Chapter 5
The soldier stood to attention, then turned and gave two raps on the door. Hearing a voice on the other side, he opened it, allowing Garrison and Gina to enter the boardroom, closing the door quietly behind them. There was a strong smell of polish and dust motes floated in the sunshine near the window. A cupboard and two bookcases lined one of the walls but the middle of the room was dominated by a large mahogany table, behind which sat two British Army officers and a middle aged woman, notepad in hand.
One of the men stood and beckoned them over to chairs on the opposite side of the table. ''Lieutenant Garrison and Miss...Monet. Do come in. I am Major Harris, this is Brigadier Thompson and Miss Turner. Please sit down.''
Garrison smiled reassuringly at Gina and held a chair out for her, before sitting down next to her.
Silence ensued as the Brigadier consulted some papers in front of him, then he looked up, directly at Gina. ''Now, Miss Monet, Lieutenant Garrison has told us a lot about you and how useful you have been on his missions to various places in the north of France. I understand, that when your injuries allow, you wish to return to France and continue your work with the Resistance, is that correct?''
''Yes, Sir,'' Gina agreed, sitting as upright as she could and returning his gaze calmly. Although she was unimpressed by his rank, Gina knew her future may depend on this meeting.
''I have to admit,'' he mused, almost to himself. ''I am rather old school and not in favour of young women being placed in a war zone.''
''Sir, there are many women in France who have no choice but to be in the war zone,'' interrupted Gina, determined to get her point across and not be fobbed off by any out-dated sentiments. ''Every day they do what they can to oppose and obstruct the German troops.''
''Yes, so I understand. But they are French and it is their homeland,'' countered the Brigadier. ''However, you are not French, are you Miss Monet, despite the name you have given us. In fact, I am aware that you are an American citizen, who left that country in, shall we say, mysterious circumstances. You also had rather dubious connections with the criminal element in New York and your brother has a criminal record...''
Gina sat stock still, glaring at the man before her as he made these statements, but it was Garrison who interrupted him this time.
''I must object, Sir. Her brother has nothing to do with this, he is one of my men and contracted by the US Government. And he has proved his worth over and over again on our missions,'' Garrison reminded them all, though he addressed his comments specifically to the senior officer.
''Precisely Lieutenant. So why are you asking us to look after his sister?'' retaliated the Brigadier, turning his gaze momentarily towards Garrison. ''Furthermore, I understand the young woman beside you, was deliberately returned to England and the cost of her medical treatment covered by the British, rather than by the Americans.''
''I didn't ask to be brought here,'' objected Gina, pushing herself forward, as if to stand. Garrison put a restraining hand on her arm, but he could feel the anger in her tense muscles, as she regained her position on the chair. She knew the man on the other side of the table was goading them but she wasn't sure if she could maintain her self-control much longer. Gina took a deep breath and forced herself to relax, whilst continuing to make eye contact with him.
''I know, my dear, but you injuries just prove my point. Behind the enemy's lines is no place for a young woman to be playing at war.'' The Brigadier smiled at her, as if she was an errant child that he needed to placate. ''The Lieutenant here had to put his men in danger to get you out of occupied France. ''
''That was not the case, Sir, as you will know if you have read my report,'' retaliated Garrison. This was not going as he had planned. In fact he was not sure where this interview was going.
Ignoring Garrison, the Brigadier continued, keeping his gaze on Gina. ''So, we have established you are using a false name, as we know your name is not Monet. You are American, not French, though you have managed to maintain that identity on the continent for the last three years . You have criminal connections, so I have no doubt you are able to lie, steal and probably kill, if the need arose. And you are almost certainly under age, is that not so young lady?''
Pushing Garrison's hand aside, Gina rose from her chair and leaned on the edge of the table, glaring across at the Brigadier. ''And you Sir, are...a pompous ass! You have absolutely no idea what it is like over there, sitting here with your fat cigars, in your cosy office,'' she declared angrily. ''I had to watch some of my best friends being executed by the Germans, so don't try to tell me I am playing war games. With or without your help, I intend to return to France as soon as I can, even if I have to steal a boat and row myself across the Channel.'' Gina pushed herself upright, her dark eyes blazing. She gritted her teeth against the sudden pain in her leg, as she twisted away from the table, and stormed from the room, slamming the door behind her.
