Chapter 26

He opened his eyes and blinked several times to re-focus them. Glancing at his watch he saw it was 7:10 am. He’d slept for over twelve hours he realised. Collecting his wash bag, he made his way to the showers. It was strangely quiet outside, the only sound that of snoring coming from the tents.

After his shower he called in to the mess tent. The cooks had just started so he waited until the tea was ready, sitting down and lighting a cigarette. The cook brought over a mug of tea and a plate with two fried eggs and bacon. Another plate contained bread.

Shaun gazed down at his plate, his mouth suddenly full of saliva. The men started to come in, all having the look of men who had slept too long and too deeply, moving slowly towards the serving table. There was not the usual banter that normally would be going on, Shaun realised.

Tim took a place opposite him, gazing in fascination at the fried eggs. “I wonder where these came from,” he murmured.

Shaun smiled “It’s a gift from the gods, aka Captain Silverman.” Tim wasn’t listening, his mouth chewing with a look of rapture all over his face.

He returned to his tent and began to pack his valise. The clothes he had worn on the patrol were in a pile ready to be dumped into the trash bins. There was a knock on the tent post. He turned seeing Jack there. “Will you be staying at the Nile Palace as usual Boss,” he asked. Shaun nodded,

“If I get those items you wanted I’ll drop them off there for you,” Jack continued.

“Thanks Jack. Do you need any money?”

Jack shook his head “No, but if you have 200 cigarettes to spare and a couple of bottles of scotch, it would make it easier to get them.”

Shaun opened the wood chest by his cot, “here help you self.” Jack was aware that Shaun’s Aunty kept him well supplied.

Tim had brought the Ford round for him to load up when Ted came hurrying over to them. “Shaun, I have a message for you from Captain Silverman’s office. You are to go to the flat. A key has been left for you under the geranium pot. Does that make any sense to you?” Ted asked, looking perplexed.

“Perfect sense. Thanks Ted,” Shaun replied smiling.

Tim dropped him off outside the flats. He picked up his valise and walked towards the door, finding the key he let himself in. In the flat he looked around the familiar settings before pouring out a large vodka and tonic. Loosening his tie he sat back on the couch. The war seemed a million miles away as he relaxed.

Sharon found him asleep on the couch. She was appalled at his condition. Dark rings were prominent under his eyes and his face looked drawn and haggard. She brought a blanket out from the bedroom and placed it over him. “You poor darling,” she thought, “what have you been through.”

It was early evening when he awoke. He pushed off the blanket and stood up, for a second wondering where he was. Sharon must have heard him, she came hurrying in. She stopped and just looked at him, “Hello,” she mumbled.

He smiled. “Hello,” he replied, and then she was in his arms.

When they disengaged they sat down on the couch. “Who organised this?” He asked.

She held his hand, “Dad. He got a report from your commanding officer saying the condition you all were in. We have been monitoring all the raids. From the reports I saw you seemed to be doing more than your fair share.”

He shrugged his shoulders, “We were in a position to strike back the first, that’s all.”

She placed her hand against his face, “I’m going to feed you, and you, Captain, are going to rest. That’s an order.