by Dale Harsh
When he pitched the idea for the group back before he'd been shipped off to North Africa he'd never envisioned himself as the leader. General Jackman had been right, you had to be careful what you wished for. He wished for a team that could get in and get information out of German safes, replace it with the information the Allies wanted them to have. He wished for a group that could trick the Germans into revealing their secrets or releasing their prisoners.... Well, he had it... and at least for now, he was responsible for it, the men that made it up, the people that were assigned to get those men ready for their new lives as under cover operators, the soldiers that would support the small base where they were housed... Hell, right now he was responsible for the community where the brass had them headquartered. If anything happened to anyone it was going to be on his head, just because he'd thought up the idea... Sometimes he thought a little too much for his own good.
"Alright Sergeant, let's review the troops."
Gil stared at the Yank for a second before he turned back to the door. Review the troops indeed! From what he'd been told not one of them had any military experience. From what he imagined not one of them would have any discipline and none of them would respond to authority, at least not the way the military demanded. Swinging the door open he stepped aside and let the lieutenant through, motioning for two of the guards to step into the doorway behind him as he followed his new CO in. The rest of the detail were on the alert, ready in case the 'specialists' made a break for it.
Craig looked at the men ranged around the room. If they'd been regular Army recruits they would have been on their feet the moment they heard the door open. If they'd been regular Army recruits he would have barked an order that brought them to attention... But they weren't Army recruits, they were convicts, wards of the Army for the time they found them useful. And despite what others in the special operations unit thought he didn't really care if they learned to follow regulations, he just needed them to learn enough to follow him, at least long enough so they wouldn't get themselves killed before they complete their mission. His eyes traveled from one to the other. Chief the one he'd picked for his scout, over the objections of just about everyone. Actor the group's con man, European born and multilingual, Goniff the cat burglar and pick pocket of the bunch, the safe cracker and explosives expert, Casino and.... Wheeler?
"What's a matter commissioner, don't like surprises?"
Garrison fixed a level gaze on Wheeler and stared until the man laughed and looked away. He hadn't picked Wheeler, he'd rejected him for his attitude and tendency towards using violence to get what he wanted. Reports indicated he'd killed more than once in prison but with the lack of witnesses willing to talk he was never convicted. Sure he could handle himself in a fight and he knew his way around almost every vehicle and engine in operation. They wouldn't have to teach him much about hand to hand or weapons, but he doubted the time saved there would be enough to teach him there were other ways to resolve his problems, that it would be enough time for him to develop a conscience.
"Where's Saint-Martin?" the lieutenant asked quietly.
"How should I know? I was all snug in my little cell and they come rappin' on the door and told me I was comin' over here. Gonna get a big chance to be part of your little band a Boy Scouts." Wheeler smirked at him from where he slouched on the sofa. "You want a health up date on that Frog you better ring up the warden."
First hurdle, they were all watching him, waiting to see what he'd do. "Never mind, Wheeler, you'll do."
Shoving off the sofa Wheeler took three strides across the small room to stand toe to toe with the guy in charge. "You didn't think so over there!" Usually when he got in a guy's face they'd take a step back, tense up. He was big enough he made almost everybody nervous. Not this guy,,, but he had back up. Wheeler cut a look at the guards, they'd tensed up alright, but that was OK, he'd heard they wouldn't be with them on this job.
"I had choices over there. I chose the best." Wheeler might know his way around an engine, but G�rald Saint-Martin had designed, built and raced his own cars all over Europe. He spoke four languages and had a personal knowledge of the areas they'd be working in. And he had something the others lacked, a desire to work for the Allies that wasn't based on the promised parole. He wanted to get into the fight to free his country and couldn't do it from behind bars in a federal prison. "I don't have that choice here and so, ... you'll have to do." Garrison crossed his arms on his chest and continued to stare at Wheeler. He could feel the guards tense at his back but he didn't want to break eye contact, not now.