Garrison went to stand up and follow her but Miss Turner, who had been sitting at the end of the table taking notes, was already moving towards the door. She motioned for Garrison to stay. ''Let me talk to her. We'll meet you for tea, or coffee, in the canteen later.''
The room fell silent, after the two women had left, and Garrison wondered how he was going to retrieve anything from this meeting. He was just about to apologise and try to explain how useful Gina could be to the British, when the Brigadier suddenly began to bellow with laugher.
''I like her, she'll do well,'' stated the Brigadier, trying to regain his composure.'' She may only be a slip of a girl but she's got spirit, not everyone has the guts to call me pompous to my face.'' He grinned at the astonished looks on the other men's faces. ''Though she will have to curb that temper of hers.'' He added, as he got up and strode from the room.
''What just happened there?'' asked Garrison, looking at Major Harris in confusion.
Major Harris glanced over at the American, trying to keep the smile from his face. ''I think he just accepted your young woman. The Brigadier doesn't usually involve himself in recruitment, leaving that to myself or Miss Turner but I think he was intrigued by Gina and wanted to see her for himself.''
''So what happens now?'' Garrison asked, still trying to make sense of the sudden turn of events.
''Well, I seem to remember you were invited for coffee. I'll get someone to show you the way to the canteen,'' replied the Major, as he gather up the files and prepared to leave the room himself.
GG
''Gina wait!'' Gina stopped and put her hand against the wall to ease the pain in her leg, as Miss Turner joined her. ''I would like to talk to you, if you wouldn't mind. We could go for a cup of tea or go and sit outside.'' Gina recognised a slight French accent in the woman's voice. Nodding she turned and walked outside. Together they found a bench, not far from the entrance, where they could sit in the sunshine.
''I'm sorry for what just happened in there. Lieutenant Garrison is quite correct, your brother is under contract to the Americans and we have no jurisdiction over that. However, I would like you to listen to what I have to say, after all the Lieutenant has worked hard to set up this meeting on your behalf.''
''Who are you?'' Gina asked. She had assumed the woman was just a secretary, there to take notes of the meeting.
''I work with a small group of people on behalf of the British Government, co-ordinating and facilitating activities in France. All the people I work with are women, many of whom, like yourself, have worked behind enemy lines. Both here and in Europe, woman are often overlooked. Men assume they are fully occupied with household and child care chores. They expect to see women out and about during the day, so it is easier for a woman to carry out clandestine tasks, in plain sight, in occupied areas, as you are well aware.
''We know a lot about you already. Yes, we have a file on you. Bear in mind you worked with Jean-Pierre for several years and were often the main contact for groups such as Garrison's team, when Jean-Pierre was busy elsewhere. We know you speak French and German and have helped hide and evacuate allied troops, as well as providing equipment for special units in your area. We also know you can handle a gun, a knife and small explosives. When you are fully fit and, if you are willing, we would like to send you back to France.'' Miss Turner smiled as she watched Gina relax, closing her eyes for a moment as she soaked up the warm early summer sun.
''There is something you will not be aware of,'' she continued. ''After you were brought back to England, the wives and sisters of the Resistance men who you saw being executed, have banded together. Initially to support each other but we know they have begun some covert actions themselves. We would like to send someone in to work with them. As they already know you, it would be easier for you to coordinate their efforts, than for us to send in someone they may not trust. If you agree to work with us, we can guarantee you will not be repatriated to the United States.
Gina suddenly sat upright. ''How soon can you get me out of the country?'' she asked. ''I am wanted by the British police, for something I haven't done and I would be safer in France, than here.''
''Gina, we know about the recent accusations of theft against you and are making our own enquiries to clear your name. In the meantime, we can take you somewhere safe, where we can assess your abilities and teach you other skills which would be useful to you, once you are back in France. However, before you make up your mind I would like you to meet some of my team and maybe it would give us an opportunity to discover more about you.''
