Seven days after the harbour market visit, Rob was sunning himself on the barracks’ steps, snatching a few minutes respite from the cellar’s dank atmosphere, when he noticed WO Whitmore marching towards him. Fearing a reprimand, he was supposed to be clearing out a pile of rubbish, he quickly sprang to attention, but it turned out the officer had more important matters on his mind than a sergeant’s idleness.
‘I trust you can drive, Harper,’ Whitmore said after acknowledging Rob’s salute.
‘Yes, sir. Learnt during my training.’
‘Jolly good. Come with me.’
As they walked towards the villa, Whitmore advised that important papers had to be delivered to an army major in Sorrento and unfortunately, his usual driver had reported sick.
Rob nodded, too busy envisaging a pleasant coastal drive i
