part 5
As they made their way slowly along the road Actor and Katia slid across the seat into the corner so Leonzio had room enough to make his way up from the space under the seat. Actor stripped out of the jacket and shirt he wore, exchanging it for the uniform tunic his brother removed and held out to him.
"So, little brother, I have your hiding place warm and ready to receive you." Leonzio struggled to keep his voice light, his manner carefree, but anxiety tainted his delivery.
There was no way of knowing when they would meet again. There was no guarantee either of them would survive to fulfill their promise to meet after the war and together seek out the remaining members of their parent's family, to try and reestablish their place in it. Actor caught his brother in a quick embrace and then reluctantly pushed him away, turning to kiss Katia. Fastening the last of the buttons on the uniform the con man carefully lowered himself to the floor of the large car. "Just see to it you don't take too much time getting that colonel of Katia's away from this car so I can get out again. It won't take me long to stiffen up."
Katia pulled her legs up as Leonzio helped his brother take his place. By the time they arrived at the commander's lodgings they were comfortably settled again, Ilario's legs covered by the warm blanket, his arm stretched over her shoulders. The car pulled to a stop and the door was opened by one of the commandant's aides. The German officer reached a hand to Katia, drew her up to stand beside him and greeted her warmly with a kiss before turning his attention back to her companion who sat waiting in the car.
"I believe it would be most comfortable for you to remain in your own car. We will tour the base now and then have the rest of the evening to relax over our meal." Handing Katia back inside the vehicle he turned and waited for his aide to open the door and settling into the front seat next to the driver directed him off on their promised tour, leaving the aide to see to dinner.
The car made it's way around the base under the commandant's direction, stopping several times to let the occupants get out where they would to admire the planes. When they drew near the new aircraft and Garrison rolled out to assisted Leonzio, he waved him off, taking the German officer's offered arm for support instead. They were parked near the hanger and Craig rested against the side of the car and watched the group move out, waiting for them to disappear around the far side to board the plane.
There was only one guard assigned to the building, he'd snapped to attention when his base commander drove up but as soon as the party moved off towards the plane he'd continued on his rounds, ignoring the car and its driver. Garrison stood a moment, making sure there was no one else to observe him before he headed for the hanger. There was a supply room that ran along the near side of the building. The lock on the door was simple, nothing to give him any trouble. He'd taken extra time to watch this particular building the last time he was on base, he knew how long the guard took to make his circuit. Craig returned to the car and appeared to be consumed with boredom, casually resting against the fender as the guard started the leg up along the side of the hanger. Watching as the man made his way towards him and then across the face of the building before he disappeared around the far side again, Craig waited another beat before he turned to open the door and help Actor out of his hiding place. The con man carried one cardboard cylinder filled with artwork tucked under his arm, Garrison the second. They made it inside and he had Actor and the 'collection' safely hidden away before the guard made his turn around the back side of the hanger again. All he had to do now was wait for the tour to end and the others to head back for the car.
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The Colonel was kind enough to offer a meal to his guest's driver and as soon as they were safely inside Garrison was directed to the kitchen. He chose a couple of rolls off a pan and after slicing them stuffed them with meat and cheese. A tray of fine glasses and a bottle of wine had just been sent in to the diners. Wrapping his meal in a towel he thanked the cooks and retreated to the car with two bottles of dark beer. Tucking the food into the pack he settled in to wait. He'd give them a little time to get relaxed over their wine before he started the show.
Garrison had gone back into town after they'd made their plans and picked up his supplies from the chemists shop.., through the back door, and without the owners permission. There had only been enough for one test so he just had a rough idea of how long it would be before the incendiary devices would blow. The liquid would eat through the container that held it, igniting the crystals and starting fires around the facility. He would have to work fast as he set them in a path leading out to the hanger where Actor would be hidden. They'd made up only one with a timer, a watch contributed by Katia, and that was set to blow the car... Katia's idea again. She'd insisted that rather than stranding them there on base, she would be able to turn the loss to their advantage. After his brief exposure to her Garrison had no reason to doubt her ability to pull it off, but she and Leonzio had their work cut out for them convincing Actor. She'd finally won him over, but the added uncertainty over their future made taking leave of his brother again extremely difficult. Craig was glad they'd had the time leading up to the dinner to spend together.
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He hadn't planned on killing the guard but the man came up on him just as he was planting the first device. A quick blow to the throat ended any chance the startled soldier had of calling out for help and gave him a weapon..., and body to be recovered from the burning wreckage of Katia's car. Garrison took off the coat and shirt he'd worn over his stolen uniform and dressed the dead man in it before loading him in the driver's seat. Pulling the body down and resting its head against the door he left the driver 'asleep' after his meal, he shouldered his pack and headed into the darkness towards the hanger where Actor was hidden.
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"So, Katia, you are happy?" The Colonel signaled the man that stood back against the wall forward to clear the table and make way for the next course.