''What about my brother, Garrison and the rest of his team?'' Gina asked, suddenly feeling as if she was walking out on everyone.
''Let's go to the canteen and find Lieutenant Garrison. We can talk it over with him and I'm sure he will be able to reassure you.'' With mixed emotions, Gina followed Miss Turner back inside.
GG
When Garrison returned later that day, without Gina, he was inundated with questions and concerns for her welfare and whereabouts. He could only reassure his men that Gina had not been arrested but was unable to give them any details of where she might be or when they would see her again.
Over the next few days his men were fractious, with arguments quickly escalating into fights. Chief became very quiet and took himself off alone, to run around the estate. Partly to work though his feelings and concerns, but also to get away from the bickering in the common room and Goniff constant question - 'You alright, mate?' Even Actor, who could normally be relied upon to keep the peace, nearly came to blows with Casino. So it was with some relief when Garrison was summoned to HQ.
Returning by mid-afternoon, Garrison called his men over from their shooting practice with the Sgt. Major. ''Go and get cleaned up and join me in the common room in twenty minutes,'' he ordered. No one made any comments but they were all aware of the briefcase he was holding, containing details of yet another mission. The team sullenly wandered inside.
Within half an hour everyone was settled around the table, now covered with maps and photographs. Garrison outlined the mission which would see them flying out to Italy the following day. There was an air of resignation in the room. Nobody joked or moaned, they all accepted the inevitable trip into the unknown.
Garrison gathered up the items on the table and placed them in the file, then slapped the file on the table. Looking at each of his men in turn, he asked ''Has anyone been down to the main gate today?''
They looked at each other in confusion but it was Casino who answered. ''So what are we supposed to have done now?'' he growled.
Garrison couldn't help the beginnings of a smile, which pulled at the corner of his mouth. ''I just thought you might have noticed the police constable has gone,'' he said, with a shrug of his shoulders. That caught their attention. Slowly the implications of what that meant began to dawn on them.
''Does that mean...?'' Goniff and Casino both clamoured to know.
Garrison grinned but looked at Chief as he answered. ''Gina is in the clear. She is no longer a suspect. It appears that the hospital and surrounding buildings have been searched and a stash of drugs was found in a garage, used by one of the porters. He has admitted stealing and selling hospital equipment and medicines on the black market. It appears his girlfriend overheard Gina's conversation about our visits and used that to point the finger at her and so deflect suspicion away from her boyfriend.''
''I knew it. I knew she'd be ok,'' declared Casino, reflecting the relief that was obvious on everyone's faces.
'' Thank you Lieutenant, that is extremely good news,'' agreed Actor.
''I have something else that I think you will like,'' said Garrison, pleased with the change in his men that the news had made. ''I have arranged for Miss Turner to bring Gina to The Doves this evening, so that you can all reassure yourselves that she is ok, before we fly out to Italy tomorrow.''
GG
That evening was one to remember. Miss Turner and Gina arrived at The Doves, where Garrison and his men were enjoying their drinks. When they arrived, Casino was being soundly beaten at darts by Chief - as was regularly the case. Actor, Goniff and Garrison watching the safecrackers various distraction techniques, with great amusement.
Noticing their arrival, Casino flung his darts on the table in disgust, strode over and encased Gina in his gentle bear hug. ''Hi babe. Your damn brother's just beaten me at darts again,'' he growled softly, but good-heartedly, in her ear.
''Why do you play him Casino, you know he always wins,'' laughed Gina, as she disentangled herself.
''Hi, Gina luv. And you must be Miss Turner,'' said Goniff, tipping his forelock at them, as he grabbed two extra chairs for the ladies to sit down. ''The Warden was just gonna get a round in, weren't yuh Warden? What can he get yuh to drink?'' he asked, putting his hand out towards Garrison, who handed him enough to cover the drinks. Casino followed him to the bar.
