chapter twenty-three

 

Guernsey June 1940

 

His heart beating fast, Leo picked up the receiver.

‘Bichard.’

‘Leo, hope I’m not disturbing you?’ He let out a deep breath as he heard his old friend Clem Le Page’s voice.

‘Not at all. What can I do for you?’

‘You might regret asking that!’ His friend chuckled. ‘I’ve been roped into working for the Controlling Committee, in the department for Essential Commodities. With things hotting up everyone’s working all hours, and we’re going to need some steady hands at the helm. That’s why I thought of you, my friend.’

‘You mean you want me to come and work for the Committee?’ Leo sat down, surprised. Work for the government? ‘But I’m a businessman, Clem, not a civil servant.’

‘Exactly my point. We need someone like you with good business experience and who can be trusted. There are many out there who will be looking to profit from this war, and I know you as an honest man.’ Clem cleared his throat before adding, ‘Let’s be clear when we’re invaded there won’t be any call for a business like yours, Leo. You’ll end up having to close the shop and will have time on your hands. Why not join me working for and being paid by the government? The pay’s low, but it’s better than nothing.’

Leo thought about it. Clem was right; he’d have no business to run while the Germans were there. He owned the building so he wouldn’t be paying out rent, a plus. It would mean letting Ernest go, but what choice would he have?

‘I’d like to know more about what’s involved first, but in principle I’m interested.’

‘Good man! Could you meet me tomorrow at the Committee’s offices at nine? You can ask as many questions as you like, and if you’re happy, we’d be glad to have you start immediately. Sorry to interfere with your Sunday, but every hour counts.’

Leo agreed, and Clem ended the call, saying he had work to do. Pouring himself a beer, Leo returned to the garden while he mulled what his friend had said. Clem, in his sixties, was a retired businessman and a friend of Teresa’s father and would make a good work colleague. And becoming a civil servant might give Leo some protection from the Germans if needed.

 

The meeting went well, and Leo agreed to join the team. His decision was reinforced when Clem informed him three German planes had landed at the airport the previous evening, the pilots staying a short while before taking off again. Reconnaissance, Clem had said. It could only be a matter of time before they landed and stayed. Leo worked through the day, drawing up endless lists for the committee, before heading home tired, but with a sense of achievement.

It was nearly eight when he arrived home, and as he parked the car, the air raid warning sounded. He stood, searching the sky and within minutes he spotted five dots approaching from the south-east, and as they drew closer, he realised they were heading in the direction of the airport at Villiaze, losing sight of them as they descended.

Leo rushed inside to ring Teresa, but he couldn’t get a long-distance line. With a groan, he guessed everyone had the same idea. He walked into the kitchen and discovered a note from Elsie, saying there was a stew in the oven. Aware he hadn’t eaten since breakfast, he shrugged off his jacket and tie and filled a plate before fetching a jug of beer from the larder. Once he’d finished his meal, he retired to the sitting room with the beer and picked up the phone. The line was still busy, and throughout the evening he kept trying to get through. By ten o’clock he gave up. It was too late to disturb the family and Leo went to bed planning to try again early on Monday morning.

He rose soon after six and ran down the stairs to make the call. Again there was no long-distance line available. As he turned to walk back upstairs the telephone rang and he rushed to pick up the receiver.

‘Teresa? Is that you?’ His heart thumped loud in his chest.

‘Sorry, old boy, it’s Clem. There won’t be any calls between us and Britain for the foreseeable future. I was calling to warn you we’ve been occupied. The bloody Jerries arrived last night and are here to stay.’