Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 08:42:24 +0000
From: Robert Me <winchesterbornbred@hotmail.co.uk>
Subject: The Hut/5

Gary Masters
____________________________________________________________________________


They settled down for the long trip to Dover. Andrew had Spike with him
and showed him how to steer on course for two hours and then Simon and
Tony took over to sail for their two. They would keep this up all the way
to Dover. As there was no seating or bunks all they had was a few
blankets to sit on. Both pairs when not steering would keep an eye on the
engines.

Simon and Tony went below to check the Listers which gave an opportunity
to cuddle in together and spend sometime kissing whilst leaning against a
bulkhead to steady them. Simon broke away and looked into Tony's eyes.
"Everything alright Tony?" He shouted.
"Sort of but I want to talk to you Simon, there is something I need to
say." Simon was worried and seeing it Tony smiled at him. "Its got
nothing to do with us dopey, I love you and will never stop. No its just
something I need to say to you and get it off my chest." He shouted back.
They went up onto the aft deck with a couple of blankets and sat down
leaning up against the wheel house.

They were private enough to sit close and hold hands. Both of them were
dressed the same, thick white polo neck sweaters thick black
trousers tucked inside long white socks. They wore Wellington boots and
the socks turned over the top of them. Each had a warm woollen hat on.
All four had a donkey jacket that hung in the wheel house and on the same
hook was a cork life jacket each. Spike was dressed the same way, but
after a row with his dad, Andrew was in his naval uniform as a Lieutenant
Commander which Simon knew would make the authorities in Dover see that
this was not an amateur crew, well, one of them wasn't.

"So what's the problem Tony, you got me worried."
"I told you its not about us, more like what you will think about me.
Just let me ask you this. Do you REALLY love me?"
"As sure as my dad loved my mum. I think I know where this is going, you
think we should stop and you are going to fuck off and hope we get
through the war and if we do see if we are the same after it, right?"
"Wrong. Sensible people would say we are stupid to fall in love now, but
they would of course condemn us as well because we are both blokes. I
know my mum and dad wouldn't, but that's the sort of people they are. No,
this is nothing to do with us being in love, its about what you will
think about me. Simon I know I cant kill anyone, I cant join the army or
any of the forces in case I get into a situation that I would have to.
I'm not afraid of dying, I just know that, its just...........well you
know." For the first time Simon thought about having to kill someone and
now that Tony had said that it made him think about killing other human
beings.
"I don't know what to say except most people will think the same. My dad
told me once that he did not know if he killed or was part of killing
anyone and the only way he kept it out of his head was by not thinking
about it at all, instead he thought about the men in his ships who had
died during actions and not thinking about what was happening on the
German ships. He was at the Battle of Jutland and he told me many men
died on both sides, but really the only men he ever saw die were our boys
and the only Germans he ever saw were ones they pulled out of the sea."
Simon squeezed Tony's hand in an attempt to comfort the pair of them.
"So he never actually saw the Germans he and the others on our ships
killed. I know its no different, but what I don't think I can do is
actually see the man I am about to kill. That makes me a coward, maybe
I wont mind killing if I don't see the enemy, but not face to face."
"You are no coward and stop saying it. Tony if we are all honest none of
us wants to kill anyone, but there is going to be a lot more of it and
only a small group of men have bought it like this. That bunch of
bastards have already turned a lot of men into killers. None of us knows
how we will react if it comes to a fight, but my guess is that if any of
us find ourselves in one, we will kill even if its to stop ourselves
from being killed. We wont know until it happens."
"I guess your right. You don't think I'm a coward then?"
"No more than I am and I have no idea how I will behave when I get
involved, nor does Spike. I'm glad you said all that Tony, its made me
think, but one thing I am really certain about is that I will never think
it was a mistake falling in love with you, it just happened and all I
wish for is for us and Spike to come through and start again. You and I
will have a lot more to fight over when this is all over and that I'm
REALLY scared about. FUCK knows how we will manage after the war, two
blokes in love and could be jailed because we are."
"We will find a way Simon, we have to. Still, I am sure about one thing."
"What's that?"
"We get to the hut as soon as we can and carry out the promise we gave
Spike?" They looked around them to make sure the other two had not come
out on deck. They were private and could give one another a kiss.

