Dust On the Sea by Douglas Reeman Read Free Book Online Page A

don’t like this part!’
    He said nothing, afraid to break the spell, surprised that he could cling to something so frail. Like a thread which would soon be broken.
    And suddenly they were off, and he saw their great shadow dashing across fields, and a khaki field ambulance in a narrow lane, the red crosses very bright in the glare. Like blood.
    He leaned towards her, and said, ‘We’re away. Nice take-off.’ He felt her hand withdraw, and thought shewinced as she settled deeper into her seat. ‘Have you injured your back, Miss Gordon?’
    She said, ‘No.’ It was almost sharp. Then, ‘I’m all right now.
Really.
’
    The thread was broken.
    The Rock made an inspiring sight as the Dakota levelled off for the final approach. The bay appeared to be packed with shipping, many of them dull grey convoy escorts turning round for the next challenge. There were two fighters circling Gibraltar’s craggy outline; no chances in this all-important base, the gateway to the Mediterranean and the desert war.
    Throughout the flight she had scarcely spoken, except when one of the crew had appeared with coffee and sandwiches. The pilot had come aft to talk to Gaillard, and Blackwood had heard them laughing about something above the drone of the engines.
    He saw that her hand was resting once more on his sleeve.
    â€˜This is where we part. Thank you for taking care of me.’
    She was so serious that he was reminded of his sister when she had been about eight. It was exactly what she had been taught to say whenever she was taken out by friends of the family.
    â€˜I had hoped we might meet.’ He hesitated, sensing the guard rising again. ‘I don’t even know where you’re going, do I?’
    She tensed as the wheels hit the runway, and he felt the fingers clench on his arm.
    Then she said, ‘But I
do
know where you’re going,Captain Blackwood.’ She would not look at him. ‘So, please, be careful.’
    The aircraft was already slowing down, ground crew and various machines converging on it like predators, but all he could think of was her utter sincerity.
    Then Gaillard was beside them, grinning. ‘Time to get off, Mike. I’m going to change into some brown trousers for the next bit of the trip!’ He went away, pausing to slap another passenger on the shoulder in passing.
    Blackwood smiled; he had forgotten how easily he was embarrassed.
    â€˜Sorry about that.’
    She smiled faintly in return.
    Then she looked at him with the same direct gaze, and said, ‘It wouldn’t work, I’m afraid.’ She held out her hand. ‘It was nice meeting you.’
    She dragged out a small briefcase and turned towards the open door, and suddenly, ridiculously, he wanted to hold her, to explain. But the words would not form, and he could not move. The aircraft was suddenly empty, and more ground workers were hurrying in to unload some of the cargo.
    The passengers had melted away, blurred, unreal, like spectres from some forgotten battlefield.
    Someone appeared to guide him to yet another waiting room. This time, there was wine on the table.
    Gaillard came through another doorway and stood looking at him in silence. Then he said, ‘I’ve just been told. It’s still on.’ His dark eyes gave nothing away, any more than his voice. ‘It’s a raid. I’ll fill you in while the plane’s refuelling.’ The grin again. ‘I hope they’ve taken enough gas on board!’ But the eyes were devoid ofhumour. ‘We’ve got to get our hands on some bits of secret equipment. Urgent stuff.’
    â€˜When can we expect the rest of our company?’
    â€˜There are a couple of dozen already at Alex. It’s enough. It has to be.’ He looked at him calmly. ‘No foul-ups, right?’
    Blackwood said only, ‘Right.’ And she had known where this raid was planned to take place. How many others