Goniff hunched his shoulders up and grinned down into his lap. He didn't like the loud mouth bully and was glad to see their new leader wasn't going to put up with him...'Course he did have those guards standin' right behind him. It was going to be different out on the job and the little man doubted the lieutenant would be the one to come out on top if there was a fight. Casino, now Casino'd have a real chance. He was tough and he'd been inside and knew the way to handle a bloke like Wheeler. The pick pocket slid off his perch and wandered over to lean against the wall, a little closer to the safecracker, a little further away from Wheeler.
Actor watched the two men face off. He knew a confrontation would come but he didn't think it would happen this quickly, before they could even get away from the airfield. And he didn't think Wheeler would be the first one to test the lieutenant, he thought it would be the safecracker, Casino. The clash was instructive though and he was glad to get a little insight into the man who would be leading them. So far he was impressed, the lieutenant hadn't raised his voice in reaction to Wheeler's belligerent tone. He'd kept his voice even and just stated the fact... Wheeler wasn't his first choice but he was willing to adapt to using him anyway. But from the anger that flashed in the man's eye their young leader may have just made his first mistake. Actor could believe Wheeler wasn't the first choice, he considered the man a braggart and a bully. It was amusing to see him assigned second class status when he thought so highly of himself, but it may have been wiser to keep that from the group.
Casino leaned in his corner and watched Wheeler... he didn't like the guy, he was an opinionated loudmouth, always complaining... Casino didn't like guys like that. He didn't give much notice to the Army screw, he wasn't gonna have much to do with him. He'd be all safe in his own barracks, probably backed up by guards all the time, but he was gonna to be sharin space with Wheeler, be one on one with him, and it never hurt to see how a guy handled himself. So Wheeler wasn't the best, wasn't the first choice?... Maybe he could use that little piece of information later. He shot a look at the Limey as he settled in near him... He was harmless, a follower, and it looked like he might be willing to line up with him... he could use that too.
Chief watched the group of men in the room. The con man hadn't moved from his seat, just stayed there studyin' the lieutenant and that wheel man. The officer was concentrating on him too, so were the guards. The English guy, Goniff, had moved over to stand with Casino... looked like he was settin' up an alliance already, choosin' who he'd back when the fight come, and it'd come. He turned his attention back to Wheeler. The guy was trouble, spoiling for a fight and convinced he was big enough, tough enough to come out on top... He probably was too, most a the time, but Chief wasn't worried about him, he was faster, his reflexes quicker, in a fight that lumbering loudmouth would go down in the first few moves. But the officer standing there, he was ready for him, balanced on his feet and relaxed, just waiting. That's the guy to worry about, he thought. If Wheeler wanted to be the one to try and get him out of the way, well, that was OK by him.
Wheeler snorted a laugh and turned away. He wasn't gonna get the guy to take a step back, not with the others watching and not with rifles at his back... there'd be another time.
"Alright." Garrison turned to Rawlins. "Sergeant Major load them on the trucks, let's get this show on the road." So much for greeting his new charges and that quick pep talk about the importance of the job they were about to do.
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The men got to their feet and filed out past him between the guards Rawlins had set on either side of the path that led to the back of the truck. As soon as they'd loaded one of the guards climbed aboard and secured each man to the bench with a handcuff. No sense taking any chances. Two armed guards would ride in the back of the truck with the convicts, with another up in the cab with the driver, and a third riding with him and the Sergeant Major in the jeep. Another two armed men would lead the little convoy in a second jeep. At first he'd thought six armed guards a bit excessive, but with Wheeler in the crowd he was glad he'd let Rawlins talk him into it.
Their timing was perfect. The procession of vehicles was moving slowly along the road that ran past the pub and had come to a crawl as the driver down shifted to make the turn up the steeper road that led out to the estate... A gust of wind blew the back flap on the truck open just long enough for Goniff to catch sight of the pub. Garrison watched as the Englishman jabbed Casino in the ribs and pointed. The flap fell back in place before he could see the safecracker's reaction. Rawlins turned to him and frowned. Craig nodded his agreement. With Wheeler in the group their little bet was off. He didn't want a guy like that loose in the village, not until he was sure he could trust him... and that was going to take a very long time.
