Day Will Come (20 page)

Stan Haydon threw the papers aside, stood up and walked over to the window.
Those poor devils on the parade ground must be sweltering in this heat,
he thought.
August, and still no news!
The fact that something had gone dreadfully wrong was now undeniable. There hadn’t been a communication from either of them.
Dear Lord, not both of them!
Pain laced through him. If they were on the run they would have got a message through somehow, even if they had lost the wireless. If they had been caught they would probably have been tortured and then shot as spies. Stan knew that was always a possibility with missions like this, but it didn’t make it any easier to bear. And the awful thing was they might never know exactly what had happened to them.

He ran a hand over his eyes. They should only have been in France for two weeks at the most. As the days and weeks had passed, hope faded, and now it was clear they weren’t coming back. That is what everyone was saying but Stan refused to let the last shred of hope die.

There was a rap on the door and his temporary assistance
looked in. ‘Colonel Askew asking to see you, sir.’

Hell, this was going to be awkward. From the way George had spoken about Grace he’d gathered he felt protective towards her. ‘Send him in, Potter.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Hello, Stan.’ George strode in. ‘Thought I’d pop in to let you know I’ve been transferred here.’

‘You’ve managed to get rid of that desk job at last,’ he joked. ‘Sit down for a moment. I’ll ask Potter to make us some tea.’

‘Thanks. I was hoping to see Grace.’

‘She’s in Scotland with Bill at the moment,’ Stan lied.

‘When do you expect her back?’

‘I haven’t any idea. It might be some time.’

George looked at him intently. ‘From the tone of your voice I would say you are worried. Why would that be, Stan? Remember I have the highest security clearance so whatever you say to me will go no further.’

‘You’re imagining things. I’ve got a lot on my mind at the moment, and I’m missing Grace’s organising skills, that’s all.’ Stan stood up. ‘I’ll see about that tea.’

Potter stood up the moment Stan came into the outer office.

‘Make us a strong pot of tea.’

‘Yes, sir.’

Stan stood for a moment, trying to wipe the worry from his face. He was going to have to be more careful around George. The fact that Grace and Bill were missing couldn’t be hidden for much longer, but he didn’t want to say anything until he had definite news – good or bad. He couldn’t tell the families that he had no idea what had happened to them. He couldn’t!

He returned to his office, a smile on his face. ‘The tea is coming right up. Now, I guess you are back on active duty, so tell me how you managed that?’

They talked about many things over the next hour and Stan was able to avoid any conversation about Grace and Bill.

He hadn’t quite got away with it, though, because as George left he said, ‘When you’re next in touch with Grace, ask her to write to her parents. They are getting worried.’

‘Will do.’ They shook hands and as George left, Stan knew his story about Scotland hadn’t been believed. That had been awkward and would only get worse now George was stationed here. He had to do something.

There was only one thing he could think of, and that was a very long shot, but it would make him feel as if he was doing something useful. It was obvious now that either their wireless set wasn’t working, or they had lost it, so it was a case of searching for any snippet of information they could find. Alex Stewart was a good man and would help if at all possible. Stan dialled a number and waited. Eventually Alex came to the phone and Stan explained the situation to him.

‘Can your wireless operators help me, Alex? We’ve tried everything we can to get in touch with them, but you might be able to pick up something from that area.’

‘It isn’t very likely after all this time, but I’ll ask them to try.’

‘Thanks. Can I have your permission to come there?’

‘Of course. When do you want to come?’

‘Now!’

‘Right, I’ll alert security. Would you like to stay for a couple of days?’

‘I’d appreciate that if at all possible.’

‘No problem. Get here in time for dinner. Jane will be pleased to see you as well.’

Stan replaced the phone, sat for a moment to gather his thoughts, and then dialled another number. There were a few things he must deal with before he left.

An hour later he had a small bag packed and climbed into the waiting car.

‘Where to, sir?’

‘Chicksands Priory, Bedfordshire. Do you know where it is?’

‘No, sir, but I’ll find it.’

‘I’ve been there once so I’ll give you directions when we get close.’

‘Nice place, sir.’ His driver said as they drove towards the priory entrance. ‘I didn’t know this was here.’

‘And you still don’t know.’

‘Understood, sir. Will you need me while you’re here?’

‘No, I’m staying for a couple of days. You can return and I’ll contact you when I’m coming back.’

The driver nodded and held open the car door.

Alex met him as he entered the building. ‘Good to see you again, Stan. I’ve got a couple of girls doing sweeps to see if they can pick up any news. Would you like to see the ops room?’

