Chapter 46
Emily couldn’t find a way to duck out when Group Captain Fay Cutcher suggested they all get breakfast together. A chance to talk without distractions.
Fay had a private dining room in the officers’ mess hall, and soon she, Mark, and Michael were tucked away in it.
It offered a clear view of the main runway.
Mark, accepting her decision to not inform Fay about their true mission, started the meal by catching up on various personnel whom Emily had never met.
All very civil and so British that she felt as if she’d stumbled into a sitcom.
However, the underlying tension was palpable.
If they translated their ranks to NATO standards, Emily was technically a rank above the British base commander.
And Fay, not being stupid, not only knew that but knew that Emily had a deeper agenda.
Flying in on no notice with a trio of Night Stalker Chinooks had probably set off alarm bells all the way to the RAF headquarters at High Wycombe.
Perhaps it would even appear in this morning’s briefing for their prime minister.
No question of Captain Cutcher sleeping last night.
“He didn’t!” Mark exclaimed as a large pot of tea arrived at the table.
“He did.” Fay nodded. “Even a simulated munition will crack out a Rolls Royce’s windshield at five paces.”
As they launched into a new story, Emily took the opportunity to text Abby. Need to keep the RAF busy. Get C 2&4 airborne fast. Local practice runs. Testing. Don’t care. Make it look good. C 1 stay ready. She didn’t want the RAF thinking too deeply.