It was 8 August 1944, I had been called from my sentry duty in Amiens as part of the Red Ball Express. I arrived at my assigned hotel room and checked in at 20:04, room number 1127. I took my key found, my room and discovered a gorgeous room of red carpet, oak furniture and a queen sized bed. A vanity with a mirror sits on the far side and a night stand with a lamp and phone sits by the bed. Across from the bed sits a beautiful mahogany dresser with six drawers, you can tell it was hand carved, an ornamented clock sits on its surface. The wall is draped in a teal green wallpaper with little purple shells that decorate it at an even spacing. Little did I know this would be my home for the next three days.

9 August, 0745, I awaken and rise out of bed and quickly shave. I soon put on my olive drab class A uniform, three combat ribbons decorate my left breast. I quickly polish my shoes and don my field cap, the single silver bar gleams in the light. I step out in to the hall and make my way to the lobby. There I find the french, broken english speaking, attendants serving coffee. I pour my fill and grab a copy of the days paper. I exit the hotel and make my way to the government building, that serves as the regimental headquarters, which is only a few blocks way.

Gently sipping my pipping hot coffee, I pass street signs that have had its original lettering written over and replaced with first avenue, second avenue, so on and so forth. That's military efficiency for you, taking over the culture and replacing it with our own. I walk through the small city of mostly two to three story buildings stacked together like matchwood. A cool autumn breeze nips and my hands and face. In a short time I reach the government building which has its own garden and is ornamented like a palace compared to the drab buildings that surround it. I walk up the the steps, past the towering stone pillers, and up to the main entrance. There one can see soldiers there going to and fro busying themselves about their assigned tasks. I open the door and let myself in. There within is a big spacious lobby in which men go about.

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I walk up to the front desk and ask the receptionist "Where can I find colonel Garner's office?" She replies with a staunch accent, "These doors to the right, three doors down to left." I nod in appreciation, finish my coffee and follow my instructions. Upon entering the hall and sure enough, three doors down to the left, a sign reads, "Office of Colonel Cole Garner." I give three distinct knocks which are answered by a "Come in."

I enter and stand at attention, giving a sharp salute. The Colonel, with glasses drooping below his eyes and a pipe hanging from his mouth, sits there at his desk and returns my gesture. "You wanted to see me sir?" I ask. The Colonel starts "Ah you must be Roberts. Come take a seat, I have heard much about you." I take my place in the chair that sits in front of his desk. He continues. "I heard you were a detective in private life, is that true?" " Yes sir." I respond. "Good because I need your help. A platoon of men have gone missing over the last week and they are assumed to have gone AWOL. Until proven otherwise, those above me want them tried as deserters." "Who and where were they last seen?" I ask.

He reaches into his desk and pulls out a list of names and hands it to me. " Most of them are from B company, first and second platoons. The company is billeted just outside of town on the hill top. Look for Captain Pullman, he will have more details." "Oh and take this." He continues, handing me a slip of folded paper. "This is your orders saying you are to get what ever you need for your investigation. Also I heard of your exploits back in Normandy, we need more men like you. You are dismissed."

"Thank you sir." I say as I rise and give a crisp salute. He once again returns my gesture as I do a sharp about face and head for the door. "Oh and Roberts." he stops me, "One more thing, there has been reports of German spies on the loose. Be careful and good luck." I nod in recognition and exit.