Chapter 2 – Spirits and Ghosts
The team lounged around in the plane and passed the time as they crossed the Channel to France, they were all wearing French workmen's clothes. Flak and tracers lit up the night sky but it was aimed further north, most probably at a fleet of bombers heading east to targets deeper into France or Germany.
At Garrison's order the men hooked up their lines five minutes before they were due to jump into the night and stood in a line waiting for the green light. As usual Chief went first followed by Actor, Casino and Goniff, Garrison always jumped last so he could make sure everyone was alright.
Chief scanned the roads for patrols as he descended, he could make out the outskirts of Caen, there were a few dim lights but not much more. He still couldn't shake off the feeling of foreboding from earlier, he pushed it to the back of his mind, concentrated on finding some good ground for them to land and curved down towards a field, the others followed close behind him, everyone landing without incident. Chief ran back along the line as soon as he'd collapsed his chute to help everyone with theirs. "Well done mate, found us a good landin' spot as usual," smiled Goniff.
"Yeah, 'n we didn't land near a river this time, the Warden's gonna stay dry!" quipped Casino.
"You're like the cat with nine lives Warden," laughed Actor.
Goniff smiled and shook his head as he removed the harness. "He's still gotta couple lives left thanks to Chiefy boy over there." He glanced over at Garrison. "Wouldn't make a habit of temptin' fate if I was you Warden, we've kinda got used to havin' you 'round."
"Thanks Goniff, glad to hear it." Garrison didn't bother getting a map out. "Chief, which way to the rendezvous with Jean-Claude?"
Chief looked up at the sky and pointed to his right. "About two miles east, should be there in thirty minutes or so."
Garrison nodded in the direction indicated. "Ok let's head out, Chief you're on point."
Chief nodded and loped off ahead into the night, the others followed. "See, he's usin' the stars just like he said he could," observed Goniff.
Twenty minutes later Chief suddenly appeared out of the darkness, he held up a hand for them to stop. "Someone's comin', four of 'em" he whispered. "Don't think it's a Kraut patrol." Try as they might none of the others could hear anything.
"It could be Jean-Claude and his men." Garrison looked at his team. "You stay here. Chief you're on me, let's go." Garrison closely followed his scout as he lead the way, rifle slung over his back, keeping his knife hand ready in case of danger.
Casino peered into the darkness. "Why does the Warden always take Geronimo when he's meetin' up with people now?"
Actor looked in the direction the two men had gone. "Well, Garrison does speak French so he doesn't need me to translate and Chief did warn the Warden he'd live longer if he took him with him. Wouldn't you rather have Chief backing you up than, say, Goniff? No offence Goniff."
Goniff shook his head. "None taken mate, I feel the same."
Casino nodded. "I'd rather have Geronimo watchin' my back than the whole allied army. Just don't tell 'im I said that."
Actor laughed quietly. "I expect that's exactly how the Warden feels too."
A couple of hundred yards further on Chief clicked his fingers and motioned for Garrison to stop. He pointed up the track and raised four fingers, Garrison nodded and Chief melted into the night to circle behind the approaching men. Garrison counted to thirty, stepped forward and waited for the four shadowy figures to come to a halt ten feet away. "Van Gogh," he called softly.
"Renoir," said one of the men. "Welcome Lieutenant, I am Jean-Claude Martin, these are my men."
A figure stepped silently out of the darkness behind the Frenchmen and raised his rifle. "Don't do nothin' stupid."
The men turned round to face a gun barrel and a level stare. "Putain de merde!"
Garrison had a quiet smile at the profanity from the surprised men and did the introductions. "This is Chief, my scout."
"Keep your hands where I can see 'em," came the quiet warning.
Garrison motioned to Chief to lower his weapon, he did so but his gaze didn't leave the men and it was obvious he was ready to raise the rifle at a moment's notice. Garrison tilted his head back down the track. "Chief, go get the others and bring them here." Chief nodded and silently disappeared.
Garrison looked at the Frenchman. "What's the latest news about your brother, Jean-Claude? Is he and Durand still being held at the facility?"
"Yes, the Germans have not taken them to SS Headquarters in Paris so they must be interrogating them there." Jean-Claude shuddered, "I am afraid for my brother, I have heard Major Bergmann has a reputation for being a sadistic monster. I am grateful that you have come to help us get them out but I don't know what you can do to assist us."
Garrison smiled. "Let's just say my team has an unconventional way of doing things." Jean-Claude gave him with a puzzled look. Chief reappeared with Actor, Goniff and Casino behind him. "Let's go," said Garrison.