Twenty minutes later they were pulling through the gates and getting ready to turn their charges out into their new 'pen'. Garrison knew why prisons were called that, the men inside were treated like cattle, shuttled from place to place, surrounded by fences, sometimes prodded along through gates with electrically charged sticks. He didn't want the base to operate like that, and as soon as the men proved themselves it wouldn't, but they'd have to earn their privileges. For right now they'd be closely watched and tightly contained.
Swinging out of the jeep Garrison stepped over to the back of the truck and waited for the other guards to get in position. Rawlins had the chain they'd brought along and stood ready to attach each man's cuff to it as he climbed down out of the truck. They weren't going to like that, Craig thought as he signaled the guard to drop the tailgate of the truck... But they surprised him, accepting the set up as routine. They probably moved around the prison that way, or out to work assignments, he'd have to spend a little more time talking to Corporal Jergens, the man with the most prison experience and was glad Rawlins picked him to be part of the permanent operating staff out here. Sergeant Major Rawlins might not have personal experience with handling convicts but he had a good imagination and a tendency to pay attention to details. Craig found he was getting more and more grateful that the NCO had agreed to accept this assignment.
Garrison watched them as they arranged themselves in line, getting a feel for the ultimate pecking order. Though Goniff had been closest to the tailgate of the truck he'd hung back a little and let both Casino and Chief down first, turning his back on Wheeler. As they hooked up Wheeler gave the smaller man a shove that sent him stumbling forward into Casino. The guards stepped in immediately, lowering their rifles between the two men. Casino shoved the Englishman away from him but kept a hand on his shoulder to keep him on his feet as he shot a irritated stare at Wheeler. The other two, Actor and Chief just looked on, waiting to see what would happen.
"Alright Wheeler, knock it off!"
Garrison didn't wait for the man to respond, motioning the guards to start the line forward up into the house. He'd have to watch that. If Goniff was lining up with Casino and he was accepting the roll of protector it might not do to have either one of them close to Wheeler. Chief didn't seem threaten by the bully but he was at least thirty pounds lighter and would be hampered by the chain if it came to a fight. Actor was bigger than all of them. If he had to position them he'd put Wheeler dead last with Actor between him and the rest and Chief leading them off. Craig shook his head and wondered how long they'd have to worry over that sort of thing, He had to get them to work together and depend on each other and he didn't have much time. Well, the security system he and Rawlins had worked out might help with that.
They took them through the entrance and right upstairs to the large room they'd chosen for a barracks. It was set up dormitory style with cots and chairs placed at regular intervals around the room. Each man would have some space of his own, more than the small cells he'd taken them out of, but there would be no privacy, no walls to separate them.
"Unhook them Sergeant, let them pick their own spots." Again he stood back and watched, waiting to see how they'd arrange themselves around the room.
The second story man of the bunch gave Casino a nudge and started up towards the fireplace, standing back to let the safecracker decide which side of the hearth he wanted for himself. When he moved to the right Goniff cheerfully took the spot on the left and just as cheerfully switched when Casino pulled him off that cot and took it for himself.
Actor headed for the side of the room with the bookcase and comfortable leather chair, Chief took the one over by the window... That left the other end of the room all to Wheeler. Garrison watched him as he stood in the middle of the space eyeing each of the other men, trying to decide if he could displace them from their chosen territory. When he turned and saw that he was being observed he narrowed his eyes and let them skip over the guards who still stood in the doorway to rest on Garrison. After another staring match he turned and headed for the last cot at the end of the room.
"Sergeant, secure the men." Now we'll see...
Rawlins stepped out of the room for a moment and came back with another set of chains and leg irons that grated along in the metal track that was secured to the floor. Two more guards followed him into the room. He was expecting some resistance too and wasn't going to put up with any nonsense from his new charges. He headed for the con man, Actor, first figuring he'd be the least likely to offer physical opposition.
All of the men were on their feet now, staring at the man who was in charge of them.
"Whadda ya mean by this, commissioner?!" Wheeler took a step back towards Garrison only to be stopped by one of the guards leveling his rifle at him. "Nobody said nuthin' about livin' in leg irons."
