Francis

This story is for persons of eighteen years or over. All comments, good or bad, are welcome and all will be answered.

Part Sixteen

I was now starting to get frightened as these guards all looked at me curiously, dressed as I was at this time of the morning. I glanced up at the clock and saw that it was close to midday. I sat there for an hour before I indicated that I wanted the toilet. They finally understood and let me use a disgustingly filthy toilet, but it was good enough for me to throw up in. I still had a pee before I washed my mouth out and checked my face. I went back out and sat for another half hour before an officer came up and spoke to me in bad French. I told him I also spoke English, which pleased him. He had looked at my passport and seen the general's signature and apologised for the delay.

`The British have closed their part of the road. Nothing coming in or going out. Sorry.'

But I have to cross over,' I said. I work over there and I was told that I wouldn't be stopped from going.'

`None of our vehicles can pass through. So there's no way we can take you there.'

`I can walk. I have got to get back to work,' I pleaded.

`Well, if you want to walk, you're free to go, but then you will be stuck in the middle if they don't let you in,' he said.

I'm a woman,' I smiled at him, I can probably go where you cannot.'

`Be it on your own head then,' he said as he gave me my passport and saluted.

I walked out of that building with a sigh of relief and a guard opened a small gate for me and I started walking off towards the British road block. As I approached the barrier across the road, I saw one soldier, arms at the ready, nudge another and nod his head in my direction. He went off into the guardhouse and came out with a sergeant.

`Stop there,' he said as I put my hand out to the side gate.

`The border is closed. No one in. no one out.'

`I must get through. It's important!'

`No one in and no one out.'

There was only one thing for it. I walked out into the middle of the road and stood facing the curious faces.

Okay,' I shouted. Which one of you sons of a bitch is in fucking charge here? Come on! There's always one son of a bitch in the King's fucking army.' My voice had carried and lots of heads poked up from gun emplacements and other places.

Is this jumped up corporal in charge?' I shouted, pointing to the sergeant. You know what happened the last time that a corporal ran an army. He fucked up the world!' I could see some movement over by some vehicles to my right. `Is this cretin the new Hitler or have you another one?'

`Shut the fuck up,' I heard come from that side, but my eyes were on the approaching officer.

`Cannon fodder, you shut the fuck up. I want in!' The officer came up.

`What's the problem sergeant?'

`This, er, lady is demanding entry, sir,' he said, coming to attention and saluting. The captain touched his hat in acknowledgement.

`You can't come in, border's closed,' he said to me.

Captain,' I said sweetly, beckoning him with my finger, I felt I was riding high in what I had achieved that night and I was now riding my luck. Captain, come here before you are reduced to the ranks and hear what I have to say.' His face went red, but, still he came over to the centre of road with just the barrier between us. Captain. This is for your ears only,' I said in a low voice. I am going to say a few words to you and you'd better believe them or you are going to be cleaning latrines for the rest of your army career.' He started to bumble, but I held up my hand. `Speak to your superior and say that I have just been with General Sergey Dolonomov of the Russian army and have vital intelligence for, well that's not for your ears. Now what I have said, I can promise, will happen if I don't get through this fucking border!' The last said as vehemently as I could.

`Sergeant! Two men! Escort this lady to that personnel carrier and stand guard.' Good man, I thought, now something will happen. I ducked under the red and white pole and was led to the armoured vehicle.

`I can just about save you from demotion sergeant, if, you bring me some coffee and something to eat. I've had a hard night's work,' as I sat down and leaned back, closing my eyes. A few minutes later, a corporal brought me a hot mug of coffee and some sandwiches.

Thank you corporal,' I said, taking them from him. If I was in charge, I'd make you a sergeant.'

`Not bloody likely if you ream out sergeants like you did old thunder guts. Never even seen an officer who could take him down like you did. Bloody marvellous.'

`Well give my regards to the men and tell them they're doing a good job and I don't envy them.' I closed my eyes again, but the corporal carried on.

`Excuse me for asking, but what did you say to the captain.'

`I mentioned a name and told him that I would have him cleaning latrines if I wasn't let in,' I smiled weakly at him.

`Bloody good show miss,' he said as he withdrew. He would have a nice little story to tell to his mates. I didn't know how much of a story it would be till I got back to London. In that short space of time, I had become the illegitimate daughter of Winston Churchill and had escaped from Siberia after killing half the Russian army. You can't say anything to anyone without it getting a little bit twisted, though I did like the Churchill touch when it was related to me.

I dozed off for awhile until I was shaken awake and heard the familiar voice of Wesson.

`Thank God you're all right. It's taken me hours to find you. You are all right, aren't you?'

`Yes Wesson, thanks.'

`You caused a furore out there as if they didn't have enough on their plate.'

`Why? What caused the border to be closed?'

`They've had two sightings of Ratsovski. An agent that they've been trying to catch for ages. That's why no vehicles can pass through. I had to call in a few favours to find you and promised to take you out of here, but I've got to help them for a couple of hours. They are rather thin on the ground and part of getting to you was to agree to help until reinforcements come up. They said that I couldn't take a woman into a possible combat zone.' He stopped speaking a bit too abruptly.

`Go on. You haven't finished what you were saying. I might be tired, but I can tell there's more.'

He looked down at the floor of the armoured vehicle.

`I said that I'd rather go into combat with you behind me than any others he might have.'

Thank you Wesson. You couldn't have paid me a nicer compliment,' I said, touching his knee. Where do we go?'

`I don't know. Let's find out.' He got up and I followed him out of the carrier to find that a major was approaching us.

`Sergeant Wesson!' he called out.

`Sergeant?' I asked softly.

`Shut up!' He hissed out of the side of his mouth.

`Look at this,' and he stopped at a nearby jeep and spread out a map across the bonnet. We got there and looked over his shoulder.

We're here,' as he jabbed at the map. I've got men spread over this area,' which he circled with his finger and then stabbed at another section of the map, `but nobody to cover these two sections.'

We'll take that one,' Wesson said. It's close up to the Reichstag and I know the area.'

Okay,' the officer said. Keep down and we should be able to relieve you in about four hours. Okay?' Wesson nodded. `Fine then. Off you go.' With that, he went off.

`Did you understand that?' I asked stumbling after him.

Yes,' he said, making a pace that was hard to keep up with. I know the area he was talking about. It's close to the Russian line and he may, just may try for it.'

`Who's he?'

`Ratsovski. The Russian Rat we call him. They've been trying to catch him for some time now. If he's been spotted twice trying to get through, he must be carrying something damn well important.' I hurried after him and we finished up going across bombed sites that hadn't been cleared. It was bloody hard going in high heels and it had just started to snow. The clouds had been a dirty yellow for a little while now and it was beginning to get dark. I stumbled along behind Wesson and bumped into him when he stopped.

`That's the old Reichstag building there ahead of us. Got your gun?'

`Gun? What gun? I went into East Berlin with a camera, not a fucking gun.'

`Shit! Did you get it? What you went in for?'

`Both,' I said, enigmatically.

`Good. Keep it safe, but why did I come with a backup that's not carrying? Fuck!'

`It wasn't my choice to come on this safari across bombed out Berlin,' I retorted heatedly.

`Sssh,' he hissed and made a motion for me to get down. I dropped flat instantly, banging my damaged side on a half brick. He had gone down into a crouch.

`Rat!' He suddenly shouted at a figure that I could now see about thirty yards away. Both men let fly two shots apiece, and Wesson spun round and fell heavily to the ground.

`Shit, shit, shit,' he said from between clenched teeth.

`Wesson! Where've you been hit?' I asked in a whisper when the sounds of the gunshots faded.

In the leg Goddammit,' he whispered back. Keep down. He doesn't know there's two of us here.' I'd seen the figure go to ground behind a small wall up ahead of us. He was fumbling with his tie to make a tourniquet. Here,' he threw the gun across to me. See that low wall? About ten yards off to the left?'

`Yes,' I whispered back.

`Start making for that. If he gets there first we're finished. He'll stay low for a while before he moves. No noise now. I'll warn you if he moves. Go! Silently.'

`What about you?' I asked quietly over the small space that separated us.

`I've got a knife. You've got the gun now. There's only four bullets left in it, so make them count if you have to.' I could tell that he was speaking from between gritted teeth. What to do with a loaded gun as I moved across rough ground, I had no belt to stick it in. I slowly rolled onto my back and put the safety catch on and stuck it down the front of my dress so that the bra could hold it.

The little wall I wanted to get behind was about ten yards away, and it took me nearly ten minutes to reach it. Picking my way over bricks and rubble with the utmost care. Rubbing my stomach across this rough ground as I slowly inched my way towards the wall. I felt my dress tear, stockings shred, but carried on until I finally was able to sit up. The way this wall had been left gave me a small hole to look through and see the small wall that the Rat might be hiding behind.

The snow was still coming down, but gently, in little swirls, but not heavy enough that I couldn't see that other wall. I gave a thumbs up sign to Wesson who I could still see in the fast fading light. Then I saw him hit his wounded leg and he was forced to give out a groan. What the fuck's he doing? My mind screamed out, then realised that he was drawing attention to himself. Then I could hear the little scraping of brick against brick as he built a small wall up in front of himself.

As I grasped his intention, I looked through the hole and watched carefully. I could hear these small sounds of brick movement over to my right rear, but kept looking forward. There! I saw a movement. Just a quick flash, but he was there, behind that wall. I quickly glanced back at Wesson and gave the thumbs up sign again and then raised my hand, palm upwards several times as if in encouragement to get up. He understood what I meant, for I heard him give another slight groan with a movement of rubble.

I watched that other wall for nearly ten minutes before the Rat moved. First it was quick showing of the head as he, I think, took in the terrain he would have to cover to get to Wesson. When one of his quick looks fixed on my wall, I seemed to shrink to half my size, thinking he had seen me. But he hadn't.

He came up like a ghost in the swirling snow and started to move towards me. I only let him move two paces before I rose up and fired off my four shots at him. I heard his gun go off as he was flung back against the wall he'd just been hiding behind. I could see him lying against it, not moving, but I couldn't take any chances.

I moved back as quickly as I could before beginning to make a circle to come up behind him. I was panicking because I didn't have any bullets left in the gun, but I leaned over the wall with him just below me. I put the barrel of the gun hard against the top of his head so that he could feel it and then groped down with my other hand to try and find the vein of the neck that gives out a pulse to show if you're alive or dead. All my hand came into contact with was a sticky mess where the side of his neck should have been. My involuntary jerk of the hand knocked him and his head rolled over to the other shoulder and he slid further over onto his side.

