Sunday Snippet: Zane's Ghost

It's been a wild and busy week! I'm buried with work projects, which I'm thrilled to have—even if I could use about four more hours in each day. Good problems to have.

Had a slower than normal television viewing week, but I kind of expect that when I'm trying to keep plates spinning with work and only have a small wobble here and there.

I caught two episodes of Hawkeye and I'm kind of bummed there's only one left. I'm loving this show a lot.

Caught the season three premiere of Harrow and I already intensely dislike the new boss. That said, I kind of love the shifting dynamics of the character relationships. Fern could grow up just a little, but I like where everyone else is for the most part.

Watched another episode of Blue Heelers and liked the way everything played out. Really good case of the week on this one.

Enjoyed another MasterClass lesson with Neil de Grasse Tyson. Learned about cognitive bias and have a much better understanding of how that works.

Caught another episode of Young Wallander: Killer's Shadow. Poor Kurt gets his ass kicked on a regular basis. Glad to see Reza get bumped up to detective. Poor Rusk has a lot going on at the moment.

Got two more episodes of Classic Rugrats in and thoroughly enjoyed. I love the call outs to stuff from my younger years. That's why the original show is genius. Enjoyable for parents and kids.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med and things got interesting at the end. Not sure I'm down with Will possibly hooking up with Agent Lee. Really kind of squicked out by Nat's involvement with the dad of her former patient. But I love the whole saga of Daniel's ex and everything that's going on with that.

Enjoyed another episode of The Snoopy Show. I like how the short vignettes are themed around a topic. This one had Halloween stuff and it was a lot of fun.

Caught another episode of Loch Ness and I'm kind of amazed how things are moving forward but at what seems like a maddeningly slow pace. A couple of big reveals in this episode.

Finished up season seventeen of Silent Witness and should start eighteen this week. Have to say I quite liked how this one ended. Glad Jack will be sticking around.

Watched another episode of Classic Who. Poor Seven just doesn't have a lot to work with. That said, I'm kind of enjoying this arc.

Enjoyed another episode of The Laundry Guy. I think I could honestly watch multiple seasons of this show. Patric needs his own YouTube channel. I'd totally subscribe.

Also watched another episode of The Hardy Boys and have a lot of love for this show. It's so much fun to talk to my brother about the episodes after we see them. Brings back a lot of eighties memories.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zane's Ghost, a novella that puts the characters in a quandary over a loss.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Zane Warchild goes down in the line of duty, Kella Fine blames herself—after all, she realizes her mistake when she crosses a personal line and steps way back from Zane. Gray Warchild grows quickly tired of Kella wearing her guilt like a badge and putting his brother's ghost between them.

And a snippety peek…

Thirty minutes after she got the call from one of the task-force members, Kella couldn't shake the all-consuming numbness. Or the feeling of responsibility—which she pinned on like a badge in her brain. Zane's dead … and it's my fault.

Sitting in her dark living room, she rewound her last conversation with him.

You know, one of these days a bullet is going to find you if you're not a little more careful.

No way, babe. I'm untouchable.

Apparently not so much.

She twisted a coil of hair around her finger. "Why the hell did I tempt fate that way?" She should've just wished him luck with the raid.

But he'd goaded her. And she let him. Even after she'd promised herself she wouldn't play the Zane game anymore. Because the lather-rinse-repeat angle exhausted her.

She almost didn't answer the door when the bell rang. But she needed to move. To do something other than sit alone in darkness.

When she answered, she found Gray standing outside.

Shit.

Guilt kicked her in the gut and she had no clue what to say.

His haggard gaze met hers. "Can I come in?"

She stepped back and let him enter. Her heart hammered against her ribs, the weight of the last few months wearing through her composure. Trembling fingers closed the door with a hard bang.

Gray turned, grasping her elbow. "Are you okay?" He raked his free hand through his hair. "Geez, stupid question. Forget I said that." Shrugging out of his jacket, he shook his head.  "You just lost the love of your life. Of course you're not okay."

A bitter taste filled her mouth, but she automatically took his jacket. Hesitating only a moment, she decided she needed to address what he'd said and set the record straight.

Draping his coat over the back of a chair, she faced Gray. "Here's the thing … Zane isn't—wasn't—the love of my life." She finished the sordid statement. "In fact, we weren't partners anymore because I put in for a transfer three months ago."

Gray and Kella have a lot to unpack and it's not going to be an easy road to travel, especially because Kella is very gun shy about getting involved with another Warchild.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Youth is Overrated

To everyone celebrating a holiday, I hope it's incredible and lovely. To everyone not celebrating a holiday, I hope your weekend is incredible and lovely.

