More Than He Bargained For
Sequel to Someone to Watch His Back this is also a behind the scenes look at the first mission. It contains big time spoilers for The Big Con. And because this time it's really important: Garrison's Gorillas is not mine. The premise and characters are the property of the writers and Production Company that originated the show, or whomever they sold the rights to (and I wish those guys would pony up and crank out some professionally mastered DVD's). All of the action in the 'scenes' is theirs, but everything happening 'behind the scenes' is a figment of my own imagination.
Garrison followed Sergeant Major Gilbert Rawlins along the path that led up to the building. Rawlins turned to get his OK before he fitted the key in the lock. It took a moment for him to give it. Once that door opened he was committed, ..accountable, …in charge… Who was he kidding! He'd been in charge since he pitched the idea and they'd taken him up on it. No one else was crazy enough to believe something like this was going to work. But he knew it could… he 'd been there, he'd seen enough to know this little band of experts could help him get the job done,,, if they didn't kill him first.
When he pitched the idea for the group back before he'd been shipped off to North Africa he'd never envisioned himself as the leader. General Jackman had been right, you had to be careful what you wished for. He wished for a team that could get in and get information out of German safes, replace it with the information the Allies wanted them to have. He wished for a group that could trick the Germans into revealing their secrets or releasing their prisoners…. Well, he had it… and at least for now, he was responsible for it, the men that made it up, the people that were assigned to get those men ready for their new lives as under cover operators… Hell, right now he was responsible for the community where the brass had them headquartered. If anything happened to anyone it was going to be on his head, just because he'd thought up the idea… Sometimes he thought a little too much for his own good.
"Alright Sergeant, let's review the troops."
Gil stared at the Yank for a second before he turned back to the door. Review the troops indeed! From what he'd been told not one of them had any military experience. From what he imagined not one of them would have any discipline and none of them would respond to authority, at least not the way the military demanded. Swinging the door open he stepped aside and let the lieutenant through, motioning for two of the guards to step into the doorway behind him as he following his new CO in. The rest of the detail were on the alert, ready in case the 'specialists' made a break for it.
Craig looked at the men ranged around the room. If they'd been regular Army recruits they would have been on their feet the moment they heard the door open. If they'd been regular Army recruits he would have barked an order that brought them to attention… But they weren't Army recruits, they were convicts, wards of the Army for the time they found them useful. And despite what others in the special operations unit thought he didn't really care if they learned to follow regulations, he just needed them to learn enough to follow him, at least long enough so they wouldn't get themselves killed before they complete their mission. His eyes traveled from one to the other. Chief the one he'd picked for his scout, over the objections of just about everyone. Actor the group's con man, European born and multilingual, Goniff the cat burglar and pick pocket of the bunch, the safe cracker and explosives expert, Casino and…. Wheeler?
"What's a matter commissioner, don't like surprises?"
Garrison fixed a level gaze on Wheeler and stared until the man laughed and looked away. He hadn't picked Wheeler, he'd rejected him for his attitude and tendency towards using violence to get what he wanted. Reports indicated he'd killed more than once in prison but with the lack of witnesses willing to talk he was never convicted. Sure he could handle himself in a fight and he knew his way around almost every vehicle and engine in operation. They wouldn't have to teach him much about hand to hand or weapons, but he doubted the time saved there would be enough to teach him there were other ways to resolve his problems, that it would be enough time for him to develop a conscience.
"Where's Saint-Martin?" the lieutenant asked quietly.
"How should I know? I was all snug in my little cell and they come rappin' on the door and told me I was comin' over here. Gonna get a big chance to be part of your little band a Boy Scouts." Wheeler smirked at him from where he slouched on the sofa. "You want a health up date on that Frog you better ring up the warden."
First hurdle, they were all watching him, waiting to see what he'd do. "Never mind, Wheeler, you'll do."
Shoving off the sofa Wheeler took three strides across the small room to stand toe to toe with the guy in charge. "You didn't think so over there!" Usually when he got in a guy's face they'd take a step back, tense up. He was big enough he made almost everybody nervous. Not this guy,,, but he had back up. Wheeler cut a look at the guards, they'd tensed up alright, but that was OK, he'd heard they wouldn't be with them on this job.
"I had choices over there. I chose the best." Wheeler might know his way around an engine, but Gérald Saint-Martin had designed, built and raced his own cars all over Europe. He spoke four languages and had a personal knowledge of the areas they'd be working in. And he had something the others lacked, a desire to work for the Allies that wasn't based on the promised parole. He wanted to get into the fight to free his country and couldn't do it from behind bars in a federal prison. "I don't have that choice here and so, … you'll have to do." Garrison crossed his arms on his chest and continued to stare at Wheeler. He could feel the guards tense at his back but he didn't want to break eye contact, not now.
