Chapter 1 – Mission Plans and Target Practice
Garrison and Chief sat on the wooden bench by the lake in the middle of the mansion grounds and watched the sun come up. The Lieutenant tried to check his companion was alright without making it too obvious, he knew his scout wouldn't appreciate the attention. He looked out over the calm water and listened to Chief's breathing – it was becoming less laboured as they rested. Garrison pointed out a small family of ducks walking down to the water and cast a quick look at his scout's face as he looked in the direction indicated, noting it was still pale and drawn.
Chief caught the surreptitious movement out the corner of his eye, turned back to Garrison and gave him a small smile. "I'm fine Warden, stop worryin'. Couple more days and I'll give you a run for your money."
Garrison returned the smile with his own crooked version. "Well, until you do please allow me to worry. I need you fit and well, who else can I trust to look out for the team and watch my back?"
Chief felt a small glow of pride and satisfaction at Garrison's remark, he'd never been needed or trusted before. "Gave you my word Warden, I'll be there for you and the team, I won't let you down."
Garrison nodded. "I know you won't."
GG-GG-GG
For the last couple of weeks he'd been keeping a close eye on Chief since he'd taken a bullet meant for him on their mission to Poland, he was still suffering from the chest wound he'd received but insisted he was fine. The first day after the bandages and stitches had been removed he'd shown up for their usual early morning run, they'd only gone a short distance before he collapsed and had trouble breathing. Garrison half-carried his scout back to the mansion, put him to bed and lectured him about not doing anything strenuous until he was declared fit.
The next day Chief came back from his visit to the base doctor and gave the Lieutenant the paperwork showing he was cleared to go back on missions. Garrison looked dubiously at the document and then at the leather sheath on Chief's forearm which held his blade, he suspected the doctor had been 'persuaded' to sign the release. He found his scout waiting for him the following morning, so he recommended that if they were going to exercise they'd take things at a walking pace; he knew an order would have no effect on the stubborn, determined young man.
The next couple of missions were fairly straightforward outings for the team, Garrison tried to make Chief stay at the mansion and rest but he insisted on accompanying them and threatened violence if he was left behind. He'd given up, told Chief he'd be confined to driving and lookout duties only and quietly told the others to keep a close eye on him and let him know immediately if anything was wrong.
The first mission had been dropping off documents and equipment to the Resistance in Holland. The second was a raid to recover intelligence from a German official's safe in Nice, somehow Garrison managed to include assisting an allied undercover agent's escape to England in the mission agenda. As usual Casino moaned about the extra risk but it was short-lived after a warning glance from Chief. Chief gave Garrison a knowing look and a small smile. "Still makin' life interestin' Warden?"
It seemed that Command was still unsure how this unconventional gang of operatives would fit into the world of special operations and they were trying to understand what exactly the men could do. All they knew was this was a gang of hoods and cons who needed very close watching.
Garrison didn't mind, the missions had been coming regularly and were good practice. He was pleased to see the men had started to work together well and the arguing was getting less. He wanted the previously independent cons to feel comfortable co-operating as a team and appreciate what each of them contributed to the successful outcome of their activities.
Garrison was also finding his own place on the team, admittedly he was their commander but he also wanted to play an active part in their operations. After Actor had given him a few pointers in the art of the con he found that they were beginning to work well together. With their language skills they complemented each other and their impersonations of high ranking German officers were almost flawless. Garrison had been shocked when Actor had gone into full SS officer mode for the first time and almost swore in English but a quick smile and wink from Actor put his nerves at rest and he carried on without missing a step.
Casino and Goniff had formed a partnership which utilised both their skills. The blonde English thief and second-story man could break into almost any building to open the way for the dark-haired safe-cracker and Casino hadn't found a safe he couldn't open. They were complete opposites, Goniff was the eternal optimist and Casino the team cynic, their constant banter, combined with their constant smoking provided a noisy, fuggy atmosphere wherever the team was. Garrison knew that, for all their messing about, once they were on the job they were completely professional.
Chief was still the loner of the group, he didn't talk much, preferring action over words. His scouting abilities were second to none and he had an innate sense of direction that didn't let him or the team down, Garrison found himself depending more and more on the young Navajo to look out for them. He was beginning to appreciate his quiet presence and his ability to appear out of nowhere with his blade ready to remove immediate danger. He was also getting used to finding his scout standing just behind him and off to the right, knife hand free watching out for any sign of attack. Instead of feeling worried and apprehensive at having a convicted killer at his back Garrison felt safe, confident that Chief was protecting him; after his scout's actions in France and Poland he had absolutely no doubt that he was.
As far as Chief was concerned Garrison was the first man who had earned his trust, respect and loyalty. He'd saved him from death in prison and in Norway, he treated him like a person, not some worthless half-breed, he'd also stayed with him when he'd been wounded in Poland even though he could have left him and gone back to England and safety on his own. He knew why he'd pushed the Warden out of the way and taken the bullet meant for him, he also knew he'd do it again without a second thought.
