The Shadow of War by Jack Murray (latest ebook reader txt) 📗

‘Shaw,Danny Shaw.’

Therest of the servicemen introduced themselves. They spoke in low voices to avoidbeing heard. Manning was shorter than Danny but well made. He had a casualconfidence like Danny that the other boys in the group did not seem to have. Infact, they seemed in awe of the airman.

Itwas clear they were all on embarkation leave. Although none would admit as much,they were probably destined to be heading in the same direction. Airmen wereincreasingly being sent to patrol the Mediterranean as Britain built up itsstrength for the North African campaign.

Dannyglanced at his watch. It was now after eight. Manning noticed Danny’sfrustration.

‘Ona promise, old fellow?’

Dannylaughed, ‘I wouldn’t go that far. I was meant to meet someone at the Trocaderoaround eight.’

‘Don’tworry, it’ll be over soon. In fact, we should be out any time now. They’reprobably just checking there aren’t anyafters.’

Manning’sprediction proved to be accurate and soon they were ascending the stairs. Dannywalked up with Manning. He turned to the airman and said, ‘Where are you from.You don’t sound like a Londoner.’

‘Nordo you, old chap,’ laughed Manning, which made Danny laugh. ‘In point of fact,I am from London. Just not this part. How about you?’

‘Lincolnshire,’replied Danny. ‘We’re heading out soon. Thought I might make the most of seeingthe big city. I hope she shows up. I was looking forward to seeing Al BowllyWhere are you going now?’

‘Sameas you, old boy. I’m going to see Al Bowlly, too. Not sure I’ll be able to seehim for a while.’

Dannynodded but didn’t enquire further. Instead he said, ‘Maybe you can join us,Dick.’

‘I’dlove to. My girl is meant to be outside.’

‘Ihope it isn’t the same one,’ laughed Danny, as they steppedout onto the dark street. The windows were all blacked out and the streetlightshad not yet been lit. Danny looked around him and shook his head.

‘Idon’t know how people have put up with it.’

‘Nochoice. It’ll be a while, too. This isn’t going to be over by Christmas.’

Thetwo men walked along the Old Kent Road towards the theatre, chattingcompanionably. The Trocadero soon came into view, an enormous red-brickbuilding with long windows streaking the façade like tears down a face. Thename of the theatre sat just above the windows. There were still no lights. However,lots of people were milling around outside and some even going in. Danny spiedAbby and waved. Another young woman nearby also waved in their direction. IfAbby was attractive, this young woman was like a Hollywood star.

Dannyglanced wryly at his new friend.

‘Inmy next life, I’m going to be an airman.’

Manninglaughed good naturedly.

‘Thereare some advantages, I’ll grant you.’ He lit a cigarette and offered one toDanny before they separated to meet their respective dates.

‘Nothanks, never liked them. See you inside.’

Dannywalked over to Abby and smiled, ‘Thought Adolf was going to put paid to ournight.’

Abbylaughed, ‘Take more than a pipsqueak like him.’ She took his arm and they wentinside, down a wide staircase with red felt carpet. On first sight there was alarge stage but no dance floor. Instead it was a theatre with seats. This was adisappointment.

Helooked at Abby and said, ‘I thought there would be a dance floor, sorry.’

‘We’vegot the aisle, haven’t we?’ replied Abby with a smile.

Theywere among the first to arrive and Danny picked out seat near the front and onthe aisle. They sat down and Danny asked Abby if she wanted a drink. Just thenhe saw Manning with his date and waved at them. Moments later they were alltogether.

‘Abby,this is Dick Manning, we just met down at the tube station during the airraid.’

Manningshook hands with Abby and introduced his date, Clare. The two ladies were soonchatting away as they stood by their seats. The sound of the orchestra toldthem that the show was to begin so they sat down.

Itwas a variety show. The first few acts were lucky to be bottom of the bill. Acomedian with jokes older than music hall and a juggling unicyclist had Danny’sgroup rolling their eyes. Finally, the orchestra began to play a series ofpopular melodies. After a few minutes, a diminutive figure carrying a guitarstepped onto the stage to loud applause.

AlBowlly turned to the orchestra and acknowledged them. Danny felt a shiver ofexcitement. He’d listened to Al Bowlly on the radio for many years. Now, atlast, he would get to hear him in the flesh. He was struck by how small he was.However, there was no denying his charisma. Jet black, slicked back hair,intensely dark eyes and a swarthy complexion that was unquestionably romantic,certainly if the reactions of the two ladies were anything to go by.

Thesinger put his fingers onto the guitar. He picked a few chords and then struckthree oddly discordant notes. The orchestra joined at this point as Bowllybegan to sing:

Goodnightsweetheart,

Allmy prayers are for you

Goodnightsweetheart,

I’llbe watching on you

Dannyfelt a glow as Bowlly’s velvet voice caressed each line. This was one ofDanny’s favourite songs. His hand was now holding Abby’s and he felt her griptighten. The lines of the song were having an effect. The only disappointment forhim was he couldn’t take Abby to dance. Popular song followed popular song andDanny’s enjoyment continued to be bittersweet. He glanced from time to time atAbby. She was enjoying the performance every bit as much as he was.

Thesecond half of the show saw an equally mixed bag of acts but there was noquestion, everyone was waiting for the return of the South African crooner. Hisreappearance was greeted rapturously. This time there was no stopping Danny andAbby as well as other like-minded members of theaudience. Couples found any available square inch of space they could to dance.

The show ended with a performance of J’Attendrais, the hit song by Charles Trenet. All too soon,they were back out into the chill night air. It was nearing midnight, too lateto go anywhere when Danny and Abby said goodbye to Dick Manning and his date.There was no point in trying to keep in touch. The two men’s parting waswordless, a nod of the head and a sympathetic grin.

‘I’llwalk you back,’ offered Danny.

Abbyglanced at him but saw that he