Resisting the temptation to keep looking at the clock, she studied her surroundings. There were men of various ranks and services walking through the entrance with worried expressions on their faces. This wasn’t surprising considering the perilous situation the country was now in. She saw only a few women; some in uniform and some in civilian clothes. She occupied herself by studying each person as they hurried past. What were they thinking? Did the safety of Britain rest on their shoulders? If it did, then they were carrying a heavy burden.
‘Mrs Lincoln, thank you for waiting. I am sorry, but I was in a meeting and couldn’t get away.’
Grace, lost in her thoughts, started, and leapt to her feet. The tall man standing in front of her had dark shadows of strain under his eyes, and looked as if he hadn’t slept for days. She knew he was a colonel because she had made sure she had studied the various ranks before coming for the appointment. But was this the man she had come to see?
‘Colonel Askew?’
He nodded. ‘Please come with me.’
He turned and marched away so quickly that Grace had to almost run a couple of steps to catch up with him. The room he took her to was littered with papers, and maps were pinned to almost every surface of the walls. Her orderly mind longed to get her hands on this mess.
‘Please sit down,’ he ordered, as he settled behind a large oak desk. ‘I’ve ordered refreshments. You must be hungry after that long wait.’
‘Thank you, sir.’ She took the letter out of her handbag and handed it across the desk. ‘James Meredith asked me to give you this.’
He slit open the envelope and began reading. She could see immediately that it was not the short introduction she had expected it to be. There were three pages in James’s distinctive handwriting.
The colonel read it through twice before looking up. ‘James thinks highly of you, Mrs Lincoln. He stresses that you are discreet and do not gossip. Is that so?’
‘I have never talked to anyone about the cases Mr Meredith has been working on.’
He nodded. ‘Was your husband killed on the beaches at Dunkirk?’
Grace was taken aback by this question. What on earth had that to do with an interview for a job? As much as she objected to being asked this, she had to answer him. ‘No, sir. I understand he was killed near Dunkirk. He never made it to the beaches.’
He nodded. ‘I was there. It wasn’t pleasant.’
Ah, so that was why he wanted to know. She clenched her hands together, wishing he would change the subject. It tore her apart to talk about it, but she wasn’t going to let him see that. ‘I don’t suppose it was, sir.’
He was watching her intently, and when she held his gaze without wavering, he gave that nod again. She was wishing she hadn’t come.
‘We won’t need to test your typing and shorthand skills. I can take James’s word that they are excellent. Everything that goes on in this building is highly confidential. If you worked here you would have to sign the Official Secrets Act. Would you be prepared to do that?’
‘Yes, sir, but I would have to know what the job is before signing anything.’
He picked up the telephone, dialled a number, and waited. ‘Dan, come to my office at once. Leave what you’re doing. I could have the answer to your problem.’
The door opened as he put the phone down, and a young soldier wheeled in a trolley. ‘Refreshments for three – as ordered, sir.’
‘Thank you, Corporal.’
The soldier spun smartly round and left, leaving the door open for someone to enter.
‘Ah, Dan, good. This is Mrs Grace Lincoln. She comes highly recommended. Mrs Lincoln, this is Major Daniel Chester.’
Grace had risen to her feet the moment he had walked into the room and, while studying him, shook hands. He appeared to be even more exhausted than the colonel.
‘Sit down, Dan, before you fall down!’ the colonel ordered sharply. ‘You should have taken a couple more days’ leave.’
Major Chester pulled up a chair and eased himself into it, giving the colonel a disbelieving look.
‘I know, I know. There isn’t time for such luxuries.’
While the officers were talking, Grace poured the tea and handed round the sandwiches; then she sat down again, taking a cheese sandwich for herself.
‘Thank you, Grace.’ The colonel smiled for the first time. ‘We may call you by your Christian name?’