"Yes, Lothar. Very." She reached a hand to Ilario and smiled as he brought it to his lips and brushed her knuckles with a kiss. "And you are still married? I'm surprised she would not come to live here with you. If I were in her place I would never give the competition such a chance! You would never be out of my sight for a moment."
The Colonel laughed. "She wanted to come. But this is no fit place for a woman. Besides there was always the chance I might see you again." He smiled at the flash of jealousy that lit the other man's eyes, but was pleased by how quickly it faded away. The sign of trust, he thought, and though disappointed for himself he found he was glad for her.
"But she wouldn't have to live here." Katia smiled at the question on his face. "My house is very close to the base and you would be welcome to use it. If you have the money to spend it could be made to serve throughout the year... If you don't, then when the season turns again you could bring her to live there."
"And what of you? Where would you be?" The thought of having both women in the same home brought a spark of amusement to the Colonel's eye but after a moments pleasure he discounted it. It was obvious Katia's companion was not the type who would willingly share her. His situation had changed too, the discord in his marriage that had left him open to her charms had been resolved and he and his wife had settled into a... comfortable relationship as they'd grown older. The more he thought about it the more appealing having a home away from the base became... There were funds available to him from sources that would not deplete his own fortune. He smiled at the couple at the table. "If you are serious...."
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Garrison waited in the shadows for the guard to make his pass across the face of the hanger. Moving into the building as soon as the path was clear he tapped on the door of the small storeroom where Actor was hidden and slipped inside as soon as the door swung open. The Warden tossed the rifle to Actor, took a flash light out of the bag he carried slung over his shoulder, flipped it on and placed it on the ground. Dropping to his knees he started to construct the last and largest fire bomb.
"How long?" It was a question Actor knew he didn't have an exact answer for.
"Five minutes...maybe. The first one's over by the kitchen. They should think that's just an accident, but the next one'll get things rolling." Craig pushed to his feet leaving the partially assembled device, picked up the cylinders they'd brought from the car and turned to stand behind the con man who'd been keeping watch on the guard's movements.
Actor instinctively pulled back and quietly closed the door as soon as the guard appeared. He'd watched the man from the moment he'd arrived, timing his movements and silently counted off the seconds it would take him to reach the other side of the hanger's wide opening. Cracking the door open again he took a quick look before swinging it wide.
Garrison took off for the plane at a run. If they'd timed it right he wouldn't have to worry about the possibility of the guard challenging him until he made his turn across the face of the building again, by then Actor could provide cover.
Actor moved into the corner of the hanger near the side of the building where the guard would first appear. The man only walked the perimeter of the building, never coming inside, never even turning to look. He watched as the Warden made his sprint across the tarmac and disappeared inside the aircraft.
Craig secured the cylinders of artwork and then moved into the cockpit. He took a quick look at the control panel, found the switch he wanted and flipped it on. Crouching down between the seats to keep the glow from the instruments from giving him away to anyone who might be watching the plane he checked the gages. The whole plan revolved around the plane being ready to fly at a moments notice and he wasn't disappointed. Breathing a sigh of relief he turned back to the door and waited for the guard to make his pass and leave him free to return to Actor.
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Leonzio tried to concentrate on the conversation but found his attention wandering to the door the attendants were using to bring food in from the kitchen. If the plan worked surely the Colonel would be notified by someone coming from that direction. He reached out for his wine, trying to stop the slight shake of his hand as he brought the glass to his lips. If the plan didn't work just as surely someone would arrive to tell the man saboteurs had just been captured on his base. He didn't know what we would do then. He wouldn't be able to calmly watch his brother be taken away to almost certain execution. He wasn't such a coward. Even if he was, he realized with a start, as Katia said, with her slight alterations to his appearance they could be mistaken for twins. He would be taken with the others and then all of his efforts would be concentrated on convincing the Germans he had tricked Katia from the beginning. Used her to get on base to destroy it. That he was certain he could do, his love for her would help him to it.
But if it was only the American who was caught..., what would he do then? Then he'd only have to find a way to get Beppe off the base. They would hardly be allowed another tour of the airfield after the man was discovered.... Unless he revealed him himself... If he told Colonel Bachen he had become suspicious of their driver and suggested he have someone check on him? He would make himself a hero in the man's eyes and possibly earn the right to have access to the planes again because of his assistance. Beppe would see that they had returned and know something had gone wrong. Somehow he would make his way to the car while they again admired the plane... Leonzio lifted his glass and tried to concentrate on the conversation as his eyes were drawn to the door that led to the kitchen. He could make himself a hero in the German's eyes and all he would have to worry about after that was being a traitor in her eyes.., in his brother's eyes and, he thought with a sigh, in his own.
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The fire in the garbage bins behind the kitchen started with a muffled 'pop'. The crystals flared white and caught the paper that held them, licking up around the pyramid of wood that had been built around it the little fire grew larger. Sending tendrils out the flame explored the area around it and discovered the rags that had been stained with oil and left for it. Setting those alight it continued on it's search for fuel.
