by CW Browning
“Transmissions?” Bill glanced up from the microfilm he was examining against the light. “Transmissions from what?”
“I’ve no idea. Coded transmissions, I believe, but he never actually said.” She replaced the insert in the case and closed it, setting it aside before retaking her seat. “He says that Stalin is planning to invade Finland. He thinks it will be soon.”
Bill set down the microfilm and reached for his tea. “Did he say why?”
“He said it was in those transmissions. I read through them on the crossing from Denmark. It certainly appears that they’re planning something, but it gives no indication of where. In fact, it doesn’t even mention a country, just a code phrase. It could be anywhere.”
“Why did Niva think it was Finland?”
“Because Stalin is very unhappy that they’ve refused to concede the territory that he wants.”
Bill was quiet for a moment, drinking his tea thoughtfully.
“What were your impressions of him?” he asked suddenly. “What did you think of him?”
Evelyn thought for a moment.
“I think he’s getting tired of the Soviet regime,” she said slowly. “I think he’s looking for a way out. Perhaps Vladimir suggested to him that England could be a route out of the Soviet Union. I do think he has information he’s willing to give, but I’m not sure how useful or relevant that information may be.”
“Did he mention the possibility of being extracted?”
“Yes. He wants asylum in England.”
Bill nodded, seeming to be unsurprised. Obviously this wasn’t the first time he’d heard that particular request.
“He did say something that has me worried,” she said after a moment, looking down at her tea.
“Oh?”
“Yes. I’m telling you, but I’d rather not mention it tomorrow at the debriefing.” Evelyn looked up, her eyes meeting his. “He mentioned it in a personal conversation, and it wasn’t meant to be forwarded with the rest of the information.”
Bill frowned. “What did he say?”
“That we have a leak in our ship,” she said bluntly. “He said the Soviets have agents embedded in London, and that I was to trust no one here.”
Bill sat back and studied her face. “Do you believe him?”
“Someone knew I was in Oslo as soon as I landed, and it wasn’t because of something I did,” she said with a shrug. “Not only that, but the German SD knew I was there as well. Someone is talking, and that person could very well be here in London. Niva gave me the impression that he knows specifically of men who are well entrenched here, and possibly above suspicion.”
“And you don’t know who you can trust,” Bill finished.
She nodded.
“I’ve not been doing this long enough to know anyone or to have formed opinions, so it’s very difficult for me. As it stands right now, you’re the only one I can honestly say I trust without hesitation. That’s why I’m telling you. I don’t know what I should do with the information.”
“Don’t mention it to anyone else, for starters,” Bill said, leaning forward. “You’ve been frank with me, so I’ll return the favor. I’d already realized there’s a leak here somewhere. When you sent word that you were followed by a Soviet agent in Oslo, I took it to Montclair. He wasn’t entirely convinced. However, when the SD showed up, I think that clinched things. He and I are making inquiries, but it’s a very delicate business. It will take time. We can’t risk alerting the spy to our investigation and losing him altogether. We need to exercise utter discretion.”
“What do you need me to do?” she asked simply.
“Continue as you are. We’re moving you from Scotland to somewhere closer to London after Christmas. The alias of Maggie Richardson is, I think you’ll agree, completely blown. We’re working up a new one, but I am handling it myself. My assistant, whom I trust implicitly, is helping with the details. We’re not going through the usual channels, so when we’re finished, the only people who will have any knowledge of your new cover identity will be ourselves.”
“Not even Montclair?”
“Not even Montclair. That was his idea, by the way. We’ll have a specific code name for you and that is the only name that will be used within the section. He wants to ensure that no more damage is done.”
“What about the others?” Evelyn asked after a moment.
“Just worry about yourself,” Bill advised. “As this war goes on, and it will go on, that will be quite enough. It will be hard enough for you take care of yourself without worrying about other agents as well.”
She looked at him, tilting her head.
“Is there something wrong?” she asked. “Something I should know about?”
Bill hesitated, then sighed.
“I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I think it will only create a false sense of security for you by hiding it. We received news yesterday that two of our agents were captured in Holland and taken into Germany.”
“What?” Evelyn gasped, her eyes wide.
“It occurred weeks ago, on the 9th, but Himmler just released the information yesterday. They were taken at a small border town, Venlo, just five meters from the border with Germany. A Dutch intelligence officer with them was shot and killed.”
“But...how?”
“They had arranged a meeting with a supposed major in the Wehrmacht who was part of a group of conspirators against Hitler. Of course, now we know that he wasn’t, and that the whole thing was a ruse to lure two of our agents to the border. The German press are claiming they were behind the attempt on Hitler’s life earlier this month. Total bollocks, of course.” Bill made a disgusted sound in the back of his throat. “Montclair believes the network in the Netherlands has been infiltrated, but Chamberlain is having none of it, even after this. There’s quite a bit of blame going round, but in the meantime, two of our agents have no doubt been being interrogated for the past few weeks. Lord only knows what they’ve revealed under torture. It’s a complete shambles.”
