CHAPTER TEN

"LT…you are alright…you are safe…take it easy," His words not having an effect the Con man poured water into the basin, wet a cloth and proceeded to wipe the Wardens face.

After a few minutes the LT settled…Chief stepped beside the Con man. Is he alright?

Actor having heard the young man enter the room, cast a quick glance toward him before rinsing the cloth and placing it on the Warden's forehead. "I believe the fever is higher…would you mind bringing me a cup of the tea."

"Sure man…be back in a minute." Moving quickly to the kitchen Chief stirred the brew then filled a mug…carefully he carried it to the Wardens bedside.

Actor sat on the bed, back toward the headboard, wrapped an arm around the LT's shoulder lifting the sleeping man up. "Warden I need you to wake up for me…Warden…

Garrison opened his eyes focusing on Actor, What's going on?

Your fever is up and it is time for a little more tea…after asking a few basic questions the Con man placed the mug against the man's lips, slowly he proceeded to get the Warden to drink, when the man turned his head away, Actor sat the almost empty mug on the nightstand before easing Garrison back against the pillows. He should be alright for a little while, you should try to get a bit more rest Chief.

I'll be on the couch if you need me.

Thank you.

Chief stayed a few moments longer then with a quiet good night stepped into the living room, Actor caught Garrisons eyes, I will see you in another two hours LT…morning will be here before you know it.

With a slight nod Garrison settled more comfortably on the mattress, blinking up at his second. "Everything alright."

"Yes, Casino is resting, Goniff is patrolling and Chief is keeping watch…your job is to get some sleep…with a grin Actor continued…that is an order LT."

"That's an order I don't mind obeying." A few moments later he was asleep.

As the LT slept off and on throughout the night the Gorillas were kept busy helping out when the man would become restless, fevered dreams taking him to places the rest of the men hoped he wouldn't remember upon waking. Chief and Casino working together made sure the Warden took in fluids and kept a cool compress on the man's forehead while Goniff keep watch on the front door as Actor finished his patrol.

Garrison woke at eight o'clock…insisting on a shower before leaving for his meet…thirty minutes later he stepped from the bathroom dressed as a French peasant. Chief wore a matching outfit while Actor wore the uniform of a high ranking German Officer. Casino and Goniff would be staying at the safe house while the LT and the other two men went to the meet.

It had been a rough night for all the men and what little sleep they had managed between Sentry duty, patrol and keeping an eye on the Warden hadn't been near enough. Garrison was pale and a little unsteady, still feverish but determined to make it through the meeting with his contact. Currently he was sipping on a hot mug of tea Chief had put together (minus the sleeping agent) pausing between sips to make sure the men knew what they would be doing.

Casino…Goniff…one of you will need to stand guard inside while the other patrols the grounds…take turns if you want…just make sure you keep eyes open.

Don't sweat it Warden, we'll stay sharp. Casino responded with a wide grin.

Yea, Warden…no worries. Goniff added his assurances.

Garrison nodded, then turned to Chief. You're to mingle with the rest of the townspeople but keep in visual contact, if this goes South, I want to know where you are.

Chief held the LT's gaze. "I'll be close enough when it counts.

Turning to his second in command Garrison paused…

Actors part in the meet was going to be the most difficult…according to the files, Casino had borrowed from the Germans, a courier was on his way bringing a list of names whom the Germans suspected of being members of the French Underground. The Courier was due to arrive at eleven o'clock…the files provided the route he would be taking and Actor's part was to recover the packet before the Courier arrived in town. Unfortunately, the files did not say if there would be more than one person delivering the list, so the Con man could be up against more than one adversary.

The plan was to have Actor drop off Garrison and Chief at the edge of town then try to intercept the packet…once the packet was in hand the courier would be disposed of and Actor would pick up Chief and Garrison for a quick trip back to the safe house before the Germans suspected anything was wrong.

"Actor…be careful when you approach the Courier, if there's more than two men you are to drive past then make your way back to town…we'll try to take the list together…I don't want you taking any unnecessary risk."

"We will all be taking a risk LT Garrison. Actor stated carefully. But we cannot let the Germans get that list."

"They won't Actor…we'll come up with another plan if it comes down to it…the Germans will not, I repeat will not, get their hands on that list." Garrison's expression was determined, voice confident.

Catching and holding each man's eyes, Lt. Garrison wait til Casino, Goniff, Chief and Actor nodded in agreement before turning toward the kitchen sink to rinse out the now empty mug. Checking his watch to see how much time they had before heading to town, his vision blurred for a moment and he had to grab the edge of the counter. Taking a deep breath, let it out slowly then straightened his shoulders before facing his men.