Had a crazy-busy week with a lot of distractions. I got a lot of work done but felt like I kept spinning my wheels, mainly because I'd get interrupted and have to review a lot so I didn't miss anything.

Kind of a slow week of television viewing. I watched two episodes of The Snoopy Show and rather enjoyed both. I'll definitely finish the season that's available.

Caught the second episode of Loch Ness and I'm pretty hooked. There's a lot going on and sometimes doesn't feel like anything is related, but I'm pretty sure there's one single thread that will pull everything together.

Watched two more episodes of Silent Witness. I like getting a little more information on Jack's backstory. He's an interesting character but kind of mysterious.

Finished up an arc of Classic Who and started a new one. Seven kind of gets a raw deal and I'm still not quite sure about Mel. The weird way she got introduced kind of throws me off.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Laundry Guy and have to say this is such a cool show. I don't know if they'll do more episodes, but I'm totally in if they do.

Caught another episode of Hawkeye. I'm very interested in how they're exploring the Ronin angle. I haven't watched all the movies yet but I'm kind of current on what happened. Nice to see a little more detail about this aspect of Clint's character.

Watched the first episode of The Hardy Boys second season. A little disappointed they recast Fenton, but I love the actor who's taken on the role. I'm definitely interested in the new mystery and can't wait to watch more.

Started season eight of Peak Practice. A lot of changes with the move to the new building and a great case of the week. Feels like there might be a lot more drama with rescues and stuff this season.

Enjoyed another MasterClass lesson with Neil deGrasse Tyson. Asking questions is something I wish more people did on a regular basis, especially when mis or disinformation is now the standard.

Caught another episode of Young Wallander: Killer's Shadow. Kurt is kind of walking a fine line and I really do not like the new boss and how he's trying to get rid of Rusk. My one hope is Kurt's friendship with Rez better not go up in flames.

Watched another episode of the Ready Room and thoroughly enjoyed it. Getting to know the actress playing L'Rell was a lot of fun.

Enjoyed an episode of Chicago Med and I liked getting to see Daniel's ex-wife. I'm a little confused because it almost seemed like Robin is his only kid, but I'm certain he had another daughter in an earlier season. Maybe I missed something.

Caught another episode of Cuffs and, again, really enjoyed the character dynamics. I'm beginning to like Jo a lot and I'm still not quite certain what the hell the chief detective has going on in his life aside from the horrible relationship with his dad.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Youth is Overrated, a novella that features family dynamics with the main couple helping their oldest son through a rough patch.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tatum Moore and Fisher Vogler have three grown children and their oldest is considering divorce. When he seeks advice from his parents, they try not to interfere but provide insight into a passionate opposites attract marriage and how to make it work.

And a snippety peek…

Tatum took a long sip of her coffee then set the mug aside. "Okay, Jame. What I'm about to tell you kind of falls under the too much information category, but you need context so deal with it." She drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "You already get the instant-attraction thing, since you and Reagan sparked that way when you met." Her gaze shifted to Fisher. "Your dad and I experienced the same thing."

Her mind drifted back to the first moment she spied Fisher in Shaunessey's bar. She'd knocked off from her job as a theater set designer and ducked into the pub. Fisher laughed at something a coworker said and an electric zing traveled down her spine.

Basically, she strolled in, took one look, and decided to stake her claim from the word go.

And she knew in her bones there'd be no one else for her. Not exactly a great thing, because they wouldn't have it easy. Not with her family's track record.

Didn't matter. Not when his gaze zeroed in on her and he left his friends and made a beeline straight toward her. Yep, definitely planned to go home with him that night.

He nodded toward the counter. "Buy you a beer?"

She shook her head. "I'll get mine. But find a table and I'll join you."

Two hours later, she had the pertinent details. Fisher worked for the big factory brewery—thankfully, she'd chosen one of the brands he made—and had the weekend off. No siblings, parents were an hour away, and he didn't have a significant other.

She shared her information. Her job as a set designer with a local theater company kept her busy, she had stepparents—second stepdad, third stepmom—and one brother who moved as far away as possible to never have to deal with the parental drama again. And she absolutely didn't have a boyfriend.

Fisher glanced toward the exit. "Live about five miles from here. Come home with me?"

She didn't have to think twice. "Love to. My car's at the theater. Can I get a ride back … later?"

He gave a nod and they dashed for the exit.

Tatum shrugged. "I'll spare you the details of that first sex-filled weekend, but it turned into an overwhelming desire to be with each other constantly. And trouble soon followed."

Jamie frowned. "What do you mean? You've been together over twenty years."