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The door to the kitchen swung open and the young man standing in the opening raised a hand to call the Colonel's aide to him. After a murmured conversation he disappeared back behind the swinging door as the adjutant leaned to his superior's ear to deliver his report.
After sharing a quick glance, Katia and Ilario turned and watched the Colonel expectantly.
As soon as he finished giving the man his orders Bachen turned to his guests. "It is nothing. A small fire in the trash bins behind the kitchen." The door swung open again as an orderly brought another tray to the table. "Please, do not be concerned my men have it well in hand."
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Garrison waited for the guard to make his pass and sprinted back to the hanger, sliding into the shadows to stand next to Actor. "I spotted a jeep while we were on our tour, it's not far from here. Stay out of sight, but be ready when I drive up."
"What if it doesn't go the way you have planned?"
The Warden watched his confidence man a moment and then shrugged. "Then we wing it... Relax." He smiled, "We've had enough practice, we're getting pretty good at that." He brought his hand up, ordering silence as the guard made his pass across the hanger's opening, then slipped out as the man disappeared around the corner.
Actor leaned back in the shadows of his corner and tried to clear his mind. He found it easier to improvise if he didn't over analyze the situation... but it was hard this time, there were too many people involved who were important to him.
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Garrison walked to the car as if he had every right to use it, climbed in, started the engine and drove away, returning the guard's salute as he pulled out. Good thing some idiot left the keys in it, he thought, even his SS uniform wouldn't have kept the guard from questioning him if he'd had to hot wire the damn thing. He headed back across the field. Craig knew from the tour where the pilot's quarters were, if he didn't see crews running for the planes after the first few fires started he'd pound on the door and give the orders himself. He could see the blaze behind the kitchen and make out the soldiers efforts to fight it. A few minutes later the next fire started in the garages two hundred yards away. A shout went up and some of the men broke from the kitchen and ran for the new threat. The third device went up a little sooner than he expected. Set in the fuel dump behind the motor pool it finally had the desired effect.... Alarms rang across the compound.
Actor waited a beat after he heard the alarm sound. The guard had just made his turned across the face of the building and swung around to look as one of the fuel drums exploded and shot into the air. Stepping out of his hiding place he strode up behind the man, waited a moment longer and shouted. "You stand here like a statue while the base is under attack?!"
It was a struggle to keep the smile from his face as the soldier jumped and then whirled to meet his challenging stare. The man's face was bloodless, his eyes bulged and his mouth gaped open, the rifle dropped as his arms went slack at the shock of being accosted by an SS Major. Actor reached out and jerked the weapon from his hands, bringing the butt up quickly he knocked the guard senseless. Reaching a long arm down he grabbed hold of the man's collar and pulled him into the hanger, back into the darkness.
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The explosion in the fuel dump rocked the base and brought Colonel Bachen to his feet. Ilario and Katia rose as one, his arm a protective shield around her. "What is it, an air raid?"
"No!" Bachen was already on the move, headed out of the room for his office, calling over his shoulder he gave orders to his aide. "Take them to the shelter. That will be the safest place until we determine what is going on." The door closed on him as his assistant shepherded his guests down the hall and out through the back of the building to the security of one of the underground bomb shelters.
Katia's timing was perfect. Turning she shouted for the aide to bring their driver to safety just as the gas tank of her car exploded, shattering the windows across the front of the building.
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Craig watched the crews boil out of their quarters and head for the hangers. The large buildings that housed the planes were spaced along the side of the compound, separated to keep a fire in one from spreading to the others. The pilot's quarters were close to the birds, they'd be the first to arrive. He let the brake out and followed a pair that broke from the group and ran for their target. Pulling along side his shouted offer of a lift was instantly accepted. As soon as they swung aboard he gunned the motor and sped off towards the plane.
Garrison was already turning before he brought the vehicle to a full stop. Stretching a long leg out he neatly tripped the co-pilot who'd climbed in behind him and sent the man sprawling on his face next to the jeep. A shout to the pilot as he dropped into a crouch caused the man to double back. Craig reached down to the flier next to him, pulled his chin around with one hand and pushed his head against the ground with a quick shove with the other, knocking him out. When the pilot leaned over his shoulder to see what was wrong he was ready. Garrison pivoted on the balls of his feet and drove a fist into the man's midsection as he surged upward doubling him over. Bringing his hands together he brought them down on the back of the fliers head sending him to the ground in an unconscious sprawl.
Actor had started towards them as soon as the car pulled up. Limping up with the rifle to provide cover. A frown of puzzlement cast a shadow across his features as Garrison hoisted the first man over his shoulder and headed for the plane. He stood guard over the unconscious form of the second flier and watched as the Warden dumped the body he carried through the opening on the side of the plane and turned back for them at a run.
"I didn't know we were taking passengers?"
