The Spy by Marc Eden

and you could be caught by the Gestapo. On the other hand, although you lack experience in espionage, your very look of innocence, of helplessness, shall we say, should make men want to come to your aid, to...ah, ‘protect’ you.”
    She blushed.
    â€œThe ‘child spy,’ you see.”
    Her dossier at the War Office was already starting to fill. It had begun with Mrs. Churchill....
    Hamilton was looking at her. “Well?”
    â€œWell, I do have a bit of trouble in ordering drinks sometimes.”
    Whisky double, please .
    â€œThere! You see? We are banking on this in helping you to outwit the Jerries. In fact, I feel the most observant German would not be in the least suspicious that you were anything other than what you purport to be—a young French girl.”
    She had it now: this was the trip.
    â€œIf you think I can pull it off,” offered Valerie. “You know, when I was growing up—even today—I look such a kid—”
    â€œThat is what we are counting on. In any event, we know you are most capable. The loss of your husband was a terrible blow, and yet, it did not stop you from getting yourself a job, looking after your young son, making the best of things. Importantly, you have joined His Majesty’s Navy, a most commendable action.”
    â€œYes, sir. I—”
    â€œYou know, Sinclair, the more I get to know you, the more I feel you have what it takes to pull this job off successfully. As for your late husband...well, life must go on, you know.”
    Valerie said, “He’s gone, isn’t he?”
    â€œQuite so,” rasped Hamilton.
    â€œI still have my son.”
    â€œWho will no doubt serve the Crown well, once he is a man , of course,” Commander Hamilton said. “British Naval Intelligence is the best in the business. You see, one must expect danger in this field, and be prepared. The plans for the mission are well laid.” The confirmation had come in that morning, from the Office of General LeClerc. In their deal with Blackstone, anticipated by Hamilton, the French had called on Egalité : Hamilton had used it as a ramrod, to guarantee her commission. “I think you should know, you will be accompanied by a Free French agent.”
    â€œYes?”
    â€œYes,” said Hamilton, “another officer. You will be turning the schematics over to him, you see, for transforward to us once you commit them to memory.”
    It was Blackstone’s condition.
    â€œI am so glad that I will have a companion,” said Valerie, absorbing it all in small bites, the way she would nibble an apple.
    They were quiet for some moments while Hamilton enjoyed a cigarette. The horn of a tugboat cut through the hot stillness of the afternoon.
    â€œDo you feel comfortable about the idea?” he asked finally.
    â€œYou mean, in pretending to be a kid?” she laughed.
    â€œIn pretending to be a child ,” he said, firmly. “How do you feel about it?”
    â€œFine,” she replied.
    â€œYou’re willing to go then?”
    â€œYes... certainly.”
    â€œGood, then I have confidence in you.” Hamilton produced a document from the inside of his coat, and handed her a pen. “Sign here,” he said. It was the volunteer release form, absolving SOE from responsibility.
    Sinclair signed.
    â€œWelcome aboard.”
    â€œThank you, sir!”
    She was in.
    â€œNow that you have agreed to help us there is no time to be lost.” He pocketed the document. “Tomorrow, I want you to take the early morning train to Edinburgh. I will meet your train. From thence, we will proceed by car to Sir Donald Cameron’s place, where the British Commandos are trained—American Rangers, too.”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    He put out his cigarette, and flipped through Carrington’s desk calendar. He stopped and read, then looked up. Apparently, whatever he’d discovered did not concern