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Chapter 35

Temperatures Rising

1100 – Hereford, UK

Georgie settled into the back of the white van. Elvis was right. It looked like any other delivery vehicle from the outside. She would not be surprised if he had made certain it was bullet proof as well. Geno had a cot set up for her in case she wanted to lay down. There were snacks and beverages, everything she could possibly need for the journey. She rummaged through her handbag for her mobile, wanting to look at the photos Elvis had taken during the sonogram. She was unable to see him as Marco drove away, there were no windows in the back. She simply had the searing memory of their final kiss and hearing Elvis say I love you.

Her hand kept bumping against something in the bag. It seemed out of place. She began to empty contents onto the cot and was surprised to find a small box. A gift-wrapped box with a tiny bow. She sighed, knowing Elvis had stowed it there unbeknownst to her…..so typically Elvis. Georgie released a quick breath and began to unwrap the little treasure. It was a burgundy velvet case. She cradled it in her hands and smiled knowing Elvis had also touched it. She slowly opened it and gasped when she saw the golden necklace and charm. A reactive hand shot to her mouth. It was a simple golden heart with Mom engraved in the center and a small diamond just below the lettering. Her fingers lovingly stroked the smooth metal. "Oh Elvis! I love it!" She whispered. She gently removed the charm and chain from the box, holding them up and admiring their simplistic beauty. She pulled her hair to one side and undid the clasp, placing the chain around her neck, wishing Elvis were there with her to do just that. Georgie grabbed her mobile and took a selfie then sat back to send Elvis a text with the attached photo. It is perfect. I love it!

Xxxxx

1120 – SAS Garrison – Hereford, UK

Elvis shut down the engine and surveyed his surroundings. He knew Pettigrew's office location afforded him visual access of the car park. Evans had tailed him from the hospital trying to maintain a discrete distance between them, but Elvis laughed to himself, he was already keen to their agenda. Besides, Spunky had his back covered. He had heard his mobile sound when he passed through the Garrison gate and now opened the message. His face lit up when he saw the photo of Georgie wearing the necklace and the beautiful smile on her face. He responded: I told ya, you always have my heart. Now you have two of us. Safe journey babe.

Xxxxx

1135 –

"I am in a meeting! Kindly refrain from interrupting me!" Evans strained out as he took his ire even further and completely shut his mobile off.

Arnie Pettigrew's nostrils flared. He had been summoned to Godfrey's office. No explanation, just show up now or risk being escorted. Fuck! Someone just turned the heat up a notch. He flung his chair back. Harte had returned. He doubted this summons was a coincidence. As he slammed the door behind him, Pettigrew thought of all the ways he would like to stick a dagger into Elvis Harte.

Xxxxx

1145 –

"So she is off without a hitch?" Dave Warner asked.

"Affirmative. Anticipated to be uneventful." Elvis said cracking his thumb knuckles, staring at Warner on the laptop screen.

"Pity it must come to this." Warner said.

"Yeah. I ain't takin any chances."

"Agreed. The fact that Evans actually followed you two to hospital is concerning. They know you have returned alone. We have a presence at hospital so if either attempt to inquire about Georgie we will know." Warner said.

"It's only begun Dave." Elvis said grimly, tapping his foot on the floor.

"Roger that. Pettigrew has just been summoned to Godfrey's office."

Elvis' brow lifted in surprise.

"Formal questioning to occur in front of his CO. Wes Jones burped up information about Toni Blythe. He is trying desperately to minimize his sentence every possible way he can, but he is technically fucked. No matter which way he turns he has completely gotten his bollocks in the wringer."

Elvis laughed. "Ouch! Do ya reckon he knows about the heroin?"

"Doubtful. He was doing enough of his own dirty work."

"If Adam Jones' accuser succeeds then he's lookin at two years at least for assault." Elvis said.

"Yes. If we can link him to the cache of heroin, he's done."

"So, it's between Pettigrew and Evans to rat him out." Elvis said, frustratingly sitting back.

"Correct."

Elvis swiped a hand down his face. "I reckon Pettigrew is the leader."

"Agreed. Brad Evans has a weak spine." Warner said.

"I wonder just how far he can bend though." Elvis said tapping his foot on the floor again.

Xxxxx

1150 –

Captain Arnold Pettigrew was stood in front of his CO Colonel Jonathan Godfrey. Seated next to the colonel was MP Specialist Adrian Allen. Pettigrew was rigid and remained impassive as Godfrey explained the purpose of the specialist's presence and the proceeding about to unfold.

Xxxxx

1200 - Gloucester, UK

"So Georgie, life is good with Elvis?" Geno asked turning half way around in the front passenger seat. Marco laughed.

"La dolce vita!" Georgie responded to the utter amazement of the two cousins. Marco pounded on the steering wheel.

