‘See if you can pick that up again, Eileen. It might be clearer another time.’ Alex placed a hand on Stan’s shoulder. ‘Stay for dinner and leave in the morning.’
‘I would appreciate some company this evening, and I couldn’t refuse another of Jane’s excellent meals. Thanks, Alex. Now I need to get out of here.’
‘Let’s walk in the grounds. It’s a lovely day.’
The warmth of the sun and the sound of birds singing were soothing. They walked in silence and Stan gathered his thoughts. That brief message had only told him that someone he didn’t know had sent it. Someone who shouldn’t have had knowledge of the Jesters, unless Bill or Grace had told them, which was highly unlikely. That pointed to the worst scenario possible. They could have been caught by the Gestapo. If that was the case he could only pray they died quickly.
‘Are you all right?’ Alex asked, breaking the silence.
Stan nodded and drew in a deep breath. ‘Just thinking things through. I now have confirmation that their mission went terribly wrong, and I must accept they won’t be coming back. I can’t delay any longer. They must now be listed as missing, presumed dead, as soon as I return to Aldershot. I will tell the families personally.’
‘I don’t envy you that task.’
‘It will be hard, but it’s something I must do myself. I’ll contact my driver and leave first thing in the morning.’
Breaking the news to Bill’s family had been bad enough, but he was dreading this. He had left it until the evening to be sure both of Grace’s parents would be at home. He knocked on the door.
As soon as Ted opened the door, he introduced himself.
‘May I come in, please? I have something to tell you.’
Ted nodded and Stan followed him to the kitchen where Jean was preparing dinner.
‘This is Major General Haydon, my dear.’
She wiped her hands, and smiling, shook his hand. ‘Oh, Grace works for you. Would you like a cup of tea?’
‘Jean.’ Ted took his wife’s arm and made her sit down. ‘I don’t think this is a social call. He has something to tell us.’
He’s already guessed I’m bringing bad news, Stan thought, frowning.
‘Oh?’ She glanced from one man to the other, noting their sombre expression, and turned pale as the realisation hit her. ‘Grace …?’
‘We’ve been worried because we haven’t heard from her for a while, and that is not like her. Tell it straight, sir.’
‘Grace was asked to carry out a certain task and readily agreed. It is my painful duty to tell you that both Grace and a captain are officially missing, presumed dead.’
‘That means you don’t know for sure,’ Ted said huskily, putting his arm around his shaking wife’s shoulders.
‘Correct. I have delayed bringing you this sad news in the hope they would be found. They should have returned by the end of June at the latest.’
‘Returned from where?’ Jean asked, tears rolling down her face. ‘Where did she go?’
‘I can’t tell you that, but I can assure you we will continue trying to find out what has happened. The moment there is any news I will come and tell you. Grace has shown great courage and you can be proud of her. I know, at this time, such words are meaningless, but they are true.’
Stan left the grieving parents and got back into the waiting car. Wherever he went today he was leaving behind heartbreak, and there was still one more to go – George Askew. How he needed a drink!
He also needed to get this unpleasant task completed today and, as luck would have it, he saw George near his office when they arrived back at Aldershot. He got out of the car.
‘Could you come to my office, George, I need to speak to you.’
‘Ah, there you are. I have been looking for you. Good Lord, man, you look rough. Tough day?’
‘Couldn’t be worse!’ Once in the office, Stan poured two generous glasses of whisky and took a good swig.
George watched, leaving his own drink untouched.
‘Where is Grace?’ he asked firmly.
‘Bill and Grace are missing, presumed dead.’ Stan drained his glass, not knowing what kind of reaction he would get from George.
‘I see. Have her parents been told?’
‘I’ve just come from there. I’m sure they’d appreciate a visit from you.’
‘I’ll do that.’ He took a sip of the drink and then slammed the glass down. ‘What the hell happened?’
‘I can’t give you details—’
‘Don’t give that security rubbish! Start talking.’
