here. Back to the vehicles. Dick, you lead. The rest of you, keep an eye out for locals but do not engage unless it looks like they’re going to interfere, or get on to radios or phones. It’s going to be clear what we’ve been up to soon enough, but it would be good to get out of here first.’
Dick led his team along the pontoon towards the harbour wall, where it turned a sharp left. Will, the Major and Mrs Mason took up the rear. Will fell in next to the Major.
‘Er, Major ...’ He kept his voice low.
‘Yes Will.’
‘I had a bit of a problem.’
‘Yes, look forward to hearing your report when we’re back in the truck.’
‘I mean, there’s someone …’
They were reaching the turn. A sharp wailing erupted, causing consternation at the front.
‘What the hell?’ The Major picked up his pace so he was at the head of the procession, taking care not to push anyone into the oily waters as he passed. Someone was cowering in the corner of the dock, arms over his head. The Major reached down and yanked one elbow. The filthy, lined face of an old man emerged from between hunched shoulders.
‘Please!’ Will reached across and offered his hand to the wailing man, who grasped it. The Major didn’t know whether to be more astonished by that or the sudden appearance of a stranger in their midst.
‘Major.’ Will’s tone was pleading. ‘He’s harmless. He was in the shack that burned down – it was set alight by lads trying to kill him. I pulled him out and then he wouldn’t stay on his own. He’s scared they’ll come after him again. We can’t leave him here!’
This was all they needed. But clouds were rolling in threatening rain, he was cold and he needed a bed, even if it was only a cot with one thin blanket. Every moment he delayed took them closer to the threat of reprisals from locals loyal to Spight.
‘Bugger it. OK, he can come with us, but he’s your responsibility and he won’t be able to stay long, it’s too risky. We’ll sort something out later.’ The Major watched with distaste as, helped by Will, the old man stood, swaying more than the pontoon warranted. The sour smell of cheap booze and unwashed skin reached him. ’When he’s sober.’
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