GG-GG-GG
The Resistance members lead the way to a safe house located in a quiet area on the outskirts of Caen, the team walked in and looked around at their new surroundings as they dumped their mission bags in a corner. "Better'n some we've been in," commented Casino as he sat down, he got out a pack of cigarettes, took one and tossed the rest to Goniff, the thief took one and tossed the pack back, he got out a box of matches, struck one and lit both cigarettes. Chief held out a hand and Goniff gave him an unused match which he put in his mouth before settling by the window to keep watch.
Actor carried his and Garrison's bags through to a back room and took out a couple of German SS uniforms, one bore the rank and insignia of a Major and the other of a Captain, he hung them up, got out his make-up kit and put it on a shelf. The conman walked back and joined the men standing around a table, filled and lit his pipe as he and the others watched Jean-Claude spread out a local map. "There is a café here called the Blue Parrot, the owners are good friends of mine, we can meet there after you get my brother and Victor out."
They all took a close look, Garrison shook his head. "Too near, not a good idea if we have Krauts on our tail, we need somewhere a good distance away if we have to shake off any pursuit." Chief walked over to study the main roads in the area around the city and commit them to memory in case a fast getaway was needed.
Jean-Claude pointed out a place on the map. "We have a safe house over here in Roucamps, nearly thirty five kilometres away, that's a good distance. You will have to take this road up Les Monts d'Aunay to get there."
Garrison looked up "Chief?"
"Got it Warden," Chief replied and went back to the window.
Garrison looked at Jean-Claude. "Did you manage to get the staff car we asked for?"
The Frenchman nodded. "Yes, but why would you want it?"
"All in good time, you'll see." Garrison looked at his watch. "Alright, everyone know what they've got to do?"
Casino raised a cynical eyebrow. "Yeah, no sweat babe, we've only been over it like a hundred times, I could do it in Goniff's sleep."
"Don't get cocky Casino," warned Garrison. "You know things can change without warning. We need to know all the alternatives if we're forced to come up with another plan."
Casino raised his hands. "Ok keep your hair on Warden, I'm payin' attention." He blew out a cloud of smoke. "Nothin' ever goes to plan anyway, does it Limey?"
Goniff looked at his friend. "Still alive 'n kickin' ain't we? So someone must be watchin' over us."
Casino took a quick glance in the direction of the quiet figure sitting, looking out the window. "Guardian angel" he whispered, Goniff nodded.
"Let's get ready," said Garrison as he and Actor walked into the other room. Casino shrugged, ground out his cigarette, picked up his bag and followed them.
"You get changed first Chief 'n I'll watch out the window," said Goniff. Chief nodded, got his bag and walked into the other room, to the Resistance men's surprise he walked back out ten minutes later wearing a German Corporal's uniform, he put the turtle helmet on the table and returned to his lookout.
Jean-Claude and his men couldn't believe what they were seeing and looked at each other incredulously as Goniff did the same. They were startled when the door to the back room opened and three German SS officers walked through as if they owned the place, the four Frenchmen instinctively started to raise their weapons only to hear the sound of a rifle being cocked behind them. "Put 'em down," warned Chief.
Jean-Claude took a closer look at the officers as they stood in the middle of the room. "Garrison?"
"Who else did yah think we were, Larry, Curly 'n Moe?" exclaimed Casino, he was wearing an SS First Lieutenant's uniform, he straightened his jacket and adjusted his cap.
"You do look a lot like Moe," chortled the tall Captain as he put on a small pair of rimless spectacles.
Garrison stepped forward, he was dressed as a Major. "We'd better get going. Where's the car parked?" Jean-Claude pointed to the back of the house.
"Chief." His scout jumped up, quickly strode out the door and went round to the rear of the building, he looked at the open top car parked there and smiled in appreciation as he walked round it. Thirty seconds later the men inside heard the powerful roar of the engine as Chief started the car and pulled around to the front of house, Actor lead the way and sat in the back with Garrison and Casino, Goniff sat in the front next to Chief.
Jean-Claude turned to his men and gave them a Gallic shrug. "He did say they were unconventional! Let's go to the café and get prepared, just in case."
GG-GG-GG
Chief drove sedately down the road towards the medical facility. "Everything ok with the car Chief?" asked Garrison from the back.
Chief nodded and gave the Warden a satisfied smile in the rear-view mirror. "Uh huh, we gotta tankful o' gas 'n a lotta horses under the hood, this is no jalopie."
Casino settled into his seat. "Just keep this bird on the ground Geronimo."
Chief grinned, he bet he could make this baby fly if he had to, given half a chance. "Ok Pappy."