They sat quietly together still holding hands knowing many thousands
throughout the entire world must have been thinking the same as them.
Meanwhile, there were a few thousand at Dunkirk who would be wondering if
they would ever get back home, or get killed waiting for rescue. What was
about to happen was nothing short of a miracle, the British and French
were on the brink of being over run and captured. BUT, Operation Dynamo
was about to start and the little ships would soon be on their way, all
700 of them.

"Peace" was performing well and by the time they had reached Selsey Point
they had joined up with five other boats and they all sailed together
towards Dover. There was still 75 miles to go and Andrew estimated they
would arrive between 9 and 10pm. He would be out by two hours as the
weather deteriorated and they had to reduce speed. Simon and Tony stayed
together thoughout the sailing and even enjoyed being tossed about and
gave them some excuse to hang on to one another. Andrew and Spike grabbed
hold of hand rails of course and Spike at least noticed the other two
hanging onto one another. He smiled to himself and wished he could hang
on to Simon as well.

At long last Dover harbour came into sight and it was a relief to get
into calm waters. There would now be a long wait as they had to take
their turn in queuing up to be refuelled and then find a mooring. When
that had been done Spike and Tony were told to stay with the boat and
Andrew and Simon went off for a briefing. It had been extremely well
organised despite the short time to get everything together. Simon had
been right and would not let his dad forget that it was him who made his
father get back into uniform. The organisers were asking HIM for advice
and at the same time was first in the queue for various supplies that
were available like more first aid packages, food, fresh water and
four five gallon fuel cans. That meant, with the other cans they already
had, it would give them another 50 gallons so they would be able to stay
out longer before they would have to return to Dover for a complete
refuel.

"You will be towed across the channel and once you are a mile off shore
you will cast off, you will see the lads already waiting off shore in
long lines right up to their necks. That will mean they will be cold and
very wet and a lot heavier than normal. They will need to be pulled on
board and as they will be soaked, be prepared to have to bail out or
drill holes in the saloon flooring and hope your bilge pumps can coup.
Chaps, there will also be quite a lot of injured men, we can't advise how
you get them on board, but just want to warn you, you will see some
really bad things. Good luck and keep safe."

Simon and his father got back to "Peace" and after storing their supplies
in the wheel house and something to eat, tried to settle down for a
couple of hours before they were called to meet their tug that would take
them to Dunkirk. They were all in the aft saloon and although Simon and
Tony could not get up to any mischief they laid as close as they could
get to one another. They laid on their sides facing each other. There was
enough light to see and they just stared and smiled and the looks told
each of their love. Nobody slept that well.

There were 10 boats being towed at no more than 5 knots and Andrew was
becoming frustrated. The weather was calm and he could sail on full power
at twice the speed they were going now.
"If it stays like this I will cast off as soon as we can see the beach
lads. That ok with you all?"
"Daft question, course it is." Said Walsh the younger. They had discussed
how they would get the troops on board and had secured knotted ropes to
be hung over each side of the boat. Two decking planks had been removed
from the forward cabin to drain water off. They had agreed that Spike and
Simon would help the troops on board, Tony would tell them were to go and
sit as they came on board. Andrew thought they could take 40 men on each
trip as they had extra space and weight because "Peace" had not been
fitted out. He would be at the wheel and hold the boat in position while
the troops were helped on board, not as easy as it seems, tide, currant
and wind makes a lot of difference.

Simon had his binoculars glued to his eyes and as soon as he could see
the coast he called to his father that it was in sight. "Bloody hell!
There are loads of ships and one has been hit, over there, look!" He
pointed and the others followed. There was a huge plume of smoke coming
up from what turned out to be a Royal Navy destroyer and Simon could see
hundreds abandoning ship. "I'm starting up boys, cast off when I say. We
have got to get to that ship." Andrew had made sure they were the last in
line on the tow and when he was sure his engines had warmed up he told
Simon to slip the line. Now free he open the throttles wide and went at
full speed towards the hundreds of men in the water. Other boats also
broke away and headed for the destroyer.

