Chapter 6Ben was occupied with the topics covered at a most useful conference as he left the coffee house and began to walk along the Strand. However, his onward momentum halted as he heard a familiar voice call, “Harding, is that you?”
The distinctive tones of one of Ben’s former commanding officers made him turn automatically to deliver a sharp salute, regardless of his maimed limb or the fact that Colonel Graham, like Ben, was garbed in civilian clothing. At first glance, the colonel was an innocuous middle-aged man, short, slight, and grey haired, but as Ben had quickly realised, his appearance belied the force of his personality.
“At ease, Captain,” Colonel Graham responded with a smile.
“Sir,” Ben replied, deliberately relaxing his posture and leaning slightly on his cane.
“What
