Bad Luck and Obstacles
Chapter 1
"The least they could do was have a plan to get us out," grumbled Casino.
"The man died in enemy hands. Are you sure you want to go that route?" asked Actor sarcastically. Casino grimaced mirroring the way they all felt.
The mission had started off well with a fair weather night crossing in a MTB but that was as far as being good went. As the MTB approached the coast Garrison, who was standing just off the bow, felt the engines slow but he could also feel the extreme dampness. It was more than the ocean air; it was fog, thick, all concealing fog.
Using the binoculars he scanned where he thought the shore should be but there was no signal. Their contact was to be waiting for them, to guide them in. Somewhere along this coast was a small channel that led to a stream that would give them cover to disembark and a place to hide their boat. He swung the binoculars slowly to the left and the right but still saw nothing. Did they take the chance and head for shore?
An awareness at his side and he knew Chief had come to stand beside him. He too would be scanning the coast. Dawn would be in an hour but they were supposed to be ashore by then. If they left now they would be safely ashore but where would they be?
Off in the distance the thrum of another vessel told them there was a patrol boat in the area. The MTB could not wait, either he decided to go or he returned to England. The rest of his men knew what he would decide, Garrison never quit.
Within minutes the small inflatable boat had been launched and the five men were paddling strenuously toward the shore. All they could do was hope they could see a place to land when they got closer.
That was not to be this time. Dawn was approaching as they drew closer to the shore but the fog was still too thick to make out any detail. All they could hear was the waves breaking. He had told his men that there had not been a signal so they were all peering into the fog hoping to be the first to spot the flash or the entrance to the stream. There was nothing until...
"To the right! Hard."
A flurry of motion, a heart wrenching scrape and then they were clear. The sound of the waves breaking filled the air, the sound too loud to be a low sandy bank. These were rocks. A second course correction was required before they saw a spot where, if they were careful, they might be able to disembark.
"Warden, we're in the wrong place." The whispered words were not disputed.
"Can we go back and try again?" Actor's voice of reason was tinged with concern.
Five heads swiveled back out to sea but, of course, there was nothing but fog. No one needed to speak. There was not enough time to get back out far enough to meet up with the boat, if it was even still out there. The Captain would have taken her farther out to sea to evade the enemy patrol. No, they were here, where ever here was, and on their own.
"Goniff, can you get out? Take the bow rope and hold'er close. Chief, hold'er steady if you can." The boat, already rocking with the waves, lurched as the pick pocket clambered out and up onto the rocks. Hopefully the squelch of rubber against rock would be covered by the sound of the waves. A second and third lurch as Casino and Actor made it to safety.
"Chief."
"Go, I'm holdin' 'er off the rocks."
Garrison moved up toward the bow but as he did he felt the difference underfoot. Seeing the hand appear he grabbed it and leapt for the rocks. He heard Chief come up behind him.
Without the weight on board Goniff and Casino were able to lift the inflatable dingy out of the water.
"We'll have to find somewhere to hide it before we go." Garrison peered into the easing fog looking for a likely place even knowing that a rocky coast line would offer few places for a craft that size. They might have to deflate it.
"Don't matter, Warden, it's gotta hole in it."
'We still got to hide it so no one knows we're here." He was disappointed to hear about the hole though after feeling how soft the footing was when he had disembarked, he was not surprised.
Goniff appeared beside him and whispered, "If the boat 'as an 'ole in it, 'ow we supposed to get out of 'ere?"
"There's always other ways." He replied equally quietly.
The shadow left and Garrison heard a triumphant whisper, "Hear that, Casino, Warden says we're leaving by plane."
"Shut up, Limey. I heard what the Warden said."
"Keep it down." Garrison headed inland as Casino lifted the craft to carry it with him. The 'beach' was a short space of rocks before the abrupt cliffs that rose up and disappeared into the fog. This was probably under water at high tide.
"He's going to want us to climb that, isn't he," grumbled the safecracker. Climbing the wall on the obstacle course was not his forte. A rocky cliff would be no better.
"We have to find a way up. Goniff, stay here with the boat. Casino, Actor, head that way, and see if there's a path or an easier way up. Chief, you're on me. Thirty minutes."