It was a dreadful sight as all four of them saw several bodies face
down who had only just got on the ship thinking they were safe and now
once again those still alive fighting to stay afloat. "Ok lads just
concentrate on what we have to do. Try and block it out." Andrew
knew that was going to be impossible and all he could do was hope
the boys would coup. They all knew this was not going to be easy, the
horror of it all had just hit them in the face.

They pulled as many as they could out and with the water beginning to lap
over the sides Andrew had no choice but to leave those still in the water
and get to the nearest ship, he guessed they had about a hundred on board
all clinging together. Still, at least there were many more small boats
now and many more would be saved.

They transferred the lads onto a French ship who had lowered all their
life boats and were pulling hard to get to the men and returned to pick
up more, but it was hard as once again they had to pass many who were
beyond saving. Four times they made that trip before there was no one
else left alive to pick up. Andrew could now steer them towards the beach
and get to the nearest line of troops waiting to be picked up. After the
first pick ups from the destroyer he knew he could take 50 at a time
and stay afloat. They all did the jobs that had been worked out, Andrew
at the wheel, Simon and Spike pulling the troops out and Tony telling
them where to go. It worked very well and were encouraged by the humour
coming from the lads who had been there for hours waiting.
"Hello chaps I'm travelling first class, wine to my cabin please!"
"Don't tell me missus you picked me up, she will only give me a bollickin
for not bringing anything back for her." And, when they had all they
could take on that trip, "Hurry back lads, I'm dying for a piss!" The
crew of the "Peace" could only marvel at their good humour because it was
not just a matter of waiting to be picked up, they all had to endure the
attacks from the German air force and many still on the beaches were
being bombed and strafed and many more would die before this was all
over.
By now Dunkirk harbour had been destroyed and it was impossible for naval
ships to get in. It was all down to the little ships now, there was
absolutely no other option.
They had all wondered where the hell the RAF were, but in fact they were
engaging the Germans well away from Dunkirk and did a great job in
heading off many of them and shooting down quite a few in the process.

It was when they were on their forth rescue trip they bought on board a
number of badly injured troops. It took some time to get them on and get
them on the upper decks. They had to ignore the screams of pain as some
of the most badly injured were manhandled on board. It was a horrible
experience made even worse as some died in transit. On this particular
trip a young Corporal from the medical corps came on board and he turned
out to be a God send as he tried his best to look after the injured
during the transfer to waiting ships. It was far from being a quick
operation as they had to queue waiting their turn to go long side and
having to wait for a sling to be lowered to get the injured and dead off,
able bodied men would climb up the nets hanging over the ships
side. After the last one was winched up the corporal went to Andrew. "If
you would like me to stay and help with the wounded I will be happy to
sir." Andrew thanked him and told him he would be invaluable. "I could
help you as well." Tony said. "Cheers mate, that would be good. I'm Gary
Masters, lets check out the medical supplies." Tony introduced himself
and would work with Gary, he would also discover his own wartime calling.
Both he and Simon noted how incredibly good looking he was.

It was now getting dark and Andrew and Simon were calculating how many
more trips they could make before having to go back to Dover to refuel.
Simon told his father that they should keep three of the fuel cans in
reserve to make the return trip. They had used a lot of fuel as Andrew
ignored consumption to sail the fastest he could to get to the waiting
ships and get the troops off. They also used a lot just waiting in line
to off load and it was becoming a concern. It was taking about an hour to
do a complete round trip.
"Ok, how about one more trip and then go back, pick up 30 more and go to
Dover?"
"That should be fine dad, but we will have to go easy on the way back.
Still, the weather is fine and that's good for us."

