded agreement, he turned back to Grace. ‘Thank you. You have behaved in an exemplary manner, and I am sure you are now ready for some leave. Welcome home, and well done.’
‘Thank you, sirs.’ Grace stood up, saluted smartly and marched out of the room. Once outside her legs threatened to give way and she held on to a small hall table for support. Her mind was numb. The sea crossing had been rough and the moment she had arrived they had whisked her to the debriefing, giving her no chance to rest before the grilling. She was so tired.
‘Grace.’ Stan gripped her arms to hold her up. ‘Let’s get you home.’
‘No,’ she shook her head. ‘Take me to my digs in Aldershot, please. I would like to rest before travelling home.’
‘I understand. My car is outside.’
‘Can we get a cup of tea and a sandwich first? I haven’t had much to eat.’
‘Of course. They’ve got a canteen here.’ He watched as she straightened up, and then walked beside her to the canteen. He didn’t help her because he knew she would have hated that. This girl was going to stand on her own two feet, no matter what she had been through. After watching her in that room his admiration had grown and he now understood what George and Dan recognised in her. Bill also saw it. Courage. Bloody courage!
While they were in the canteen the SOE instructor came over. When Grace went to stand up he made her sit down again. ‘I’m glad you are still here. You were a good student and I felt sure you would do well. You have proved my instinct correct. I am proud of you.’
Grace grimaced. ‘I’m not proud of myself. I left Bill behind.’
‘That is exactly what you had to do. You played your part and got Bill into the chateau. You could not help him after that and you did what he needed you to do, and that was to get out of there alive. Do not reproach yourself, Grace.’
‘Thank you, sir, but it’s hard.’
‘I know, but these are dangerous times. In years to come we will look back and only then recognise the sacrifices made by individuals. I know Bill well, and if there is any way of getting out alive, he will have found it. You relax and rest now.’
As the instructor walked away, Stan scowled. ‘I didn’t like the glint in his eyes when he was talking to you. I have a nasty feeling we haven’t seen the last of him.’
Grace didn’t bother to comment, she was too weary to work out what he meant.
‘Ready?’ he asked when he saw her plate was empty. ‘Or would you like another sandwich?’
She shook her head, stood up and walked with him to the waiting car. She settled in the back and closed her eyes for a moment, listening to the hum of the tyres on the road. It was strangely comforting.
‘Sleep if you want to,’ Stan told her softly. ‘You must be worn out after your journey and debriefing. They might have given you a day to recover.’
‘They were anxious to see if I had any information about the chateau. If you have further questions about Bill, could you leave it for a short time, sir? I’ve done all the talking I want to for a while.’
‘You told me everything you knew at the debriefing, so relax now.’
They were soon back at Aldershot, and when Stan went to help her out of the car, she smiled. ‘I’m all right, sir.
’
‘Just trying to be a gentleman,’ he joked. ‘You are officially on leave now so go home as soon as you feel rested enough. Take as much time as you need.’
‘Thank you, sir.’ She saluted and walked in to the house.
‘Potter!’ Stan called as he strode into the office. ‘Tell the medics I need a female nurse here at once!’
‘Are you ill, sir?’
‘Not for me. Why are you still standing there? Don’t come back without one!’
Potter turned and ran from the office.
Stan paced the room. Grace said she was all right, but he wasn’t too sure about that. At the debriefing she had given a clear, unemotional account of the mission without a hint of how she was feeling. Her journey to Gibraltar had been skirted over as if it was unimportant, but he’d seen that brief crack in her composure when the debriefing had finished. Any fool could see that her escape from France had been tough. She’d had a guide over the Pyrenees, but once over the border Harry had left her to make her own way across Spain. And who the hell was Harry? Was he the one who had sent that message? Dammit Bill! Was the mission a success or failure? If you don’t come back this is going to haunt us forever.
‘Sir.’
Stan spun round to face the military nurse standing in his office. He had been so lost in thought he hadn’t heard anyone come in. ‘Ah, thank you for coming so quickly. Lance Corporal Lincoln has just returned from a hazardous mission and is exhausted. She was checked by a doctor on her return and is physically fit, but I would like you to keep an eye on her for a few hours. Let her sleep, but when she wakes make sure she has something to eat and drink.’
‘I understand, sir. If she’s in a communal billet it might be wise to move her to the hospital.’
‘She’s in a room of her own.’ Stan handed the nurse the address, a slight smile on his face. ‘When she sees you she will tell you to leave, saying she doesn’t need you. Ignore her. You are there on my orders and she can take it out on me later.’
‘Sounds like she has a strong character.’
‘I doubt she would be alive today if she didn’t possess a strong, determined character.’
‘Anything else I should know, sir?’
‘No, that’s it. Her name is Grace, by the way.’
The nurse was just leaving when George arrived. ‘Is Grace all right, Stan?’
‘Just exhausted. The nurse is a precaution. I want someone around should she need them.’
‘Very thoughtful of you. How did the debriefing go? You look done in.’
‘Sit down and have a drink with me and I’ll tell you all about it. It’s quite an amazing story.’
Chapter Twenty-Six
The next morning when Stan walked into the office he stopped in astonishment. Grace was at her desk going through the post.
‘What the devil are you doing here?’
‘I work here, sir.’
‘Don’t you be cheeky with me, Sergeant!’
‘It’s Lance Corporal, sir.’
‘I’ve just promoted you. Where’s Potter?’
‘He’s gone to get some fresh milk and more supplies. Why have you promoted me?’
‘Because you deserve it. A “thank you, sir,” would be nice.’
‘Thank you, sir.’
‘Did you always speak your mind with your lawyer boss?’
‘He encouraged me to do so.’
