When it was over, Jim was astonished to discover it had lasted a mere fifteen minutes, for it had felt much longer than that. Big Bert had miraculously survived his heroics, and would probably be awarded a medal of some sort, while Ernie was complaining he’d sprained his wrist when he’d tripped over a tree branch and fallen into a shallow defile. The medic put a sling on the wrist and saw to the damage on Jim’s cheek and ear by slapping antiseptic on it which stung like hell for several minutes after.

Jim was aware that he’d been extremely lucky, but was a bit put out that his good looks had been marred by the loss of an earlobe – but then consoled himself by the thought that a battle scar might actually enhance his reputation amongst the ladies.

They counted the dead – thirty enemy, three of their own and five injured, but not seriously – and then hoisted their weapons and as one moved back into the jungle to face the next skirmish. They felt invincible – the knowledge they could encounter death at any moment making them even more determined to survive.

22

Peggy thanked Frank profusely for his and Lil’s kindness, giving him a kiss and a hug before she went indoors. They were such good people, and lovely friends to help her out like this, and she wondered what she could do by way of showing her appreciation.

She went into the house and up the steps to the kitchen. It felt like many hours since her sandwich lunch, and she was very ready for her tea – but first she would check on Daisy and make sure she was settled for the night.

‘Hello, Cordelia,’ she said, surprised to find her alone in the kitchen. ‘Has everyone deserted you this evening?’

‘I’ve had my dessert, thank you, dear. Ron’s rhubarb was delicious, but it could have really done with more sugar. Lil dropped some fish off, so I made a pie. And I don’t mind telling you, it’s one of my best.’

‘I’m sure the rhubarb was delicious and the pie wonderful as usual, but that wasn’t what I asked,’ said Peggy loudly, making winding signs for her to turn up her hearing aid. ‘Where is everyone?’ she asked once Cordelia had stopped fiddling with it.

‘I presume Ron’s at the Anchor – I’ve yet to see him today. Lil put Daisy to bed and I checked on her a few minutes ago and she’s asleep. Fran and Ivy are on their night shifts, and Rita’s gone off somewhere – probably to the fire station.’

Peggy frowned as she took off her scarf and coat. ‘But I thought she was expecting to see Peter Ryan this evening?’