They picked up 30 to take back and with Simon at the wheel he set his
course and they all settled down for the night time trip, it would take
4/5 hours. On board were five injured troops which would take all of
Tony's and Gary's time, they would also use up all the dressings to care
for the two most badly injured men. Tony would never say it, but he was
in his element and now felt he had a real value in this little crew. Gary
was very good at his job and Tony was happy being with him.
They were together the whole way back and the more Gary talked the more
Tony knew where he hoped he would end up, the Medical Corps.

It was an uneventful trip, but Simon was relieved to get back as they
were down to the last couple of gallons when they finally moored up and
the engines were turned off. All the lads shook hands with the crew and
went ashore. The injured were taken away and Gary once again spoke to
Andrew. "Can I stay with you sir, I know I should get back, but I think I
would be of more use if you say I can stay." Andrew slapped him on the
back. "Too bloody sure Gary, you will be more than useful." Simon and
Spike agreed and were more than pleased to have him on board, Tony even
more so.

Andrew told them they would not start back until everyone had rested.
Tony and Gary went off to try to get more medical supplies and Simon and
Spike went to get food and water. Andrew stayed with the boat and waited
for a refuelling spot.

Five hours later they cleared the harbour and were on their way back to
Dunkirk.  The trip back was uneventful and got to work with the hundreds
of other small ships and once again made a number of rescues and
deliveries to the waiting ships a half mile off shore. They actually lost
count of the number of times they made a round trip. Incredibly the
weather stayed good even though normally at this time of year it would
have been quite rough. Just this alone enabled many more to be bought off
the beaches than anyone had hoped for. They did two more trips back to
Dover and by the eighth day they knew that the next trip back to Dunkirk
would be their last.

"Just look at that Mr Walsh! Empty beach and all because of us, and a
little help from the others I suppose!" Spike had every reason to be
proud, as of course did the many who were involved in this incredible
rescue. They would not know for some time that those organising this
evacuation thought that about 70,000 could be got off the beaches.  The
evacuation had lasted nine days and by the time the last man had been
taken off a total of 192,226 British troops had been evacuated and
139,000 French troops. Simon tried to work out how many
"Peace" had rescued and came up with a rough score of 800/1000+, they
would never know for sure.
A German invasion of Briton was still a possibility of course, but at
least we would have an army to fight them with even if just about every
weapon had to be left behind. America would come to the rescue and sell
us billions of dollars worth of war materials and we would not stop
paying for them until the 31st Dec 2006. They would also, eventually,
join in the fight, but if it had not been for the evacuation of Dunkirk
which allowed an army to defend the country and winning the Battle of
Briton which was soon to follow, Hitler would be free to invade and no
American would get anywhere near the country if he did. With Briton
occupied there would be no invasion of France by the allies.

For the first time since they had first arrived at Dunkirk they could
relax a little and just cruise back home. There were 20 men, a couple
of them were injured, but not seriously. Tony and Simon at long last
had a few minutes to themselves when they were in the wheel house
together.
"Feel good Tony?" He asked.
"Too bloody sure I do handsome. I know we have seen things that will
never leave us, but think of what we have done for hundreds of men. All
of us can be proud to bits and Simon you know I told you about my worries
about having to kill someone? Well, it may still happen, but I'm going to
join the medical corps and hope to save lives, not take them."
"For someone who doesn't say much, that was quite a lot...............
Tony?"
"What?"
"Oh nothing, its not important."
"Ok, but if you were going to ask me if I still love you, you don't have
to. We will both be going to join up soon and we will meet lots of
different blokes and I have no doubt become friends with many of them,
but NOBODY will ever be what you are to me Simon, we will just have to
trust one another and don't say it couldn't happen because that's what I
could say as well. I love you and have no doubt whatsoever I still will
be when we get this shit out of the way."
"Tony?"
"What now?" He laughed at Simon.
"Want to go to the hut when we get back?" Tony could not reply as Gary
came in, but the pinch on his ass told Simon all he needed to know. They
could have no idea what was ahead for both of them.

