A Mission with a Difference

Chapter 4

Goniff was pushing an old wooden wheel barrow with an axe in the bucket. "There was another but I thought I better leave one."

"I'm sure the owner will appreciate the gesture."

Goniff grinned. "'ey Casino. Same bet as before; you gonna put it back?"

"Least here there ain't no phone," put in Chief."

Actor just shook his head. Hodgkins looked confused.

"We can use it, Goniff," said Garrison.

"You can? I mean, that's why I brought it." He grinned anew, this time in pride.

"Get our gear and let's get going before we lose the light."

By now with the food gone all they had was a bag with Actors kit and some clothes. Percival's cameras and equipment and sketch pads were packed in another bag. The two were loaded and Garrison tried to take the handles but was shouldered aside by Casino. "I'll take the first turn, Chief, you're next."

Garrison's first instinct was to insist. He was the leader, in command so having this taken from him and being relegated to a bystander miffed him but he realized Casino was right, especially after he saw the effort It took to lift the wooden conveyance.

The going was not bad at first over the level ground but as soon as the front wheel hit the field it almost came to a stop. The wheel wobbled and caught in every rut and furrow. Chief and Actor moved in and grabbed the front corners helping to steer and pull where necessary.

"Go over that way," suggested Actor indicating over the Indians shoulder. "There looks to be a path of some sort." As Casino steered to the left they saw where a horse drawn wagon had travelled, probably the authentic woodcutters. This meant the soldiers were used to seeing men crossing the field. Seeing Goniff, with the axe over his shoulder, should be enough to convince anyone watching. Slipping the cart wheel into the track made it much easier and they moved along faster.

Once into the trees Actor and Casino took up the packs and headed deeper into the trees. The cart was left in the open. It might be old and heavy but someone probably still used it.

Percival had offered to push the wheel barrow and had been told he would get a turn but somehow they reached the trees before it came up. The woodlot was long but narrow so it did not take long to come to the other side. He took out his sketch pad and pencils. The lieutenant was standing looking out at the road that ran along the tree line and out to the fields beyond. The young Indian lad came over and stood beside him. The two stood looking then the Garrison put his hand on the Indian's shoulder. The two stood unmoving for at least half a minute before moving apart. The Indian headed down to the road that ran along the tree line and began walking toward the check point. Was he looking to see how close they were?

When Chief returned he nodded to their leader and they picked up the packs and set off again. They must have been far enough away because they set off down the road where the going was a lot easier and thus faster. When they came to the crossroads they headed north. Next stop Paris and Drancy. He was glad he had chosen comfortable shoes. As it was he probably had blister from all the walking he had done.

A farm wagon took them for miles then more walking until Chief, out front, called a halt and came back to stand beside Garrison. Both were looking back. A moment later they started walking again. Percival wondered but the sound of a car approaching from the rear distracted him and he forgot about it. The car drew alongside and Actor spoke briefly to the driver. With a round of, 'Merci' they climbed in. Actor and Chief sat up front where the con man could talk to the driver. The others were crammed in the back. It was cramped but at least they did not have to walk.

By late afternoon they were again on foot but close to their destination. Chief found a barn that housed a few chickens and some farm equipment. To prevent any misunderstanding Actor went up to the house and asked if he and a few friends could spend a night or two in his barn. They were promised work in Saint Denis but one of them had been hit by a car and needed to rest up.

The farmer had eyed him suspiciously but agreed. He also said he had a shotgun in the house and was not afraid to use it. The Italian thanked him and returned to the barn. They would be all right for a couple of days.

Early the next morning the farmer arrived, shotgun in hand, to collect the eggs. Actor approached him anxiously. His friend who had been injured was sick and needed a Doctor. Could he take him to Paris? The farmer eyed the conman and then the patient suspiciously but he finally agreed. Chief was to accompany him. While Garrison was in Paris attempting to find the contact and arrange a pickup Actor took the artist to the camp to get his pictures and drawings.

Chief helped Garrison, who did not have to fake his injuries, into the car. The aches from the beating were exacerbated by his sleeping on the cold hard floor. Fortunately their driver was not a chatty man so Garrison did not have to talk. They were dropped off in front of a Doctor's office. The farmer did not wait, just took off so they headed off as well. It took Garrison a few minutes to orient himself and then they set off for the last known address of the Resistance member.

Jacques was still there but he was leery of a man who claimed to be an agent from OSS even though he knew the code phrase. Garrison explained what had happened and what he needed.

