Secret Army - Robert Muchamore Page 0,7

out, Mr Williams.’ Once he’d left, she leaned towards the boys and switched to French. ‘Seems a dodgy character, that one.’

Troy and Mason were relieved to hear their native language, even if McAfferty’s Scottish accent wasn’t exactly straight from the boulevards of Paris.

‘Troy, I’ve been led to believe that you acted with extraordinary bravery during the evacuation of Dunkirk,’ McAfferty smiled.

‘It wasn’t that big a deal,’ Troy answered, as he looked down at himself, feeling slightly embarrassed. ‘My father had a sailing boat and I helped him. It was what any boy would do.’

‘But your father was killed,’ McAfferty added.

Troy nodded, as Mason played with his rolled-up sleeve.

‘And then you sailed back to France on your own, collecting Mason from your home and sailing eleven more soldiers back to Britain while under heavy fire.’

Troy shrugged modestly and stifled his smile.

‘I think he was a hero,’ Mason said quietly.

‘I heard your story from a gentleman at the Free French embassy in London,’ McAfferty explained. ‘But nobody knew where you’d ended up. With so many children evacuated to the countryside it’s taken two months of letters and phone calls to track you down. I feel very bad that after everything you did you’ve been shipped off to a place like this.’

‘It’s not that horrible,’ Troy shrugged, but Mason tapped his brother’s arm and scowled angrily.

‘It’s the worst place in the world,’ Mason blurted. ‘Williams beat us and locked us up with the coal, just because I made my bed wonky.’

Troy shushed his brother. Although Williams didn’t speak French, Troy was sure he’d be listening outside the door and Mason’s whiny tone made it obvious that he was complaining.

‘He did what?’ McAfferty said indignantly. ‘How long did he lock you away for?’

Troy glowered furiously at Mason, and then kept his voice low as he answered. ‘Since last night, but please don’t let Williams know that we told you. Once you’re gone he’ll kill us.’

‘You’ll not stay one more night here,’ McAfferty said angrily as she shot up from the desk. ‘I have an opportunity for French heroes like you, Troy. Whether or not you accept my offer, I think it’s best that you both leave immediately with me.’

‘Opportunity?’ Troy asked.

‘I belong to an organisation called the Espionage Research Unit,’ McAfferty explained. ‘We’re based a few hours’ drive from here. We’re training boys like you to work undercover inside occupied France. It’s dangerous work and the training is tough, but you’re exactly the kind of lad we’re looking for.’

‘What about me?’ Mason asked. ‘Can I join in?’

‘You’re a little young right now,’ McAfferty said. ‘But we already have a couple of younger children and if the war lasts long enough, you’ll be allowed to train when you’re older.’

Mason seemed excited, but Troy was more reserved. ‘So it’s my decision? I can come and look, but I don’t have to join.’

‘Exactly,’ McAfferty nodded. ‘And no matter what you decide, I promise that I’ll never send you back to this awful place.’

Troy didn’t fully understand why McAfferty wanted to take him away, and her arrival was such a surprise that he half expected to wake up back in the coal cellar and find it was all a dream.

‘You’ll need your outdoor coats, plus gloves if you have them,’ McAfferty said as she moved towards the classroom door. ‘It’s a long drive and the heater in my car isn’t much good in this kind of weather.’

Williams stood out in the corridor. He didn’t speak French, but had followed the gist of what was going on.

‘He’s a right little liar, that one,’ Williams said, pointing an accusing finger at Troy. ‘He’s only ever been punished for good reason. You’ll be better off leaving him here.’

McAfferty scowled at Williams and, finding it impossible to come up with words that properly conveyed her rage, she slapped him hard on the cheek.

‘These boys are worth a hundred of you,’ she said furiously. ‘And I’ll be writing a formal letter of complaint to the warden, you disgraceful little man.’

McAfferty wasn’t a strong woman, but her anger had fuelled the slap and Williams looked utterly stunned as he stumbled back against the corridor wall. She took a deep breath and looked down at Troy and Mason.

‘Fetch your belongings quickly,’ she said. ‘And find some blankets for the journey. I’m going to get my car started and I’ll meet you out front.’

Williams scowled at McAfferty as Troy and Mason belted off towards their dormitory, wearing huge smiles. But he didn’t utter another word.

CHAPTER FOUR

Marc