War Girls Complete Collection Chapter 321

Chapter 40: Tom

“W

hat’s the matter, Ken?” Tom asked. He’d glanced at the MPs face only once and it had been sufficient to realize Tom was in big trouble. The vein in Ken’s temple pulsated, and if that wasn’t enough evidence of his wrath, the unusually rough treatment said the rest.

“Shut up until you’re asked.”

And then Tom saw Bronson lingering in front of the administration building with a dirty smirk on his face. It was like a punch to his gut. Whatever was going on, it had something to do with his nemesis. That was a bad sign. A very bad sign, indeed.

“We have received a serious accusation that you’re involved in spying for the Russians.” Johnson said as they reached an interrogation room

“That’s complete bullshit!” Tom exploded. They could as well accuse him of being friends with the Nazis. “You chaps know me; you can’t possibly believe this shit.”

“Calm down,” Johnson said.

“Squadron Leader Bronson saw a woman climb out of your window,” Ken added.

“He must need glasses.” Tom did his best to keep his rage under control and maintain an easygoing friendly rapport, while his mind tried to make sense of the accusations. Why all the fuss? Having a female visitor on base was strictly forbidden, but it was hardly the crime of the century. Usually the pilots got away with a slap on the wrist and some nasty maintenance duty. Nobody had ever gotten accused of spying because of it.

“Good man, tell us the truth and nobody gets hurt,” Ken said.

The smirk on Bronson’s face, though, had alerted Tom that something was seriously wrong. What kind of lies had the bastard spun this time? Tom worried about Ursula, despite the fact he’d seen her slink away behind the barracks closest to the secret exit in the fence. That had been almost one hour ago and she was probably home with Evie and her family by now. Yet, he worried.

“There’s nothing to tell. This accusation is outrageous.” Tom had to keep Ursula out of this at all costs. If they found her, they’d inevitably notice that her permit for Berlin had expired and she was here illegally. He didn’t know what punishment that entailed, but he sure as hell didn’t want to find out.

I should have insisted she leave Berlin immediately

.

She should never have come here in the first place.

“Tom? Have you had a German woman in your quarters?” Ken prodded him.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Tom ran a hand through his hair. Denying would be the best course of action, since nobody could prove that she’d in fact been in his quarters.

“We’re going to find out the truth anyway, and since Bronson filed an official complaint, you’d better start talking right now.”

“So that sleazy snake accused me of another crime I haven’t committed. Doesn’t he shrink back from anything to ruin my career?”

“You’re right. This may well ruin your career and even get you court-martialed, if you don’t start talking. An accusation of spying for the Soviets is not something anyone can and will overlook, unlike other minor offences. Just give us the name of the woman,” Ken said.

Tom understood the unspoken message. If he confessed, they’d let him go with a slap on the wrist, but if he didn’t, they’d investigate him for espionage. It was a tempting bridge that Ken was building for him, but he couldn’t cross it. Not if Ursula would have to pay the price.

“I have nothing to say.” Tom lowered his head, because he’d just sent his entire military career down the drain.

“I’m really sorry about this, but I have to arrest you, Westlake. I hope she was worth it.”

She definitely is worth it

. He’d do anything to protect her.