"More like la pazzo vita!" He choked out laughing.

"Yeah! Yeah!" Geno laughed.

"What does that mean?" Georgie asked suspiciously.

"Pazzo! Crazy!" Geno roared.

Georgie laughed. "Sometimes." She said.

"He's good to you though eh?" Marco asked sincerely.

"No question about that." She replied smiling.

"There's no husband like an Italian husband." Geno said boldly.

"Are you married?" Georgie asked. This was her first acquaintance with him.

"Yes I am." He answered proudly. "To my Gina for two years now."

"She's glad he's out of the house!" Marco said and Georgie burst out laughing. Yes. It was going to be a very interesting ride to Hoddesdon.

Xxxxx

1210 – SAS Garrison, Hereford, UK

Pettigrew stared straight ahead. Every time Specialist Allen opened his mouth his eyes slid to the MP.

"You communicated with Colonel Wescott Jones on numerous occasions Captain."

"That is correct." Pettigrew answered.

"Could you elaborate sir?"

"They were private conversations specialist."

"Private, captain, but involving Jones' nephew Adam Jones." Allen said bluntly.

"The colonel is a concerned family man, he was simply curious about his nephew's progress." Pettigrew said. Godfrey glared at him.

"Do you routinely discuss the SAS candidates with outsiders sir?"

"Well you see specialist, I felt Wes was family, not an outsider as you say."

"The colonel has absolutely no attachment to the SAS."

"He does not." Pettigrew conceded.

Specialist Allen gave Godfrey a side long glance. "Did you have a conversation with Colonel Jones regarding Sergeant Toni Blythe sir?"

Pettigrew's face was stone. What do they know? What did Jones tell them?

"I do not understand your question." He answered slyly.

"Sergeant Blythe is an active member of the SAS Directing Staff." Allen said.

"I am aware of that."

Allen smirked. "Then it should come as no surprise to you, that Colonel Jones alleges that you informed him of Sergeant Blythe's whereabouts."

Pettigrew blinked. "Did the colonel also inform you that he intimidated me to do so?"

Godfrey cleared his throat in disgust. "So, you admit that you informed Colonel Jones of Sergeant Blythe's assignment, despite the fact, you are completely aware that is classified information?" Allen said.

Pettigrew never flinched under Allen's direct stare. "He inquired."

"It was a breach of security."

"He is a colonel. He ordered me to do so."

"Why?" Allen said, his eye contact penetrating.

"Do you question a superior officer specialist?" Pettigrew threw back.

"Answer the question!" Godfrey interjected.

Pettigrew's malicious gaze fell on Godfrey. "I do not know, sir."

Allen looked at Godfrey. "I believe that I am finished here for now sir. I will submit this report and await further orders." With that Specialist Allen stood, collected his note pad and laptop and formally exited the colonel's office.

Once Allen departed Godfrey zeroed in on Pettigrew. "You are aware that you are this close to a court martial!" He said indicating the measurement with his thumb and index finger.

"Begging the colonel's pardon sir, but I was ordered to provide Colonel Jones with the requested information."

"Rubbish captain! You are expected to be aware of proper military code of conduct. You are a captain for fuck sake! You are being placed on suspension whilst this investigation unfolds. Short of having you placed on lock down I am ordering you to relinquish your duties with the Directing Staff immediately!"

"Yes sir."

"Without pay of course."

"Understood sir."

"Additionally, I will formally request that your rank be reduced. Clearly you are not capable of exercising the duties of captain."

Pettigrew glared at his Commanding Officer.

"Dismissed."

Pettigrew turned and walked out. He was livid but his upper lip curled. They will never make the connection.

Xxxxx

1300 – Oxford, UK

"Do ya need a break Georgie?" Marco asked.

"Yeah. Could do to stretch my legs. Thank you."

"Right. I'll pull into the next rest area. We're almost there."

"Elvis said Manny will be with us." Georgie said.

"You bet. He's a good dog and can bring a grown man down if need be." Marco said.

"Nonna letting him inside?" Geno asked.

"Yeah. She likes him, but she's always chasing him off of the sofa. He stretches out and doesn't leave her any room."

Georgie laughed and leaned in between the two front seats.

"I'll make sure he does not jump on ya Georgie." Marco said.

"That would be appreciated. Thank you."

Once settled in the car park Geno opened the back door for Georgie. Fortunately, there were small steps so that she could easily get down from inside. He extended a hand to help her.

"Thanks."

"Prego." Geno said.

"You're welcome, yeah?" She said.

"Yes." Geno smiled.

It felt good to stand up and not have to hold on to something. Georgie took in a deep breath of fresh air. She looked down and saw the gold charm shining in the sunlight, a reminder of the treasure she was carrying inside of her.

