Chapter 18 Chapter Eighteen

It was very dark, and the increasingly heavy rain blurred the scene ahead, making it difficult to see clearly.However, about five yards from us, a yellow light suddenly appeared across the not-so-wide road, which was very conspicuous.Even better, in this ray of light, the slender shadow of that person was reflected on the ground, allowing me to immediately feel who it was. "My lord, are you a German?" Lieutenant Locke said with a little nervous tone, and reached out his hand to feel under the seat. "Don't panic!" I stopped his dangerous move, "Let me go and have a look first, you all stay in the car."

"But--" "Don't act rashly, or I will be killed by you!" "..." I don't have the ability to predict the weather, so the cold raindrops in winter just fell on me densely and without shelter.Drops of water fell down my cheeks and slid into my neck, making me flinch. I walked on the wet ground, struggling to look at the man in front of me.He parked the car slantly in the middle of the road, leaning on the hood, the black raincoat covered most of his body, and the wide hood hid his blond hair, only his pale face and those still bright blue eyes could be seen. Eye.

"Good evening, my Earl." Major Portman smiled at me, "What's the matter? You look like you saw a devil!" "Actually, it's about the same." I admit I almost screamed the moment I looked at this handsome face—how could he be here? "You should be in Paris, Major." "Yes, maybe that's the case." He shrugged nonchalantly, "I should really lie on that big warm bed in the apartment now, and meet the sweet goddess of sleep. But there's no way, it seems that I have to make this trip. " I glanced around vigilantly, but the place where the headlights couldn't shine was so dark that I couldn't see anything clearly.I can't confirm whether there are soldiers in ambush in the dark.

"Don't doubt it, Lord Earl." Major Portman smiled and stood up straight. "I'm the only one waiting here, there is no one else." I hesitated and took a few steps forward, looking at the man in front of me. This is the first time we've seen him since his injury: he's thin, with slightly protruding cheekbones, and his skin is bloodless.It's just that his demeanor has returned to the way it was before, and that half-smile expression makes people's heart skip a beat. "What do you want to do, Major?" I began to feel cold, and the dampness had already penetrated my clothes and adhered to my skin.

"Ah," he glanced at the car behind me, "you already know that there are special orders at the checkpoint to Le Havre, and you can't go very far." "I take this to indicate that something is wrong with our cooperation; how can I be sure that it wasn't your fault?" "So I'm here to prove my innocence." He lifted the hood of his raincoat and looked straight at me, "Let me lead the way." My brain seemed to be stabbed suddenly, and the sharp accident made me tremble uncontrollably: "What did you say?" "What I mean is: let me drive and send you to your destination. That way you don't have to be afraid even if you encounter interrogation."

Yes, nothing could be safer than an SS Major in our escort!but-- "Oh, thank you very much," I said sarcastically. "I thought you were wishing that I had been arrested. Because if I disappeared, there would be one less threat to you." "No, you are wrong." He still kept a smile on his face, "I have considered this issue very seriously. If I really want to get rid of you, there are many opportunities, such as doing that in my room But then I figured it out: Since I can't make up my mind and I can't forget you, I have to let you live without any harm...Shaerte, am I a person who bravely admits love? "

The rain dripped into tiny beaded curtains on his broad hat brim, which didn't stop his eyes from gluing my face unreservedly.I have never seen his eyes like this, clear, honest, and extremely firm at the same time. I couldn't make a sound for a while, I just wanted to turn around and leave desperately, but my feet couldn't move as if they had taken root.Something thick and heavy sounded in my ears very clearly, and it took me a few seconds to realize that it was my own breathing. "Let's go, if you continue to shower, you will definitely have a high fever." Major Portman brushed past me and patted me on the shoulder.

I silently accepted his suggestion and went back to the car with him. "Good evening, gentlemen." He moved his face to the window and greeted the people inside with a smile.I clearly saw Lieutenant Locke's eyes focused on the skull badge in the center of his hat, and then his face began to turn blue. "Don't be nervous." I quickly explained, "This is Major Portman, the person who handled the passports for you." The atmosphere softened a little, but there was still some doubt on Lieutenant Locke's face; they weren't about to shake a Nazi's hand.

"My lord, why is he here?" Corporal Wilson asked me in English. I had to switch to English to answer: "He came to send us to Le Havre, so that we can avoid the interrogation that may be encountered in the future." "Is this person credible?" Lieutenant Locke then said in his native language, "How did he know we would go this way." Before I could speak, the major had already made an impatient voice: "Hey, hello, would a dignified English gentleman behave in such a disrespectful manner in front of others?" The four of us were embarrassed at the same time - he spoke with a pure Cockney accent.

