Chapter 4
''You took your ruddy time,'' groaned Casino, between bruised and split lips. His head throbbed, blood trickled from a cut above his eye, opened afresh by the water, and every movement sent a spasm of pain across his chest.
''We came as fast as we could. It's not easy getting uniforms and transport around here. Now, be quiet and let me look at that eye,'' Actor retorted, as he cleaned away some of the blood and grime.
Garrison would also have liked to make a comment but he wasn't in any better state than Casino. However, he was secretly pleased that Casino had stayed silent. He was aware that the criminal code of conduct meant you didn't grass on your mates, under any circumstances, which meant Casino had taken some severe pain for the team. Though, Garrison wished he could have taken the punishment for them both rather than be two men down, as they appeared to be now.
Having checked both men over and found no broken bones, Actor told Chief to make for the abandoned shack they had found earlier. Chief managed to get the car to within a quarter of a mile before they all agreed the terrain was just too uneven for the injured men to bear. Having hidden the car nearby, Chief and Goniff helped Casino along the track, whilst Actor supported Garrison. All were very relieved to reach the shack, dark and chilly though it was. While Actor and Goniff tried to make Casino and Garrison as comfortable as possible, Chief melted away into the trees.
Having made a more thorough examination of both men, Actor confirmed his initial assessment of their injuries, and reassured them that nothing was broken. However, what he didn't divulge was that neither Garrison nor Casino would be able to function effectively without suffering any pain, though he was sure both men were aware of that. He was also concerned that he could have missed more serious internal problems, potentially life-threatening. At that point he paused in his thinking - since when had he begun to worry about the others in that way? Or was it just self interest? Casino might not be a criminal in the same class as himself but he had certainly proved he was loyal to the team. Furthermore, if anything happened to Garrison their future would be in the hands of the top brass - who didn't seem to hold their select talents in very high regard, something they were all very well aware of.
GG
One side of the shack faced the setting sun and they had settled outside, Garrison and Casino letting the rays of the late evening sunshine warm their aches and pains, while Actor explained what they had found so far and how the rescue had come about.
''The Commandant wasn't around, though his second in command was very obliging, especially when faced with an SS Major,'' concluded Actor smugly.
''So what yuh think the Jerries are up t', down in them tunnels?'' asked Goniff.
Garrison had been trying to work that out since he had seen the piles of boxes stored in the cavern. ''I'm not sure. Those are dangerous chemicals stored down there. They could be producing some sort of new explosive. But all that coal suggests they may be trying to create something more essential to the war effort.'' He paused to gather his thoughts and rub at the pain in his temples. ''Before the war, Germany had to import much of the fuel that they required to power their vehicles and planes. By now it's likely they are running low, so it's possible they have resorted to creating their own gasoline.''
''Blimey! A whole factory full of moonshine, like Casino made?'' Goniff's eyes lit up as he remembered the taste of the alcohol they had created.
''Not exactly,'' Garrison frowned, trying to remember the process he had heard about. ''This is made from coal and is more refined so they can use it in cars and aeroplanes. But the method can be quite volatile, particularly if sulphur gets into the mix.''
''That the stuff they use to make matches, ain't it?'' Goniff asked. Garrison nodded, then rubbed his temples again at the pain it produced. ''So we're just gonna light up the night sky with a box of strikes.''
''Something like that,'' Garrison conceded.
For once Casino kept his thoughts to himself. He was in pain, in fact he hurt like hell, so he knew the Warden must feel the same but Garrison was still prepared to go on with the mission. What was wrong with the guy? He must be nuts.
GG
A whistle alerted the men just as Chief stepped out of the trees and onto the track, close behind him were Johann and two of his companions. Actor made the introductions.
''We have something for you, to help ease the pain,'' Johann handed a small container to Actor. ''It's a liniment to rub on the bruising. We have also bought you some food.'' One of the men passed over some flat breads, while the other placed a small cauldron on the ground. Inside was a dark stew, with the distinct smell of wild garlic. Goniff, ever hungry, tried some and declared it was very good.
As Garrison thanked the men and tried to get up, Johann indicated he should stay sitting, while he perched himself on a nearby stump. His men wandered off to keep guard.
