Chapter 6 – No News

The plane landed at Mildenhall and taxied off the runway onto the apron, the engines shut down and the propellers slowed to a halt, the side hatch opened and five weary men climbed out. Casino looked around. "No sign of Geronimo 'n the Limey, maybe they're at the mansion."

A large staff car swept onto the apron and squealed to a halt, the men recognised it as Major Richards', the driver got out, opened the doors and beckoned the men to hurry up.

Garrison and the men climbed into the back of the car and were surprised to find Major Richards sitting waiting for them in the front passenger seat, he turned round and held out a hand. "You've really stirred up a hornets' nest this time Lieutenant, all the top brass are waiting for you in London. Can I see what this is all about so I'm not spouting crap when we get to London? Tell me what happened."

Garrison handed over the documents and gave his report while the commando turned back to read through everything. Half an hour later he turned back to face the men in the back, his expression was one of incredulity. "You just happened to pick this up while you were loading the train with explosives?"

Garrison nodded. "McAllen and Alexander did the honours but, yes Sir, the SS Majors were travelling to Berlin on the train. It was sheer luck Actor overheard them talking."

Richards smiled and shook his head. "I don't believe in luck where you and your team are concerned Lieutenant, you take advantage of every opportunity where others would just ignore what's in front of them. This is damn fine work, well done all of you."

Casino plucked up courage to ask a question as the Major was in such an obviously good mood. "Any news about Goniff 'n Chief yet?"

The Major sighed and shook his head. "Sorry Casino, absolutely nothing. I've got people everywhere looking out for them and Navajo 4 but Europe is a huge place and we've no idea where they've gone."

Casino nodded. "Yeah, Geronimo's sneaky, he can be hidin' right in front o' you 'n you'll never know it. Keepin' another five people outta sight won't be a problem for him." He chewed on his bottom lip and hoped against hope they were hiding and not taken prisoner or worse, the waiting and uncertainty were getting to him and he wished it was over, one way or the other. He decided to keep looking on the bright side, sat back in his seat and regarded everyone in the car. "Look, no news is good news right? Geronimo's the best there is, the kid'll keep everyone safe 'n they'll be back before you know it, guaranteed!"

GG-GG-GG

Garrison spent the next few hours in a blur of questioning, his men had been taken aside and put in a room where they wouldn't be disturbed and he'd been thrust in front of a panel of high-ranking officers. There were more stars than a galaxy, more eagles than a national park and more oak leaves than a forest sitting in front of him hanging on his every word. Major Richards sat beside him in support and fielded some of the questions based on what he'd read on the way in. Eventually the questioning stopped, Garrison took a deep breath and pulled himself together, thankful the ordeal had come to an end. The galaxies, parks and forests filed out in a buzz of conversation until only one was left, George Garrison stepped forward and looked at Major Richards. "Do you mind if I have five minutes with my son Tom?"

Richards nodded. "Fine by me George, take your time." He stepped out of the room to leave the two men alone.

George sat down next to his son. "You alright Craig?"

Craig sighed. "Yeah, I'm fine Dad, it's been a demanding mission and I'm just about beat."

The General shook his head. "That's not what I'm talking about and you know it."

Craig looked at his father. "You mean 'two or none'? Rainey's promise to bring us home together no matter what? Well I failed him on that one didn't I? I let that bastard Lucas take the Dragon and leave Rainey, Goniff and Navajo 4 behind. Now we don't know where any of them are or even if they're still alive."

George laid a hand on Craig's shoulder. "I read the reports and the confessions, there was nothing you could've done about it, it was five against one. That's what I want you to understand, nobody is holding you to blame and you shouldn't either. Your mother, Sandy, Laura and Trish send you their love and Katie sends kisses, you might as well give in now, you know you can't fight five Garrison women."

Craig gave a short laugh. "Thanks Dad, give everyone my love and tell them not to give up hope."

George nodded. "Nobody is son, it may take weeks or even months but Rainey will come home, we're all sure of that." He stood up and held out a hand. "Alright, I've got to get back to that gang of pompous asses and you've got a war to win. Well done Craig, I'm proud of you and what you and your team achieved. Tell them that from me will you?"

Craig held out his hand only to be pulled into a bear hug. "Sure will, once I can breath!" he croaked. He turned and pointed to the door. "Tom?"

George laughed. "Uh huh, the guy's got a first name you know. I've known Tom for a long time, he's a good man, we play bridge at the Officers' Club."

Craig nodded. "Oh right, bridge. Did you have anything to do with 'Tom' saving my team from Fremont?"

George smiled and shook his head. "No Craig, that was all you, your team and then Rainey who persuaded him to transfer you over to his chain of command. You all impressed the hell out of him and Tom isn't easily impressed, believe me."

GG-GG-GG

The next few weeks were busy for Garrison and his depleted team, Major Richards sent them on small, quick missions and they didn't get the chance to think about anything else. If the need arose there were always volunteers from the Navajos ready to go out with them, on one occasion Drummond insisted on accompanying them saying why should they and the Navajos have all the fun!

Garrison still took every chance to find out information about his missing men but hope started to fade little by little as each day passed. He resisted the thought that he might have to find permanent replacements for Goniff and Chief – that would be soul destroying and impossible. He visited Laura and Trish whenever he had the time free and took solace in his sister's refusal to blame him for what had happened to her fiancé, her firm belief he would come home was the one thing that kept him going.