Craig grabbed the collar of the co-pilot's flight jacket and started towing him across the tarmac to the plane. "These guys headed straight for this plane... They've got to be the regular crew..." Garrison shrugged. "Maybe they'll decide to share what they know about it in exchange for free room and board in the English countryside."
Actor waited as the Lieutenant shoved the flier's body through the door and climbed in after him. The plan had been to waylay these two and leave them hidden somewhere in the hanger, taking their places. He cocked an eyebrow and reached up as the Warden turned back to help him. "And maybe the Germans will think they stole the plane and defected to our side?"
Garrison smiled as he grasped the hand Actor held out to him and pulled him up into the plane. "Anything's possible." He turned and stripped the flight jacket off the co-pilot and handed it back to his confidence artist and ordered. "See if you can find something to tie these guys up with." Slipping his arms into the aviator's leather jacket he stepped back on the tarmac.
Actor turned from his search and caught the Lieutenant scanning the field in the direction of the crew quarters. His vision of the scene was blocked but he knew what Garrison was seeing. The trucks would be assembling to bring the ground crews out to the hangers. He knew what he was thinking too. If the pilots had usable information so would the crew chiefs and mechanics..... "There's nothing here!" Garrison turned to glance up at him. "Unless you want me to pull some of these wires loose and use them, there's nothing here to secure them."
The Warden gave a quick nod and sprinted for the hanger. His decision to change the plan and take the pilots had been made on the run, and would probably give them the extra time they'd need to get away. The pipe dream of taking a crew chief or mechanic would alert the base and send those fighters in hot pursuit of them... The guys were right, sometimes he could get a little over optimistic. He spotted a coil of cord and snatched it from its hook as he headed for the storeroom and his last fire bomb. Picking up the bottle he'd left there he carefully poured the liquid it held in the container that sat nestled in the box of crystals. Turning his back on the device he ran back for the plane.
The trucks were bearing down on them, close enough he could see the men jostle towards the back, getting ready to jump down as the vehicle pulled in next to the building. Garrison slowed, waiting for one of them to turn towards him and as soon as he made eye contact he raised his arm, twirling his hand in the air. When the man nodded, acknowledging his order to get the plane ready for takeoff Craig fired off a quick salute and continued on his way. Climbing aboard he tossed the cord to Actor before turning to secure the door.
Garrison adjusted the head phones and watched as the crew moved around the plane. The chocks were pulled free and the tow bar attached to the front as the engines coughed to life. Traffic on the radio was heavy as the base's pilots followed their orders to get their birds off the ground, into the air where they would be safe. The Warden concentrated on the controller's instructions, watching as each aircraft moved. Mentally crossing his fingers Craig responded to the call sign and order he heard just as the truck pulled them out towards the airstrip, and breathed a silent sigh of relief when he wasn't challenged. He listened as the voice in his headphones delivered his instructions and fed him the coordinates of an airfield to the east where he was to put down and wait until the base was secure again. The truck hauled them to the end of the runway, dropped the tow bar and pulled out of the way as he brought power to the engines up and taxied into position just as Actor buckled himself into the right hand seat.
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Bachen stared at the flaming wreckage of Katia's car then turned to watch as the last of the planes lifted off. The window in his office had shattered in the explosion that destroyed the vehicle, glass was strewn across his desk and carpet. If it hadn't been for the delay in the radio room he would have been injured or killed by the flying fragments as he sat in his chair. Another fire erupted behind the crew's quarters as he watched. He turned as the door opened behind him, admitting his aide. Another explosion rocked the ground, whirling he reached the gapping opening and gripped the windowless frame and stared as a fireball rose into the air licking at the belly of the last plane that had left the ground.
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Garrison swore and jerked the headphones off. They continued to emit a loud burst of static as they dropped to the floor and he fought the plane through the turbulence of the explosion below them. Actor leaned down and grabbed the unit's cord, with a quick jerk he broke the connection and ended the noise. The plane shuddered as the landing gear came up and he watched as the Warden checked for the indicator light that would tell him they were locked in position, relaxing a bit when Garrison glanced at him and gave him a quick nod. Lifting the useless headphones off the floor he asked. "What was all that noise?"
"Looks like that last explosion fried the radio." Craig checked the instruments and adjusted his heading. Until they were well out of sight of the base he'd follow the flight plan he'd been ordered to use.
"You don't think you used a little too much in that last device?"
Reaching a hand up to rub at his ringing ear Garrison shrugged. "Maybe just a little." He laid his hand over the microphone at his throat and announced their course and speed. The loss of the radio would put them at a big disadvantage. Listening in on where those fighters were would've helped him avoid them once they made their break. He didn't know if the transmitter was still working but he decided the safest thing he could do now was broadcast his compliance with their orders. Frowning he watched as two of the damned fighters made a pass around the plane and then settled into position just off either wingtip. He could make out the pilot in the plane to his left. Tapping his ear where the headphones should have been he shook his head and then gave the man the thumbs down. He was rewarded a moment later by a rocking of the fighter's wings as the pilot indicated his understanding. Pressing down on the microphone again he rebroadcast their destination and assured the ground that, other than the loss of the ability to receive radio transmissions they were alright.
