She always waited for those moments. He never replied to a drop command with a simple, “Roger.” That would be too impolite for his breeding and his sense of humor.
“That little ol’ spot? Why it’s hardly a fire a-tall. You sure I should be snuffing her out? If I do, she’ll never grow up all tall and proper like.”
She could feel the ICA rolling his eyes somewhere far above. “Just hit the damn thing, Tyler.”
“Yes sir. Your order is this flyboy’s command. Just checking was all.” And then he’d hammer it with perfect precision and turn back for the next load of water or retardant.
With her luck, he probably looked like a toad. Not that she’d ever meet him. Still, didn’t hurt a girl to dream a little bit.
She served up her bowl of pasta and blanched veggies, sprinkled on the olives and sun-
