Red Hawk Rising

by Peter William Hall

  Back in Alnwick, the Hills and Alice were still getting ready. They too were dressing up. Andy thought it fortunate that he had left suits and other clothes at home when he went overseas. They were available now when he needed them. They left about half an hour after the Waltons, having a shorter distance to travel. “We’ve booked a table at the Queen’s Head Hotel for 6.00 p.m. and we’ll meet the Waltons there,” said Tony Hill. The drive was without incident and they managed to park in Bridge Street not far from the hotel. The hotel was full of history, not least that Bessie Surtees had stayed there the night she eloped with the future Lord Eldon. As they walked in, they noticed a journalist and photographer busy taking photos and making notes.

  As Tony Hill checked with the desk about their booking, he asked about the journalism team. “They are writing a historical feature on Morpeth and of course this hotel would be included. They are staying the night so that the hotel can gain some promotion. The Chamber of Commerce wants to attract more visitors to the town. They may well take photos in the dining room this evening. That won’t be problem for you, will it sir?” the desk clerk said.

  “No, fine,” said Tony Hill.

  Just then he heard a voice say, “There they are!” and he turned to see the Waltons walking across to greet them. The two men shook hands and the two ladies gave each other a hug. Andy and Alice stood to one side and watched the reunion with interest. It had obviously been many years since they had met and the enthusiasm of them meeting again showed that there had once been a good friendship. Andy wondered what had caused the break in the friendship — possibly the war and then the need to re-establish themselves after it.

  “We’d better head into the dining room,” said Tony Hill and they all followed him in that direction. The head waiter showed them to their table and helped them to get seated. He waved a waitress across to look after them and get the menus. At a nearby table, the journalist and photographer watched with interest.

  “I think this calls for a celebration, don’t you,” said John Walton. There was a chorus of agreement, except for the young couple who looked on, slightly bemused by it all.

  “We’d better have a bottle of champagne to start with, then,” replied Tony Hill.

  “It’s a multiple celebration really,” said Margaret. “We two couples meeting for the first time since 1940, Andy back home again from overseas and he and Alice going out together. I think it’s exciting.”

  “I agree,” said Judith, “and we have to thank the Romans for this,” not wanting to be left out of the celebratory comments. The two older couples chatted almost noisily and when the champagne was poured there was the clinking of glasses and toasting to the triple celebration. At the nearby table, the journalist decided they had a story for the social column of the Tuesday paper, as well as added material for their feature and had a discussion with the photographer. He nodded agreement. They had already planned to take photographs when there were more patrons enjoying their meal in the dining room but they would seek to get a special one of this group. The group quietened down as they selected their dishes from the menu and Andy and Alice had a chance to join in the conversation. It was clear that their parents were very happy about their blossoming romance. As the waitress came out of the kitchen with the entrees, the photographer had her pause while he took a photograph. This he did for other courses coming out of the kitchen. He had already taken photographs of the kitchen and dining room before dinner. After the main course was served to the Hills and Waltons, the journalist and photographer approached them and asked permission to take a photograph. He explained that they had overheard some of the conversation and could they use their names and a photograph for the feature.

  “What do you think, Tony?” asked John. “You’re the solicitor. I’m only the accountant!”

  “Well, it couldn’t do our practices any harm — perhaps draw clients.” With that agreement, the two men gave their names and the names of their practices, thinking of the free advertising. The journalist duly noted the names of all six at the table. The evening passed pleasantly and, by the cheese and biscuits stage, Andy and Alice had learned a lot more about their parents in their younger days, as well as having to put up with stories being told about themselves as children.

  The dining room was nearly empty and the staff were clearing tables, obviously wanting to close and prepare for the morrow. Tony Hill suggested that they repair to the lounge to finish their evening. After a word with the head waiter they moved into the lounge. Andy asked his father how long they would likely be and the two men suggested 10.00 p.m. they would leave.

