“What? No you won’t. That was never the plan!”
“Anna, we never had a plan,” she pointed out, beginning to wrap her other foot. “If there is any risk of the Germans finding out who I am, or that you are with me, I will leave. It’s far too dangerous for all of you. You know what’s at stake. I won’t risk you any more than I have to.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Anna muttered crossly. “I’m not going to let you make your way through German lines to Namsos all alone. We will do it together, and we won’t be caught. That is all.”
Evelyn looked up to argue, but changed her mind. Anna already looked anxious and worried enough. There was no point in making it worse by arguing with her over this. Time would tell whether or not she would have to leave her friends and continue alone.
And if that time came, she would do it and not look back.
Chapter Twenty-Five
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11th April, 1940
Dear Evelyn,
Well, Herr Hitler finally moved, but not in the direction anyone was expecting. Did you see that invasion coming? I suppose it makes sense strategically, but I still thought he would attack the low lands and France first. So much for Norwegian neutrality.
Denmark gave up without a fight, but I don’t really blame them. They had no hope of putting up any kind of resistance against the Germans. I’m surprised Norway is fighting, to be honest. I don’t know much about their army, but I was rather under the impression that they were no match for the Wehrmacht either. I sincerely hope I’m wrong. If Norway is lost, Hitler’s U-boats will have free rein in the Atlantic. They’re already causing quite enough damage as it is.
Belgian forces have been put on alert all along the border. It won’t be long now before Hitler moves west. He’ll try to take France before setting his sights on us. Now that he’s finally moving, I think it will happen quickly. At least the waiting is finally over and now we can get down to the business of fighting this war.
Our patrols have increased since all this began. I’m flying every day now, sometimes three patrols in a day. We cover some of the North Sea and then loop over Belgium. Tomorrow, though, we’re getting a bit of a change of pace. Our squadron is scheduled to do a reconnaissance flight over Hun territory. I’m not worried about telling you because by the time this letter gets to you, it will be done and over with. Anyway, I’m trusting that you won’t tell Jerry we’re coming to take pictures of his backyard. Rob’s rather chuffed about it. He’s itching to get a shot at them, but I don’t think we’ll get the chance. Our orders are to fly over, take the photos and get out as fast as possible. That’s why they’ve fitted out Spits with the cameras. They’re taking advantage of our speed and maneuverability. Well, at least it will make a change from the North Sea.
I hope you’re doing well. When do you finish in Wales? It should be soon, I think. Perhaps when you get back to Northolt, we can meet at a pub somewhere.
I’d better put the light out. Long day ahead tomorrow. Take care of yourself.
Yours,
FO Miles Lacey
RAF Duxford
Steinan, Norway
Evelyn looked up and stopped abruptly, grabbing Anna’s arm to prevent her from continuing through the trees. Erik was ahead of them, holding up his hand in a signal to stop moving. She frowned and glanced behind her at Peder. He had come to a halt a few feet behind them and he nodded to her, indicating that he had seen the signal to stop. Bringing up the rear of the group were two of Erik’s men, their rifles in their hands and their faces grim. As everyone stopped, they shifted their grips on their rifles and took a protective stance at the back.
Erik motioned with his other hand and the two soldiers directly behind him moved forward slowly, flanking him briefly before disappearing into the trees ahead. As soon as they had gone ahead, Erik turned and motioned for Anna, Evelyn and Peder to move off the trail and into the trees.
Evelyn swallowed and she and Anna moved to their right, stepping between the trunks of the towering pine trees. Peder followed, moving behind a particularly old and wide trunk. He set down his case and looked at them questioningly. Evelyn shrugged in response and peered around the tree closest to her, watching as Erik moved into the trees to the left of the trail. They had been following a lower ridge for about two hours now, but Evelyn hadn’t seen or heard anything to cause alarm. The mountains were quiet and peaceful, giving the impression of walking through a protective canopy. Yet something had obviously disturbed that peace and quiet.
“This can’t be good,” Anna whispered after a few moments. “They’re still not back.”
“No, but I haven’t heard any sounds of struggle or alarm,” Evelyn whispered back.
Anna nodded in agreement and leaned up against her tree.
“How are you doing?” she asked. “How are your feet?”
Evelyn shrugged. “I’m fine. The break we had for lunch helped. It was so kind of Mrs. Hansen to pack that food for us.”
“Perfectly timed as well,” Peder said with a grin, keeping his voice low. “We’d finished the bread and cheese your landlady sent with you.”
“Erik tried to pay them as well,” Anna said. “They wouldn’t take it from him either, so don’t feel bad about her refusing your money.”
“I hope and pray they aren’t hurt by the Germans,” Evelyn said. “I wish there was something I could do for them.”
“They will face the Nazis as we all will, and they will be all right. You must stop worrying about us. You are the only
