Thank you readers and reviewers!

I am always interested in your thoughts x

Chapter 51

We Do Our Duty

1015 – MoD – London, UK

The stares directed at Ollie Knots were merciless. He gulped, awaiting the assault of questions, but had the bollocks to say,

"I do not see any police presence. Am I under arrest?"

"Should you be?" Warner queried without emotion.

"Well no, of course not, do not be silly sir." Knots said blinking uncontrollably.

"You have already spoken to the Met. You have not however, spoken to us." Spears said.

Knots disliked Jason Spears. Brad Evans had hoped to join M15 but Spears shot him down. The treatment of his mate left a bad taste in Knots' mouth.

"Your passport was stolen." Warner stated.

"Yes. It was."

"That is a military concern as well Knots. It is your duty to report such things. Why have you not reported it to Baxter?" Warner asked.

Knots' mouth was dry as sand. "Understand colonel, I had every intention. The shock of the account breach set me back a bit."

"I can quite imagine." Warner said. "Tell us about that."

Knots felt his stomach twist. "I have this ailing aunt you see….."

"Her name." Warner interrupted.

"Margaret Drake."

"And you have power of attorney do you?"

"That is correct." Knots answered.

"Where does she reside?" Warner pressed.

Knots swallowed hard. "She resides in a care home in Bristol."

Warner's eyes bore into him. "Name of the care home….?"

"Now see, I believe that is personal information, shall we say, confidential information sir."

"Are you declining to answer the questions major?" Spears asked.

"As a matter of fact, I am. I have not had the opportunity to inform her of the breach. I dare say it should come as quite a shock to her."

Spears looked at Warner. "We would not want that to happen now would we?" Warner said. Knots exhaled a sigh of relief. "You allege you had a document stolen as well." Warner went on putting Knots right back in the hot seat.

"Yes. The POA copy I kept here at the office." Knots answered as his heart began to thud.

"Why would you do that? Keep such a document here?" Warner asked.

"In the event I would be required to execute some manner of transaction sir. I cannot be running home at a whim's notice."

Warner looked at Spears and said, "no of course not. Pity you were required to do so today major." Knots blinked. He was imminently ready to cave from the pressure. "I reckon we are done here." Warner said. Jason Spears blankly stared at Knots.

"One more question if I may major." Spears said. Knots focused his attention on the M15 agent as his heart beat escalated. "Does your aunt have a mobile account?" Spears asked.

Knots' eyes flared open subtly, but just enough for the two trained interrogators in front of him to notice. Seconds ticked by…. "She used to. It serves no real purpose now I suppose. Why do you ask?"

"Want to make certain that was not somehow breached as well." Spears said. "But you say it is not active."

"Negative. Not to my knowledge." Knots said.

"Well thank you major. I agree we are finished here…..at the moment." Spears said. Dave Warner packed up his laptop. The zippered closure of the case seemed to echo in Knots' ears.

Xxxxx

1030 – Buckingham Palace – London, UK

"You will enter here and await the announcement of your name." The Lord Chamberlain instructed as he made certain the recipients had the medal attachments pinned to their uniforms. Georgie could discern Elvis deep breathing. He was willing himself to relax. To look at him he was the picture of calm and control. He set a fine example for his section. They were escorted into a secluded room. Only the four man unit and Georgie were inside along with the Investiture attendants. She brushed at the buttons on Elvis' shoulders that signified his rank as captain.

"You are so handsome." she said softly, her tone revealing the depth of her love and admiration. A smile curled the corners of his mouth reminding her of when they were secretly dating and would catch each other's eye. The SAS commander would steel his emotions, except for that subtle smile. An attendant approached to usher Georgie to her seat in front of the proclamation ambo. Her eyes flitted all over the opulent room. Her Majesty would soon be entering and Georgie looked over at Elvis standing formally with his section behind him. She could see the velvet tray which held the Insignia prepared for presentation and rubbed her bump as the baby swirled from one side to the other. "Daddy's getting a medal." she whispered, thinking how wonderful that their baby boy would be with them for the occasion.

The Queen entered with her guards. Georgie smiled at her as the National Anthem was played. Despite the private venue tradition was maintained. Every soldier in the room, including Georgie, felt proud to serve their country and stood tall. She watched Lord Chamberlain approach the ambo and begin the ceremony.

"The Victoria Cross. To be decorated, Captain Elvis Harte, 22nd Special Air Service Regiment, for his exceptional valour and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy."

Elvis drew in a deep breath and walked to the center of the room then turned and bowed to his Queen before he approached her. Georgie was certain his heart beat was thudding just as her own as she watched an attendant carry a black velvet cushion containing the Victoria Cross to Her Majesty. Elvis' back was straight as an arrow and his dark hair glistened in the light. Georgie's chest swelled as she watched her pick up the medal and reach to attach it to Elvis' chest. Georgie could see the Queen smile and engage him in a short conversation. In her mind she could hear what Elvis had once said to her: we serve our country…..we do our duty….it's what makes us.

Elvis graciously smiled as his Queen expressed her gratitude and praise for his service. She extended her arm as officer and Queen shook hands. Elvis stepped back, bowed once again then proceeded to the other side of the room. Georgie watched his every step as he turned to witness his section receive their individual medals. The crimson ribbon of the Victoria Cross shown brightly against his dark dress uniform. He glanced at Georgie and she smiled as he winked at her.