"You won't have to live in them Wheeler. We'll let you off when you go out for training. And we'll dispense with them in here... just as soon as you all prove I can trust you."
"Jeeze, I thought this was s'pose to be a better deal than the joint. At least once the damn door slammed shut on the cell you could move around as much as you wanted." Casino shot a look at the lieutenant. "So what's a guy gotta do to get to the john, Lieutenant, raise his hand and say please?"
Garrison didn't quite keep the smile from his face as he watched Rawlins hook Casino up and then start on Goniff, at least that was a practical concern. "You can get to the john Casino." He directed their attention to the track on the floor with a wave of his hand. "In fact you'll be able to get to most of the rooms on this floor." There was a slide attached to the end of the chain that held them and it ran in a slot in the track. They'd laid it out so there were by passes along the track, places where the men could change position, but only if they cooperated by getting out of each others' way. Off shoots of the main track ran along each of the cots. Craig smiled again, Rawlins interest in model trains had come in handy during the layout.
"I object, Lieutenant Garrison." Actor kept his voice reasonable and calm, though he wasn't feeling either of those emotions right now. He hated being confined, tethered to a certain spot, and while he'd managed to resign himself to living in a cell he had no desire to be permanently attached to the floor. "Have you considered how we might escape the building in case of a fire or some other emergency?"
"There's a fire suppression system in the building, Actor." Garrison explained, just as reasonably, "In case of any other type of emergency I'll come and get you... You'll just have to learn to trust me."
"Fat chance! I figure you'll be leadin' the pack over the hill at the first sign a trouble!"
Wheeler again, at his most charming. "Then I guess you'll just have to hope I have more guts than that, Wheeler."
The guards had stayed near Garrison by the door as Rawlins moved around the room and secured the men, but when he approached Wheeler one of them stepped up behind the Sergeant Major to back him up. They've identified the biggest threat, Craig thought, and they aren't going to give him any chance to cause trouble. He approved their instincts. Gil had an eye for men and had chosen a good group. "You have an hour to relax and sort out your gear. Your meal will be brought up to you and as soon as you finish we'll get started."
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"Blimey! He ain't a very trusting sort is he?" Goniff rattled the chain attached to his ankle and shot a look across at Casino. "Hey! How'r we s'pose to get our pants off wearin' these?"
Casino snorted a laugh. "How do I know. Maybe we'll just have ta let 'em slide down over the damn chain. Sorta like fireman pushin' 'em down over their boots."
"I hardly think they'll make us use the same clothing for the duration of our stay here." Actor didn't even bother looking up from the book he'd chosen from the shelf by his chair. "They will have to let us bathe and change clothes, but there will probably be a guard."
"Just like the joint. Always somebody standin' around with a gun."
"Did you expect anything different Wheeler? Surely you didn't assume the lieutenant would simply accept a promise from you not to disobey his rules and just let you roam about at will." Actor's voice dripped with scorn.
"Nah! Wheeler didn't expect nothin' like that! He expected a key to the top floor a the best hotel in London. Didn't ya Wheeler?" Casino smirked at the man at the other end of the room and laughed when he was brought up short by the chain on his ankle when he tried to cross the space between them.
Stepping back Wheeler gave the chain that held him a jerk. "I thought you was 'spose to be able to get through any lock, big man. How come we're still wearin' these damn things? If you ain't smart enough to get us outta these what good are you gonna be over there?!"
Casino leaned back on the cot and put his hands behind his head. He didn't like being tethered anymore than the rest of them but he wasn't about to show them his discomfort. "And if you can't see any better than that, what good are you gonna be to us over there? We'll probably end up in a ditch with you drivin'. Since you'r too stupid to notice for your self, big shot, that key they got for these things is extra long... That's 'cause the lock's at the bottom of a cylinder and that's gonna protect it from a pick.....And don't go thinkin' we can lift the tracks,.... They're bolted down. That little lesson was free, Wheeler, but the next one's gonna cost ya."