The two teams faded into the mist as the Englishman propped the sagging boat up against the base of the wall and climbed in behind it out of the cold. It might not have been the best thing to do but he knew sitting out there in the cold and the spray from the waves was not good for his health either.
The time dragged for Goniff but eventually the others returned. By the time they had assembled the inflatable was a tent with Goniff as the center pole. He climbed out from under hoping for good news.
"Anything your way?" asked the leader.
"Not as far as we went. About twenty minutes down the slope is less vertical but I saw no sign of a path."
"We'll have to scale it."
"Ah, Warden," started the second story man, "we didn't bring any rope to pull Casino up."
"Shut up. I can climb."
"Unless you found a better place, may I suggest we move down to the place where the angle is less steep." Actor was an athlete but he also knew not to make it any harder than it had to be.
Garrison bent down, grabbed what was left of the boat and began compressing it. He saw Chief offer his blade but shook his head. Once it was small enough to be manageable they headed down the beach.
The spot Actor had chosen was less vertical but not by much. They all stood looking as Goniff began the ascent. It was slow going but he was able to get to the top. The fog had thinned enough that they could see him reach up over the top seeking a hand hold. All of a sudden he pulled back and clung to the side. One hand waved them in closer. There was someone up on top.
Minutes crept silently as they waited. All they could do was hope Goniff had a good foot hold. No one could hold this long by their fingers. Loose gravel trickled down and then larger stones. No one dared look up and it was a good thing. A moment later a long thin stream arced out from the top and splattered on the rocks inches from their feet. They knew it wasn't from Goniff.
Finally there was silence. Chief made his way along the base of the cliff about twenty feet in hopes he could look up without being seen. He was just in time to see a dark figure pull back from the edge. From his vantage point he could see Goniff crouched just under the lip. At least he was still there. By the time he made his way back and reported what he had seen Garrison figured the coast was clear. Carefully they looked up but Goniff hadn't moved. Did he know the way was not clear? Had he heard something else?
"Stay here," said Garrison as he started the climb. Heavier and less agile it took him longer and he dislodged more rocks and dirt. Finally he reached the Englishman's foot.
"Goniff," hissed the American. "You all right?"
"No. I'm stuck." Two gasps later he added. "My arms are cramped. I can't open me bloody fingers."
"I'm coming up beside you." Garrison eyed the last stretch. Goniff had taken the easiest approach leaving him with an overhang. Carefully he moved hand-hold by toe-hold until he was beside him. Even in the dim fog shrouded dawn he could see his white knuckles and grim features.
"Give me your hand," he said as he held out his own.
"I can't," was the anguished reply. "Me arms an' 'ands are cramped. Yer gonna 'ave to pull me up."
"Okay, Goniff." He almost said to hold on but caught himself in time. The thought also crossed his mind to offer him his gloves but he knew that was a stupid idea too. Instead he pulled himself up to the lip and cautiously peered over the edge. The coast was clear with no one in sight. Looking back, he waved to the others to start up. Carefully he pulled himself up onto the level ground. Lying flat with his head over the edge directly above Goniff he assessed the situation. It was going to take at least two of them to pull him up. To reach him he was going to have to hang head and shoulders over the edge. Though Goniff was not heavy, the extra weight would pull him over and they would both fall. He needed someone to act as ballast on his legs.
"You all right, Goniff? It won't be long. We'll get you up."
"Thanks Warden." He sounded exhausted.
Mumbling encouragement as he passed his team mate, Casino arrived, pulling himself up. Actor was only a moment behind and then Chief.
Instantly assessing the situation Casino and Actor lay down and held Garrison's legs as he wriggled forward until he was hanging over the cliff. On his signal they held on as he grabbed onto the Englishman and pulled. The two men up top pulled back as well. It took several minutes before Goniff was close enough that Casino released his hold and lay down beside Garrison. Chief lay on his other side and the two grabbed Goniff and pulled as Garrison eased back and got out of the way. The two men pulled their team mate up and lay him on his back.
