RHYS BOWEN: Well, I actually am writing something new. Clare and I have started our new Molly book. This one is set in the fledgling movie industry in New York (and the rival Edison studio across the river in New Jersey) but today my thoughts are focused on the upcoming release of THE PARIS ASSIGNMENT.
Most of my writing at this very moment is blog posts, interviews for the new book. I'm excited to share it with the world as I think it is a special story, with plenty of danger, heartbreak and an ultimately satisfying ending. I decided to share a snippet with you today:
They made for the ferns and lay down amongst them. Madeleine tried to sleep, but every nerve was taut, and every stirring of the night breeze jerked her awake. An owl hooted as it sat in a nearby tree. At last there was a hint of dawn in the night sky. They could make out the vague shapes of trees.
“We should get moving.” She nudged Annie.
Annie stirred, opening her eyes. “Is it morning?”
“You were asleep?”
“What else was there to do?” Annie sat up and smoothed down her hair. “I’d welcome a cup of coffee, wouldn’t you?”
“Not me. I don’t like it black, and remember, there’s no milk in cafés these days.”
They were about to get to their feet when they heard sounds. A dog barking.
“Get down.” Madeleine pulled Annie back into the ferns. To her horror she heard the sounds coming closer. The barking louder. And suddenly the dog was standing over them. They could feel its warm breath on them, its panting loud in their ears.
“What’s this, then?” said a man’s voice. A French voice.
They sat up, staring up at a man with a gun and a large hound.
“Oh monsieur, you terrified us,” Annie said, sitting up. “My sister and I had to leave Paris because where we were living was so dangerous, and we’re making for our aunt’s house in Moret-sur-Loing—do you know it? Have we still far to go?”
“You came on foot?” he asked. Now they could see he was an older man, still strong and upright but with a grey mustache and bags under his eyes.
“We started in the train, but there were German soldiers in our compartment, and they were fresh with us, so we got out at Bois-le-Roi and decided to walk the rest of the way,” Annie said. “But we got lost and it got dark, so we felt safer here. Now we’ll go back to the Bois-le-Roi station and continue our journey, hopefully in safety.”
“Those damned Germans. Always making trouble of one sort or another,” he growled. “Well, at least you have not strayed too far from the station. There is the good path up ahead. I’d invite you back to my house for something to eat, but I don’t think you want to go in the wrong direction. And my dog is anxious to get to work.”
“What work does he do?” Annie asked.
“We’re out hunting rabbits,” the old man said. “How else does one get meat these days? And old Louis here, he has a good nose for finding game. Rabbits, squirrels. Anything for the pot so my wife can make a stew.”
“We wish you good hunting, monsieur,” Annie said.
“And you too, ladies.” He tipped his old felt hat to them and whistled for the dog to follow him.
The two women got to their feet. “You were amazing,” Madeleine said. “I can see you’re going to be good at this. You think on your feet. So convincing.”
Annie grinned. “I was good at lying when I was a kid. I could make my mother believe anything. Who thought it would come in handy in later life? But I don’t think he was fooled for a minute. He knew who we are.”
“He did?”
“When I wished him good hunting, he replied, ‘You too,’ didn’t he? He suspected we were Resistance of some sort, but he was on our side.” She brushed down her coat. “Well, we’ve had good luck so far. Let’s hope it holds up. Ready to make for the station?”
RHYS: It was hard to find a snippet that was not a spoiler, but I think this gives you a feel of what the young women were up against during the war.
If you want to pre-order here is the link
And I'll give away a copy to one of today's commenters. Enjoy.
