The Flame Tree by Siobhan Daiko

Author:Siobhan Daiko [Siobhan Daiko]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-04-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Will was in the lobby of the Peninsula Hotel, waiting for George who’d crossed over to the island to find Reggie. Panic infused the air. Terrified people were milling about, pushing and shoving each other. Rumours and counter-rumours were gaining in strength as they were passed along: the Japanese were close by in Jordan Road; the local Chinese were looting; traitors with Tommy guns were out in force; thieves were robbing houses. Will shook his head in disbelief that matters had taken such a drastic turn.

Earlier, he’d gone home—where he’d shaved and had taken a bath. The servants had fled, but his housemate, the policeman Mike Middleton had been there. Will told him what had happened at the Gin Drinkers Line and that he was heading to the Peninsula to meet George.

‘Change into civilian clothes so as not to draw attention to yourself and risk being attacked by fifth columnists,’ Mike had said. ‘Take anything of value with you. Looters are about. I’m about to leave for the Star Ferry pier to organise the checking of permits for people crossing the harbour.’

Will had done as Mike had suggested and now, kit bag full, he was observing the placid hotel receptionist, who was standing behind her desk dealing with requests for information in a calm manner. She called Will to one side. ‘I’ve just heard that orders have been received to evacuate to the island.’

Will’s heart sank. This put a new face on things. If Kowloon were to fall it might be more difficult to regain contact with Z Force. ‘Thanks for letting me know. Can I use your phone?’ he asked.

‘Of course.’

He dialled George’s number at Gunter Mansions and waited. No answer. The line to Fortress HQ was busy, so Will decided to set off on his own and catch George and Reggie as they arrived at the Kowloon side of the harbour.

‘If anyone asks for me,’ Will said to the receptionist. ‘Please tell them that I’ve gone to the police barrier at the Star Ferry.’

She assured him that she would comply with his request.

After thanking her, Will made his way down Salisbury Road, his steps slow and heavy as he reflected on recent events. The day after the redoubt had been taken, orders had come through to the Royal Scots to withdraw to the inner line. Will had headed off to report back to battalion headquarters and find a phone to contact George. But the adjutant had told him that George was on his way and in fact some “toys” had already arrived.

Later, in brilliant moonlight, with most of Kowloon lit by a huge blaze on the waterfront, Will had gone with George and three volunteer engineers to a ridge above Gin Drinkers Bay. There, they found that the officer in charge was drunk, having fortified himself too liberally with brandy against the cold, and the junior officers were obeying orders which they themselves believed were mistaken. The platoon sent to guard the area were all untrained men

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