I didn't bother with the safety catch this time and shoved the gun down the front of my dress again as I got up and went round the wall. I pulled him away till he was lying face down and then pulled off his jacket and put it on as I was getting to feel the cold. I rolled him over onto his back and ripped off his shirt and used this to wipe my blood sticky fingers. I found that I'd also managed to hit him in the chest with another of my four shots.

Two out of four, I thought as I lifted up each arm and found a small packet taped under one of them. This I pulled off and put in his coat I was now wearing. Next I ripped open his trousers and pulled them down as far as I could. He wasn't wearing underpants and his penis looked small and shrivelled against the darkness of the cloth. I felt between his legs and found another packet up high on his inside thigh. This too went into the coat. I didn't fancy the next bit, but I then stuck my fingers up his arse and felt an object there. I grasped it with my fingers and pulled out a small cylinder. As I did so, his bowels evacuated and the stench made me reel backwards. I wiped the cylinder and my fingers on the remains of his shirt and added it to the packets.

Now I had noticed a shell hole only a few yards away, so that was where I was going to put him. I grabbed his feet and started to pull his body across the bricks. Then my heel got caught in some stones and I fell over, snapping the heel clean off the bottom of my shoe. I swore and had to think for a moment.

Tiredness was beginning to get to me. His shoes! I took them off his feet and put them on. They were at least three sizes too big, but I could at least shuffle in them as I dragged him to the hole and rolled him in. The snow was starting to come down a bit heavier as I picked up the biggest stone I could lift and let it smash down onto his head and face. Then I sat down and threw as many bricks and rubble to hand till I had completely covered him before I dragged myself over to where Wesson lay.

`I gather he's dead by seeing you,' he said between chattering teeth.

`How's the leg?' I asked without answering what was not really a question.

`Bloody painful.'

`Do you think you can walk on it?'

I won't know until I get up. I've lain here for nearly an hour waiting to see who was going to come over here. Help me up.' I managed to get him upright, though he was swaying quite a bit, standing on his good leg. Loss of blood,' he muttered, `makes you dizzy.' I was able to leave him for a second to retrieve my bag and fix it inside the coat before I put Wesson's arm over my shoulder to help him move.

`Where is he?' he asked.

`Over there. I've buried him under some rubble,' I said.

We started to move and I found he was taking us in the wrong direction.

`Hold up. The British Army is that way,' I said.

That's why we're going this way. They will still keep looking for him and the Russians will know that they haven't caught him. It's an ace up our sleeve because we know that he is dead. We could turn this around.' Good thinking, wishing I had thought of that myself. Mind you, you can tell Frobisher that it was your idea. He'll like that.' I gave him a big squeeze as I struggled to keep him upright across the rubble and also keep those great big shoes on my feet. We made it to flat ground where the going was easier, but still strength sapping for me.

`Where to now,' I gasped.

`Keep going this way till we reach a phone.' I gritted my teeth and the pair of us staggered down this very dimly lit road in the falling snow. His injured leg started to drag a little which made it harder to keep in a straight line and keep balance. I don't know how long we went on this way, but eventually we reached a coin operated phone booth. He, I gratefully pushed to the phone and sank down on the ground and dully watched him fish some coins out of his pocket and dial a number. He spoke for a couple of minutes before replacing the receiver. I slowly got up and help him out to sit down by the side of the road.

`They are sending somebody out to collect us. I've told them exactly where we are and that the offside light is to be masked. That way we'll know that it is our side. Do you still have any of those cigarettes left?' he asked.

`I didn't know you smoked?' I said.

I don't. Used to, but gave them up, but I could bloody well do with one now,' he grimaced. I fished about inside my bag and got them out, the packet squashed a bit, but I got two out and stuck one in his mouth and one in mine. Matches in my top pocket,' he said.

`Don't smoke but you've got matches in your pocket?' I asked as I struck a match and lit both of the cigarettes.

`Boy Scout. Be prepared,' he said, taking a long drag and holding the smoke for a long time in his lungs before slowly exhaling, the smoke dribbling from his mouth and both nostrils.

`Aaah, that's good that is,' and promptly started coughing with me trying to slap him on the back. But he was right, it did taste good. Good because I was alive. Tired and bruised, but not in a hole with rubble on top of me. That was the first time I ever enjoyed a cigarette, sitting there in the middle of ruined Berlin in the dark and the snow.

The cigarettes had been finished and we were both leaning against each to stay upright and keep warm, when he nudged me.

Car coming, yes, it's stopping.' The car had stopped a good fifty metres away, the engine idling. He's waiting for a signal that it's all clear. Give him a flare.'

`What with?' I asked.

`The bloody matches. Light one and shove it back into the box to set the others off. Christ, haven't you learnt anything yet?' I grinned at him but didn't say anything. I did as I was told and when the box flared up, I saw the car lights go off and then come back on again. Then the car started to creep slowly forward, but I wasn't going to take any chances. I let the box drop to the ground and got up. Just beyond us were some refuse bins, and it was behind these that I went, moving along to where the car would possibly be stopping. Stop it did, about ten feet away from Wesson. I could see that there was only a driver in the car, so I moved out just behind him. The window was down and I pulled the gun out from my bra and moved and in and stuck it hard up against his head.

`Alone?' I asked.

`Yes,' was the reply.

`Gun?'

`Yes.'

Pull it out,' I said, slowly now. Two fingers only and pass it over.' His hand went into the left hand side and slowly pulled the gun out and held it up. I snatched it away from him as he said, `Francis?'

`Smith? What the hell are you doing here?'

`Come to collect you. Do you mind taking that gun away from my head? It makes me nervous.'

Oh, you can have it,' I said, tossing it into his lap, There's no bullets in it anyway.' Then I tucked his gun into my bra and moved off to see to Wesson.

`That was a dumb trick. What if I'd called your bluff?'

`But you didn't, and besides if you'd have tried afterwards, I'd have shot you with your own gun.'

`I think she would have too,' Wesson laughed weakly.

`Help me get him to the car,' Smith said, starting to get his arms around Wesson as I sat down.

`You do it. I've just carried him half a fucking mile, you can do the last ten feet.' Wesson was laughing and crying out at the same time as Smith got him to his feet and helped him to the car.

Boy, have we got a story to tell you later.' Wesson chuckled as he tried to make himself at ease in the car, but first get us to a safe house where a doctor can see to this leg.'

I got into the front seat while Smith got into the driving seat and started the car. As we drove along he asked if we could tell him what went on.

`Need to know basis. If Frobisher wants you to know, he'll tell you,' I said curtly, my head was now beginning to throb and I so desperately wanted to go to sleep. Wesson chuckled from the back seat.

`Can I have my gun back?' Smith finally asked. I'd been waiting for that.

`No. You've got Wesson's Smith and Wesson Smith,' I said.

Don't do that,' said Wesson from the back laughing, it makes me hurt.'

`But it's got no bullets!'

`Don't you carry spares, or loose ones like change in your pocket?'

`Francis. A gun is a dangerous weapon...'

Don't patronise me Smith,' I shouted. I've been awake for nearly forty eight hours. I've fucked about with a General, almost reduced an army sergeant to a private, and a captain may shortly be on latrine duty. I took on the British Army! Then I crawl through rubble, getting shot at and finish up killing a man. Stripping and burying him. Then carrying a wounded mate for half a fucking mile and you're telling me now that a gun is fucking dangerous! Here's your fucking gun, have it before I fucking use it on you,' I said, pulling it from my bra and throwing it in his lap. Then I broke down and cried. Smith pulled the car over to the side of the road and took me into his arms and held me. Delayed reaction, they told me afterwards, as he stroked my hair. I'd lost my wig somewhere back in the rubble. All the pent up stress, anxiety and tiredness of the last twenty four hours had broken out and I couldn't control it.

She's right Smith,' I heard Wesson say. She's been through a bloody lot for a youngster without the proper training. I also think you were lucky back there where you picked me up. If you'd said the wrong thing, I think she might really have shot you. So my advice is not to push it.' This I caught while I let all my emotions flow out of me till I was able to sniff back the last of the tears.

I'm sorry Smith. I shouldn't have taken it out on you, but,' I managed to make a little joke, Wesson's not in a position to fight back.' I stroked his arm. `I am truly sorry. Now get us safe and back home please.' I think my wide tearful eyes touched his heart, well I like to think so.

No problem, he said as he started off again. As we travelled, I told him that he'd got to find me a dress and some stockings. A pair of shoes, size six. Some money. No. I'd got a small bundle from the Rat's pocket. A ticket on the first plane to London, First Class.

`Is that all?' he asked as we pulled up at what was to be the safe house. I didn't answer as we got Wesson out of the car and into the house. I saw to him being made comfortable while Smith phoned first for a doctor and then to get what I wanted. The doctor was there within fifteen minutes and he gave Wesson an injection to lay him out before he took out the bullet from his leg. I also let him see to me. My wound had opened, but only slightly. He cleaned it and put some powder on it before taping me up again. Then the things I'd asked for arrived. I only had time to change and have a quick wash before getting back into the car after saying a quick farewell to Wesson, giving him a kiss on the cheek which made him blush.

Smith took me to the airport and told me that he had to stay behind for another day or two to tidy things up. I did stress to him as we approached the airport that I had to have someone meet me at London, because I couldn't go through the usual channels with what I was carrying. He told me not to worry as I left him to hurry to catch the flight. I just had enough time to buy a few things from the airport shop, make-up and make myself a little more presentable before boarding the plane. There wasn't a thing I could do about the dark circles under my eyes. I collected my boarding pass and got onto the plane. The first thing I did as I went into the First Class section was talk to a stewardess.

`I want a large, very large gin and tonic, two aspirins and a cup of coffee, in that order, thank you.'

`I'm afraid we don't serve drinks until we are airborne.'

Ellen,' that was the name on her breast tag. Ellen. I don't want to be a pain in the ass, nor do I want to pull rank on you. I am very, very tired and have had to put up with so much shit lately, that I am beginning to get angry. Either you get me what I have just ordered, now, or you will be on the customer complaint's desk before you fly again. Also, when I fall asleep, which I will do very shortly. Do not. Do not wake me till we are taxiing to the terminal. I don't care if the plane is crashing, do not wake me. Now that's the longest little speech I've made in a long time and I'm starting to get angry.

Do..I..get..what..I..ordered?'

`Yes ma-am. Straight away ma-am.' With that I gratefully sank down into my seat. I had just fastened my belt when my order appeared. I gave her a tired smile of thanks and knocked the drink straight back. Then I took the aspirins and washed them down with the coffee and promptly fell asleep.

I don't what kind of hell I went through in my dreams, but the hand vigorously shaking me brought me out of them. My mouth was a dry as the proverbial you know what.

`We're disembarking in one minute Miss er, Duvall.'