Actor watched the fighter positioned near his side of the aircraft. "What will we do if they continue to accompany us all the way to the next base?"
Garrison was still trying to come up with an answer when the fighters peeled away and headed back to patrol the area around the ravaged airfield. He relaxed a little in his seat, but he still didn't know if the fighters were pulled because the ground believed what he said, or if they were flying mute and it was the fighter pilots survey of the exterior of the plane and their report to the controllers on the ground that caused it... He glanced to his right and caught Actor staring at him. "Uh... There's sandwiches in the sack under the seat if you're hungry."
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The flickering glow from the fires burning across the base lit his face as the Colonel stood in the window. "Tell me again where you got your driver."
"In town almost as soon as we arrived. We stopped at the shops to get supplies for the house and he was there in the square." Ilario took her hand and drew her gaze from the German officer to his face. "He helped with the packages when he saw Ilario was injured."
"So you did not check on his background?" But Bachen knew she hadn't. She had always seemed too trusting, too naive when they had been together and he didn't believe it was in her nature to change.
"Why should I? He was a pleasant young man who helped us without being asked, without asking for anything in return. He looked like he had been living on the streets...and with Ilario's injury I thought we would need help at the house. I decided the best way I could repay him for his kindness was to give him a job and he took it. I know no more about him." She turned her tearstained face towards the glow coming in the window. "The poor boy. Look what I have brought him to!"
"Do not concern yourself, my dear. I am certain when we can have a closer look, the man in the car will not be your driver."
"What?!" It took a moment for the look in her eyes to change from grief to dismay. "But he couldn't have been part of that! Oh, Lothar! Please tell me I have not brought this devastation upon us...."
The Colonel put up a hand and waved away her guilt. "There have been reports of increased partisan activity to the south. It was imprudent of me to believe they wouldn't try something here eventually. I believe your driver was probably part of one of those bands of men."
"But we could have been killed! He could have killed us all while we were touring the field." She sank deeper into Ilario's embrace, turning her face into his shoulder with a sob.
He turned and considered the two as they sat huddled together. "By igniting the bomb in the car? I think he was not so dedicated that he would commit suicide for his cause... And aside from this one victim I believe he has only done minor damage to the base." He lied. Loss of the fuel dump, crew quarters and two of the hangers was hardly minor but the planes had gotten away. The fighters hadn't reported seeing anything on the ground. If the saboteurs had survived to make their way away from the base they were on foot and would be found. Smiling he held his hand out to help her to her feet. "Now we must get you home so I can attend to my duties."
"My car... How shall we...?" Her voice was hesitant.
"You shall go home in my car." Colonel Bachen assured her.
"But I won't feel safe there." She turned a pleading look from her current companion to him. "What if he is waiting? What if he has gathered his traitorous friends there?!"
"Would you feel safer staying here?" He thought the possibility of an ambush at the house unlikely but found he was not above playing on her fears. The panic in her voice could easily turn her dependence back on his power to protect her and win him her gratitude...
Katia could feel Ilario stiffen at the subtle undercurrent of lust that was in the Colonel's offer as he rose to stand beside her. Turning a tentative smile on him she encouraged him to answer for them with a squeeze of her hand.
Bachen watched her defer to the young man she clutched so tightly. She had never relied on him so when they were together. The difference between a mistress and a future wife, he sighed and knew his chances to lure her back into his bed were less than nothing. After a brief flare of disappointment his attention turned to the man's response. In his place he would let his own ego prevail and sweep her away to the manor, playing the part of the hero no matter the risk to her. What would be more important to her chosen consort?
Ilario studied her. They had played a similar game many times before but the prize then was a higher price for his work or talents. He watched while her face continued to hold the fearful uncertainty of a frightened woman as her eyes flashed with mirth at the Colonel's reaction. They would do well to removed themselves permanently to Switzerland, he thought, her delight in taking these risks was drawing them into ever more dangerous situations. Even there he would be hard pressed to keep her from trouble...
Turning to face a rival from her past he smiled his gratitude. "Your offer is very kind Colonel Bachen. In my current condition I would be unable to provide Katia with proper protection should there be any problem at the house. We will stay with you so she may be kept safe." Then turning to her he continued firmly. "And then, my dear, I believe we will leave this area for Switzerland until such a time as our homeland is secure again."
Bowing her head slightly to appear in agreement she turned back to Colonel Bachen. "Lothar now you must use the house in my absence." She even sweetened the deal. "I have a small fund of money that I have set aside towards improving the property..."
"I will use the property my dear friend, but I have no need of your money.
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Garrison glanced up as Actor lowered himself back into the co-pilots seat. "How are our passengers getting along?"
