Too Long on Simmer
Chapter 2
"We must go." The urgency was palatable.
"I'm missing a man," insisted the American.
"It is too late. The soldiers are on their way."
"I can't leave'im."
"I will have someone come back. We must go, now!"
Someone grabbed his arm and they ran off the field toward the hedgerow. Garrison knew that as long as the landing had been safe then his man would be doing the same thing. Hopefully they would meet up in the trees.
The sound of a motor vehicle and gun fire caused him to stumble as he turned to look. The muzzle flashes were quite a distance away but they were closing. He ran.
Everyone, including the two locals, was gasping as they approached the dilapidated barn. A shadow approached then circled the barn before entering. The all clear was signalled and they entered.
"Oui, I know. I left a man at the landing. He is watching and will let me know if he sees anything."
"We shoulda stayed. He might be in trouble," said Chief tensely.
"If we stayed we might all be in trouble." There was grumbling but no more arguing. They were all contemplating the fate of their missing team mate and to a lesser degree, the ultimate fate of the team.
Their contact left with a promise to return in the morning so Garrison set the watch while the others tried to rest. When you are missing a man, waiting for his arrival, hoping for his safe return, it is hard to sleep. Every noise held potential. Was that a foot step?
Garrison watched the dark. With no light but the stars there was little to see. There was no shortage of noises. Tiny skittering noises, close by, suggested mice and other small creatures, probably the intended victim of the screamer in the woods. The call made the hairs on the back of his neck rise even though he knew it was a fox. The sound brought back memories of basic training, forced marches and bivouacs in the rough. Eddie, "Gator" Nelson had explained that that sound was called a Vixen Scream. He had grown up in the backwoods and knew all the sounds and who made them. Wonder what happened to him.
True to his word a small Frenchman appeared just before dawn carrying a basket with enough food to get them going. He did not speak, just handed the parcel and retreated. The four men dug in in silence.
Catching an eye, Garrison set off back to the landing site. They needed to know the fate of their team mate. When he had questioned the Frenchman he had just shrugged and left.
Trying to retrace your steps, steps taken in a strange area in total darkness was not going to be easy. When they approached what he hoped was the right area he stopped to survey the field. This could be the one or maybe it was farther over. They would have to check it out.
There was no one in sight so the two men began to circle the field. Half way around Chief held up his hand signalling a stop. The older man watched as the Indian stood transfixed, hand shading his eyes, gazing out across the muddy ground. The snow had melted soaking the ground. Hopefully it was still frozen underneath.
"I kin smell the ashes. This is gotta be the place."
Remembering the sound of the vehicle and the gunfire he figured there had to be tracks around here somewhere. They had not gone far when Chief pointed out the break in the hedgerow and the tire tracks. The vehicle had entered here, circled and left. Had they picked up a prisoner or had they left empty handed?
How was he to find out? Maybe they should go into town and ask around. Where was the man who was left to watch? This mission was off to a bad start. He could still pull it off with his remaining men but he had to know what had happened.
Chief began moving off, eyes on the ground, casting about, searching. After a minute he stopped and turned, still looking down and said, "I ain't no tracker,"
"That's all right Chief. Do what you can."
Occasionally he crouched to examine the ground before moving on slowly. The frozen ground made their landing and escape easier but it also left no tracks to follow.
Chief found the bent grass and began to follow the faint game trail. Whoever had come this way had big feet and had struggled to push his way through the thicket breaking small branches as he went. Was it the farmer who worked the field or someone else, possibly someone hiding from German soldiers? The two men pushed on.
They had not gone far when Chief stopped suddenly.
"Warden." He turned toward his leader, a small smile on his face.
"What is it? The expression on his normally taciturn face confused him momentarily and he tried to peer along the trail. What had Chief seen?
The smile faded, replaced by doubt. "What're the odds that someone else smokes the same brand as Actor?"
That was not what he had expected but he realized that Chief must have caught the scent of the Italian's pipe tobacco. Yes, what were the odds? Garrison could not help the smile that came to his face. Chief's face relaxed as well.
As they emerged from the thicket each man looked around. The second field was similar to the last which meant there were no tracks. Where did he go?
