November 2019
I write flash fiction, non-fiction, essays and novels. This month’s Tease is from a novel in progress.
They finished their breakfast, cleared the table and filled the sink, before heading for the Jeep. Jessie drove with Molly at her side, up front, and Tumbleweed in the back, prepared to tuck with oncoming traffic. There was little and, as they wound down the road toward Deadman, it became obvious why. The whole canyon was filled with a dirty, cornflower haze. Visibility deteriorated with every drop in elevation. The rain from the previous night’s storm had done less to extinguish the wildfires than its wind and lightning had done to stoke them. Overhead, the sound of helicopters and PBY’s droned up and down the valley like worker bees. The acrid stench was potent, stinging Jessie’s nostrils. She removed her sunglasses and pulled her bandana down to wipe across her eyes.
“It’s got to be pretty close,” Molly guessed. “I wonder if any evacuations have been issued. I better call in.”
Author’s Note: Now and again The Tease has featured slices from my upcoming novel. This work is nearing completion and, in order not to spoil any of its outcomes, this will be the last monthly installment to draw upon that source. Fear not, The Tease will go on, and the novel (in its full form) will be available soon enough.
The exit sign. Does it read the same from the other side? No, same door, different purpose.