by Carly Smesh
Shaun climbed out of the Jeep, crossing over to Tim's. "Take your Jeep about 500 yards over there," he indicated with his hand, "when I open fire that will be your signal. I'll fire the Verity pistol that will be the signal to break off and to return to base." When he returned to his Jeep, he saw Titch setting up the mortar. He'd parked the Jeep side-on to the road, allowing Shaun and Jack a clear field of fire.
Shaun was scanning the now empty road through his 10x50 binoculars. They heard the trucks before they came into view. The first six were transport trucks, but behind them were two fuel tankers, followed by more transport trucks.
"Wait until there descending the escarpment," Shaun murmured to Jack, who just nodded.
The tankers had slowed to navigate the bend of the escarpment road when Shaun gave the order. The boom, boom, boom of the big 50, rang out as Shaun raked the trucks behind them. He heard the whoomf of the mortar going off. There was a sudden explosion as one of the tankers exploded sending a flaming river of fuel down the road, which ignited the trucks in front. Men were leaping from the trucks trying to find shelter. Shaun changed his magazines as the second tanker exploded creating a tidal wave of flaming fuel running down the hill. Jack swung the 50 round and commenced firing on the trucks that Shaun hadn't fired on yet. Then the sky lit up with a massive explosion as an ammunition truck exploded down near Tim's Jeep. Some of the enemy had taken shelter behind the road and were firing rifles at them. Shaun concentrated on them with the Vickers as Jack racked the trucks setting a number on fire. Titch had used up his mortar shells and was clipping the mortar back into place on the Jeep.
"Nearly out of ammo, Boss," Jack warned.
"Time to be going I think," Shaun said as he fired the Verity pistol.
When they reached the Wadi the men jumped down to move some of the boulders to restrict access through it before carrying on to the cave. Before leaving, Titch unclipped the sand guards.
They sat around the burner drinking tea as they compared notes on the action. Tim claimed 26 trucks, six of which were destroyed by the ammunition blast. Shaun's tally was two tankers and 19 trucks, Titch claiming three with his mortar. Before bedding down for the night Jack organised for two men to take lookout at first light.
The lookout being relieved, reported no activity the next day, which surprised Shaun. He could only surmise that Rommel wanted no interference with the momentum of his attack.
Throughout April they carried ten attacks, culminating in eight fuel bowsers destroyed and 78 trucks. The enemy were forced to start using trucks loaded with fuel in Jerry cans.
Shaun was checking on ammunition and provisions realising they were now running short. He consulted with Tim, "I think it's time we returned to the Oasis, we need to resupply."
Tim stroked his beard, "Well I'm all in favour of anything that gives me a chance of a shower and shave."
They set off the following day after making sure nothing could be traced to the cave being occupied.
Four days later they pulled up at the Oasis. Ted was on hand to welcome them back. Inside his tent, he poured out two stiff drinks for them.
"You chaps deserve this, cheers," he said. "Intelligence has confirmed the wonton destruction of General Rommel's transports. But was unaware of who by until Captain Silverman informed them," Ted said chuckling, "I'm going to send out Bobby and Bill to re supply the cave. In the meantime, you can have a five days leave in Cairo. At the moment, Rommel is stalled just outside Tobruk, but it's feared he won't stay there long."
Shaun made his weary way to his tent and collapsed onto the cot. He knew he stank and needed a shower and shave but more than that he needed sleep.
He woke up five hours later. After peeling off the clothes he'd worn for over a month, he left the tent for the showers. He noticed the snores emanating from the patrol tents as he passed. They were all worn out he knew. The constant strain of being behind enemy lines drained a man, although none would admit to it.
Chapter 23
Shaun dumped his valise on the ottoman and picked up the telephone. A strange voice answered. "Could I speak to Second Officer Silverman please?" he inquired.
"I'm sorry, but she's over at headquarters, can I give her a message?"
