KC Frantzen - May the K9 Spy 02 - May Finds a Way: Peril in Paris (16 page)

Dear Special Agent,

Thanks for sharing May’s journey to Paris. YOU are who we do this for! Please be so kind as to leave an honest review on the site where you acquired your confidential copy. That would be such a help.

We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/MaytheK9Spy
and share your latest photos, adventures and ideas there too. And email us any time at
[email protected]
.

Keep in mind, we will visit your local public or private schools or groups. Email us for particulars. And look for us at festivals and fairs. It’s always a joy to meet you “in dog!”

Until we meet again, remember “a prepared puppy is ready when opportunity is provided.”

KC & May

I
’m an agent!

I wiggle my whole self at the thought.

Oops. Nose print on the window. Better use my whiskers to remove it.

K9 Spy boot camp was terrific, but it’s time to be home. That is, before embarking on my next adventure, errr… mission.

As the limo makes a sharp left, I watch from the back seat.

There’s my house, up the hill! Soon I’ll be in my rightful spot, cuddled with Dad and Mom and Lobbie, my favorite toy. I’ll share my Paris adventures with my sister and brother, too, at least the unclassified parts.

But first, there’s a stop to make.

“Mr. Limo Driver, please pull over here. Won’t be long,” I woof.

The sturdy man sounds impatient. “Do you need to go out, Agent May? You’re almost home.”

No. I’m ‘improvising and using resources.’ Last time I was here by myself, a hawk attacked. I need to check… uhm… something.
Drat. Mustn’t tell everything I know.

Limo Driver breathes deeply. Tires crunch on the gravel as we stop and he gives me a look. “Your family is waiting and I want to return to mine. Hurry please.”

Thanks! Won’t be long.

Click.
The door springs open and I leap out. I try trotting through the brush but it’s rough. Nothing quiet about it either. Best use my stealthy cat walk.

Crickets sing a greeting, but the crows are quiet. Good. No hawks around.

I stop a moment to recall landmarks.
Sniff.
The soft southern breeze is dee-licious. Here’s a speed bump made by a real mole. So interesting how a word can mean different things. When in Paris, I was certain Miss Sandy and Sassy, her K9 partner, were moles – double agents – hiding in Rukan’s anarchist organization. So sure. So wrong. Glad for the chance to redeem myself after I almost blew her and Sassy’s cover.

Before leaving Headquarters, I mean HQ, Miss Sandy asked me to check out the surveillance drone at her secret shed in the woods near here. The one she replaced recently is not performing correctly. So as my first official act as an agent, I’m to check–

Honk honk.

The limo! Must hurry.

I scramble onto a rock. Hey, there’s the circular clearing. My target should be just past it to the north. I jump down and take off.
Sniff.
Yep, there’s the shed. And here’s the cement log, with a birdie drone perched on the side like before.

I wonder if Copperhead Sentinel is around. Can’t believe I missed a big poisonous snake. I must use his proper agent code name when we meet.

“Ssso, you have returned, OSSSM.”

I turn and smile, and he smiles back. “CHS, great to see you! Thanks for using the code name Miss Sandy gave me. She still calls me ‘Only Small May’ sometimes.”

His split tongue flicks between his fangs. “You had sssome excursssion.”

“Paris
was
amazing, but I’m glad to be home. Miss Sandy asked me to check something.” I place my paws on the drone’s perch.
Sniff.
“This is outdated technology, compared to what we used in boot camp.”

“Older modelsss are sssufficient. Theesse premisssesss are not highly sssignificant.”

“Miss Sandy thinks this outpost is vital. Who made the swap?”

“I’m not sssure, I wasss TDY.”

Temporary Duty. I wonder where, but best not to ask. “So, what am I supposed to check? Something about the drone?”

The Copperhead watches me, bands on his back changing shape as he coils comfortably on a warm flat stone. “There are two ssscentsss. One comesss ssstraight in along the trail. Another leadsss to the ssshed.”

I trot to the door. “Probably a kid, curious about a rickety old shed.”

The breeze shifts, images flash.

Rukan wiring my crate shut. Rukan threatening his operative at the airport. Rukan growling orders over the secret monitor in Paris.
Gasp!
That setting wasn’t familiar because of a training film… Rukan was transmitting from the bunker under this shed!

I detect a slight whirring as the drone’s head swivels, its unblinking red eyes blip on.

Someone knows I’m here!

1. Why does May think it important to nab Rukan?
   
2. How do you use “creativity and resourcefulness” in your own life?
   
3. Which new words did you learn (English or French)? How will you use them?
   
4. If you have visited a cemetery, what did you think about it?
   
5. Which character qualities about Léonce do you admire, if any, and why?
   
6. How would you have acted differently than Alexis?
   
7. What do you think about blind teen Louis Braille inventing a communication system still in use today?
   
8. Why do you think Sassy acts as she does?
   
9. What do you think Mr. Vince and Miss Coralee will do in the future?
   
10. What are several things May learned?
    
11. If you could travel anywhere, where would you visit, what would you take with you, and why?
    
12. What surprised you about this story?
    
13. What kind of future adventure should May embark upon?
    
14. What else would you like to share?
    

KC Frantzen learned to speak critter at a young age. As a veterinarian’s daughter, she was always surrounded by four-footed friends. Occasionally her dad would bring home patients needing care during the night. He’d put the pet carrier on the dryer, and KC would stand on tippy toes to comfort them as best she could.