"I believe they are a little more comfortable now that they aren't lying on the floor." It hadn't taken much to gain the men's assistance once they realized he was only towing them across the floor to reach the jump seats. The con artist took a moment to examine their craft after he'd belted the fliers into their seats. "What does this thing do anyway?"
"It'll do pretty much anything you want it to. This one's outfitted as a small bomber, that's why we're interested in it. But it's carrying more surveillance equipment on board than a bomber really needs."
"So it's a spy plane too?"
"That's the rumor." Garrison checked the gages again, he'd just flown in a complete circle and was back on the original heading. He pushed the plane's nose down and started it on a gradual descent and then swung it off course to the north before pulling it back in line and steepening the dive.
Actor grabbed the belt that secured him. "What are you doing?!"
"Hang on. We're about to crash." Diving down towards the trees Craig pressed down on the microphone and fired off a report of their heading and speed. Leaning forward he flipped a switch on the control, the plane shuddered and the speed dropped as the bomb bay doors opened. He sent another panicked report of their position and loss of power before he threw another switch as they raced along at what seemed to Actor to be tree top level. The craft shook and rose in the air as the load was released. Closing the bomb bay doors and adding speed to the slight gain in altitude Garrison prayed they wouldn't be too low... The tail lifted as the bombs exploded below them, buffeting the plane.
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"Sergeant Major, you and the Warden ever discuss the jobs we do over there?" Reynolds had been decent about giving out the information he had, Casino thought grudgingly. He hadn't heard from the Lieutenant since the Warden confirmed he had a way on that base, but the Colonel had just called, they'd just gotten reports about the explosions and fires...
"I know the basics of the job at the start and then we talk through what worked well and what went wrong... It 'elps with the training exercises we set up for you lot. But the particulars on the actual mission are restricted. You know that."
They'd held one of their little meetings. Seemed there were contacts in the area around the base after all. The reports from them told how fast the planes got off the ground after the explosions started, it didn't take much imagination to know what was going on over there.
Chief turned from the window and walked back across the room to take a seat at the table where the rest of them were gathered. "Then you don't know what it's like over there."
"What's that?" Rawlins frowned around at them.
"Jeeze! Garrison's nuts, that's what! And Actor's no better." Casino leaned his elbow on the table and brought his hand up, pointing a finger in the British NCOs face. "I tell ya they aren't gonna leave that plane on the ground if they can help it."
"But that'd be too much of a risk..." Rawlins stammered.
Chief shook his head and glanced up at the Sergeant. "Too much of a temptation is what it'll be!"
"Yeah!" The group's pick pocket laughed. "You fellas think my 'collecting' is a sickness. The Warden.., he's got it bad! And it's not just little silver boxes he's taken with."
"I tell ya, we gotta get to Reynolds and convince him, or they'll be facin' the whole damn Limey Air Force when they try and get back here."
"But that's mad!" He tried to brush it off, just the overactive imagination of the men left behind... But facing the silent stares of the three cons Gil remember the wooden casks swinging on their pallet as it had been lifted off the sub that brought the team back from France... "This will go better in person. I'll bring the jeep around."
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"What happened?" Actor ducked his head forward and peered out the windscreen, searching the dark sky for the fighters. "Where did they go?"
"I don't know. They broke off for some reason." Garrison wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve.
The con man continued to search the sky around them. "To let us through? Or to mount another attack from a different direction?"
"Without a radio there's no way to tell." They'd flown at tree top level almost all the way across Europe to avoid being picked up on radar. A British fighter spotted them over the channel and had given chase, calling another pair in to assist him as he harassed them. Garrison broadcast who they were, where they'd come from, where they were headed, but he had no way of knowing if he was actually sending anything out and the attack continued. Racing along with the waves lapping at their belly kept the fighters at bay but the damage had already been done. "Maybe because they did what they set out to do."
"What's wrong?" The strain in the Wardens voice was obvious and Actor watched as he fought with the controls.
"That last strafing run tore up the tail pretty bad. She's not responding very well."
"Are we going to make it? There aren't any parachutes on board you know."
"Then I guess we don't have any other choice. Besides, we're too damn low to bail out! We'll just have to find a way to put her on the ground won't we?"
"What are you doing?" The cliffs were visible ahead in the moonlight through the light fog but the Warden was struggling to turn the plane, keeping it over the waves as he flew along the shoreline.
"I've got to dump the fuel... better to do it out over the water."
"Don't the engines stop with out petrol?!"
The Warden shrugged. "Sure, but we can glide in."
"Do you know how to fly a glider?"
"We'll find out." The plane lifted a bit as the last of the fuel spilled into the ocean. The controls were stiff as he fought to turn back towards land and climb.