"Oh yes, would you tell her Captain Ramage is at the Nile Palace." The voice said she would and the line went dead.
He met up with Tim and they both went down to the dining room where they ordered steaks with all the trimmings. They may not have been to the quality of Sharon's restaurant but after bullied beef they tasted fantastic. Tim told Shaun he had been able to get a hold of Ann and she was coming over after getting off duty.
Shaun got a taxi to the military tailors and ordered four new shirts and three pairs of slacks and shorts, the ones he had worn on the last mission had been burnt. He returned to the hotel. Finding no messages for him from reception, he made for the bar and ordered a large vodka and tonic.
He was on his third when she rushed into the bar. Forgetting protocol she flung herself into his arms. "Darling, I've only just heard you were back, I returned to the flat and the office phoned through with your message," she managed to say before he kissed her.
She sat down and he ordered her a drink. She was looking at him, "You've lost weight," she said concerned.
He chuckled, "Army rations are not designed to put weight on."
She smiled, "I know what you have been up to, Dad kept me informed," she whispered.
"Well you have me for five days. What do you think we should do?"
She smiled shyly "Why don't we go to your room and discuss it?"
He lay on his back with his chest heaving, perspiration covering his forehead. He glanced at her, an enigmatic smile covered her face. "You look like the cat who swallowed the cream," he murmured. She rolled over on to her tummy and kissed his forehead, "Salty" she whispered, rolling out of bed and walking to the bathroom.
"When you're dressed, we'll go and get you a steak at Giza and put some meat on your ribs," she called from the bathroom. He didn't have the heart to tell her he had already had one.
They sat in the restaurant gazing at one another, "God but I've missed you," he whispered.
She smiled, "It's been hell knowing where you were, and what you were up against. Each day worrying if anything had gone wrong."
He took her hand from across the table, "Sharon, please don't worry. I'm indestructible."
She smiled again, "I've just thought, I dashed out without my overnight bag, I'll have to use your tooth brush," she chuckled.
They stepped out in to the street, walking towards the main road to find a taxi. They had only gone a few yards when some instinct warned Shaun. He looked back and saw four Arabs detach themselves from an ally way, walking menacingly towards them. He bent down and retrieved the PPK from the ankle holster as the Arabs broke into a run brandishing evil looking knives. He pushed Sharon behind him as he fired. He dropped two with two shots, then felt a shearing pain down his right shoulder. He spun around to find a fifth Arab who had suddenly grown a third eye in the centre of his forehead as he crumpled to the road. Sharon had a small silver automatic pistol in her hand. She fired again as the other two Arabs bolted back the way they had come from.
"Bugger," he groaned, "I've only worn this uniform five times," he said as everything turned black.
When he came to he was in a hospital bed with a drip stand beside him, Sharon was sitting by the bed holding his hand. "Hello, fancy meeting you here," he mumbled.
She looked up, relief etched into her face. "Now be quite, you lost a lot of blood and need to rest."
"Where exactly am I?" He mumbled.
"You're in the military hospital, they had to put in ten stitches to sew you up again, you lost the blood waiting for help to arrive."
He nodded "How long have you been carrying a gun?" he asked.
She smiled "Since I was sixteen, I'm not a bad shot either," she said proudly.
He chuckled, "I'm sure the guy with
the third eye would testify to that."
Just then the door opened and Captain Silverman walked in, "I see you are back amongst us, Captain Ramage. I've spoken to the doctor, he says you'll not be able to use your arm for at least two weeks."
"He'll have to revise his schedule, I've a patrol to lead in six days," Shaun replied.
Silverman smiled, "I don't think you have to worry about that at the moment, as your injury is not life threatening they'll keep you in overnight for observation then release you tomorrow. Sharon will take you back to the flat and keep an eye on you. I've given her six days leave." Shaun looked surprised at the Captain.
"It seems you mean a lot to my daughter," Silverman grinned, "I'll be seeing you before you return to the Oasis."
