The Codebreakers Read online

  ALII SINCLAIR, an adventurer at heart, has won multiple awards for her writing. She’s lived in Argentina, Peru and Canada, climbed some of the world’s highest mountains and worked as a tour guide in South and Central America. She enjoys immersing herself in exotic destinations, cultures and languages but Australia has always been close to Alli’s heart. Alli presents writing workshops around Australia and volunteers as a role model for Books in Homes. She also works on international film and TV projects as a screenwriter and producer. Alli’s books explore history, culture, love and grief, and relationships between family, friends and lovers. She captures the romance and thrill of discovering old and new worlds, and loves taking readers on a journey of discovery.

  Alli’s website is allisinclair.com

  Also by Alli Sinclair

  Luna Tango

  Under the Spanish Stars

  Beneath the Parisian Skies

  Burning Fields

  The Cinema at Starlight Creek

  Novellas

  Dreaming of Spain

  Parisian Dreams

  romance.com.au

  For the women and men of Central Bureau

  and all Allied signals intelligence

  departments and outposts

  Their Strength Lay in Silence

  CONTENTS

  Also by Alii Sinclair

  Part One

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Part Two

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Part Three

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Part Four

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Epilogue

  Author Note

  Acknowledgments

  Excerpt

  PART ONE

  CHAPTER ONE

  Brisbane, Queensland—April 1943

  Ellie O’Sullivan lay on the tarmac, shaded by the wing of the Lockheed Lodestar. She tightened the wheel bolt, happy this was her last task for the day that had started at 4 am. She adored her engineering work at Qantas Empire Airways but realising her dream had come at a cost with this war that had torn her family—and countless others—apart.

  Ellie stood, placed her hand on the wing and sent a silent prayer, just like she did every time she finished working on one of these beautiful metal birds. She hoped this simple act kept the air crew safe on the flight to New Guinea to drop medical supplies and food to the Allied troops.

  The midday glare hit her eyes and she shaded them with her hand. A man dressed in a navy blue suit and dark grey hat walked with purpose towards her. He exuded the same air of confidence he had the previous two days.

  ‘Good afternoon, Miss O’Sullivan.’

  ‘Hello, Mr Andrews.’ Ellie wiped her hands with the rag and shoved it in the back pocket of her overalls. ‘Today’s not the day.’

  ‘I really hope it is, Miss O’Sullivan. As much as I enjoy getting out of the office, I do not wish to spend time on a hot tarmac.’

  ‘Until you can give me a decent reason as to why I should go with you, then you’ll have to keep up the visits.’ She glanced over at Kat Arnold, her co-worker and roommate, who watched from the edge of the hangar.

  ‘Miss O’Sullivan, as we’ve discussed, I am not at liberty to divulge details until you come with me.’ Mr Andrews motioned with his hand to follow him.

  Ellie crossed her arms.

  ‘Miss O’Sullivan …’

  ‘Can’t you find someone else to harass?’

  ‘There are very good reasons we wish to speak with you.’

  Kat took a step out of the hangar. Ellie cupped her hand around her mouth and called, ‘It’s okay, Kat. I’ll see you in a bit.’

  Kat tilted her head to the side as if asking ‘are you sure?’

  Ellie gave a broad smile and waved off her friend. Kat disappeared into the hangar, no doubt compiling a list of questions to bombard Ellie with later.

  Mr Andrews reached into his suit pocket and pulled out an envelope. ‘I am not supposed to hand you this until you’re in the car, but I see I have no choice.’

  Ellie accepted the envelope and studied her name written with expert penmanship. On the top right-hand corner CONFIDENTIAL had been stamped in red ink. She opened it slowly, her greasy fingers leaving streaks on the stiff paper.

  Dear Miss O’Sullivan,

  We request you accompany Lieutenant William Andrews to attend a skills test for potential work within our organisation. It is a matter of urgency and importance.

  Sincerely,

  Commanding Officer Albert Buckley

  Ellie looked up at Lieutenant Andrews. ‘Who is Commanding Officer Buckley?’

  ‘He works for Supreme Commander Douglas MacArthur.’

  ‘He’s in charge of the Allied forces in the Southwest Pacific, right?’

  ‘Yes.’

  She waved the letter in the air. ‘Is this supposed to scare me?’

  ‘It is supposed to show you the seriousness of this situation,’ he said.

  ‘What situation? Why can’t you just tell me?’

  ‘The only information you need right now is that if you pass this test, you will be involved in an operation that is integral to helping the Allies win this war.’

  ‘I’m already contributing to the war effort. The government has taken over most of QEA’s fleet so we can rescue people and get essential supplies to our troops.’

  ‘I appreciate the value of your work.’ His tone was measured. ‘If you could just come with me then you’ll have ample opportunity to discuss this with the person in charge.’

  ‘General MacArthur?’ she asked.

  ‘No, but these are his wishes.’

  ‘Why don’t you wear a uniform if you’re a lieutenant?’ she asked.

