Chapter 2 – The Ambush

The weather closed in, heavy grey and black storm clouds loomed overhead full of the promise of a deluge of monumental proportions. The rain fell in large drops accompanied by the occasional shower of hailstones. The wind gusted and swirled, whipping the water into sharp points that stung eyes and faces. It was hard to see even a few yards ahead and Garrison was full of admiration at how Chief could keep his bearings in these conditions. Their scout turned and pointed. "Trees just up ahead Warden, the place you're meetin' your contact is half a mile that way."

They stumbled under the welcoming cover of the thick canopy of leaves, breathing a sigh of relief as the heavy downpour was turned into occasional trickles coming down through the overhanging branches. Garrison stopped and motioned for them to rest, he wiped his face and shook the water out of his hair. "Good work Chief." He looked at his watch. "We got half an hour until our rendezvous with the contact. Actor and I'll go and talk to him, maybe he can tell us what's happening about the plane. The rest of you stay here and rest."

Chief shook his head and gave Garrison a concerned look. "I don't like it, it'd be better if I come with you in case of trouble."

Garrison waved a dismissive hand. "We'll be fine, you got us this far now get some rest. Actor and I are the only ones who speak French so we'll make contact. Come on Actor let's get going."

Chief watched the two men walk down the track towards their meeting. He was uneasy, the wind swirled, it was carrying the faint scent of diesel, gunpowder and … he raised his head, closed his eyes and concentrated as he breathed in deeply, trying to identify the scent... blood! His eyes snapped open, he slung his rifle over his shoulder and raced after Garrison and Actor, keeping off and to the right of the path they'd taken. He ran silently through the trees passing the two men without them noticing his presence.

Casino settled down and passed a cigarette to Goniff. "Oh well Limey, at least we gotta few minutes' rest." He looked round. "Where's that damn Indian gone to now?"

Garrison and Actor arrived at the rendezvous. It was getting dark, they looked around expectantly but no-one was there. Suddenly Actor stumbled over a body lying in the long grass beside the path. "Oh merde!" he exclaimed.

Four German soldiers appeared from out of the trees and covered them with their guns. "Hände hoch!"

Garrison looked down at the bullet riddled body and saw there was more than one, the ground was covered in blood. He dropped his weapon, raised his hands and motioned for his companion to do the same. "Damn it, they've killed our contact and his men," he murmured.

Actor dropped his gun. "Well it was a good run while it lasted. Shame it was only a short time. C'est la vie, c'est la guerre Warden."

They staggered back as a loud burst of gunfire erupted and a volley of bullets dropped the soldiers where they stood. Chief appeared out of the trees and looked at them. "Next time bring me along Warden, you'll live longer." The intense tone in his quiet voice pressed home the statement.

Garrison quickly picked up his gun. "They won't be on their own, there'll be more of them, get ready." Chief shook his head. "Don't worry, already taken care of 'em." He gestured over his shoulder. "They're back there." Garrison and Actor followed the scout back to a small clearing where there was a truck parked, they looked in amazement at four bodies lying on the ground.

Actor walked over and turned one over to show his throat had been cut, a second body showed the same cause of death. "There's no sign of struggle, they didn't get a chance to draw their weapons." He looked up and regarded the quiet, deadly man. "They didn't hear you coming did they?"

Garrison looked over at the scout. "We didn't hear anything either. How did you know they were there?"

Chief shrugged as he looked at Garrison's amazed expression. "Thought that was my job. Ain't that what you asked me to do Warden, watch your back? Well that's what I'm doin'."

Garrison knew that was all he'd get out of his laconic scout. He gave him a small, crooked smile and nodded. "And you're doing a great job Chief. In future I'll always take you with me." He watched as a fleeting expression of satisfaction crossed the young Navajo's face before he started to rummage through the truck's supplies of food and ammunition. Garrison gave the clearing a last look. " Let's get going before we get any more unwelcome visitors." Chief picked up a bag loaded with booty from the truck and started off down the track, his head turning as he scanned the area for danger.

Actor stepped up to Garrison's side and watched the scout head back to where Goniff and Casino were. "Now I know why you chose Chief. He's not on this team just because he's good with a knife is he?" He said quietly.

Garrison turned and the tall Italian watched as his eyes took on a distant look as he remembered his search for Chief, Actor could see it hadn't been a pleasant experience. "It took me two months to find him, no-one would tell me where he was because …." Garrison paused, that wasn't his story to tell, he let out a deep breath. "As soon as I met him I knew in my gut I needed him as my scout."

Actor nodded in agreement as he looked at the bodies lying on the ground. "You made the right choice Warden, Chief belongs on this team, no matter what Casino says."

GG-GG-GG

Two days later Garrison looked up at the black clouds and silently cursed the heavy rain, it hadn't stopped since they'd left the scene of the ambush. With the local Resistance wiped out, they had no means of contacting London and there was no way a plane was going to land in all this mud to pick them up and take them back to England. He'd reluctantly decided to go to their backup plan, head north via Rennes, reach the coast near St. Malo and rendezvous with a sub or an MGB, a high-speed motor gun boat; hopefully they would meet up with a Resistance group on the way and get them to make radio contact.