‘Yes, sir.’ This was turning out to be a strange interview, but she was now feeling a glimmer of interest in what they might be about to offer. These men were exhausted, and obviously loaded with cares and responsibilities. If she could help them, then it could be a worthwhile job.
‘We will take a short break for lunch,’ Colonel Askew told them.
Major Chester eased his long legs out, grimacing slightly.
‘That leg still giving you trouble, Dan?’
‘It’s nothing. I’ve been sitting too long.’
Grace refilled their cups and handed round more sandwiches.
The major smiled his thanks, and she was struck by the transformation. He was a handsome man, and younger than she had first thought. He had the bluest eyes she had ever seen, and strands of his black hair had a tendency to fall over his forehead, even though it was cut short.
‘Read this.’ The colonel handed him the letter, and then turned his attention back to Grace. ‘Did you enjoy working for James?’
‘Very much, sir,’ she replied. ‘I was sad to have to leave.’
‘No doubt. I tried to talk him out of becoming a pilot, but was unable to do so. His mind was made up, and is well aware what he’s letting himself in for. Good pilot, though, and men like him are badly needed.’
‘I’m sure they are,’ Grace agreed. ‘He was also an exceptional lawyer, and it couldn’t have been an easy decision to turn his back on a career he has studied and worked so hard for.’
Major Chester folded the letter and placed it on the desk. He looked at the colonel and nodded.
‘Good,’ the colonel said in reply to the silent agreement. ‘Now, all we have to do is persuade Grace that you need her help.’
A wry smile crossed Daniel Chester’s face when he turned to Grace. ‘Would the word “desperate” do the trick?’
She couldn’t help returning his smile. ‘What would the desperate help entail?’
‘Look after me. Organise the office, protect me from unnecessary interruptions and stay by my side. Where I go, you go. In fact, be my right-hand man. The hours will be long and unpredictable. You will get little time off, and could be away from home for long periods at a time.’
There was silence when he stopped speaking, and Grace had to resist the temptation to burst out laughing. As a job description, that was enough to put anyone off. She managed to keep a serious expression, before she said, ‘When would you like me to start?’
‘Right now.’ Daniel was on his feet. ‘Can you do that?’
‘There isn’t anything else I need to do today.’
The smile was back, and Grace decided it suited him. If she could help him get rid of that haunted look in his eyes, then it would be an achievement. In fact, if she could help any of these men, then that would give her a lot of satisfaction.
Dan turned to the colonel. ‘Thank you, George.’
‘How the hell did you do that?’ he asked, amusement written all over his face. ‘After that run-down of the job, I expected Grace to refuse.’
‘The letter James sent you convinced me she wouldn’t, and it was no good glossing over her duties. I wouldn’t have been able to keep her once she found out what a tough job it was.’
The colonel nodded, serious now. ‘Don’t let her near anything confidential today. You know there is a procedure to go through first. You are breaking all the rules.’
‘I know, and I’ll see to it straight away.’
‘And don’t stay here all night. For heaven’s sake get some rest!’
‘I will.’
; Colonel Askew sighed wearily. ‘I’ve heard that before. I’m handing him over to you now, Grace. After what he’s been through he needs time to recover completely. Make him stop driving himself. I don’t care how you do it!’
‘You’re a fine one to talk, George. And stop telling my secretary what to do. Don’t take any notice of him, Grace. He worries too much. Come on. I’ll show you the office. That’s if I can find it under all the paperwork.’
‘I am your uncle, Dan. I’m entitled to worry.’ The colonel smiled and held out his hand to Grace. ‘Thank you for coming, and being so patient with us.’
‘It has been – interesting – sir.’
‘Hah! That’s a polite way of putting it. I’ll tell James you are going to risk working for us. Good luck.’
Dan ushered her out of the room, and as they walked along, he said, ‘You haven’t asked what the salary is.’
‘I don’t care,’ she admitted honestly. ‘As long as I have enough to live on, then that’s all I need.’
