He's Pretty Much No-Nonsense-An Excerpt

“I would have never known,” John responded.

“He’s not the type to go crazy over anyone, but he thinks you are ready to leave the nest. Only you are getting a chance to do so sooner than most. He trusts my judgment. I’ve told him of your abilities, plus all your jungle flying experience only helped him with his decision. We think you arrived here fully capable and the process is just a formality.”

“Not to mention Paul Abbot,” Rachel said.

“Don’t tell me he decided to leave?” John asked.

“He can’t exactly stay here with a special needs child. His place is with his family,” said Steve.

“I know. I thought there was something that could be done here for them,” said John.

“I’ll have to tell you about the boarding schools later.” Steve knew he still had a lot to show John “But that pales in comparison to how harsh an environment ours would be for a pilot trying to meet his child’s requirements.”

“I know how badly he wanted to stay,” said John.

“God still has plans for him,” Steve reminded.

But do those plans include flying? John thought.

“Tomorrow we’ll hit some mountain passages and see how you handle ‘em,” said Steve.

“I’m ready to hit it,” said John.

“Understand that Jason cares for everyone here and is careful how he dispatches the pilots and missionaries. He has to evaluate everyone. No slackers, no individuals, and definitely no hot shots,” Steve said.

“Yeah, I figured him as no nonsense,” said John.

“Just remember, there is a lot of pressure that comes with his job. And there’s a whole string of events that led him here,” said Steve.

“I guess so,” John said. He reluctantly pushed back from the table. “I’d better go.”

Jeffrey W. Bennett, is the author of Commitment-A Novel and other non-fiction books, novels and periodicals.

Is that a Problem? An Excerpt from Commitment A Novel

“John, I know you are tolerating the time here you aren’t flying. After all, you’ve made quite an impression on the other pilots and mechanics,” said Steve a few weeks later over after-dinner coffee.

“I guess my background as a crew chief and mechanic actually came in handy.”

“All the other families talk about how you’ve been helping out with teaching. Some of the pilots say you are a natural with air frames and powerplants,” Rachel, Steve’s wife said.

“That’s all fine, but what about Jason? I need to earn his respect or something. I’ve got to figure out how to make him see I’m ready to start some serious flying.”

“I really don’t think that will be too far into the future.”

John noticed Rachel’s pursing lips and quivering chin, her attempt to hide a mischievous smile.

“Okay, guys, what’s going on? I’ve only known you a little while, but nonetheless, too well.”

“It’s like this. No matter how you imagine your relationship with Jason, he respects you tremendously. But he knows your heart isn’t in it for the long haul,” said Steve.

“Who does he think...,” said John.

“Hold on now, let me finish. We’ve had lots of pilots here and each with his own reasons. Some want to be missionaries, some are drawn by danger, and some, like you, love to fly but have future plans that don’t end here,” said Steve.

“Is that usually a problem?” asked John.

“Of course not,” Rachel interrupted. “We’ve always accepted everyone who served with us no matter what motivated them to do so. God has his own way of bringing people into his work.”

“She’s right. And Jason sees that potential in you. You’ve impressed him thus far, and he is ready to give you more responsibility, right away,” Steve said.

Jeffrey W. Bennett, is the author of Commitment-A Novel and other non-fiction books, novels and periodicals.