It was a beautiful day and had this been peace time they would have
enjoyed it much more, but they could be excused, after all they had been
through, not to be taking much notice of what was going on around them.
It would be Simon's binoculars that would bring them back to reality.
Andrew was at the helm, Spike down in the engine room and Tony and Gary
chatting to the men. Simon was happily sitting on top of the wheel house
looking at the Cliffs of Dover in the far distance. He scanned round and
the next thing he saw was a Messerschmitt 109 coming straight at them!
Simon yelled out at the top of his voice.
"DAD! A 109! HARD TO STARBOARD!" Andrew threw the wheel round to head
straight into the attack and at the same time everyone dived onto the
deck. Simon scrambled down and got behind the wheel house and as he did
he heard the fighter screaming at them and then the gun fire. It flew
over and all hell broke loose. It took just a few seconds and the attack
was over, incredibly only one was injured, but it was bad and it was
Andrew. What they would never know was the 109 pilot had no cannon shells
left and on this attack used his last burst of machine gun ammunition
other wise it could have possibly killed the whole lot of them. He would
fly home and possibly collect an Iron Cross for his bravery in attacking
a small pleasure craft.

Simon got into the wheelhouse and screamed for Gary. His father's
face was covered in blood with at least a gaping wound on the left side
of his head. There was another wound to the left shoulder as well as
glass splinters in his face. Simon resigned himself for the worse and
just stood looking down at him while Gary went to work. Tony took Simon
outside. "Come on Simon, let Gary work on your dad." Simon stood there
looking on while the Gary did his job and the boat without a helmsman.
Spike came and stood next to Simon and put his arm around him and Tony
went to help Gary. Simon had no idea of time and he could not move, but
at last Gary turned towards him and spoke. "You are in charge now Simon
and we have to get to Dover as quick as we can." Simon got a grip of
himself and stepped over his father and took the wheel and got back on
course and at the same time opened the throttles wide and that's where
they would stay.

Together Gary and Tony worked to try to stop the blood flow, but by now
he had lost a lot of it and the wheel house was covered. It was like a
crime scene and all Simon could do was concentrate on the compass and
make sure he stayed on course. Spike stood next to him the whole way and
would not move. Some of the lads asked if there was anything they could
do, but there was nothing and they went back and prayed. Andrew was in
Gary's hands quite literally as he squeezed the huge rip in Andrew's head
together. Tony did as Gary asked and wiped the blood from Andrew's head
and other wounds.

Simon knew it would be at least another two hours before they made Dover
and with no radio he could not call up for help. That two hours was the
longest of his young life and all the time expecting to be told his
father had gone. All he had to cling onto was he knew his father was a
tough man and had already survived a terrible injury when his leg had
been shattered during the Great War, but of course he was much younger
and fitter then. He braved himself to turn round and looked at this scene
of his father laying unconscious with blood all over the place. Gary and
Tony were still working, but Simon was sure the flow had lessened and
asked Gary. "Not too bad Simon, at least its not getting any worse. Keep
going mate, your dad is made of strong stuff."

At last Dover was only a mile off and at least Simon was thinking.
"Spike, take the wheel." He moved out of the way and Spike grabbed the
wheel and watched Simon as he switched the spot light on and directed it
at the harbour and sent an SOS. Dash Dash Dash-Dot Dot Dot-Dash Dash
Dash. He kept that up and then told Spike to take over. It seemed no one
had seen them, but as he approached the harbour he saw a number of men
looking at them through binoculars. "Keep sending Spike!"

"Spike, use the megaphone and tell them we need an ambulance." Spike
yelled out to the men standing on the pier over and over again. The other
lads on the boat were also shouting, but maybe this did it, "ARE YOU
FUCKING LOT DEAF?! GET AN AMBULANCE..........NNNOW!" At last someone took
notice and they saw him run off. There had been a lot of ambulance
movements over the past few days, but there was much less so now
as nearly all the troops were back.

