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She had come to British military headquarters in
Im sorry
Exactly who gave you these orders? Larra asked.
I am not at liberty to divulge that information, Taggart replied. As a matter of fact I cannot even tell you any details of the mission until you have accepted.
So you are asking me to accept a mission without knowing a single detail of what you want me to do after having made clear that you think I am completely unqualified for the job?
Taggart paused and stubbed out his cigarette. Let me put it this way. My personal opinion does not matter. I have already been over this with my superiors and it has been made clear that you have been selected for the job should you choose to accept it. Apparently someone very high up in the military has extreme confidence in your ability. That being the case I can only tell you that what you are going to be asked to do could change the course of the war.
Its that important? Larra asked, glad that she no longer had to breathe Taggarts cigarette smoke.
I assure you,
Larra thought for a moment. She had just come through a rather nasty ordeal at the hands of the Germans and although she and her companions had completely recovered physically she hesitated to interrupt her work once more. However, as Taggart had pointed out someone rather high up in the military had singled her out for an important job, and in spite of Taggarts pessimistic view of her abilities she felt obligated to take it. Alright, she said finally. I will do it.
Taggart gave what might have been a sigh of relief or perhaps resignation
and then he began. This
is the situation,
Taggart poured himself a drink from a bottle of whiskey that he took from a drawer in his desk. Larra shook her head when he held up the bottle suggestively. No thank you, Colonel, please continue.
Since you speak Hungarian and German and, I am told, have experience in the occult, you are a natural for the job. You are also available. I have no agents to spare and no time to train anyone else. I am assured that you have the necessary guts and physical qualities to carry out the mission.
Thats not much to go on, Colonel. Is that all the detail you can give me?
There is a bit more, but it is not something I would put much faith in.
Tell me, Larra said, leaning forward.
I am told that it has something to do with enabling the Nazis to give their men superhuman qualities. I think it is a load of rubbish, but I have my orders.
So what you are telling me, Colonel, is that you have been given information about a rather fantastic but potentially dangerous Nazi threat. However, you dont wish to use any of your own agents on such a ridiculous and perilous mission so you have decided to ask me to go.
Taggart coloured. I wouldnt put it like that, he protested. As I said, my orders come from higher up. It is just possible, however, that it is as you suggest.
Dont worry about it, Colonel. I have agreed to go. I just have one request.
What is it?
I would like to take my assistant with me. I think two people will have a better chance than one.
Taggart was about to reply that the mission had little chance of success
no matter how many persons he sent, but he was secretly
relieved. If
Then two weeks will have to do. When do we start?
Taggart was used to dealing with brave
women. As a colonel in British
Intelligence he had often sent women agents into danger, but he had been
told that
Tomorrow, Taggart answered.
But understand this.
The normal training course for such a mission is at least six
months. Due to the desperate
position
Then you will just have to teach me what you can in the time allowed. I will endeavor to be a good pupil.
Larras sarcasm was not lost on
Taggart. He would have much preferred
not to use her, however, he did not have much
choice. He had it on good authority
that
Youre going to
I know, Larra replied sweetly. Ive already volunteered you.
That was rather presumptuous of you, Melissa said, archly.
Wasnt it though? But I knew youd kick up a fuss if I left you alone. Youre like that, you know.
Only because you cant be trusted not to get into trouble without me to look after you, Melissa grinned.
I guess youre right there, Larra agreed. She looked at her tall companion. At almost six feet tall and 150 pounds, Melissa Gallant was hardly a shrinking violet. Although Larra had only known the dark-haired twenty-year-old for two years it seemed much longer than that. They had been together through many harrowing adventures and had forged a firm bond. She wondered if she was doing the right thing by including her in the dangerous mission she had been assigned. However, she knew that it would have been impossible to leave Melissa behind without simply abandoning her and she could not so that to the young woman who meant so much to her.
What are you thinking? Melissa asked, interrupting Larras thoughts.
Just wondering, Larra answered truthfully. Are you sure you want to accompany me? Ive dragged you into too many dangerous situations.
Melissa placed her hands on her hips and thrust her rounded breasts forward. You try and keep me out of this and Ill smack your sweet little backside.
Larra smiled. You shouldnt make such a promise. I might take you up on it.
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