Goniff hunched his shoulders up and grinned down into his lap. He didn't like the loud mouth bully and was glad to see their new leader wasn't going to put up with him…'Course he did have those guards standin' right behind him. It was going to be different out on the job and the little man doubted the lieutenant would be the one to come out on top if there was a fight. Casino, now Casino'd have a real chance. He was tough and he'd been inside and knew the way to handle a bloke like Wheeler. The pick pocket slid off his perch and wandered over to lean against the wall, a little closer to the safecracker, a little further away from Wheeler.
Actor watched the two men face off. He knew a confrontation would come but he didn't think it would happen this quickly, before they could even get away from the airfield. And he didn't think Wheeler would be the first one to test the lieutenant, he thought it would be the safecracker, Casino. The clash was instructive though and he was glad to get a little insight into the man who would be leading them. So far he was impressed, the lieutenant hadn't raised his voice in reaction to Wheeler's belligerent tone. He'd kept his voice even and just stated the fact… Wheeler wasn't his first choice but he was willing to adapt to using him anyway. But from the anger that flashed in the man's eye their young leader may have just made his first mistake. Actor could believe Wheeler wasn't the first choice, he considered the man a braggart and a bully. It was amusing to see him assigned second class status when he thought so highly of himself, but it may have been wiser to keep that from the group.
Casino leaned in his corner and watched Wheeler… he didn't like the guy, he was an opinionated loudmouth, always complaining… Casino didn't like guys like that. He didn't give much notice to the Army guy, he wasn't gonna have much to do with him. He'd be all safe in his own barracks, probably backed up by guards all the time, but he was gonna to be sharin space with Wheeler, be one on one with him, and it never hurt to see how a guy handled himself. So Wheeler wasn't the best, wasn't the first choice?… Maybe he could use that little piece of information later. He shot a look at the Limey as he settled in near him… He was harmless, a follower, and it looked like he might be willing to line up with him… he could use that too.
Chief watched the group of men in the room. The con man hadn't moved from his seat, just stayed there studyin' the lieutenant and that wheel man. The officer was concentrating on him too, so were the guards. The English guy, Goniff, had moved over to stand with Casino… looked like he was settin' up an alliance already, choosin' who he'd back when the fight come, and it'd come. He turned his attention back to Wheeler. The guy was trouble, spoiling for a fight and convinced he was big enough, tough enough to come out on top… He probably was too, most a the time, but Chief wasn't worried about him, he was faster, his reflexes quicker, in a fight that lumbering loudmouth would go down in the first few moves. But the officer standing there, he was ready for him, balanced on his feet and relaxed, just waiting. That's the guy to worry about, he thought. If Wheeler wanted to be the one to try and get him out of the way, well, that was OK by him.
Wheeler snorted a laugh and turned away. He wasn't gonna get the guy to take a step back, not with the others watching and not with rifles at his back… there'd be another time.
"Alright." Garrison turned to Rawlins. "Sergeant Major load them on the trucks, let's get this show on the road." So much for greeting his new charges and that quick pep talk about the importance of the job they were about to do.
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The men got to their feet and filed out past him between the guards Rawlins had set on either side of the path that led to the back of the truck. As soon as they'd loaded one of the guards climbed aboard and secured each man to the bench with a handcuff. No sense taking any chances. Two armed guards would ride in the back of the truck with the convicts, with another up in the cab with the driver, and a third riding with him and the Sergeant Major in the jeep. Another two armed men would lead the little convoy in a second jeep. At first he'd thought six armed guards a bit excessive, but with Wheeler in the crowd he was glad he'd let Rawlins talk him into it.
Their timing was perfect. The procession of vehicles was moving slowly along the road that ran past the pub and had come to a crawl as the driver down shifted to make the turn up the steeper road that led out to the estate… A gust of wind blew the back flap on the truck open just long enough for Goniff to catch sight of the pub. Garrison watched as the Englishman jabbed Casino in the ribs and pointed. The flap fell back in place before he could see the safecracker's reaction. Rawlins turned to him and frowned. Craig nodded his agreement. With Wheeler in the group their little bet was off. He didn't want a guy like that loose in the village, not until he was sure he could trust him… and that was going to take a very long time.
