The Spark of Resistance by Kit Sergeant

Author:Kit Sergeant [Sergeant, Kit]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thompson Belle Press
Published: 2020-06-28T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 39

Odette

Peter communicated with the Maquisards hiding in the woods beyond Saint Jorioz through Annecy’s ambulance, figuring it was a vehicle that would not invite suspicion.

For several nights in a row, the RAF dropped much-needed supplies for their newfound collaborators: guns, ammunition, knives, medicine, boots, hand grenades, and of course, necessities such as coffee, cigarettes, and chocolate. Once they were fully equipped, the Maquisards were able to mount an enormous attack on the railways and start waging guerilla warfare on the German troops.

“Congratulations,” Alec told Odette and Peter the next time they visited him. “Forty new drop sights is quite an accomplishment.”

“Thank you,” Odette replied, pleased they were finally inflicting the kind of damage on the Nazis she had once only dreamed about

“And here’s this.” Alec handed Peter his latest message. “Buck wants you back in England as soon as possible.”

Odette felt her heart sink.

“What for?” Peter asked, perusing the notice.

“Maybe they’re finally planning the Allied invasion of France,” Alec replied.

Peter set the paper down on a nearby table. “Wouldn’t that be nice?” His gaze swerved to Odette as if to gauge her reaction.

She gave him the widest smile she could conjure. “Indeed.”

“Or maybe it has something to do with the arrest of Carte’s wife and daughters,” Alec continued.

“The briefcase?” Peter asked.

He nodded.

“What briefcase?” Odette demanded.

Peter sighed heavily. “One of Carte’s couriers fell asleep on a train, back in November, and had his briefcase stolen.”

“Who was it?” Odette demanded.

“Marsac.”

Her mind whirled, wondering how Marsac could have been so careless.

“At any rate, they’re sending someone in your place,” Alec stated.

Both Odette and Peter focused on Alec. “Say that again,” Peter commanded.

“His codename is Roger. If you think some greenie is going to parachute in and bark orders and expect me to obey…” Alec began.

Peter held up his hand. “We all know how you feel about the SOE’s newest recruits.”

“I’m sure Lise will concur.” Alec looked at her imploringly, his heavy eyebrows raised.

For her part, she couldn’t imagine anyone, not even Buckmaster himself, daring to take Peter’s place. “I agree with Alec.”

“I’m sure London knows as well as I do that they can’t send some novice to serve as a stand-in for Spindle’s director. Not with you two as second-in-command.”

Odette weighed his words. Though the Maquisards had proved excellent recruits for the Resistance, it was true that the only remainders of the Spindle Network in Saint Jorioz were Peter, Alec, and herself. It occurred to Odette that the three of them—an English gentleman, a Frenchwoman and a Russian Jew—made for a strange trio.

Once again, Peter met her eyes. “Lise, I’m putting you in charge.”

“I—” she began, but he cut her off. “Alec, watch out for her. No matter what.”

Alec looked as if he was about to argue, but something else came over him. “Sure, boss. No problem.”

Peter extended his hand. “Au revoir.”

Alec met Peter’s outstretched palm with his own meaty one. “Adieu, boss. Be well.”

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