THE COMMON ENEMY OF MAN_ Chapter Fifteen_ THE GIRL WITH SILVER EYES

 

"We all carry within us the common enemy of Man: a future death. 

A man's life, if it be of any worth, is a continuous allegory and very few eyes can pierce its mystery." 

- Eileen Henderson 

Lucas felt Lt. Durtz's eyes on him like a brush of hot wind.

Her voice sighed, "Eileen often talked of her "magician" partner who saved her when the Reich was closing in on her."

Ingrid Durtz's body shivered as if wishing to free itself from the mournful recollection.

"He was crafty like a fox,' she told me, 'clever, his genius curious, and his calm under fire amazing."

Lucas cleared his throat, uncomfortable at hearing his only friend's private thoughts, especially when her spirit had just been so malefic. 

For a heartbeat, it seemed that Lucas could see the misty outline of her demonic face fill her quarters.

As quick as a knife flashing out of the darkness, it was gone.

"It only seemed that way from the outside."

He grimaced. "The inside of my mind was much more chaotic."

Lt. Durtz lightly touched a half-filled glass on Henderson's vanity table.

"She did not finish her Ginger Ale and Brandy. 'Dutch Courage' she called it."

Lucas made a face, and M&M followed suit. "I'm with you, pal. That sounds terrible."

"Lucas, call me Lucas."

The man's craggy face became granite. "You're Captain Lucas?"

Lucas nodded.

"Major General Donovan has ordered me to kill you on sight."

Lt. Durtz cried out, "M&M, no!"