"I can come back after you verify what I have told you," offered the American when he saw the doubt.

"Non. You will stay here, under guard. If you are who you say you are then one night of safe sleep. If you are not," he shrugged, "You will die."

"I'll stay but the rest of my men know where I am and are expecting my return."

"So they wait"

Garrison was glad at this point he had left Chief outside but how was he to get a message to him to let him know what was going on. Because of the ritual he knew when he was upset or hurt so he had to remain calm. He didn't want Chief barging in to try to rescue him.

"You come now," and the French man indicated the basement door.

Outside, Chief waited. He had chosen a spot on the other side of the street in an alcove between two buildings. He watched and waited. Gradually he became concerned. Maybe the guy was setting up the pick-up. That would take time. It wouldn't be by plane, there was nowhere for it to land around here unless they had to go somewhere outside the city.

Half an hour or an hour later, where was he? If he was going to be a while he would of come out and told him. Something was wrong but his Hearth was not upset or hurt or he would know. He would wait.

Two men, civilians, walked up to the door and were admitted. He noted their clothes and features. Still he waited.

It was getting late. Garrison should have been back by now. He crossed the road and walked past the house, listening. His Hearth was there, down in the cellar. Maybe that's where the radio was and they were waiting for a reply. Still he should of let him know. Why hadn't he? A chill ran down his spine. Unless he couldn't… Had the French guy been turned? Was he holding his Hearth prisoner? What would he do if the SS showed up? The Guardian began to fear for his Hearth. What was he to do? He couldn't leave him there. Why wasn't he worried, he had to know he was being held…

He stopped in front, leaned against the fence and took off his boot. He looked inside it and dumped out a non-existent stone as he listened a little deeper. He had to be careful; he could not risk getting lost.

"… trouble with traitors infiltrating the Resistance?" It was Garrison's voice. "I just hope my men don't do anything until I get back tomorrow." There was silence for a moment before he continued. "I understand why you're being careful. You don't know me. I just show up at your door. I just hope you can get confirmation soon. My men will be anxious. If I had a way to let them know I'll be back tomorrow..." Another pause. "One of my men is not a patient man. I hope he'll wait until tomorrow. It would be better if I could get a message to him. I'll be back tomorrow. If there was some way…

Chief hit the ground with a thud yanking him back to reality. A mumbled "Bouge de la," trailed after the retreating footsteps, Confusion. Where? What? He got up and looked around.

His Hearth, he was talking to his … No, he was listening… and he got lost. Garrison was … Cellar, Garrison was in the cellar and he was telling him … He was staying there until tomorrow and he had to tell the others. He put his boot back on and started walking. He had to get back to their safe house, give them the message and then get back. He had to be close if anything happened to Garrison.

Was there a way to let him know that he had heard? It was a long hike there and back. There were too many people about to steal a car, not that there were many on the streets. If nothing else it was a good thing that he went for the long run every morning.

When he got to the safe house Actor insisted that the Indian stay and eat and rest but he had to get back. He was tired but he had to watch the Warden's back. If they moved him too far he would have trouble finding him.

The trip back took even longer. He was tired and in the dark he had go slower but he finally got back. He felt his Hearth close and unhurt. There was nowhere for him to stay so he would walk the streets. He had done that before, he would do it again. He had to be close.

Dawn saw an exhausted Chief walking past the house. He had caught snatches of sleep in an alley but the cold and worry woke him. Each time he neared the house he listened but his Hearth was quiet. Too quiet? Was he sleeping or had they hurt him while he was away? He shouldn't a left. It was his fault. Exhaustion began to play with his mind. Had they drugged him? If they had killed him, and his blood began to boil, he would get in there and kill them all. He headed for the door but he heard his Hearthbeat and he turned aside. He was alive. It was early and he was sleeping. That was all it was.

Talk to me, he pleaded in his mind. I need to know you're all right, but there was nothing. It was too early. A door shut in the distance. People were going to be coming out on the street. He couldn't stay out here. What if someone talked to him or asked a question? He had to find a place to hide, but he couldn't leave Garrison. He had to check on him. He could listen from here but he would never come back. He moved closer.

Voices in French. One was Garrison. He was all right, and he exhaled in relief. They were talking. Actor was teaching him German and some French so he listened.

"Six hommes en Angleterre"

Six men to England. They were arranging their exit. Good.

"Six est trop nombreux, vous devrez diviser."

Six is a number … you … diviser…divide, separate. That meant they would go in at least two groups.

"Mes hommes sont à Drancy."

