Garry's eyes, and the chalky colour of his face. 'Sit down,'
he ordered.
Acheson was silent, watching him. But Garry avoided his eyes. He felt
brittle from the previous night's drinking, his skin dry and sensitive,
and he fidgeted in the chair, clasping and unclasping the hand that lay
in his lap.
'I want one of your men,' Acheson spoke at last.
'Of course, sir, ' Gary nodded.
'That sergeant, Courtney. I want to give him an independent command.
Garry sat very still
'You know who I mean?' Acheson persisted.
'Yes, sir.'
'You should,' Acheson murmured dryly. 'I have personally recommended
him to you on two occasions for recognition.
He flicked through the sheaf of papers in front of him.
'Yes, sir. ' Garry's right hand was opening and closing again.
'I notice you took no action on either of my recommendations. ' 'No,
sir.
'May I ask why?'
'I didn't have . . . I didn't think the occasions merited further
action. ' 'You thought that my judgement was in error?' Acheson asked
politely.
'No, sir. Of course not, sir,' Garry answered quickly.
'Well, then?' Acheson's eyes were pale blue, but cold.
'I spoke to the man. Congratulated him. After Colenso I gave him
leave. ' 'Very decent of you, in view of the wounds he received
there.
'I didn't want to . . . You see, he's my brother. It was difficult ,
favouritism. I couldn't really do much. ' Garry wriggled sideways in
his chair, his hands came up pawing the air as though to pluck words
from it.
'Your brother? ' Acheson demanded.
'Yes. My brother. 'I know him, I know him, you don't. You can't have
any idea. ' Garry could feel the pattern of his thoughts
disintegrating, his voice sounded shrill in his own ear. He had to
explain, he had to tell Acheson. 'My leg,' he shrilled, 'my leg. You
see it. Look at it! He did that. He took my leg. You don't know
him. He's evil. He's evil, evil. I tell you he's evil.'
Acheson's expression had not changed, but his eyes were colder, more
watchful. Garry had to reach him and make him understand.
'Anna.' Garry's lips were wet and blubbery. 'My wife, Anna. He did
that to her. Everything he touches, you can't know how he is. I know.
He's evil. I tried, I hoped at Colensobut you can't destroy him. He
is the destroyer. ' 'Colonel Courtney!' Acheson's voice cut into his
tirade, and Garry jerked at the crack of it. He covered his lips with
his fingers and slowly he subsided into the chair.
'I just want to explain. You don't understand.'
'I think I do,' Acheson clipped the words short and harsh.
'I am granting you indefinite leave on grounds of ill, health.
