by CW Browning
“If it is, then Henry is the one who alerted them to her presence in Oslo in November.”
“Yes.”
“Are there any clues to his position in London?”
“None. MI5 can’t discern anything about the man other than the fact that he resides in London.”
Bill was silent for a moment, then he pushed back his chair and got up restlessly.
“And we know that he holds a position of some note within the government,” he said slowly. “It’s not much, but it’s something. As you say, we’re further along than we were.”
“When Jian gets back, make sure that she’s aware of the development as well as the name.” Jasper stood up. “The more people we have looking for Henry, the better.”
“And MI5?”
“They’ve passed the whole thing over to us. GC&CS will forward all future messages to me.” He turned towards the door. “In the meantime, continue to keep all Jian’s operations as close as possible. Once we’re sure he’s as much in the dark as everyone else, we can begin releasing false information and see where it leads us. But let’s make sure we’ve plugged all the holes before we start flooding the boat.”
Bill nodded. “I will.”
“Now, for God’s sake, get out of here and go to dinner with your wife. There’s nothing more that can be done for any of them today.” Jasper paused at the door and looked over at him. “If anything comes in from Norway, you’ll be notified immediately?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” He opened the door. “The rest is in the hands of Providence, then.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
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Somewhere near Leinstrand, Norway
April 11
Evelyn grimaced as she thrust her hands into the freezing water of a small stream that ran across the corner of the clearing. She cupped up water and splashed it on her face, shivering violently as the icy water hit her skin.
“At least it is clean water,” Anna said beside her.
They were kneeling next to the stream as the gray light of dawn streaked the sky above. The night before, exhausted and near to falling over, the group had come across a small farm in the lower hills. After scouting the area for any signs of enemy forces, Erik had approached the house and knocked on the door. After a short discussion, he returned to tell them that the farm was owned by an older couple who had agreed to allow them to take refuge in their shed overnight. The party had been overjoyed to find an ancient, wood-burning stove inside that still worked. The man had brought out firewood for them and a pile of blankets. When he saw Anna and Evelyn, he seemed startled until Erik explained it was his sister. Upon hearing that, the man had visibly relaxed and gone away again, wishing them all a good rest.
Evelyn had never been so grateful for rough woolen blankets and a wood stove in all her life. Erik had kept up a grueling pace, stopping only when absolutely necessary. By the time they came upon this farm, she was convinced that she couldn’t go another step. She had been completely exhausted, and so cold that her limbs had ceased to have any feeling in them. Once she and Anna were huddled together beneath the blankets near the stove, the feeling had slowly returned to her legs and feet. And so had excruciating pain. Her feet, raw from hiking in loafers not meant for rough terrain, had swelled as soon as she removed the shoes. This morning she had fished in her suitcase for thicker socks and resolutely put the loafers back on, ignoring the pain. There was nothing else she could do.
“Grrrrgh, that’s cold!” Anna gasped, splashing water on her face.
“Anna!” Erik called from behind them.
They turned to find him standing near the shed with a plump, older woman dressed in a long skirt with an apron tied around her. He motioned for them to come and Anna looked at Evelyn.
“That must be the farmer’s wife,” she said, standing. She picked up her suitcase beside her. “Come on. Let’s go see what’s going on.”
Evelyn stood up, grimacing again as she picked up her bag and began walking back towards Erik and the older woman.
“Are you all right?” Anna asked, catching the expression.
“I’m fine.”
Anna looked skeptical but remained silent.
“Anna, this is Mrs. Hansen,” Erik said as they approached. “Mrs. Hansen, this is my sister, Anna, and her friend, Marlene.”
“Good morning,” the woman said with a smile and a nod. “My husband just told me you were part of the group that took shelter in our shed.”
“Thank you for allowing us to camp in there,” Anna said with a smile. “The stove and blankets were very much appreciated.”
“Yes, it was very kind,” Evelyn agreed. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I came out to ask if you would like to wash up in the house? That stream is freezing and you’ll catch cold. Come. We have hot water and a tub where you can wash properly.”
Anna looked at Erik and he nodded.
“Go. We will wait. Just don’t take too long.”
“Oh, that would be lovely!” Evelyn exclaimed. “Are you sure you don’t mind?” she asked the woman.
“Yes, yes, come!” She turned to lead the way to the farmhouse some distance away. “It is no trouble.”
“Thank you again,” Anna said.
“Please. These are frightening days. If we don’t help each other, then we’re no better than the Germans,” Mrs. Hansen said. “How do you come to be with your brother’s unit?”
“I’m from Oslo and we fled when the German ships were coming into the fjord. We worked at an embassy there. We didn’t really know where to go, so we just went north. When our car broke down near Grindal, Erik found us.”
“Oslo!” She looked surprised. “You don’t sound like you’re from the city.” She looked at Evelyn. “You do,” she added with a nod, “but you don’t.”
“I grew up near Trollheiman,” Anna said.
“Ah! That explains it.” Mrs. Hansen beamed. “Are your parents still there?”
“Yes.”
