iron pirate by Unknown Author Page A

youngster's glance in spite of the gloom. He had also noticed the faint tang of schnapps. That would be the boatswain's mate. His mother and sister had just been reported killed in an air raid. He would let it pass. Hechler strode on, half-dreading the party and Leitner's exuberance. This time, he would say nothing.
    Theil was waiting to meet him outside the wardroom and Hechler asked, ‘All going well?'
    Theil nodded. 'Like old times.'
    Hechler stepped into the wardroom and moved through the packed figures. It was hard to see this place as it usually was, or used as a sickbay for wounded troops brought offshore from the I ighting.
    He sensed the glances and the occasional bold stares from some ol the women. Why should he feel so ill at ease? This might be the last time for a long while that they could relax and drink too much. It could just as easily be the last time ever.
    He heard a woman laugh and saw the auburn hair shining beneath a deckhead light.
    Erika Franke wore neither a gown nor a uniform, it was something in between, dove-grey which set off her hair and her skin. She was speaking with Zeckner, a quarters officer, so that I lechler made to step aside before she saw him.
    He was still uncertain what to do. Leitner had explained that t he orders came from von Hanke and even higher. Erika Franke was to stay aboard. Incredibly, there was also a camera team. That in itself was not unusual in major warships, but with the prospect of immediate action it could put their lives at risk. 1 .eitner seemed to treat the whole matter like a personal publicity operation.
    She called, 'Why, Captain, so you have come amongst us after all!'
    He faced her, surprised and angry at the way she got under his skin and made him feel clumsy.
    He said, 'I hope you are being looked after?' She had long lashes and eyes which seemed to change colour as he watched. Hazel and then tawny.
    She smiled. 'You are staring, Captain.'
    Hechler took a glass of champagne which someone thrust into his hand.
    'Yes. I'm sorry.' He raised the glass and lowered it again. 'And I apologise for the way I greeted your arrival on board.'
    She touched her lip with her tongue as she had when she had faced him at their first meeting.
    That must have cost you a lot, Captain.' She nodded, her eyes grave. 'I suspect you are not used to bending your knee.' The smile moved into her eyes again. 'Especially to a mere woman.'
    Leitner joined them before Hechler could answer. He said, 'Good party. It will make everyone believe we are here as a part of a local squadron.' He beamed and showed his perfect teeth. 'Let them all relax and enjoy themselves, eh? Who cares about tomorrow?'
    Theil was making signals from the door and Leitner remarked, 'A night full of surprises. As it should be.'
    Hechler glanced past the noisy, laughing figures and saw her as she stepped over the coaming. He felt as if his breath had stopped, that even his heart was still.
    Her hair was quite short so that her small, perfectly shaped ears were visible, as were the pendant earrings as she turned to look around.
    Several officers stopped talking to stare, questions clear on their faces.
    Hechler put down his glass. Inger had always commanded a lot of attention, like the first time he had seen her and lost his heart.
    She had an escort, a much older man in an olive-green uniform, a political officer of some kind and obviously quite senior. That too was pretty typical, he thought bitterly.
    Leitner was watching him, one eyebrow cocked. 'She asked to come.' He spread his hands with mock gravity. 'What must I do? How could anyone refuse her?'
    'Your wife, Captain?'
    Hechler looked at the girl with auburn hair. He felt suddenly lost. Trapped.
    He said, 'Yes.'
    'She is very beautiful.' But she was studying him, her eyes quiet with interest. 'You seem surprised?'
    Leitner smiled. 'It is only right, Dieter.'
    Hechler said, 'She has no place here.'
    Biit she was coming across, men parting before her or trying to