Sunday Snippet: Hazardous Curves Ahead

June 24, 2018

We had a slightly crazy week of weather. Lots of rain with storms blowing through quickly then the sun popping back out. I love to watch the storm clouds roll in.

Television this week was hit and miss. I got another episode of Mutant X in and I caught a couple of Blindspot episodes but didn't get to finish out the season before they yanked some of the episodes I hadn't seen. I'll have to finish up season three on DVD.

In Classic Who, I finished out the Key of Marinus episodes. Not a bad arc. I'll be starting the Aztecs this week.

Canal Road's third episode was excellent. I enjoyed seeing the group interaction in this episode. I have some thoughts about who killed Spence's wife. Just saying.

Caught a movie on Café Noir. It wasn't the best, but I've been writing some noir-ish-themed stories lately and I liked the ambiance of the movie.

Got in another episode of Midsomer Murders and finished up season three of Endeavor. Gotta say the last episode really packed a punch. Watching Morse realize he loved Joanie ended up being a beautifully acted scene.

Caught the usual episodes of The Sarah Conner Chronicles, Constantine, Pensacola Wings of Gold, Band of Brothers, and Strike Back. Episode four, season four is when Section 20 loses Julia and, ugh, I forgot how much of a kick in the teeth that was.

Watched a crossover of Chicago PD with Chicago Fire. Excellent episodes. I enjoy PD when the focus isn't on dickhead Wood trying to take Hank down. I thought we got enough of that in the first two seasons.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Hazardous Curves Ahead, a novella that explores an awkward situation between the main characters.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sometimes love is a slippery slope and when Imma and Sef almost crash into each other on a hazardous curve, they end up going through physical therapy together. After several weeks of flirty banter, Imma thinks a relationship with Sef might be nice… until her boyfriend shows up.

And a snippety peek…

Sefton Boltager angled his head around after barely missing the oncoming car, barreling straight at him on his side of the road. He downshifted but overcorrected and did a one-eighty on the twisty curves. His tires went off the pavement and spun on the pebbly surface of the side berm whipping his sedan, an old man's car, around a full three hundred and sixty degrees before smashing into the guardrail lining the roadside. The crunch of metal against steel a welcome sound, considering the drop-off looming inches past the barricade.

Airbags had him surrounded and he shook his head. "Stupid idiot. That's what you get." If he'd been paying attention instead of being pissed off at Serena—his former girlfriend—he might have seen the car coming at him sooner. "Shit!" He started shoving at the airbag in front of him. "What happened to the other car?" His stupid seatbelt had locked up and he couldn't freely move.

He got the bag pushed down and the other vehicle had a driver who looked to be unconscious. Damn, damn, damn. He fished around on the passenger seat for his phone to call 911.

"Mr. Boltager, we're showing your airbags have deployed. Are you okay?"

He jumped as much as the stupid seatbelt would let him. He'd forgotten about the OnStar system. At least he didn't have to find his cell.

Trying to unfasten his seatbelt, he answered. "Yeah, yeah. I think I'm fine. There's another vehicle involved in the accident and I can't tell if the driver is okay or not." He gave up on the stupid seatbelt and tried the door.

The operator replied in her soothing voice. "We've called for emergency services and they should arrive on scene shortly. Are you injured?"

He growled in frustration. "I have no idea. I gotta check on the other driver." He finally got the door opened and his seatbelt unfastened.

The voice came back through the speakers. "That's not a good idea. We recommend you stay with your car."

He already had one leg out of the vehicle. "Fuck that. I'm going to see if she's all right." He started to exit the car but wrenched his shoulder when the harness wouldn't give. "Dammit." Pain shot through to his fingertips.

"Mr. Boltager. If you'll wait a few more minutes, help will be there."

He finally got out and ignored the advice. Glancing in both directions, he started to cross the road, wincing at the jolts movement caused. When he got closer to the other car, he hissed out a breath. Damn good thing there hadn't been a passenger. The right side of the car resembled an accordion. The female driver's head rested on her shoulder, her neck stretched out.

He approached the window and gently rapped on the glass. "Hey! Are you okay? Can you hear me?" The distant wail of sirens sounded but Sef couldn't tell which direction they were coming from. "Hey. Help's on the way. Can you hear me?" Finally a movement, a small twitch, but enough to let him know she might hear him.

He tapped on the window again and her eyes popped open.

Thank fuck.

I like to explore awkward situations, especially when it involves meeting the right person at the wrong time.

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Harshing the Calm

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. And if you're not a dad, happy weekend!

It's been a long week with back and forth temperatures that always wreak havoc with my allergies. Bleh. But… not a bad week for television viewing. I started out with more Mutant X and followed with Endeavor and Midsomer Murders.