My men … sont , Drancy. My men are in Drancy?

"Je vais les ramasser."

I, something … but it had to mean he would go get them. Would Garrison go with them or wait here? If he was going with them then he had to go too. What if they went right to where ever they were leaving from? He would be left behind. If he was going to get the others then it was probably by car. Where was the guy's car? He could get in the trunk. Why did he have to hide? He was their contact, he was on their side.

He would wait out here and when they came out his Hearth would see him and signal him what to do. He waited. Finally he heard the door. It was a car door and it was back behind the house. They were leaving without him. He would never catch them. His Hearth was leaving him behind. Panic. Despair. What was he supposed to do? He could get to the safe house. Steal a car and drive there. He might make it. A quick check of the street but there were too many people out. Someone would see him. He had to try. He headed for the first car but as he neared it the owner came out and got in. Shit. Maybe in the alley behind. There would not be as many people. He set off at a fast walk.

As he entered the alley he realized that when Garrison got to the safe house in Drancy Actor would tell him where he was. They would come back for him. He stopped and leaned against the stone shed. He was tired and he was not thinking straight. He was going to have to be careful. Maybe he could find somewhere he could sleep for a few minutes. What if he didn't wake up in time? No, he had to stay awake. How long had it taken the guy to drive them here? It hadn't been that long. He could wait. He needed a place close to hide until they came back. It wouldn't do him any good if he was picked up before they got back. He was so tired. He had to sit down somewhere.

A man came out of the door. He was short and thin, even his hair was short and thin. Garrison came out next looking the same as he had when he went in. A third and fourth man came out. They were the two who had come last night.

Chief stepped out onto the street heading in their direction. If his Hearth was in trouble he would say nothing. Instead he called out to him with a small smile. He was pleased to see him. It was going to be all right. They all got into the car and the contact put the car in gear and they pulled away.

The French man in the front passenger seat turned around and leveled a Luger at Garrison and he felt the cold steel against his own temple. The driver began to laugh.

Chief's eyes flew open as he jerked awake. He was sitting on the ground leaning against the side of a stone shed. There wasn't a car or a luger in sight. It was all a dream. Garrison was fine and they were going to get the rest of the team and then they would come back here for him. Absently he rubbed his temple where the barrel had been. It was so real. Quickly he stood. How long had he been asleep? A quick look at his watch - not long. Several deep breaths and he headed around to the entrance of the alley. The street was getting busy. He would wait out back.

ggggg

The place looked as deserted as it had when they had first arrived. It wasn't until Garrison got out of the car that he heard motion behind him. Casino, Goniff and then Casino came out from both sides of the house. Percival followed.

Introductions were made and then Casino and Goniff got the packs and put them into the trunk.

"Where's Chief?"

"Isn't he with you?" said Actor suddenly realizing he was not in the car.

The look on Garrison's face brought fear to Actor's heart. "He came back to relay your, your where about but he insisted he had to go back."

"I didn't see him. Let's go." Garrison saw the slight confusion on Jacques' face so he explained that one of his men was back at his home.

"He stayed outside all night? Wait, un moment. He came back here to tell you," and he indicated Actor, "where you were," and he indicated Garrison, "and then he returned to the city?"

"We look after each other," said Actor watching the man's face closely. Garrison might trust him but after what Chief had heard last night he was not to be trusted completely.

On the way back to Paris Jacques reiterated the plan. They would make their way to the coast by barge. Unfortunately having six extra passengers on one boat was too much even for the most loyal French river man so they would have to separate into two groups, one group per barge. They would be dropped at Honfleur on the south bank where they would get in touch with another man who would arrange their channel crossing.

Back in Paris, Chief was waiting. Gradually the feeling took hold. Garrison was coming. The feeling grew, he was coming closer. Swiveling his head he tried to determine the direction but he wasn't close enough yet. There, he was coming. He stepped back to allow the car to pass and waited.

The car pulled down the alley and into the parking area. Garrison was out and heading for the house when Goniff, the next one out yelled, "'Ey Chiefy." Garrison spun on his heel and returned to the car.

"Man, you look like shit," said Casino who had also gotten out. Actor was also out and waiting by the car.

Percival watched the men and could not help noticing how they all greeted their team mate. They cared.

"We have to go," said Garrison. "Our escape route awaits." They climbed back into the car and though they were cramped no one complained.

Several barges were docked along the concrete pier. Jacques indicated the two they would travel on. He introduced the Captains of each and the men split up. Garrison, Hodgkins and Goniff boarded the first one leaving Actor Chief and Casino to the second one. As much as Chief wanted to be with his Hearth he knew Garrison had his reasons.