‘Oh, I’ll see you have more than that. The work you will be doing will be highly confidential, and your background will be examined very carefully. I don’t see any problem with that, though, because the letter James supplied was very detailed. I’ll see everything is rushed through.’ He glanced down at her as he opened a door for her. ‘Here we are. See what you can do with this lot. There’s a private washroom through that other door.’
Grace stood just inside the room and gazed around. There were files and rolled up maps everywhere – on chairs, window sills, the floor and even some papers balanced precariously on a three-dimensional globe. She had never seen such a mess!
‘How do you find anything?’ she asked.
‘I don’t. I only arrived yesterday and was given this room. This is how the previous occupant left it.’
‘Why don’t they make him sort it out?’
‘Not possible, I’m afraid.’
She knew at once what that meant by the tone of his voice, and didn’t pursue the subject. ‘Then I had better make a start.’
‘Thanks. I’ll leave you to it while I go and get you established as a member of staff, or they won’t let you in tomorrow.’
‘Before you go, do you need to keep anything here? Can I bundle it up and have it moved to a basement, or wherever they keep paperwork they no longer need?’
‘I’d better have a look at it first. It would be helpful if you could get it in some kind of order, so I can look through it quickly. I’ve never had a desk job before, and I’m going to need you to steer me through the next few weeks.’
‘I’ll do that, sir. You’ll soon settle in.’
He grimaced. ‘This isn’t what I joined the army for, but it seems I have certain knowledge and skills they need at the moment. You’ll be all right for a while?’
‘Yes, sir.’
With a nod of satisfaction, he left.
Grace removed her jacket, rolled up her sleeves, and made straight for the two large filing cabinets right by the door. They would have to be moved further along as they were causing an obstruction. They were empty, except for an old whisky bottle and two glasses. At least she didn’t have to clear them out. She opened the door and looked into the corridor. A sergeant, who appeared to be strong enough to move heavy objects, was walking by.
She called to him, smiling brightly. ‘I’m sorry to bother you, Sergeant, but could you move two cabinets for me?’
‘Certainly – where would you like them?’
The job was done in no time at all, and she set to work.
It was nearly three hours before the major returned, and by that time everything was neat and in date order. The bottle was in the wastepaper basket, and the glasses washed until they gleamed.
When Dan walked in, he just stood there in astonishment. ‘What a transformation. You’ve worked wonders in such a short time!’
‘Everything is sorted and in the filing cabinets. Would you like a cup of tea? I’ve managed to scrounge a kettle and china.’
He grinned when he saw the tray containing a tea pot, fine china, and even a plate of biscuits. ‘Where did you get all that?’
‘I explained what I needed to a nice female officer, and she arranged it for me.’
‘Who was she?’
‘I don’t know, sir. She happened to be walking by.’
‘I have a feeling we are going to get along quite well,’ he said as he sat behind the desk, now cleared of clutter. ‘I’d love a cup of tea. I’ve spent the last couple of hours throwing orders around, and even had to get the colonel’s help. But, between us, we’ve managed to get you a temporary pass. The permanent one will take a few days.’
‘Thank you, sir.’ Grace handed him the tea, and then picked up the pass. ‘Is there anything else I can do for you today?’
‘No, thank you.’ He sipped his tea and laid his head against the high-backed chair. In an instant he was asleep.
Grace tiptoed to the door and locked it to stop anyone disturbing him. She removed her shoes and moved around quietly to finish some more jobs. She would stay until he woke up.
Chapter Three
‘I’m wasting my breath telling you to take it easy, aren’t I?’ The colonel marched in, and then stopped in astonishment. ‘My word, what a difference! Did that young girl do all this today?’
Dan nodded. ‘And without any help from me. I’m impressed.’
George sat down. ‘I only saw her because James pleaded with me to find her a job here. I had only intended to tell her I would see what I could do, and leave it at that. There was something about her, though, and after reading James’s letter, I thought of you. You need help, and it looks as if she might be as efficient as James said.’