‘Very much. I really appreciate this, Alex.’

‘Don’t thank me yet. It’s most unlikely we shall discover anything of use to you, but we’ll give it a try. Have you told their families they are missing?’

‘No, I’ve been avoiding that but I can’t put it off much longer.’

The wireless operators were all WAAF and concentrating on what they were doing. Not one looked up when they walked in.

‘All women,’ Stan remarked.

‘Yes, they’ve replaced the men, releasing them for other work. They are very good. Their patience and concentration is excellent.’ Stan walked over to one girl and touched her shoulder to gain her attention.

She removed her headphone and looked up. ‘Sir?’

‘Eileen, I want you to meet Major General Haydon. It’s his operatives you are looking for. Anything yet?’

‘No,’ she stood up to face Stan. ‘If there’s anything out there we’ll find it, sir.’

‘I’m sure you will.’

Eileen sat down again and resumed her work.

Alex looked at his watch. ‘There’s still an hour to dinner. Would you like to stay and watch for a while?’

‘That would be interesting.’

‘Well, if you will excuse me I’ll come back for you in a while. They’ll search through the night as well, Stan,’ Alex said kindly, and then left the room.

Over the next two days Stan spent most of his time in the ops room, fascinated by the skill and diligence of the operators. Collecting information was a vital part of the war effort and no small detail was dismissed as insignificant. Every time something was picked up Stan’s heart leapt in hope, only to be dashed time and time again. Of course, coming here had been a vain hope, but it was better than waiting in the office hoping for news.

‘Anything?’ Alex asked, coming to sit beside him.

He shook his head. ‘Not a whisper of anything unusual. Thanks for trying, anyway, Alex. The SOE haven’t been able to find them and you were my last hope. I’d better be getting back.’

‘Sir!’

Both men surged to their feet when Eileen called. She was listening intently and shaking her head, frowning deeply. Then she sat back and removed the headphones. ‘They’ve gone. I could hardly hear it and there was only a short burst of two words, repeated once. Do the words “Jesters lost” mean anything to you, sir?’

Stan felt as if he had been hit in the stomach. ‘Did it say “Jesters” or “Jester”?’

‘I couldn’t be sure, sir. It wasn’t very clear.’

‘What does it mean?’ Alex asked Stan.

‘That either one or both have been captured or killed. Did the sender give his code?’

‘It sounded like “Saturn”, but whoever was sending it was in a hurry and didn’t want to transmit for long.’

‘That isn’t a call sign I know, and it certainly wasn’t sent by Grace or Bill, so how the hell did they know about Jesters? They wouldn’t have given that information to anyone else.’

‘Unless they were forced to, Stan.’

That would be Stan’s worst nightmare, but every angle had to be considered. Someone out there had information only known to the two Jesters.

‘It’s looking bad. That message should only have been sent by one if the other was lost, and then it should have stated Jester one or Jester two, so we would know which one it was.’

‘See if you can pick that up again, Eileen. It might be clearer another time.’ Alex placed a hand on Stan’s shoulder. ‘Stay for dinner and leave in the morning.’

‘I would appreciate some company this evening, and I couldn’t refuse another of Jane’s excellent meals. Thanks, Alex. Now I need to get out of here.’

‘Let’s walk in the grounds. It’s a lovely day.’

The warmth of the sun and the sound of birds singing were soothing. They walked in silence and Stan gathered his thoughts. That brief message had only told him that someone he didn’t know had sent it. Someone who shouldn’t have had knowledge of the Jesters, unless Bill or Grace had told them, which was highly unlikely. That pointed to the worst scenario possible. They could have been caught by the Gestapo. If that was the case he could only pray they died quickly.

‘Are you all right?’ Alex asked, breaking the silence.

Stan nodded and drew in a deep breath. ‘Just thinking things through. I now have confirmation that their mission went terribly wrong, and I must accept they won’t be coming back. I can’t delay any longer. They must now be listed as missing, presumed dead, as soon as I return to Aldershot. I will tell the families personally.’

‘I don’t envy you that task.’

‘It will be hard, but it’s something I must do myself. I’ll contact my driver and leave first thing in the morning.’

Breaking the news to Bill’s family had been bad enough, but he was dreading this. He had left it until the evening to be sure both of Grace’s parents would be at home. He knocked on the door.

As soon as Ted opened the door, he introduced himself.

‘May I come in, please? I have something to tell you.’

