#A2Z Challenge: S for Sierra

During 2018’s A-Z Challenge, we wrote the first draft of “The November Deadline” and to celebrate that this is now (finally) out with beta readers, we’ll be producing a daily piece of micro-fiction linked to it – some prequel, some containing a detail not included in the story, some snippets from sequels currently being written.

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“Well, I never…!”
“M’lady?”
“No, it’s all right Millie, I was just thinking aloud.”

Robert’s parents had telephoned asking if she could make a place for Jenkins. Michaela hadn’t realised he’d been Robert’s man even before the army. Assigned to be Robert’s valet when he was still young, if a little older than Robert himself, he’d signed up at the same time. Quickly appointed as Robert’s batman, he’d remained faithfully at his side thereafter – even to the extent of being injured at the same time. Undoubtedly, Robert’s death would leave a hole, unfathomable to any other than perhaps Michaela herself.

While rather on the pompous side, she knew Robert always felt safe in Jenkins’ care, and he was said to have considerable skills. She decided to talk it over with Tink and Billy. If they both thought he could be useful, maybe they could share the Sierra story with him.

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Author’s note: For those new to the world of the November Deadline, Echo is keeping a number of secrets. There are only four people who know everything – Benjamin Franklin might have revised his opinion if he’d met Jack, Mike, Tink, and Billy – and the Sierra story is almost everything.

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© 2021, David Jesson & Debra Carey