Actor immediately knelt down beside the Englishman and began checking him over. Seeing the situation in hand Garrison caught Chief's eye, flashed two fingers to the right and he set off to the left. There had been someone here not long ago, someone who might return and who might be the enemy. They also had to know where they were. The two men vanished into the thinning fog, one in either direction.
Goniff moaned as Actor closed his large hands over the smaller ones noting how cold they were. He had also seen the lack of color.
"We need to get you warm but we are going to have to do some walking. That will help."
A pair of gloves appeared by his shoulder. "Here," said Casino.
"No. You keep yours on," said Actor as he dug in Goniff's pocket for his. To aid in his climb he, as had the others, had taken them off and stuffed them in his pocket.
"These are at least warm. Gimme his."
It was sound thinking but as soon as he had the gloves out and then looked at the Englishman's twisted fingers he knew it was pointless. They were not going on.
Casino sat down and pulled off his boot and then one layer of sock. "Here."
"I 'ope yer f-feet are c-clean," muttered Goniff as Actor put the sock over his hand.
As the second sock appeared Casino said, "Sure. I washed them last week. I think it was last week, maybe the week before." He was grinning as he replaced his boot.
"Thanks Mum."
Casino thought he was kidding but he saw the frown that comment brought to the conman's face. Did that mean this was serious? He knew people died from getting too cold. Where was Garrison and how far did they have to go to find shelter? He scanned the surroundings but there was no one there.
"I want you to sit up, Goniff." The injured man turned his head but showed no sign of complying so Casino moved to the blonde's other shoulder and the two dark haired men eased him up.
"I want to take his coat off."
"Are you nuts? He's cold! Here give him mine." He started to undo his coat but was stopped by Actor's hand.
"Trust me. I want to get his arms out of the sleeves so he can put his hands in his arm pits. That will help to warm them."
"Oh, yeah." Between them they re-dressed him and Actor tucked the cuffs into the pockets. His scarf was pulled up over his head and the one end wrapped across his mouth. Fortunately for this mission they had been given knitted hats and Goniff's was pulled down as far as it would go.
Garrison appeared out of the mist and asked, "How is he?" Without waiting he moved in and squatted down in front of him. "How you doing Goniff? You warm enough?"
"What?" he asked blankly.
Garrison looked back at Actor and saw the same frown Casino had seen. Goniff was not warm enough. A moment later Chief appeared.
"There's a town about a mile down the coast," said the leader. "We should be able to find something there." He looked to the other men and said, "Let's go." Looking back to his second story man he said, "Come on, Goniff, we gotta get you up." Garrison and Actor got into position but the Officer almost dropped him when he tried to grab him under the arm and found the sleeve empty. He was able to quickly adapt and they got him to his feet.
Starting slowly to accommodate Goniff's shuffling gait they were at least on their way. They followed the cliff's edge for almost half a mile before they stepped through a break in the hedging and onto a narrow road. What was disheartening was looking down the road a short distance and seeing the ocean without the cliffs. They had been this close to an easy landing. As they walked they crossed a bridge over a ditch that ran to the water edge. Was this the spot where their contact was to meet them or were they even farther away?
"Want me to look for a place?"
"We can't stop," was Garrison's answer to Chief's question, "but scout around. We have to keep moving." If there was a vacant place Chief would find it.
The wind had picked up dispersing the fog but it was still cold and damp. As Casino put it, it was cold enough to snow and probably would; just one more obstacle to slow them down.
Goniff was slowing even with Actor and Casino each at his arm encouraging him along. At one point he figured out that he couldn't get his arm out and he began to fight his coat.
"Take it easy, Goniff," said the conman gently. "If you are warm enough we can fix your coat."
"Yer Mum said to leave your coat on."
"Mum?" Goniff looked around expectantly.
"She went to get you a cuppa tea. You're to wait with us."
"Oh," was all he said as he quieted, believing Casino's words.
Actor looked to his team mate, lifted an eyebrow, smiled and nodded acknowledging his actions. They walked on.
Even this early there were signs of people stirring, smoke from chimneys and curtains being opened. A man stepped out his front door and stood staring uncertain of strangers.
