Out of the mouths of babes…

“Two in the Bush”

By Joseph Manno

Erika Benteen held her breath. Everything depended on this moment.

After a pause, the captain nodded.

“This is really excellent, Erika.”

The sea of faces around the table smiled their accord, but confirmation of the truth came in that no one else actually spoke then; instead, they continued eating.

“Perhaps we’ll extend the duties for chief of operations,” Mantovanni continued, “and put you in charge of the galley for certain occasions.”

There was an approving murmur.

Erika beamed.

Gabi tugged at her sleeve. “It’s good, Mommy, but…”

Oh, no.

“…what are you going to do with the turkeys we ruined?”