Read Online The Cadet Corporal by Christopher Cummings - Free Book Online Page B

won’t say. All they could tell me was that they were big and that they had hutchies wrapped around them which they wore like cloaks. Apparently when they ran forward they spread these like bat’s wings. They wore some sort of rubber masks, those horrible things you see in the novelty shops, and they had wigs made of scrim.”
    â€œHutchies!” Capt Conkey cried in astonishment. “I’ll give them bloody hutchies if I catch them. So there are no suspects?”
    â€œIt was suggested that Four Platoon were involved sir,” CSM Cleland replied, gesturing in Graham’s direction.
    At that CUO Grey scowled at Graham. “You got any proof Kirk?”
    Graham swallowed and wished he hadn’t spoken. He replied, “I heard their voices afterwards, and they thought it was very funny.”
    â€œWhose voices?” asked Capt Conkey as he glanced quickly at Graham.
    CSM Cleland answered. “Someone said they thought they heard Porno’s voice sir.”
    â€œPorno eh?” Capt Conkey replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Cpl Pornosittipol was a huge Thai, a Year 12 student who had been passed over for promotion. Along with two others he had been placed in what was called the ‘Control Group’, but more usually ‘the Enemy’, because that was the role they normally filled on exercises. The unit policy was that, if a cadet NCO was not promoted they were moved sideways onto an unofficial part of the establishment table, though still being enrolled and counted as a Cadet for official returns. This allowed more cadets to have a chance of being promoted.
    â€œHas he got an alibi?” Capt Conkey asked. Graham knew that Porno was a notorious practical joker and mischief maker.
    CSM Cleland nodded. “He claims he was with Four Platoon all the time and Sgt White and Cpl Bannister back that up,” he replied. He sounded annoyed.
    â€œWhat about Pigsy Pike?” Graham interjected.
    â€œBe quiet Cpl Kirk! Speak when you are asked,” Capt Conkey rapped back. He turned to the CSM. “Well?”
    â€œHe says he was with Four Platoon too sir. Others backed his story.”
    Capt Conkey frowned.“Do you think they are telling the truth?” he asked.
    CSM Cleland shook his head. “No sir.”
    At that CUO Grey became indignant. “Oh sir! That’s not fair, to blame my platoon without any evidence. We get blamed for everything.” He flashed Graham another venomous look, making him wish he had stayed away.
    â€œThat’s because it usually is Four Platoon,” Capt Conkey replied.
    â€œWe might be able to find something if we looked sir,” CSM Cleland suggested.
    At that Lt Maclaren chuckled. “We could rush the shovel to the police and have it checked for fingerprints.”
    Capt Conkey shook his head. “This is potentially serious Mel. If Carnes complains and we do nothing then it will look bad.”
    â€œFrom the quantity of shit thrown around a sniffer dog might be more use than fingerprints,” Lt Standish said, her face forming an impish smile. Graham was astounded. ‘I didn’t know she had a sense of humour!’ he thought.
    â€œHmmm. I wonder if a kit search would reveal anything?” Capt Conkey mused. He checked his watch. “Twenty three ten. Bit late, but I think we had better look into this business of the Hutchie Men straight away. It will settle the issue about Four Platoon’s guilt or innocence. Now, what are we going to do about Cadet Carnes?”
    Lt Standish said, “I will take Cadet Carnes over to the army camp. He can use the shower while I put all his clothes through the wash. We will be an hour or so.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea Jill. OK, off you go,” Capt Conkey replied.
    â€œDid you find Cpl Doyle’s section?” Lt Standish asked.
    Capt Conkey snorted. “Yes we did. They were just waiting beside the road down at the Highway