They easily managed to evade the German patrols that were pursuing them, Chief's skills kept them safe from detection. He took them deep into the countryside and kept them well away from roads and patrols, scouting ahead to make sure the coast was clear, if not he double-backed and took them by another route. They'd covered a lot of distance and made some progress towards their goal. Casino complained about every change of direction, the weather, being wet and cold, the ability of their scout to find his own backside with two hands and a map. Goniff stayed silent and trudged miserably through the mud and the rain, occasionally giving his companion an exasperated look. Garrison and Actor were getting irritated with the safe-cracker's constant moaning, especially as most of it was aimed at the man who'd recently saved their lives.

Garrison tried to keep track of his scout, he reckoned he must have covered more than four times the distance of the rest of the team and still showed no signs of tiring as he ranged out ahead of them finding the best and safest route. It was dark when Chief found a barn for them to shelter in and spend the night. They thankfully staggered inside to be greeted by the fragrant scent of hay. Chief watched as they collapsed, exhausted into the soft bedding before positioning himself by the door and standing guard as they slept.

Garrison woke and looked blearily around at his surroundings. He glanced at his watch and realised he could see the dial, it was getting light outside. He looked over towards the door and saw the silent figure of his scout vigilantly scanning the area around their location, he must have been there for at least six hours looking out for the team. Garrison got up and padded over. "Chief, why didn't you wake one of us to take over? You must be out on your feet by now. Go get some rest."

Chief didn't stop surveying the countryside as he shook his head. "I'm fine Warden, you all needed to rest. I'm ok, I've gone a lot longer than this without sleep."

Garrison peered out into the rain. "Is it safe? I need to take care of some business."

Chief laughed quietly and pointed. "Uh huh, that tree over there's closest, don't go too far."

Fifteen minutes later the tree got a lot of attention after Actor, Goniff and Casino woke up, they returned and sat round miserably as they broke out the last of their cold rations for breakfast. "What I'd give for some bacon and eggs," moaned Goniff as he lit the first cigarette of the day, he offered the pack to Casino.

"Hot coffee would be nice," muttered Casino as he gratefully accepted the cigarette and a light. He took a deep drag, blew out a cloud of smoke and gave Garrison a hostile look. "What you gonna do about gettin' us outta here Soldier Boy besides follow Geronimo round the countryside?"

Garrison glared at him. "You should be thankful you're still free to complain about it. Chief's done a great job keeping us out of Kraut hands."

Casino gave him an insolent look. "Oh come on Warden, all that dumb Indian's done is give us the runaround for two days. I bet he's even more lost than we are!"

Garrison took out his map, spread it out on a bale and turned confidently to his scout. "Where are we Chief?"

Chief walked over, took a matchstick from Goniff and put it in his mouth. He looked at the map, took out the matchstick and pointed to a spot. "We're here, 'bout forty miles north of St. Nazaire."

Garrison turned to Casino with a droll smile. "Now do you think we're lost?" He did some rough calculations. "We're thirty miles south of Rennes. It's another forty five miles to the coast and our pickup point."

Casino threw up his hands. "You gonna believe anythin' that comes outta that dumb Indian's mouth? He's probably taken us halfway to Germany and you don't know it!"

Garrison calmly indicated the map. "Alright Casino, where do you think we are?"

Casino didn't bother looking, he took a puff of his cigarette. "Up the proverbial creek without a paddle, that's where I think we are Warden! We're runnin' outta food, we got no transport, no idea where we are and we're runnin' low on smokes. That creek's rapidly turnin' into a river and you're doin' nothin' about it!"

Chief glared at Casino and jabbed a spot on the map. "There's a river half a mile to the west if you wanna go paddlin'. Try not to drown 'cos I won't be around to pull you out!" Chief turned away and went back to his post by the door before he did something Casino would regret. He was surprised to realise he was more annoyed with Casino badmouthing the Warden's abilities than his own. The fresh air and the sound of the rain helped cool his temper.

Actor had been listening to the altercation, he was getting fed up with the safe-cracker's griping. He grabbed Casino and pulled him aside. "Garrison's right," he hissed. "Don't doubt Chief. He's got us this far, he'll get us home. Why don't you trust him?"

Casino glared at him. "That Indian's done nothin' to gain our trust. He stayed away from us during trainin' and he's never tried to be friendly. I don't like him."

Goniff took a deep breath and decided to put Casino right. "The reason Chief didn't join in with us is 'cos Wheeler never let him. You must've seen that mate. Every time he tried that bastard cut him off 'cos of who and what he is. I tried to stop Wheeler and got a fist in the gut for my troubles. Chief's good at what he does, the Warden trusts him, so should you."

Casino glanced over at the Navajo scout. "I didn't know about Wheeler. The Indian got his revenge in the end. Good thing too, I was getting' fed up with him as well."

Actor frowned. "Would you have had the courage to go up against Wheeler and kill him like Chief did? Don't forget I knew him in Alcatraz and he had a bad reputation. You couldn't have done it, the man would have killed you without a second thought."

