Free Whispers of Love by Rosie Harris

nearby.
    â€˜Now where would he most likely go?’ Dennis cut across her thoughts. ‘Think carefully. From what you’ve told me, he’s wearing a stolen uniform, impersonating a British officer. He’s in a strange place and knows no one. Is there anywhere in your garden where he could hide? If so, he might have taken refuge there and if anyone confronted him, concoct some story about losing his memory and wandering off from the hospital.’
    â€˜It is possible he could be hiding in our summer house,’ Christabel agreed. ‘What if he’s not there, though?’
    â€˜Aah, then we will have to see what your family can tell us. We’ll also check the railway station to see if he has tried to get away by train. After that, we’ll search every street in the vicinity and between your home and the hospital. If we have to do that, then I will alert the local police and get more troops drafted in so that we can widen the search area until we do find him.’
    â€˜That could take days!’
    â€˜Then let’s hope he’s skulking in the summer house. I’ll get my men to look there first,’ he said as he parked the truck. ‘Can we get into the garden without disturbing your family?
    Karl Blume had reacted true to form and had taken refuge in the summer house. When Christabel let Sergeant Williams and his twomen in through the side gate and Karl found the doorway barred by two military policemen, he tried to make a run for it.
    The shouts and commotion aroused the entire household; Lilian came running out of the back door with their dog, Prince, beside her. Sensing danger, the huge black and brown Alsatian bounded down the garden and within moments had the German’s arm clenched between his teeth.
    â€˜Will one of you get this animal off me?’ Karl shouted, looking from Christabel to Lilian, his voice edged with panic, as he tried to free himself from the grip of the snarling animal.
    â€˜Christabel, what are you doing back here? What is going on?’ her father exclaimed as he came rushing from the house followed by her mother who looked scared to death. ‘We thought you had gone back to Hilbury?’
    Without waiting for her to reply, he called Prince to his side and then, squaring his shoulders, stepped forward to where the two military police were now holding Karl while Dennis was fastening handcuffs on to his wrists.
    â€˜What the devil is going on here?’ he demanded. ‘Why are you taking this man prisoner, sergeant? What’s he doing here?’
    Dennis stood to attention and saluted smartly. ‘Your daughter has helped us locate this man,’ he explained. ‘It seems he followed her when she left Hilbury and has been hiding out here ever since.’
    â€˜Good heavens. Is he dangerous?’ Basil asked in alarm.
    â€˜Well, he’s a German prisoner of war, sir. He doesn’t appear to be armed in any way but, for all we know, he could be a spy,’ Dennis said gravely.
    â€˜I see.’ Basil stroked his chin thoughtfully. ‘Is there anything further we have to do, sergeant, or will you deal with him now? I’d like to take my two daughters inside, away from all this commotion,’ he added as he began to shepherd Lilian and Christabel away from the scene.
    â€˜You’ve nothing to worry about, sir, we’re taking him away immediately. Nurse Montgomery will have to accompany us. She will be needed to give evidence.’
    â€˜Oh dear, surely that isn’t really necessary,’ Mabel intervened. ‘I think poor Christabel has gone through quite enough . . .’ her voice trailed away as Sergeant Williams fixed her with a steady stare.
    â€˜I understand your feelings, ma’am,’ he told her politely, ‘but rules are rules in the army. I am sure you appreciate that, sir,’ he added, turning to face Christabel’s father.
    â€˜Yes, yes. Of course. You must do