  “If it’s okay, Alice and I will go for a walk and be back before then,” Andy said.

  “Just be careful,” Judith said. Andy smiled encouragingly as he and Alice left for the walk. Once outside, Alice drew her wrap closer against the cool evening air and they walked towards the old clock tower before turning down towards the river and parkland. Bridge Street was noisy with revellers but they were left behind as the couple walked toward the river. Andy put his arm around Alice’s waist and she did the same with Andy. As they neared the bank of the river they saw ducks roosting, seemingly used to human passers-by. Halfway across the bridge over the river they paused to watch the moonlight glinting off the movement of the water. Downstream, they could hear the water tumbling over the weir. Alice sighed contentedly and turned to face Andy. By now he knew what that meant and he bent down and kissed her. She put her arms around his neck and held his lips to hers. The kiss lasted a long time.

  “We’d better move,” said Andy and they finished crossing the bridge and walked down towards the weir. Soon they stopped and repeated the kissing sequence, both absorbed in each other’s company. Unbeknown to them, they were observed by three young men who had been drinking and were walking back to their homes through the park. They decided that they could have some fun with this couple. On hearing voices and footsteps the couple continued walking.

  When the three men got close they said, “How about giving us a kiss, then, lassie?” One of them reached out and grabbed Alice’s arm and pulled.

  Immediately Andy said to him, “Let go of the lady!”

  “And what if I don’t,” came the reply. “Yeah, what’ll you do against three of us?” asked one of his mates. The first one was still pulling Alice’s arm when she let go of Andy’s hand and swung a fist at her assailant. He let go of her in surprise but then got vicious and swung a fist at Alice. It never connected.

  Andy’s arm swung across in an upward motion and blocked it. “Get back, Alice,” he said, for she blocked his line of action. Alice immediately stepped back and behind Andy. His left arm shot out and his fist connected with the man’s nose. The man staggered back and fell over. His two mates decided to join in. Andy turned and kicked one in the chest and sent him flying backwards. The third one attempted to kick Andy in the crutch and Andy pivoted, grabbing the ankle in one hand and then chopped the knee with the edge of his other hand. The man collapsed in pain, holding his knee. Meanwhile, the first assailant had got up and was coming back into the fray. Alice moved from behind Andy and closed with her assailant. She threw a right feint which made him pause and lean backwards. Alice then hooked a leg behind his knee and pushed him back at his shoulder, just as she was taught in judo. He overbalanced and went down again. The three men decided it was better to retreat and leave this couple alone. “Well done, Alice. Thanks for your help. That was good,” Andy said.

  “Thank you for saving me,” she replied.

  “Looks as though we make a good team,” Andy said. “I guess we had better get back to the hotel.” Holding hands, they walked back at a brisk pace. Back in the park, three young men were sobering up fairly quickly after their unexpected encounter and regretting their foolishness. Alice was all admiration for Andy and pleased with herself. She couldn’t wait to tell her sister about using the judo. “Better not say anything to our parents,” Andy said. “We don’t want them worrying about this and
spoil their evening.”

  “Well, not tonight,” replied Alice, “but I’ll have to say something sometime.”

  “Okay,” said Andy, “but let’s wait until after tomorrow.” Alice nodded her agreement but she was also thinking about the power of Andy’s response to the attack. He obviously knew a lot more about martial arts than he was letting on. They crossed the bridge and in a few minutes they were back in the hotel. On seeing them, their parents got up and said their goodnights with promises to meet again in the not too distant future. “I’ll meet you at the station tomorrow, Alice,” said her father as he gave her a hug.

  “Fine, Daddy,” she said. At their car, Tony Hill suggested Andy drive as he had drunk a little too much to feel completely confident about driving home.

