(1995) By Any Name Read Online Free PDF Page B

their full attention. ‘It’s easy to handle in the confines of urban situations and the limited space of air and ground troop-carriers, making it an ideal weapon for guerrilla and anti-terrorist warfare. The CRW… ’
    ‘What do those initials stand for?’ Simmonds interrupted.
    ‘Counter Revolutionary Warfare.’
    Elizabeth glanced at Dave, wondering if he’d picked up on the lilt in John’s voice, but Dave’s attention was fixed on John.
    ‘And this?’ Simmonds pushed another illustration across the table.
    ‘Franchi Spas 15, semi-automatic, 12 gauge, weight 3.90 kg without magazine. Range 50m, single shot. Can be loaded with various cartridges, capable of both pump action and semi-automatic fire. A grenade-launcher can be fitted to the muzzle, and there’s an optional extra of a scattering device which produces an instantaneous spread of pellets. Useful in hostage-rescue situations… ’

    ‘Used by special forces?’ Dave suggested.
    John looked at him through cold, expressionless eyes. ‘It’s used by forces specializing in hostage-rescue situations. It’s a good all-round multi-purpose weapon that can blow door hinges, and fire tear-gas and smoke rounds into buildings prior to storming, as in… ’
    ‘And this?’ Simmonds interrupted, glaring at Dave for daring to interfere.
    ‘SSG 69 Sniper rifle.’
    ‘There’s no need to discuss its uses. This?’ he overlaid the illustration with another.
    ‘Milan anti-tank gun.’
    ‘This?’
    ‘Stinger.’ The frown had reappeared on West’s forehead, and Elizabeth sensed he was struggling to put his comprehensive knowledge into a framework that would explain his situation.
    ‘Are you tired, West?’ The major softened his voice; it was quiet, suggestive, almost hypnotic.
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘Would you like to return to your room and rest?
    We can resume this later.’
    To the major’s irritation, John looked to Elizabeth.
    ‘Would you like to return to your room, John?’ she asked.
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘I’ll ask a porter to bring a wheelchair.’
    ‘There’s no need.’ He rose to his feet.
    ‘Hospital regulations, I’m afraid.’
    Elizabeth accompanied John to his room, steeling herself against the squeak of the wheels as they turned on the vinyl tiles of the corridor. A police officer opened the door to John’s room for them.
    She closed it as soon as the porter wheeled out the chair. John went to the window and resumed his study of the dismal urban scene spread out in front of them.
    ‘Looks like you know a great deal about the army and its equipment,’ she commented.
    ‘With emphasis on the weapons used by the Special Forces.’
    ‘Special forces as in SAS?’
    ‘Contrary to public belief, they aren’t the only special forces.’
    ‘You think you’re a member of one of the others?’
    His eyes were dark, anguished when he turned to face her. ‘I don’t know. I don’t fucking know!’ He slammed his clenched fist on the wooden sill. ‘I performed like a trained seal. I barked in the right places, but I still don’t know my fucking name.’
    ‘You will.’
    ‘You guarantee it?’ he enquired cynically.
    ‘When you stop trying so hard to remember and when you least expect it, your memory will return.’
    She glanced at her watch, ‘meanwhile, I suggest you try to rest. I’ll ask the nurse to bring you tea. Not that tea is any more appetising than anything else that comes out of the canteen, but there’s generally a cake or two hidden away in the fridge. What’s your preference?’
    ‘I don’t like sweet things,’ he replied automatically.
    ‘Then you’re more of a savoury man.’

    ‘Apart from dark chocolate. Give me a bar and it’s gone. Everyone complains they can never leave one in sight… ’
    ‘Who’s everyone, John?’
    His eyes clouded as he fought to remember.
    ‘It’s a thin veil,’ she reassured. ‘We’ll soon tear it down.’
    ‘I prefer your type of questions to the ones I got from those two