"Head that way, I'll go this way." The two men split up and moved off.
This time it was Garrison who caught the scent, faint but now that he knew what he was looking for he recognized it. A whistle brought Chief to his side. They were on the trail again.
Garrison noted the direction before stopping Chief. They would go back for the others and all head to town. That was their destination.
Four men ambled into town looking tired and dispirited. Spending a cold night in a barn had improved no one's mood. Even knowing that Actor might have made his way here could not lighten their moods.
Surreptitiously they watched the town folk going about their lives. The shops were opening and a few women were carrying baskets as they entered the grocery shop but there was no one who resembled the tall Italian.
"Where would he be?" asked Goniff.
"With a broad," replied Casino sarcastically.
"Yeah, but which one?"
"He was a monk once. We could check the church," offered Chief. All eyes swung toward the steeple.
"Wait here," said their leader as he headed off to check that suggestion.
As they waited a door opened two doors down and a tall broad shouldered man stepped out. He leaned back in to kiss the face that leaned out and then he closed the door and walked in their direction.
"Told you he was with a broad," snarled the safecracker as he glared at the no longer missing man.
"She was kind enough to take me in," he purred.
"And let you sleep in her bed." They all noticed he was freshly shaven, his clothes pressed and his hair combed. They, on the other hand, looked like they had dropped into a frozen field and then spent the night in an old abandoned barn.
Garrison returned before it got ugly.
"Good morning Lieutenant. The Post Office is close by. If I may…" and he nodded down the street.
They wandered past the building but did not stop.
"We'll need a place to stay," said Garrison quietly. This was not going to be easy since the area looked to be well kept and devoid of abandoned buildings. They would have to look farther out.
Looking up he added, "Can we get someone on a roof?" The streets were narrow so there was limited space for someone to hang around without being noticed.
"Maybe that one," offered Goniff, indicating a large building with a pitched roof part way down the block.
"The Post Master will be here until closing. We could just pick him up then." Because all they had was a name and occupation they were going to have to ascertain who he was and then follow him to his home. They hoped he lived alone.
A long day of hanging around in the garage Casino had found left them all bored and tired. They had taken turns napping in the 1939 Imperia that had was parked inside figuring that since it was out of gas the owner was unlikely to be coming by to drive it.
Earlier Actor had gone in and introduced himself to the Post Master so they knew who to follow. Now at the end of the day Garrison was waiting. Almost half an hour after closing Post Master Devos finally locked up and left but instead of going home he stopped at a restaurant to eat. Another long wait before he finally went home. They now knew where he lived. Tonight they would search the post office and then tomorrow his home.
The first search went well. The building was large but they reasoned that if he was hiding something then it would be in the area behind the wicket, probably close to where Actor had spoken to him. They found a bottle of gin, half full, an old letter from his Mother and a prayer book but no box wrapped in linen.
The following morning they waited until he left then they entered his home. The place was small but neat. Actor had ascertained that the man was a bachelor so they were surprised when the front door opened. They scrambled for cover as a woman poked her head in and then tip toed in. Without looking around she headed into the bedroom for a moment then hurried out.
"Who was that?" asked Garrison as he came out of the kitchen.
"And what was she doing here?" Casino was crawling out from behind the sofa. "Fuckin' Indian should of warned us."
"She left something, a note," said Goniff holding up the folded paper. He had hidden under the bed so had seen her approach. "Must be in Belgish."
"That's Belgian," corrected Casino as he came to look over his shoulder as the pickpocket opened it.
"Our Post Master 'as a girl friend."
"How'd… " Casino grabbed the note and sniffed it. "Definitely a girlfriend. So what's it says?" He took another sniff then handed it to Garrison.
After a quick look the Officer said, "Put it back where you got it."
"What's it say?" asked Goniff as he sniffed it too.
"That's not important. We're here for the box. Keep looking."
They continued to look but came up empty. Defeated, the three cons returned to the garage and Garrison went to fill in Actor.
Back at the garage Goniff's thoughts turned to larceny. "If that box has Belgian money in it then we 'ave to spend it 'ere. What're you going to spend yours on Casino?"
