Trying Too Hard

Chapter 2

"The workers are kept in a labour camp about one and a half miles south. They would get all the fresh air they need there.."

The optimism was gone until Garrison spoke. "If the bombing is at night then the workers are out of danger." He paused then said, "I still want in there."

Of course you do, thought Actor.

"You said the workers were trucked in. Could we get on one of those trucks?"

"No. Security is too tight." He knew their situation was bad but the Allies did not seem to believe it.

"What about food? Do any of the locals make deliveries?" asked Garrison

"It comes with the military supplies." Carl was loosing his enthusiasm, the deaths had hit him hard.

"There has to be a way in," grouched the officer as he scowled at the instillation. In the day light they could see the large structure where the work was being done. A tall aerial track ran straight out to where he had seen the gap in the mound. Outside and off to the right was the large earthen mound. They could also see the top of the tower that sat in the middle of the enclosure. Garrison knew he could go back and tell Intelligence that something big was going on here but to actually see inside and maybe get the plans would be a real coup. But first he had to get inside.

Garrison felt Chief step closer, felt him brush up against his arm. He was about to step away but because this action was so unusual for Chief he turned to look and saw the far away look on his face, his head tipped slightly to the side, listening. Garrison stepped slightly behind the Guardian and placed his hand on his far shoulder while staring intently at the compound attempting to divert attention from his actions. Actor had been watching the officer in an attempt to follow a con so he saw the officers actions. Knowing what was going on he motioned to Carl and led him away. A Guardian's abilities were best kept from everyone.

Chief began to mutter. Garrison listened intently until Chief began to slur his words and leave longer and longer gaps between phrases. "All right, Chief. That enough. Time to come back." Chief had fallen silent, unmoving. Garrison moved closer, speaking closer to his ear, "That was good, Chief. Come on back." He increased the pressure squeezing Chief arm until he felt a deep breath being drawn. He waited a moment for Chief to get his bearings again before moving away saying, "Let's find Actor and get going." Chief caught up with his leader and angled off leading him to Carl and Actor. They were standing farther along the fence. From here they could see the narrow gauge track that ran into the walled area. They walked back to the truck and Carl drove them back to the others.

Assuming the engine noise would cover their conversation Garrison told Actor what Chief had heard and repeated. There were gaps where Chief had missed what was said as he repeated what he heard but there was enough there to know the instillation was expecting an inspection by a high ranking Nazi Officer. The Commandant was also worried about being behind schedule due to the acts of sabotage. This was their invitation into the compound.

"Carl, is there an airport nearby?" They had arrived back at Carl's house and were now discussing the next step.

"There is an airfield near by. It would be dangerous for a plane to land there. It is heavily guarded."

"If a plane landed, what road would they take to get to the instillation? Can you show me on a map?"

"Yes. Are you expecting anyone?"

"It is always possible that with the problem they are having with sabotage that Berlin will want to check up on the actions taken. I am hoping that someone will arrive. If we are ready then we can take their places and get in."

"Yes," said Carl as he smiled. He then looked at the map Garrison had laid out on the table, pointed out the airport and the road that would be travelled.

Garrison did not like keeping information from the people he was working with but Guardians were just to few and thus too valuable to take the chance. "Can we see the route?"

The men were in position waiting. This was always the hard part. The wait. Finally Chief turned and nodded. Garrison stepped out and waved, watched the return wave from down the road and stepped back. He placed his hand on the Guardians shoulder and waited. A minute later the lead motorcycle appeared then the open staff car. Chief raised the rifle, aimed and fired. The sound was only a microsecond before the muffled bang of the front tire exploding. The cycle continued on unaware but the car swerved then went off the road into the ditch. A second shot and the cycle rider went down. Casino, Goniff, Carl and Actor stepped out of the hedge with weapons drawn. The aide went for his gun and flew backward as a bullet ploughed into his head. The fact the four men from the hedge had not fired was not lost on the Germans.

Within five minutes the Americans and Brit were putting on the uniforms. Garrison and Actor were the officers, Casino the driver and Goniff the aide. Chief changed the tire as the others changed uniforms. The German soldiers had been stripped, had their hands tied and led through the break in the hedge. As Actor adjusted his cap a shot was heard, then two more. By the time Garrison made it to the gap the last shot was fired. Carl came out looking grim. This was not part of the plan and his face reflected his displeasure.

