Tom frowned. ‘Jess?’

‘That’s what she said,’ Sally confirmed. ‘Do you have any ideas?’

Tom shook his head before remembering he was on the telephone. ‘Not a clue. Jess is my fiancée. She does know Bonnie, but they’ve not seen each other for years, and as far as I know, Jess would like to keep it that way. I can’t think what Bonnie could have to say that would be of interest to Jess.’

‘I told Bonnie I’d try and get in touch with you and pass on the message. She’s in RAF Ramsbury working in the cookhouse – unless you want me to pass on your details?’

‘No!’ said Tom hastily, causing Sally to giggle.

‘Not keen to rekindle your friendship?’ she asked.

‘I’d like to hear what she has to say first,’ said Tom slowly, ‘and I’d like a chance to talk to Jess, see if she can shed any light on the matter.’

‘Don’t blame you,’ said Sally. ‘I seem to remember Bonnie being a bit of a troublemaker.’

‘A bit! She …’ Tom paused. ‘I’ll give her a call after I’ve spoken to Jess.’

‘OK. Good luck, Tom.’

‘Thanks, Sal.’

He pressed the button to cut them off, then spoke hastily to the operator, asking her to put him through to Jess’s NAAFI.

‘How do, Tom. Jess isn’t here at the minute, can I help?’

‘Ruby! How’s George?’

‘Last time he wrote, most of his letter had been censored, which is annoying, but at least I know he’s alive.’

‘I wonder if he knows what’s going on?’ said Tom, temporarily sidetracked.

‘I’d like to think they wouldn’t leave the ground troops in the dark, but everything’s so hush-hush, they may be just as clueless as us. How about you – how are things your end?’

‘I’ve had a message from Bonnie McKinley,’ Tom said. ‘She wants to speak to me as a matter of urgency, and it’s regarding Jess.’

‘Bloomin’ Nora,’ breathed Ruby. ‘There’s a name I never expected to hear again. I wonder what she wants?’

Tom gave a disappointed sigh. ‘I rather hoped you or Jess might know the answer to that.’

‘Haven’t the foggiest, and I know Jess won’t either,’ Ruby said simply.

‘What do you think I should do?’ said Tom. ‘I don’t particularly want to have anything to do with Bonnie, and I can’t see why she needs to speak to me so urgently, but on the other hand if I don’t ask, we’ll never know.’

‘I would give her a bell,’ said Ruby. ‘It might be something to do with Greystones – one of the girls maybe?’

‘That’s a thought,’ said Tom. ‘I’ll give her a ring and let you know how I get on. Tell Jess I called, won’t you?’

‘She’d have my guts for garters if I didn’t let her know you’d rung,’ chuckled Ruby, ‘and I daresay she’ll be just as keen to know what Bonnie has to say, so make sure you ring back as soon as you’ve spoken to her.’