Goniff nodded in agreement. "Chief's a good man to have on your side Casino. There's somethin' in his past that makes him dangerous and you don't want to push him and find out what it is. Treat him like you treat us and everythin' should be alright."

Casino grinned. "Treat him like I treat you? Ok Limey, nothin's gonna change then."

Actor shook his head in frustration and walked away. He saw Garrison had gone to stand by the door to smoke a cigarette and watch the rain. Chief glanced at him as he approached them and then looked back outside.

Actor tried to create a lighter atmosphere with a change of subject. "I've been around here before, its a shame the war's on, this area produces some very nice white wines like Sancerre or Vouvray. Or we could go south to Bordeaux it produces some very robust reds, the Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are very good, the Merlot is superb. The rosés aren't as good as Provénce but still drinkable."

Chief looked at him with interest. "They make wine round here? Tell me about it Actor. What …."

Casino couldn't resist, he gave Chief a superior look and butted in. "Didn't you know that? You sure are stupid Geronimo." Actor stared at Casino in astonishment. Why did he continue baiting Chief?

Chief exploded. "How would I know Casino? That's why I'm askin' Actor. Never had wine, you don't get it in stir."

Casino grunted. "They wouldn't give it to no dumb Indian anyway. Why bother? You'll never learn to appreciate the good things in life."

Garrison held out a hand to stop Chief as he tried to get at the safe-cracker. Chief glared at Casino. "Stop callin' me dumb Indian. I ain't stupid, I learn things. You ain't better'n me. I can do more'n you."

"Yeah, like what?" sneered Casino.

"Can you hunt?"

Casino shook his head. "No, I go shoppin'."

"How 'bout fixin' a busted motor?"

Casino snorted. "I'd take it to a garage."

"Could you have gotten us this far without bein' caught?"

Casino gave Chief a dismissive look. "That's what you're for Indian."

Chief glared at him. "How many ways you know to kill me?"

Casino mentally counted. "Three maybe four."

Chief poked an angry finger. "I know more'n a dozen ways to kill you, I'll be happy to demonstrate! Maybe I don't know the same things you do but it don't mean I'm stupid. You don't know what I know, does it make you stupid?"

Casino humphed loudly. "No, it just means I know the important things and you don't."

Chief looked down at his right hand and imagined his blade leaping into it. He could feel the blood pulsing in his veins and he fought the urge to end Casino's tormenting once and for all. Goniff broke the internal struggle. "You know he's only jokin' with you Chiefy. We all know you got skills, that's why the Warden picked you just like he picked us. You're the best at what you do."

Chief took a deep breath, got himself under control, looked at Garrison and walked away. "I'll go outside and keep watch."

Goniff watched Chief's retreating back disappear into the rain, he turned to Casino. "You sure managed to push all his buttons this time mate, it's a wonder you're still breathin'."

Casino turned away. "Pfff, who cares?" He looked at Goniff and saw how annoyed he was. "Ok, I'll admit it, he's good but I ain't tellin' him."

Garrison glared at the safe-cracker. "Unbelievable! Casino you and I are having words when we get back. Finish your rations, you'll need all your energy for later." He strode out the door to find his scout.

Actor sidled over. "Just to let you know, the Warden's been teaching Chief to play chess and he's picking it up fast. He's a very intelligent young man Casino, he's just never had the chance to make the most it. Stop pushing him."

"Still be a dumb Indian to me," muttered the safe-cracker.

Garrison walked out into the rain and peered into the gloom under the trees. "Chief, you there?"

A dark shape detached itself from the shadows and waved a hand. "Over here Warden."

Garrison ran across the muddy clearing and took shelter next to his scout. "You ok? Casino was giving you a pretty hard time back there."

Chief snorted softly as he took the matchstick out of his mouth. "Yeah, he was on your back too. Typical Casino, he's feelin' miserable and wants to spread it round, he just don't stop." He leaned back against the tree and looked Garrison in the eye. "I know you said they'd fight me Warden, but I don't know how much more I can take from him. Sometimes I just wanna fight back, if I do you won't like the results."

Garrison nodded. "I know what you mean, sometimes I want to deck him myself and then there are times when he acts like a real human being." He took a deep breath and let it out. "My problem is I've got four headstrong men on my hands and I'm trying to mould them all into a team. You're all independent, you've always relied on yourselves, the idea of working with or even trusting someone else is totally foreign and I'm the one who's supposed to be giving the orders. I tell you Chief there are times I feel I'm banging my head against a brick wall."

Chief glanced over at the barn. "I trust you Warden, you've earned that. I'll back you all the way, just tell me what you want me to do."

Garrison pulled the collar of his coat tight round his neck. "Thanks Chief that means a lot. Why don't you go in and get some rations if there's any left, I'll take watch."

Chief gestured for Garrison to go back in out of the rain. "It's ok Warden, if I stay out here I won't be tempted to kill anyone."

Garrison patted his scout on the shoulder and regretted the action as he felt him flinch away. "I'll be back out shortly Chief, be ready to go."

Chief watched Garrison go back in the barn. He turned to look at the sky and noted the clouds were getting heavier. He dragged his hand through his wet hair to keep it out of his eyes, pulled his heavy woollen coat round himself and hunkered down to keep watch.