The Mansion, March 4th 1944

By the time the jeep pulled up in front of the Mansion's stone steps the parking area was a lot fuller than it had been when Chief had driven out. There were two extra cars parked there, both empty, and a pile of equipment was being assembled in the hallway.

Diesel must have just arrived as he was sorting through his bag, transferring stuff into the laundry hamper. Garrison was there too, still in the suit he'd been wearing when they left Switzerland.

"Casino, Chief, get yourselves showered and changed. Your kit's on your beds. Molly's holding dinner until you're ready." He ran up the stairs two at a time.

The missing drivers from the two empty cars emerged from the kitchen, still chewing. One was in US army uniform the other Royal Navy. Presumably they'd delivered the Warden and Diesel, thought Chief.

"Thanks Will, good cook you've got there," commented the Army man as he dug in his pockets for his car keys. The Navy guy added his thanks. Clearly both were in a hurry to get as far as they could before they lost the light.

Actor emerged from the library, looking relaxed. He was freshly shaven and dressed in a set of fatigues with an dark-green cravat at his throat. His favourite pipe was held in one hand. It wasn't obvious that he would be heading out on a mission in an hour or so. He looked inquiringly at Casino, wondering what had changed in the two weeks they'd been in Switzerland. Clearly something had. Casino stared back belligerently, and Actor looked away. Maybe he'd just imagined it.

Goniff slid neatly down the bannister, jumping off nimbly before he reached the newel post. "Hya mate, good to have you back... not been the same without you." He clapped the safecracker on the shoulder as he passed by en-route to the kitchen, intent on finding something to stem his hunger pangs. As always, his travel sickness had disappeared as soon as he got back.

Molly had been expecting the boys to turn up over the weekend, so had had plenty of time to pull together something more substantial than normal. What she hadn't been expecting was that they'd be heading straight out again. When Garrison's phone call had come in, Will had immediately phoned the farm securing not only a few extra supplies but also the services of Goniff's Millie, who'd been only too happy to exchange an hour or so in the kitchen for a bit of time with her man and a good gossip with the cook.

Garrison was as usual ignoring his meal in favour of double-checking that they had all they needed. This time they wouldn't even have the luxury of a briefing. That would have to take place in the air. Finally, Molly forced him to take his seat on pain of death.

"Steak and kidney pie, mash, carrots and cabbage followed by spotted dick and custard." Goniff emerged from the kitchen, in culinary heaven. It was everything an Englishmen could wish for. It was less so for the others, but even they appreciated that they needed the calories.

As soon as they'd finished eating, Goniff and Millie had slipped away for a bit of private time and everyone else, including the Lieutenant, had ignored their departure. It was interesting how things had changed now the men were starting to build relationships outside the Mansion. They all knew each mission might be their last and each moment had to be cherished.

Chief had been hoping to see Amber since her shift pattern should have given her the night off, but the new mission had scuppered that. He'd had to call her from Garrison's office to tell her he wouldn't be around to pick her up and her disappointment was obvious. They'd both been looking forward to a bit of 'private time' too. Chief envied Goniff. With Millie only a few minutes away across the grounds it was far easier for them to sneak time together.

Both Casino and Diesel had been quiet all evening. It wasn't unusual for the Mohawk, but it was unusual for Casino. Fortunately for him everyone was too busy to try to find out why.

Actor intercepted Garrison in his office as he picked up the last of their papers from his desk. The conman glanced at the documents and raised an eyebrow. "Dusseldorf?"

"Duisburg."

"Uniforms?"

"Ours'll be on the plane. The others are going in as workmen."

"Some boots that fit would be nice for a change."

Garrison looked down at the big man's feet and laughed. "Next time you find a pair that fit, bring them back with you."

Will stuck his head round the door. "Transport's here Lieutenant. Shall I start loading?"

Garrison stubbed out his latest cigarette and took one last look around. "No, we'll do it. Just roust up Goniff, wherever he is."