As an eager fan of war and spy films and books, I drew on my memories of all the spies I have watched and read about over the years, while using my imagination for this book.
Most spies worked in enemy territory like those brave men and women who were recruited during the war and sent for intensive training at secret locations. After learning to use a wireless for communication, codes, and being put through terrifying interviews to simulate those that they might endure if captured, they were given false identities. They had to make sure they did not carry anything British with them; clothes, personal belongings, must all be authentic for one slip could mean exposure and death, not only for them but also the men and women of the Resistance. They helped French patriots cause mayhem by blowing up trains and ammunition dumps, while sending information home. Using the wireless was dangerous because the enemy could pick up the signal and some agents were captured and tortured. They must have lived in daily fear of discovery and carried cyanide pills to take their own lives rather than betray secrets through torture.
Tom’s situation was different. For my story, he had to suffer the disgrace of being demoted and to act out the part of a bitter man to expose the traitor in their midst. If the truth became known, he would be ruthlessly killed – and, if his commanding officer should die, he might well be blamed and shot as a spy himself.