Ted nodded and Stan followed him to the kitchen where Jean was preparing dinner.

‘This is Major General Haydon, my dear.’

She wiped her hands, and smiling, shook his hand. ‘Oh, Grace works for you. Would you like a cup of tea?’

‘Jean.’ Ted took his wife’s arm and made her sit down. ‘I don’t think this is a social call. He has something to tell us.’

He’s already guessed I’m bringing bad news,
Stan thought, frowning.

‘Oh?’ She glanced from one man to the other, noting their sombre expression, and turned pale as the realisation hit her. ‘Grace …?’

‘We’ve been worried because we haven’t heard from her for a while, and that is not like her. Tell it straight, sir.’

‘Grace was asked to carry out a certain task and readily agreed. It is my painful duty to tell you that both Grace and a captain are officially missing, presumed dead.’

‘That means you don’t know for sure,’ Ted said huskily, putting his arm around his shaking wife’s shoulders.

‘Correct. I have delayed bringing you this sad news in the hope they would be found. They should have returned by the end of June at the latest.’

‘Returned from where?’ Jean asked, tears rolling down her face. ‘Where did she go?’

‘I can’t tell you that, but I can assure you we will continue trying to find out what has happened. The moment there is any news I will come and tell you. Grace has shown great courage and you can be proud of her. I know, at this time, such words are meaningless, but they are true.’

Stan left the grieving parents and got back into the waiting car. Wherever he went today he was leaving behind heartbreak, and there was still one more to go – George Askew. How he needed a drink!

He also needed to get this unpleasant task completed today and, as luck would have it, he saw George near his office when they arrived back at Aldershot. He got out of the car.

‘Could you come to my office, George, I need to speak to you.’

‘Ah, there you are. I have been looking for you. Good Lord, man, you look rough. Tough day?’

‘Couldn’t be worse!’ Once in the office, Stan poured two generous glasses of whisky and took a good swig.

George watched, leaving his own drink untouched.

‘Where is Grace?’ he asked firmly.

‘Bill and Grace are missing, presumed dead.’ Stan drained his glass, not knowing what kind of reaction he would get from George.

‘I see. Have her parents been told?’

‘I’ve just come from there. I’m sure they’d appreciate a visit from you.’

‘I’ll do that.’ He took a sip of the drink and then slammed the glass down. ‘What the hell happened?’

‘I can’t give you details—’

‘Don’t give that security rubbish! Start talking.’

It didn’t take Stan long to relate what little he knew. ‘We’ll keep looking, of course. Arrangements have been made to get another operative into that area to see what they can find out.’

‘Wipe that “but” out of your voice, Stan, and don’t give
up just yet. I’m sure Bill is an expert at avoiding capture, and Grace is very resourceful. They won’t give up easily.’

‘I’m well aware of that, but you have to admit the signs are not good.’

‘No, they are not! You find them, Stan, and keep me informed.’ George stood up. ‘I’ll have to tell Dan.’

When George left the office, Stan poured himself another stiff whisky. Thank heavens he didn’t have to tell Dan that he’d lost Grace!

‘Hello, George.’ Dan turned the wireless down so he could talk on the phone. ‘How are things?’

‘Not good. I have some bad news, Dan.’

‘Oh, what’s happened?’ Dan listened, his mouth setting in a grim line. ‘Why the hell has Stan waited all this time before letting us know?’

When he heard the rest of the story, Dan swore fluently under his breath. ‘What a stupid, crazy scheme! They’ve lost two valuable people and gained nothing! Don’t tell me to calm down, Uncle. Any fool can see that a mission like that had little chance of succeeding. I’m on embarkation leave now so I’m coming there in the morning. Stan can tell me what he’s intending to do about this. To say they are missing is unacceptable … I know there’s a bloody war on, but that’s no reason to go throwing good lives away. I’m in the mood to shake some sense into a few people!’

‘That’s how I feel.’ George’s voice betrayed how upset he was. ‘I’ll warn Stan you’re coming, and then we can both go and see Grace’s parents.’

‘Yes, we must,’ Dan agreed, his fury draining away and
leaving him feel empty. ‘They lost a son-in-law, and now they might have lost their daughter. They must be devastated.’

‘And confused. They thought she was safe in an office. When are you shipping out, by the way?’

‘Seven days.’

‘Let’s hope we get some news before you leave. See you tomorrow, and thanks for coming.’

George watched Dan striding towards him across the parade ground. For such a big man he moved with fluid grace without a trace of the injury he’d had.