After he had gone, he turned to Sharon, "So he knows about us?" he stammered.
She smiled pushing his hair back over his forehead, "I tell him everything. What's more, he approves of my choice of you."
* * *
Sharon helped him into the lift, he was wearing a sling around his neck. The hospital had loaned him a dressing gown which he wore over his slacks. Sharon had said she would visit the tailors to get a new uniform jacket made for him and pick up his other order.
She took him through to the bedroom, "Right, in you get, and you are to rest no exertion at all." "We'll see about that young lady," he said trying to grab her.
"Shaun, I mean it," she said firmly.
She unpacked the bag she had brought from the hospital, putting the dressings to one side and taking out his blood stained uniform jacket. "I'll have it cleaned and repaired," she murmured. She then removed the Walther PPK and ankle holster putting them at the side of the bed. "I'm going to make you some chicken soup, Mum always claimed it cured all medical maladies."
***
For two days she would not let him get out of bed, except to go to the toilet. She slept in her father's room. She dressed the wound, bathed him and shaved him with a safety razor. When he asked if it was her father's, she had replied that it was hers. "What do you need a razor for?" he had asked.
She gave him an old fashion look and murmured, "I changed the blade silly." It took a few moments for him to fully realise what she meant.
She had collected his valise from the hotel after visiting the tailor. On the third morning, he collected his cutthroat razor from the valise and went into the bathroom. The shoulder was stiff and sore, but being left handed didn't prove a problem to shaving. After washing and cleaning his teeth, he dressed and went into the kitchen to make tea.
She must have heard the noise because she came hurrying in, the cotton dressing gown hiding her nakedness. "Shaun, you should be in bed," she said angrily.
"Darling, if I stay in bed any longer you'll be treating bed sores." Resigned, Sharon sat down while he poured out her tea.
"That gun you used, it's a .22 isn't it?"
She nodded, "Why do you ask?"
He stood up and walked into his bedroom, returning with the PPK and holster. "If you have to carry a gun at least have one with a little more clout," he murmured, handing it to her.
"But it's yours darling," she protested.
"I can easily get another one," he replied. He showed her how to remove the magazine and explained the features of the weapon, ending by giving her the two spare magazines he had carried in the valise.
"I won't need the holster, I'll carry it in my handbag."
"I'll need to go back to the hotel to see Tim and explain things," he told her.
She nodded understanding, "I have to do some shopping for food, so I can drop you off from the taxi."
Still wearing the arm sling, Shaun entered the foyer. He asked at reception for them to ring Lieutenant Morris's room. Ann answered, and he quickly explained that he needed to talk with Tim down in the foyer.
Tim came hurrying in, his face betrayed the shock of seeing him with the arm sling. Shaun explained about the incident and what the doctors.
"Tim, I'm returning with you to the oasis, you'll have to pick me up," he handed over Sharon's address, "but Shaun, you are in no state to lead the patrol," Tim protested.
"In case it escaped you, that's an order Lieutenant," Shaun said firmly.
He stopped at reception to pay his bill, and the receptionist informed him that there was a message for him. Would he ring Captain Silverman's office giving him the number. The girl at the end of the line asked him if it was convenient to call into the office. Shaun said he could call in right now if that was okay.
Chapter 24
The pretty Wren secretary, admitted him in to Silverman's office. He was sat behind his desk in navel whites. He came from around the desk with his hand extended.
"Captain Ramage, thank you for coming," he indicated for Shaun to pull up a chair.
Once Shaun was seated, he began, "When I couldn't reach you at the flat, I guessed you would be at the hotel, hence the message." He looked keenly at Shaun, "You intend to return to the Oasis?"
Shaun nodded "Yes Sir".
Silverman nodded slowly, "I thought you would, and how's the arm?"
Shaun smiled, "It's fine Sir," he said lying.
"Shaun, I hope you don't mind me calling you that?" he asked.
"Not at all Sir," he replied.
