Operation Kingfisher Read Online Free Page A

from Duhamel’s reach. ‘The fact is, Gaspard, that I really need this favour. I don’t know anyone else with transport and a good reason for going between here and Clermont. I’m not asking you to take any real risks. And if you oblige me, a couple of cases of the vintage you are drinking now might find their way into your van, without M. Bussy being any the wiser. I’m sure there are plenty of people who are prepared to pay over the odds on the black market to get hold of some decent wine.’
    Greed and fear wrestled in Duhamel’s fat face for a moment. At length he muttered, ‘Very well, Madame. I have only tried to point out to you the possible risks involved … but if you insist.…’
    Isabelle pushed the bottle back to him. ‘I do. Now, finish your wine and get ready. The two cases are just inside the cellar door.’
    Luke and Christine had listened silently to all this. Their mother turned to them.
    ‘It’s time, my dears. Fetch your suitcases.’
    When they returned to the kitchen, Duhamel was absent. Isabelle handed each of them a package containing the next day’s bread ration, split and filled with a few grams of cheese, and an apple, wrinkled from long storage since the previous harvest.
    ‘And take this,’ she said, holding out an envelope to each of them. ‘There’s money for your train tickets and a little over for emergencies. I would give you more, but you know how hard times are at the moment.’
    Christine threw her arms round her. ‘I wish we didn’t have to take it. I can’t bear to think of you all alone. Let me stay with you.’
    ‘No,
chérie
, it’s impossible, you know it is. We’ve been through it all so many times. Don’t make it any harder, please.’
    Christine drew back, sniffing. She prided herself on never crying, but now she could not hold back the tears. Luke embraced his mother. His throat was dry and he could feel himself shaking but he knew he must not let go. If he wept, Duhamel would guess that this was more than a brief parting.
    ‘We shall be together again soon!’ Isabelle said, looking into his eyes. ‘The war must end before long.’ She reached out her free hand to Christine. ‘Give my love to papa when you see him, and to your other grandparents – and don’t forget the message!’
    ‘Michou’s pups are safe,’ Christine responded, forcing a smile. ‘We won’t forget.’
    From outside, Duhamel shouted, ‘Let’s go! I’ve got a schedule to keep to.’
    Luke picked up his sister’s overcoat to help her on with it and exclaimed. ‘Chris, this weighs a ton! Whatever have you got in the pockets?’
    ‘Just a few odds and ends I thought might come in useful,’ she answered. ‘A torch, a screwdriver, a compass, a penknife – that sort of thing.’
    In spite of the situation, he found himself laughing. ‘Honestly, you are extraordinary. We’re going on a train journey, not a camping expedition.’
    Christine shoved the envelope of money into one of her pockets and picked up the packet of food. ‘I don’t know where to put this. My case is full.’
    Luke held up an old leather satchel, which he had once used to carry his books to school. ‘I’m taking this. You can put it in there with mine.’
    ‘Where are your papers?’ Isabelle asked. ‘Have you got them safe?’
    ‘In my pocket,’ Christine said, and Luke patted the satchel. ‘In here. I think they will be safer there. Pockets can be picked.’
    Duhamel shouted again from outside and Isabelle urged them towards the door.
    ‘Go, go! He won’t wait.’
    Luke went out, but as Christine made to follow her mother caught her arm. ‘Chris, I know this sounds silly, as you are the younger and the girl, but try to look after Luke. He’s strong and brave and I know he would do anything to protect you, but he can be a bit of a dreamer. He has these romantic ideals … youknow what I mean. Don’t let him rush into any foolish adventure.’
    A brief smile flitted across her daughter’s