Wheeler's eyes ran along the track on the floor and he started off around the room only to be stopped by the youngest member of the group. "Get outta my way, Indian." He wasn't ready to take the kid on, not yet, but to get to the loud mouth across the room he would. He was big enough he figured he could pull him right outta the shackle, strip his foot off if he had to.
"Wheeler!"
All of them turned to stare at their new warden. None of them had heard the door open.
"Alright, if you gentlemen have this much extra energy we'll put it to good use. We can hold off on lunch for now and get right to the training session." Garrison flipped a switch on the intercom attached to the wall near the door. "Sergeant Major Rawlins."
"Sir?"
"Change of plans Sergeant, we'll be heading out on the obstacle course now. Have the guards come up and see to it the men get ready."
"Yes sir."
"Thanks a lot, mate. I'm famished too... Hey, Lieutenant, you can't expect a bloke to work on an empty stomach!" Goniff had a smile all ready for the ruddy screw, but he didn't need to bother, the lieutenant had already turned his back on 'em and was headed off down the hallway.
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"So what am I s'pose to do again?"
"Just get over the wall, Goniff."
"There ain't no ropes, 'r pipes to climb up. How m'I gonna do it, then?"
"Use your imagination. Just get over that wall." It seemed simple enough to Garrison, one man boosted another over who then reached back to pull the first man up... but these guys weren't ready to rely on each other yet. He could hardly blame them they'd only been on the grounds for forty eight hours. Alright, he thought, let's see how they do it.
Goniff studied the stub of a wall and the raised tower next to it. He scratched his head and took another look at the lieutenant before rolling his eyes and starting across the open yard. When the guards on the tower tensed up and pointed their rifles down in his direction he just grinned up at them and waved. Clambering up the corner of the tower he got a few feet above the wall and turned to stand on the crossbeam, calculating the distance in his head he leapt across and took a few running steps along the top of the wall until he got his balance. A few steps forward and back with his arms held out to his sides and he turned to bow to the others on the ground before dropping down on the opposite side. In a moment his hands could be seen on the top of the wall again, and then his head as he pulled himself up to sit astride the top.
"Come on Casino! I'll give ya a hand up, mate." Slapping the wall and then holding out his hand he encourage the safecracker to make the attempt.
Casino didn't wait, just took off at a run and made a jump for the wall. He knew the pick pocket'd be there to catch his hand. The Limey needed protection and he could provide it. It was in his best interest to help him and people always looked after their own interests first.
Both of them disappeared over the wall leaving the other three to figure it out for themselves. Garrison leaned back against the jeep. There's one pair, he thought, now what about the others.
Actor tapped Chief on the shoulder, "Come on, I'll boost you up and then you can help me over."
"Huh uh. S'gotta be the other way around." The younger man gave Actor a measuring glance. "You'r too heavy for me."
The pair approached the wall and was over without any trouble... that only left Wheeler. He waited for a moment but no one appeared at the top of the wall to offer him a hand. Stalking across to the base of the tower he started to haul himself up along the supports. When he reached the cross beam he turned but couldn't make himself jump.
"Alright, that's enough." Garrison motioned for the guards to bring the others back around the wall. "Wheeler get down from there. Now, let's do it again."
"Again!" Casino planted his fists on his hips and stared at him. "We already got over the damn thing once. Why do we have to do it again?"
"Not all of you got over Casino." Garrison turned to face the east coast thief as he moved up to confront him. "Wheeler didn't make it."
"Well that's just too bad for him, isn't it."
"No, it's too bad for all of you because we're staying right here until all of you get over that wall. You are supposed to be a team, remember?" He didn't raise his voice, just crossed his arms and stared back waiting for them to decide. They'd been out on the course for three hours now and were tired and hungry. If they wanted a break they'd have to work together to get it.
Actor studied the group for a moment. It appeared the lieutenant could be just as stubborn as Casino and he didn't doubt the man would keep them out here all night if he had to, to make his point. As uncomfortable as it was he preferred to spend the night in his bed inside rather than standing here. "Come on, let's get this over with." Starting back towards the wall he called over his shoulder. "Wheeler can go first but I'll need some help with him."