It didn’t take Stan long to relate what little he knew. ‘We’ll keep looking, of course. Arrangements have been made to get another operative into that area to see what they can find out.’
‘Wipe that “but” out of your voice, Stan, and don’t give up just yet. I’m sure Bill is an expert at avoiding capture, and Grace is very resourceful. They won’t give up easily.’
‘I’m well aware of that, but you have to admit the signs are not good.’
‘No, they are not! You find them, Stan, and keep me informed.’ George stood up. ‘I’ll have to tell Dan.’
When George left the office, Stan poured himself another stiff whisky. Thank heavens he didn’t have to tell Dan that he’d lost Grace!
Chapter Twenty-Four
‘Hello, George.’ Dan turned the wireless down so he could talk on the phone. ‘How are things?’
‘Not good. I have some bad news, Dan.’
‘Oh, what’s happened?’ Dan listened, his mouth setting in a grim line. ‘Why the hell has Stan waited all this time before letting us know?’
When he heard the rest of the story, Dan swore fluently under his breath. ‘What a stupid, crazy scheme! They’ve lost two valuable people and gained nothing! Don’t tell me to calm down, Uncle. Any fool can see that a mission like that had little chance of succeeding. I’m on embarkation leave now so I’m coming there in the morning. Stan can tell me what he’s intending to do about this. To say they are missing is unacceptable … I know there’s a bloody war on, but that’s no reason to go throwing good lives away. I’m in the mood to shake some sense into a few people!’
‘That’s how I feel.’ George’s voice betrayed how upset he was. ‘I’ll warn Stan you’re coming, and then we can both go and see Grace’s parents.’
‘Yes, we must,’ Dan agreed, his fury draining away and leaving him feel empty. ‘They lost a son-in-law, and now they might have lost their daughter. They must be devastated.’
‘And confused. They thought she was safe in an office. When are you shipping out, by the way?’
‘Seven days.’
‘Let’s hope we get some news before you leave. See you tomorrow, and thanks for coming.’
George watched Dan striding towards him across the parade ground. For such a big man he moved with fluid grace without a trace of the injury he’d had.
‘You’re early. Have you had breakfast?’
‘Not yet.’
‘Good, we can eat together. Can’t face this day on an empty stomach.’
Dan nodded and followed his uncle to the officers’ mess.
‘Do you know where you’re going yet?’ George asked as they took their seats.
‘Not officially, but my guess would be North Africa. General Montgomery has taken over as commander, and we need a victory to raise spirits.’
‘Agreed, and the last thing you needed was bad news before shipping out. Take it easy on Stan, though, this is especially rough on him. Remember he’s lost Bill as well.’
‘Damned shame. I liked him, and you can stop looking so worried, George. I was angry when I heard the news, but I’ve slept on it. We are going to have to face this situation over and over again before this war is over. I remember the quiet courage Grace showed at the death of her husband, and it’s an example to all of us. And knowing her, when she was offered this mission there is no way she would refuse.’
‘You’re right. She wa
s a remarkable girl.’
‘Was?’ Dan raised his eyebrows.
‘Sorry – is a remarkable girl.’
‘That’s better. The important word here is “missing”, and until they have proof they are dead, I’ll hold on to that.’ Dan pushed his empty plate away and stood up. ‘Now, let’s go and see Stan.’
Potter showed them straight in, and after the usual greetings, they three men sat down to talk.
‘I was dreadfully sad to hear about Bill and Grace,’ Dan said. ‘What is being done to find them?’
Stan explained the situation, and they discussed what action could, and was being taken to trace them.
They had been deep in conversation for about an hour when Potter burst into the office. ‘Sir, a dispatch rider has just delivered an urgent message for you from HQ. He said you were to have it at once.’
Stan took the sealed envelope and frowned at the large red words ‘For immediate attention’ written on it.
‘Excuse me while I read this,’ he said as he slit the letter open.
Dan watched a mixture of emotions flash across Stan’s face as he read the contents of the message.
