Extract: Careful What You Hear by Helen Dunlap Newton

Today's blog post brings you an extract from Careful What You Hear, a middle grade novel, by Helen Dunlap Newton! Keep reading for more information about this book and to get a sneak peek at what's in store...

Author Bio – Award-winning author Helen Dunlap Newton is a veteran middle grade language arts teacher and a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Both Night of the Amber Moon and Do You Hear What I Hear? were finalists for the Oklahoma Book Award and received the Creative Women of Oklahoma Award. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, music, and helping her husband care for backyard chickens and an energetic Australian shepherd in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Social Media Links – @newtonhelendunlap (Insta) and Helen Dunlap Newton (FB)

Introduction:

Noah and Lena have finally decided to give the government handlers an ultimatum before they will agree to be part of another mission. The courage it takes for Noah to speak up falls flat when he finds out the real reason for their meeting with Captain Billings.

Excerpt:

It was the same waiting room at Walter Reed Medical Center where Noah and Lena usually met with Captain Billings.

Same sweaty palms Noah wiped on the legs of his pants.

Same sickening scent of grape—growing stronger as Lena unwrapped a new piece of gum.

Noah and Lena knew someone was probably listening, so they communicated through sign language.

“Are you asking the captain about Doctor Odor, or do you want me to do it?” Lena signed.

“I don’t know. It may not be a good idea,” Noah signed back.

“You’re the one who said you wanted to ask him! Now you’re going to chicken out, aren’t you?” Lena said out loud, then snorted.

Noah slumped into his seat and stretched his legs in front of him.

“No, I’m not going to chicken out,” he signed. “You ask the question. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Lena gave him a thumbs-up.

The office door opened, and Lieutenant Green, one of their handlers, flashed them a smile. “Noah, Lena, you ready for the meeting?”

“Do we have a choice?” asked Lena.

“Good question,” Noah said. “And why a Saturday? What if we had plans?” Inside, he laughed. He didn’t have many plans for fun. But sleeping late would be nice.

“Cheer up,” the lieutenant said as he picked up a trash can and stretched it toward Lena. “This is not going to be your typical meeting.”

Two more pops, and Lena dropped her gum in the trash with a plop.

“NT off?” he asked Noah.

“Yes, sir,” Noah said. He stood and stretched. “Let’s get this over with.”

They followed the lieutenant into the office and dropped into the chairs facing the desk.

Captain Billings continued signing some papers like no one else was in the room.

“Sir?” Lieutenant Green said.

The captain raised his index finger without looking up.

An old-fashioned clock on the captain’s desk ticked loud enough for Noah to hear it with his cochlear. He counted the ticks, which seemed to be getting louder with every second. After what seemed like forever, Captain Billings laid down his pen and gave them an unusual smile.

“Noah, Lena, good to see you.” He nodded toward Lieutenant Green. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

Noah squirmed in his seat and rubbed his fingertips across the smooth wood on the arms of his chair. He wished he hadn’t said anything to Lena about Doctor Odor.

Captain Billings leaned back and said, “You are probably anticipating the next mission.”

“About that,” said Lena. “Noah and I have questions before we agree to another mission.”

Noah’s stomach twisted.

Captain Billings gave them one of his over-the-glasses looks.

“Lieutenant Green, are you aware of their concerns about doing another mission?” he asked.

“No, sir!” The lieutenant sent Noah and Lena a laser-like stare. “Perhaps we should discuss this at another time,” he said to them.

Lena signed to Noah, “Your turn. Don’t chicken out.”

Noah scooted to the edge of his seat. He cleared his throat.

“Uh-hum. Uh, Captain Billings.” Noah’s throat felt like someone was squeezing it.

“Yes, Noah,” said the captain. “Speak up.”

Noah took a deep breath. “Uh, we don’t want to go on another mission until you tell us what happened to Doctor Odor.” He pushed the air from his lungs like he’d run a race. He couldn’t believe he’d actually said the words.