"I don't know." He was getting grouchy. "Where was the damn Indian? He was supposed to warn us. Damned broad walked right in on us." No one spoke so he continued. "Coulda got us all killed." Seeing Chief come in he stood and glared. "Where the Hell were you?"
"What're you talkin' about?"
"Back at the house. You were supposed to be our look out. What were you doing, playing with you bloody knife?"
"There was nothin' I could do. She looked to be walkin' by and suddenly she…"
"Pipe down!" demanded Garrison as he came into the garage. "I could hear you all the way from the road."
Casino lowered his voice but his temper was still up. "He almost got us killed."
"There was nothin'…"
"The two of you! Not another word!" The warning was clear.
They glared but did not speak.
"Do you think 'is girlfriend 'as the box?" asked Goniff. He had seen the worry on their leaders face. He also wanted to divert the upcoming storm brewing between the two other cons. " Seeing as it's not at 'is 'ouse or the post office?"
That got Garrison's attention. Could it be? Did he trust her enough to give it to her? The alternative was to search both places again in case they had missed it. Or their information was wrong. Maybe he had already gotten rid of it.
The next day Garrison and Casino followed Devos to the Post Office while the others watched his house. For all their watching, no one showed until after Devos locked up. Instead of going straight home he made a detour and met up with a well-dressed woman.
The contrast was striking. Jules Devos was in his forties, short and balding. He was thin but had the beginings of a belly. His smile was pleasant enough though his large hooked nose was out of proportion to his face. She on the other hand was younger, slim and pretty prompting many a man, including at least one of the watchers to wonder what he had that they did not. The lines of her fitted grey jacket accentuated her small waist and the matching skirt was long enough to be decent but short enough to show off her shapely calves. Matching grey shoes and hat with white gloves completed her outfit.
"That's her, the broad," whispered the safecracker. The two men watched the couple enter a café and sit down at a table. They waited. When it looked like they were leaving Garrison told the Casino to follow the man, he would tail her.
Back at the garage Casino eagerly filled the others in on the tryst.
"Maybe it's 'is sister," offered the pickpocket not totally believing his suggestion.
"Not from the way he was looking at her."
Two of the men tried to imagine having this pretty woman on his arm as they walked into a café. Actor, of course, knew exactly how it felt to have a beautiful woman on his arm.
Less than an hour later their leader returned. Taking Chief with him he returned to the spot across the street from the young woman's apartment. They would take turns keeping an eye on her. Hopefully she would go out tomorrow so they could go in and search.
Predawn when Garrison arrived at their scout's location, Chief had a bad news. "She don't live alone. There's an old lady there too." This was a complication they could do without.
The young lady was the first to leave. Dressed in more casual clothes she headed off down the street toward the business area. Garrison followed her to a grocery store where luck would have it; she was employed as a cashier. Now all they had to do was get the old lady out of the house so they could search. Was she alone and could Actor come up with a con to get her out?
Chief returned to the safe house and sent Actor to the scene where the two men tried to come up with a con. A door to door salesman could distract her for a time but not long enough for someone to search the house. Free termite inspection? As good as Actor was he was drawing a blank. The only two options left were to wait until the two women were asleep or a surprise inspection by the SS. The first would be risky, the second would require uniforms. Neither was idea but they had to take action and soon.
While they pondered the door opened and the older woman walked out and headed down the sidewalk. Was this their chance? Where was she going and how long would she be away. They could not waste the opportunity. Garrison slipped inside and Actor tailed the woman.
The home was small but filled with places a cigar box could be hidden. He had to be fast and thorough. He knew Actor would delay her as long as he could but there was always a chance she would refuse. He continued to look, returning everything exactly as he had found it. No one must suspect. He was almost finished when he heard a voice near the door. Actor was in fine form. Closing the drawer of the curio cabinet he slipped to the back door and out into the garden. He leapt over the wall and onto the street behind. Casually he circled around to the front of the woman's home in time to see the older woman blush as Actor kiss her hand.
Back on the street the two men headed for the garage. Garrison had to admit defeat. The box was not there. Where else would he have put it? Safe deposit box? That was going to be tricky. They had done it before but they had the help of a professional bank robber, Gus Manners, who had already cased the bank. That mission had also gone badly.