GG-GG-GG
The phone rang, Garrison snatched it up and had a brief conversation. He put the phone back down, grabbed his cap and strode to his office door. He looked at the foot of the stairs, as usual Actor, Goniff and Casino were standing nonchalantly trying not to look as if they'd been eavesdropping. He glanced at the door, Chief already had it open, ready to drive him to his briefing in London.
Goniff smiled innocently. "We got another mission Warden?"
Garrison gave him a facetious look. "No Goniff, I've been invited to tea with General Fremont. What do you think?"
Casino grimaced. "Think I'd rather go behind enemy lines than spend time with that pompous ass."
Garrison walked over to the door. "The General thinks highly of you too Casino! Come on Chief let's go."
Chief drove Garrison the sixty odd miles from the mansion to London HQ in record time to collect the orders for their next mission. On the way back Garrison went over the mission in his head so he could come up with at least one plan before they had to leave.
The car skidded to a halt at the foot of the mansion steps. Garrison leapt out and walked into his office. He unlocked the handcuffs attaching the briefcase to his wrist, opened it and quickly scanned the paperwork. This one seemed to be another fairly straightforward trip.
He assembled the team in the map room and spread out a large chart. They gathered round to get a better view. "Ok, we're going to Metz."
"Where's that? asked Casino.
"Metz, it's a city in France," said Actor. He leaned back as he recalled a visit there. "It's beautiful." He took a pull on his pipe, exhaled the fragrant smoke and watched it as it curled up to the ceiling. "The Gothic Cathedral in the old town is famed for its stained glass windows, many by noted artists you know. The Musée de la Cour d'Or displays many wonderful artifacts from Roman through to Renaissance times." He broke from his reverie to see the others staring at him. He shrugged, "he did ask."
Casino waved a hand in dismissal. "Ok, Professor. Thanks for the geography lesson."
"What's there Warden?" asked Chief looking closely at the spot on the map Garrison had indicated. He chewed on a matchstick.
Garrison drew a finger up the map and stopped. "A big munitions factory and storage facility is being built twenty miles up river there on the Moselle."
Actor glanced over at Casino. "That's a river in France."
Casino rolled his eyes. "I know that. I'm not stupid."
Actor gave a small shake of his head and sighed. "Merde."
The safecracker pointed an angry finger. "I know what that means as well Actor. Don't push it!"
Garrison looked at them in frustration. "Will you knock it off and listen?"
"Ok Warden" Casino gestured towards the map. "By all means please carry on."
"Thank you. We'll be working with the Resistance, they've got plans to the complex and access to explosives. We'll go in, help them blow it up and then head west towards Les Baroche. The Resistance says there's a small airfield about half way. A plane will pick us up and return to England."
"Sounds easy enough," said Goniff as he pulled out a packet of cigarettes and shook it. He took one for himself and then offered one to Casino.
"Piece of cake," declared Casino as he took it and lit both with a match.
"Haven't had cake in ages, me mum makes a lovely sponge," said Goniff wistfully.
"Now my Ma can really cook," Casino declared and nudged Goniff. "You should try her Lasagne al Forno. It's wonderful!" He raised his fingers to his mouth and kissed them.
Chief removed the match from his mouth and flicked it in Casino's direction. "Warden said knock it off," he turned back to the map. "What's security like? We gonna meet a lot of firepower?" he asked.
Garrison took out his cigarettes and shook one out, he offered Chief a fresh matchstick before lighting up. "It's still under construction but security will be tight as a precaution against attack. They've already started storing some explosives in one of the completed warehouses so that'll help. The Resistance has arranged papers so we can get in with the workers, plant the explosives and get out quick."
"What a shame, you'll have to dress up like a common labourer and not an SS officer, too bad Actor," quipped Casino.
"Casino, have you ever heard of 'friendly fire'?" asked Actor nonchalantly as he puffed on his pipe.
"No, what's that?" Casino blew a cloud of smoke at him.
"I'll let you know," said Actor as he exchanged amused glances with Garrison.
Casino waved his cigarette. "Hey, waddya know? I get to blow somethin' up again! Great, I love fireworks. What about you Limey?"
Goniff looked at his friend. "I always looked forward to Bonfire Night. Lots of explosions and sparkly lights. Let's make sure those Krauts enjoy every second of our display."
Casino looked at the map and crushed his cigarette in the ashtray. "Only the ones that survive baby."
GG-GG-GG
They were due to leave for Mildenhall Airbase in four hours to catch their plane to France, Garrison decided a little target practice might occupy their minds and keep them out of mischief. He was doing some last minute paperwork in his office when he heard a shot go off and something crash to the ground outside his office window.
