Too Long on Simmer

Chapter 5

"Well, if it isn't our wayward lads."

That was the last thing the two tired and hungry men expected when they approached the front door of their base. They had hoped to sneak in the back way but the front door had opened and there stood the Sargent Major.

"You'd better come in. 'E's in 'is office," he said as he stepped back to let them enter.

Neither man knew what to expect but this wasn't it. The Sargent Major didn't seem surprised and when they entered Garrison's Office he was standing beside his desk waiting. "Sit," was all he said.

"I come back 'cause I wanna stay with the team. I already told you I didn't do nothin'.

Under Garrison's glare the safecracker said, "I want to stay too."

"And if I say no?" Two pairs of anxious eyes met his. Still watching Casino he added, "You're disruptive, you've picked fights with everyone including the Sargent Major and Actor."

"I know," he said contritely, "I've been out of sorts lately."

"Why? Why have you been out of sorts?"

"I don't know," he answered forlornly.

"Come on Casino. You can do better than that."

"I don't know."

"Are you telling me Goniff is smarter than you are?"

"What?" With a start he sat up straighter. "No. What's that Limey been saying?" Seeing the look he was getting, he sagged and asked, "What'd he say?"

"You going to listen?"

"Yeah."

"Because this is not going to continue."

"I know and I don't like the way I've been feeling but I don't know how."

The mission where you set the fire in the bathroom…"

Casino looked up angrily, eyes blazing. "What about it?"

"You didn't get the safe open."

Casino stood abruptly. "It wasn't my fault. The fire got out of control. I told you the damned firemen were making so much noise…"

Garrison put up his hands and said, "I know."

"Then you know it wasn't my fault. If they hadn't…"

"Casino! It wasn't your fault. If you had had time I know you would have gotten it open. Your record is intact."

Casino stood speechless, mouth open, then sat down. "You think that's…" He frowned. "That can't …" He shook his head. "That's … That's just…" The more he thought about it the more it made sense. He could not stand failure.

"I think you owe an apology to each man here."

"And I get to stay?" Garrison nodded so he added, "And him too?" as he indicated his travelling companion. The second nod brought a smile to his face.

"Done. Lieutenant Garrison, I apologize for my past behaviour. It was uncalled for and I regret everything I said and did." He then turned to Chief and apologized to him.

"Chief? You had a hand in this too," warned the Officer.

"But I didn't do nothin'."

"It's all right Warden. He only did it 'cause I was such a…"

"Chief?"

"I'm sorry I made you think I poisoned you."

"That's all right babe. Some day we might need that trick." Casino stood and Chief followed. "Others upstairs?" The three men headed out the door.

ggggg

Garrison sat down alone in his office, leaned back and was finally able to smile. This past week had been nerve wracking. He knew it would take something drastic to get through to those two, especially Casino. When Actor and Goniff had come to him with a possible reason for Casino's actions, he had been skeptical but by then he was willing to try anything.

What the guards here at their base and the ones at the RAF Biggin Hill Stockade thought when he told them what he wanted, he wasn't sure. They probably thought he was nuts, but apparently they had played their parts well. It would never work again but that didn't matter. It had worked this time. The two had returned though he knew Chief would, was almost sure he would but Casino was an unknown. He was not sure of his loyalty.

As he replayed their conversation he knew another hurdle had been removed. When Garrison told Casino that he was to apologize to each man and then he could stay, Casino had asked if Chief could stay too. Apparently whatever was between them had been resolved at least for now. Like brothers they would squabble but hopefully not as bad or for so long as this time.

That brought his thoughts to the two remaining men. He had been avoiding them, especially Actor. He was the ultimate con man, a man who could spot a lie too easily. A well worded question and he would know it was all an elaborate con. He probably would have been hurt that he had not included him but he had to be kept in the dark.

After avoiding Goniff the Sargent Major had come to him with an official request for a meeting. The Englishman he could deal with so he had put on his official pissed off General face and opened the door. What he had told him almost broke his cover. It was so simple, too simple but it made sense. Casino was a proud man, proud of what he had made of himself and proud of his reputation. His place here was because of his ability and without that his place was in jeopardy. It was interesting that Casino was unaware of this reason until it was pointed out to him. Garrison had taken classes in psychology but he did not remember anything that would explain that.

It did not matter. Casino was back and he was aware of why and what he had done. He had apologized to each member of the team and they had listened and accepted it. Actor and Goniff had even shaken his hand. His team was back.

Garrison's smile faded. Hopefully the next mission would not be as bad. A man could always hope.