Welcome interruption

Hewson was grateful for the insistent ring of his mobile, chirruping from his pocket.

Answering meant he could take his eyes from the Major's intent expression.

He listened, nodding a couple of times, in silence. After about a minute, he said "good. We're on our way right now, alright? See you in five minutes."

As he pocketed the phone, the Major asked "Cotter?"

Hewson nodded. "We're in luck. He wasn't taken to the county hospital - he's right here. And one of our people can get us in there so we can pick him up."

The Major smiled. "Then I suggest that's exactly what we do. Let's go."

Hewson went to tell the others, but the Major touched his arm lightly.

"We'll take the big lads with us, they might well come in handy. But," here he nodded towards Armstrong, "let your little corporal know we'll manage fine without him, eh?"



Part Two begins here.