Once everyone had their drink, Goniff innocently asked ''You ever played arrows, Gina?'' She looked at him in puzzlement.
''Be real interesting to see you and Chief play together. How about it?'' Casino suggested.
''You'll have to explain the rules, I don't think I've ever played arrows before,'' Gina said, glancing over at Chief who gave her a reassuring smile. As Casino and Goniff took Gina over to the board to explain the game, Chief spoke quietly to Actor, who nodded in reply.
''Wanna make this interesting,'' Casino asked, as he and Goniff returned to the table, leaving Chief to join Gina while she practised with the unfamiliar darts. He placed some money on the table. ''Gina's good but I reckon Chief has the edge.''
''Same here,'' said Goniff, adding his money to the table.
''For once I'd like to place a bet, so maybe the lieutenant could hold the pot,'' said Actor adding more onto the table. ''My money's on Gina.''
''May I join in?'' asked Miss Turner, much to everyone's surprise. ''I only know Gina, so my money will have to be on her. Though, I am interested to see how her brother fares, too.''
''An even split, so let's make it the best of three games,'' suggested Garrison. ''Shall we say 'ladies first', as Gina hasn't played here before?''
''That seems fair to me,'' grinned Goniff, Casino nodding in agreement.
GG
The locals were well aware of Chief's ability with darts, even if his throwing method was rather unusual. The pub regulars had always assumed it was because he was a Yank, no doubt they did things differently over there. That he should opt to play against a young woman, was cause for some discussion, but most of them agreed that, as he was a good sport, he would let her win one of the games.
Casino and Goniff had shown Gina how, and where, to stand. They had demonstrated throwing the dart from the shoulder, which she had practiced a couple of times but wasn't very comfortable with. However, she had found she was still able to get the darts into the correct spaces with that method.
''Ready?'' asked Casino, standing near the board, chalk in hand, so he could keep score.
Gina nodded and took up her darts. Hesitating slightly between each throw, she recorded trebles of eighteen, nineteen and twenty in succession. The locals were stunned and then burst into appreciative applause. Chief copied Gina's score, keeping them level. Her next three darts landed in the treble twenty, giving her a maximum score. Chief repeated the move. The room fell silent as Gina picked up her last three darts. Going for treble tops again, Gina waited for Casino to record her score. With thirty left, she ignored all she had been told about throwing from the shoulder and threw the last dart underarm, straight into double fifteen.
''Must be beginners luck,'' sniffed Goniff to the others at the table, as the whole bar cheered around them.
The next game was won by Chief, with Gina matching his scores, by which time it was apparent to all that she was as accurate as he was, when it came to throwing darts. For the final game, it was Gina's turn to throw first. Goniff and Casino exchanged looks, both realising that, unless Gina hit the wire, this was one bet they had well and truly lost. Throwing confidently underarm now, Gina won again, with a straight nine darts. The pub erupted. Congratulations came from all sides as Gina and Chief returned to their table.
''Huh, ought to have known better than to bet on either one of yuh,'' grumbled Casino, as Gina and Chief eventually sat down.
''You should have studied the game Casino,'' explained Actor. ''If you are consistently on target, then the game can be won with nine throws. Therefore the first person to throw, will always win. But thank you for the entertainment and my winnings.''
''Were you in on this too, Warden? It was you suggested 'ladies first','' chuckled Casino, as Garrison handed out the money to Actor and Miss Turner.
''No. But you shouldn't be so surprised at the result, Casino. Gina's accuracy with a knife saved your life, not so long ago,'' Garrison reminded him.
Casino raised his glass to Gina and drained the half pint in one go. ''Well, when we get back, you'll have to have a rematch and this time we'll let Geronimo here, go first. That way we should be on to a sure winner!''
''Hey Casino, we could make a fortune!'' grinned Goniff as he got up to follow Casino over to the bar, to get another round in.
Though Garrison smiled at Casino and Goniff's enthusiasm, he doubted if Gina would still be here when they returned from their mission. He silently wished her well and could only hope that their paths would cross again, at some time in the future.