Twenty minutes later they were pulling through the gates and getting ready to turn their charges out into their new 'pen'. Garrison knew why prisons were called that, the men inside were treated like cattle, shuttled from place to place, surrounded by fences, sometimes prodded along through gates with electrically charged sticks. He didn't want the base to operate like that, and as soon as the men proved themselves it wouldn't, but they'd have to earn their privileges. For right now they'd be closely watched and tightly contained.
Swinging out of the jeep Garrison stepped over to the back of the truck and waited for the other guards to get in position. Rawlins had the chain they'd brought along and stood ready to attach each man's cuff to it as he climbed down out of the truck. They weren't going to like that, Craig thought as he signaled the guard to drop the tailgate of the truck… But they surprised him, accepting the set up as routine. They probably moved around the prison that way, or out to work assignments, he'd have to spend a little more time talking to Corporal Jergens, the man with the most prison experience and was glad Rawlins picked him to be part of the permanent operating staff out here. Sergeant Major Rawlins might not have personal experience with handling convicts but he had a good imagination and a tendency to pay attention to details. Craig found he was getting more and more grateful that the NCO had agreed to accept this assignment.
Garrison watched them as they arranged themselves in line, getting a feel for the ultimate pecking order. Though Goniff had been closest to the tailgate of the truck he'd hung back a little and let both Casino and Chief down first, turning his back on Wheeler. As they hooked up Wheeler gave the smaller man a shove that sent him stumbling forward into Casino. The guards stepped in immediately, lowering their rifles between the two men. Casino shoved the Englishman away from him but kept a hand on his shoulder to keep him on his feet as he shot a irritated stare at Wheeler. The other two, Actor and Chief just looked on, waiting to see what would happen.
"Alright Wheeler, knock it off!"
Garrison didn't wait for the man to respond, motioning the guards to start the line forward up into the house. He'd have to watch that. If Goniff was lining up with Casino and he was accepting the roll of protector it might not do to have either one of them close to Wheeler. Chief didn't seem threaten by the bully but he was at least thirty pounds lighter and would be hampered by the chain if it came to a fight. Actor was bigger than all of them. If he had to position them he'd put Wheeler dead last with Actor between him and the rest and Chief leading them off. Craig shook his head and wondered how long they'd have to worry over that sort of thing, He had to get them to work together and depend on each other and he didn't have much time. Well, the security system he and Rawlins had worked out might help with that.
They took them through the entrance and right upstairs to the large room they'd chosen for a barracks. It was set up dormitory style with cots and chairs placed at regular intervals around the room. Each man would have some space of his own, more than the small cells he'd taken them out of, but there would be no privacy, no walls to separate them.
"Unhook them Sergeant, let them pick their own spots." Again he stood back and watched, waiting to see how they'd arrange themselves around the room.
The second story man of the bunch gave Casino a nudge and started up towards the fireplace, standing back to let the safecracker decide which side of the hearth he wanted for himself. When he moved to the right Goniff cheerfully took the spot on the left and just as cheerfully switched when Casino pulled him off that cot and took it for himself.
Actor headed for the side of the room with the bookcase and comfortable leather chair, Chief took the one over by the window… That left the other end of the room all to Wheeler. Garrison watched him as he stood in the middle of the space eyeing each of the other men, trying to decide if he could displace them from their chosen territory. When he turned and saw that he was being observed he narrowed his eyes and let them skip over the guards who still stood in the doorway to rest on Garrison. After another staring match he turned and headed for the last cot at the end of the room.
"Sergeant, secure the men." Now we'll see…
Rawlins stepped out of the room for a moment and came back with another set of chains and leg irons that grated along in the metal track that was secured to the floor. Two more guards followed him into the room. He was expecting some resistance too and wasn't going to put up with any nonsense from his new charges. He headed for the con man, Actor, first figuring he'd be the least likely to offer physical opposition.
All of the men were on their feet now, staring at the man who was in charge of them.
"Whadda ya mean by this, commissioner?!" Wheeler took a step back towards Garrison only to be stopped by one of the guards leveling his rifle at him. "Nobody said nuthin' about livin' in leg irons."
"You won't have to live in them Wheeler. We'll let you off when you go out for training. And we'll dispense with them in here… just as soon as you all prove I can trust you."
"Jeeze, I thought this was s'pose to be a better deal than the joint. At least once the damn door slammed shut on the cell you could move around as much as you wanted." Casino shot a look at the lieutenant. "So what's a guy gotta do to get to the john, Lieutenant, raise his hand and say please?"
