The Vulcan and the Straits (Jox McNabb Aviation Thrillers Book 4) by Patrick Larsimont

Author:Patrick Larsimont [Larsimont, Patrick]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sapere Books
Published: 2024-05-30T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Two sour-faced individuals were waiting when Jox and his now nine squadron-mates landed at RAF Luqa. The walk from the blast-proof pens where they’d parked was long and hot, especially carrying parachutes and flight equipment. By the time they reached the dispersal hut, the pilots were parched and sweating, and Jox was desperate for some water.

Glasgow opened the frosted glass door with ‘CO 333’ lettered in black calligraphy. Oblivious with thirst, Jox stumbled into the room, plainly furnished with a desk, filing cabinets and a trio of chairs, one behind the desk, two in front. The furniture was old and had obviously been around for a while. Jox dumped his gear in a corner and slumped onto one of the chairs.

‘Right, this had better be good,’ said Jox. ‘I’m gasping for water.’

Glasgow and Bullough exchanged glances.

‘No, Jox,’ rumbled Glasgow. ‘This is your office. You sit over here. The group captain will sit where you’re sitting.’ He glanced at Bullough. ‘No offence meant, sir.’

‘None taken.’

Jox got to his feet and ran his scarred fingers through damp hair. ‘All right, gents, you got me, this is all rather new,’ he said sheepishly.

‘I’ll leave you to it,’ said Glasgow. ‘But after, there’s someone else here to see you, Jox.’ Jox’s eyes narrowed, but Glasgow shook his head. ‘Don’t worry, laddie.’

‘Right then,’ said Bullough. ‘Operation Tinned Fish is a go. The plan is for you to head to Gibraltar to check in with my friend in Naval Intelligence, Lieutenant Commander Fleming. He’ll update you on the progress of his operation and you can tell him what we have in mind. I’ve asked Dorian to accompany you as your fixer. He’s already been in touch with Moose Grant, who’s stationed up in Yorkshire with No. 401 RCAF. You mentioned he’ll be key in getting to Zog, or at least getting in front of his sisters. I recall you said one of them is rather fond of him. You’re meeting Moose in London in a week’s time. Before then, I have another job for you. Do any of your chaps happen to fly a Lysander?’

‘Not sure, but Jimmy Waerea probably can. He qualified on everything going when he retrained to get clearance to fly with one arm. Nothing much stops that one.’

‘Can you check for me?’

‘Of course, what’s the mission?’

‘Nothing complicated. We just need some agents dropped off in south-eastern Sicily. Has to be done tonight as it’s the full moon and you’ll need it to navigate your way to the drop-off near Ragusa.’ Bullough paused. ‘Actually, you’ve met the chaps, the OSS fellows you flew in with to Malta. They’re set to start fermenting trouble before we start our operations.’

‘The less I know the better,’ said Jox. ‘My pal Jimmy Baraldi is not a fan. He’s of Sicilian heritage and says the Cosa Nostra have been the bane of the island’s history for decades. Seems like a rather murky world to be dabbling in.’

‘Well, you know what they say, “my enemy’s enemy is my friend”.

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