`Can I have a cup of water please,' I croaked. A small plastic beaker came and I swallowed it in one go. My teeth were furred and I felt like shit. I got off the plane with my bag that had the goodies from Berlin in and went off up to passport control. I was third in line and when my turn came, I presented my passport to the man behind the desk. He looked at it for a little while, flipping through the pages before he made a sign to a couple of officers there.

`If you would be so kind as to go with these officers Miss Duvall.' I could feel the eyes of the other passengers that had been in the queue behind, follow me as I was almost marched off. I was taken through a door and then down a passage that led right through to the arrival hall. Not a word had been said, and there I was on the outside. I looked around and saw a small sign with my name on it. I nodded to the man holding it and passed through the anxious crowd that were waiting for the other passengers to emerge. The little man caught up with me and then led me through the doors to where a car was waiting in the no parking zone, being guarded by a policeman. I got into the back as we quickly drove out and onto the road for London.

I had fallen asleep again because the next thing I knew we were in the underground car park in Whitehall. I got out of the opened door and the driver pressed the button for the lift. He also pressed the button to go up to the floor I wanted before he withdrew as the doors closed. I got out and walked down to Frobisher's office and knocked, and then leaned against it, waiting for him to call out that I could enter. I must have dozed off again because I almost fell into his arms when he opened the door.

`Didn't you hear me call out?' he asked.

No,' I mumbled. Mustn't come in without knocking. Here,' I said, moving past him and dumping the plastic bag on his desk as he went round to the other side. `It's all there. Can I have a drink please, I'm thirsty?'

`Over there, behind you,' he said as he upended the bag on his desk. I poured myself out a large gin and only put a small amount of tonic in it.

`Want one?' I asked.

`Not at the moment thank you,' he replied. I turned and saw him distastefully trying to separate the items that the bag had contained.

`The lighter has the pictures you wanted of General Dolonomov's safe and security system. The rest is a bonus. It's from Ratsovski.'

What?' Frobisher exclaimed. How?'

`I killed him and stripped his body. I brought the coat because I didn't have time to check the seams, sorry. Maybe I'll do better next time,' I said wearily as I sank down into a chair.

`You killed him?'

`Yes. Oh, Wesson got wounded by the way. I had to leave him with Smith while I brought this lot in. I thought it must be important, because the Rat had been trying to get through the British lines all day, so there must be something very important in that lot.'

You might be right.' He picked up the phone and spoke for a minute before hanging up. This was his bloodstained coat?'

`Yes.'

`Where did you find this?' he was holding up the small cylinder.

Up his arse.' It was funny to see him drop it fast. I did wipe it first on his shirt,' I giggled, the gin starting to get at me. `The other packets. One was in an armpit, the larger one taped to his thigh.'

`Who else knows about this?'

`Your other two guns, Smith and Wesson. Don't worry. We are the only people to know. You can, if you know how, to start feeding them false information as though it was from him.'

`Then what happens when they find his body?'

`Only when they start rebuilding Berlin. I buried him. By the time they find him, they won't know who it is. I smashed his face in first with a rock.' That started me off again. I started to shake, violently at that. What was left of my drink was splashed all over me as I shook. Frobisher was quickly round the desk and he knelt down and held me till I stopped shaking.

This is the second time,' I said with a little laugh, I must be really tired. What time is it?'

`Almost six.'

`In the morning?'

`Yes.'

`Well that's nearly forty eight hours so I must be tired.' There was a knock at the door and Frobisher got up and called out to enter. He beckoned the man over to the desk.

`This film I want developed. The contents of these packets translated and whatever is in the small canister. The jacket is to be shredded to see if there is anything else concealed inside it. I want all this on my desk by nine.'

`Three hours?' the man exclaimed.

`People have been killed because of the urgency of this lot. Pull in whomsoever you need and it is most secret, but I want to know what is in this lot by nine a.m. Okay?'

`Yes sir,' said the man gathering up the coat and contents and left the room. Frobisher then picked up the phone and said a few words. A few minutes later, the little man who had brought me from the airport arrived in the office.

`Don't tell me, his name is Winchester.'

No,' Frobisher laughed, actually it is Colt.'

That's it,' I said, I'm out of this mad house,' I said getting up out of that comfortable chair. `I surprised you didn't call me Magnum.'

`You're too small to be called that, what about Biretta?' he said with a smile.

`Go to hell. Take me home Colt. I don't care which one. One that has a bed in it.'

Great job Francis,' Frobisher called out. See you tomorrow.' I dully followed Colt down to the car park and let him drive me home, which happened to be where Harry was waiting on the steps for me.

Thank God you're all right Francis,' Harry said, taking my arm. Let's get you straight to bed.'

`The bugger must have phoned you,' I slurred.

`I'm glad he did.' Him and Palmer, who must have been got up as well, helped me upstairs and he left after he and Harry had got me onto the bed. I felt Harry's lips brush mine and I felt him start to take my clothes off as I drifted off into a wonderful sleep. I woke up briefly to see that it was still dark before going back to sleep.

I slowly came awake and stretched and turned on my side to see Harry's head on the pillow next to mine. He was awake and looking at me, a smile on his face.

`Welcome back to the land of the living,' he said softly. I smiled back at him and raised my hand and stroked his face.

`It's nice to be back and see you here,' I said just as softly as he had. He raised himself onto his elbow and leaned over and kissed me. I pushed the top covers back to free my arms, which I put up to pull him towards me. He rolled over closer and came into them, but I pulled him so that he then was atop of me, his body seeming light upon mine.

`I missed you Francis,' he said.

`I missed you too, especially this.' I could feel him getting hard between our stomachs and mine started to stir too. I kissed him and gently rocked his body on mine making our cocks rub together.

`I need you Francis,' he mouthed between kisses.

`I know. I can feel it. I need you too, now. Make love to me Harry.' He kissed me once more before getting off the bed and go to the bathroom. I pushed the bed covers right down and rolled over onto my stomach. I felt the bed dip as he got back on and then his hands stroked and trailed down my back to caress my bum. His hands were nice and soft and yet strong as they went to my waist and pulled me onto my knees. I widened my legs and bent forward so that my face rested on my forearms.

Then came the nice tickling as the head of his cock played at my entrance, then with his hands on my hips, he pushed forward. It was as lovely as always, his hard shaft sliding into me, filling me with joy. I liked the scratch of his hair against my cheeks as he twitched himself inside me so that I gurgled with pleasure. Then he slowly made love to me, soothing the itch that had started when I woke up next to him. His rhythmic movements within, brought me to heaven and I started to move back to his forward thrusts, urging him on. I wanted him to swell so much inside that he would burst me. Faster and faster he went until he gave out a cry as he went rigid, holding my hips tight as he pumped in short sharp stabs at me. Then came out a long sigh as he eased himself down onto my back and I slowly slid down onto the sheet, squashing my throbbing piece.

Keep moving,' I urged as he lay on me, still buried inside. So as he rocked on me, I was technically masturbating myself against the bed sheet. Faster,' I said in a muffled voice and then came myself, my sperm squishing out into a sticky mess between the sheet and my stomach. I let out a sigh as my cock now rode easy in my own coming, and just enjoyed the still throbbing cock inside me as he continued rocking his body on mine.

We eventually stopped and he pulled out leaving me bereft but happy by having been serviced that way. I too got up and we went and cleaned ourselves off in the shower together. Palmer had somehow known we were up, because breakfast had been laid out in the sitting room and both of us naked, sat down to eat. I now found that I was ravenous, and ate everything that was there to eat. Harry then told me I had slept the clock round with a few more hours on top.

`I'd better get dressed and go and see Frobisher. He'll want to know all that happened. I don't think I was very coherent last night.'

`The night before,' Harry corrected. I grinned at him and stroked his face as I passed him to go and get dressed. Even though I'd come onto the sheet less than an hour ago, I still got an erection as I put on my stockings and fixed them to the belt.

Harry saw this when he walked into the bedroom and I didn't stop him when he knelt down between my stockinged legs and took me in his mouth. I leaned back in the chair and stroked his hair as I gave myself up to the pleasure of his mouth on me. I held his head firm as I came. Bucking a little as I shot into his mouth for him to swallow before sucking and licking me clean. He raised his head when he'd finished, his mouth wet and shiny and I leaned forward and kissed him, tasting myself at the same time.

`Thank you Harry, I needed that.' He then got up and went and sat in another chair to watch me do my make-up

When I do that in the theatre,' he said, I don't do as half a good a job as you do.'

Well you don't do it as often as I do, and I've had years of practice at it now,' I said as I dabbed at my lips with a tissue to take off the excess lipstick. There! I'm a pretty girl again, except for the tits.' I then put on my padded bra and got up and put on a dress. I gave my wig a quick brush before putting it on while he phoned for a taxi to pick me up. Then with my shoes on and a small handbag on my arm, I was ready. I gave Harry a peck on the lips and went down to the waiting cab.

I got smiles and good mornings as I passed the security desk in the Foreign Office and went up to Frobisher's office. I knocked and waited till summoned.

`Good afternoon Francis, my you do look nice. Much better than the wreck I saw the other night. Take a seat. Would you like a sherry?'

`With all due respects to your sherry sir, I'd rather have a gin and

tonic.'

`Well help yourself, you know where it is.' He waited till I'd got my drink and settled in the chair facing him.

`How are you feeling, okay?'

`Perfectly fine sir. It was sleep that I needed, and I seem to have had quite a bit.'

`Good. Now I want you to tell me absolutely everything that happened, what you did, who you saw. Everything. I'll be taking notes, so I won't interrupt you till the end. Then we can go back over to recap. Now you left London for Paris.' So for the next two hours I told him everything. Not being too shy to even mention how many times the General fucked me. In this, he did interrupt to say that I too will have fucked the General in the very near future. When I'd finished, I got another drink while we went back over several things for clarification, especially in regard to the shooting and disposing of Ratsovski.

`Well I must say that you have done us proud in all this. I was with the Prime Minister this morning and he is delighted in what you brought back. I can't tell you all that was there, it's too sensitive and really it's a need to know basis, but I can tell you this. We broke Ratsovski's code and identified a major Russian agent here in London. He was arrested yesterday and is now somewhere down in this building spilling out what he knows.

We've also identified many agents throughout Europe and will slowly be taking them in. Just the odd one now and again and feeding the others with misleading information. We've also managed to get a message through, purporting to be from Ratsovski saying that he had been wounded and was having to lie low for a while. That'll keep them quiet for awhile in respects of his disappearance. You were quite right to keep it to yourselves and not tell the Army, otherwise we wouldn't be able to do what we are doing.

The Army Major was quite peeved that you and Wesson disappeared, leaving that sector open. Neither was he pleased at the way you brought attention to yourself at the border, threatening his officer and non-com in front of the other ranks.'

I had to get across sir,' I pointed out, I just had to make a scene.'