Then I hit The Sarah Conner Chronicles. I'd forgotten how dramatic Derek's entrance to the fold was. I'm also a little more than halfway through Constantine and I liked the fallen angel episode.

I finished up The Batman season four and really enjoyed the series. I think there might be a few more episodes floating around but I'm not sure. I caught several episodes of Classic Who up through the third episode in the Key of Marinus arc.

Pensacola Wings of Gold isn't half bad. Fits in with my military-themed shows of Strike Back and Band of Brothers. Chicago Fire is just over the midway point and I'm hoping to finish out the season soon. I caught Sense8's "Demons" episode and really enjoyed it. It's not as hard to keep things straight as I thought it would be. Really, a great show.

Loved seeing Hurst go down on Blind Spot. I need to mainline some episodes because they're getting close to expiration. This makes me a little angry. I realize the season is over but, honestly, unless the DVD is going to be released within a month, keep the episode live, dammit. Just saying.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Harshing the Calm, a novella about breaking old habits, living outside a comfort zone, and learning to appreciate both.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gentry and Rayce have a volatile past, one they walk away from to start over. But old habits are hard to break and when their paths cross again, they discover they can repeat their mistakes, or change and grow into something so much better.

And a snippety peek…

Rayce tried to focus on Catie's animated story. A rookie beat cop, she enjoyed every new situation and loved to share each one. Rayce appreciated her enthusiasm and gumption. But… he'd had many of the same experiences, albeit seven years ago.

A lucky break put him on the fast track to making detective and he'd landed in major crimes two years ago. A lull in her chatter had him seeking her gaze. She observed him, her eyes wise for someone so young. Rayce could kick himself for letting Gentry's antics distract him.

He finished off his drink and placed his hand over Catie's. "Wanna get out of here?" The atmosphere still reeked of possessive ownership.

Catie gave him a quirky smile and nodded. "Sure." She gathered her phone and keys from the table.

Rayce held her hand and she followed him through the throng of noisy patrons.

Once outside, she slipped her palm away from his. "It gets easier, you know?"

Rayce glanced her way. "You're what? All of twenty-one?" His lips quirked, hopefully taking the sting out of his words.

Catie chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. I'm young." She angled her head toward him. "But seriously, Rayce, I was the queen of high school drama. Going through two years of college and then the academy opened my eyes. I'm not the only person on the planet and it certainly doesn't revolve around me." She made a snorting noise and rolled her eyes.

Rayce reached out and grabbed her hand again. "You're pretty terrific." He squeezed her fingers. "And I'm sorry. Being around Gentry just irritates me, but not because I still want her." No way did he want her.

Catie wrapped an arm around his waist. "Rayce, I get it. The breakup may have happened six months ago, but she's got a bold personality and would be hard to forget." Her voice lacked snark or sarcasm, stating a known fact.

Rayce snorted. "She's definitely an in-your-face type." He absolutely didn't manage to keep his response scorn-free.

Catie bumped his shoulder. "Like I said, it gets easier." She nodded toward her car. "My place? I work three to eleven tomorrow." Her eyebrows waggled suggestively.

Rayce turned to face her, tipping her chin up and meshing his lips with hers. "Your place sounds great."

She handed him the keys. "Why don't you drive?"

He unlocked the doors and opened hers then went around and got in behind the wheel. Spending the night with a sweet, sexy woman sounded exactly like what he needed. Gentry Cain could have her ballplayer.

Rayce got the better deal tonight.

I'm actually having a lot of fun with this one. Sometimes it's nice to challenge my perceptions and see what shakes out.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Hang Ten

My youngest kidlet is back from her trip to Disney and it's so nice to have her home. It's also terrific she had the opportunity to visit every theme park in Disney's repertoire. She had such a great time. On a proud parent note, she enjoyed Epcot the best and it makes my entire year because that was my favorite when I went to Disney many, many moons ago. I'm resisting the urge to plan a full-on Disney vacation… mainly because I don't have the time. But it would be so much fun!

Had something of an off week in television viewing. I'm battling a nasty cold / allergies / upper respiratory "ick" that's kicking my teeth in. But… I did get quite a bit watched.

I started a new-to-me Australian show called Canal Road and it's rather good. I'm two episodes in and I'm hooked. I also got to finish up Archangel and thoroughly enjoyed it.

In my classic rewatch, I caught Midsomer Murders and several episodes of Classic Who. I finished up the Dalek episodes and started the new arc. I'd forgotten what a shifty guy the first doctor can be. I also caught another episode of The Sarah Conner Chronicles.