The others didn't make a move, not even Wheeler. Craig waited. Goniff finally broke away from the group and headed for the wall. Turning when he got there he laid a hand on his belly and shrugged back at the others. "Come on then you blokes, before I starve to death."
Wheeler was big, but he wasn't in very good shape and it took three of them to hoist him up so he could catch the top of the wall. When he swung over the top he dropped down on the other side without offering a hand to help anyone else. Actor didn't waste anytime listening to Casino complain, just boosted each of them up and over. Goniff dropped down the other side but both Casino and Chief stayed on top and reached down to help the con artist up.
"Round them up Corporal Jergens. We're done for the day."
"Yes sir."
Well we have the beginnings of an alliance, he thought, and a potential negotiator. Actor had taken the lead and the others had seen the sense in following him. All but Goniff, Garrison laughed to himself. He was only motivated by his ever present hunger.
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The light switched on to groans of protest. "Alright gentlemen, on your feet." Garrison watched them roll out of their beds. Chief was on his feet almost instantly, alert and ready. Actor and Casino were sitting on the sides of their cots, interested in their surroundings but not fully awake, but Goniff and Wheeler were still wrapped in their blankets.
"Bloody Hell! We just got the lights turned out!" Only disheveled blonde hair could be seen as the cockney pick pocket shielded his face with the blanket.
"That was six hours ago, Goniff. Now get up."
The little cat burglar folded the covers back and did the calculations on his fingers. "It's only four o'clock in the bleedin' morning! You ain't gonna make us run that blinkin' obstacle course in the dark?!" Swinging his legs over the side of the cot he scrubbed his hands through his hair and yawned in the lieutenant's direction.
"Breakfast first Goniff, then the firing range. You've got weapons training with Sergeant Major Rawlins before we start on the jump tower."
"Breakfast! Whyn't ya say so!"
Garrison watched them for a moment to make sure they were all started on the process of getting up. The light had come into the second story man's eyes at the mention of food, Wheeler looked up at the promise of the firing range. This would be the first time they'd been allowed to get their hands on a weapon. No one commented on the prospect of the jump tower and the only reason he could figure for that was that none of them had ever been on one before. The next time he made that little announcement it probably wouldn't be taken so quietly.
When he followed the servicemen hauling the food into the room several minutes later, the men were ready with their questions.
"Whadda ya mean, 'jump tower'?" Wheeler shouldered the soldier away to get to the tray that had been placed on the table next to his cot, then turned on the man, "What'r you waitin for, sweetie, a tip?" When the irritated guard took a step towards him the convict rose to his feet to meet the challenge.
"At ease, corporal!" Garrison was across the room and standing in front of Wheeler as the soldier stepped back as ordered. "Wheeler if you've got enough energy to cause trouble I guess that means you guys can make it around that obstacle course a couple of times before you hit the firing range... Right?"
Wheeler glared at the officer in front of him before sinking back on the cot and turning to his food. Garrison turned to survey the room, the others were quietly absorbed in their trays.
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"I said ... Get outta my way!" Wheeler was on the prowl and rather than pace back and forth in front of Actor's area, where the way was clear he'd chosen the path past Chief who was in no mood to move.
The young man cocked his head and asked quietly. "You think you got what it takes to move me, Wheeler?"
It had been a long day. Their new jailor had them up before dawn and out on the firing range to practice under the watchful eye of armed guards. Then in response to trouble from Wheeler they'd made a quick run through the hated obstacle course before loading onto the truck for the trip out to the jump tower where they'd had their first taste of what it was going to be like for them when they dropped into Europe to do their job. They were sore and tired, all of them, and Actor was in no mood to participate in the punishment that would be meted out to the whole group if the lieutenant found these two fighting.
"Be quiet, both of you." He rose to his feet to confront Wheeler as the man started back along the track towards him. "All this argument will get us is another chance to run a circuit around the grounds." By the time he was standing face to face with the angry man the others were on their feet murmuring their agreement. "Are you so much a fool that you can't understand these security measures?" The European con artist swung is leg fast enough to cause the chain to rattle in the track. "To meet even our simplest needs, Wheeler, we have to cooperate and I would wager as soon as we do, these," he jerked the chain again, "will come off." Gesturing to the others in the room. "They seem to have worked that out so I suggest that it's only your continued stupidity and stubbornness that is keeping us in these shackles."