I know. We've managed to keep it quiet though you should hear what the squaddies have said.' He then told me the story that I've all ready related. I liked the Churchill touch,' he chuckled, and I laughed with him.

More seriously though,' his face going sober, the notes prove that we have several moles within the Government that are passing on information to the Russians. One at least here, in the Foreign Office. It's narrowed down our search and lifted suspicion off quite a few members of the Government and Civil Service. This has saved many hours of work in trying to track them down and that is why the P.M. is so pleased.

Now to your original task, we're highly pleased with what you achieved though it has now been overshadowed by the other coup. It was a great piece of work. The photographs have come out perfectly and they are being used to plan the burglary the General will soon experience.'

`How are Wesson and Smith?'

`Wesson's a hard man to knock down. The bullet didn't hit bone and he'll soon recover. Smith has been smoothing any waves that might have been caused. He's collected your things from the Berlin club and he will bring them back with him. He's also told me the club wants you to return.'

So did the others, in spite of what went on in Paris,' I laughed. But what have you got planned for me next, though I would like a few days off first.'

`There's nothing planned yet Francis. Go and get some rest and have some fun, you've earned it. I'll send for you when something crops up.'

So it was back to the flat and the arms of Harry I went. We didn't go out for a week, just stayed inside and enjoyed each other.

Then one day, Harry said something that triggered off the thought of Diane and baby Francis. So I packed a few things in a case and changed into a man's clothes and went to see her.

Francis!' she cried when she opened the door to me. I was only thinking of you yesterday and here you are today. Come in and see how Francis has grown.' I went inside and saw how right she was. He was bigger and looked contented as he lay in his cot. I brushed his hair with my fingers thinking that that must have been how I looked at that age.

`He's a fine boy Diane. I'm proud of you,' she was waiting for me to kiss her I could see, so I did just that. I stayed there for three days and slept with her for those nights. After that I became fidgety, and I think she thought that I was missing Harry, which was partly true. What I was missing was the singing I had been doing in the clubs and then also the excitement of a dangerous mission. I had told her about the clubs, not the fighting bit, and how it had almost been like old times in the Navy. She too became a bit wistful at that and didn't demur when I said that I had to go back to London. I kissed baby Francis and took longer over the kiss with Diane before leaving.

Even with Harry making love to me every night and other times when he was able to over the next few weeks, did not stop me from being restless. When I was not singing and dancing before him, I helped him with lines from the Shakespeare plays. Then one day, Palmer announced that my trunk had arrived.

`They're back,' I cried to Harry.

`Who?' he asked.

`Smith and Wesson!'

`Oh, Frobisher's gun slingers.'

`I must get dressed,' I said, getting out of bed.

`You going over there now?'

Yes,' I said, going in for a shower. I want to see if Wesson's all right,' I shouted over the noise of the running water.

`Well I might as well go over to the theatre and see what's going on there,' Harry said, joining me in the shower. He also wanted to have some slap and tickle whilst in there, but I quickly got out and dried myself.

Dressed and looking my best while Harry had gone all casual, we shared a taxi and he dropped me off first. I was soon up at the office and went in at the call. I was pleased to see the two men sitting there and they had smiles for me too.

`Ah, now we have the Three Musketeers all together,' said Frobisher.

And which are you?' I queried, D'Artagnan or Richelieu?'

`Don't be flippant,' he replied.

`How are you,' I said to Wesson, putting my hand on his shoulder.

Fine Francis, thank you. Still using this,' he indicated a walking stick, but only for another couple of weeks.

And you?' I asked of Smith. You sorted things out then. I'm glad you're both back safe.'

`You got your trunk?' Smith asked.

`Yes thanks. There's a lot in there that's valuable. It came this morning, and I guessed you'd be here. That's why I dashed over. I've been getting bored.'

Good,' said Frobisher. Wesson's had his sick leave, luxuriating in a private clinic at great expense to the taxpayer,' There was a snort from Wesson at this. `And he can start working again. I want both of you down at the firing range so that you can get Francis to shoot properly.'

I hit the man,' I protested, with two shots!'

`Out of four! Fifty percent is not good enough.'

`It was dark and also snowing,' my voice almost starting to sound like a whine.

`All the more reason to practice. Most gun fights take place in the dark. You can start now, go!'

`I don't think this is the right time to ask for a pay rise is it?' I asked with a grin to the other two.

`You're right, it isn't!' he barked. Wesson waved away my hand as he got up from the chair for us to leave.

`You stay Smith. We have other things to talk about while these shirkers get back to work.' The three of us grinned at each other before Wesson and I left the office.

`Grumpy old bastard,' I said when the door was shut.

`He's not so bad,' said Wesson as he limped along the corridor.

`I know. I didn't mean it nastily,' I said as we got to the lift. Down at the firing range, Wesson made himself comfortable.

Okay. We'll loose off a few at a thirty yard target and then start on the moving targets.' I didn't do too badly on the stationary target and it wasn't until the very last round of our session did I managed to clip a moving one. Takes time,' he said as the place quietened down. `You've just got a split second to judge the speed of the target and fire

at where you expect him to be a second later when you pull the trigger.'

I did better the next day, and over the next four weeks, I was down there blasting away at different shapes and sizes, moving at different speeds as well as at stationary ones. The distances kept changing as well as the lighting. Then we moved to a different range.

Different, because the targets fired back! All electronic of course, the gun flashes, and it was filmed from both sides to check afterwards. It was strange to watch yourself crouching behind the barrier being shot at and that meant that this was no longer a game. It shook me up, because I must have been killed in nearly every encounter that first day, and for many days afterwards. Then suddenly, I was getting the upper hand. Wesson was very pleased at my progress. He had by now discarded the walking stick and we had also resumed our unarmed combat lessons.

But let's not forget poor Harry. He still wanted his piece of flesh the same as I did, and he didn't like it when I complained of a headache. He got picked for the part of Menenius Agrippa in Coriolanus, so we spent many evenings going over his part. Then he played the part of Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet in the following production. It was a tiring period with him at rehearsals and me at training.

Then one day, Smith, Wesson and I were summoned up to thinner sanctum of Frobisher's and we looked quizzically at each other before we entered the office.

`Sit yourselves down,' he said as he sat behind the desk.

From the documents we got from Francis's General's safe, much was of value. More so when we had Ratsovski's papers to dissimulate. Now we had quite a few code words that we didn't have any pointers as to what they involved. Now coupled with papers from a certain Egyptian officer, the light is beginning to dawn on our intelligence department.' I started to fidget. I asked to be kept informed when any of the code words from the General cropped up, I was to be informed. Well, two have surfaced; and since we can read most of Moscow's messages, we've come to this conclusion. Egyptian army officers are planning a coup to oust King Farouk. It all fits. The King has been alerted, but won't believe us, so we are to try and do something about it.

Now it appears that that army is doing a deal to buy some Russian arms. Where they are getting the money from, we don't know, but the deal is for twenty million U.S. dollars. Then on receipt of the money, the arms will be shipped in.'

`Have I seen any of this sir?' Smith asked.

`Not the latest, but you might remember the code names, "Shylock" and "Farewell",' Frobisher said.

`Shakespeare and Hemmingway. Not very subtle,' I said.

`Explain,' said Frobisher.

`Shylock, the money lender in "The Merchant of Venice", and "A Farewell to Arms" by Ernest Hemmingway. Apt, but not very good in the circumstances.'

Quite,' said Frobisher, and I got an admiring glance from Smith. Now I've given this over to planning to see if they can come with a idea to scupper this deal.'

`Do you have a time frame sir?' Wesson asked.

Yes. It appears that Shylock' is for the third of July and `Farewell', two days later.'

`Just over four weeks before it starts,' Smith murmured.

`Yes. That's why I'm telling you now, because we might have to move with short notice if they come up with a plan. Well that's it. That's what I wanted to tell you.'

We were dismissed and so off we went.

`Let's go and have a coffee,' Wesson said, so we went down to the small cafeteria that the building had for the staff.

`What are the chances of our being involved?' I asked Smith as we sat down with coffee and pastries.

`On the face of it, none. The money will be guarded to the airport and put aboard a Russian plane, and the arms will go in the same way. It would virtually have to be minor war to get either, and shooting the plane down would be a no-go.'

`I don't see us getting involved. If they are buying these arms for a coup, I should think that they would keep rather a low profile on this,' Wesson said.

`I agree, but it will still be guarded, but I don't think they'll use military transport for it. More likely civilian,' Smith finished.

As we left the cafeteria, I asked Smith if I could have a look at any photos taken at Cairo's airport. He said okay and took me down to the archives. Wesson didn't mind the day off, so he went one way while I followed Smith. He introduced me to one of the filing clerks and left me there. I then asked for all photo's they had on Cairo's airport and was told that there were hundreds taken by surveillance cameras.

Batch upon batch came as I looked through them, not quite sure what I was looking for. Then after about two hundred or so, I saw a pattern. Then I knew what I was looking for and went back and made a note of the photos I wanted copied. I also had some of them blown up, centring on one aspect, thinking that I had found a way, but it needed careful thought. I then got detailed maps of Cairo and the environs out to the airport. I thanked the clerk for his help and went home with my copies.

Harry was out at the theatre, and for once I was glad that he wasn't there. With the photos and the maps spread out on the dining table, I sat down and filled pages with lots of notes. By the end of the afternoon, I had a plan, but not one that I think Frobisher would approve of, so I was determined to do it myself. He wasn't going to like it when I absented myself from being on call, so I wasn't going to tell him. I'd make sure Wesson didn't tell him either.

I then wrote out the scenario and I was so excited with the finished product that as soon as Harry got home, I jumped upon him. I ravaged him and then begged him to do the same to me. It was a violent fucking we did to each other and I managed to raise him up for a second go at me.

Next day I told Wesson that I was going to disappear for little while, then stopping him from protesting.

`Look! Nothing's going to happen for a few weeks yet even if the planning people do come up with anything. So if you don't tell, he won't know.' He reluctantly agreed, and I gave him quick peck on the cheek as I thanked him and shot off back home. Harry was still there when I arrived.

Harry, I'm going away for a few days.' His face fell, and I knew why after the last night's action. Now if Frobisher wants to know where I am, you think, think, I'm either at home or with Diane. Got it?' I was throwing things in a suitcase as I talked and he had to agree.

I had the taxi stop at a branch of my bank on the way to the airport for me to withdraw enough funds for my trip as I had to pay in cash to slow down any checks on my movements. I travelled out to Paris under the name of Nicole Duvall, and using the same passport, went off to Cairo. Booking into the not quite best hotel for that night and the next. In the morning, I hired a car for the trip to Port Said, and leaving the driver with some money to buy, or drink his lunch, went in search of Hood. I know he was Frobisher's man, but he was the only contact I knew in Egypt.