Evelyn sat back, stunned. “And no one knew? How is that possible?”
“The SD continued to send messages as the conspirators. The other members of the network didn’t communicate that the agents were even missing. It’s doubtful that they even knew. The entire meeting was so closely guarded that only a handful here in London knew about it, and the only ones in Holland who knew about it were the agents themselves.”
“And just like that, they’re in Nazi Germany.” She rubbed her forehead, her skin cold. “And that could have happened to me in Stockholm.”
He nodded soberly.
“And so, you see, you’ll need to be very focused. If anything feels off, go with your gut feelings. Himmler has his spies everywhere, and they are not playing by the rules. Neither should you.”
She nodded and sipped her tea. Reaching for the biscuits, she opened the package and offered him one. He took one with a nod of thanks and she selected one for herself with a hand that was only slightly trembling.
“Did Anna make it back to Oslo?” she asked after a moment.
“She didn’t go back to Oslo.” Bill dunked his biscuit in his tea and took a bite. “She got off the train at the first stop in Norway. Carew had someone meet her and they drove her into the north. She’ll stay there until it’s safe to return to the city.”
Evelyn exhaled. “That’s a relief. I was worried that Renner would pursue her when he couldn’t find me.”
“As far as we can tell, he did. When Anna’s train arrived in Oslo, there were three SD men waiting. Herr Renner arrived by train a few hours later. When he could find no sign of Anna, he left Norway. Carew believes he returned to Germany.”
“I suppose he won’t want me back in Norway any time soon,” she said sheepishly. “I seem to have a caused a good deal of commotion.”
Bill grinned. “I think he rather enjoyed it,” he said.
“That’s the most excitement Oslo’s seen in a long while. And you weren’t the only cause.”
Evelyn raised an eyebrow questioningly. “Oh?”
“I shouldn’t be telling you this either, but Daniel told me you were trying to get information from a couple of scientists there, so I think you’ll find this interesting. He received an anonymous report after you left. It was written by, we believe, a German scientist. We’re calling it the Oslo Report, for lack of a more imaginative name. If the information checks out, it may very well be a God-send for us.”
Evelyn thought of the nervous scientist she’d met who had backed out of their dinner date and smiled.
“It’s amazing that someone had the courage to do it,” she said. “I was to have dinner with a scientist, but when I went, he’d left a note crying off. He was very afraid of the Gestapo and thought having dinner with a reporter without the permission of the Propaganda Ministry could lead to reprisals. I got the impression that most of them were of the same mind.”
“Well, someone went through some lengths to get the information to us. We have people going over the information. At least one if the items has since been proven to be true, so it’s looking quite hopeful. Anyway, as you see, you’re not the only source of excitement for Carew.”
Evelyn grinned. “Even though I cost him one of his best translators?”
Bill chuckled. “I don’t think you cost him anything, my dear. I believe he has plans for Anna, and you facilitated them.”
She thought of the young woman who had been such a great help to her.
“She will make someone an amazing agent,” she said slowly. “I’m glad she’s safe.”
“And I’m glad you’re safe.” Bill finished his tea and picked up the microfilm and roll of papers, tucking them into the inside pocket of his overcoat. “It seems that once again I must extend my apologies. This was supposed to an easy assignment to get your feet wet. It turned out to be anything but.”
Evelyn stood with him and gave him a twisted smile.
“That’s hardly your fault. I’m considering it as on-the-job training,” she told him. “The things I’m learning now may very well save my life another day, so I shan’t complain.”
He nodded and turned to walk with her out of the kitchen and down the hallway to the front door.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, bright and early at nine o’clock. Don’t be late,” he said as they reached the door.
She nodded and reached for the handle.
“Thank you for the groceries. They are very much appreciated.”
“As are you, Jian. Welcome home.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
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4th December, 1939
Dear Evelyn,
It was wonderful to finally hear from you. Have things calmed down a bit now? I can’t imagine being stuck in the highlands for three weeks. I hope the training was worth it. Glad you’re back at your station and able to catch up on the important things - such as writing to me.
Things have been fairly uneventful around here. Flying every day and some nights, waiting for things to get started. All the action in this war seems to be happening everywhere but here. Now Finland is in the thick of it. Did you see that Stalin attacked them? Rather surprising, that. I suppose that means that Norway or Sweden will be next. Somehow, I don’t think this war will be over by Christmas as everyone said, do you?
We did have one bit of excitement the other day. The American had a bit of trouble with his landing gear and was forced to land his plane on its belly. It was rather hair-raising, and I don’t think any of us thought he’d actually pull it off without blowing himself to kingdom come, but the blighter actually managed it! Fantastic flying, or rather landing. The whole thing did make me think that half of flying is really just plain luck. Sobering thought, really.
