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you dont need anyone else I wouldnt want to take another mans job from him.” “If I do hire anyone else, which is unlikely at the moment, Ill let them know straight up that theyre only filling in.” “Make your plans based on your business needs. I say I want to get back into gardening, and I do because I love the work. The thing is though, I dont have any concrete plans for what follows the war. Im so focused on this, that the future beyond that ...who knows. Best take me out of the equation, Bob.” Bob passed Grey his mug and sat down across from him and supped his drink. “The furthest youve travelled before this is Illinois, right?” Grey grinned and said, “Yep. Chicago, and that felt a long way away. Just before I got this job I thought about spending the waiting year travelling across the States.” “Thats something Ive wanted to do for the last 30 years but lifes practicalities have always gotten in the way. You can always do that when you come back.” “Thats why I dont want to make concrete plans. For the next x years plus six months my life is structured for me so I have no decisions to worry about until after.” “Youre a bright lad. You might get a responsible position.” Grey grimaced and said, “Having other mens lives under my command – thats not for me. I know my limitations.” Killing was going to be hard enough and the prospect of sending his own men into danger was an impossibility. “You undersell yourself,” Bob said encouragingly. “Privates are the backbone of the army,” Grey said, taking pride in what many might consider the lowest rank, which was technically correct, but the role was still damned important and all that he aspired for in his military career. He was no career soldier; his job was to get trained, get sent overseas and help end the war and keep the peace if necessary, though this held less interest, then get straight back to civilian life. “Im satisfied to help form that spine.”

Dick Pike pointed at his watch as he saw Grey finally approach at the agreed rendezvous point. “What kept you?” he said as he got in, pretending to be irate, his manner humorous.

“The bossman. Take it up with him because hes keeping you on. I ma naged to scrape in this time, so good news all round,” Grey said positively. “Well, good news for me. You might change your mind in six months time when youre sleeping in a foxhole,” Dick quipped, in no rush to follow Grey and serve his country. “I hope to be fighting quicker than that.” “Did you ask him about me working alone?” “Yeah. I lied and said you were ready for it so – dont quote me on this, but I reckon thats how hell play it.” “Thank fuck for that,” Dick said, greatly relieved at this. While Grey was as blinkered as Greg when it came to getting on with the job, he let Dick get on with it without censure, unlike Greg, who was completely humourless and a total stickler for the rules. “If we can finish off today this is my last day. Shit. Sorry, mate, I think youre going to be working with Greg,” Grey said. He had been so fixated on joining up that he had not given this matter sufficient thought and now he suddenly realised a major flaw. “Youre going to need to get your own wheels fast.” Dick thought this over, looking for a way round it before exclaiming, “Fuck! Its worse than that – Bobll finish me and get a guy in who can find his own way around the city.” Grey shook his head and said calmly, trying to pacify him, “I couldnt drive when Bob took me on and it didnt put him off.” “I should have been better prepared. This is your last day. So what am I doing tomorrow?” “Nothings lined up so just go to the office in the morning and see whats up.” “Another part-time week. That could be useful. I can use the time to get some wheels. If I had the dough.” “I tell you what. You can look after this for me. Dont show off to your mates in it. Its dented and scratched enough as it is.” Grey made the offer after a moments consideration. His warning would be wasted on Dick who would be pulling off three point turns at three in the morning and cruising everywhere with scant regard for his own safety or anyone elses. Even taking this into account, Dick needed the vehicle and he was able to help him out. His parents were not interested in taking