They came to the back of the house and Mrs. Hansen led them inside. They stepped into a narrow corridor that led into a large and sunny kitchen. The smell of coffee filled the air, and Evelyn’s stomach rumbled in response.
“Please. Sit down,” Mrs. Hansen said, motioning to a round wooden table. “The tub is in the back room, through there. Mr. Hansen is filling it with hot water now. It’s not much, but it is better than an icy stream, no?”
“Heaps better!” Anna agreed, sinking into a chair at the table.
“You can take turns once he’s finished.” Mrs. Hansen turned to the counter. “And while you’re waiting, you will have some breakfast.”
“Oh no!” Evelyn protested despite the growling in her stomach. “We couldn’t impose on you any further.”
The woman waved her protest away and turned to set two steaming cups of coffee before them.
“Don’t be silly,” she said briskly. “You will eat something before you start off again.”
“The water’s ready.” Mr. Hansen emerged from the door at the back of the kitchen, nodding to the women at the table. “Good morning. I hope you slept all right out there.”
“We did. Thank you for allowing us to use the shed.”
“Now, there is a stack of clean towels next to the tub,” Mrs. Hansen said, “and soap is on the shelf.”
Anna looked at Evelyn.
“Would you like to go, or shall I?”
“You go first,” Evelyn said, picking up her coffee. “I’ll enjoy my coffee.”
Anna grinned and got up, picking up her case and turning towards the door. “I’ll be quick,” she promised over her shoulder.
She disappeared into the room and closed the door, leaving Evelyn alone with Mr. and Mrs. Hansen.
“I’ll take coffee to the men outside,” Mr. Hansen said.
“
I’ve put it all on that tray there,” Mrs. Hansen said, motioning to a square, handled tray. “Be careful.”
He nodded and picked up the tray, turning to go out of the kitchen. Mrs. Hansen watched him go, then carried a thick brown loaf of bread over to the table.
Evelyn sipped her coffee, looking around the comfortable kitchen.
“This is a lovely kitchen,” she said. “How long have you lived here?”
“Oh, over forty years now,” Mrs. Hansen replied with a smile. “We came here just after we married.”
“Do you have children?”
“Three daughters and a son. They are all grown now and married.” She went back to the long counter along the wall and picked up a plate with yellow cheese. “None of them live far.”
“You’re very kind to be so generous to us.”
Mrs. Hansen smiled and shook her head.
“I would not be able to sleep knowing that I had a chance to help someone and chose not to,” she said. “The coming days will be hard enough. My husband said you’re trying to reach the Norwegian army?”
“Erik is, yes. He’s trying to rejoin his unit. When the invasion began, they were scattered.”
“And you?”
Evelyn shrugged. “I am trying to reach the Swedish border,” she lied.
The older woman looked at her for a moment, then pushed the bread and cheese closer to her.
“Eat something,” she urged, sitting across from her. “You won’t get very far if you don’t eat.” She watched as Evelyn smiled and reached for the brown bread. “Are you on foot the whole way?”
“Yes.”
She shook her head and frowned. “You are not dressed for that. There is more snow coming. You will freeze in those clothes. Don’t you have anything warmer with you?”
Evelyn swallowed and shook her head. “No. I’m afraid when we left Oslo, we weren’t expecting to be going by foot. We were in a car, but it broke down.”
Mrs. Hansen was silent for a long moment, then she reached out and patted Evelyn’s hand.
“I’ll be right back. You eat, and drink your coffee,” she said, pushing herself up out of the chair and turning to leave the kitchen. “There is more cheese at the side there if you finish that.”
Evelyn watched her go and reached for another slice of bread. Her stomach was still rumbling, but the bread was thick and hearty, and the cheese rich and smooth. She bit into another piece, grateful for the coffee and the food. The basket of food that Else had packed for them had been finished last evening, leaving them at the mercy of whatever they could find in the mountains as they went. She thought suddenly of home and of the large breakfasts served in her parents dining room. Eggs, thick rashers of bacon and ham accompanied by toast smothered with rich, creamy butter were standard fare on most mornings, and Evelyn suddenly felt very far from home. Would she ever get back?
A wave of desperate melancholy rolled over her, robbing her of breath, and she set down her half-eaten bread and cheese. Raising trembling hands, she covered her face and took a deep, ragged breath. What if she didn’t make it to Namsos in time? What if she was stranded in Norway? She would be forced to remain with Anna, putting her in danger, until she could find a way across the Swedish border. Every hour that she spent with Anna was another hour that could lead the Gestapo to them both. If the Germans suspected Anna of helping a British agent, there would be nowhere she could hide that would be safe.
Evelyn dropped her hands, staring across the kitchen blindly. She couldn’t do that to Anna. Not after everything the woman had already done to help her. If she didn’t make it to Namsos in time, she would part company with Anna and find her own way. The prospect was a terrifying one, but she saw no other alternative. She would have to make her way to the border and try to find a way across it. She could change her appearance, and her Norwegian was apparently strong enough not to raise any questions in the local populace if Mr. and Mrs. Hansen were anything to go by. She could find a way. She would have to.