He was there in the shop and genuinely seemed pleased to see me arrive without warning. Over glasses of tea and by telling him that Frobisher didn't know I was there, or to be told either, then showed him the photos I had selected for him to look at.

`Do you recognise these vans in the pictures?' I asked.

`Certainly. They are all over the city. They are a carrier firm.'

`Can you steal me one, or get one made up to look like this?'

`When for?'

`A couple of weeks time, but I want a little work done on the inside of it. For surveillance. You can have it back to keep afterwards.'

`It can be done, but it will cost you.'

When I come back, I will give you twenty thousand U.S. dollars before I take the van.' He gave out a whistle. There's more. Spend what you have to and then keep the rest, but I will need information from inside the transport office on the day I have to use the van. Pay what you have to, but that will be a vital part of the job.'

`No problem. With wages what they are today, you can buy anything here.'

`Now, have you seen anything like this trunk?' as I showed him the blown up pictures.

`Of course. You can get them here in the market.'

`Great! That was one thing I was worried about. Now can you also get another trunk that this one will fit into?'

To hide it?' I nodded. Yes, I think so,' he said.

Well buy them now, I must take them with me today.' I gave him a hundred pounds. I be over at that restaurant having lunch.'

No.' he interrupted me, Stay here. I will have something sent in for you. That way the food will be fresh and not that given to tourists,' he chuckled as he left. The meal was delivered shortly and it was quite delicious. Two hours later, he was back, a man putting down a large trunk in the shop. I saw him tip the man before coming through the curtain to me. I told him to keep the change and asked for him to get a man to bring it to my car.

`Now I'll be back, I hope within five days and I'll give you the date I want the van. Well I hope so if the rest of my trip goes well.' With that, I shook hands with him and left, followed by a man with my trunk within a trunk. These were stowed in the hired car and I had myself driven back to Cairo.

Next day, a suitcase, the two trunks and myself flew off to Naples. A phone call to my contact number brought a strange young man to my hotel room door. I looked at him, puzzled, until he turned back the lapel of his jacket to show me his gold leopard.

I'm sorry that I was sent,' he said apologetically, but Carlos is out of town and I was the only one left who speak the English good. I can see now why Carlo likes it when you call for him.'

`Down boy, down. Who are you anyway?'

`Dino Leopardi. Brother of Carlo,' he said quite proudly.

Pleased to meet you Dino,' I said, shaking his hand, you are even more handsome than your brother.' This pleased him and he accepted the offer of a drink and sat down.

`How can we help?' he asked.

`I have something going down in about three or four weeks time and I need two good, trusted men. Both must speak English and one must be able to drive and speak Egyptian like a native. The job is in Cairo, so they must have clean valid passports. It could be dangerous, but the job will only last for a couple of hours and the pay will be ten thousand U.S. dollars to share. There will also be twenty thousand for the family for their assistance.'

That's some pay check,' he whistled, I wouldn't mind coming myself for that.' He went over to the phone, and when connected, spoke in his rapid Italian and then waited for an answer. Then he spoke a few more words and put the phone down. `Fixed. Just call us when you're ready.'

`There's just more thing you can do for me. Please phone the airport and say that you are speaking from the British Embassy to book a flight on the next plane for Hong Kong. The name is Lady Francis Lyon and is travelling on a diplomatic passport and does not want any fuss as it's supposed to be a private trip. You got that?'

`Yes,' and he used the phone again.

`Tomorrow morning, nine thirty,' he said when finished.

`Last thing. Can the voice on the phone that I speak to, phone Lee Chen and give him the time of my arrival there?'

`Sure.'

`Thanks Dino. I'll ring the number when I know that all is going as planned. Please tell the family I appreciate it, and give my regards to Carlo.'

`That I will. He'll be disappointed to have missed you.'

`I hope so,' I smiled as I let Dino out. I gave a little hop and a skip and fixed myself a large drink and went and ran a hot bath.

Next morning it was another plane for the next stage. The most important, because if Lee Chen couldn't do it, then the whole thing was off. I was discreetly welcomed at the airport and was pleased that I got aboard the plane without pomp or fuss and had a pleasant flight. It was night by the time we arrived in Hong Kong, flashing past the low houses with their lights on as we landed. A car was waiting for me and my baggage was brought through very quickly, and an hour later, we turned into the drive of Lee Chen's house.

Welcome to the House of Lee Chen,' Wen Chi said, giving me a bow, which I returned, it was most heart warming to hear you were to visit us again. We are most pleased to see you. Honourable father has retired for the night and knows that you would rather sleep first and be fresh for the morning.' This she told me as I was taken through that lovely house to the chamber where I had slept the last time that I was there. A maid had already drawn a lovely bath for me and withdrew as we entered. Wen Chi helped me undress and quickly disrobed herself and we stepped into the bath together. She told me of her sorrow at seeing that my hair was short as she washed me, but I didn't tell her why. Then came a lovely massage with her tut tutting about the new bullet scars on my body, which she was careful not to press hard. While this was going on, a covered tray was brought into the room which Wen Chi told me was a little supper.

Cleaned and smelling lovely from the oils, she stayed with me as I ate the delicious titbits and drank my gin and tonic, and then saw that I was settled in the large bed before preparing to leave.

`Is...is...,' the question not finished.

`He was overjoyed, honourable sister when he heard you were coming. He will be along in a few minutes,' she smiled as she quietly left the room. Lik! My Chinese lover! I stretched out and felt a nice warmth creeping up in my belly at the thought of him coming into my bed again. I kept watching the door, my heart thumping, willing it to open. Then it did, and he glided in without any noise and soon stood next to the bed. His face broke into a wide smile when I lifted back the cover for him to join me.

`Honourable Francis, I am most happy to see you here again,' he said as he got in. I liked his strong lithe body and he was already erect as our bodies touched. We kissed in a fierce embrace and he was soon kissing me all the way down my body and giving me the best blow job I'd had for a long time. I had managed to turn round as he sucked on me so that I could suck on his strong, hard penis. I had to let go to cry out as I came and he sucked it all out of me.

Then it was his turn and I let him put me in the position he wanted and then he entered me and gave me a lovely fucking. His hand movements were sensuous as they roved over my body as he gently fucked, letting me feel every inch of him inside me. I don't know what he used as an aphrodisiac but he was able to service me twice more during the night, and I regretted falling asleep.

Lik was gone when I woke up next morning as the maid came in and drew my bath. Wen Chi had already unpacked my suitcase and I could see that my cheongsam was out and ironed. We both went naked into the water where she washed me again. Her pert breasts aroused me, as did her hands as she washed me down below.

Lik is not here,' she smiled as she held my hardness. I would be most honoured if you accepted my Jade Gate in the circumstances.'

`I am most honoured with what you offer me, and it would be with humble thanks to accept.' Her face lit up and it was hard to keep a straight face half lying back in the big bath at this conversation. She then moved and straddled me as I sat there, and lowered herself down onto me. I felt her inner heat as she sank down on me until she was sitting on my thighs. Her smile was heart warming as she put her hands on my shoulders and began moving herself up and down on me. Her inner muscles were greater than that of a man, and she really gave me a lovely fucking there in the rippling water. I held her waist firmly as I came and she gave out whimpers of pleasure as I came inside her. I then held her tight to me as we both slowed down, her small breasts hard and tight against my chest.

`I think we have really honoured each other Wen Chi, thank you.'

`The pleasure was er, nearly all mine honourable Francis,' she smiled as she slowly stood up, myself slipping out into the water. She then washed me as well as herself before we got out and got dried. Breakfast was brought in and I sat down with just a towel wrapped round me, and offered some to Wen Chi, but she refused. When I had eaten, she got me dressed, pleased to see that I still had my thong, but wasn't happy with my French made cheongsam. This will be seen to, she told me.

When I was ready, I was escorted through the house to what I suppose I should call his receiving room. Both Wen Chi and myself bowed low to Lee Chen, and he beckoned us forward. Well, me, because Wen Chi bowed again and left the room.

`It gives this old man much pleasure to see you again Francis.'

`I echo you in pleasure at seeing you honourable father, but I do not see an old man here in this room,' I said, looking around the room.

You flatter like a Chinese,' he chuckled. Please sit down.'

As I sat down, tea was brought in and we sat still and watched as it was made, poured and tasted to see if it was acceptable. At a nod from Chen, the maid withdrew, leaving us alone again. For over half an hour we made small talk and I waited him out till he eventually asked why I had come visiting.

Honourable father,' I began, taking my time to pick my words carefully. I came on business, but seeing you here in such good health drove all thoughts of it out of my mind.' He chuckled.

`Francis. What you have said is very Chinese and I get enough of it every day. Europeans like to get to the point very quickly and I would like you to do the same.' He smiled to take the sting out of his words.

`How long would, er, the people you know, take to print me twenty million U.S. dollars. I will be prepared to pay forty cents on the dollar if it can be done within three weeks, though I would have fall onto your mercy to say that I cannot pay until at least two weeks after collection, if this can be done.' There, it was said, and I held my breath.

It is a big thing you ask daughter,' he said after several minutes' contemplation. What happens to the other sixty cents?'

`I will have lots of expenses to be taken from this sixty cents.'

`I had expenses when I dealt in the diamonds Francis, but you still got half.'

`That I did not know honourable father, then please let us turn the figures round,' I said, bowing my head.

`No. Fifty cents would be fair, with the expenses coming out of your half. If, that is, I can find the people you talk of making this foreign money. What are you going to do with this money?'

`Exchange it for real dollars.'

`You can do this?'

`Yes, and they will not know how or who.'

`Who will be the recipients of the money?'

`The Russians.' His eyebrows lifted.

`You are taking on the bear. Who is donating this money?'

`The Egyptians.'

`Well. I am fascinated. Tell me about it, but first we'll have some more tea.' He gave a single clap of his hands and the servant was there quickly to take away the old tea and brought out some fresh. When we were settled again, I told him of my plans.

`It is dangerous, but I like it, and I think that you will succeed because it is so simple. You say you will give us our share in two weeks after collection?'

`Maybe earlier. First I have to take it to Naples to collect my crew. Then to Cairo. I can't leave it too late getting there in case of a date change. After the switch is made, were out of there on the first plane we can get back to Naples. Then I pay them off and bring the rest here.'

`Would it help if one of my men met you in Naples on your return? To save you coming all the way back here?'

`Much as I would like to come with the money myself, I believe your suggestion to be better.'

`Let us leave it at that for the moment. It is now lunch time, so go and eat and we will talk later when we have dinner.' He clapped twice and I got up as the door opened and Wen Chi came in and bowed and waited for me.

`Thank you for listening to me honourable father and having the patience to talk to a hasty European and not losing face by dealing with a mere woman,' I said as I bowed.

