The Oslo Affair (Shadows of War, #2) CW Browning (sci fi books to read TXT) 📖

“She didn’t go back to Oslo.” Bill dunked his biscuit in his tea and took a bite. “She got off the train at the first stop in Norway. Carew had someone meet her and they drove her into the north. She’ll stay there until it’s safe to return to the city.”

Evelyn exhaled. “That’s a relief. I was worried that Renner would pursue her when he couldn’t find me.”

“As far as we can tell, he did. When Anna’s train arrived in Oslo, there were three SD men waiting. Herr Renner arrived by train a few hours later. When he could find no sign of Anna, he left Norway. Carew believes he returned to Germany.”

“I suppose he won’t want me back in Norway any time soon,” she said sheepishly. “I seem to have a caused a good deal of commotion.”

Bill grinned. “I think he rather enjoyed it,” he said. “That’s the most excitement Oslo’s seen in a long while. And you weren’t the only cause.”

Evelyn raised an eyebrow questioningly. “Oh?”

“I shouldn’t be telling you this either, but Daniel told me you were trying to get information from a couple of scientists there, so I think you’ll find this interesting. He received an anonymous report after you left. It was written by, we believe, a German scientist. We’re calling it the Oslo Report, for lack of a more imaginative name. If the information checks out, it may very well be a God-send for us.”

Evelyn thought of the nervous scientist she’d met who had backed out of their dinner date and smiled.

“It’s amazing that someone had the courage to do it,” she said. “I was to have dinner with a scientist, but when I went, he’d left a note crying off. He was very afraid of the Gestapo and thought having dinner with a reporter without the permission of the Propaganda Ministry could lead to reprisals. I got the impression that most of them were of the same mind.”

“Well, someone went through some lengths to get the information to us. We have people going over the information. At least one if the items has since been proven to be true, so it’s looking quite hopeful. Anyway, as you see, you’re not the only source of excitement for Carew.”

Evelyn grinned. “Even though I cost him one of his best translators?”

Bill chuckled. “I don’t think you cost him anything, my dear. I believe he has plans for Anna, and you facilitated them.”

She thought of the young woman who had been such a great help to her.

“She will make someone an amazing agent,” she said slowly. “I’m glad she’s safe.”

“And I’m glad you’re safe.” Bill finished his tea and picked up the microfilm and roll of papers, tucking them into the inside pocket of his overcoat. “It seems that once again I must extend my apologies. This was supposed to an easy assignment to get your feet wet. It turned out to be anything but.”

Evelyn stood with him and gave him a twisted smile.

“That’s hardly your fault. I’m considering it as on-the-job training,” she told him. “The things I’m learning now may very well save my life another day, so I shan’t complain.”

He nodded and turned to walk with her out of the kitchen and down the hallway to the front door.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, bright and early at nine o’clock. Don’t be late,” he said as they reached the door.

She nodded and reached for the handle.

“Thank you for the groceries. They are very much appreciated.”

“As are you, Jian. Welcome home.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

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4th December, 1939

Dear Evelyn,

It was wonderful to finally hear from you. Have things calmed down a bit now? I can’t imagine being stuck in the highlands for three weeks. I hope the training was worth it. Glad you’re back at your station and able to catch up on the important things - such as writing to me.

Things have been fairly uneventful around here. Flying every day and some nights, waiting for things to get started. All the action in this war seems to be happening everywhere but here. Now Finland is in the thick of it. Did you see that Stalin attacked them? Rather surprising, that. I suppose that means that Norway or Sweden will be next. Somehow, I don’t think this war will be over by Christmas as everyone said, do you?

We did have one bit of excitement the other day. The American had a bit of trouble with his landing gear and was forced to land his plane on its belly. It was rather hair-raising, and I don’t think any of us thought he’d actually pull it off without blowing himself to kingdom come, but the blighter actually managed it! Fantastic flying, or rather landing. The whole thing did make me think that half of flying is really just plain luck. Sobering thought, really.

I’m so glad you’re able to take leave over Christmas. I’m looking forward to seeing you. It’s a shame you and Rob have to be back on station on Boxing Day. He’s put out that the traditional hunt won’t happen, but at least we’ll have Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I was lucky enough to get Boxing Day as well, so I’ll be able to drop in on the pile up in Yorkshire and do the duty to the elders before heading back to the squadron.

You know, when this war does get going, it will be harder to manage meetings like this. If you were closer, we could perhaps meet for dinner occasionally. What are your thoughts on trying for a posting closer to London? It must be tiresome to be so far away in Scotland.

Yours,

FO Miles Lacey

RAF Duxford

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Christmas Eve, 1939

The train rocked to a stop in the station as Evelyn made her way down the aisle to the door, a single case in her hand. The conductor nodded to her with a smile.

“Happy Christmas, miss,” he said, touching his cap.