"Gargoyle," he chuckled. "Chief really has good aim." The sound of laughter was interrupted by the yelling of Sergeant Major Ellis who was in charge of firearms drill. "You can't do that! That's private property that is! Those targets there are what you should be aiming at!"
Chief's voice drifted up. "Come on man, give me somethin' to shoot at, those targets are way too easy."
Garrison ran his hands through his light brown hair, got up from his desk and wandered over to the window. He pulled the curtain to one side and peeked out. Outside he could see his men lined up on the firing range in the courtyard.
"Speak for yourself Chiefy," piped up Goniff. "I can't hit the broad side of a barn with this damn thing."
"Well open your eyes when you start shootin' you stupid Limey, maybe you'll hit somethin'!" Casino raised his gun and took aim at a nearby statue.
"Give it a rest Casino, or I'll challenge you to a duel with pistols, like a proper gentleman. Then we'll see how good a shot you are," responded Actor in his best aristocratic voice.
"Yeah, yeah. Don't bother me with your high class crap Actor, go and smoke your pipe!"
"I work with imbeciles!" Actor declared, throwing his arms in the air.
Garrison shook his head, turned to the coat rack and grabbed his cap. He adjusted it and left the office to go outside and watch the proceedings.
Chief was the first to see Garrison come out the door and stop to lean against the pillar at the top of the steps with his arms crossed. He turned to the others. "Warden's here," he hissed.
The Sergeant Major had two of his soldiers move Chief's target from thirty feet to sixty feet away, he turned and smirked. "Alright Sonny Jim, let's see if you can hit that."
Chief looked at the target and exchanged a swift, amused glance with Garrison. Garrison tried to keep a straight face and looked intently downrange.
"Right you 'orrible lot, line up and get ready," barked the Sergeant Major.
Casino raised his gun. "Yeah, yeah, I'm ready, get on with it."
"Aim... Fire!"
The salvoes of gunfire echoed around the courtyard. Each man had six shots at the target. Garrison unfolded his arms, trotted down the steps and casually strolled over to the furthest target followed closely by the Sergeant Major and the team. Chief stopped next to the other targets and watched them, he already knew what they'd see.
Garrison and the Sergeant Major stood on either side of the target, Ellis looked at it in disbelief. "Bloody hell." The bullseye was one big hole.
Garrison tried not to look impressed. "Nice grouping Chief, could be a little tighter though," he called out as he turned to his scout and gave him a big grin and a wink.
The Sergeant Major tried to regain his composure, he looked at the quiet figure standing thirty feet away and then back to the Lieutenant. "Is he as handy with that knife of his? I'll bet you five pounds he couldn't hit the bullseye from that distance."
Garrison stood up straight, crossed his arms and confidently looked Ellis in the eye. "You're on, don't move." His eyes didn't waver as he called out. "Chief!"
The Sergeant Major jumped back as a knife flew through the narrow gap between him and Garrison to end up, quivering in the middle of the target. Garrison held out his hand. "Yes he is and you owe me five pounds."
Goniff wandered over and looked at the target. "Nice one Chiefy, I won a tenner off Casino." Chief rolled his eyes as he walked over to retrieve his blade.
Garrison pocketed his winnings as he walked back up the range to Actor's target. The shots were spaced out but the grouping was close. "Well done Actor, keep up the good work."
"This is not a gentleman's weapon, Lieutenant. Don't you have anything better?"
"Sorry Actor, we're all out of duelling pistols," Garrison replied with a wry grin.
"Mannaggia la miseria," said Actor as he stalked off to stand beside Chief.
"What's up with His Lordship," asked Casino as Garrison walked over to inspect his target. "Not good enough?"
"This certainly isn't Casino," said Garrison as he inspected the wide spaced holes. You've had enough practice to be better than this."
"Whatever he said, twice," shouted Casino over his shoulder as he joined the other two.
Garrison walked over to the last target. It was blank. "Well Warden, it takes a real expert to miss," said Goniff with an ingratiating smile on his face.
"Unbelievable!" exclaimed Garrison as he covered his eyes with his hand and nodded towards the mansion. "Get going Goniff before I shoot you myself!" Garrison's exasperation was showing.
"Thanks Warden. I'll just go and finish packin' shall I? Anyway I don't need to be a good shot with all the others around do I?" The thief scampered up the steps and out of sight.
Garrison looked at the others. "Let's get ready to go." He walked up to his scout, slipped him the five pounds he'd won off Ellis and said quietly. "Great work back there Chief, it's good to know one of my men can shoot properly." Chief nodded in silent acknowledgement of the compliment as he pocketed the money.
Fifteen minutes later Garrison put his head round the door to the common room. "Ok grab your gear and let's go, we've got to be at Mildenhall in an hour."