  ‘I must remain inconspicuous when visiting potential candidates. We do not want to raise suspicion among your colleagues.’

  ‘Do you work in Intelligence?’

  ‘This question shows me you’re already a good candidate. Now, will you come with me?’

  Ellie’s fingers wrapped around the letter. She had two choices—stand and argue until one of them melted onto the tarmac or do as Lieutenant Andrews requested and get it over with.

  ‘My shift’s finished so I’ll get my things.’ She made her way to the hangar and entered the ladies’ change room. Kat was nowhere in sight.

  Ellie washed her hands with vigour, yet the grease stubbornly remained in the creases of her skin. She unbuttoned her overalls and changed into her day clothes—a simple floral dress, hat and lace-up shoes.

  Ellie made her way to where Lieutenant Andrews stood next to the Lodestar.

  ‘She’s a beauty, eh
?’ Ellie ran her hand along the wing, her fingers brushing across the rivets. ‘There’s something magical about taking to the skies. A freedom that can’t be found anywhere else.’

  ‘Free as a bird, so they say.’

  ‘Exactly.’ She dropped her hand to her side. ‘But you’re not here to listen to my musings.’

  ‘I actually find them interesting,’ said Lieutenant Andrews. ‘Although I do request we move along.’

  Ellie walked with Lieutenant Andrews to the car in the visitor’s carpark. He went to open the back door, but she took a step towards the front.

  ‘If you wish.’ Lieutenant Andrews opened the passenger door and she got in, the leather creaking as she settled herself against the seat.

  Silence filled the car as they drove away from the airfield. Ellie concentrated on the vacant paddocks that led to streets lined with one-storey suburban houses, a bridge over the river and, eventually, the city centre.

  They drove past the soldiers on the streets—Australian, American, Dutch, British, Free French, New Zealander, Chinese, Filipino, Indian and Canadian. They were a common sight with over one hundred thousand troops now using Brisbane as the staging post for fighting the war in the Pacific.

  Lieutenant Andrews continued through the city centre and to the grand suburb of Ascot, where impeccable gardens surrounded beautiful mansions. He turned on to Mayfield Street where he parked in front of a small weatherboard house. She got out and walked with him down the garden path but faltered when they reached the steps leading to the front door.

  ‘Miss O’Sullivan, I understand your hesitation but—’

  The wire door swung open and a portly woman of around sixty stepped out. Her grey hair was pulled into a tight bun. The smile lines around her eyes helped Ellie relax—only a little.

  ‘Miss O’Sullivan, it is so lovely of you to join us. I’m Mrs Jocelyn McGinnis.’ She held open the door.

  Ellie stepped inside, the cool air wrapping around her. The walls of the hallway were bare, except for picture hooks and faint rectangular shadows where frames had once hung.

  She followed Mrs McGinnis into the front room that contained two desks and four chairs. Mrs McGinnis motioned for Ellie to sit on a wooden chair in front of a desk.

  ‘Tea with milk?’ Mrs McGinnis asked.

  ‘Yes, please.’

  Mrs McGinnis passed the cup and Ellie reached for it, her hands shaking.

  ‘Tea is a rare commodity these days,’ said Mrs McGinnis.

  ‘Yes.’ Ellie took a sip, delighting in the sweet richness. Ever since the Japanese had entered the war and closed off the route to Ceylon, tea had been rationed and coupons were needed to buy it. Understandably, the military had priority over Australian civilians.

  ‘We appreciate you resisting our request. It shows you are not willing to take anything at face value.’

  Ellie put her cup down on the saucer. ‘Could you please tell me what this skills test is for?’

  ‘I’m afraid that’s not possible.’

  Frustrated, Ellie looked around. The room was immaculate, not a paper in sight. There were no photos of family members, no half-empty glasses of water, no pencils scattered across the highly polished wooden desks.

  ‘Miss O’Sullivan, I promise all will be revealed in time.’

  Ellie leaned forward. ‘I know this has something to do with General MacArthur but all this cloak-and-dagger stuff is a little … a lot … disconcerting. Can you please just give me something?’

  ‘Florence Jeffreys.’

  Ellie straightened her spine. ‘What does she have to do with this?’

  ‘Florence is a member of our organisation and she gave us your name.’

  ‘She’s here? In Brisbane?’

  ‘Yes.’

  Florry had left Qantas a year ago to look after her mother up north. She hadn’t kept in touch with Ellie, despite promising to write regularly. It had upset Ellie initially given they were such good friends, but she’d figured Florry had a good reason. And now Ellie had an inkling as to why.

  Mrs McGinnis opened a drawer and took out a stack of paper. She placed it face down on the desk and handed Ellie two pencils. ‘Please complete this to the best of your ability. You will have three hours and once you start you cannot leave this room. Would you like to use the ladies’ first?’

  Ellie looked at the papers. There was no chance of excusing herself from this test. Besides, the Florry connection intrigued her.

  ‘Maybe I should do this tomorrow? After I’ve had some sleep? It’s been a long day and I’m not exactly at my best.’

