Eagle Day - Robert Muchamore Page 0,92

eyes seemed a little lost and his expression was blank. ‘Can’t place him, but there’s a lot of men around these docks.’

‘Not many twelve year olds though,’ Eugene said. ‘Little blond guy, works as Kuefer’s translator?’

‘Ahh, the boy.’ Wimund nodded, wagging his finger knowingly. ‘Nice little chap. Tips me off when his boss is on the warpath.’

‘We just arrived from Calais,’ Eugene yelled, as PT moved in close so that he could follow the conversation over all the singing and banter. ‘We’re both carpenters. Marc said you’re the man to talk to if you want a decent job.’

As Eugene said this, he produced a bottle of top quality brandy from a canvas bag.

‘For a small consideration, of course,’ PT added.

Wimund glanced about anxiously to see who was standing nearby. ‘Don’t let people be seeing that out in the open,’ he said. ‘Your boy Marc’s done me a few favours. Tomorrow you get your papers sorted and work wherever the Germans assign you. Then come see me after work and I’ll sort you out, no charge.’

Eugene broke into a big smile. ‘That’s decent of you, sir. I’ll be sure to buy you a drink at the least.’very

‘And I’ll be glad to accept it,’ Wimund said, nodding again.

‘I’m stepping out for a piss,’ PT said, ‘excuse me.’

Eugene said thanks to Wimund as he turned around. ‘Better not lose my brother,’ Eugene said. ‘He’s only sixteen.’

It took another couple of minutes for the two teenagers to make it through heat and smoke into fresh outdoor air.

‘You get them?’ Eugene asked.

PT pulled a set of keys from his trousers and jangled them. ‘I couldn’t see them bulging,’ he explained. ‘Had to feel my way down three pockets, but it’s reassuring to know that I’ve still got the magic fingers, just like my dad taught me.’

*

19:45 The Farm

Henderson was loading the last of the suitcases into the truck when Dumont’s dad Luc Boyle came up the dirt driveway on a bicycle. Henderson hurriedly pulled the cloth flaps over the back of his truck so that the farmer couldn’t see inside.

‘Evening,’ Henderson said cheerfully, as Luc stepped off the bike. ‘What can I do you for?’

‘Have you seen my son around?’ Luc asked.

‘Can’t say I have,’ Henderson lied. ‘My boys have been in town all day. Marc’s working, and PT took Paul to the doctor in Calais.’

Luc combed tense fingers through his hair as he stepped off the bike. ‘Wife’s giving me hell,’ he complained. ‘Can’t find Dumont and after what happened before with those Germans in the village she’s going frantic.’

Henderson shrugged. ‘Sorry I can’t help.’

‘That kid,’ Luc cursed. ‘My other two boys are prisoners, you know? Good lads, bright as you’d wish, but Dumont’s always struggled. I don’t think there’s a mean bone in his body, but he’s just not bright enough to stay out of trouble.’bloody

Henderson didn’t agree that Dumont was harmless after what he’d tried doing to Rosie, but he couldn’t let on. ‘He’s always seemed nice enough to me. How are Lucien and Holly doing, by the way?’

‘Not too bad,’ Luc said. ‘They miss their mum. Holly goes on and on about her all the time and it breaks my heart. Where’s the Jag by the way?’

‘Maxine’s got it,’ Henderson explained. ‘You know, I’m still working on getting you a fuel permit and like I said you’re always welcome to use the truck if needs be.’

‘Appreciated.’ Luc smiled. ‘I’m going to ride back towards the village to see if anyone’s seen Dumont. If he’s not back soon I’ll have to speak to the police.’

Henderson glanced at his watch. They wouldn’t be leaving for up to two and a quarter hours and the last thing he wanted was police, locals and possibly even the Germans getting involved in a search.

‘I do know where Dumont is,’ Henderson said, as he ripped out his gun. ‘I’ll take you up to the cowshed. The labourers will untie you in the morning after we’ve gone.’

20:20 Dunkirk

Having invaded three large European nations in the space of two years and Nazi doctrine dictating that women should stay home and raise families, the German Army relied upon random searches and checkpoints – not because they were particularly effective, but because there was a shortage of men.

Guarding the kilometres of docks and wharves at Dunkirk would have tied up half a battalion, and Eugene and PT were relieved to arrive by the mesh gates around the dry dock and find the security post unmanned.

‘Twenty minutes till the planes arrive,’ PT