I’m so glad you’re able to take leave over Christmas. I’m looking forward to seeing you. It’s a shame you and Rob have to be back on station on Boxing Day. He’s put out that the traditional hunt won’t happen, but at least we’ll have Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I was lucky enough to get Boxing Day as well, so I’ll be able to drop in on the pile up in Yorkshire and do the duty to the elders before heading back to the squadron.
You know, when this war does get going, it will be harder to manage meetings like this. If you were closer, we could perhaps meet for dinner occasionally. What are your thoughts on trying for a posting closer to London? It must be tiresome to be so far away in Scotland.
Yours,
FO Miles Lacey
RAF Duxford
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Christmas Eve, 1939
The train rocked to a stop in the station as Evelyn made her way down the aisle to the door, a single case in her hand. The conductor nodded to her with a smile.
“Happy Christmas, miss,” he said, touching his cap. “Watch your step now.”
“Thank you. Enjoy your Christmas!”
She held onto the vertical railing on the side of the door with one hand while she looked out over the platform, searching for Rob. After missing her original train from Scotland, she’d had to catch a later one, and she was a full four hours later than anyone expected. Rob had been going to pick her up from the earlier train, but she had no idea if anyone had come to meet this one.
Not seeing her brother in the crowds waiting on the platform, Evelyn moved down to the last step above the platform. Just before stepping off the train, she looked up again and her breath caught in her throat. A little flutter of butterflies stirred in her belly as a rush of excitement went through her.
Miles was making his way through the throng, standing a full head over those around him. He was dressed in his RAF blues with a spotted blue silk neckerchief tied carelessly around his throat, looking rakishly elegant despite being in uniform. He caught sight of her just as she looked up and a smile curved his full lips.
“Ahem!”
Evelyn started as a woman cleared her throat behind her. Murmuring an apology over her shoulder, she stepped off the train quickly and moved towards Miles.
“Hallo!” he greeted her, reaching for her suitcase. “You finally made it!”
“At last!” she agreed with a laugh, looking up into his sparkling green eyes. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Where’s Robbie?”
“I offered to come collect you,” he said, turning to walk beside her. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not! It’s lovely to see you. When did you arrive?”
“Rob and I drove up from London and got here just in time for lunch.” He glanced down at her. “We all thought you were getting in earlier. When you weren’t on the train, Rob decided you’d missed it. Did you?”
Evelyn laughed sheepishly. “Yes, I’m afraid so. I got caught up with work and had to wait for the next one. I thought I’d never get here.”
“Never mind. You’re here now.”
His voice rolled over her warmly and Evelyn felt a rush of warmth go through her as she realized that this was what she’d been looking forward to all week. It wasn’t spending Christmas with her family, although she was happy to do that as well, but it was the anticipation of seeing the sparkling green eyes that had haunted her for two months. And the reality was far better than she’d expected.
They walked out of the station and a blast of icy wind greeted them. Evelyn gasped and tucked her arm through his, leaning closer to him with a shiver.
“Please tell me you have a car here,” she said, hunching her shoulders.
“I have a car here,” he replied promptly, steering her to the parking area to the right. “And it has a heater.”
“Thank goodness!”
He looked down at her and pulled her closer as another shiver went through her.
“Perhaps next time you’ll remember your coat,” he said with a grin.
> She shot him a disgruntled look. “You’re not wearing one,” she pointed out.
“I’m not the one shivering with cold.”
“I did bring it, actually, but it’s in my case. It was unbearably warm on the train. Tell me, am I the last one to arrive?”
“I’m afraid so. Your mother was starting to fret that you weren’t coming.” Miles grinned. “Your brother didn’t help matters when he offered the theory that your train had derailed.”
“He didn’t!”
“He did. Don’t worry. Mr. Buckley managed to convince her that you weren’t laying in a ditch somewhere.”
“Bill and Marguerite are there too? Oh wonderful! It’s just like...” Evelyn’s voice trailed off suddenly and Miles looked at her.
“Like what?”
She shrugged and shook her head. “I was going to say it’s just like last year, but of course it’s not,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to coming home and Dad not being here.”
He squeezed her arm gently. “Perhaps not, but it will get easier,” he said softly. “Or so I’m told.”
“I do hope so.” Evelyn raised her eyebrows as they approached a low, green two-seater Jaguar SS100. “Is this yours?”
“Yes.”
“It’s beautiful!”
“Do you like it?” He opened the passenger door for her. “That’s right. I forgot you said you like fast cars.”
She laughed and got in, twinkling up at him. “And reckless pilots.”
He grinned and winked. “That I didn’t forget.”
He closed the door and walked around the back to set her case in the small luggage boot. When he got behind the wheel, Evelyn smiled at him.