‘Then he has a lot to answer for.’ Stan began to laugh. ‘Ah, but I’ve missed you. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t be here. You are officially on leave. Potter has another week before returning to his unit. Go home. Your parents are anxious to see you.’
‘I know they are, but I would rather stay here for a while.’
Stan sat beside her. ‘I know you are worried about Bill, but the moment there is any news I will come and tell you. You have my word on that, so go home. See your family and go out with your friends, learn to laugh again. Whatever the outcome of this mission, you did everything you were asked to do. We are all proud of you, and Bill will be too when he finds out what you endured to escape. I know you feel you shouldn’t have left him behind, but that was exactly what you had to do, and Bill wouldn’t have been pleased if you’d stayed around trying to help him. You would have put both of your lives in danger by doing that.’
‘So I keep being told, but it doesn’t help. He gave me strict instructions, though, and he’d also asked Harry to get me out if things went wrong. I did as ordered, but reluctantly. When I finally reached Gibraltar I should have been elated, but I wasn’t. I was safe, but Bill and Harry were still in danger. It’s hard to dismiss that.’
‘I wonder who this Harry is.’
Grace shook her head. ‘I really don’t know, but if it hadn’t been for him I might still be there trying to avoid capture.’
‘I hope I can shake his hand one day and thank him. You said he went back to find Bill. Do you think he can?’
‘If anyone can find him then Harry will.’
‘That’s comforting to know.’ Stan stood up. ‘Now get out of here, Sergeant, and that’s an order. By the way, what did you do with the nurse?’
‘I sent her back to the hospital, sir.’
He looked up at the ceiling. ‘I don’t know why I bother.’
‘It was a kind thought, but I didn’t need her.’
The door opened and George strode in, smiling with pleasure when he saw Grace. ‘Welcome home, my dear, but what are you doing here? Has he got you working again already?’
‘Don’t blame me! She won’t damned well go on leave. You tell her, George. She might obey you. I’m wasting my breath.’
‘All right!’ Grace stood up, hands raised in surrender. ‘I’m going.’
George looked at his watch. ‘I’ve got a couple of hours free. Get your bag and I’ll take you home.’
‘It’s already packed and it won’t take me long to collect it.’ She reached the door and looked back at Stan. ‘You promise?’
‘You have my word.’
She nodded, went out, and closed the door softly behind her.
‘What was that about?’ George asked, frowning.
‘I think she wanted to stay here in case there’s any word about Bill. She isn’t going to be able to relax until she knows what’s happened to him. It’s important she gets away from here, though.’
‘I agree. I fear the war has a long way to go yet, and that girl has already had her share of heartaches. Sitting on the sidelines is hard, Stan. I applied to return to active duty, but all I’ve done is swap one desk for another. I guess Dan was right when he hinted that we were too old.’
‘Maybe, but there are many twists and turns to come and we could get our chance – or you could. You’re younger than me and have had battle experience. Have you heard from Dan yet, by the way?’
‘No, he might still be at sea.’
Stan nodded. ‘Thanks for taking Grace home. There’s another reason I want her out of the way for a while. I think the SOE could be after her.’
‘That wouldn’t surprise me. They are on the lookout for suitable candidates, and they know she would be right for the job after this mission. What will you do?’
‘I would like to tell them they can’t have her, but it would have to be Grace’s decision. I’ll try to keep them away from her until she has come to terms with what has happened. This is no time for her to be making hasty decisions.’
‘Don’t forget to point out that she is a valuable member of your intelligence team and would be hard to replace.’
‘Absolutely, and when Bill gets back he might need her help again.’
‘If they want her they will have to approach you first, so tell them all that before she makes a commitment. Keep me informed, Stan.’
‘Will do.’
Grace arrived back then and stood in the doorway. ‘All ready.’
‘I don’t want to see you for at least ten days,’ Stan told her sternly.
‘Right, sir.’
She walked with George to the car he had ordered, and climbed in the back. ‘Thanks for the lift. Will you come in when we get home?’
‘Just for a few minutes. You don’t have to worry, Grace, your parents are understanding people and they know they mustn’t ask any questions. They love you and are just happy to have you home again for a while.’
‘When Brian died I didn’t want to talk about it and this is the same feeling. That debriefing drained me.’
‘Now you need to rest, and the best place to do that is at home.’
She nodded and changed the subject. ‘How is Dan?’
‘All right – as far as I know. He’s on a ship somewhere. My guess is he’s heading for North Africa.’
‘Ah, he’ll be happy to be on the move at last.’
‘I expect so.’ George sighed. ‘Dangerous place, though, with Rommel in charge of the Germans.’
‘I know he has a fearsome reputation but he isn’t invincible; neither is Hitler. It’s going to be a long, hard struggle but we have to win. There isn’t any other alternative and we will all do whatever is necessary to bring about their downfall.’
George looked at her and smiled. ‘I agree with every word of that, but enough of the war. You are home safely and on leave. Take the time to clear your mind. Try not to dwell on the past or the future. The past is gone and we can’t change it, and the future is yet to come. All we can have is this moment, so live it, Grace.’
She gave a little laugh. ‘You sound just like my mother.’
‘She’s a wise woman.’
For ten days Grace slept, went to the cinema, read several books, and did all the normal things. She didn’t talk about her experiences and her parents never asked. It would have helped if Helen had been home as well, but her family said she hadn’t been on leave for some time. James and Tim were evidently away somewhere so she spent the time with her parents or on her own, but this time she didn’t mind. It was just the kind of quiet time she needed. Every day she had hoped that Stan would come with news, but he never did.
The time at home had been a chance to get back to something like normal life where she didn’t have to keep hiding for fear of being caught, but she was pleased to be back at Aldershot. At home there had been too much time to think and she needed work to keep her occupied. Potter had left everything neat and tidy for her and a folder full of reports to bring her up to date.
The Day Will Come Page 21