The others had moved along the track to stand at the man's back, leaving Wheeler only one choice, backtracking.
"More trouble, gentleman?"
Goniff, standing at the back of the group, whirled to face the door. "No trouble, mate!" he grinned. "Actor here was just gonna read us a bed time story outta one of 'is fancy books. We was just decidin' which one."
Craig watched them shuffle along the track as they turned to follow his movement across the room. By the time he'd settled himself against the wall next to the window they were all ranged along the track in front of Actor's area. The confrontation had been between the con man and Wheeler this time he noted, with the other three men standing at Actor's back.
"Actor, can I see you over here a moment?" As he expected it was the little pick pocket who made the first move, sidling along the track to reach the slot that led up to the confidence expert's cot. When he'd cleared the main track Goniff dropped onto the cot and patted the blanket next to him, encouraging the other two men to move out of the way. Casino glared at Wheeler a moment and had just started to move when the belligerent get-away driver finally took a step back.
"It's faster this way. You too much of a fool you can't see that!?" Turning his back on the group he stalked back to his own slot and pulled back out of the way, bowing the tall Italian through with a wave of his hand.
Actor considered Wheeler a moment. "Thank you, Wheeler." And then he started along the track towards the lieutenant.
Wheeler gritted his teeth and smiled as Actor moved past him, "This better work." he growled, just loud enough for the con man's ears.
A gallant gesture, Garrison thought. Too bad the feral smile didn't match the act. But, he sighed to himself, at least they'd convinced Wheeler to cooperate... Maybe there was some hope after all. He glanced up at the group's de facto second in command as he stood calmly waiting to hear what was required of him.
"We've got less than a week and these guys need to learn some German and French... Think you can handle it?"
Actor smiled, he knew he would be called on to help the young Army officer eventually and he had every intention of encouraging the man to rely on him. He already had a plan in mind that could see them free of their chains and their agreement with the government but he hadn't broached the subject to the others. Language sessions would be the perfect cover. "Of course, Lieutenant Garrison, I would be honored to help." Turning his smile on the group ranged across the room he continued, "And I am certain I will have a most eager and cooperative group of students."
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Actor was encouraged. The safecracker knew a bit of Italian and the Indian had been exposed to Spanish as a child making it easier for both of them to understand the French he was trying to teach them. Goniff had grown up near a Jewish section in East London but he thought his limited store of Yiddish would prove more of a hindrance that an advantage as it had a tendency to corrupt his accent if he tried to say anything in German. Wheeler lacked all language skills even, to Actor's ear, slaughtering his own English with street slang.
They were gathered in a conference room that had been set up next to their dormitory. Actor kept the language lessons boring and repetitive and at his 'suggestion' the others had been cooperating with the base personnel. After the first session the guard left them alone in the room. The shackles they wore secured them and he was only going to be across the hall...
"Where you figure they'r sendin' us?" Casino stubbed the cigarette out and tossed it in the tray.
The European con man shrugged. "It can only be France."
"How come you'r so sure it ain't Italy hot shot? Or right into Kraut land?"
"Because they are training us to jump, Wheeler. There are already Allied troops on the ground in Italy... "
Casino snorted a laugh. "Yeah we could land there all nice and comfortable you idiot"
"...and if we were going into Germany there wouldn't be no need of us learnin' French." Chief offered quietly.
Actor spared the Indian a surprised smile as he cautioned the others. "Keep your voices down, both of you! If the lieutenant hears you we will all be out on that obstacle course." Leaning back in his chair he considered each of the men in silence.....It seemed now might be the right time to introduce his idea.
Goniff slid forward, resting is elbows on the table. "You got somethin' cookin' in that head a yours?"