''I have seen for myself that your men have many skills but I did not think they would be able to get you out of the camp so easily, '' remarked Johann. He watched the Americans pass around the food before continuing. ''We are aware you intend to destroy the tunnels. We have family in the camp and would like to help you, if it means we might be able to get them out too.''
Like Actor, Garrison was reluctant to trust strangers but extra men may be a bonus if the plan he was formulating came together.
''We have our own mission to complete,'' pointed out Garrison. ''I can try to limit civilian casualties but I cannot guarantee anyone's safety.''
''This I understand. I have eight men, including myself, who are willing to take the risk,'' responded Johann. While his men tucked into the food, Garrison listened to Johann's suggestions and agreed to consider them before meeting again the following day.
GG
''Think we can trust 'em?'' asked Goniff. Chief and Casino had been thinking the same.
Garrison looked at Actor who shrugged and then responded ''I think so. The Roma have no reason to like the Nazis and they appear willing to place themselves in danger to rescue their own people.''
''Agreed,'' conceded Garrison. ''Our capture could mean an increase in security. Having more men will enable us to attack on several fronts. If Johann and his men concentrate on releasing the workers, it will leave us free to complete our mission.''
''Thought our mission was over once we found out what the Germans were up to, '' muttered Casino.
''Ah, come on Casino. Didn't think the Warden would just walk away, did yuh?'' grinned Goniff, trying to make light of the situation. Nevertheless, he was really concerned about his mate's injuries, Casino was too quiet for his liking at the moment. And there was also the little fact that neither the Warden nor Casino were in any fit state to climb down that shaft again, into those tunnels.
''Casino's right. Could just take the information back to London and let them deal with it,'' suggested Chief.
''Allied bombers wouldn't be able to attack an underground factory, it needs someone on the ground or, in this case, under it,'' said Garrison, trying to bring his men around to his assessment of the situation.
''And if we did take the information back to London, no doubt someone in Intelligence would decide to put us straight back onto the next flight coming this way, with orders to destroy the facility,'' stated Actor. He didn't want to stay here anymore than the rest of the team but he could understand Garrison's reasoning and he knew how stubborn the Lieutenant could be, once he had made his mind up.
From a military point of view, dealing with the factory now made sense. But Garrison was aware of his men's concerns, especially as he and Casino were both injured. Getting to his feet and leaning against the door jamb for support, Garrison said ''Let's get some rest and we'll go over our options in the morning. Chief take first watch.'' Then making his way into the shack, their team leader effectively ended the conversation, for now. His men looked at each other in silence before Chief moved off into the trees. Goniff and Actor, helped Casino to his feet, following Garrison inside.
GG
Early the following day, against Actor's advise, Garrison was up and ready to learn more about their location. Casino, however, had been in pain most of the night and had only fallen into a fitful sleep just before dawn. Concerned for his patient, Actor stayed behind while Chief took Garrison and Goniff along the track, where they could see the compound and its surroundings.
Returning for the car, they donned the German uniforms before driving to the outskirts of the town. Here Chief and Goniff pointed out the various warehouses and stores of equipment they had discovered on their last visit and Garrison was also able to make a mental note of any likely escape routes. Road, rail and river all had potential, should it be necessary for a quick change of plan.
As luck would have it, a goods train was unloading it's cargo when they arrived. From a safe distance, they watched and waited until the train chugged back out of the sidings and went on its way down the track. Moments later a truck, loaded with coal, drove slowly up an embankment towards the cliff face, where it disappeared from view into the tunnel. Having seen as much as they could without drawing undue attention to themselves, the three men made their way back to the car. On their return, an exhausted Garrison agreed to rest, while he mulled over everything he had seen and tried to bring together all the elements of his plan.
As mid-afternoon approached, Johann brought several men with him to hear what Garrison had decided to do. The discussions went on for some time before both parties were able to agree on their part of the plan and were satisfied with the possible outcomes of their actions.
Garrison gave Chief and Goniff a list of items he required. When Johann offered to accompany them, Garrison glanced at Chief who gave a slight shake of the head. ''My men prefer to work alone. They are good at what they do and should be able to get everything we need. We'll meet back here at nine o'clock this evening.''