"That was for my brothers," Carl said as he brushed past. Chief finished changing into the cyclist gear. The sleeve and shoulder were torn as was the leg but as long as no one noticed there was no damage under the tears then it would be all right.

"I'll ride with you back to the truck," said Carl as he moved toward the fallen bike.

Chief panicked. "No. Get in the car."

"What's the problem? I just want a ride to my truck."

"Get. In. the Car." His voice matched the look on his face, cold, hard and ready it back it up. His hand was down ready for his knife.

Carl gave him a dirty look and turned back to the car.

Garrison was just getting comfortable in the back. He was going to have to be careful. The previous occupant was narrower across the shoulders. He saw the look on Carl's face as he approached. "What's going on?" He did not want any problems.

Carl just indicated Chief with a tip of his head and muttered something Garrison did not catch. He looked to Chief but he was just mounting the cycle. He would have too watch, it was not good to upset their contacts.

The two vehicles continued on to the gates of the compound. With real papers their entry was assured. When he met with the General who was the Chief of Staff he explained the flat tire. The General looked to the others and asked where his men were, the ones who had taken the car to the airport. Covering smoothly Actor told him they had died when the car had gone off the road. The driver had fallen out and hit his head. The cyclist had fallen and had been killed when the cycle fell on him. He was sorry but he had covered the bodies as well as he could and then added haughtily, that he certainly could not bring two dead bodies back with him. The General looked displeased but let it go. Actor quickly distracted the man by asking about the progress of the facility.

The tour began but not before Actor mentioned he wanted his driver and aide to remain in the General's office, the driver, a very competent man, had hurt his back when he was changing the tire. Goniff remained as well. The two senior officers and the General left. As they walked through the assembly area Garrison asked if the blue prints were kept secured. The General was very confident. Yes, he said they were as secure as the original in Berlin. Both Actor and Garrison managed to look pleased. Even if they stole these, it would not slow the Nazi war machine. The bombing would slow it but with another set they would be up and running quickly. The tour ended out in the test fire area. The General asked if they could stay for the test fire in two days but Actor, looking disappointed looked to Garrison who reminded him of a date with the Fuhrer himself in two days. The General was impressed though saddened that he could not show off his pride and joy.

The two impostors returned to the General's office for schnapps and cigars before returning to their vehicle where Chief had remained waiting. The General insisted on providing a truck and two drivers to bring back the dead and the vehicle so Actor and Garrison returned to their car with Casino as their driver. The two German drivers climbed into the cab causing Goniff and Chief to breath a sigh of relief as they climbed into the back of the truck. The thought of having to hide their identities was scary. Once they reached the airport the driver of the car asked about the dead soldiers. A gun was placed against his back and along with the other driver they were escorted onto the plane. Garrison climbed into the cockpit and fired up the engines. As he was taxiing he saw the pilot come running out of the tower. Pushing the plane as far as he dared they took off before the guns could be turned on them.

It was too noisy to talk, not that Chief had anything to say. He sat closest to the tail. Casino sat next to him. Both men held weapons on the two German soldiers. Chief had been watching Garrison and the others. Had they forgiven him for getting lost on the boat? He wanted to be accepted, at least, if not included. That was too much to ask for. If he kept fouling up then he was never going to be accepted. He watched.

The flight home was uneventful though the landing was scary. Garrison radioed ahead but was not sure he was believed when he identified himself. They taxied to a stop then sat waiting until they were surrounded by military vehicles bristling with weapons. Garrison opened the door and tossed the weapons out. He then stepped out with hands raised. He had removed the jacket and shirt emerging in his pants and undershirt. Actor followed in the same state of undress. They stepped away from the plane and waited. The other cons also disembarked slowly with the two enemy soldiers between them.

Once inside the Americans and Brit were released and given clothes to change into. The enemy soldiers were taken away. The Gorillas were debriefed. Casino had the plans from the Generals safe and Garrison and Actor were able to describe what they had seen. The mission had been a success.