Actor's eyes squeezed shut involuntarily as they past over the cliffs. It seemed they were close enough he could have reached out for a handful of chalk as they flew past. They were gaining altitude though, gradually.
g
Gravity was releasing its hold on them grudgingly, only allowing a shallow angle of ascent even though he was ordering the plane into a steep climb. But the gain was consistent... and the fighters were leaving them alone. The plane continued to crawl upward but they'd only reached two thousand feet when the engines coughed the first time. Garrison leveled the aircraft out and glanced up, the fighters were holding station around them. He started searching the ground below them.... "Help me find a place big enough to set this thing down."
They both scanned the ground racing past below them. The fields were small, separated by brush and hedgerows. The engines coughed again, first one then the other fell silent, the props slowing from a blur to spin lazily in the onrushing air. The plane was drifting down, they wouldn't have a chance to circle and check out a potential landing spot.
Actor didn't have any idea how much space it would take to safely land the plane but it seemed the field in the distance off to the right was larger than the rest. "Warden! Over there."
Garrison coaxed the nose over and lined up on the field Actor indicated with an outstretched hand. He checked the gages, the airspeed was pretty good but he wanted to use as much ground as he could... Craig steepened his angle of descent, leveling out as they approached the hedgerow that bordered the land. There was no question of using the landing gear, they'd slide in on the soft ground on their belly. The tops of the trees and brush that made up the row clutched at the underside of the plane as they flew over and he was glad he'd dumped the bombs back in Italy.
"Hang on. This is going to be rough!"
The plane was nearly on the ground when he saw it. There was a stream cutting through the property, cutting across their path. "Grab on and pull back!" Garrison pulled the controls into his chest and felt it as Actor did the same. The bomber groaned in protest, clawing its way into the air long enough for the rocky water way to slide harmlessly underneath as the nose lifted for a moment. In the next instant the belly of the plane made contact and they were both thrown forward......
g
The plane continued to creak and complain as it settled into the soft mud of the English field. The smell of hydraulic fluid and oil drifted in though the shattered windscreen, mixing with the odor of newly turned earth, tendrils of smoke curled off the gages. Garrison slumped forward, his forehead resting on his hands as they gripped the control. Turning his head he watched as Actor shoved himself back to lean against the backrest of the co-pilots seat. "You OK?"
The con man nodded his head, then winced and reached a hand to his injured leg.
Releasing the latch that secured him in his seat Garrison turned and leaned across to free his second. "Come on, then, I think I'd like to feel solid ground under my feet." He stood and reached out to help Actor to his feet, drawing his arm over his shoulder Craig sidestepped out of the cockpit and made his way to the exit.
The force he'd applied to the foot controls during the landing left Garrison's legs feeling as if every muscle in them was torn, the joints sprained. He could only imagine the discomfort the confidence expert was experiencing. Using his free hand he twisted the toggle on the door and shoved it open. Actor steadied himself by holding to the metal rib while he checked on their rattled passengers and then climbed out, turning back to help him from the plane.
"Do you ever actually land one of these things, or do you just crash them?"
"Actor, the last time I'd been shot, remember?" The Warden countered as his second in command stepped away from him to try his weight on his injured leg. "I passed out at the controls just as we touched down, so, officially I didn't 'crash.' And this time they shot the rudder assembly out...." Raising his hands and jerking his chin towards the man who was cautiously advancing from the side of the field, a rifle held ready at his shoulder, Garrison advised. "Now you'd better smile nicely and get your hands up or that man over there is probably going to put a hole in that fine uniform you're wearing. I don't think he appreciates the way I just plowed up his field."
ggg
"We won't be gone long."
"But you've only just got back. And Actor's hurt..."
The debriefing had taken place in the hospital as the doctors were checking on the injury to Actor's leg. It continued in the car on the way back to the mansion once it had been decided he didn't require hospitalization after the wound had been cleaned and redressed. And they'd finished up sitting around the table in the teams quarters, sipping brandy from the bottle that held 'the good stuff'. As soon as they'd wrapped up Garrison traveled back to London with Reynolds to help interview the fliers he had... liberated... from the base in Italy. After three hours of waiting the men had given up and gone to bed. When he still wasn't back when they got up Casino, Chief, and even Goniff hit the showers and started to checked through their gear. The Warden's extended absence could only mean one thing...
"What is it that is so important it can't wait a few days until we are able to go with you?" Actor asked, exasperation clearly evident in his voice.
"Well, it seems that pair of men they sent out after us when we were lost managed to get themselves picked up. We're going to go back over there and give them a little help getting away from the Germans."
"Don't let him fool ya." The east coast thief grouched. "The Warden probably volunteered us!"
"And just how are you going to do it with just these two along?" Actor waved his hand in the direction of Casino and Chief.
"Now just one lousy minute!" The safecracker bristled.
The Warden laid a hand on the irate explosive experts shoulder to silence him. "I thought I'd just walk up and say please," Garrison shrugged. "and they'd turn them over to us. Don't worry. We know where they are and our escape route's already worked out. And we'll have some help once we get over there."
"How will you be coming out?"
