Page 11 of Shadows In Paris
Lizzie stared at him, speechless, whilst she digested the reality of a new mission looming. She gulped. ‘What will I tell my family?’
‘We will create a cover story today so you can prepare them. It shouldn’t be too difficult now they know you’re in the FANYs. They travel quite a bit and work in various roles.’
‘I’d better warn you; my mother isn’t easily fooled. We’ll need something watertight,’ Lizzie said. ‘They’re still teasing me about being in love with Captain King, you know.’
‘Your mother is delightful. Perhaps I’ll pop in for tea and cake again when you return,’ he teased.
Lizzie knew he was trying to keep it light. They were both only too aware of the dangers and the fact was she might not return.
‘I’m glad your family approves. When this war is over, I hope they’ll be seeing a lot more of me,’ Jack said.
Lizzie was relieved he was back to showing his usualgood-natured resilience. It unnerved her when he lost confidence in what they were doing. When he was strong, it helped her stay strong.
‘I’m sure there’s nothing they’d like more. My mother even said our age difference could be a positive thing. Although, my father wasn’t so keen.’ Lizzie laughed.
‘Well, fathers and daughters. I would expect no less,’ Jack quipped.
‘Anyhow, we’ve got a lot to cover, so shall we get started before Val tears you away for one of her projects?’
Lizzie nodded, apprehension rising in her stomach. ‘Yes, let’s do it. What do you need from me?’ She reached out and touched the fine layer of dark stubble on his chin.
‘I was thinking about the radio operator situation, and how it will be more secure if we set you up with your own codes, rather than using the same as Hannah’s.’
‘That makes sense,’ Lizzie said.
‘You’ll need a book. One-time pads won’t be suitable for this.’
‘How long do you think I’ll be there?’
Jack released a heavy sigh. ‘Honestly, I wish I knew. Hannah wants backup so she can go undercover, which doesn’t sound like it will be a short mission. From what she’s said in her messages, it seems she’s intending to infiltrate the organisation for as long as she can.’
‘I’m concerned my mother will worry if I’m gone too long.’
‘I’ll be worried if you’re gone too long!’ Jack said. ‘Trust me, I will do everything in my power to make this as short as it can possibly be.’
‘At least my father knows the truth, or some semblance of it, anyway. I suppose I’m not permitted to let him in on any of the details of this mission?’
‘Correct,’ Jack said. ‘I know it’s difficult to keep secretsfrom our loved ones like this, but it’s for the best for everyone’s safety. Your father understands that better than most. He won’t ask tough questions.’
‘Yes, of course. And there’s the minor fact that if I tell anyone, I’ll be breaking the Official Secrets Act.’
‘There is that,’ Jack said wryly, pulling a cigarette from the packet in his breast pocket.
‘May I have one?’ Lizzie said.
Jack’s hand paused mid-air, the cigarette not having reached his lips yet. ‘One of these?’ he asked, clearly astonished by her request.
Lizzie nodded. ‘Yes. You were right when you said I should learn to smoke. It’s a good distraction prop, not to mention a brilliant way of naturally getting into conversation with people.’
‘I won’t argue with that, although I’m not sure you’ll enjoy it,’ he said, smirking.
‘I doubt I will enjoy it, but that’s hardly the point, is it? After all, I don’t enjoy flinging myself out of a plane in the dead of night, but I still do it when you tell me to.’
Jack’s laughter echoed around the cold, quiet room. ‘My goodness, you are brilliant, Seagrove. I don’t know where you got this attitude of yours, but it’s priceless. As much as I’d like to keep you safeat home, you were clearly born for this. Without people like you, nothing in this mad world of ours would move.’
Lizzie’s face shone. ‘Thank you, Captain. That means a lot coming from you. Now show me how to light this cigarette so I can get the hang of smoking.’
‘Let’s start you off slow. I’ll light this one for you, and you can take a few puffs. Like this, you see.’ Jack demonstrated with his cigarette.