  ‘Which is why we would like you to do it now.’

  ‘If you could just tell me a bit more about …’ Her words trailed off when Mrs McGinnis gave her a stern look. Ellie stood. ‘Can you please direct me to the loo?’

  She followed Mrs McGinnis down the hallway and outside the house to the toilet. Mrs McGinnis hovered outside. Ellie took her time, trying to figure out why Florry had resurfaced in such an odd way.

  Ellie sucked in her breath.

  Was Florry a spy?

  She shook her head. How ridiculous.

  A knock on the door hurried her along.

  ‘Just a minute.’

  Ellie made her way back to the front room, wishing there was an open door in the hallway to peek through, but they were all shut. She settled at the desk.

  ‘You may start now.’ Mrs McGinnis checked her watch.

  Ellie turned over the first page. There were two crosswords. It can’t be that hard. She looked at the second and subsequent pages with a series of letters and numbers in squares and questions asking her to identify patterns.

  She looked up. ‘I’ve never done these kinds of puzzles.’

  ‘Just do your best.’ Mrs McGinnis walked out and closed the door firmly behind her.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Ellie trudged up the stairs to her house, opened the wire door then made her way to the bedroom. Kat lay on the bed reading the book Ellie had loaned her.

  ‘Are you okay?’ Her friend moved to a sitting position and rested her back against the wall. ‘You’ve been gone for hours. Were you with that man?’

  ‘What man?’

  ‘The tall one. Rather handsome for someone old enough to be our father.’

  Ellie laughed a little too hard.

  ‘So?’ Kat pressed.

  Ellie opened her mouth then closed it again.

  The words of warning from Mrs McGinnis and Lieutenant Andrews swirled in her mind. She despised being put in a position where she had to lie to her friend. ‘He’s … a … a …’

  ‘A what? A new beau?’

  ‘What? No!’ Ellie scoffed. ‘He’s a friend of my parents. He was in town, so we went for a walk along the river and stopped for afternoon tea. I suspect he was checking up on behalf of my family.’

  Kat narrowed her eyes. ‘There’s a distinct odour in the air. It smells like fish.’

  Ellie took off her hat and placed it on her trunk. ‘All I can smell are sweet roses.’

  Kat returned to her book while Ellie removed her shoes and massaged her feet. If she got offered the job, whatever it was, she’d have to decline. She was not suited to this hush-hush business.

  Her stomach grumbled.

  Kat kept her eyes trained on the book. Her mouth twitched. ‘I thought you’d had afternoon tea.’

  ‘I’m a growing girl,’ said Ellie.

  Kat pointed at the bedside table they shared. ‘This letter came for you.’

  Ellie recognised the writing and ripped the envelope open. She checked the date at the top of the page. ‘This was written in January. That’s three months ago!’

  ‘You know what the post is like.’

  ‘True,’ she said. ‘It’s been too long since I’ve heard from him.’

  Ellie focussed on the messy writing that always made her smile.

  To my dearest Bug,

  It’s been too long, I’m sorry.

  Ellie laughe
d at her words being echoed. They certainly were peas in a pod.

  I know you worry so I just wanted to let you know I am safe and sound. I love Perth and have a great fondness for this place, however, I do miss Singapore and flying Catalinas there. Every day brought new adventures, but, of course, I don’t miss being a target of the Japanese, even though the rules of war say commercial planes are not fair game. Unfortunately rules are broken every day.

  I ran into Captain Koch last week. Remember when he and his QEA crew were shot down evacuating Australians from Java? I hadn’t seen him since it had happened, but we got together and had a grand chat. I didn’t know he’d swum for nineteen hours with a broken leg and gunshot wounds before reaching land. I imagine the survivors he rescued are still awed by his incredible feat. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, don’t they?

  I still dream about the war ending and everyone I care about being safe. Then I wake to news about someone I know dying in this senseless war. I doubt I’ll ever understand why people do the things they do and how our world has become so bitter and fraught with danger.

  I’m so sorry, my dear friend, I didn’t intend to have gloom in this letter, but as we both know, there is not a lot of sunlight in the world these days. I certainly hope there are some sparks of light entering your life.

  Sending a big hug to my Bug,

  Louis

  Ellie folded the letter and placed it in the envelope.

  Kat leaned forward. ‘Everything all right?’

  Ellie nodded. ‘Louis is fine.’

  ‘Well, that’s great news.’

  ‘Yes.’ She clutched the envelope against her chest. ‘I really miss him.’

  ‘That’s understandable. You grew up in each other’s pockets.’ Kat tilted her head to the side. ‘What is it with you two?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘You tell me you are only friends …’

  ‘We are only friends. So?’

  ‘So, don’t you think it’s strange that he writes to you and not other girls?’ asked Kat.

  ‘I don’t know who he writes to and I don’t care. We’re just family friends.’ Ellie got up and tucked the envelope in her dresser drawer. She turned to find Kat studying her with narrowed eyes. ‘Friends and friends only!’