"Monsieur, un moment, s'il vous plait." He stepped closer to the gate but did not enter as continued speaking. There was a pause and the man shook his head and retreated, closing the door. A curtain moved but that was all. They continued on, starting only slightly when Chief appeared from behind them.
"There's a shed back that way," and he gestured inland. "Ain't nothin' in it but it's outta the cold."
"We need to build a fire, get him warm." Garrison knew Chief would understand. He would not be slighted at having his find turned down. Normally that would do until they found something better but under the circumstances they needed heat. He disappeared again.
Not wanting to be in the centre of town with an Englishman who was a little confused Garrison directed them down a side street. The town's outskirts were where they were most likely to find abandoned houses.
Goniff was slowing again as Garrison spotted the old house at the end of a lane. It had seen better days but appeared to be intact. He approached cautiously but saw no motion. His knock went unanswered so he tried the door. It was open. Inside was deserted, bare of all but dust and a decrepit chair. The stuffing was missing along the tops of the arms and the cushion sagged dangerously but there was a fireplace. As long as the chimney drew they could get warm. A quick inspection of the rest of the house and he waved the others in.
Casino tested the chair with his hand and grunted as Chief headed for the fireplace. The Indian lit a match and held it as far up the flue as he could and watched. Satisfied he headed outside to look for fire wood as Casino called to his friend and patted the edge of the chair. Goniff shuffled over and sat down almost disappearing into the chair as the seat gave way. With his arms confined inside his coat he was trapped. The look of surprise on his face was priceless. Casino wanted to laugh but he was afraid of upsetting the pickpocket. Instead he made light by saying, "It's the latest in French furniture. Haut couture, you know." He grinned and was relieved when the grin was returned.
Garrison and Actor came down the stairs carrying the chest of drawers from the upstairs bedroom. The drawers were pulled out and broken down as Chief came in with some branches. These he dropped by the fireplace and began picking through the broken drawer pieces and whittling some shavings, before starting to build a fire. Casino headed for the kitchen, not expecting anything. He was not surprised either. There was nothing left to eat but he brought three shelves from the pantry for the fire. "These do any good?" he asked as he held up a curtain. It was old and frayed but when you were starting with nothing you never knew. After dropping it he looked to where Chief was still trying to coax a fire into life and not succeeding.
"What's the problem?" asked Casino. The Indian was taking a long time getting it started.
"Everythin's cold and wet," was the grouchy reply.
"Including us." He turned back to Goniff who sat enveloped in the old chair. His eyes closed. He wasn't dead was he? With his coat all bunched up it was hard to see if his chest was moving.
"Goniff?" he said quietly as he knelt in front then exhaled when the blue eyes opened. Then he frowned when he heard, "Did you put the kettle on, Mum?"
Hearing the interchange and seeing the deepening frown on Casino's face Garrison came over. "Goniff?" If Goniff was delirious then they were in serious trouble.
At the sound of his name the English thief's face turned toward the American officer and he said weekly, "Da?"
That was when Garrison saw the wink. "Goniff," he said chastising the trickster.
Casino heard the tone and saw the look on their leader's face. He had been conned and he knew it. Sitting back he growled, "You lousy little… I aught throw you right out that window."
"Speaking of that window," said Actor as he kicked the drawer bottom out. "This will cover that hole." He moved over and jammed the board into place blocking the missing pane. Taking the curtain he balled it and used it plug the other broken one. "And this," he said as he scooped up the mouse nest, "might be just what you need." He handed it to Chief who gave him a smile of gratitude.
Actor's foot broke the last of the dresser frame making Goniff flinch. "This will not last long. May I suggest we go look for assistance in town before this is gone."
Still smarting from the Englishman's teasing Casino offered a suggestion. "We could burn this ratty old chair."
"Not me favorite chair," and he shot the safecracker a look, "Me 'igh fashion French chair?"
"Yeah, and you in it too."
Pleased that he was well enough to tease Casino, Garrison still had to know about the rest of him. "How are your hands and feet?"
"They were there last time I looked." He tried to pull himself up to see his feet.