Endeavor continues to make me happy. I also got another episode of Constantine in and I'm quite excited for the character to make the move to Legends of Tomorrow. I started a show I only got to watch sporadically when it originally aired, Pensacola Wings of Gold. I actually hope I can catch other late 90s early 00s shows. I missed so much back then.

On DVD, I finished up The Batman's third season and started the fourth. I also caught a few episodes of current seasons of Chicago Fire and Blindspot. Gotta say the whole Hurst arc is turning out to be kind of exciting.

Band of Brothers and Strike Back gave me my military show fix. I continue to be blown away by the casting in Band of Brothers. So many good choices.

I'm five episodes into Sense8 and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to watch this show. That said, I can binge the entire thing and see the finale in one go so there's that bit of good news. Fearless's third episode kind of broke me a little. It's a dark, dark show.

Krypton's first season proved to be pretty awesome. I have no idea where they'll go for the second season, but the end was kind of chilling. Jana called the whole General Zod ruling over Krypton thing and I'm truly hoping Lyta is now regretting her choice. If she isn't that character is dead to me. Just saying.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Hang Ten, a novella with sun, sand, and surfing.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Farren and Penn—professional surfers—have very different styles when competing. Farren goes for broke, taking chances with moves that others won't try. Penn is all about the physics of his craft, sometimes holding back because he can't predict everything. Two different methods, opposite ends of the spectrum, but an interesting mix when they're off their boards and out of the water.

And a snippety peek…

Penn Cobblepot accepted top honors with a brief nod to the judges and jaunty salute to the fans gather around the awards area. He rode to a smooth finish on a wave not quite as spectacular as Farren's. She'd had the perfect swell.

And epically crashed.

He could've predicted the wipe out when she flowed too far into the cusp of the wave. Not that Farren would care. She surfed for the sheer love of the sport.

He stopped to get his paperwork signed for winning the top prize.

Backing away, he bumped into Avery Jones, the runner-up. "Damn, sorry about that." Tucking his board under his arm, he moved out of her way.

She sent him a bright smile. "No problem. You were magnificent out there today." A splash of pink colored her cheeks.

Penn's lips quirked. "Yeah, thanks. Caught a good one." He nodded toward the officials table. "Heard your run was spot on. Go on then. Better collect that prize money."

She beamed and ducked into the small covered alcove. Penn shook his head. Avery had talent and didn't cop an attitude. She'd do well on the local circuit. And hopefully stay away from the dickheads who preyed on rookie competitors.

 Strolling along the beach, he cut up the path that led to the cabins the contestants used. After stowing his board, he grabbed a quick shower then went out to the hammock strung between two sturdy trees. With the ocean breeze and shady limbs, the swinging bed looked more than inviting.

Maneuvering onto the canvas surface, he stretched out. "Catching a few zzzs sounds pretty damn good right now." He'd be awake in plenty of time for the campfire later that night.

 After all, he'd earned bragging rights.

I'm having a good time with this one. Penn and Farren are fun characters.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Green-Eyed Monster

Well… half the year gone and I have no idea where it went. LOL I have some terrific news. My oldest kidlet, on his twenty-fifth birthday and fifth anniversary of dating his girlfriend, proposed and she said yes. I'll be welcoming a new daughter-in-law in the next year or so. She's already part of the family… the marriage will only make it official. Congratulations to both!

Good television viewing week. I started off with Endeavor and caught two episodes. Glad I was able to watch the opener for series three not long after the end of series two. That was kind of a cliffhanger.

Gotham went and changed all the rules again. I have so much love for this show. I truly think season four is its best yet. Everyone finally came into their roles and the cast and plotlines all meshed together in a brilliant fashion. I can't wait for season five. Seriously.

Caught two more episodes of Chicago Fire and Blindspot. I'm truly curious about where Roman is going with everything. I'm also hopeful he ends up not being a raging dickhole. Probably not much chance he won't be, but, yeah, here's hoping.

Also caught two episodes of Sense8 and Fearless. I'm getting into Sense8. It's not as hard to follow as I thought it would be. I'm excited to see where the rest of season one goes. Fearless is kind of relentless. I'm somewhat saddened the US person is such a raging bitch. Terrific actress though.

Krypton's first season is excellent. I have the finale to watch then it's wait, wait, wait for the next season. Argh!

I didn't get to finish Archangel on the app I was watching it on, so I'll have to find it on Netflix. I did finish up The Ghost Squad and, honestly, not a bad show. A little ambiguous, but quite enjoyable. I'm still working my way through the later seasons of Midsomer Murders and should be starting series twelve soon. On the rewatch front, I'm hitting The Sarah Conner Chronicles, Band of Brothers, and Strike Back's fourth season. I'm gearing up to watch the most recent season of Strike Back so I can be ready for season six when one of my favorite actors joins the cast.

