alliance and stick to it. But I need to know I can trust you.’
‘You have my word,’ I nodded back.
Ray stared at me. ‘I’ve been watching you. You’ve been keeping out of trouble. Me? I’m on the German black list. I’ve managed to convince them I’m a bit touched in the head, but there’s only so many times I can pull that trick.’
‘What are you planning?’ I asked of him.
Ray winked. ‘First things first: I’ve got a tip-off that there’ll be two lorries near La Valette. Both have fuel on board and it’s ours for the taking. You ready to prove you’re more than all that talk?’
I was on my feet already. ‘Alaons!
’ This was what I’d waited all these months for, eh! My heart beat faster. I imagined that Ray and me were commandoes flown into the island on a secret mission. I was the wingman or whatever you want to call it. It didn’t matter that we were breaking the law and I didn’t spare a thought for what would happen if we were caught. This is what I’d always wanted. So we headed off quickly down the narrow back streets, winding our way into Town. The night was crisp and starry, and Ray moved quick, like a fox. He’d already sniffed out the hot spots and knew how best to avoid the patrols. Old Jerry was rigid in his habits, I suppose. Still, I was expecting to hear a ‘Halt!’ at any minute, or feel the sharpness of a bayonet prodding into my back.
When we reached the waterfront the booze was wearing off, though. I was suddenly all a-jitter, and worried what was coming. I could see the trucks, but I could also see a German guard nearby, at the entrance to La Valette. His glowing cigarette end was hovering in the night air. Ray nodded to me and we crept up slowly, quietly, hunched over. Then he gave me the signal to stay still, and I was rooted to the spot. I watched as he lifted himself up onto the back of the first truck. I didn’t hear a sound. Ma fé, he was a hefty bloke but he was nimble. I hardly dared breathe as I crouched and waited.
Minutes passed, then I heard the clip-clop sound of German jackboots, still some way off. I now know that sound better than anything on this earth. I skipped lightly round the truck and tugged at the tarpaulin so as to get Ray’s attention. Then I tucked myself under it. The footsteps came closer and there was a rasping sound, like a cough. A new soldier was arriving to keep watch. I crouched low, holding my heart in my stomach, and I imagined Ray was doing the same. The guard walked past us and headed on towards the tunnel entrance. Moments later I heard him talking to his mate. I took a breath, pulled myself around and upright again and wondered if I should take a chance and run.
One minute I was standing there alone, the next Ray was aside of me. I didn’t hear or see him slide out from under the tarpaulin. He handed me a can that stank of fuel whilst reaching into his trouser pocket. He pulled out a knife, bent down and cut the front tyre of the truck. Then he grinned.
‘Slowly,’ he whispered.
We began walking quietly, almost on tippy-toe, sharing the weight of the petrol. I felt scared as hell but for a long time the soldiers couldn’t see us because the trucks still blocked their view. We were lucky, damned lucky.
The can was heavy but Ray bore most of the weight. We were halfway up Hauteville when I heard more jackboots.
‘Quick! Down here!’ said Ray, and we ducked down a side alley.
There was a commotion on George Street. We didn’t see anything, just listened out for the smack of fists, the slipping and sliding of feet. I didn’t dare look and I didn’t dare move, but I’ll bet it was a couple of drunk soldiers venting their anger on some poor soul. I was expecting Ray to signal to me that we should join the fray, but instead he crouched next to me, quiet as a mouse.
After a few minutes it was over. Ray and I remained.
‘That was close.’ He straightened up. ‘I’ve had enough excitement for one night, eh?’
It was heady stuff. With my pulse racing and my heart jumping, we reached the Gables.