‘You’re early. Have you had breakfast?’

‘Not yet.’

‘Good, we can eat together. Can’t face this day on an empty stomach.’

Dan nodded and followed his uncle to the officers’ mess.

‘Do you know where you’re going yet?’ George asked as they took their seats.

‘Not officially, but my guess would be North Africa. General Montgomery has taken over as commander, and we need a victory to raise spirits.’

‘Agreed, and the last thing you needed was bad news before shipping out. Take it easy on Stan, though, this is especially rough on him. Remember he’s lost Bill as well.’

‘Damned shame. I liked him, and you can stop looking so worried, George. I was angry when I heard the news, but I’ve slept on it. We are going to have to face this situation over and over again before this war is over. I remember the quiet courage Grace showed at the death of her husband, and it’s an example to all of us. And knowing her, when she was offered this mission there is no way she would refuse.’

‘You’re right. She was a remarkable girl.’

‘Was?’ Dan raised his eyebrows.

‘Sorry – is a remarkable girl.’

‘That’s better. The important word here is “missing”, and until they have proof they are dead, I’ll hold on to that.’ Dan pushed his empty plate away and stood up. ‘Now, let’s go and see Stan.’

Potter showed them straight in, and after the usual greetings, they three men sat down to talk.

‘I was dreadfully sad to hear about Bill and Grace,’ Dan said. ‘What is being done to find them?’

Stan explained the situation, and they discussed what action could, and was being taken to trace them.

They had been deep in conversation for about an hour when Potter burst into the office. ‘Sir, a dispatch rider has just delivered an urgent message for you from HQ. He said you were to have it at once.’

Stan took the sealed envelope and frowned at the large red words ‘For immediate attention’ written on it.

‘Excuse me while I read this,’ he said as he slit the letter open.

Dan watched a mixture of emotions flash across Stan’s face as he read the contents of the message.

When he’d finished he put it face down on the desk and closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again and looking up. ‘Grace is safe. She’s made it to Gibraltar after crossing the Pyrenees and Spain.’

Dan felt a wave of relief and some pride when he heard that. He muttered softly under his breath, ‘That’s my girl.’

‘Wonderful news!’ George was smiling until he saw Stan’s sombre expression. ‘Is she all right? Is Bill with her?’

‘Grace is unharmed, but she came alone. There’s still no sign of Bill. We won’t know the whole story until Grace arrives. They are going to get her back as soon as possible.’

‘By sea, I expect. Don’t give up on Bill yet,’ George told him. ‘They must have had a good reason for separating. He could be right behind her.’

‘You’re right, and it’s a huge relief to know one of them is safe.’ Stan stood up. ‘Grace’s parents must be given the good news at once. Shall we all go, gentlemen, and give the neighbours something to talk about as three ranking officers descend upon the house?’

They walked out of the office, smiling, buoyed up with the chance to give good news for a change.

Ted’s mouth dropped open when he saw them standing outside, his eyes fixing on the tall man. ‘Oh, it’s so kind of you all to come and it will do Jean good to see you again, Dan. Er … you’re all smiling.’

‘That’s because we’ve got good news,’ Stan told him. ‘Grace is safe!’

‘Thank God! Come in – come in.’ Then he turned and ran down the passage, shouting, ‘Jean! Grace is safe. She’s alive! Jean, where are you? We’ve got guests. Dan’s here as well. Jean!’

She came running down the stairs and threw her arms around her husband, laughing and crying at the same time. ‘Is she all right? Where is she?’

‘I don’t know yet. Look who’s here to give us the wonderful news.’

She rushed up to them and shook Stan’s hand, kissed George on the cheek and hugged Dan. ‘Where have you been, young man? We’ve missed you.’

‘They’re keeping me busy.’

‘I don’t doubt it.’ She gazed at the officers crowding the passage and shook her head. ‘We’d better go into the front room.’

‘The kitchen will do, Jean,’ Dan said, taking her arm. ‘I could do with a cup of your excellent tea.’

She smiled up at him. ‘Grace really is safe?’

‘Yes, and when I see her I’ll give her a good talking to for worrying us all like this.’

‘And she’ll tell you to mind your own business,’ Ted laughed.

‘Ah, but she can’t do that now she’s in the army.’ Dan tapped his shoulder. ‘I’m an officer. Any cheek and I can have her charged with insubordination.’

Jean was busy making the tea and turned round to look at Dan. ‘You do that, young man, and you’ll have us to deal with. Do you know Dan brought Grace home one evening and they were both covered in mud?’