That was wrong. The Post Master was most likely redirecting mail and unless he had memorized all the addresses, he would need that list which meant it had to be close. But where? They would have to go back and search again.
"Warden, the woman in the blue dress. I have seen her before."
It was well known that the con man knew a lot of women but there was no pride in the softly spoken words. This was business. Casually the officer swung his eyes around finally spotting the woman. It was no wonder he had missed her. Everything about her was plain from her mousey brown hair to her faded dress to her worn shoes.
"She was outside the girlfriend's place wearing a look that could wither a fresh cut flower."
"Ex-girlfriend?"
"Jealous ex-girlfriend. Definitely worth talking to."
Garrison returned to the garage and the conman followed the woman. The news of their latest failure was met with groans. Even the news of a possible new place to look was not enough to give them hope. There was grumbling but they knew Garrison would not leave until every stone was turned, every lead exhausted and the Germans were on their tails.
Actor watched the woman, looking for cues to use. She had walked several blocks to the commercial district and entered a law office. Was she a client? An hour later Actor decided she must be a secretary.
He got his chance at lunch time when she left the office and walked to the café. It was a popular spot so by the time they arrived there were only a few tables left. The lady's man waited until she was seated before strategically positioning himself so she could not see the two other empty tables.
"Pardon me, miss." He flashed his most disarming smile. "There seems to be nowhere to sit. May I share your table?" When she nodded he asked hopefully, "Do you speak French?" He knew that German was closer to Dutch but French was the language of love. Again she nodded and added, 'a little'.
The conman began by complimenting her on the pleasantness of the town before smoothly easing into his intended topic which was to win her confidence and her trust. Ideally this was best accomplished over time but he did not have this luxury. He assumed she would have half an hour before she would have to return to work.
The young lady whose name was Ilsa confirmed his theory when he mentioned that he had spoken to the post master, a very nice man by the name of Mister Devos, about opening a post box. The flash of pain was of a lover jilted. He now knew there was a connection to the man but could she have the box? If he had ended the relationship would he not have asked for the return of the box? Unless she had stolen it. They would have to find out where she lived and search her place.
When their lunch was finished he insisted on paying and then walked her to the door. He felt no guilt for leading her on with compliments, her blush told him she was enamoured, but this was war and he had a part to play in winning it for the Allies. Besides she was much too young for him. His larcenous heart added that she had no money but he squelched that. The great conman had romanced a few women just for the pleasure of their company and he had enjoyed it.
Actor knew he should return and inform Garrison but he waited. He preferred being the centre of attention; he needed that centre stage applause. So far he had not contributed so he waited. Maybe he could find the box. If he waited for her, got her to talk about her former beau she might let slip information. If she was angry she might tell him the location to get back at him. It was worth a try.
Actor hung back until he saw her coming out the door then he stepped into the street and began walking. When he spotted her he feigned surprise and pleasure. She accepted his offer to walk her home so he made small talk until she relaxed and began telling about her day. Her home was not far away but he now knew that she lived with her parents and that her father had lost both legs in the Great War. He expressed his condolences. Unfortunately this meant he rarely left his home. The search just became more difficult and dangerous.
"I am new in town and do not like to dine alone, would you care to join me?" he asked.
"Oh, I couldn't. I must make supper for my parents," she said sadly but then brightened. "Would you like to join us?"
"Oh, I could not impose like that but it is so kind of you to ask."
"It would not be an imposition. I'm sure my Mama and Papa would welcome you. Pa does not have many men to talk to."
"Allow me to bring the wine, at least." If he had time he would inform the American of his plans. Actor knew he should check in with Garrison though deep in his heart this irked him. The greatest con man alive worked alone or occasionally, when necessary, with a partner, he did not work for someone else.
"In half an hour?"
"I would be delighted," he said with a smile of pleasure which turned to consternation.
"What is wrong?"
"It embarrasses me to admit that I have failed to ask you your last name."
"Tillens," I am Ilsa Tillens."
"Delighted to make your acquaintance, Ilsa Tillens. I will return in half an hour. Thank you." He nodded and stepped back pleased to see the look of pleasure on her face.