Also caught another episode of Constantine and two more episodes of Classic Who. Mutant X has joined my lineup of shows I'm revisiting.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Green-Eyed Monster, a novella that started with the idea of a friendly fire incident.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Dani works undercover sting operations and inadvertently shoots the girlfriend of Neal, one her co-workers. When the green-eyed monster of jealousy rears its head, Dani isn't sure how to help Neal through the trauma, but she'll move whatever stands in the way to make sure he's happy.

And a snippety peek…

Neal Cassidy waited for his date to exit the car. Kyra Zarek took her time, straightening her coat and smoothing a crease from her jeans. She sent Neal a wide smile and linked her arm around his.

She stepped onto the crosswalk before speaking. "So, where are we going? Is this a new restaurant?" A gust of spring wind blew her hair across her face.

Neal ignored the twinge of guilt about her question. "Uh, no. It's been around for a while." Kind of an out of the way, off the beaten track place.

Perfect for what he needed tonight. Away from their usual haunts with little chance of running into people they knew. Neal wanted to sit down and talk about the hints Kyra started dropping two weeks ago.

About the future… specifically their future. Neal wanted to set the record straight and nip that idea in the bud. Being in a committed relationship didn't rank high on his radar right now… except maybe with Dani, the only person Neal ever wanted to plan a lifetime with. Kyra had too much going for her to get tangled up with his issues.

He pulled the door open, waiting for Kyra to finish reading the sign before following her in.

She loosened the belt of her jacket. "Hun's… I've never heard of this place."

Neal found a quiet table in the corner. "It's the best noodle house in the city." Not that she'd be able to tell by the half dozen customers in the restaurant—the place usually didn't start filling up until after ten.

Kyra settled onto her chair and grabbed a menu. "What do you recommend? Is there a specialty?"

Neal shook his head. "Not really, no. The garlic sesame is excellent." The adapted menu featured all kinds of Asian dishes but also offered a healthy amount of cuisine from other locales.

They got their order placed and their drinks arrived. Out of habit, Neal's gaze scanned the occupants and workers. A brief flash of a familiar shock of raven hair had him doing a double take, but he quickly discounted the eerie feeling. Dani took up a lot of space in his head, hence the reason for bringing Kyra out tonight. But how to approach the topic?

With Dani, he'd put everything out there and let things shake out as they would. The woman had boundary concerns. As in she didn't believe in them and blew past any she came across on a regular basis. Unless it came to her career. Then the boundaries she set could not be crossed.

Ever.

Kyra placed her palm over his hand. "What's going on, Neal? You obviously have something on your mind because you haven't answered any of the questions I've asked in the last five minutes."

He winced. "Sorry. You're right. It's been a long day and I've got a lot on my mind." The bell over the door jangled and four new customers walked in, momentarily distracting him.

He didn't like the bulky jackets they had on; not when the weather only called for something lightweight.

Kyra flashed a smile. "Well… you can look forward to having stress-free evenings once we find a place together. I was thinking we should look in the Hammond Heights area. You know halfway between where you work and my office." She got a dreamy look on her face.

Neal gently extracted his hand from under hers. "About that…" The four customers walked to the counter, fanning out in three directions while one stayed at the pickup area. "Kyra, I'm not sure—" Damn, why did the woman waiting on her order look so damn familiar?

Kyra crossed her arms over her chest. "Not sure about what, Neal? We've been talking about maybe moving in together for a while now—"

Distracted, he cut her off. "No, Kyra, you've been talking about it. I have a lease for another six months." His sixth-sense instincts kicked in when the woman at the counter asked about one of the employees.

The nervous glance the cashier sent over her shoulder ramped the edgy feeling into overdrive. Kyra spoke brightly about his lease not being a problem. She'd move in with him until it ended. No. That's not going to happen. But instead of speaking, he listened, focusing on the nervous energy building in the restaurant and the raised voice of the woman at the counter.

Kyra huffed out a breath. "Neal, are you paying attention here?"

He spared her a glance. "Hold on. Something's not right…"

The scene unfolded in slow motion. The four in heavy jackets withdrew weapons and the woman at the counter fired three rounds into the ceiling. Customers scattered to the floor, crouching beside chairs and scooting under tables. Kyra screeched out a startled breath and dropped off her seat to take cover between two tables.

Neal calmly stood and slowly walked toward the four armed people. "Look, whatever you want, I'm sure we can find an amicable solution."

Definitely not how he pictured the evening unfolding.

I'm not quite sure how this one is going to unfold, but I like how it's coming together.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin