Taplow, England           There was merely a hint of sun breaking the horizon and it would take some time for it to burn off the fog that enveloped the finely clipped hedges that bordered the parterre. Victoria welcomed the mist as she walked along the bottom level of the terrace. It would protect her from prying eyes. She arrived at the chapel more than an hour early, to avoid leaving the house at the same time as the Major.           The squeak of a boot in need of repair, gave away his approach.           “Major Thorpington?”           “Damn it, Victoria, where are you? I can’t see a blasted thing.”           “Come down the stairs, Major. Are you alone?”           “Quite.”           “Major, I need your help. The Germans have Wills and they’re going to kill him unless I can get back some documents for them.”           “You know about the documents?”           “Yes. A man named Feuermacht says you can get access to the papers he wants. He says Wills was trying to steal them and you’re the only one who can save his life. Can you retrieve those papers for me?”           “What you’re describing is treason. If caught, we could both hang for it.”           “Feuermacht said it’s the only way. Surely, you would have done this for the Earl, Major. You were great friends. Wills is his heir.”           The Major shivered. “I don’t know if I can help.”           “Of course, you’re right. Why should I ask you to put yourself in such jeopardy?”           “It's not that I wouldn't do it for William. It's just that I haven't seen the blasted papers he’s talking about. And if they haven’t crossed my desk, then as far as the War Office is concerned, they don’t exist. I don’t know what Feuermacht’s game is – but this could just be some cruel hoax to take advantage of you.”           “No, Major. I don’t think so. How would he even know Wills is missing?”           “Well, I might have let that slip earlier in the evening. Besides, unless those blasted documents are sent to me to be cataloged, there’s nothing either of us can do.” *           An hour later, a footman carried Victoria’s luggage through the drawing room and out into the courtyard. It was still early. The Astors and their guests were just starting to come down for breakfast.           Victoria was nursing a cup of tea in the dining room.           As soon as Nancy Astor entered, Victoria mentioned being plagued by the same headache that had forced her to retire early the night before, and said she would be leaving.           “Then you’re returning to Paris?”           “No. I’m staying in London. My brother lives in Cadogan Gardens in a house he’s always loved because it’s filled with fond memories of our childhood. He says the nursery hasn’t changed since we were children.”           “Perhaps we will see each other again then, before you return to the continent.”           “Perhaps.” Victoria thanked her host and apologized again for making an early exit. *           Feuermacht was standing at the top of the landing and saw Victoria walking out. He descended the stairs and watched as her driver placed the last piece of luggage in the boot of her Bentley Saloon.           Feuermacht was surprised. He thought he would get at least one more opportunity to impress upon her, the “need” to save her brother’s life. He wondered if the Major had also left. That question was answered within the half-hour, when Major Thorpington arrived in the dining room. *           The Major was a man who always paid attention to details. It was something that had been drummed into him in the military; something he would carry with him for the rest of his life. Yet this morning, his hair was unkempt and his shirt collar was sticking up at an odd angle.           He barely spoke to anyone during breakfast. Then, just before leaving the dining room, Lady Astor remarked on how unfortunate it was that Lady Méliès had left. The Major slowly nodded and said he was afraid he would also be leaving.           He was returning to his room, when Feuermacht intercepted him. “Major, have you considered my proposal?”           “How can I, when I don’t know what documents you’re talking about?”           “Maybe they failed to catch your eye because you didn’t know what they were. I suggest when you return to the office tomorrow, you look for a Swiss map accompanied by encrypted papers. They’re on Cliveden stationary and shouldn’t be hard to find.”           “Cliveden stationary! The documents originated here?”           “I will be at Cliveden until the end of the month, Major. If you find the documents, you know where to reach me.” Feuermacht climbed a few steps, then turned on the landing. The Major was right behind him. Feuermacht reached into his breast pocket and took out a leather wallet, handing it to the Major. “They were in a courier case like this one. Take it, so you’ll know what to look for.           “And Major, I can’t emphasize enough the need for secrecy and urgency, for both William Tyning and his sister’s sake.” *** Share | Code Name: Evangeline is available in its entirety on Kindle Don't own a Kindle? Download a free app to read Kindle books on your iPhone and iPod Touch. Or get the free app to read Kindle books on your PC.