They pulled up outside the building, it was set back from the road with a large parking area in front. A big sign declared it to be a 'Klinik' but that was all. Chief and Goniff got out and opened the back doors for the officers to get out. Garrison stood and regarded the structure with a dismissive air as the others looked around, the area appeared to be deserted.
Chief caught Garrison's eye and tilted his head towards two trucks and a car parked not far away. The car was occupied by a Corporal who seemed to be dozing off. Garrison nodded and watched as Chief quietly walked over to the vehicle and leaned through the open door window. "Guten tag." A couple of seconds later he turned round and waved Goniff over, together they carried the body away and dumped it in the back of the nearest truck. Chief wiped his blade and put it back in his sheath as he returned to the car and took the keys out of the ignition, he walked back and tossed them to Casino. "Just in case there's a change in plans Pappy."
Goniff ran forward, opened the door to the clinic and stood to attention as Garrison strode in followed by Actor and Casino. Chief stopped and took his first real look at the building, his whole body froze and his senses screamed as the feeling of foreboding swept over him again, his eyes widened with fear. "Come on mate," hissed Goniff from the entrance. Chief shook himself and looked at Garrison striding confidently forward, he took reassurance from his presence and followed him in.
Garrison stood at the reception desk and fixed an unfortunate Corporal with a stern glare. "Where is Major Bergmann? I demand to speak with him at once."
The nervous Corporal pointed down the corridor, his hand shook. "The Major is in the interrogation room with a prisoner, Herr Sturmbannführer."
The conversation was interrupted by the slamming of a door. Major Bergmann strode angrily into the reception area and halted when he saw the SS officers standing there. "Who are you? What do you want?" he shouted angrily.
Garrison calmly looked the Major up and down with undisguised disdain. "I am Sturmbannführer Schäfer, this is Hauptsturmführer Ziegler and my aide Obersturmführer Schmidt. We are here to find out why the interrogation of the two Resistance leaders you have is taking so long and to take them back to Headquarters for further questioning if necessary."
"Show me your papers," demanded Bergmann, trying to cover his surprise at the sudden appearance of high-ranking SS officers. Garrison gestured for Actor to hand over the prepared paperwork, it was perfect. Bergmann inspected the IDs closely. "All seems to be in order," he muttered.
Garrison held his hand out and clicked his fingers impatiently as he waited for the papers to be returned. "Is anything wrong Herr Major?" he asked abruptly.
Bergmann shook his head. "No, no. It's just that we have been warned to be on the lookout for a group of allied spies. I've been told they are operating in the area, they may be after my prisoners."
Garrison exchanged a swift glance with Actor before he turned back to the Major, the look of concern he gave Bergmann was genuine. "That is worrying news. I shall pass this on when I get back to Headquarters in Paris. How did you get this information?"
"I have my sources," answered Bergmann evasively.
The conversation was interrupted by a door opening and the sound of a trolley being pushed down the corridor. It appeared in the reception area and stopped, there was a body on it covered by a stained, blood-soaked sheet. "This is Durand, one of the prisoners, he died during questioning," said Bergmann as he drew back the sheet.
Garrison and Actor stared at Durand's body, and tried to mask their reactions, his face was bloody, his eyes were wide open staring at a world they could no longer see and his mouth gaped as if he was screaming. Horrific injuries could be seen on his neck and tops of his shoulders that no doubt continued down the rest of his body. Chief recoiled as his nostrils took in the scent of blood and bodily fluids, he turned away, put his hand to his mouth and tried not to gag.
"Did you get any information out of him Herr Major?" asked Garrison officiously.
Bergmann shook his head. "Nothing of consequence, still we have the other prisoner, Pierre Martin, I'm sure I can make him talk."
Garrison regarded the Major sternly. "You will not get the chance Herr Major. In light of what you have told me about spies operating in the area I will follow my orders to take Martin back to Headquarters with me. It would be better if we took him somewhere where he would be better guarded. Where is he?"
Bergman indicated the holding room down the corridor. Garrison turned to Actor. "Hauptman Ziegler, get Martin and bring him to me." Actor saluted and indicated for Goniff and Chief to follow him, he unbolted the door to the holding room and walked in with Goniff hot on his heels. He closed the door and approached Martin, he looked at his bloody face and spoke to him in French. "Pierre, my name is Actor, I have been sent by allied Special Forces to get you out of here. We are working with your brother Jean-Claude, he is waiting for you. Do you understand? Can you walk?" Martin looked at him in disbelief and then nodded. Actor nodded to Goniff to help him get Martin to his feet.