"Trust him," I don't know why I said that to the three men, "he'll get us to Havre safely." Lieutenant Locke and his comrades exchanged glances with each other, and nodded to me after reaching a consensus: "We believe in you, Lord Earl." "Excellent." The major opened the door. "Switch to my car. A new Merdisius is much quicker than this poorly maintained antique." Major Portman's technique is very good, although the rain is getting heavier, he can still speed on the slippery road.I sat next to him and changed into the dry coat he had kept in the trunk.Looking at the sitting posture of the three tall men sitting as close as possible because of the crowding, I could only smile apologetically.

On the way we came across a temporary checkpoint, fortunately with the major as a shield, we passed without any difficulty.At about four o'clock in the morning we entered the city of Le Havre and headed towards the marina. "God bless." I muttered, and I felt a feeling of gradually relaxing. "It's more practical to say thank you to me." The major said with the corner of his mouth curled up. "My lord, I think I'm a good partner, right?" "It's too early to say so." I poured cold water on him unceremoniously, "Actually, I've been wanting to ask you, Mr. Major, how did you know we were going that way?" "If you want to get rid of the pursuit behind, it is necessary to narrow down and shift the target. The rest is to get to the destination as soon as possible. I picked the closest one from Paris to Le Havre and waited less than half an hour. It took about an hour, and it was really rewarding." "When did you know our operation was leaked." "About six o'clock in the afternoon." I frowned—so he left Paris later than us, and he didn't betray us, "...who will send the news to the Gestapo? Could it be..." The major didn't answer, and I saw his eyes darken again, so I kept my mouth shut.Now is not the time to pursue this matter until after my English friend has been put on board. The car advanced on the uneven cobblestone road, and finally drove into the pier after ten minutes and stopped beside a warehouse.At this time, the rain had become very small, and the black oriental sky was quietly painted with imperceptible red paint. "Okay, let's stop here, and then we have to go by ourselves." I said to the major with reservations, "You can stay here if you want, and it doesn't matter if you want to leave." "—I just can't follow you, can I? Is it because I'm afraid I know too much?" It's a pity that I didn't feel uneasy because of his words: "It's sort of... But no matter what, I still have to thank you." The major turned off the headlights, leaned back in the seat and closed his eyes defiantly. I opened the door and got out of the car, leading Lieutenant Locke and the others to the other side of the warehouse.When the back of the car was covered by a heavy wall, the lieutenant caught up with me and asked in a low voice: "Would you please leave him there, Monsieur Earl? We will be in danger if he informs his men." of……" "No, he won't." Hell!Why should I defend that person, "Uh... at least I can guarantee this, he won't break the cooperation agreement with us yet..." The doubt on Lieutenant Locke's face didn't disappear, but I didn't want to stay on this topic anymore: "Now the guerrillas may already be waiting for you beside the cargo ship, and they will take you aboard. Remember, you will be Portuguese merchants after boarding the ship, and no one can do anything to you after entering the high seas!" I took out a small harmonica from my pocket, and the tune of "Swan" floated gently in the air.After a while, whistles with the same melody came faintly from a distance, and two vague figures came towards us, one of whom was holding a flashlight. I didn't stop playing, and the two identical tunes gradually came into sync.When I saw the person coming clearly with the help of the dim light, I was taken aback. "Joseph, it's you!" This young man, whom I hadn't seen for nearly two years after Marisa's death, was standing in front of me at this moment, wearing a longshoreman's tweed uniform and a flat cap, looking at me with strange eyes.He has grown taller and thinner, but he looks very calm, without the astringent impulse he used to have. I wanted to say hello to him, but it was too weird in this situation: "Why are you here, don't you—" "I joined the Machi guerrillas." He said flatly, "It's my mission and Harvey's to meet you this time." "Hello." The middle-aged man with a big beard next to him opened his mouth openly to us, "'Swan', I have known you for a long time! My lord, you are indeed as outstanding as that bird Son!" I was embarrassed by his outspokenness, but luckily no one minded that at this point. I introduced three British friends to them and gave them my passport.Harvey told us that the cargo ship will weigh anchor at around 7:00, and there are still more than two hours left, and they have to enter through the gangway leading to the cargo hold at the bottom in advance. "Leave the rest to us, Lord Earl." The bearded man assured me, "Don't worry! As soon as the sun comes up, everything will be safe." The three departing friends shook my hand and said goodbye, Lieutenant Locke couldn't forget his performance, and young Corporal Benson even made a wish that he would bring his wife to my opera after the war was over.Their faces are the expressions that every fugitive will have, gratitude accompanied by joy.I think no matter how many times I watch it, I won't get bored of it. After all this was over, Harvey led them gradually away along the road just now with a flashlight on.Joseph stood where he was, looking at me quietly, as if he wanted to say something to me. "What's the matter, Joseph?" I tried to make myself smile, "You look grown up... It's amazing to see you in this situation... By the way, how are Mr. and Mrs. Guild... " "They're fine, thank you," he replied stiffly, before