Garrison pulled the patient's boot and sock off. As he checked his toes Goniff twitched.
"Hey, he's got ticklish feet. Let me at'im. He owes me" demanded Casino. He took a half-hearted step closer but Garrison blocked him.
"Let's get him closer to the fire," said Garrison releasing the foot and moving to the side of the chair. Casino stepped in and together they moved the pick-pocket closer. The fire was going by now but it was not giving off much heat yet. They watched as most of the smoke drifted up the chimney but tendrils slipped out past the mantle and disappeared up toward the ceiling.
Releasing his hands from his coat the Englishman sighed and agreed that this was the life, if he had a cup of tea and some sandwiches.
Straightening up the Officer said, "Keep an eye on here, I'm going to see where we are."
"I will go with you," said Actor reaching for his coat.
"I want you here in case the smoke," and he gestured toward the fireplace, "attracts attention." Actor nodded so the Officer buttoned his coat, put on his gloves and left.
Outside it was even colder with a fresh wind off the ocean blowing icy flakes into his face as he walked to the main road. The walk back would be easier but for now he would have to hurry. The meager supply of wood would not last long before they would have to start on the trim and anything else they could rip down.
Garrison pulled the collar up on his coat and hurried. It took him longer than he expected before he found a small store where he could buy food and information. He stuck to their story of men looking for work until their truck broke down stranding them. There were no offers of help, the people were too afraid. Though he saw no sign of soldiers the peoples' response said they were close.
Carrying his bundle Garrison headed back to their improvised base but became concerned when he saw the smoke and then the flames as he drew nearer. The roof was on fire and the wind was driving it across the wooden shingles. He ran and almost hurt himself when he hit the locked front door.
"Ouvrez la port," he yelled as he banged on the door and rattled the knob.
Actor opened the door and Garrison burst in. "The roof is on fire. You have to get out, now. Move."
They did not have to be soldiers to jump at this command. Casino hauled Goniff out of the chair and hustled him outside as Actor and Chief grabbed their coats and followed close behind. They moved far enough away then turned to look.
There were flames coming out of the chimney and a large section of the roof was also aflame.
"Bloody 'ell. We could a been flambéed."
"Chimney fire," said Casino answering the question he figured Goniff would ask next. He then turned to Chief and demanded, "How the hell didn't you smell the smoke?"
"The chimney wasn't workin' right. How was I supposed to know it was the roof," he snarled back.
"All right, you two," put in Garrison angrily. A fight would warm the two but he had enough on his plate without playing referee too. "It doesn't matter; as long as we got out safely. We have to go."
"Go where?" whined the Englishman. "Our 'ouse is on fire."
"You found out where we are?" asked Actor stepping in closer to their leader.
Before he could answer they heard the clanging of a bell that was coming closer. Moments later three horses, two black and one white, appeared pulling a fire wagon. It came charging down the street and stopped in front. The driver jumped down and rushed in closer to assess the scene. The man, who had been riding on the back, began by taking the ladder down and carrying it to the house. Garrison and Actor stepped up and began assisting as a third man came running down the street buttoning his coat. The Fire Department had arrived.
With all the men working together they quickly got the ladder up and the hose in place but the fire was stubborn. It had started in the chimney and spread through the attic. The men had to chop holes through the shingles to get at it. As they chopped the sparks flew, pushed by the wind, onto the rest of the roof threatening to ignite new fires. Fortunately there were no other house close by or they would have been in danger too.
As the destruction of the roof spread Chief was sent down. Casino was already stationed at the base of the ladder. Finally Actor and Garrison descended as the official firemen deemed the fire contained. Goniff had gone to see the horses. They were initially nervous of his approach but they soon quieted as he talked to them and petted them. One of the blacks lowered his head and the Englishman saw the attachment for the plumes. The animal was also the undertaker's horse. He wondered at first but realized that with fuel rationing there would have to resort to horse power. Hopefully it would not get bad enough to have to eat them. The wind dropped momentarily and a few embers floated down landing in the snow at Goniff's feet. He watched as the glow faded and died turning the firefly into a black speck of death. Was that to be his fate? He was finally doing something good; he was fighting for ol' Blighty and earning a parole. Was he going to die like that ember, alone in the cold? What a depressing thought.