Because Chief and Goniff had nothing to add, they had been left out of the meeting. Chief was glad in a way. He did not really want to be there when Garrison told them about how he had gotten lost. Unfortunately he was also not there when he had explained how he had known about the inspection.

By the time they returned to the estate, they were tired. Garrison insisted they eat so they could debrief amongst themselves. Based on what had happened before they left, Chief was sure Casino would say something about him. He did not. Casino was pleased with himself and his contribution enough that he had forgotten about Chief's error. Questions, comments and suggestions flew but none of them involved Chief. He preferred not being noticed but would have liked some acknowledgement as to his contribution. Not that anyone ever thanked a dog or a Guardian.

When they were finished Actor lagged behind. Once the others had left he posed his question. "Has he earned his keep?"

"Pardon?" asked Garrison genuinely confused.

"The Guardian. You wanted to leave him there on the boat when he went out. I was just wondering if you had changed your opinion?"

Garrison was startled. That was exactly what he had thought. He would have to be more careful if the con man could read him that easily. As for the Guardian … He had helped. He had given them the way in. But he did not thank the cons for doing their jobs. He did not thank Casino for getting the plans or Actor for doing his part. It was their job and he expected then to do it. "He did his job."

Actor knew now that Garrison had not changed his opinion. It was going to be an uphill battle. Garrison was stubborn. It would take time and that was a shame. Maybe if he talked to the officer, told him what he had heard, the bullying, the abuse the boy had had to endure. Maybe he would give him a chance. Though he, himself, had not ever had to endure what the Guardian had, he still could understand. He had watched the Guardian, ever since talking to him on the terrace. He knew there was more to him than Garrison was seeing.

Days later Garrison came back from London looking grim and visibly upset.

"Good afternoon, Lieutenant." Actor greeted him amicably as he passed him in the hall. Garrison kept on walking, entered his office and shut the door behind him.

Actor gave him five minutes then knocked on the door. Hearing a response he entered. "Is there a problem, Lieutenant?"

Garrison hesitated. All he wanted to do was tell him to get out. But, he had a right to know, he had been there. Garrison took another glass from the drawer and placed it on the desk top. He looked down at the desk, exhaled then stood up. "Where are the others?" he asked.

"I believe they are upstairs, though Chief may be in the courtyard." The cons had been given the use of the yard for exercise. Garrison had found that allowing them to put some distance between them had helped to diffuse the tension that occasionally built up.

"Get him upstairs with the others," he said as he grabbed the bottle and walked out of the room.

This was obviously very serious. The worst Actor could think of was they were to be disbanded and returned to prison, but why? Their last mission had been a success. They had gotten in, thanks to the Guardian, saw what was there and even brought out the plans. He called to Chief who was throwing stones at the garden wall. Once he saw the man was coming he turned and went slowly inside allowing Chief time to catch up. The two walked up to the second level and into the former games room where the cons were billeted.

Garrison had placed the bottle on the table. Normally this would have been an invitation but the expression on Garrison's face had kept them all in their places. He watched as the remaining members of his team came in and stood near the table. Seeing this, the other two came and joined them.

"I just got word while I was in London. The bomb run was successful, the facility at Peenemunde was destroyed."

Casino leaned forward with the start of a smile but a lot of confusion. "That's good news, right. It's what they wanted."

"Yes, Casino. It had to be destroyed. Unfortunately some of the bombs went wide." They did not get it. "They hit the barracks, no bomb shelters."

Someone breathed a quiet, "No"

"How many casualties?"

"I don't know."

They stood for a moment, thinking of Carl and "all his friends". There was nothing anyone could say. Garrison opened the bottle and cups appeared. They drank a toast to those who had died.

"At least the Allies got the plans," said Casino softly.

Garrison snorted. "You didn't tell'm," and he looked to Actor who just shook his head.

"Tell me what?"

Those were copies, the originals are in Berlin," said Actor. Casino looked to Garrison for confirmation and not liking what he saw.

"To make it worse, the plans we got were incomplete. There were pages missing."

"That was all that were there. There weren't any others or I would taken'm."

"No ones accusing you, Casino. They were probably in use somewhere at the time."

"Shit."

A second shot each drained the bottle but did not take away the pain. They had all come home alive but no one won that one.