When he’d finished he put it face down on the desk and closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again and looking up. ‘Grace is safe. She’s made it to Gibraltar after crossing the Pyrenees and Spain.’
Dan felt a wave of relief and some pride when he heard that. He muttered softly under his breath, ‘That’s my girl.’
‘Wonderful news!’ George was smiling until he saw Stan’s sombre expression. ‘Is she all right? Is Bill with her?’
‘Grace is unharmed, but she came alone. There’s still no sign of Bill. We won’t know the whole story until Grace arrives. They are going to get her back as soon as possible.’
‘By sea, I expect. Don’t give up on Bill yet,’ George told him. ‘They must have had a good reason for separating. He could be right behind her.’
‘You’re right, and it’s a huge relief to know one of them is safe.’ Stan stood up. ‘Grace’s parents must be given the good news at once. Shall we all go, gentlemen, and give the neighbours something to talk about as three ranking officers descend upon the house?’
They walked out of the office, smiling, buoyed up with the chance to give good news for a change.
Ted’s mouth dropped open when he saw them standing outside, his eyes fixing on the tall man. ‘Oh, it’s so kind of you all to come and it will do Jean good to see you again, Dan. Er … you’re all smiling.’
‘That’s because we’ve got good news,’ Stan told him. ‘Grace is safe!’
‘Thank God! Come in – come in.’ Then he turned and ran down the passage, shouting, ‘Jean! Grace is safe. She’s alive! Jean, where are you? We’ve got guests. Dan’s here as well. Jean!’
She came running down the stairs and threw her arms around her husband, laughing and crying at the same time. ‘Is she all right? Where is she?’
‘I don’t know yet. Look who’s here to give us the wonderful news.’
She rushed up to them and shook Stan’s hand, kissed George on the cheek and hugged Dan. ‘Where have you been, young man? We’ve missed you.’
‘They’re keeping me busy.’
‘I don’t doubt it.’ She gazed at the officers crowding the passage and shook her head. ‘We’d better go into the front room.’
‘The kitchen will do, Jean,’ Dan said, taking her arm. ‘I could do with a cup of your excellent tea.’
She smiled up at him. ‘Grace really is safe?’
‘Yes, and when I see her I’ll give her a good talking to for worrying us all like this.’
‘And she’ll tell you to mind your own business,’ Ted laughed.
‘Ah, but she can’t do that now she’s in the army.’ Dan tapped his shoulder. ‘I’m an officer. Any cheek and I can have her charged with insubordination.’
Jean was busy making the tea and turned round to look at Dan. ‘You do that, young man, and you’ll have us to deal with. Do you know Dan brought Grace home one evening and they were both covered in mud?’
‘We’d been on manoeuvres with the Home Guard that day.’ Dan had an amused expression on his face. Jean was never going to forget that.
‘Well, at least you’re clean this time. Sit down everyone. The tea is ready.’
They were laughing while they shuffled the chairs so they could all sit down.
‘Can you tell us where Grace is?’ Ted asked Stan as he handed round the cups of tea Jean had just poured.
‘We haven’t got much information at the moment, but I’ll tell you what we know. First, I must have your promise to keep this information to yourselves.’
‘We promise.’ Jean and Ted both nodded.
‘I received the news this morning that Grace has arrived in Gibraltar.’
‘Gibraltar!’ Ted gasped. ‘What the blazes is she doing there?’
‘She came from France, over the Pyrenees, through Spain and into Gibraltar.’
‘That’s incredible!’ Jean looked at Stan. ‘With the captain?’
‘As far as we know she came alone, but we are more hopeful now that Bill won’t be far behind.’ Stan didn’t let his concern for Bill show, not wanting to spoil their joy at knowing their daughter was alive.
Ted was shaking his head. ‘That girl of ours has some courage.’
‘That’s why Bill took her with him. He needed someone who wouldn’t let him down if things got nasty, and he knew she would keep her wits about her. When Grace arrives home I must ask you not to press her for details. Too many lives depend upon her silence. You understand?’