Always observant of his surroundings he knew exactly where to go to get the required gift, he just wished he had more money for better quality. Less expensive would have to do. After making his purchase he returned and knocked.
The meal was well prepared, sparse in quantity and quality but with rationing in effect it was good as was the conversation. Her father, Jaak, was quite interested in the tales of Actor's European travels. Though he had travelled within the country during the last war, he had never been out of the country. By the time he said his good byes the con man knew the layout of the house and he had planted the seed by suggesting that he would push the father's wheel chair to the café where the three of them could go for a drink. He had not taken the bait but he had not said no either. Now it was time to inform Garrison of his progress.
"Where the Hell you been?" Instead of the officer as he expected it was Casino who attacked.
Actor turned to look for Garrison effectively tuning the safecracker out but Casino wasn't finished. Instead he grabbed the conman's arm and demanded, "First you split when we landed and now…"
Actor yanked his arm free and clenched his raised fist. Casino would not back down but he did not press any farther. He knew when he was in danger. The safecracker and Chief were more evenly matched but the conman had always made sure Casino knew his own weaknesses and his place.
Without relaxing or moving his eyes he said spoke to the leader of their team, "I was right. She carries a torch but I was unable to get the information." These coded words were meant to cut Casino out. "I did get the layout of the house and may have a way to get it clear for a search."
"Good. Casino, take the watch."
"Why? The Indian just…"
"Because you need to cool off. Now!"
Another cold night in the garage did not improve anyone's mood. As much as they wanted to leave, they knew they had to find the box first. Actor headed out to get breakfast as the others grumbled themselves awake. Goniff was sent out to take the watch relieving Chief. The Indian came in and crawled into the front seat of the car.
Later Actor headed back out to watch their new quarry. It was Saturday so she would not be at work. Where would she go or would she stay at home? The more you knew about your mark the better your chances of success.
The house was quiet until later in the afternoon when Ilsa came out and started walking. Her destination was not one of the shops but the church. She looked troubled. Actor waited several minutes before he too entered the holy place. He watched as she sat, head bowed. Was the family religious? Would they all attend the services tomorrow or would the father remain behind. There were several steps up to the door. Maybe he could offer his assistance. This would clear the way for the others to search. He waited.
After half an hour she stood and turned. Actor kept his head bowed as if in prayer, knowing that his stature would catch her eye. Height and broad shoulders had their advantages when you wanted to be noticed. Again he waited several minutes before he left. He feigned surprise when he saw her waiting for him by the bottom step.
"Good afternoon, Miss Tillens."
"Good afternoon, Mister Gentile. You are here to enjoy our humble church?"
"It is a fine church. The big cathedrals like Notre Dame du Paris are a wonder to see but smaller churches like this one are so much more intimate, don't you think?"
"Yes, though I have never been to Paris."
Actor picked up on her sadness, knowing it was probably due to her being tied to this town but he would use it to his advantage. "You look sad. Is something troubling you?"
"It's nothing, really."
"Come, let me buy you a coffee." He gently took her arm steering her toward the café they had stopped in before. Once they were seated he ordered coffee and a sweet treat before turning to her and asking about her parents.
It wasn't until they had almost finished before she relaxed enough to open up. "I have a problem." She paused waiting for a reaction. Getting none she continued. "Have you ever done anything in anger and then regretted it?"
"Yes, I have," he admitted quietly.
"I took something because I was angry and now…"
"You wish to return it."
"Yes."
"But you do not want anyone to know you took it." She smiled sadly.
"Perhaps I could help."
"You won't tell anyone?"
"No. I understand the pain someone can cause. The loss of a friendship, the pain of betrayal." He looked down at his hands. "It is human nature to want to strike back."
You do understand, don't you? Was it a woman?"
"Yes. She broke my heart."
"What did you do?"
"I am ashamed to admit it."
"We are friends are we not? Besides who would I tell? You tell me and I'll tell you," she offered with a sad smile.
With a heavy sigh he said, "She asked the return of her father's ring that she had given to me. I told her I had thrown it away. Instead I kept it. Every time I looked at it it reminded me that I had lied and kept what belonged to her. It brought me no pleasure."