`Go on with you,' he laughed, and I smiled at him as I came up from my bow before leaving the room.

It is nice to hear the honourable father laugh,' Wen Chi said as we passed back through the rooms. He doesn't laugh very often. I think the last time I heard him laugh was when you were here the last time.' I was pleased at this comment, and followed her out of the house and round into the gardens that overlooked the sea. Here I had a lovely lunch after which I was allowed to have a doze in a swinging hammock. When I awoke, much fresher from the nap, I found it was time for my bath before I dressed for dinner.

I contained my sexual urge during the bath and massage, saving myself for Lik later on that night. Made up and dressed, I was taken back to have dinner with Lee Chen. It wasn't until the meal was over did he broach the subject of the counterfeit money.

`I have given your suggested plan much thought, and we are in favour of it,' Yes! I shouted inside, keeping my face passive.

`The money will be in the inner trunk and ready for your collection at the airport in three weeks time.'

`May all the Gods continue to shower their blessings upon your house, honourable father.'

`May your God go with you and protect you in your endeavour. I will say a special prayer at my shrine the next time I go there, my daughter.' Dinner was over and it was time for me to leave him. I rose up and bowed three times on my way out, and I was pleased at the little smile that he gave me as I left.

You have much Karma my Lady,' Wen Chi said on the way to my room. It was a bit confusing at the different titles she kept giving me, but they all meant the same thing really. Honourable father likes you very much.' I was very pleased and excited now that the whole plan was now given the go ahead. Let's hope to God I can pull it off. I felt as excited as I had done when I first thought of it. What I did with Harry, I now wanted to do with Lik. I was undressed and perfumed and put to bed where I anxiously waited for Lik to come.

He came in as he usually did, silently and without any noise, dressed in his much embroidered dressing gown, but didn't drop this as he usually did when I threw back the cover.

Honoured Miss Francis. I am happy every time I come here to be with you. While I am happy, my friend is desolate. He is younger and stronger than I am, and for your pleasure, we would both like to be of service to you if you so wish.' Two! That would be a novelty and my cock went rigid at the thought. Twice the fun and at the same price. I see the idea excites you,' he said with a smile. I tried to look stern as I lay there, my small cock hard up against my stomach.

`Is he as handsome as you?' I asked.

`I think not, but then I am biased,' he smiled.

`What is his name?'

Suk,' he laughed and I couldn't help but do the same. It's not his real name, but that is what he answers to now since he's been here.'

`Suk and Lik. I like it. Bring your friend in and let's have fun.' Lik went to the door and beckoned to the youth waiting outside. He came in with a big smile on his face and I could see that he was about fifteen or sixteen, though I couldn't be sure. He was dressed like Lik and he bowed deeply before speaking in a soft voice.

`You do me a great honour Lady Francis. I will do my best to please you in any way as best as I can.'

`I teach him English too,' Lik said proudly.

`Let's hope you've taught him all you know. So please come to bed, both of you.' With that, the dressing gowns dropped to reveal two erections, just one of which I would have been proud of. They got into bed and I now had two young men either side, ready to please and serve me. It was heaven to lay there and hold two hard cocks in both hands, rubbing them slowly up and down, feeling the solid muscle beneath the smooth skin.

I think maybe you would like to suck Suk first,' Lik giggled, and then give him the honour of being first tonight.'

Yes,' I laughed, I suck Suk and Lik lick me.' We all laughed at that and then moved about on the bed into positions. I went onto my knees so that Lik could lie down and his mouth fastened on my erection as I took Suk's cock into my mouth. It was great sucking and being sucked. We didn't go too far because I was hungry for both of them. My legs were quivering and my belly was afire with a passion that was building. I let go of Suk and pulled myself from Lik's mouth. They moved around and then Lik lay down before me and Suk was behind me.

Oh what pleasure it was for a hard cock to enter me while I sucked on another hard one. I had to stop sucking on Lik to enjoy the movement of Suk within me. I groaned with joy as he reamed my insides, tickling and touching parts I hadn't felt before. Then he held me tight as he came, hugging my rear hard up against his legs and I'm sure I felt the heat from his outpouring into me. I gave out a cry as he withdrew to go and wash himself, but then Lik was behind me and I was back in heaven. Lik took it slow and made me feel his length as he pulled back and somehow he could make it swell as he pushed back in. Suk then came and offered his half erect prick to my mouth which I avidly sucked upon, bringing him back upright. Then Lik came into me and I felt full of not only come, but also happiness.

I was not left alone that night. While Lik was washing himself, Suk was kissing me all over and making me feel responses where I'd never had before. Then he presented himself to me and it was nice to fuck a new body. I tried to please them as they had pleased me, but I know my expertise was no way up to their standards. I enjoyed fucking Suk and knew that I wouldn't be able to do it again to him that night. I later fucked Lik but that was my limit. They took me twice each and I was delighted and happy. They constantly kissed and caressed me in between bouts and the best was to come in the last session. I was tired and couldn't raise the dead let alone my penis. I was put into a kneeling position, hands flat on the bed and my legs wide.

Then armed with a feather each, began to work on me. One feather was soft and the other, slightly rougher. Having your penis and balls stroked with a feather is exciting and erotic and the crack of your arse at the same time would make any cock respond. Stroked and tickled, not knowing where it was going to touch next, soon brought me up to a full erection. My cock and balls began to throb and my arse was dying to be scratched with a cock to replace the feather that kept teasing it. It was when I began to beg that they knew I was ready and Suk went under me and fastened his mouth on my cock while Lik entered from the rear. Suk relieved the pressure in my balls by sucking out what there was left while Lik soothed my arse with his prick, pushing hard as he came. It was lovely.

They cleaned me up before they left, though again, I didn't see or hear Lik or Suk depart from the room. I was woken by Wen Chi and given a nice bath as my breakfast was brought in. Then after I had eaten, she saw to my make-up, doing a perfect job as before. Doing it myself, I looked good as a Eurasian, but she did it perfectly. Then came the thong before helping me on with my bra padded cheongsam. The black wig came next and finally the shoes and I was ready to go, and I gave her a hug for all that she had done for me.

`Thank you Wen Chi. You do so much for me and I have done nothing in return. Please, is there anything I can bring you from England next time?' It took some coaxing, but she finally said if I could bring out some of our English cheese. Strange request, but I promised that I would. She waved goodbye as I left in the car, the trunks staying at the house. Soon we were in the busy streets of Hong Kong before getting to the launch to take me to the Kowloon side. Another car was waiting, and a young girl with a shopping bag. When she moved forwards to me, she was stopped by one of my guards, and after the shrill talk of Cantonese between them, the guard checked the bag and let her pass.

Honourable Francis,' she said bowing low, A small gift from the House of Chen.' She passed me the bag, and with another bow, left quickly. From the feel of the bag, I knew that it contained at least two cheongsams, and I smiled at the recollection of Wen Chi's face when she saw my French one.

At the airport, I found that I couldn't get a direct flight to Cairo, so I took the one to Beirut. I travelled this time as Nicole Duvall. I was tired on arrival but still I checked the times of flights to Egypt and then booked a seat for the first one out in the morning. The hotel near the airport wasn't very good and it would be a few years yet before any luxurious ones were built. It was a short hop from there to Cairo and found that I could get a flight out that evening to Rome.

I hired a taxi to take me to Port Said, and as before, gave the driver some money for lunch. I found Hood and told him that it was set, but added some more instructions. One was that they shouldn't steal one of this carrier firm's vans, but get another one of the same make and to paint it up. This must be garaged in Cairo till it was needed, giving him the date it must be ready for. The next thing was, I had realised, was that the van would probably have a set round and there would be other deliveries aboard it. Another man must be employed to do these deliveries and then park the van back at the depot before disappearing. This would stop a hue and cry to hunt for a missing van. Deliveries would have been done and they would think that the driver had just parked up and gone home.

`Now the driver and the man in the office must be well paid. We don't want them talking about this afterwards.'

`They won't talk,' Hood assured me, and I felt a little tingle run down my spine at the way he said this and wondered if I had just signed their death warrants. I told him that I would be arriving on or about the thirtieth of the month and would be staying at the Luxor hotel under the name of Lady Francis Lyon. He was to be in Cairo for us to go over the route and plans on the Saturday and Sunday, because the third of July was on the Monday. As an afterthought, I asked him to add a few parcels to our van to make the inside look real and also add a small portable welding kit, just in case.

Satisfied with the arrangements, I went back to Cairo and spent the rest of the time in the airport till my flight was called for Rome. The next evening I was back in London, and got to the flat just as Harry returned from the theatre. We embraced and kissed in the lift and it wasn't long before we were in bed, playing with each other. We'd been apart nine days and he was hungry, and my appetite for his hunger was never satisfied.

Next day I went and looked for Wesson. I found him as he was leaving the shooting gallery.

`A few days you told me. It's been over a week!' he said as a greeting.

It's nice to see you too,' I said. Has Frobisher asked to see us?'

`No, but now you're here, let's go down to the gym. I need the exercise and you look as though you're putting on weight. Not pregnant?' he asked with a grin. I gave him a punch on the arm.

`What a question to ask a lady,' I said giving a sniff, holding my head up as if offended. We both laughed and went off arm in arm to the gym.

`You know, I still keep thinking of you as a woman. Apart from the fact that you're always wearing a dress, he said.

`Well keep thinking that and you won't have a slip of the tongue. Smith doesn't know, does he?'

`I shouldn't think so from some of his remarks,' he replied.

What did he say,' I asked, stopping and swinging him round to face me. Come on, tell me.'

`I can't really. It's man to man talk.'

What are we doing now?' But I couldn't help laughing saying that while wearing a dress, it shouldn't make any difference and he too joined in the laughter. No seriously, what did he say?'

Well,' and Wesson went a bit bashful as he spoke. If you weren't a colleague, it wouldn't have taken him long to get you into his bed.'

`Conceited bugger! And what did you say.'

`I...I would've been first.'

How wonderful!' I said as I hugged his arm. You are better looking than Smith so you might have done. If I had been a woman, that is. But as I'm not?' I could have bitten my tongue out at asking that question. I shouldn't have put him on the spot like that.

`I...I think I still would be first,' he stuttered. I hugged his arm again but wouldn't look at him as I pulled him on again towards the gym and into the changing room.

Get your kit off,' I said and as he started to blush, continued, and put on your working out gear.' I sat and watched him and caught a glimpse of a half erect penis as he pulled on his shorts.

`Why aren't you getting changed?' he asked.

As I seem to be going out into scrapes dressed as I am, I think I should learn how to cope when wearing a dress,' I answered him. I brought a spare one to change into afterwards.'