‘We will keep this to ourselves,’ Ted promised. ‘Will we ever know the whole story?’
‘Most unlikely.’
‘I don’t care about that.’ Jean began refilling the empty cups. ‘Our girl is safe and coming home. That’s all that matters. We won’t ask questions or expect her to talk about it. She will need rest and some normal home life without being constantly reminded of what she has been through. She will be given leave, won’t she?’
‘Of course,’ Stan told them. ‘Once the debriefing is over she can come home for as long as she needs. I’ll let you know when she is back in this country. It will probably be a week or so.’
‘Thank you all so much for bringing us this good news. When Brian was killed all Grace received was a telegram – so impersonal.’ Jean smiled at Stan. ‘But you took the trouble to come in person. We really appreciate that kindness.’
‘And I’m delighted to be able to come again with much better news.’
‘I’ll come again when Grace is home,’ George told them.
‘You are always welcome,’ Ted replied. ‘I’m sure Grace would like to see you as well, Dan.’
‘I doubt I’ll be here. I’m on embarkation leave at the moment.’
‘Oh, dear.’ Jean looked concerned. ‘You be careful, young man, wherever you’re going.’
‘I will.’
The men took their leave then and walked out to the waiting car. When they reached it Stan turned and stared at Dan, a smirk on his face. ‘Young man?’
‘So?’
‘How can anyone call a great six-and-a-half-feet brute like you “young man”? You must be thirty at least.’
‘He’s twenty-eight actually,’ George told him with a wide grin on his face. ‘And he’s only six feet four. At least he was the last time we measured.’
‘You’d better measure again, George. He’s still growing!’
‘Do you think so? Have you got a tape measure with you?’
‘Will you two stop analysing me and get in the car! The neighbours are beginning to wonder what three army officers are finding so funny. They’ll be rushing into Ted and Jean’s house to find out what’s going on. Jean likes me and in her eyes I am a young man.’ A devilish look crossed Dan’s face. ‘If you two elderly gentlemen would get in the car I might consider buying you lunch.’
‘Watch it, you
ng man. We outrank you.’
‘Get in, Stan, and you, Uncle.’
‘How do you manage him?’ Stan asked as he climbed in the back of the car with George, leaving Dan to sit in front where there was more room for him.
‘He’s quite docile really – as long as he’s giving the orders.’
‘Good officer material then,’ Stan chuckled. ‘He’ll probably end up as a brigadier by the end of the war. That’s if he stays alive, of course.’
‘I’ll survive,’ Dan told them. ‘I have plans.’
‘Really?’ Both men lent forward eagerly.
‘And what might they be?’ George asked.
‘None of your business!’
‘Not a brigadier, George – it will be a general.’
‘Without a doubt.’
‘Oh, you two have really cheered me up!’ Stan told them, laughing. ‘Grace is safe and that could mean Bill will turn up soon as well. Take us somewhere we can get a bottle of champagne, General. I feel like celebrating.’
Laughter filled the car, and when Dan glanced at the driver he saw he was having terrible trouble not to roar with laughter. He sat back and smiled. It had been a good morning and he could ship out with an easy mind.
Chapter Twenty-Five
There were five officers sitting behind a large table when Grace took her seat. Three she didn’t know, but was relieved to see Stan and one of her instructors from the training centre. Both of them smiled encouragingly at her, but the others were serious and watching her intently. She lifted her chin just a little higher, determined not to show how hard this was going to be for her.
‘Welcome back,’ the one chairing the debriefing said. ‘I’m Brigadier Nelson …’
He introduced everyone else, but Grace didn’t take in the names.
‘We want you to give a full and detailed account of everything that happened on this mission.’
Grace drew in a silent breath. The fact that she was here and Bill wasn’t was tearing her apart. She had left him behind and that was something she couldn’t forgive herself for.
‘When you’re ready.’
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