‘Quite possible, but only time will tell.’ Dan stood up and gazed out of the window, and then turned sharply. ‘What the blazes am I doing here, Uncle? Was this also your doing?’
‘As a matter of fact, it wasn’t. You were called on for your knowledge of France and Germany, and for your experience of being in the front line. Don’t fight against it. You are not fit for active duty.’
‘As soon as I am, I’m out of here! I’m not spending this war sitting on my backside listening to a load of bureaucrats who don’t know what the hell they’re talking about.’
‘That’s harsh, and not true about everyone.’
‘Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. What I’m trying to say is that we’ve got to learn from the past, and do things differently. The old ways and battle strategies won’t work now.’
‘I agree, and that’s why you’re here. We’ve got to change our ideas – and fast. We’ve both got battle experience and can, hopefully, be of some help.’ George stood up. ‘Come on. I’ll buy you a pint.’
The pub was crowded, but they managed to find a quiet corner in the saloon bar.
‘Are you still having nightmares?’ George asked, once settled with pints in front of them.
‘Not as bad, or so often. They will eventually go, I suppose. Time heals everything, they say.’
‘I’ve read the report of your experiences, of course, but you’ve never talked about it. It might help if you did.’
Dan drank half of the pint in one go, put the glass down, and then said, ‘Our orders were to secure a certain village, and the intelligence we received was way off. We walked into an ambush. There were a dozen of us – five of us were captured. They were a nasty lot. They didn’t want to stop their advance and be bothered with prisoners. They lined us up, and I knew what they were going to do. There was a forest area nearby, but an open field to cross before reaching it. I figured there was nothing to lose, so I sent a message along the line to make a run for it, and we took off. We heard machine-gun fire, then rifles, as a couple of Germans chased after us. I took a bullet in the leg, but it wasn’t enough to stop me. Fortunately, they didn’t continue the pursuit. Too eager to push on, I expect. We hid in the forest for a couple of hours, and one of the men bound my leg to stop
the bleeding. We made our way to the coast, and ended up at Dunkirk. You know what that was like; you were there.’
George nodded. ‘And you don’t know what happened to the other prisoners?’
‘We didn’t stop to look. The corporal who came with us was upset, and convinced his comrades had been shot. I don’t know for sure, though.’
‘You saved your men by your quick thinking. It was up to the others to follow you, or stay. Only one did. It was their choice, Dan. You couldn’t have done more.’
‘Maybe, but it still haunts me. There should have been something I could have done.’
‘At least you all got back safely.’
‘I made damned sure they did! We had spent days together, walking when it was safe, and hiding when necessary.’
‘A journey like that didn’t do your leg any good.’
Dan drained his glass. ‘They could have travelled faster by themselves. I tried – no, ordered them to leave me – but they refused.’
‘Good men.’
‘Yes. I was relieved to get them on one of those boats.’
‘When I arrived back I stayed dockside, praying you were on one of them. I didn’t recognise you at first. You looked in bad shape. I didn’t know how you were still standing.’
‘You didn’t look too good yourself.’
‘True, but we both made it, which is more than many other poor devils.’
‘Like Grace Lincoln’s husband. That girl is wise beyond her years. Do you know what she did today?’
The colonel shook his head, relieved he had been able to get his nephew talking about his experiences.
‘When I finally got back to the office, she made me a cup of tea – and I fell asleep. It was about seven when I woke up, and she was still there. I had been having a bad dream again and the sweat was pouring off me. Without commenting, she poured me a small brandy, and waited while I drank it. Then she calmly washed up the glass and asked if there was anything else she could do for me before she left. I said that would be all for today. I asked her where on earth she had got the small bottle of brandy from. She smiled and said a sergeant had got it for her.’ Dan laughed. ‘She’s very enterprising.’
Day Will Come Page 2