Chief walked further down the corridor to another door, he opened it and peered in, the room was empty, he slowly entered, closed the door behind him and followed the horrific smell of burnt flesh to a large, sunken metal tray in the corner, a pair of shackles dangled in the air above it. He looked down in horror as he saw it contained a large pool of blood mixed with urine and faeces, a couple of teeth lay in the filthy fluid waiting to be washed down the drain in the corner, his stomach heaved.
When he was young Chief's shicheii, his grandfather, told him that if a person died indoors their spirit wouldn't be able to fly free, he said that spirits were dangerous and he should never talk about the dead or they would return to haunt the living. Chief could hear the spirits haunting this room, they were screaming in pain and reaching out for him, he turned, ran out as fast as he could and slammed the door behind him. Actor was just coming out of the holding room, he turned and saw Chief's horror-filled face. "Chief, what's wrong?"
Chief shook his head and motioned for them to carry on, they escorted Martin down the corridor into the reception area where Garrison was still talking to the Major, he glanced at Chief's face and was startled by what he saw, he was breathing hard, trying to get himself under control, his face was pale and his eyes wide open with shock. He turned and gave Major Bergmann a cold look. "We will take all precautions to prevent any attempt to rescue the prisoner, we are well armed and my men are good shots. I will personally oversee his interrogation when we get back to Paris."
"I will phone Headquarters to let them know you are on your way," said Bergmann picking up the phone.
Garrison gave a half-hearted salute. "Please do, tell them we will take the route through Lisieux to Évreux and on to Paris, we should be there in four hours." He indicated for the team to escort Martin out of the building, Casino roughly took hold of him for appearances sake and dragged him outside. Garrison walked out next to Actor and whispered. "What spooked Chief?"
Actor shook his head and spoke quietly out the side of his mouth. "I don't know, he went in the interrogation room and came out like the devil was after him." Garrison cast a worried look at his scout, this wasn't like Chief at all, he thought, nothing scared him.
Chief ran to the car, jumped in and waited for the others, eager to get away from this godforsaken place. Goniff opened the back door for Garrison to climb in, Actor and Casino shoved Martin round to the other side.
Suddenly alarms sounded, the clinic door burst open and six guards rushed out followed by Bergmann. "American spies, don't let them escape with the prisoner, shoot them," he yelled out. Suddenly armed soldiers started to appear in the parking area from all directions, Goniff dived in the back of the car with Garrison and slammed the door shut. Garrison waved to Actor and Casino. "Take Martin in the other car we'll hold them off!"
Casino dragged Martin the short distance to the other car, opened the door and pushed him in, he leapt into the driver's seat as Actor dived through the passenger door and landed next to him, he took the keys out of his pocket, thanking Chief for his foresight, fired up the engine and roared away in a cloud of dust.
Garrison, Goniff and Chief grabbed their Schmeissers, Goniff and Garrison fired towards the men coming out of the clinic while Chief sprayed short bursts of bullets at the soldiers approaching in the other direction. "The SS must've told Bergmann they didn't send anyone!" shouted Garrison.
"Yah think?" yelled Chief as he fired again.
Garrison loaded a fresh magazine. "Get us out of here Chief, hold on Goniff it could be a bumpy ride!"
Chief tossed his weapon over his shoulder to Goniff, started the engine, engaged first gear and gunned the car out onto the road, armoured trucks and cars sped out behind them in hot pursuit. "Looks like they were expecting us to try something," shouted Garrison.
Goniff looked behind them. "Bloody hell Warden, all those just for us? We must be gettin' famous or somethin'!"
Garrison clambered over the seat to ride shotgun next to Chief. "You ok? You looked like hell back there, what happened?"
Chief remembered his grandfather's teaching. "Nothin'." He felt better now he was away from that terrible room and its ghosts, he breathed in deeply, he couldn't think about that now, he had a job to do, he had to protect his friends and keep them safe.
Garrison looked over as he bounced in his seat. "Can you catch up with Casino? I'll tell him to head to Roucamps, we'll run interference, ok with you?"
Chief nodded as he concentrated on the road. "Pappy drives like an ol' lady, I'll be alongside in less'n a minute, just wait 'n see." He powered the car down the road until Casino came into view.
Garrison looked at his watch and grinned. "Forty five seconds, good as your word Chief." They drew up next to the other car and Garrison shouted over the instructions. Casino nodded grimly and drove ahead as Chief slowed down and dropped behind him, waiting for their pursuers to catch up. In the distance they saw Casino turn left to take the mountain road towards Roucamps.
Chief watched in the rear-view mirror as their pursuers closed in, bullets started whizzing past their ears, he glanced quickly at Garrison. "You ready Warden?" He dropped down a gear and floored the accelerator, the car surged forward with a roar. "Let's make this baby fly!"