She began writing in elementary school and even won the school-wide contest with a story on deep sea fishing. Though she kept writing here and there, it was mostly just for fun.

KC taught fifth grade, worked for an oilfield supply company, a pharmaceutical company, then embarked on several entrepreneurial endeavors. She volunteers with a variety of projects, including the Joni & Friends Wounded Warrior Getaway. She completed the Christian Writers Guild Apprentice course, which helped prepare her to tell May’s story.

KC and her husband enjoy traveling just about anywhere, which helps formulate ideas for her stories. The family lives in the Tennessee hills – two humans, two Arabian horses and several rescued dogs, including May.

May and KC are delighted to meet fans at libraries, schools and shows. She and May read each letter and email, and adore hearing comments and suggestions. Thank you for your support!

“It is God’s grace that he has the ability to draw and paint. Mr. Vanya says it is also God’s grace that he has a chance to make his living by selling what he draws and paints.”

Tim Vanya knew he wanted to be an artist when he won Mrs. Morgans’ Valentine coloring contest in first grade. He has worked the rest of his life doing just that.

When he was in Junior High he read Robert Louis Stevenson’s
Treasure Island
and
Kidnapped
. Both of the books had been illustrated by N. C. Wyeth. Tim says he can still see these paintings in his head and wanted to make paintings like Mr. Wyeth when he grew up.

In High School he had the chance to draw for other people and himself. He did illustrations for the school’s year book and banners for the football team to run through.

While at the University of Houston, he was able to major in art and learned to make art to sell. He got to fulfill part of his dream by illustrating
May Finds a Way
.

W
hat an adventure this year has been! Thanks begin with my husband and best friend, Steve and my amazing parents, Jay & Joyce Collins and Marcia Frantzen: idea-generators, supporters and encouragers extraordinaire. The professionals who helped May’s story breathe: Sandra Byrd – writing coach and editor, Mary Holyer Black – editor, Deb Tremper – book designer, Kimberly Van Meter – cover designer, TW “Pops” Vanya – illustrator. Perry Hartman – audio and web. Nancy Hall and Mary Pierce – proofreaders. First readers – Dottie Mackenzie and Nancy Simpson. Fellow writers on the journey: Vicki Allen, Ruth Berkes, Mary Connealy, Margaret Cooper, Kimberly Dana, Glen Davenport, Janet Dean, Melanie Dickerson, Robert Garcia, Debby Giusti, Karen Hancock, Ruth Logan Herne, Charlynn Johns, Rita Monette, Vince Mooney, Vicki Moss, Tina Radcliffe, Bev Schwind, Amber Stokes, Joni Eareckson Tada, Ruth Taylor, Becky Thurston, Write Touch Inspirational Writers and all in the wonderful world of Seekerville. Christian Writers Guild Boot Camp DI’s: Brandilyn Collins, Doc Hastings, Randy Ingermanson and Jerry Jenkins. The pawmazing people of Joshua’s Pet Treat Bakery especially Tim, Lois & Josh Davis, and Janet McGhee. Critter-sitters Andy & Norma Munns and Fred & Karen Diehl. Additional story generators – Nancy Boozer, John Crotty, Carla Maynor, Steve Soper and Thom Teeters; Research with
startpage.com
; Ms. Susie and Ms. Patty at Art Circle Public Library. Also FURiends we’ve met at festivals, libraries, schools, and May’s Facebook pack.
Some of May’s wardrobe is from Dog & Co. and Kitty & Goliath! I’d also like to gratefully acknowledge Beth Alexander, Jim & Peggy Barr, Jim & Connie Brecker, Oveta Bush, Marty Cameron, Connie Crotty, Jim & Sandie Dutcher, the Groupies, Debby Hagar & Richard Hays, Gary & Melissa Howard, Diane Landig, Tricia Monroe, Sandy Nelson, Gloria Peter, Vickie Pullen, Cheryl Teeters, Vee Wills, Félix Canis and La Solana Café… Our friends at retail outlets, and countless other family, friends, fans and patriots who have prayed and encouraged me. We cherish each call, letter, email post, and especially “in dog” visits! I continue to be grateful to the United States Military and finally, to Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega.

Wonder where I get my ideas?

Most of this book is based on ideas developed from life with May, study of current events, Paris research (including a trip), plus lots of imagination. For example, Léonce is based on a feral cat named Alyosha, who lives in Paris.

Want to know more?

Look at the library or on the Internet for: Micro Air Vehicle, Bugbots and Drones, Military Dogs, Untergunther, Passy Cemetery, Pantheon in Paris, Louis Braille and Chi Rho.

Or, check out our website for links!

www.MaytheK9Spy.com