  “You sit in the front with him, Alice, and I’ll keep his mother company.” Margaret gave a little giggle at the thought of it. As they drove off, Andy thought that he’d never seen his parents like this before. It was a whole new experience. They had always seemed so serious. Back in Alnwick, Andy’s parents headed for bed shortly after they arrived home, having expressed their satisfaction at the evening. Andy and Alice sat together in the lounge with only the standard lamp on and played some music softly. This would be the last time alone for a while. In a low voice, Alice said, “You were awfully good at dealing with those men by the river. What martial art did you learn?”

  Andy said, “We were taught some basics of unarmed combat in basic training and then I did a bit of karate afterwards to keep fit.” She sensed that he didn’t want to talk about it and decided not to ask any more questions just yet. Even so, Alice wondered what grade he had achieved to be so good.

  “I’m glad that I was with you,” she said, with the emphasis on the ‘you’ and he took it as a compliment.

  Andy turned her toward him and murmured, “You’re worth fighting for,” and he kissed her.

  At about the same time, Andrei Garasov was with Janet McLaren at her home. They had had an enjoyable evening at the opera and he had taken her back to her home in Stockport. Yvonne had invited him in for drinks and he had accepted. The air was charged with expectation between them and Andrei decided to give in to romance and meet her desires. From their embrace in the lounge they moved to her bedroom.

  In Harrow, a family were heading for bed after an evening out together. The Hamiltons’ two children were home for the weekend from university so that they could all celebrate the daughter’s birthday. Iain Hamilton felt very happy. He was proud of his children and proud of his wife’s achievements in doing most of the raising of them because he was away from home so much. Maybe it was time to get out of this work and spend more time at home. He wondered what other occupation would give him the enjoyment and the adrenalin rush that his present occupation gave. With those thoughts he cuddled into his wife and fell asleep.

  ***

  It was 8.00 a.m. on Sunday morning (2nd) and the Hill family and guest Alice were sitting down to a big cooked breakfast. “We don’t have such a breakfast every morning, Alice — only at weekends,” Margaret said to Alice by way of explanation. “We usually attend church on Sunday. The service starts at 10.45 a.m. We go to chapel. We’ll see you both off at the station first,” she continued.

  “I’ll have to miss church today,” replied Alice, “but I’ve a good reason,” she said with a sidelong look at Andy.

  “Any idea when you will have your next leave, Andy?” asked his father.

  “I won’t know until I get down to West Sanby, Dad,” Andy replied. “I’ll let you know as soon as I can. By the way, I want to buy a car, not a new one. If you know of a good one going will you let me know? I think I’ll get a better deal up here than down south.” His father nodded in reply.

  It was 10.25 a.m. and they were all at the station. Andy and Alice had put their bags in a compartment and were standing on the platform talking to his parents. The old K1 steam locomotive was connecting to the two carriages for the three mile run to Alnmouth. Two minutes to go and the guard called out “All aboard!”

  Margaret hugged Alice, looking a bit teary about it. “You come and visit us, even without Andy,” she said. Alice hugged her back and nodded her head.

  Tony shook hands with his son and said, “You take care of yourself. Hope to see you again soon.”

  Andy nodded in reply and said, “Will do. Don’t overwork, Dad.” His father smiled and turned to hug Alice goodbye. Margaret hugged her son and Andy kissed her on the cheek. “Look after yourself, Mum. I’ll give you a call during the week and I’ll write.” She smiled at him and nodded her head, feeling too emotional to speak. The young couple boarded the train. There was the sound of the porter slamming compartment doors and a whistle from the guard, then a hiss of steam as the brake was released and the locomotive puffing as it moved out of the station. Andy and Alice leaned out of the window and waved to his parents, the train went round the bend and they were lost to sight.

  The young couple had the compartment to themselves and Alice snuggled in to Andy, determined to make the most of their time together. He also was enjoying these moments. Andy felt himself to be fortunate in having someone who wanted to be with him for himself alone and not for any other reason. She was warm and caring, beautiful and intelligent. They also seemed to have similar interests. It all added up to someone special. The moment was broken by Alice asking Andy for his address at RAF West Sanby. He smiled and took a sheet of paper out of his jacket pocket and handed it to her. “Are you reading my mind?” she asked laughingly.