They had a bit of luck in finding a mooring free and Simon took "Peace"
to it and Spike tied her up. The silence that fell over the boat when he
turned the engines off was deafening. Simon could now concentrate fully
on his father. "How is he Gary?" Gary and Tony looked up at Simon, they
looked dreadful as they were covered in blood and all of it his dad's.
"Honestly Simon its looking a bit better, we have managed to stop the
flow, but only because we got hold of both sides of the wound, Tony and I
have taken turns to clamp them together. When he gets to hospital they
will be able to clamp it properly. Don't know about the shoulder though
we have not been able to get to it except to get a pad on it, its pretty
deep and still bleeding. Still, the really good bit is he has a strong
pulse and a good colour, all good signs. I really feel he is going to
make it Simon. Is that the ambulance?" It was and everyone breathed a
sigh of relief. As Andrew was taken off the boat Simon looked at Spike.
"You off then?"
"No chance, I'm staying here until things calm down a bit and when I know
your dad is ok, I will think about going. There's plenty of time Simon,
now fuck off and say hello from me when he wakes up."
"Cheers Spike. I don't know how to thank you enough." Spike smiled at
Simon and went down memory lane, all the way back to the football match.
"Fuck off and look after your dad."

Two hours later Simon, Tony and Gary were sitting next to Andrew's bed
looking at the dressings that almost covered his face. As Gary had told
him, Andrew had had the wound cleaned and 15 clamps had been attached,
they were thin spring metal strips shaped like a horse shoe, at the end
of the strips was a hook. Pliers opened the clamp and when it was in
place the pliers were released and the clamp closed with the hooks
digging into each side of the wound pulling it together. Once that was
done, the required number of stitches were inserted and in Andrew's case,
50 of them. The bullet remained in his shoulder and after cleaning the
wound it would stay like that until Andrew's condition improved and be
strong enough for have it taken out. The doctors were happy with him and
were confident he would be out in a couple of weeks, maybe three. The
relief on all of them was obvious. Simon could not take his eyes off of
his father, but spoke to Tony and Gary. "Thanks both of you, I'm sure you
saved dad's life by what you did on the way back." He paused and really
did not want to say the next bit, but felt he had to. "You make a good
team." He looked up at them and wished they were not smiling like they
were.

Simon stayed with his father all night and Gary and Tony went back to the
boat to try to sleep. They got on board and saw Spike cleaning the wheel
house out, it was almost free of blood, he must have worked the whole
time they were away. They all set too and by the time even more hours had
passed the whole boat was as clean as they could get it. They had removed
the glass from the front of the wheel house and got rid of it an
then they all settled down and managed to sleep, they were exhausted.
Simon meanwhile slumped in his chair fast asleep next to his dad.

Tony and Gary left the boat the next day to walk to the hospital talking
about all that they had experienced and wondering how Andrew was.
"I am sure he will be fine Tony. Can I say something?"
"Course."
"Well, please don't take this the wrong way, but its what Simon said
about us being a good team. I don't know about you, but I liked that and
he is right, we do and I wish we could be much more than that if you
understand what I'm getting at."
"I understand very well, but you need to know Simon and I are also a good
team. He is right though, you and I worked well together and I think I
want to join the Medical Corps and do what you do."
"I will help in anyway I can, can I have your address and I will write to
you if I can help you get in?"
"Thanks, I would like that." They walked on, both thinking different
thoughts and if Tony had known what Gary was thinking it would cause him
a big concern, Gary was not quite the nice chap everyone first thought he
was.

