The Talisman by Allan Jones

Author:Allan Jones [Jones, Allan]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Vanguard Press
Published: 2017-10-15T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

Paul was walking in the park, back to the house in the grounds of the estate where he had his billet. His mood was dark. He had become sullen, morose and quick-tempered since she had disappeared and kept pretty much to himself, the gnawing fear in his gut his constant companion. His eyes were at his feet as he walked and so he failed to notice Pru Perkins, who was waving to him from the door of the house. She put two fingers in her mouth and gave a shrill whistle to get his attention and, when he looked up, waved frantically at him. He broke into a run and was soon by her side.

“What is it, Pru? Tell me quick!” he entreated her, his senses reeling at the prospect of bad news.

“She’s safe,” Pru said.

Relief washed over Paul as he let out his breath. “How? Where is she? Tell me!” he gasped.

“I’m trying to, you dope! Now listen! She found help, the clever girl, and she’s on her way to her original mission. She sent a signal late last night. I got to hear of it first thing and I’ve been trying to find you ever since. Look, here it is.” She handed a flimsy piece of paper to him and he read it urgently.

It said:

“Safe friendlies map ref no [figures omitted] proceeding mission inform originals re-supply tell nimrod it’s working.”

Paul read it over and over, a smile growing on his lips, and he looked up at Pru, who was beaming at him. “A smile at last! Isn’t it great! See, I told you she’d be all right, didn’t I?”

Paul leant over and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Yes, you did! Thanks, Pru, you’re an angel.”

Pru blushed, and to cover it she asked: “What’s the last bit about? No-one can make head nor tail of it. Private, is it?”

Paul laughed softly. “I gave her my mother’s brooch, told her it was magic, would keep her safe.”

“And she’s thinking of you,” Pru pointed out. “Oh, Paul, I’m so happy for you.”

She threw her arms about his shoulders and hugged him. He stood rigid for a second, then enthusiastically returned the hug. Then, before he knew what was happening, Pru was looking up at him, her lips parted, desire in her eyes. He returned her gaze, unsure of what she was reading in his; it felt good to hold someone like this again. She slowly moved her lips closer to kiss him, then she thought better of it and she looked down quickly, and gently pushed herself away from him.

“Careful, Tiger, you could turn a girl’s head with those baby blue eyes of yours,” she said, to cover her embarrassment, turning her head away.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…,” he said gallantly.

She interrupted him. “It’s OK; as much my fault as yours, forget it.”

“No, really, you’re a lovely girl, Pru, but…” He let the words fade away.

“I know, I know! It was stupid, didn’t mean anything. C’mon, forget it, no harm done,” she blustered.

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