Murder At Zero Hour

by Paul Westwood

  Chapter 14

  The Present

  As I reached the end of my story, Ellen blinked a few times and reached over to hold my hand. Her skin was smooth against mine, and I hate to admit my heart began to race.

  “You poor man,” she was all that she could say.

  I could see that my story had an effect on her. “Don't worry,” I said bravely, “They haven't convicted me of anything yet.” One always puts on a brave face if you're in love.

  She said angrily, “But you have no evidence and no witnesses to tell your side of the story. What can you do if you’re trapped here in this hospital?”

  “I know Lyons and Prentice will pull through for me. I'm almost glad of this leg wound since it has bought me a little more time.”

  “Have you heard anything from your friends yet?”

  “No, I haven't heard a word from them. I suspect they are busy looking about for clues.”

  “Did I hear someone mention my name?” Prentice said as he knocked on the open door. I wasn’t sure how long he had been standing there, but I was happy to see him. After doffing his hat to Ellen, he came over and shook my hand. He was looking haggard as if he had been up all night.

  “It is good to see you.”

  “Yes it is,” he said almost shyly. “Look, I’m sorry that you and I never got along in the first place. I just wanted to thank you for saving my life. I will do what I can to return the favor.”

  “No problem,” I said. I felt overwhelmed by his gratitude, but thankful for his support.

  Prentice continued on, “Lyons filled me in a bit on what happened to Captain Meadowes. At the time, Meadowes didn’t tell me much detail of what he was investigating, but I can tell you he was interested in the number of supplies coming into the depot. He ordered me to get what reports I could dig up at the depot and compare them to our company usage. He seemed to think that someone was stealing them.”

  “Well, he was right. Someone wanted to be sure he wouldn’t tell anyone. It must have been Childs.”

  “I agree. If only we could round up the corporal and question him. I think we could make him crack with a little pressure.”

  “Is he still at Tremont?”

  “I’m afraid not. I’ve tried asking Wodenhill where the corporal is, but he just evades my questions. He does outrank me, you know. The only thing I’ve learned so far is that Childs is no longer with the Regiment and has been transferred.”

  “Transferred where?” Ellen asked.

  “That’s just the thing – no one seems to know,” Prentice answered.

  “He has to be around Tremont,” I said with exasperation. “Colonel Smythe needs him as the contact man to the Germans. They wouldn’t just let him go when he knows so much about their operations. They would have to keep him close at hand.”

  “Not unless they had him killed off to protect their own skins,” Prentice suggested.

  “True,” I admitted, “But barring some miracle, finding him is my only hope of getting out of this war alive.”

  “I’ll help go look for him,” Ellen offered brightly. I could see a gleam of excitement in her eyes. This was her chance to be the heroine.

  “You can’t do that, it’s certainly not safe for you to go,” I said protectively.

  “I’m afraid Grant here is right,” the lieutenant agreed. “These towns are filled with soldiers, and you won’t be safe in their midst.”

  She let out a little laugh and said, “I will hardly fear the attentions of a few men. I'm used to it here. I can't tell you how many officers and doctors here have decided to fall in love with me. It is all foolish nonsense, of course.”

  “Of course,” I replied dryly. I wanted to tell her these past days how much I had fallen in love with her, but now was not the time with Prentice hanging about.

  She smiled brightly at me and said, “Don’t worry, William, I have a way with soldiers. Perhaps I could find someone who knows the whereabouts of Corporal Childs. He couldn't disappear from Tremont without someone seeing him go.”

  “I don't like it. It is too dangerous,” I pleaded.

  “Perhaps if Lieutenant Prentice here would accompany me. He could see to my safety.”

  “I don't think that is a good idea either,” I said.

  Prentice said, rather too brightly for my tastes, “Actually, it couldn't hurt if she snooped around a bit. We could make up a little story that she is inspecting the troops for some disease or another. I’m sure she can think of something terrible enough to get the boys lined up for an inspection.”

  “Oh yes – that is a good idea,” she said, playing along.

  “I’m not so sure,” I said.

  “Don’t worry, it will work out just fine. I'll keep a close eye on her and make sure she doesn’t get into any trouble.”

  “I'm sure you would,” I said coldly.

  Ellen ignored my objections and said, “So it's settled then. I'll go pack a medical bag, and then we can go.” She stood up and straightened out her uniform. Then to my surprise she leaned over and gave me a shy kiss on the mouth. It was totally unexpected, but I couldn't help but smile woozily.

  “Thank you,” I said in a low voice.

  She whispered in my ear, “Don't worry, my love. I'm doing this for you. I'll be back before you know it. William.”

  Those words sent electric shocks down my spine, and at that moment, I hated to see her walk out that door. I felt butterflies in my stomach and wished we could have had some more time together. Before I could say anything else, she hurried out of the room.

  “You've got it bad,” Prentice said.

  “What?”

  “You can’t fool me,” he laughed.

  “Does it show that badly?”

  “Well enough, but you’re a lucky fool. By the way, how is that leg of yours?”

  “It is feeling better every day,” I lied. In fact it hurt like bloody hell. I had been fighting off the pain with every breath. But still it had to get better soon. It was only a little knife wound, so it should heal up with time.

  “Good, I just thought you were looking a little peaked. I'm glad you're healing up. The doctors told me I was lucky to have kept mine.” He slapped his thigh. “Luckily that bullet missed a vein and went clean through.”

  “Yes,” I said uncomfortably. His leg had looked much worse than mine, but why was I feeling so poorly?

  “Well, you look like you need a little rest. I'll be on my way.” He shook my hand and before leaving.

  I sat there and started to feel sorry for myself. If only I could have gone with them. Instead I was left behind with nothing to do but think. I gave a little groan as I shifted my weight uncomfortably on the bed. It was starting to hurt just lying there, and I wished I could get up. The room seemed damned hot, too.

  I must have fallen into an uneasy sleep. When I woke up, I was in a sweat. My leg was throbbing something terrible. I felt feverish and sick. Pulling back the covers, I foolishly tried to pull myself off the bed to get some help. As soon as I placed weight on my bad leg, I fell down heavily onto the floor. The impact was sudden. I remembered screaming in pain before being swallowed up in a wave of swelling darkness.

  I must have passed out for only moment. I was suddenly surrounded by doctors in white aprons. I was lifted back onto my bed. I could barely focus on the knot of faces above me. An injection stabbed me in the arm. I felt the pain in my leg begin to recede. It must have been a big dose of morphine. I grew ever so tired. The voices above me became distant babbling. Someone's ugly face was shoved right into mine and started to speak. I had a hard time making out the words, so he shook me, bouncing my head against the pillow.

  “Lieutenant, we're going to have to take it off,” the face said.

  Wanting the annoying voice to go away, I just nodded and shut my eyes. The babble of words eventually faded away into darkness and unconsciousness. I felt as I if I was floa
ting away on a cloud. I welcomed the quiet.