Finally the fire was out and the firemen descended packing up their equipment as they went. Once they were done the Fire Chief, an older man approached Goniff and began talking to him. Not understanding, the thief looked at him blankly. The tone became demanding and then angry by the time Garrison got there. He explained the situation as Goniff slipped away greatly relieved.
When they were alone Garrison explained what was said. Because of the war most of the young men are gone so the Fire Department was short staffed. That was why there were only the three of them. The other part was that new rules had been put into place. If the fire was your fault then you had to pay him thirty Francs for their services. It also was revealed that the Fire Chief's brother was the town Chimney Sweep. If he had been called then the fire would have been avoided. Fortunately the Officer was able to convince him that it was not their house; that they just happened to see the smoke.
"'Ey Warden," started Goniff, "Did you 'appen to get any food while you were out?"
Garrison turned and looked by the hedge directing the others to look as well. All faces fell as Goniff whispered a plaintive, "No."
When the fire wagon left the driver backed the horses up to make room to turn around. The rear wheel had backed into the hedge, right where Garrison had put the bag of groceries. All that was left was a crushed mess.
"So we're back to square one," said Casino summing up their situation. "We're out in the cold, in some damn back of nowhere, cold and wet and…"
"'ungry," added Goniff sadly.
"The good news is we are only about a mile and a half from where we're supposed to be."
"The bad news is that we have to walk there, isn't that right, Warden?"
He was tired and feeling peevish so without thinking he said, "If you could pull a car out of your pocket then we wouldn't have to." He saw the flash of something in Casino's eyes, anger maybe and not wanting to deal with it he tipped his head slightly, raised an eyebrow and grinned. Fortunately Casino accepted the jest and the look vanished as he grinned back.
"Can't we get some food first?" asked the pickpocket.
"Hopefully our contact will have something for us. Now, the sooner we get going the sooner we get there."
"The sooner we eat," muttered the hungry man.
At first the roadway was sheltered from the wind by hedges and an embankment but when they passed the cemetery the land had flattened and the wind blew at their back.
"Which way," asked Casino. With his shoulders hunched and hands in his pockets his voice was muffled.
Mentally Garrison reviewed the map in his head. "Right." He had been walking behind Goniff hoping to cut the wind. As cold as it had been, after they passed the last house the wind was blowing directly off the sea. It was bitterly cold. Now Actor took turns acting as a windbreak for the slighter man.
"Is it much farther?" asked Casino.
"I hope not." Up ahead, Garrison spotted the lane that led off to the right, toward the sea. Was that the route they were supposed to have arrived by? It looked like it led to the sea but with the slope of the land it was hard to tell. Too late now. They continued walking. Because of the wind the ground was clear but the snow was starting to accumulate in sheltered spots and was building up in the hedges and sticking to the fence posts.
"It looks like there's buildings up ahead. Maybe it's a town." Chief had been walking ahead but had dropped back to relay what he hoped was good news. They had not had much of that on this mission.
It was as Chief had suggested. They finally arrived in Belleville-Sur-Mer.
"Do you know where your contact lives?"
"No. He was to meet us at the landing."
"Great," muttered Casino. "Now what?"
"Now I go looking for him." He turned around checking the buildings and houses for a sheltered spot. Five men walking into town would draw attention. A town of this size would doubtfully have an occupying force but they had learned to be careful. "Over there," and he pointed to a small shed, "Wait there. I'll be back as soon as I can." The men split up and Garrison lengthened his stride. He had to find a shop where he could make enquiries and he had to do it fast without appearing to hurry.
It took longer than he wanted but he found out what he needed. The man they were to meet lived on the edge of town; they had passed his place on their way in.
"Can we at least get something to eat before we go?" asked Goniff, remembering the flattened bag they had left back in Berneval.
Before Garrison could start Actor interrupted with, "If he is unable to feed all of us then we will not have another chance."