‘We’d been on manoeuvres with the Home Guard that day.’ Dan had an amused expression on his face. Jean was never going to forget that.

‘Well, at least you’re clean this time. Sit down everyone. The tea is ready.’

They were laughing while they shuffled the chairs so they could all sit down.

‘Can you tell us where Grace is?’ Ted asked Stan as he handed round the cups of tea Jean had just poured.

‘We haven’t got much information at the moment, but I’ll tell you what we know. First, I must have your promise to keep this information to yourselves.’

‘We promise.’ Jean and Ted both nodded.

‘I received the news this morning that Grace has arrived in Gibraltar.’

‘Gibraltar!’ Ted gasped. ‘What the blazes is she doing there?’

‘She came from France, over the Pyrenees, through Spain and into Gibraltar.’

‘That’s incredible!’ Jean looked at Stan. ‘With the captain?’

‘As far as we know she came alone, but we are more hopeful now that Bill won’t be far behind.’ Stan didn’t let his concern for Bill show, not wanting to spoil their joy at knowing their daughter was alive.

Ted was shaking his head. ‘That girl of ours has some courage.’

‘That’s why Bill took her with him. He needed someone who wouldn’t let him down if things got nasty, and he knew she would keep her wits about her. When Grace arrives home I must ask you not to press her for details. Too many lives depend upon her silence. You understand?’

‘We will keep this to ourselves,’ Ted promised. ‘Will we ever know the whole story?’

‘Most unlikely.’

‘I don’t care about that.’ Jean began refilling the empty cups. ‘Our girl is safe and coming home. That’s all that matters. We won’t ask questions or expect her to talk about it. She will need rest and some normal home life without being constantly reminded of what she has been through. She will be given leave, won’t she?’

‘Of course,’ Stan told them. ‘Once the debriefing is over she can come home for as long as she needs. I’ll let you know when she is back in this country. It will probably be a week or so.’

‘Thank you all so much for bringing us this good
news. When Brian was killed all Grace received was a telegram – so impersonal.’ Jean smiled at Stan. ‘But you took the trouble to come in person. We really appreciate that kindness.’

‘And I’m delighted to be able to come again with much better news.’

‘I’ll come again when Grace is home,’ George told them.

‘You are always welcome,’ Ted replied. ‘I’m sure Grace would like to see you as well, Dan.’

‘I doubt I’ll be here. I’m on embarkation leave at the moment.’

‘Oh, dear.’ Jean looked concerned. ‘You be careful, young man, wherever you’re going.’

‘I will.’

The men took their leave then and walked out to the waiting car. When they reached it Stan turned and stared at Dan, a smirk on his face. ‘Young man?’

‘So?’

‘How can anyone call a great six-and-a-half-feet brute like you “young man”? You must be thirty at least.’

‘He’s twenty-eight actually,’ George told him with a wide grin on his face. ‘And he’s only six feet four. At least he was the last time we measured.’

‘You’d better measure again, George. He’s still growing!’

‘Do you think so? Have you got a tape measure with you?’

‘Will you two stop analysing me and get in the car! The neighbours are beginning to wonder what three army officers are finding so funny. They’ll be rushing into Ted and Jean’s house to find out what’s going on. Jean likes me and in her eyes I am a young man.’ A devilish look crossed
Dan’s face. ‘If you two elderly gentlemen would get in the car I might consider buying you lunch.’

‘Watch it, young man. We outrank you.’

‘Get in, Stan, and you, Uncle.’

‘How do you manage him?’ Stan asked as he climbed in the back of the car with George, leaving Dan to sit in front where there was more room for him.

‘He’s quite docile really – as long as he’s giving the orders.’

‘Good officer material then,’ Stan chuckled. ‘He’ll probably end up as a brigadier by the end of the war. That’s if he stays alive, of course.’

‘I’ll survive,’ Dan told them. ‘I have plans.’

‘Really?’ Both men lent forward eagerly.

‘And what might they be?’ George asked.

‘None of your business!’

‘Not a brigadier, George – it will be a general.’

‘Without a doubt.’

‘Oh, you two have really cheered me up!’ Stan told them, laughing. ‘Grace is safe and that could mean Bill will turn up soon as well. Take us somewhere we can get a bottle of champagne, General. I feel like celebrating.’

Laughter filled the car, and when Dan glanced at the driver he saw he was having terrible trouble not to roar with laughter. He sat back and smiled. It had been a good morning and he could ship out with an easy mind.