West Wind Clear by V M Knox & Knox

Author:V M Knox & Knox
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Book Reality Experience
Published: 2022-06-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Java Sea - 20th December 1941

Clement stared out to sea. The wind had picked up and low white crests had formed on the waves. Everyone was on deck, the wind a welcome relief to the heat. Archer was on surveillance duty, the binoculars hanging around his neck. But, again, no Zeros had been sighted. Clement hoped it was because of their proximity to Singapore and that the Allies still held it. He glanced around the men on deck. Joe and Ivan were laughing. While Clement didn’t know why, he felt relieved; and the shock of Hugh’s death seemed to have abated. For Clement it was small comfort. He felt increasingly sure that a murderer existed among them. He pondered the note and the letter ‘a’ that Joe had told him about. He looked up at the members of the team. Tom and Mick, Clement believed from what he’d overheard, had developed a respect for him which Clement knew was paramount to a successful mission. Trust was all important. Especially if the team had to separate during the mission. Ivan’s inclusion had been confirmed by Long himself as was the presence of Joe Watkins. Bill also had shown his true colours; dependable and discreet but while not part of the team, the mission wouldn’t have happened at all without Bill and his boat. And as far as Bill’s crew were concerned, Clement didn’t think anything worried the boys, José, Pedro and Juan. As long as they were at sea and catching fish, Clement thought they wouldn’t care where they were. Perhaps he’d been wrong about Hugh being murdered and perhaps the ‘a’ thing wasn’t important. Clement went to join Ivan and Joe. ‘I think it could be a good idea for two people to be on surveillance duty now we are so close to Singapore. One on aeroplanes and the other on patrol boats. Just in case the Japanese are in Singapore.’

‘Of course, Clement. If you think it necessary. Tom and Mick will want to be on watch together, so I’ll take boat surveillance with Joe,’ Lyon said.

Clement stared into the wind, the waves now bigger. The protection afforded by the myriad of islands had gone and as they moved closer to Singapore, the seas were larger and the ocean wider.

Clement joined Bill in the wheelhouse.

‘Not long now,’ Bill said.

‘Do you know when exactly?’

‘We’ll be in the lee of Blakang Mati Island by late tomorrow afternoon. I’ll try to time it with sunset. That way we can sea-anchor off the coast there.’ Bill swung around, his eyes on the skies. ‘If this weather holds, we should be able to stay there. If not, we’ll motor around the area and endeavour to be back in time for your return.’

‘Not sure I understand what sea-anchoring is?’ Clement asked.

‘We drop anchor, but it doesn’t reach the seabed. The ship is weighted in position. Of course, there is movement, but in calm conditions in the lee of a land mass, it’s surprising just how well it works.

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