Andrew was awake and Simon a much relieved young man. Andrew Walsh was
indeed made of strong stuff. Simon asked where Paul was. "He's staying
with "Peace" there has been some looting and he wont leave until you get
back. The harbour master says it would be best to get the boat back
home other wise there will be no boat to take back.
"What do you think dad?"
"I don't want you to sail on with just you two, would Spike go back with
you?"
"It would not be fair to ask him." Simon turned to Tony. "Are you coming
back with me, because I'm going as soon as I know dad is ok and you may
have other plans." Andrew did not wait for Tony to answer.
"You cant sail on your own Simon, I forbid it."
"Tough dad, there is nothing you can do about it. I'm not leaving without
"Peace" and if I have to do it on my own I will."
"Is there any chance I can say something?" The tone in Tony's voice said
he was a bit pissed off. "I'm going back with you Simon, whatever way we
go. I'm just surprised you didn't think I would." He looked hard at
Simon, Simon looked away.
"If you are ok by the day after tomorrow I will set off very early, about
3am, that will get us back in daylight, so don't argue, everything will
be fine, but it wont be if I leave "Peace" here and go by train." Andrew
was too tired to argue and had no choice but to agree.

Spike smiled at Simon when he Tony and Gary came back to the boat. Simon
was more than pleased she looked so good. "Christ thanks lads, I thought
I was coming back to what it was. Thanks a million."
"Right boys I have to go, its been great meeting you all, we will have
some stories to tell that's for sure." He turned to Tony. "I will write
to you when I find out the best way for you to join up after your
birthday. I already know you will do well and I could even be training
you, as Simon said you and I are a great team." They all shook hands and
thanked Gary again and watched as he walked off towards the harbour
gates. Tony turned and looked at Simon. "We need to talk, NOW." Spike
knew what was coming even if he did not know what all this was about, he
had a good guess though and needed to get the hell out of there. "Fuck,
this sounds bad, I'm off to find a cup of tea, see you two when your war
is over, but don't forget we are on a boat called "Peace?".

"You just listen to me Mr Fucking Simon "got it all wrong" Walsh. I have
told you before how I feel about you and how I love you and said I will
NEVER look at another bloke in the same way as I look at you, so what's
all this, "I will take "Peace" back on my own shit about? Gary is a great
chap and all he is doing is helping me get into the medical corps and if
you think there is something going on, then you are NOT the boy I fell in
love with. For CHRISTS sake how many more times do I have to tell you
Simon?" Simon was somewhat pissed off with himself and knew he had fucked
up big time. "I'm sorry Tony, I really am. I could try and make excuses
but that would only make me a bigger shit. I am SO sorry." Tony looked up
at Simon. "We have all been through a lot and we are all fucked, but we
need to get back soon and get back to work. Your dad will be fine, he
wont suffer too much more because he is so tough. Simon your dad is one
of the nicest men I have ever met and his son is the one bloke in my life
I cant do without. I love you, you dim sod and one day you will get that
into your thick head. Only ONE of us will fuck us up and that's you not
me." Spike would be another hour before he risked coming back to the boat
and in all that time two young men where cuddled together in the aft
cabin kissing in a rather homosexual manner.

Simon and Spike went to the hospital leaving Tony to look after "Peace."
Spike wanted to say goodbye to Andrew.
"Thanks for everything you have done Spike and I wish you well. Stay safe
son and good luck, your father will become very proud of you I am sure,
come back home on leave and look us up sometime." Spike, despite
supposedly being the hard man shook Andrew's hand at the same time
rubbing the tears away.
Back on the boat there were more tears as they stood in the saloon
cuddled up together. All the words had been said and now Spike had to get
out. With one last look and smile he jumped onto the pier and left the
two nicest people in his life and was still in love with one of them.
Spike was off to give Hitler a bad time.

"Right, you are sure "Peace" is ready to sail?"
"Yes dad."
"Fuel topped up?"
"Yes dad."
"Food and water?"
"Yes dad."
"You got the hospital phone number?"
"Yes dad."
There was a long silence and the boys wanted to get out now, this was
getting difficult.
"Take care lads, please take care." They both said their goodbyes and
left.

Back on the boat they tried to settle down cuddled up together, but sleep
was impossible. It was 1am.
"Fuck it Tony, shall we go now?"
"Yes skipper, lets go home." Simon started both engines and let them warm
up while the two of them checked the boat. All seemed well and with Simon
at the wheel, Tony took the lines off. They were on their way, but even
on this trip they could not stay out of trouble.

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