There was a possibility that not everyone would be willing to go along with him and if his reading of the men had been inaccurate he ran a big risk. If there was an informant in the group, a 'squealer', and he continued to have doubts about the Englishman, he ran the very real risk of being returned to American and prison in chains. He kept his voice casual. "I was merely considering the possibility that we might be able to get away once they drop us over there."
"And then what, get shot by the Krauts?"
"I admit there would be certain risks involved... but it might prove lucrative as well."
Chief frowned a moment. He thought he knew what the con man meant,,, but he wasn't sure. He didn't want these guys to think he was stupid, but he didn't want to risk his neck without all the particulars either. "Lucrative... what's that?"
Casino gave a derisive snort and just raised his hand, rubbing the first two fingers and thumb together. "Moolah, dummy. Dough!"
Chief stiffened and shot a black look across the table. He swallowed his come back. There'd be another time and if he played it cool now he might have more than words to use to show the sarcastic east coast con he wasn't dealin' with a dummy.
Goniff shared a worried look between the two hot heads. They'd had 'words' before and had come to blows over it causing the whole group to be sent through the obstacle course. "You mean just scarper?" The plan sounded good, but only if all of them went for it. "Just take off as soon as we land over there?"
"Jeeze! Don't be an idiot!" Casino scoffed. "We're gonna come down right in the middle of a squad a military goons packin' rifles."
"You are probably right Casino." Actor concurred. "There will probably be someone waiting on the ground when we arrive. Goniff, I am not proposing we set out on our own immediately. What I am suggesting is that there may come a time that the opportunity will present itself and I believe we should be ready for it."
"Don't sound like you think it'll just be the one job?"
Actor turned and looked at the Indian leaning by the window. "I don't discount the possibility of the government holding to their agreement." He waited a moment until they were all looking at him, waiting for him to finish. "I just don't want to stake my life, or my chance at freedom on it." There was a lose board in the floor just outside the room and they heard the guard before the door opened. The con man let his eyes range over the men. "We'll continue this discussion later." And by the time the door was open they were all diligently studying German rank insignia.
g
The men had been herded down onto the firing range for a practice session with the Sergeant Major. They spent the remainder of the day practicing at the jump tower. The day always ended with a trip around the obstacle course before they were allowed to hit the showers. Their meal was still brought to them in their room. The group had been quiet and cooperative, their attention on the mission and the possibility of freedom either in Europe before they started the job or back home in America after they were done.
Goniff sat staring at his empty plate a moment before risking a glance around the room. He figured up the odds of getting the leavings off any of the other's trays and decided they weren't very good. With a sigh he shifted his tray off his knees onto the table that sat next to his cot and turned his attention on the man that sat across from him. "You don't believe in that parole much, do ya mate?"
Casino snorted a laugh and settled his tray on the floor, sliding it under his bed. "You got that right, babe. That crack at a parole's nothin' but a pipedream." Throwing himself down on his back on his bunk he stared up at the ceiling.
Goniff followed the half filled tray with his eyes before shifting his gaze back to the safe cracker. "If you din't b'lieve in it why'd ya take the deal?"
"Jeeze! You are an idiot aren't ya Goniff! Got me out where I might get away, didn't it?"
"And just how do you figure we get ready to blow this deal, professor?" Wheeler wanted out alright, but he wasn't sure he wanted to follow the con man's lead.
Actor turned and settled a steady gaze on the irritating wheel man. This could work, he could make it work there was no doubt about that, but it would be much easier if Wheeler wasn't along. "By learning the language Wheeler, something you seem reluctant to do. By working together, something else you have difficulty with. And by keeping ourselves open and ready to exploit any opportunity that presents itself.... But you have to have a certain level of intelligence and imagination for that."
Casino snorted another laugh from his side of the room. Wheeler's eyes narrowed in hatred. The con man had big ideas, he thought, but he didn't have the guts to see them through. He might have the contacts over there in Europe and he might know the languages but he didn't have what it took to lead them against Garrison. "I'm smart enough to handle myself big man. I done it plenty a times in the joint. You just be ready to follow my lead when it goes down!"
"Sure Wheeler, we'll be ready."