Dutch Courage by Elizabeth Darrell Page A

contradictory response.
    Piercey was getting annoyed with this character. ‘So what are you saying, Corporal?’
    At that moment they were practically deafened by the nerve-jangling screech created by engineers working on a Lynx at the far end of the hangar. Piercey had tracked down this gunner of A Flight inspecting the gun-mounting on the helicopter he was due to fly in later that afternoon. Not ideal interviewing conditions. He jerked his head towards the hangar doors.
    â€˜We’ll continue this outside.’
    Fleet went willingly enough, but Piercey now recognized the game the other man was playing. They called it Buggering the Redcaps; SIB called it perverting the course of justice. Piercey acted accordingly as soon as they left the hangar and stood in the freshness of mid-morning.
    â€˜Where were you last night, Corporal?’
    â€˜Eh?’ He was unsettled by the direct question. ‘At home. With my missus.’
    â€˜From what time and until when?’
    â€˜Here, you don’t think I had something to do with that business?’ His knowing expression had vanished, the sly gleam in his grey eyes had dimmed.
    â€˜So you are aware that I’m investigating a serious crime against a serving officer?’
    â€˜I don’t know anything about that. What d’you take me for?’
    Piercey gave a grim smile. ‘Since you ask, I take you for a cocky little know-all who thinks it’s clever to run rings around anyone in authority. Can you prove you were at home for the whole of last night?’
    The expression was now wary. ‘She’ll tell you.’
    â€˜She?’ snapped Piercey.
    â€˜The wife.’
    â€˜No one else?
    Real anxiety now. ‘Christ, what’re you saying?’
    Piercey’s smile grew even grimmer. ‘Which is exactly what I was asking you back there.’
    Even in the open air they were disturbed by the sound of two Lynx coming in, but Piercey could detect the hint of nervousness in Fleet’s voice.
    â€˜When I said that about prima donnas, I didn’t mean Lieutenant Collier. As I said, I don’t often fly with him, but he’s all right. I got no grudge, like some have.’
    â€˜Like who?’
    A quick nervous smile. ‘Oh no, I’m no snitch. I got to work with them. But there’s one or two not happy about his upper-crust connections and flashy lifestyle. Not that I’m saying they’d beat him up,’ he added swiftly. ‘Can’t think who’d do that.’
    The downdraught from dual rotors hit them, ruffling their hair and flipping Piercey’s gaudy tie over his shoulder. ‘You were in Kandahar recently. Was there any incident, unpleasant or controversial, involving Lieutenant Collier during those four months?’
    â€˜Not that I knew of,’ Fleet replied above the screaming of the rotors. ‘I mostly flew with Captain Fraeme and Staff Benedict or Lieutenant Fields and Sergeant Benbow. Off duty I was with the other gunners and NCOs.’
    â€˜Any of them have a knife to grind with Lieutenant Collier?’ asked Piercey, tucking his tie back inside his dark jacket and smoothing his hair.
    â€˜If they did, it weren’t obvious. Look, Sarge, I’ve got nothing useful to tell you, and I’ve to check that gun before I go for my dinner.’
    Piercey moved to block his path. ‘The base at Kandahar is run by the US, isn’t it? How were the Yankee women? Friendly?’
    â€˜What you getting at now?’
    â€˜Just answer the question.’
    The knowing expression returned. ‘What did our grandparents say? Overpaid, oversexed and over here? Not much has changed, but the women weren’t interested in us berks. Lieutenant Fields sometimes wandered over to their lines, but in the shop and coffee bars we maintained armed neutrality. That special relationship we’re always being told we have.’
    Knowing he had probably exhausted this