Where's Charles?
Molly was getting very restless at Pirbright. She had some great recruits under her but it was now a month since Charles had disappeared with no explanation and she couldn't settle. Every night she lay awake wondering where he was and what had happened. She was sure that he had been sent on a covert mission, so secret that he had had to leave with no explanation – immediately. There could be no other reason for what had happened – or could there? He had resigned his Commission so how could he go on a mission? She knew without doubt that he loved her and there was no way he would hurt her. So what then?
The 'phone rang and she reached out fumbling for the light switch on the bedside table. 03.10am. WTF. ' 'allo' she croaked down the 'phone. 'That's no way to greet the man you love and adore Dawsey' She sat bolt upright in bed, stunned. 'Speak to me Dawes, please, he pleaded. I need to hear your voice, I need to hold you, I need to kiss you' Charles's husky tones came down the phone. Molly started to cry. 'Oh Charles, Charles, Boss, where are you I need you so much' she sobbed. 'Oh my darling, don't cry. I'm so sorry about what happened, I would never intentionally hurt you and dumping you at the Station with no explanation nearly ripped me apart. Please please forgive me' 'Only if I get to see you. When can I see you?' she pleaded. 'Soon my angel, soon I promise' Molly heard shouting in the background. 'I have to go now my darling. I love you so much' 'I love you too' she said. The line went dead. She fell back onto the pillow. Shocked. The rest of the night went by and she lay awake going over the call again and again. It was so good to hear his voice.
She was awoken by a loud rapping on her door. 'Dawes, Dawes, open the door. Dawes'. She fell out of bed and stumbled across to the door. She pulled it open and peeped round. It was Major Beck. She was horrified. 'Sir, Major Beck Sir, I'm so sorry, am I late?' she looked at her watch confused. 8.30am. She looked at Major Beck mortified. 'At ease Dawes. May I come in please?' It was a question, but also a command. 'Sir' Molly opened the door. Major Beck strode in and Molly apologised for her pyjamas and the lateness of the hour. She had been due to brief her recruits at 7am.
Major Beck sat down in the chair by the window. 'Sit down Dawes' Molly perched on the edge of the bed. 'You asked me four weeks ago if I knew where Captain James was and I told you that I didn't. I lied to you', Beck stated matter of factly. 'As you know he resigned his Commission after the unfortunate occurrence in Afghan. We, the Army didn't want to lose a soldier with such excellent leadership qualities but he was feeling guilty that he had let his men down so we allowed him to recover, both from his wounds and more importantly, from his mental insecurities. When he came to me and asked to go to Afghan to head up your rescue mission, I knew that he hadn't lost his appetite for the Army. It was also apparent that your welfare was, shall we say, above and beyond the call of duty'. He looked straight at Molly and smiled. She blushed and looked at the floor.
'Immediately after your return to the UK we received intel from the ANA that the insurgents who captured you were planning an attack on the newly established ANA base where a small number of the British Army are also stationed. It is important that we protect that base to ensure the smooth transition of power.
The intel also informed us that the same group had located Bashira's hideout and were going to attempt to take her as a hostage for bargaining power. Molly gasped. Major Beck motioned her to remain silent. He continued ' James knew the situation surrounding Bashira and had experience of the insurgents responsible so we decided to launch a covert operation with him at the helm.
We had only 2 hours to brief him and ship him out to Afghan under the strictest secrecy. I personally called him from my car outside his house and summoned him to come outside so that I could speak with him. I had seen you go into the house with him and it was important that you were not aware of this mission as it was far too dangerous for you to be involved again having been taken captive once. Hence we had to ship him out without any explanation. Sorry Dawes'. Molly was listening intently. 'Sir what 'appened to…' Beck finished the sentence 'Bashira'? 'Is fine, thanks to Cpt James and 2 Platoon. '2 Platoon! They went as well! Molly's face looked like thunder.
'This was an extremely dangerous and intricate operation. We airlifted them in the nick of time. They were hemmed in and under mortar attack. . Bashira was moved out of the area and re-homed with an Afghan family under a new identity.
I have recommended Cpt James for the Military Cross for his gallantry in the face of the enemy.' Molly beamed 'No-one deserves it more Sir. What now though?' she asked. 'Well the Army wants you and James to stay in, you're both excellent soldiers, but relationships are frowned on so we need to think carefully about what direction to point you in!' he laughed. 'Well Dawes, shower and report downstairs to rally your recruits in 30 minutes please' 'Sir'. Molly stood up and saluted.
She felt happier and calmer for the first time in a month and her stomach had butterflies at the thought of Charles coming home. She didn't know when but that was ok. He was safe and she now understood why he did what he did. A shudder of pleasure ran through her and she leaned against the wall. 'Betta make it anytime soon Charles James' she giggled to herself