"Through Switzerland. The land route we were supposed to use." Garrison smiled, "I doubt we'd be able to get on base again and pick up another plane." But he could see the pain in the aristocratic eyes.
The con man nodded. As much as he wanted information on his brother he couldn't bring himself to ask Garrison to take on the additional risk. Switzerland claimed neutrality in the world conflict, but escaping into it held the very real threat of not being able to escape out again if they were discovered. Both side's troops were kept as prisoners if they were captured in the country, and there had been disturbing rumors about Swiss treatment of the detainees. "At least you already have your uniform."
"Yeah. And they're working on yours now..., cutting it down for Casino." The Warden was already turning towards the door... better get out while he could.
"Now wait just one minute." The con man flared. "That was finally an acceptable fit!"
Garrison laughed as he shepherded the others ahead of him out of the room, calling out over his shoulder as he walked down the hall. "Keep and eye on him Goniff. We should be back in a couple of days."
ggg
The package Garrison laid in his lap was long and flat. One end had been crushed somewhere along the trip back and as he slit the tape that held the battered box closed he wondered if the contents would be intact. Actor lifted the top of the box away and laid back the cloth that made up the next layer of packaging to reveal a fine black cane nestled in its folds. The con man picked the stick up and studied the silver work of the handle, admiring it as it sparkled in the sunlight a moment before turning his attention to removing the paper that protected the shaft.
"Is that what I think it is?" The Warden frowned and asked.
"I'm sure of it. I doubt there a two alike. Though I can't imagine how they'd come to have it."
Garrison reached up and rubbed at the back of his neck. "Well, if you don't mind I think I'll leave you alone with it."
Actor laughed as he watched his commander leave the library through the French doors and head out to the firing range where Sergeant Major Rawlins had the others practicing again. His hands worked the tie that held the protective wrapping without thinking, and the papers dropped away onto the floor as he used the cane to help him to his feet. It was an excellent piece and just the right length for him. The silver grip felt as if it had been fashioned for his hand. It eased the ache in the back of his leg as he walked across the room. Actor stood leaning on it as he watched Garrison join the group on the firing line. The others had gathered around him, Casino gesturing broadly towards the targets with his hands, Rawlins standing aside with his fists on his hips. The con man laughed, he could imagine the complaints the Warden must be getting bombarded with. When he turned back to the chair the papers caught his attention. They weren't plain wrapping paper as he'd thought, but letters and sketches. He carefully lowered himself into his chair and reached down to bring the stack back up onto his lap. He sorted through the papers leaned back in the chair and started reading the letters he found.
Carlo,
We stayed several nights with our mutual friend. He even arranged our transportation after the car was damaged. I told him I didn't feel safe staying at the house and Ilario insisted we leave the area after what had happened. Our friend very kindly loaned us a car and driver so that we could make our journey.
We came across a group of travelers just as we passed over the border. You remember how I love to barter with them? I cannot imagine how they came to have such a fine piece in their possession but know you will make good use of it.
Until we meet again
Katia
~~~
Beppe,
For now I cannot tell you exactly where we are but we are safe and happy. I will not allow you to drift away again little brother so you are to expect more of these from me Your 'business associate' was kind enough to tell me how to get my letters through to you when he stopped by for his surprise visit. The first sketch is the house Katia found for us, the next the road leading to it. Keep them all together, and I promise I will send more. They will bring you to us again after the war, when it is safe for all of us to start our future together.
Who knows, we may even be able to meet at the villa in Italy again. I cannot explain how she managed it, but Katia got our dinner host to agree to use the house while he is there. He had already started to make improvements to it before we left. If fate allows him to stay long enough it will be suitable for year round use. The hills around it would make a fine place for children to play at their lessons as we did once...
Leonzio
Actor read through the letters again and then turned to the sketches. Leonzio's skill had increased. He'd have no trouble finding them using these as a guide. The detail was almost photographic. But more importantly the scene conveyed the feel of the place. He could almost hear Katia's laughter as he studied the pen and ink drawing of the house. He thought he could feel his brother's joy radiating from the figures that stood near the fountain at the entrance surrounded by the glory of spring flowers ... The man beckoning to him from the page as the woman held a bundle cradled in her arms.
He sat forward with a jolt and took the letters in his right hand, scanning quickly through them. Neither one said anything about a.... He brought the drawing up for closer inspection. The detail was exquisite, every leaf, every petal, even the sunlight glistening from the water in the fountain. There was no mistaking the figures in the scene. But it wasn't a representation of the present, was it? It wasn't the starkness of impending winter, but the full, ripe promise of late spring.... Almost seven months away.
Gathering the papers he clutched them to his chest as he used the cane to help him to his feet. Moving as quickly as he could to the doors that led to the terrace and out across the stones he made his way down the steps to the others where they continued to argue over their training exercise. The ache in his leg forgotten with the cane's support.
"Warden! Warden, look at this!"
The End