That made too much sense to ignore so they headed for the café he had passed on his way. Actor and Garrison entered. The conman ordered a glass of wine for his friend. He told the waiter how disgraceful it was that a man could not drive into town without being run off the road by crazy drivers. He went on to explain how their car, which they had borrowed, was damaged and how were they to explain that to the owner of the car? On and on he spun their tale of woe until the waiter consulted with the owner who was the cook and they were each given a free glass of wine. The two men thanked them both asking them to join them. Once they were finished Actor complimented the two men on their fine establishment and their hospitality but they really had to go and return the car. Somehow they would explain to the owner. With that they left.
The men met up at the corner but instead of bags of food the three stood empty handed.
"What happened? You had lots of time."
"The back door," growled Casino.
"You couldn't open it?" Garrison asked not quite believing it.
"There wasn't one," he snarled.
"No back door? How does he get his supplies in?" Involuntarily Actor turned to look back at the café but could not see the back from where they stood.
"You didn't 'appen to nick a piece of bread or a bun did you?" Goniff asked hopefully. His face fell when he realized what the answer was.
"Try another?" suggested Actor.
"That was the only place I saw. This town isn't very big."
"I 'ope our contact 'as something. I'm starving."
"You and me both." They started walking.
Fortunately they didn't have far to go but they were all cold when they got there. Garrison approached and knocked on the door. He was admitted by an older woman who was once plump but now looked to have lost weight.
"Come in," she said with a weary smile. "Raimond is not home right now." Her English was good but heavily accented. "He went to town yesterday and has not returned. He did tell me where your papers are but you must take them to Thierri Babineaux, in town, I will get you the address. He will take your pictures for your papers."
"Thank you, Madam Porcher. My men will need a place to stay."
"Oui. Come in. My name is Belda. No one comes here so you may make yourselves comfortable. If by chance… there is a small attic, you can hide."
They entered the small farm house and found places to sit. Chief offered to stand watch but Garrison told him to make a circuit then come back in. He needed to get warm too.
As Belda led the American Officer to the wine cellar he asked about Raimond and was told he had left last night but sometimes he was delayed. There was a curfew and to avoid that he sometimes had to stay out.
The room was empty but she pulled a small box from the rafters and handed him the papers. She also told him that there was a car in the garage out back for them to use but Raimond had been unable to get uniforms. She hoped that would not be a problem. Garrison assured her that they could take care of that.
Back upstairs Garrison saw that the men had added wood to the stove and were sitting as close as they could. Unfortunately he saw no food in sight. Goniff watched him and surreptitiously mimed eating but Garrison just shook his head. The French people were always generous. The fact Belda had not offered even something to warm the men probably meant she had nothing to give.
As if reading his mind Belda whispered, "I am sorry but all I have to offer is turnip. The Germans took everything else even the wine."
He smiled to ease her discomfort. "That's all right. We ate before we got here." He hoped he had said it loud enough for his men to hear him. The poor woman had enough to worry about without adding guilt to her load.
Goniff started to frown but caught the look from Casino. He smiled and nodded in agreement. They would go hungry a little longer.
Raimond's absence worried Garrison but he had a mission to complete so once they were warm Chief checked the car. He came back in to tell their leader that unless the gas gauge was broken, there was not a lot of gas in it; probably all the French man could get due to petrol rationing. They would walk back to the photographer's studio. Maybe then they could find something to eat.
As they walked Actor quizzed him about Raimond's absence. Garrison explained what Belda had said.
"You did not tell her that he was to meet us last night?" It was clear the con man did not agree.
"What good would it have done? She's already worried about him but she knows the risks."
"Does she?"
"Everyone knows what happens if you don't obey curfews or if you join the Resistance."
"She still deserves to know,"
"And I still say, all it would do was make her even more worried. There may be an explanation. Maybe he got drunk or fell down, got hit by a car."
"Or picked up by the Germans," put in Casino who had caught up to them. "Maybe we should rethink this whole caper, Warden."
"We keep going. When we get there we can scout it out but if it looks okay then we go. Understood?"
"Still say we should find Raimond first 'cause if he's ..."
As the photos were being taken Actor struck up a conversation which delighted the Photographer. Since the war started his business had dried up. There was no money for pictures. Carefully the conman steered the conversation to Raimond.