"Did you give it back?"
"I was too ashamed. By the time I got up the courage she had moved away."
"It brings me no pleasure either," she said sadly.
"Maybe I can make up for my past sins by helping you. What is it, a ring?"
"No. It's just a little wooden box. I don't even know what is in it. I saw it and I took it, now I want to put it back but I fear his anger."
"Was it in his house? Maybe I could return it without his knowing or maybe tell him I found it."
She looked hopeful. "He is at the post office all day; maybe you could slip into his house and put it back in the bureau drawer. If that isn't too much trouble?"
"For you I will do it. To atone for my past sins I will return it." He smiled. "Where does he live? You say he will not be home all day? When would you like me to deliver it?"
ggggg
Actor arrived at the garage carrying the box under his coat. He had hoped to get the photographs taken so he could put it back quickly but Garrison was not there. He was watching the Post Master at his home.
"Let's see what's in it," demanded Casino. Actor obliged, carefully unwrapping the package and lifting the lid. Inside there were papers with lists of names and addresses but there was no money or jewelry.
"Bloody dame probably took it." Casino glared at the conman "Or you did."
Actor refused to rise to the bait though the accusation angered him. Instead he just glared back.
"Yer no better than the rest of us," said Goniff caught up in the heat of the moment. He had set his hopes on a bit of a prize and was disappointed in the loss. Seeing the glare he added with a disarming grin, "Even if you do dress better than the rest of us."
Actor retained his anger but he knew it was true. In the past he might have done exactly what Casino had said but not now. Why was that? Something had changed, he had changed.
"We need Garrison to take the photographs so I may return it."
"I'll go get 'im," offered Goniff.
"Go with him Casino."
"What, and leave you here with the box? No way babe."
"Then you stay and I will get the Lieutenant."
"I'll stay too," offered Goniff, "Keep an eye on Casino." He winked at the safecracker.
Anger won out over the fragile trust that had been building between the conman and the others of the team. He would not be beaten by the likes of these two so he grabbed for the box.
Casino was faster. "That stays here." The threat was clear even without him pulling his gun.
Actor was torn. He wanted to let Garrison know but he could not back down from Casino. "We will all wait here." End of discussion.
When the Officer returned Actor said, "I have the…"
"We have the box," interrupted Casino angrily.
The look on the officer's face showed the battle was not lost on him. He had felt the tension. Carefully he looked inside before looking to each man. "Everything all in here?" he asked suspiciously. "Nothing missing?"
"We didn't touch anything."
Garrison pulled out the camera and began snapping. "Where was it?"
Before Actor could speak Casino blurted out, "The bitch had it."
"There is no call to talk like that," said the conman.
"She stole the fuckin' box."
"After she found out he was seeing another woman."
"Something you know a lot about, don't you?" shot back the safecracker.
"Casino, shut up! Actor go relieve Chief." In the silence he returned to taking pictures.
ggggg
Actor watched as the leader of their team approached and asked, "How soon can you replace the box?" Goniff stood two steps waiting nervously.
"It was taken from Devos' home. We might have to wait until he is out or Monday when he goes to work."
"He was at home when I left. Take Goniff and keep an eye on him."
"Shall I take the box?"
"You might as well. Make sure it's safe before you risk it."
Actor nodded as he accepted the box and slipped it into his coat. The two set off.
ggggg
Their extraction had been difficult. After hiring a boat to take them to the coast via the IJzerdijk River they were to contact a fishing boat captain who would radio for a sub. Unfortunately his boat had been shot up by a German patrol boat the evening before, almost sinking it. The captain was not going out again until repairs could be made, leaving them stranded in Nieuwpoort for three days. Three days with nothing to do but get on each other's nerves.
Finally the boat was fixed, the sub contacted and they made their way home. The final debriefing was noisy with Casino berated Actor for getting lost when they landed. Actor ignored him which irritated the safecracker. He also complained about Chief not giving them enough warning when the girlfriend came in. Unlike the conman, Chief defended himself loudly. Garrison put an end to their bickering and sent them all to bed.