Garrison didn't quite keep the smile from his face as he watched Rawlins hook Casino up and then start on Goniff, at least that was a practical concern. "You can get to the john Casino." He directed their attention to the track on the floor with a wave of his hand. "In fact you'll be able to get to most of the rooms on this floor." There was a slide attached to the end of the chain that held them and it ran in a slot in the track. They'd laid it out so there were by passes along the track, places where the men could change position, but only if they cooperated by getting out of each others' way. Off shoots of the main track ran along each of the cots. Craig smiled again, Rawlins interest in model trains had come in handy during the layout.
"I object, Lieutenant Garrison." Actor kept his voice reasonable and calm, though he wasn't feeling either of those emotions right now. He hated being confined, tethered to a certain spot, and while he'd managed to resign himself to living in a cell he had no desire to be permanently attached to the floor. "Have you considered how we might escape the building in case of a fire or some other emergency?"
"There's a fire suppression system in the building, Actor." Garrison explained, just as reasonably, "In case of any other type of emergency I'll come and get you… You'll just have to trust me."
"Fat chance! I figure you'll be leadin' the pack over the hill at the first sign a trouble!"
Wheeler again, at his most charming. "Then I guess you'll just have to hope I have more guts than that, Wheeler."
The guards had stayed near Garrison by the door as Rawlins moved around the room and secured the men, but when he approached Wheeler one of them stepped up behind the Sergeant Major to back him up. They've identified the biggest threat, Craig thought, and they aren't going to give him any chance to cause trouble. He approved their instincts. Gil had an eye for men and had chosen a good group. "You have an hour to relax and sort out your gear. Your meal will be brought up to you and as soon as you finish we'll get started."
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"Blimey! He ain't a very trusting sort is he?" Goniff rattled the chain attached to his ankle and shot a look across at Casino. "Hey! How'r we s'pose to get our pants off wearin' these?"
Casino snorted a laugh. "How do I know. Maybe we'll just have ta let 'em slide down over the damn chain. Sorta like fireman pushin' 'em down over their boots."
"I hardly think they'll make us use the same clothing for the duration of our stay here." Actor didn't even bother looking up from the book he'd chosen from the shelf by his chair. "They will have to let us bathe and change clothes, but there will probably be a guard."
"Just like the joint. Always somebody standin' around with a gun."
"Did you expect anything different Wheeler? Surely you didn't assume the lieutenant would simply accept a promise from you not to disobey his rules and just let you roam about at will." Actor's voice dripped with scorn.
"Nah! Wheeler didn't expect nothin' like that! He expected a key to the top floor a the best hotel in London. Didn't ya Wheeler?" Casino smirked at the man at the other end of the room and laughed when he was brought up short by the chain on his ankle when he tried to cross the space between them.
Stepping back Wheeler gave the chain that held him a jerk. "I thought you was 'spose to be able to get through any lock, big man. How come we're still wearin' these damn things? If you ain't smart enough to get us outta these what good are you gonna be over there?!"
Casino leaned back on the cot and put his hands behind his head. He didn't like being tethered anymore than the rest of them but he wasn't about to show them his discomfort. "And if you can't see any better than that, what good are you gonna be to us over there? We'll probably end up in a ditch with you drivin'. Since you'r too stupid to notice for your self, big shot, that key they got for these things is extra long… That's 'cause the lock's at the bottom of a cylinder and that's gonna protect it from a pick…..And don't go thinkin' we can lift the tracks,…. They're bolted down. That little lesson was free, Wheeler, but the next one's gonna cost ya."
Wheeler's eyes ran along the track on the floor and he started off around the room only to be stopped by the youngest member of the group. "Get outta my way, Indian." He wasn't ready to take the kid on, not yet, but to get to the loud mouth across the room he would. He was big enough he figured he could pull him right outta the shackle, strip his foot off if he had to.
"Wheeler!"
All of them turned to stare at their new warden. None of them had heard the door open.
"Alright, if you gentlemen have this much extra energy we'll put it to good use. We can hold off on lunch for now and get right to the training session." Garrison flipped a switch on the intercom attached to the wall near the door. "Sergeant Major Rawlins."
"Sir?"
"Change of plans Sergeant, we'll be heading out on the obstacle course now. Have the guards come up and see to it the men get ready."
"Yes sir."
"Thanks a lot, mate. I'm famished too… Hey, Lieutenant, you can't expect a bloke to work on an empty stomach!" Goniff had a smile all ready for the ruddy screw, but he didn't need to bother the lieutenant had already turned his back on 'em and was headed off down the hallway.