The trip was slow but at least they did not have to walk. Helping where they could, made the days go faster and gave them something to do. There were a few tense moments when the second barge was stopped for inspections but their false papers held up. On the third day Goniff fell in. He had seen something in the water and had tried to snag it but lost his balance. Casino started laughing but when they got him up on deck he looked so miserable that Casino could not continue.

With little to do Garrison reflected on their mission. The trip had been a success. Their guest was still alive and well and he had taken a lot of pictures and made a lot of sketches. Now all they had to do was get him home in the same condition.

Thinking about Hodgkins he remembered his question about his favorite on the team. At the time he was intent on the mission. Goniff was right; he did focus on the job at hand. Now that they were almost home and there was nothing he could do he thought back.

At the time all his thoughts had been clinical, each man's contribution to their mission but there was more to these men. They were human beings with feelings and personalities. One of their missions had involved rescuing a friend of his, Ward. The man had died in his arms. Chief had later stopped and asked, "You okay?" He remembered the compassion in his voice.

Casino wasn't all hard anger. On another mission Casino had accidently shot Chief. When they returned to their base he had insisted on helping.

"Warden. I wanna help. I got him into this."

Casino had owned up and sat with Chief while he went through the drug withdrawal which resulted after he gave him pain medication. This wasn't the first time he had go through it so he knew how bad it was going to be and he had insisted anyway.

Actor was not just a conman. He was not conning for his own benefit when he had yelled at him, demanding he tend to his Guardian. On a trip to Italy he had realized Chief had not been given a choice so he pulled back to let him make an unbiased decision. Actor had no stake in that decision but he had reacted firmly.

"…you go back up there and you tell that boy, who has been rejected all his life, that you do not want him either; that you have been trying to pawn him off on anyone who will take him. Go on." He made a shooing motion. "Go up there and you tell him or I will, so help me God!"

Goniff was more than a thief and pickpocket. He was their morale booster. Always ready with a smile and for all his complaining he was not a quitter. He had been caught and almost shot by a firing squad before they had been able to rescue him. He had been quiet for a time but he hadn't quit. He had told Garrison, when he asked, that he wanted to "be there for me mates. And what would you do without me?" With that he was back to making Casino's life worth living again.

He was also forgiving. Not long ago Chief had punished himself for leaving Goniff and allowing him to get hurt. Goniff had forgiven him in a way that had convinced the Guardian that he was not only all right but that he held no grudges or hard feelings.

"When you left I told you I understood why you 'ad to go. I did think that it 'ad to do with what I said about, you know, but you said you felt you were needed more there than with me. That 'urt a bit but I understood. You made a judgement call and that was to go 'elp the Warden."

It was interesting how each man's human side was tied to Chief, the man he had tried to get rid of when he first arrived. By now he was nothing like the drugged zombie he was then. Each of the men had been responsible for that transformation. There were still episodes where he fell back, but like the time he asked to be drugged so he could be a better Guardian, they were able to help him. If they survived this war he wanted them to stay in touch, helping each other, helping Chief. He still had no favorite but he knew he would like all of them to remain in his life.

On the fifth day they edged up to the pier at Honfleur. The men disembarked and headed inland. After five days cooped up on the barges, they enjoyed the chance to stretch their legs. At least until their blisters and sore feet remembered.

It took Garrison less than an hour to locate and contact their agent. Unlike Jacques he was friendly and invited them into his home. A finished attic was to be their safe house until he could arrange a pick up.

"I saw you drawing on the boat," said Goniff. "Can I see what you drew?" asked Goniff.

Percival opened his pack and pulled out his sketch pad. The others gathered around to see.

"'ere, this is the one Percy did of me, said Goniff as he flipped several pages. "I'm gonna send it to me Mum."

Actor saw the one of him standing at the stern looking back as they left Paris without even a look around. There was one of Casino, bare chested as he wrung out his shirt. Laundry day. Another depicted Chief standing near the bow looking off into the distance. He had heard the artist and made sure his back was to the man. He did not want his face shown in case someone from G-CAT saw it. He knew that was going to be a problem. There was one of Garrison standing talking to the Captain. The drawings were very good; the artist had captured their personalities.

It took two days to arrange their exit. A fishing boat took them to a sub which took them home to England. Percy shook hands and thanked each one for all their help and he promised to let them know the fate of his photographs and drawings. He also presented each one with their sketch and he had signed each one.