Do you have a favorite military picture of a loved one? My journey into learning about the spies of World War II begin with my mother’s tales of living through the war and the pictures I saw. The romance, bravery, fashions, vocabulary, the shows and music, so much nostalgia—all of it fostered a love of this period. Researching more became an interesting and learning experience, and I chose to focus on the lives of the spies.
Danger!
When you play with danger, you’d better have a backbone of steel, a fortitude that gets you through the best and worst of situations. Sometimes it can be routine actions, but at other times, danger is in-your-face. You’re living in serious conditions, playing at being someone you’re not, loving the thought that you’re living on the edge and beating the chances.
From: A Flute in the Willows, Chapter 1, 1943
Jerry Patterson stared out the yawning black hole in the side of the plane. Seconds to go before he dropped. Night time parachuting was always a risky thing, but the pilot was one of the best who’d keep this baby right on target, lessening the chances he’d have to hit water. Trees were another matter, but with any kind of luck, the landing would go smooth.
Then to meet his contact and move into the German military high life. His pulse revved up. It was a dangerous game he was about to play.
Spies!
In my WWII Spies series, I focus on spies serving the U.S.
In the second book, A Flute in the Willows, Jerry Patterson, is recruited to head to Germany. There he not only is able to fulfill the request from his government, but come in contact with danger and an injury that almost took his life. Only God and his wife were able to draw him back to his self after he returns to America.
From: A Flute in the Willows, Chapter 2, Germany
“You have brought the names?” Rhoderick leaned forward, the fat cigar dangling from his fingers.
“Of course. Would I be here otherwise?”
“Come. Give them to me.” Rhoderick’s face lit with a fiery fanaticism.
Jerry held his breath. The names. What he’d risked everything to find.
Romance!
You wouldn’t think romance would play a part in being a spy, but sometimes it does. Wives, girlfriends, and new friends that tie into a spy’s life—all of these relationships allow romance to blossom…and increase the danger.
From: A Flute in the Willows, Chapter 11, U.S.
With a jerk, Jerry pulled her tight against his body, his arms wrapped around her. He could feel the tension leaving her body, felt the moment she leaned into him, and tears choked his throat. How he loved this woman.
Her wild mop of hair tickled his chin as she rubbed her head against his chest, and he almost picked her up to gallop home with her.
And once again, his acute memory sprang to life. He couldn’t. He couldn’t gallop anywhere. And he’d already made that unspoken promise to her to let her go. Give her, her freedom.
Secrets!
… that you steal, that you know, when no one else does—this is your job description as a spy. Knowledge that you can share … or hide. Information that most times is important and for which is highly prized with monetary and other valuable items as rewards.
Secrets are sought after and then shared with the person desiring to know them. In the case of countries and agencies, it’s important NOT to share them. In the case of spies, it’s important to find them and share.
From: A Flute in the Willows, Chapter 2, Germany
He knew now he’d have to make his move tonight and time it just right. If Rhoderick got hold of the list before him—well, it would be virtually impossible to retrieve it.
The Price!
Living overseas and/or on home soil can be advantageous and profitable. It’s alluring to many spies to live in beautiful countries and homes, enjoy social privileges, and to have the best when, if left in their home countries, life might never reach that plateau of pleasure.
From Biblical Times until day’s world, countries and groups have had their spies, some on home soil and some serving overseas. Some spies are well known, and some may never be known. Many are successful for years, passing on information and secrets, receiving vast sums of money while others receive little or no pay. But the price if caught?
- Disgrace
- Prison
- Death, at times
From: A Flute in the Willows, Chapter 3, Germany
He could hear the pounding of footsteps and the occasional shouts, and estimated Rhoderick only seconds behind them. He hoped Vanda knew what she was doing. Rhoderick might spare his sister’s life, but for Medwin, treason wouldn’t sit well with a high ranking German official like Rhoderick. Other than a deep desire for all the torture Rhoderick could pour out, he couldn’t imagine anything but instant death for himself.
Romance, nostalgia, bravery, loyalty, hardiness, determination and eagerness clearly marks these World War II years as an important time in our history. We can’t afford to forget. Let us keep the courage and memory from our past in our hearts and minds forever. Let us teach our children that history is not only an interesting story but vital to our well-being.
Writing about spies opened my eyes to the extreme conditions and dangers that are a part of the lives of these—both bad and good—men and women. My hat’s off to the good ones who use their highly developed senses and intelligences for the good of our country!
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Josie Patterson has two loves—her skating career and Jerry, her husband. But when he returns home from the war looking like a skeleton trying to return to life, she’s scared. What happened in Germany to change a man so much? Has another woman captured his heart?
Jerry has vowed to let Josie live her own glamourous life…especially after what happened in Germany. But when his wife’s life is threatened, Jerry realizes he can’t stand by and do nothing. Jerry has to risk all for the very soul and life of himself—Josie. https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? Find her online at http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/