Reaching for her coffee, Evelyn took a long, steadying breath. Everything would be all right. She would figure it out.
She was just finishing her third piece of bread and cheese when Anna opened the door and came back into the kitchen dressed in clean clothes and looking refreshed.
“That was heavenly,” she announced, dropping into her seat and reaching for her coffee. “The water’s still hot, but you’d better hurry.”
Evelyn nodded and pushed her chair back to stand. She was just heading for the back room when Mrs. Hansen returned with a stack of clothing in one arm and a pair of sturdy brown boots hanging from her hand.
“One of my daughters is about your size,” she said, nodding to Evelyn. “Or at least, she used to be. These are some of her old clothes. There’s a pair of warm pants and a sweater, and a few shirts. Try them on. If they fit, take them. They will keep you warmer than that skirt will. I also found these boots. If they fit, please take them as well.”
She handed Evelyn the boots and a stack of clothing, keeping a few of the sweaters. Those she handed to Anna. “I thought these might fit you,” she said. “You’re more of a size with my oldest. This is all that is left here of hers.”
“Oh, we couldn’t!” Anna exclaimed. “Really, this isn’t necessary!”
“Please take them! If they fit, make use of them. They will do you more good now than they will sitting in a trunk upstairs indefinitely.”
Evelyn stared down at the pants and boots. “This is very kind of you,” she said. “You must let me give you something in return.”
Mrs. Hansen shooed her towards the back room.
“Don’t be silly. Go and try them on. I hope the boots fit you. Those shoes you’re wearing will do you no good on foot through the mountains. Go now!”
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Evelyn looked up when a knock fell on the door fifteen minutes later.
“Marlene? Can I come in?” Anna called.
“Yes.”
The door opened and Anna poked her head around it cautiously, then smiled and came in when she found Evelyn fully dressed in the pants and one of the sweaters.
“Oh they fit!” she exclaimed. “Good!”
“Yes. The pants are a little large, but nothing a belt didn’t fix,” Evelyn said, looking down at the heavy work pants and warm sweater. “I feel like a bit of a fool, but this is much more appropriate to hiking through trees and underbrush.”
“Yes, it is.” She tilted her head. “And you don’t look like a fool. You look like a woman who works on a farm. There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it is perfect if we do end up running into German soldiers. They won’t have any clue that you’re not a Norwegian.”
“Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that,” Evelyn said, sitting on a stool and reaching for the clean pair of socks she had pulled out of her suitcase. She looked up sharply when Anna let out a loud gasp. “What?”
“Your...your feet!” Anna stammered, staring at her feet in horror.
Evelyn followed her gaze and grimaced. Her feet did look terrible. They were red and bleeding where several blisters had formed, burst, and then been rubbed raw by the walking yesterday.
“Yes. I sincerely hope the boots fit.” She pulled on her socks, covering the sight and reached for the boots. “If they don’t, I dread to think what my feet will look like by tonight.”
“You can’t walk like that!” Anna exclaimed. “Why didn’t you say something?”
“What good will it do?” she demanded, looking up. “I have to get to Namsos, and this is the only way.”
“But...you won’t be able to walk at all if you continue!”
“I don’t have a choice, Anna. I must. They feel much better since I washed them in warm water.”
“Wait.” Anna turned towards the door. “I’ll see if Mrs. Hansen has any kind of bandages. We can at least wrap them to protect
the worst parts.”
“It’s fine!” Evelyn protested. “Don’t bother her! She’s already done too much!”
But Anna was already gone and she knew it was useless to argue. Once the kind woman with the big heart heard she was injured, there would be no stopping her. She let out a loud sigh and slid her right foot into one of the boots to see if it fit. She let out another sigh, this time one of relief, when her foot nestled comfortably in the old work boot. It fit. Thank God!
She slid the left one on and stood up gingerly, surprised when a dull throbbing was the only protest her poor feet made. She would try to pay the Hansen’s for the boots. It was worth any price not to have to put those loafers on again!
“She had some linen and some salve.” Anna was back, followed closely by Mrs. Hansen. “What are you doing? Do the boots fit?”
“Yes, they do.” Evelyn looked at Mrs. Hansen. “They’re perfect. You must let me pay you for them.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” she said, shaking her head. “They were sitting in a trunk, doing nothing. You have need of them. Now, take them off again and let’s take care of your feet. Anna says you have blisters all over them.”
“It’s quite all right,” Evelyn said, dropping back onto the stool.
“It’s not quite all right,” Anna said briskly. “Use the salve and wrap them up. Trust me. I grew up with this stuff. It works miracles.”
“It does,” Mrs. Hansen agreed, unscrewing the lid to a short, fat tub. “Though it smells terrible.”
Evelyn took off the boots and her socks and reached for the tub of salve. She knew when she was outnumbered. It was useless to protest. The quicker she did as they asked, the quicker they could be on their way.
“Oh goodness!” Mrs. Hansen gasped when she saw the raw and bleeding skin. “How were you walking around?”
“I’m stubborn,” Evelyn replied, wrinkling her nose as she scooped out the foul-smelling salve. “Ugh!”