The two cousins watched as she headed to the rest facility. Both following close behind her. There was no perceived threat but they were not taking any chances. Elvis would have their heads.

"Why can't I find a girl like Georgie?" Marco said.

"Maybe you should join the army." Geno said.

"Oh funny arsehole. You didn't meet Gina in the army."

"No, but she ain't like Georgie."

"Elvis is lucky." Marco said and decided to give Rocco an update as to their estimated time of arrival.

Xxxxx

1515 – Hodderson, UK

Marco backed the van into the driveway. Manny could be heard barking in the garden. Georgie was excited, anticipating the reunion with Nonna Sofia, especially now that she was pregnant and would be able to spend time with this lovely woman. She could hear Marco's voice, then the back doors opened. Georgie gathered her handbag and got out, shielding her eyes from the sunlight. When she turned, she saw Nonna and Elena standing on the back porch. The smile on Nonna's face lit up Georgie's world, it was so much like Elvis'.

"Nonna." Georgie said, extending her hands out as she neared. Sofia likewise extended her's welcoming Georgie into a warm embrace.

"Benvenuta nipotina!" Sofia said warmly.

"Ciao Nonna." Georgie said, her eyes closing as she held this small woman. When Sofia pulled back she gently patted Georgie's bump.

"Who do we have here?" She asked.

"Your great grandson." Georgie said happily.

"Ah! Pronipote! Elvis gives you a son!" Nonna said, her face radiating her sheer joy.

"Congratulations Georgie." Elena said smiling and moving to embrace her sister-in-law.

"Thank you so much!"

Marco carried Georgie's belongings into the house. "Vieni, come, you must be hungry. Let me get you something to eat." Nonna said taking Georgie by the hand and leading her inside.

The house smelled wonderful, the same as when Elvis made his homemade sauce. It was a large kitchen, just as Georgie remembered, when Elvis had brought her here to meet his Italian family.

Xxxxx

1745 - Hereford, UK

Elvis grabbed a beer from the fridge and ambled into the lounge. It felt eerie, vacant, not having Georgie here. He took a swallow and looked around. It was not that long ago when Laura was here. The small family together celebrating Easter. Now he was alone. The love of his life was tucked away in Hoddesdon, his daughter was enjoying herself in Spain and here he was, now staring at the box of pizza he had brought in. They were safe. That was all that mattered. Elvis flung the lid of the box open and slid a chair out. He lifted a slice up. "Cheers George!" He said toasting the air. She loved getting take away pizza. His mobile rang and he quickly wiped his hands on his trousers. When he saw that the caller was Georgie he grinned and instantly answered.

"Ciao beautiful!" He said, she looked gorgeous to him on the small screen.

"Hi! I'm here safe and sound." She said smiling broadly.

"Survived the cousins then?"

"Yeah, was a trip let me tell ya!"

"All is well?"

"Yes! Except I am going to weigh a ton when I leave here!"

He laughed. "Mangia! Mangia!"

"The problem is, it all tastes so good!" She lamented.

"Best food you'll ever eat!" He said smiling.

"How are things there?" Georgie asked, wishing she could touch him.

"Things are developin. Pettigrew got suspended."

"Really!? What for?"

"Tellin Jones about Toni."

"Is he still on base?"

"He has his own place. I reckon he'll be there pretty much. Not to worry."

"Any other developments?" She asked.

"On the cottage? Not really. I'm still waitin to hear back from Chloe. She had gotten a call from the other interested party, so I guess we'll wait out."

"Oh Elvis! I hope we don't lose it!"

"Steady on babe, I reckon our offer was solid."

"Solid, but will it be enough?"

"Now don't go gettin yer knickers in a twist, we just 'ave to see how it plays out."

"You call me as soon as you hear anything! She said chewing her lower lip.

"Will do. I promise."

Georgie's eyes flitted all over the screen. It was so good to see him and their flat in the background. "What ya got there, pizza?" She asked.

"Indeed! Pepperoni…." Elvis tilted his mobile so she could take a good gander.

"So, you liked the necklace?" He asked huskily. He could see the light reflecting from the charm.

"Oh my God ! Yes! I love it !" She said fingering it against her chest.

Elvis beamed. "Elvis Junior wanted ya to 'ave it." He chuckled.

"Stop it with the Elvis Junior."

They both laughed.

"I reckon we will have to get serious and think about a name." She said, smiling, wishing the call would not have to end.

"Affirmative. So many options." He said.

"Let's think on it and share some ideas next time." She offered.

"Good plan." Elvis paused and gazed at her. "I love ya Georgie. I could say it a thousand times and it would never be enough."

She cradled her mobile as if it were his head and said, "I love you. Full stop. I miss ya terribly. Please be safe."