Free Voices on the Wind by Evelyn Anthony

officer was a brigadier, a most un-soldierly type, with thick glasses and a donnish way of speaking. He praised her work at Loch Gary and at Beaulieu. She had impressed her instructors and the conducting officer with her determination and courage. It had been decided to pair her with an experienced woman agent.
    Kate said, ‘Is it Judy, Sir?’
    The Brigadier smiled. ‘You’re not supposed to ask, but you’re quite right. She will complement you. A little tougher and bolder, but then she is older and has been overseas before. You’ll make a good team.’
    â€˜Thank you, Sir,’ Kate answered.
    Robert Alfurd nodded at her, smiling encouragement. She felt elated and proud. She had done well; they said so. Determined and brave. Who would have imagined that the over-eager girl who maddened Michaelson at first sight should end up with a report from him like that. Philippe had been wrong about Judy. There was no mark against her because she was frightened of unarmed combat. A little tougher and bolder! Well done, Judy. She saluted, shook hands with everyone, and felt a warm squeeze from the young Captain. Outside the door she found Philippe waiting.
    â€˜You passed? Of course. Congratulations.’ He put his arms round her and kissed her cheek. The hold was a little too tight and the kiss lasted too long. She broke away.
    â€˜Where’s Judy? She’s going too.’
    â€˜Well, that’s wonderful,’ he said. ‘She will be pleased.’
    â€˜What about you?’ Kate asked him. ‘Are you next?’
    He shook his head. ‘No. I am already chosen. I was waiting for you. It’s a pity we’re not allowed out. I could have taken you to dinner to celebrate.’
    â€˜What a pity,’ Kate agreed. I wouldn’t have gone, she thought, wondering what it was about him that disturbed her. She didn’t like that kiss and the firm hold on her body.
    â€˜I have a lot of things to do,’ she excused herself. ‘Packing and tidying up. We’re going straight on tomorrow for our final briefing and embarkation. I was hoping to see my family before I went.’
    Philippe said, ‘Your first trip won’t be a long one. You’ll be working with me. I asked for you especially.’
    â€˜Oh?’ She managed to sound pleased. ‘That is flattering. Did you ask for Judy too?’
    He didn’t hesitate. ‘No. Only for you. I’d better get packed too. See you before dinner. If I remember, they give us champagne tonight.’
    It was a haze in her memory, that last evening at Beaulieu. The successful candidates were noisy and elated. There was an upright piano in the room where they served coffee; one of the girls sat down and began to play popular songs. Everyone joined in, clapping and banging table tops. She ended with the sentimental hit of the year, ‘We’ll Meet Again’. Vera Lynn’s poignant love song of two lovers parted by the war brought tears to Kate’s eyes. She had teamed up with Judy and Fred. He was brimming with wine and emotion, singing at the top of his voice.
    Judy nudged her. ‘He’s got more to be happy about than most of us. If he hadn’t passed, he’d have gone back to jail!’ Her laugh was full of affection. Kate saw Fred grin and reach out to her. For a moment they held hands. Kate thought in amazement, Good Lord, they’re fond of each other. And I never noticed it before. She thought wistfully, I wish I had someone, instead of Philippe following me with those chilly cat’s eyes. I wish I had a man to sing to tonight. Maybe she had let her imagination run away, thinking there was anything but shipboard friendship between Fred and Judy. The professional safe-breaker and the daughter of a London surgeon, who was known to be a snob. Kate dismissed the idea as fancy. Later, Captain Alfurd came and joined her.
    â€˜I must say, you came through with flying