Beyond the Call by Lee Trimble Read Free Book Online Page A

soldier’s nose, he found his way to the staff dining hall. That breakfast was some of the best food he’d had since arriving in England. These diplomats sure knew how to live the civilized life, even in a city on the front line of a war.
    Afterwards, he was taken in hand again and brought to an office where he was met by a senior-looking attaché. Yet again there was no introduction, no pleasantries, but this time there was at least some information. However, it was not the kind of information calculated to settle Robert’s qualms about this whole business.
    The attaché looked quizzically at Robert’s uniform, then spoke briskly: ‘The first thing to do is have you fitted out with a suit. That will be done this morning.’ He wrote on a piece of paper and handed it to Robert. ‘Go to this address. You’re to be supplied with two suits. They’ll be ready by this evening. Then you’ll be transported to pick up your flight to Stockholm. You—’
    Robert interrupted. ‘Suits? What do I need suits for? I have my uniform.’
    The attaché peered at him. ‘You need civilian clothing. You will be provided with two suits. It will be taken care of today, in time to make tonight’s flight to Stockholm.’
    â€˜Whoa, whoa!’ Robert put up his hands. ‘You’re gonna put me in a civilian suit , and then send me in a plane over Europe ?’
    â€˜Oh, you don’t have to worry,’ the attaché said. ‘That plane goes over every night. You’ll be perfectly fine.’
    â€˜You don’t understand. I’m wearing a dog tag. If that plane has to make an emergency landing in enemy territory, and I’m caught ina civilian suit with a dog tag, I’ll be shot.’ The attaché stared while Robert went on objecting. ‘I just put in 35 missions; I don’t want to stick my neck out now. And what’s this about Stockholm?’ he demanded. ‘I’m supposed to be going to Russia, not Sweden.’
    â€˜Russia? I assume there’s been a change of orders,’ said the attaché.
    â€˜No, no, I never signed up to go to Stockholm in a civilian suit. I’m supposed to be going to Russia to fly airplanes!’
    The attaché hesitated. Throughout the short interview, he had become less and less sure of himself. ‘Captain,’ he said at last, ‘step outside and wait.’
    Simmering, Robert did as he was told. Out in the hallway, he sat and waited … and then paced up and down and waited … and then waited some more. All the while, his mind rehearsed the indignant speeches he would make if they tried to discipline him over this. Stockholm! In a civilian suit! Were they trying to use him as a spy? He’d be safer flying another combat tour. He wasn’t cut out to be a spy – or trained, for that matter. No, he’d be damned first. His reckless side was back in control again, and he was perfectly prepared to face the stockade and a court-martial rather than go along with this insane, half-cocked plan. Had Colonel Helton known anything about this? Surely not.
    After about an hour of waiting, Robert had had enough. He made his way back to the dining hall. By now it was long past breakfast. A cook offered him a turkey sandwich, which he accepted gratefully. His indignation hadn’t affected his appetite. If he was going to be incarcerated, he figured it might as well be on a full stomach.
    After a while, an attendant came looking for him and told him to come at once. Robert stood up and went to face his doom. To his surprise, he was taken to a different office, where he was met by an entirely different embassy official – a tall fellow who greeted Robert with a smile. Again no name was given, but at least this time he got a warm welcome.
    â€˜Captain Trimble, come in and sit down. Colonel Helton gave you a strong recommendation.’
    Robert felt a surge of relief at the