Chapter 23

He dumped his valise on the ottoman and picked up the telephone. A strange voice answered. “Could I speak to Second Officer Silverman, please?” he inquired.

“I’m sorry but she’s over at headquarters. Can I give her a message?”

“Oh, yes! Would you tell her Captain Ramage is at the Nile Palace?” The voice said ‘Yes’ and the line went dead.

He met up with Tim and they both went down to the dining room where they ordered steaks with all the trimmings. They may not have been to the quality of Sharon’s restaurant but after bullied beef they tasted fantastic. Tim had been able to get hold of Ann and she was coming over after getting off duty, he told Shaun.

Shaun got a taxi to the military tailors and ordered four new shirts and three pairs of slacks and shorts. The ones he had worn on the last mission had been burnt. He returned to the hotel, finding no messages for him from reception, so he made for the bar and ordered a large vodka and tonic.

He was on his third when she rushed into the bar. Forgetting protocol, she flung herself into his arms. “Darling I’ve only just heard you were back. I returned to the flat and the office phoned through with your message”, she managed to say before he kissed her.

She sat down and he ordered her a drink. She was looking at him, “You’ve lost weight”, she said concerned.

He chuckled “Army rations are not designed to put weight on”.

She smiled “I know what you have been up to. Dad kept me informed.” She whispered. “Well you have me for five days. What do you think we should do?” She smiled shyly “Why don’t we go to your room and discuss it”.

He lay on his back, his chest heaving. Perspiration covered his forehead. He glanced at her, an enigmatic smile covering her face. “You look like the cat who swallowed the cream,” he murmured.

She rolled over on to her tummy and kissed his forehead. “Salty”, she whispered, rolling out of bed and walking to the bathroom.

“When you’re dressed we’ll go and get you a steak at Giza and put some meat on your ribs”, she called from the bathroom. He didn’t have the heart to tell her he had already had one.

They sat in the restaurant gazing at one another. “God but I’ve missed you,” he whispered.

She smiled, “It’s been hell knowing where you were and what you were up against. Each day worrying if anything had gone wrong.”

He took her hand from across the table, “Sharon, don’t worry, I’m indestructible”.

She smiled again. “I’ve just thought, I dashed out without my overnight bag. I’ll have to use your toothbrush”, she chuckled.

They stepped out in the street walking towards the main road to find a taxi. They had only gone a few yards when some instinct warned Shaun. He looked back and saw four Arabs detach themselves from an alleyway, walking menacingly towards them. He bent down and retrieved the PPK from the ankle holster as the Arabs broke into a run banishing evil looking knives. He pushed Sharon behind him as he fired. He dropped two with two shots then felt a shearing pain down his right shoulder. He spun around to find a fifth Arab who had suddenly grown a third eye in the centre of his forehead as he crumpled to the road. Sharon had a small silver automatic pistol in her hand. She fired again as the other two Arabs bolted back the way they came from.

“Bugger,” he said, “I’ve only worn this uniform five times”, as everything turned black.

When he came to he was in a hospital bed with a drip stand beside him. Sharon was sitting by the bed holding his hand. “Hello, fancy meeting you here”, he mumbled.

She looked up relief etched into her face. “Now be quiet. You lost a lot of blood and need to rest.”

“Where exactly am I?” He mumbled.

“You’re in the military hospital. They had to put in ten stitches to sew you up again. You lost the blood waiting for help to arrive.”

He nodded “how long have you been carrying a gun?” he asked.

She smiled “Since I was sixteen and I’m not a bad shot either”, she said proudly.

He chuckled “I’m sure the guy with the third eye would testify to that”.

Just then the door opened and Captain Silverman walked in, “I see you are back amongst us Captain Ramage. I’ve spoken to the doctor who says you’ll not be able to use your arm for at least two weeks.”

“He’ll have to revise his schedule. I’ve a patrol to lead in six days,” Shaun replied.