  “Well, I already have yours so it seemed you would want to balance it off,” Andy replied. Alice took the paper and put it in her purse. The train pulled into Alnmouth and they crossed over to the southbound platform for the train to Newcastle. They hadn’t long to wait. As the train headed south they saw the changing landscape. Warkworth Castle stood out to the east and then the train was pulling in to Acklington. Not far away was the RAF base equipped with Hawker Hunters. Some young men boarded the train. By their haircuts, Andy guessed that they would be RAF personnel. When the train pulled into Morpeth, Alice squeezed Andy’s arm. It was an evening neither of them would forget easily. There were more stations now as the train neared Newcastle. Alice was holding onto Andy’s arm as though she didn’t want to let go. He felt quite moved by this display of affection by Alice. The train terminated on Platform 10. The London train was sitting at Platform 9. “I’ll come and see you off, Andy,” said Alice. “I’ve got about fifteen minutes to wait for my train.”

  “Okay,” said Andy, “Let’s get over the bridge to Platform 9.” They got over quickly and Andy boarded the train while Alice waited on the platform. He found a ‘No Smoking’ compartment with empty seats and put his bag on one of them and returned to Alice. They embraced and kissed. “I’ll telephone when I’m back at the base,” said Andy, “and I’ll be back to see you as soon as I can.” Alice nodded and smiled through moist eyes. She felt really happy but was going to miss this new-found love of hers. Porters were slamming the doors and Andy boarded the train, stayed by the door and dropped the window open so that he could lean out and wave to Alice. The guard blew his whistle and waved his green flag. The locomotive was one of the new Class 40 diesels and there was a roar of power as it started to haul the train out of the station. Alice waved and blew Andy a kiss. He smiled and waved and the train slid away. It passed by the Castle Garth and crossed over the Tyne by the ‘High Level’ bridge built by Robert Stephenson. Below was the Swing Bridge and beyond that the Tyne Bridge, a miniature of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The train thundered through Gateshead Station, heading south. Andy shut the door window and went and took his seat in the compartment. A middle-aged couple had the window seats and Andy got a book out of his bag and settled down to read. It would be up to three hours to Doncaster. He would go down to the buffet car later to get something to eat.

  CHAPTER 8

  It was nearly 18.00 hours when Andy arrived back at RAF West Sanby. He woul
d just have time to drop his bag in his room and go over to the mess before evening meal finished. The mess was nearly empty when he got over there and the cooks were preparing to clear the servery. They attempted to give him extra to reduce the amount of leftovers. Andy decided that he would need to get some exercise to work it off. He sat alone in the corporals’ section and thought about his task apart from his normal duties as he ate. From his brief it was fairly certain that the base would have to be under surveillance by someone on the Russian payroll. He would need to find that person or persons. Everyone at RAF West Sanby had been thoroughly checked by the RAF security process but it may have been compromised. He hoped that it wouldn’t be anyone in the RAF. He wondered what civilians worked on the base and where. Andy decided that he had better check out the nearby villages as well. The first would be West Sanby. It was a small village with a church, pub and shop-cum-post office. He could start by walking down to the pub tonight and getting some idea of the characters there. Andy decided that before he left he had better telephone Alice as he had promised. There was a telephone box near the main gate so he could do that on the way out. When Andy made the call, it was Alice that had answered when the operator told him to ‘go ahead’. As they talked, Andy felt an ache to be with Alice and realised that this was a new experience for him. Before they had finished the operator came back on the line with, “Your three minutes is up. Do you wish to extend?”

  Alice immediately said, “Yes, and reverse the charge.” The operator went off the line and they continued to talk. Andy noticed someone waiting to use the telephone and suggested that they should finish. “Love you, Andy. Goodnight,” came the response.