Sunday Snippet: Behind the Line (a Night Raven Banner novella)

Not sure I'm readyfor December. The last few months have really flown by, and I can't seem to keepup. I must be getting old. Or life is coming at me fast and that's why I'm strugglingto stay in the moment.

And because I'm failingat staying in the moment, I started a daily post for self-care on Instagram andBlue Sky. Each day I'm going to post something that I do just for me to help meshed stress and enjoy a few minutes of me time.

To that end, Imight be including some television shows, so keep an eye out for a few specialsthat aren't in my normal rotation.

I did get two episodesof My Life Is Murder in this week. I'm a little puzzled by the change inlocation from Australia to New Zealand, but I'm running with it for now.

I also finished upthe bonus episodes from Agatha Raisin season two and caught the premiereof season three. I kind of miss Gemma but Toni is a lot of fun.

Watched twoepisodes of Silent Witness. Hard to say goodbye to Thomas and it's weirdto not see Clarissa at the Lyell anymore. I do like the new vibe Jack and Nikkihave. Looking forward to seeing if they add any new cast members.

Also enjoyed twoepisodes of Death in Paradise. Camille left for Paris and Humph isworking through the new dynamic. I really enjoy this show and I'm so glad I cansee it in chronological order.

Finished OnlyMurders in the Building and I did get the villains right. Excellent thirdseason and I'm excited about season four because who saw that one coming withthe new victim?

Caught anotherepisode of The Batman and enjoyed it. The dynamic between Bruce andAlfred is a lot of fun.

Watched anotherepisode of Classic Rugrats. The two vignettes are ones I remembered andenjoyed the first time around. I love it when the parents truly have no ideawhat's going on.

Enjoyed another episodeof VIP. The over-the-top villains are always entertaining. I truly missthat sometimes.

Also watchedanother episode of Peak Practice. Once again, I'm not interested at allin one of the storylines, but I do love the two new cast members and what'sgoing on with them.

And that's it for thelife update this week. Tonight's post is from Behind the Line, an Under theNight Raven Banner novella.

Here's theminiblurb:

Emory Cavendish is trapped behind enemy lines and VerityJones mounts a rescue mission, thinking she won't get much help. Surprisedoesn't express her emotion when every other pilot jockeys for a spot on theteam to save Emory. Their hard-won acceptance fills Verity with confidence andgratitude. She'll need their full support to bring Emory home.

And a preview snippet…

Verity stuck her handout from under the plane. "Can you hand me the wrench?"

Percy Longfellow placeda metal object in her palm.

Verity started to raisethe tool up to tighten a bolt then rolled her eyes. "A wrench, Longfellow,not a vice grip." She slid out a little. "The silver object with thehexagon-shaped opening." Her lips twitched.

Percy shrugged."There's a reason I only fly these things." He found the correct tooland gave it to her.

She rolled back underthe plane and tightened the bolt then moved her fingers along the cable to makesure it held tightly. Satisfied, she started to move over to the next area.

A pilot came runninginto the hangar. "Jones! We made contact." He paused, bending over atthe waist and dragging air into his lungs.

Verity slid out fromunder the plane again. "With the resistance?" That would be excellentnews.

The pilot straightenedand shook his head. "No, with Cavendish."

She dropped the wrench,her mouth hanging open. "You're not joking, are you?" Holy shit!

She scrambled to herfeet and put the wrench away, the ingrained lessons from her dad neverforgotten.

Percy stilled herhands. "Go, Verity. No one would joke about that." He nudged hertoward the door. "I'll take care of putting your tools away."

She went, her headfilled with wonder, fear, and … love. Ducking into the communications shed, sheput the headset on. "Night Raven base to Cavendish, over." The radiocrackled and squawked, and she made an adjustment to the frequency. "Emory,is everything okay?" Dragging in a shuddering breath, she bounced her kneewith impatience.

Emory's voice camethrough the headset. "It's all good here."

Sinking with relief, Veritystarted peppering him with questions. "How? How did you manage to makecontact?" He'd never risk something not secure.

Emory chuckled. "Ithink I'm working with some of your long-lost family members. Their ingenuityreminds me of you." Another burst of static followed his statement.

She smiled, so damnedhappy she could burst. "It's so good to hear your voice."

Emory concurred."Same. I found the beacon and managed to make sure it worked. I'm assumingyou know my location?"

Verity nodded. "Weknow the plane's location. Yours, we're a little iffy on."

Emory responded. "I'mat a farmhouse. It's about three clicks from the plane."

Now it would be so mucheasier to launch their retrieval operation.

Verity looked at themap on the wall. "This is good. We're coming to get you, Emory. Probablywithin two to three days now that we have your exact location." A tap onher shoulder from Worthington had her making a hasty farewell. "Hangtight. I'll see you soon." She handed the headset to the CO. "I'msorry for the breach in protocol, sir."

Worthington's lipscurved. "We can let it slide this time, Jones. Be ready for a briefingfirst thing in the morning."

Verity lifted her chin."Yes, sir." She practically danced out of the comm shed whileWorthington spoke to his CAG. "Not long now, Emory. I'll have you backsoon."

I have so much lovefor this series. I think everything is finally coming together and I'm havingso much fun writing these characters.

 

That's it for thisweek.

Cheers!

Skye