Assignment in Brittany

Occupied Brittany, 1940

Hearne looked at the unfamiliar watch on his wrist. Three hours ago he had joked with the red-haired pilot over a last cup of hot chocolate. Three hours ago he had stood on English earth. Three hours ago he had been Martin Hearne with 27 years of his life behind him.

Now he was Bertrand Corlay, with 26 years of another man’s life reduced to headings and sub-headings in his memory. He looked down at the faded uniform which had been Corlay’s, felt once more for the papers in the inside pocket.

All set. He patted the pocked of the tunic with his earth-stained hand, and smiled grimly. From now on, he would not only have to speak, but think, in French …