Silverman smiled again. "Shaun, I applaud your keenness to get back into the fight, but you are not going to be much use to your men if you can't function correctly."
"I'm quite confident that I can lead my patrol, Sir," he replied forcefully.
Silverman spread his fingers, "So be it then. There has been others out there harassing Rommel, the LRDG and the SAS. Unfortunately they have sustained casualties partly due to the effect of not being prepared as Z patrol was."
His voice lowered, "Shaun, I think you know that Sharon is in love with you, I would hate for her to suffer the heartache she underwent when Peter died, again." Shaun made no reply but slowly nodded.
When he returned to the flat, Sharon was beside herself with anger. "Where the hell have you been I've been worried sick?"
He put his left arm around her and kissed her. "I had some things to attend too. Sharon, I'm going back the day after tomorrow." She started to protest, but he held her. "Darling please understand, they are my men, we're a family, in fact we a closer than family, we each hold the others' lives in our hands. I can't let them go out without me being there for them."
She pulled away and sat on the couch tears appearing I her eyes. "When you collapsed into the road I thought he had killed you. I froze as if he had killed me. Shaun, for one moment my life stopped."
He moved over to sit by her side, "I'm a hard man to kill. Look darling, I want to get this war over with so I can make an honest woman of you." She smiled through her tears, and kissed him.
She made him remove his shirt, then cleaned and redressed the wound. "Will they be able to remove the stitches at your base?"
He nodded, "Cookie will be able to do it," he replied.
She cleared away the dressings then went into the kitchen. Shaun knew she would have to come to terms with herself regarding his decision to return to the Oasis. He moved into the bedroom and began to pack some of his clothes into the valise.
Later over dinner, he noticed she seemed brighter. "Have you any brothers or sisters?" He asked. She nodded, "An elder brother, Aron, he's in fighter command in England."
"So he's a pilot?" Shaun asked.
She shook her head "No he works on interception using some hush, hush electronic equipment."
"What about you, do you have any?" She asked.
He smiled, "No, my parents realised they couldn't improve on perfection," he replied with a straight face.
She burst into laughter, "You conceited idiot, for that you can do the washing up."
He looked hurt at her, "But I'm a poor wounded soldier," he said plaintively.
She stood up, "If you are fit enough to go back, then you're fit enough to resume all your duties," she asked,
as she started to remove her dress.
She lay across his chest, her body giving uncontrollable shudders as she recovered. Shaun had his arm around her, kissing her long neck. She lifted her head to look at him, "You still have to do the washing up," she whispered.
Sharon helped him to dry wearing her cotton dressing gown to cover her nakedness. He was only wearing his underpants. When they had finished, she moved to the cabinet to pour out drinks for them as he collapsed onto the couch. She handed him his drink then curled up beside him, the dressing gown gapped open.
A thought struck him, "Sharon, we've not been taking precautions when we make love? I could make you pregnant," he said alarmed.
She chuckled, "Now you worry, it's a good job that I take it seriously. You are not likely to become a father because I take precautions."
He frowned, "What do you use?"
She looked up at him seeing the concern in his face. "It's something my mother told me about when Peter and I became serious."
"Oh," he murmured, he hesitated before continuing. "How do I compare with Peter?"
She saw he was in earnest. "We were both very young, I was only nineteen and he was twenty. He was very shy and sweet. We would touch each other but never go the whole way. Then, the week before he shipped out, we did it. Looking back it was laughable, we didn't really know what to do. But somehow we got there. We made love three times before he left."
She paused, "You on the other hand, knew exactly what to do. I suspect that you have practiced in your past life." She chuckled, stroking his face, "When we make love, you make me feel like a complete woman. Does that answer your question?"
That night they slept in his bed just holding each other, feeling the warmth of each other's bodies.
The next morning she slipped out early to collect his repaired uniform jacket. After helping him to dress they had breakfast. "So what would you like to do today?" he asked.
She smiled and shook her head "I'm easy, what would you like to do?"