You do realise that it may get torn?' I nodded. Fair enough then.' We went out and squared off on the mats. He was hesitant at facing me dressed as I was and I took advantage of that fact and floored him.

`I thought the dress would distract you. You still thought about hitting a woman, didn't you?'

Yes,' he grinned ruefully, getting up from the floor, but you won't do it again.' I did several times, but he tossed me more often than I did him. After twenty minutes, we were both sweating freely, and he caught hold of my shoulder and as I twisted in his grip, my sleeve tore and he was left with it his hand. He should have dropped it straight away but he didn't so I was able to catch him with a good hook to the stomach. He rode back with the blow and grasped me to him as he let his weight pull me closer. He began to twist as we fell, so that I hit the mats first with his full body weight on me. The air was knocked out of both of us, and we gasped for air, his body on top of mine and our faces very close to each other.

I couldn't help but feel the sudden erection he got as we looked into each other's eyes, and then he kissed me. I wasn't exactly shocked, but didn't fight him off either. He broke off the kiss and I could see a pained expression in his eyes before he rolled off me.

I shouldn't have done that,' he said in a low voice, I'm sorry.'

`You shouldn't be. The time was right but the place isn't. Let's call it a day and go for a shower to cool down.' I got up and picked up my torn sleeve and went into the changing room. I quickly undressed and showered, grateful that they were cubicles and not an open shower. I got dressed in the spare dress, stuffing the other one in a bag.

`Francis, I'm...' he began to say as he came out of the shower with a towel round his middle.

Don't say anything. I was dressed as a woman and you reacted as a man. If it had been for real, you'd be lying there with a knife in your ribs.' I left him with a rueful grin on his face. See you Monday, on the range,' I called back over my shoulder.

`But tomorrow's Friday,' he called out.

`I know. See you Monday.'

I went to the theatre that night to watch Harry and also the following night, which was to be the last performance of Coriolanus before they started the rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet. We went to the party afterwards and had a good time and got home late as usual after one of those do's, and stayed in bed all through the Sunday. Harry then suggested that we go to his family's home the next weekend, and I liked the idea of that.

`I know, let's ask Frobisher if he'd like to come. He might like to see the old man again.'

`Yes, that's a good idea. I'll ask him during the week,' thinking to myself that I would leave it till Wednesday and then I could ask him about Shylock and Farewell.

Monday, down at the range I was hopeless. I didn't hit one moving target and got killed by nearly every shot fired at me.

What's the matter with you today?' Wesson shouted at me. Look at that last effort. You fired off to the left but didn't move. The one on the right saw the flash and that's what he fired at. Then there's the window. The shades down and a shadow pauses there, why didn't you shoot?'

`It might have been one of the hostages,' I protested.

A hostage wouldn't be walking about. They'd be cowering on the floor with all that gunfire. What's got into you? It..it,' he dropped his voice now from shouting, it wasn't anything to do with what happened on Thursday, was it?'

`Don't be silly, of course not! I've got so much on my mind lately that I'm not thinking straight, but I thank you for the thought.' Apart from the coming heist of Egyptian money, I was also thinking of meeting Harry's family. Do I go as Francis or do I go as Gervaise.

Francis!' said Harry most emphatically. You will go as Francis. I want to see his face when I walk in with a beautiful woman on my arm. Before you know it, my mother and sister will want to know when we are to be married. What a hoot that will be.'

`Then I'm not going Harry,' I said.

`What! But you must! I want to show you off to the dried up old harridans that surround my father.'

`That's precisely why I can't go. I can get away with it most of the time, oh for Christ sake! You know the old saying. You can fool most of the people etc. Under close scrutiny and questions over a whole weekend by your mother and sister would drive me mad. I don't think I could do it. Look! You and your father will have the port and brandy, cigars and such after dinner.'

`And Oliver, my brother.'

`Him too, and any other male guests, while I'm out in the drawing room, sipping coffee and be the recipient of some very searching questions. That would only be at dinner! What about the rest of time when I will be forced to be in their company for women's talk. I'm sorry Harry, but I don't think I could carry it off for that long.'

`Francis, don't say no so quickly now. Think about it for a day or two. What about Frobisher? Have you asked him yet?'

`No, not yet.'

`Well ask him. If he agrees to go, then we could say that you are his, er, er, strategic planning adviser, or something like that.'

`At my age? Your father would see through that one straight away.'

`Well ask him anyway, and then we can think of something between us,' Harry finished. I really didn't see Frobisher agreeing to anything like this. It was all very well keeping his friend's son out of trouble with the way we were breaking the law, but publicly supporting us? I didn't see it. He knew me and was using the way I am to his advantage, and only protecting Harry for the sake of his father. I was being realistic, Harry wasn't.

`Okay, I'll ask him tomorrow,' I said, which appeased Harry for the time being. Then I had to help him with his part for the forth coming production.

Next morning, after another dismal showing on the range, Wesson said that we should go up and see Frobisher. What he had in mind, I had no idea, but had to tag along.

Seated in the office, me with a gin and tonic in hand and Wesson with just a tonic, he put a proposal to Frobisher. I was aghast at the suggestion and tried to protest, but was silenced till Wesson had finished. I tried arguing against it, but Frobisher had thought it a good idea and agreed.

What the bugger Wesson had proposed was that the two of us go off for a week for me to do a field and combat exercise. I was horrified at the idea! When I was able to get a word in edgewise, it was to say that was precisely why I joined the Merchant Navy so that I didn't have to do this kind of thing.

You should have joined the Army then,' chuckled Frobisher, and then you would have nearly by now finished your two years.'

`But...but that would mean living out in a tent! A tent I ask you, for...for a whole week! Dirty, no bath, no gin and tonic at the end of the day, and as for foraging for food. I'll starve!'

`Do you good. You seem to be putting on a little weight,' Frobisher observed. I glared at Wesson, because he'd said the same thing only last week.

`Well I can't do it! I've been invited up to Harry's family seat and I've been asked to extend the invitation to you too sir.'

`Can't go. I've got too much on my plate at the moment. The bloody planners haven't come up with anything, short of a massacre.'

`You mean that we might not be involved in Shylock?' I asked.

That's what it looks like at the moment,' My heart jumped at this. I've given them one more week, so I cannot go with you or Harry anywhere, anytime at this juncture. So set up your jaunt Wesson, starting tomorrow.'

`Just one thing about it sir. Does Francis go as a man or a woman?

`What do you mean by that?' Frobisher demanded.

`Well you can't really toss a person about the mats, or kick the shit out of, as you wanted, without finding, or touching certain parts of the

body, sir.' Wesson said, keeping a straight face.

`Who else knows?' Frobisher glared at me.

`It's not my fault! Only Wesson here and you. Oh, and Harry of course though I'm quite sure Palmer knows too.'

`Palmer can keep his mouth shut. Harry has got to. That leaves you Wesson?

`Me sir? My lips are sealed.'

`Well keep it that way. Francis goes as she is now, but given fatigues of course. It'll be your job to keep the squaddies away, got that!'

`Yes sir!' If he'd been standing, I'm sure Wesson would have saluted.

Right, get off with you, I'm very busy.' We made our way to the door and then he spoke again. And make sure it's a full combat course Wesson,' he smiled maliciously. I could only snort and toss my head before I swept out of the door as regally as I could.

`What the fuck do you think you are playing at?' I demanded of Wesson as soon as the door was shut.

Trying to put an edge on you,' he said defensively. I took you on as a back up in Berlin, and you were bloody good. But over the last few days, I'd rather now have you in front of me than behind, that's why.'

I kept silent because I knew he was right in what he said. At the moment, I would be a liability and I didn't want to get into a situation where his life, or any others that be sent with us, in jeopardy because of me.

`Okay Wesson, you win. Set it up while I go home. I'm going to spend the rest of the day in a hot bath and eat as much as I can. That's because if what I've read and heard is true, I'm not going to see any of the first and very little of the second. Give Palmer a ring to say what time you'll pick me up in the morning. I won't be able to answer the phone from the bath.' He laughed, and we went our separate ways.

Harry was stricken when I told him the news as I got into a lovely hot, scented bath.

You can't! You can't go out there and live off the land! The bullets flying around ll kill you. You'll starve. You'll die of...of...the cold,' he finished, not recalling the word hypothermia. `I'll talk to Frobisher. Tell him you can't go.'

Harry!' I said sharply, Talking to Frobisher won't do any good, believe me. If it were dangerous, he wouldn't send me. If you had seen me a couple of weeks ago, well.'

`What happened then? He demanded.

`I can't tell you Harry, sorry. I did sign the Official Secrets Act. But there is something you can do for me.'

`What's that?' he asked.

`Get in the bath with me. Then later, feed me as much as I can take and then, make love to me for as long as you can.'

Later, Palmer had called through the bathroom door that Wesson would be collecting me at eight in the morning. So scrubbed as clean as I could be, then fed as much as I could take, I had Harry fuck me as much as he could. It had to last me a whole week.

I was up at six, bathed again and ate a big breakfast and was dressed and ready when Wesson arrived. I kissed Harry and went downstairs to Wesson. I was shocked at the transport he'd acquired to take us wherever we were going. It was an army jeep! It was open to the wind and almost blew my wig off and it was most uncomfortable with its hard springs and seemed very dangerous being so unprotected by steel walls and roof at the speed we seemed to be going. The road forked as we reached Stonehenge, and we went off to the right, seeing the stone monument on our left as we went on past the army camps. It wasn't far past these before he pulled off onto a dirt track that must have lasted for about four miles before we stopped.

It was a small clearing that held four Quonset huts and a few small, almost shed like structures, one of which we had pulled up outside of.

`Okay Private Lyon. Out and get changed and pick up your kit.' He was already dressed in camouflage kit, and going into this hut, found there were two bunks and my gear laid out on one of them.

`Is this where we will be staying?' I asked as I got undressed and started to put on these wrinkled, unironed fatigues.

Oh no. We'll be sleeping a few miles further on,' he said as he felt and lifted the lid of a pot on a small stove. Ah, coffee,' he said, as he located a couple of mugs and poured out the lukewarm contents from the pot.

`Make sure that the socks are on properly. Smooth them out so that there are no wrinkles before you put your boots on.' I eyed the pair of heavy army boots with distaste, but put them on all the same. I then accepted the coffee and drank it.

Well,' I said, standing up. How do I look?'

`Stupid. I suggest you leave the wig behind and put on the cap. Believe me, it's for the best.' I did as he bid and then I said I was ready.

`No you're not,' he replied as he hefted a big pack onto the other bed and sat down with his back to it and put his arms through the straps and tightened them up. Then he stood up.

`I'm ready. Your pack is there.' He indicated to the other side of the bed that I was standing by. I went round and, well, tried to pick it up. It weighed a ton, but heaved it onto the bed.

