The cabin was more cramped than it appeared from the outside, and even Vic had to watch his head. It required a crew of five, the captain explained: pilot and navigator plus three reconnaissance officers, who would operate cameras and if necessary man the guns mounted on the fuselage. ‘For self-defence only, of course. Too slow and hard to manoeuvre to be a fighter.’ Vic shuddered, sensing how vulnerable the crew might feel, protected only by this thin metal fuselage with large tanks of petrol so close by. He found it claustrophobic, and couldn’t wait to get out.

By the end of their visit the plan was agreed – ready for approval by what the captain called his ‘big white chief’, and Dr Rowe. Calculations would be finalised as soon as final permissions were given, installation of the dipole wires and instrumentation would follow, and the test flights would be scheduled as soon as the forecasters predicted a spell of more settled weather.

One of the team would need to be on board to direct the path of the flight and take measurements en route, ensuring that the systems on board were in working order. Vic immediately nominated Johnnie, and the rest of the team agreed.

Everything was set for their biggest challenge so far.

11

Kath tried her best to request shifts so that she did not coincide with Nancy, but it was not always possible, and the other waitresses noticed soon enough.

‘Had a tiff, you two?’ one asked. ‘We thought you was friends, but you seem to be ignoring each other.’ Twice, the girls suggested going out after work, and Kath found herself making excuses. By the third time it was starting to become obvious.

‘What’s up?’ they asked. ‘Did we say something wrong?’

A few days later she overheard someone referring to her as ‘Little Miss Stuck Up’. The situation was becoming intolerable. Although reluctant to raise it again with Mark, she needed to know. ‘What’s happening about that stuff Nancy told me?’ she asked him. ‘Did you say anything to Ray?’

He looked cagey, uncomfortable. ‘Yes, I told him. He thinks it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie.’

‘But what if she goes around spreading her lies to other people, Mark? You said yourself it could be damaging to your prospects.’

‘Obviously if that happens, he’ll act. But for the moment he’s in favour of letting it go.’ His voice was calm, but his demeanour anything but.

She shrugged. ‘Everyone’s noticed that I’m avoiding her at the restaurant, and it’s making my life a misery. The atmosphere is pretty poisonous.’

‘I’m sorry, Kath. But it’s his life. I can’t tell him what to do.’

‘It’s your life as well, Mark. She was spreading lies about you, too.’

‘I agree with Ray. Confronting her would only cause more gossip. It’ll blow over.’

But it didn’t ‘blow over’. One evening after work Nancy ran after her, calling her name. Dusk had already fallen; the pathway along the Seafront Gardens was only partly lit by street lamps, a chill wind whistled in the trees and the sea pounded menacingly onto the beach below. Kath quickened her pace without turning her head, then felt a touch on her arm.