Voices on the Wind by Evelyn Anthony

But not now. I’ve had enough of your bullying. ‘I said you were looking straight at me, Captain.’
    â€˜How very presumptuous of you.’ There was complete silence. Michaelson let it continue and then said abruptly, ‘Now, perhaps we can get on.’
    Kate stepped forward, brushing aside Judy’s restraining hand on her arm. ‘Captain Michaelson, if you don’t think I’m suitable for this course, I wish you’d say so.’
    She was surprised to see a red colour creep into his face.
    â€˜I will, at the right time. Which isn’t in the middle of my briefing. If you have anything to say, then come and see me in my office at six o’clock.’
    â€˜Thank you,’ Kate answered. ‘I’ll be glad to.’ She turned and went back to her group. She saw a very odd expression on Philippe’s face.
    Mr Finch appeared later that morning. He was small and slight and unprepossessing, with a broad Yorkshire accent. Track-suited, wearing gym shoes, they were lined up in a row. He looked them over carefully, taking his time. He nodded to Philippe and frowned when he saw Judy. He actually snorted when he came to Fred, who looked painfully skinny out of uniform.
    â€˜I’m here,’ he announced, ‘to teach you how to take care of yourselves. And so as I can do it, I’m not going to take care of you, if you see my meaning. Now, let’s play a little game, ladies and gents. Let’s imagine we’re in a dark street with houses either side and nobody about. Right? Right. You, Sir, Mr Gerard, is it? Right, you’re walking down this street, minding your own business and someone’s laying for you.… Right? Right, come along then, walk past me – you don’t see me ’cos I’m hidden in a doorway, right? Right.’ The young Frenchman walked past the instructor. Finch moved up and threw an arm lock on him.
    â€˜What do you do now, eh? How do you break this hold – come on, come on, don’t be bashful – I’m a German, right? Making an arrest.’
    Gerard, a rather taciturn man, who prided himself on his fitness, made a quick and violent movement. Finch changed his stance and threw him very hard indeed on to the stone floor. ‘I can see you’ve got a lot to learn, Sir, but never mind. I’m here to teach you, right? Anyone else want to try?’
    Nobody volunteered. Satisfied, Finch nodded. ‘Right,’ he repeated yet again. ‘We’ll start with the basics. Mr Philippe, will you step forward and show the ladies and gents how it’s done?’
    After a hot bath, Kate lay on her bed, lit a cigarette and closed her eyes. She’d learned a lot by watching. Finch had taught her a few simple rules, and she felt she’d mastered them. How to break a stranglehold; how to knee an attacker without knocking him in the thigh instead of the crutch. It was done gently and slowly as part of a general demonstration of technique. She felt he was only waiting for an opportunity to throw someone like the unfortunate Gerard. Judy knocked on the door and came in. ‘The bathroom’s free,’ she said. ‘I’ve had mine.’
    Kate held out the cigarettes. Judy took one and sat on the edge of the bed. She looked tired, Kate thought, and on edge.
    â€˜Got a light?’ She mimicked the maddening voice that had gone through their heads all afternoon.
    â€˜Right? Right! I thought if he said it again I’d go mad and start screaming!’
    â€˜He’s a nasty little brute,’ Judy murmured. ‘I remember him from my first time. He used a hold on me that nearly broke my bloody arm. He’s a right little sadist. You watch out for him.’
    â€˜I will,’ Kate said. ‘And talking of sadists, I’m going to have it out with Michaelson tonight.’
    â€˜You made quite a stir this morning.’ Judy puffed rapidly at the cigarette.
    There’s