`I've got to carry this?' I almost screamed incredulously.

Yep!' he grinned. Changes of clothes, food for a week, water bottles, full now, but we have to refill as we go. Tent, or half of one. I have the other half. Sleeping bag, utensils and I hope they haven't forgot the toilet paper. I hate using grass.' I shuddered at the thought. I sat down on the bed as he had done and slipped my arms through the straps and tightened them up. He came across and tightened them even further.

`I can hardly breathe they're so tight,' I gasped.

`If they were not tight, your shoulders would look like raw meat after a mile.' I then went to stand up and found I couldn't move.

`Help! I'm stuck!' He laughed and grasped the straps and pulled me upright. I nearly fell down again with the weight.

`God! Can't we lose some of this?' I gasped.

`Don't be a pussy. That's the normal standard field pack. You'd have another twenty pounds or more if you were going into battle.'

`I was right to pick the Navy,' I said, as I staggered to the door. Outside, and once I got used to the pack by changing my stance and walking pattern, it wasn't so bad after all. That is, for the first two miles. I followed behind him, catching a face full of bush every time he swept through one.

`Stay a couple of steps behind,' he said without looking round, knowing what was happening to me. After about three miles, I was not a couple of steps behind, but more like forty yards before he called a halt.

Don't sit down,' he said, grabbing me as I was about to collapse to the ground. Lock your knees and stay upright. Lean against the tree. This being your first time, it's the worst thing you could do. You'd never be able to get up again. Take a drink of water, wash your face. We can fill the bottle again shortly. There's a stream not far ahead.' I did as I was told and stood there cursing Wesson and Frobisher in turn, my legs, back and, oh, just about everywhere hurt.

`Time's up, let's move out.' He pushed himself upright from the tree and started off again, me stumbling behind. For a man who not long ago had a bullet in his leg, he was doing far better than I was. We came to the stream he had mentioned, and instead of wading through it, he thought I had tried to swim. It was only just over ankle depth, but I measured my length in it. I think I would have drowned with the weight of that pack on my back if he hadn't been there. He pulled me over as I was running out of air and I lay there gasping.

`I thought you had a bath before we left,' he laughed and after filling his water bottle, pulled me up onto my feet. It took nearly four hours to cover the next three miles. The stops becoming more frequent for me, but he didn't say anything about them. I hadn't realised he had stopped until I walked into him, nearly falling over with the shock.

Here's where we'll camp for the night.' I glanced up and saw that the light was beginning to go from the sky. This was mid June, so that meant it must be around nine o'clock. Sit down Francis, you look bushed. I didn't need any second telling for that. I literally dropped where I stood, my pack keeping me from falling back into a supine position. He knelt down and undid my straps and I gratefully slipped them off and rolled over onto my stomach and sighed with relief.

He'd already dropped his pack and started to undo it and start taking things out and laying them about him on the ground.

`I'll get a fire going and heat up some water for coffee. Would you like that?'

`Oh yes please,' I breathed,

`Well you better set up the tent then. No tent, no coffee. You'll find all the bits between the two packs.'

He'd made a fire and had water boiling and I still had bits of the tent lying around on the ground.

`I don't know where to start,' I wailed, so he pointed out all the relevant parts and told me how they all went together.

`Can I...'

No,' he said, tent first, then the coffee.' So the bastard sat there, telling me which bit went with what and how to erect the tent without getting off his arse, sipping coffee in the meantime. I was getting very angry. I was tired, really tired, hungry and getting thirstier all the time. The ground sheet was down, the poles up and the canvas spread across the top.

That'll do Francis, he said in a gentle voice, `you've done bloody well for a first timer. Now have some coffee.'

I sank to the ground and gratefully accepted the mug and it tasted like nectar to me. I'd never really appreciated a good cup of coffee until that day. It was something that you just normally brewed up and then sat down to drink. I'd had to work hard for this and that's why it was so delicious.

Don't fall asleep yet,' he said sharply, and my head jerked up. He was right. I had almost fallen asleep. You haven't finished yet.'

No more,' I said wearily, all I want to do is sleep.'

`No more. Just get your sleeping bag into the tent, Climb inside and then you can go to sleep.' I finished my coffee and dragged myself over to my pack and got the sleeping bag out and dragged it into the tent.

`Fetch your own,' I called out as I got into mine and immediately fell asleep.

No sooner had I got off to sleep, he was shaking me hard.

`Up, up, up,' he was saying.

`But I've only just dropped off,' I complained.

`You've had six hours and it's getting light already. Even I overslept.'

`What time is it?'

`About four thirty.'

`Four thirty! That's about the time I go to sleep at home most nights.'

But you're not at home now, so move,' and he gave me a big poke in the ribs. I'll start the fire while you can get this lot down and stowed away in the packs.'

When I'd finished, I seemed to have twice as much as before I started. There was no way I was going to get that lot back into the packs. I threw them down to the ground as I smelt the bacon cooking. The saliva came to my mouth instantly and I realised I was starving. I hadn't eaten the night before, being so tired, and now I was ready to eat anything. Wesson was gently frying the bacon in a small pan over one fire, while on another, was a billycan, from which came the smell of coffee.

`Where did you get the bacon from?' I asked, sitting down and holding out my mug for some coffee.

Stole it,' he laughed, as he poured me some coffee. I looked in the fridge at the hut, and there it was. When you're out in the field, you take what you can get, from wherever.' He forked some bacon out of the pan and put it on a plate and passed it across, giving me a hunk of bread as well.

`Now let's recap what you've learned so far,' he said as he put bacon onto his own plate.

`I've learnt a lot,' I said around a mouthful of bread and bacon.

`You've learned precisely nothing!' he said, taking me aback.

I've told you about your socks and the straps of the pack, okay. I didn't have to say more in this case, because I've travelled over this ground before, but I would normally have thrown a stone into the stream before putting my foot in it. A stream might look shallow, but there are always deep parts. Test your footing first before transferring your weight, hence your little swim. At your next rest stop, you should have changed your wet socks for dry ones. A foot soldier is no good with bad feet. A good soldier looks after his rifle first, his feet second. Then when you camp and if you can light a fire, dry them.' I had finished my plate by then, so he poured half the fat onto my plate, which I mopped up with the remains of my bread. He had the rest and continued. If you camp and you are that tired. Don't bother with the tent. Just lay out the ground sheet and sleep under the stars. If it's raining, sleep under it. Also if it's raining, dig a little channel from your head around your body so that the rain has somewhere else to run instead of into you. Apart from that, you did well.'

`How far did we travel,' I asked.

`About six miles.'

`Six miles! It seemed twice that,' I exclaimed.

`If it had been flat terrain, we would have done twice that distance in the same time. Remember that. Sometimes when pursing an enemy and you know his destination, you can get there before him if he takes the wrong route. So if you are being pursued, take that little bit of time to think before you move.

Back in Berlin, I asked for that particular sector, because I knew what it was like. The terrain as it were. The only thing I didn't know was exactly where Ratsovski had last been seen or what time. That's why he got into position just before us. Also I had to draw his attention to me immediately so that he wouldn't know there were two of us there. Otherwise he would have had the upper hand having the higher ground with all the cover. Come on, that's enough for now. Let me show you how to repack a tent.'

It was good to hear him talk. He made sense of it all and not in a patronising way. The tent was soon stowed away, but I still needed help to stand up with that pack on my back. I was more cautious when we re-crossed the stream and I think we made the trip back in a far quicker time than on the outward journey.

The huts,' I exclaimed as we came in sight of the camp from whence we started, and beds.'

No beds this trip. It's the tent all the way.' I groaned, thinking of a bed with a mattress. We only stop for a break and something to eat.'

Great,' I said, stopping and sitting down, took off my pack. I had seen a couple of soldiers with mess kits in their hands walking off in what I assumed to be a mess hall. Look. They're going for food, let's follow them.'

No,' Wesson said. We eat the rations or what we can steal.'

`We can steal from them.'

No,' he said, getting out some tins from my pack, so we ate a mess that I still cannot put a name to. Bury the tins,' he said when we'd finished. `You bury everything you are not going to carry and then disguise the place so that the ground looks undisturbed.'

`So what now?' when all that was done.

`An assault course. Only a small one,' he said as I groaned. So with the pack back on my back, that still seemed to weigh a ton, I followed him and nearly broke my leg. That was when we were running along, jumping over small wires and logs until I jumped over one and the ground wasn't where it should be. It was an almost six foot drop on the other side. He laughed as he dropped down beside me.

`You've been jumping over the logs, not on them and leaping off. If you had done that, in the spit second of leaping, you would have seen the drop and leapt harder and cleared the ditch.' We carried on, skirting the big wall thankfully, and eventually reached the end. Then it was a two mile hike till we finally stopped and he said we would make camp. This time he helped me with the tent and we both mucked in to make a meal.

`Now before it gets dark I want to show you something,' he said when we'd finished eating, and he took me to the edge of the trees. There we lay down on our stomachs and he handed me a small pair of binoculars. Then he pointed out what he wanted me to see. It looked like a gun emplacement on a small escarpment, and before it was a field of different types of grass and low bushes.

`Now stay here as long as you like and study the terrain. Up there are two or more soldiers who are guarding this sector. Your job is get up there undetected, but you are on a mission, so you have to get in and out without being spotted.

This is a war game zone. They don't know you are here, but they are on the alert all the time, because other people use this as well. Sometimes they get attacked as it were, several nights on the trot, sometimes there could be a week or more between these attacks, so they never know if or when somebody like you is going to appear. But I know that there isn't anyone else out here at this time. Now if you are spotted by them, an observer is called and when your position has been identified by them, the observer will come out, and if you are where they say, the observer, if he is comical, will say Bang, you're dead, and that is that. There is a five foot margin, so you could be lying in the grass six feet away from the observer, who will of course see you, but will give the signal back of no sighting.

Now your object is to get into that redoubt and overpower them. By that, I don't mean kill or render them unconscious nor do them physical harm. The gun I give you fires a paint pellet, but if it only hits them in a wounding position, they can fire back at you. If you can physically touch them, they are deemed killed. What you do then, is tear off their or his shoulder patch as a trophy. There might only be one out there, or there could be three. They change their routines to confuse us as well. The more we collect of these patches, the better. So, that is the task you've got. Stay here as long as you like to study the field and I'll go back and do the washing up as it were.'

I stayed there till it got dark, studying that five hundred yards of ground. I only spotted one head up at the top during this time. When it was too dark to see, I went back to our little camp. Wesson had some coffee on the fire and it was nice to sit in the dark with just that little glow of the fire drinking that coffee. We then got into our sleeping bags and, tired as I was from the day's efforts, I didn't sleep at all that night, though I did finally get to sleep just after three o'clock that morning.

To be continued.