Thierri Babineaux had been friends with Raimond for years. They had gone to school together. His friend had married and had two sons but they were gone now. His tone said dead, not moved away. It had been hard to watch him suffer. Even now he sometime drank too much but there was nothing he could do but be there for him. He had hoped that joining the Resistance would give him purpose.
Actor thanked him and promising to return tomorrow for the pictures the men left and went looking for food. Garrison selected a few staples and they left. Back at their safe house Garrison laid out what he had bought but then his frown turned to a glare as Goniff added his haul to the pile. Not wanting to upset Belda he said nothing until they were alone. It was bad enough stealing from the locals who were facing death by helping them but what he had taken were luxuries not staples.
"If it's so bad then where'd 'e get them?" asked Goniff trying to defend himself.
"That doesn't matter. I had enough to cover what we needed."
"And 'ow was I to know. You always say we don't."
"Guy was a Nazi," put in Chief quietly.
"What? How do you know?" Garrison knew not to doubt Chief but this was so out of the blue he had to ask. Besides he had seen no indication.
"That ring he was wearin'."
"That was just a plain band."
"That's 'cause he had it turned around. It had the eagle on it."
"You saw it?"
Chief just nodded.
"Damn," swore Casino softly. Was he amazed at his eyesight or the fact that the man was a sympathizer? Either way it was worth the epithet.
"See, Warden. I wasn't stealing from the locals."
After supper they all settled down. Belda did some mending before joining them in playing cards. She was a very good Euchre player. No one mentioned poker. After an hour or so Garrison suggested they get some sleep. They would be leaving in a few hours. As the others drifted off to find places to sleep Garrison wondered about Raimond and his absence. Had he been picked up or was he off somewhere drunk? Had he been drinking last night and fell in the water? That would explain the missing signal and the missing man. He wanted to go look for him but their schedule was too tight. The longer they waited the better the chance of being discovered. He tried to watch Belda to see if she was worried but either this was not unusual or she covered it well.
Garrison woke to a grey world. This was not fog but thick clouds obscuring any light that might reflect off the snow that covered everything. A quick breakfast and they were on their way with Chief at the wheel. First stop was the photographer's shop. They needed their papers. From there they headed for Dieppe. After parking the car they headed for the Cleaners for uniforms. They took what they needed and headed for the main Hotel's laundry. Garrison, wearing a suitable uniform entered the Laundry and demanded to see all the employees. While he kept them occupied with a speech about showing the proper respect for their conquerors, Actor slipped in and began looking for the higher ranks they needed.
Actor thought he was in luck when he saw the insignia. He was not. The owner of the uniform was short and thin; it would not fit. He kept digging but that was all there was. They would have to make do. Another search and he found a uniform that would fit. What he needed was a tailor to make the alterations but that was too risky. He was going to have to do it himself. Bundling up the three uniforms and caps he slipped back out.
Outside Chief had already selected a suitable car for the Officers and had it ready and waiting. No one was pleased by the latest obstacle but they had no choice.
"How long you figure it'll take?"
"How long do we have?"
That was not the answer Garrison wanted.
"So, you're a tailor too?" asked Goniff brightly.
"I have many talents," replied the conman haughtily. They had broken into a tailor shop and Actor was preparing to cut the patches off.
"Sewing's just not one of them."
Beginning to get frustrated he snapped back, "What do you mean?"
Goniff held up a small tool that looked like a tiny screwdriver. "Allow me," and he pushed in front. Deftly he slipped the tool into place and cut the threads holding the patches.
"You have done this before," said Actor.
"Me Mum and I 'ad to make do. I used to 'elp 'er with the mending." He kept on working, finding the right needle and thread and soon had the larger uniform completed. The hat was a little too small but as long as Actor was inside he would be carrying it so no one would notice. They were set. Goniff cleaned up as Actor changed, they hid the small uniform and left.
All went well as they arrived at the Nazi Headquarters. Chief stayed with the car, remaining inside while the others trooped inside. Their papers were examined at the entrance but they weren't worried.
They should have been. The Security Officer stopped Actor.