pressing his lips together. "Joseph..." "Tell me, is that person still alive?" My heart seemed to be grasped by a big hand all of a sudden, and my tongue was stiff. "He's still alive, isn't he?" There seemed to be flames in the boy's eyes: "You didn't kill him! I heard that you cooperated in Paris! You actually cooperated... Then what is my sister? Have you forgotten the promise you made to me?" "Joseph, listen to me—" He turned his head and refused bluntly: "Kill him quickly! You said that if you can't do it, I can...kill you!" "Joseph!" He no longer looked at me, turned and ran away quickly, followed Harvey and disappeared into the black night. I stood where I was, all the muscles in my body tensed.This sudden and unexpected meeting made my mind go blank. I repeatedly recalled the scene when I saw him for the last time. At that time, his eyes gave up the sadness of the boy too early, which made me feel guilty. That's right, I gave him that promise, should it really be fulfilled now?But, major... I walked back with somewhat heavy steps. The black car was still parked in place, but there was a light on inside, and one could vaguely see the man in the driver's seat lying powerlessly on the steering wheel, with his left hand holding his right shoulder with difficulty, his face buried low . His hands held the steering wheel so firmly all the way, that I almost forgot he still had an unhealed gunshot wound on his body, and when I thought about it, it was for me. ... "Am I a man who bravely admits love?" ... I sighed, opened the car door and sat beside the major. As if he just sensed someone, he quickly raised his head, and I found some thin beads of sweat on his broad forehead. "Why, is the wound open?" I took out some damp Cheese brand cigarettes from my pocket and threw one to him. "En." He didn't hide it, "It hurts a bit, maybe a little bleeding." "You should be careful, if you get an infection, you will be in trouble!" I lit my own cigarette and handed him the lighter. "It's good that someone cares!" He held a cigarette in front of me, and said to me with a wicked and charming smile: "For the sake of my wounds, you can do it for me." The pungent green smoke filled the carriage, and I tasted the bitter gas that filled my respiratory tract, and suddenly I had the urge to put everything aside and go to sleep. "What's the matter?" Major Portman looked at me sideways, "I thought you would be happy when the British left! Did you fall in love with one of them?" "Your jokes are just as low." "But your expression clearly tells me that you don't feel relaxed now. Is it because of my words?" I was sensitive to the fact that there was no joke in his tone, and my blue eyes fixed on him I. "No." I coldly denied his guess, "Do you think it is possible for me to believe your words?" "It's a pity, but that's one of the truths I've rarely spoken in my life." I couldn't help laughing: "I can't believe it even more——" "Okay!" He suddenly came over, grabbed my chin and led my face towards him, then something cold and soft covered my lips, and something warm and flexible penetrated into my mouth Oral... "Do you believe it?" The fiery breath caressed my skin, and the blue eyes that were originally like ice cubes were so gentle that I couldn't bear it.I looked at his face that was gradually moving away again, and couldn't ignore the smile on the corner of his mouth. It was a smile that only faces lovers, and it was the smile that I often unconsciously surfaced when facing Marisa. I covered my mouth and was surprised to find that I didn't feel the same gag as I used to for this kiss. "Why..." I shrank back a little, "Why did this happen? Are you... are you crazy?" "Perhaps, but what does it matter?" "You are my enemy, you killed my friends, and my wife and children. There is only hatred between us!" "I didn't hurt Miss Guied, Charte, you must believe me." He held my hand, "If the past can be redeemed, I would even rather she didn't die, because at least you wouldn't would hate me so much." "You know what it's like to tell me your feelings? I've taken advantage of it once." "Then use the second or third time, it doesn't matter how many times..." He didn't wear gloves, his fingers were cold, but his palms were still warm; he was still wearing the uniform of the Nazi SS, and his slender and strong figure had an indescribable beauty; his face was pale, but his outline was still handsome He looks like a Nordic god; most importantly, his eyes are warm. In my mind, I tried to overlap the person in front of me with the first time I saw him, but in the end I failed. Am I really going to let the bullet go through his heart and fulfill my promise to Joseph?It's so easy to kill someone you hate, but what about killing someone who loves you? I didn't pull my hand back, but silently turned my face out of the car window; he didn't let me go, but didn't say anything else. The almost invisible red on the sky became darker and darker, gradually adding a lot of bright things, and finally cracked from the place where the sea and the sky meet, leaking a large expanse of white light.The black blue water beat against the breakwater not far from us, and there was a sound of splashing, and a cargo ship flying an unfamiliar flag left the pier far away, and the morning glow painted its whole body with charming gold. I watched it until it became a little black dot. "Let's go." I turned to the major. "We should leave. I have to meet my troupe in Rouen." He nodded, a strange look suddenly flashed in his eyes, and then he touched my forehead: "Your face is very red, as if you have a fever." "Really?" I felt a little dizzy, maybe because of the rain, "Then you should have a prescription, now you and I need a doctor." He smiled slightly, finally let go of my hand, and started the car. Along with the noise when the engine started, we all heard the noise from small to loud behind us—that was the roar of motorcycles.