Tatum huffed out a laugh. "Sure. But I decided it's not healthy to be so wrapped up in each other. I really battled with wanting and needing your dad so much."  If everything went sideways, she wouldn't be able to deal.

Jamie cocked his head. "So, you freaked out."

Tatum's lips curved. "In a word, yes. And your dad didn't get it. His background didn't match mine when it came to being able to cope with life. His thought was why worry?"

Jamie snorted. "I'll be that went over well."

She laughed. "Yeah, not so much. I had a career I was just getting started in and I loved it. I had crap examples for how to be a grown-up because neither of my parents acted like one. And I met a guy that seemed to consume my every waking moment. Freaking out definitely occurred and I had to figure out what move to make."

And, boy, did she go way off the range when that happened.

I love writing this story. It's a little different for me and a bit of a challenge but it's coming together better than I'd hoped.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Your Move

More weird weather this week. And some great news for the daughter. She ended up with three scholarships and two awards for her sophomore year. Amazing!

Solid work week with ongoing edits on two projects. I'm doing some new nonfiction work and I'm enjoying it so much.

Pretty good week of television also. I finished up the second season of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. I'd be happy if they did another run of episodes with this show.

Caught an episode of Cuffs and actually enjoyed it a lot even though the personal lives of the characters are all falling apart.

Watched two episodes of Silent Witness. I'm beginning to really enjoy Jack's tenaciousness. He won't let go when his hunches are biting down hard.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Who. I'd forgotten how the quality of the show suffered so much during Seven's tenure, which isn't a bash on the actors. They do an excellent job considering what they're given to work with.

Finished up Aliens in Alaska and really enjoyed the season. Wouldn't mind if they did more later.

Caught two episodes of Hawkeye and I'm sold. Love the interaction between the characters and enjoy the overarching plot point. Great show.

Finished up the second season of Harrow and I enjoyed it so much. One thing that really hits hard is the fact that Harrow has now murdered two people and as much as I love the character, I kind of want him to suffer some consequences for his actions. We'll see if season three offers any up for him.

Watched the Peak Practice season seven finale. Looks like some big changes for the next season with a new location for the practice. I'm looking forward to seeing where things go.

Started a quirky series with The Laundry Guy. Enjoyed seeing what he uses to bring stained items back to life. I'm definitely going to learn a lot from this show.

Caught an episode of Blue Heelers and enjoyed it. Really feeling the topic of the week vibes during this season, but it's not deal-breaking.

Consumed another MasterClass with Neil deGrasse Tyson and liked learning about the scientific method. As with Nye, Tyson has a way of putting information out there that doesn't make me feel stupid.

Watched another episode of Young Wallander: Killer's Shadow. I'm very invested in this season already and I kind of love where things are going.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. This rewatch definitely lets me find my happy place.

Also caught another episode of Chicago Med and I'm kind of still hating the new head of the ED. We'll see if that continues. I love that Rhodes is actually on to Ava and isn't really being duped … yet.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Your Move, a novella that features a reunion romance that gets off to a shaky start.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reilly Mounts returns to her hometown after an impulsive marriage and a divorce that's turning ugly. Caden Bromley, her high school flame, wants to pick up where they left off, but Reilly needs some time to figure out where he fits in her life … and she has to deal with her soon-to-be ex.

And a snippety peek…

Caden pulled into the alley behind Reilly's house and hopped out of the truck. "Should be okay to store this flooring on the patio." He grabbed four boxes and stacked them neatly close to the house.

Several more trips and he had the hardwood unloaded. He wiped his hands off and decided to surprise Reilly with an invite to a late dinner.

Pulling the back door open, he stopped in his tracks. Nothing prepared him for the sight greeting his eyes.

Reilly in a hot lip-lock … with her ex. Son of a bitch.

Stung, he backed out quickly, quietly closed the door, and stalked to his truck, burning mad. Yanking hard on the door handle, he started the engine and headed out before he even got the door fully closed. His hands white knuckled the steering wheel.

"What the hell was I thinking … getting involved with her again?"

He started for home but, at the last moment, stopped at the yard instead. Anger had adrenaline coursing through him and the barn had a heavy bag he could work out his aggression on.

Stripping off his shirt, he took a few minutes to slip on a pair of gloves. "I'm so stupid." Punch-punch.

He'd stepped back at her request. "But to give her time…" Punch-punch. "Not so she could jump into the arms of Dougie the ex."

He pounded the bag and did his damnedest to not imagine Doug's face on the canvas. He pretty much failed spectacularly, but better to visualize here alone than traumatize three people by losing his cool at Reilly's. He'd also save Cameron the trouble of posting bail by taking frustration out on an inanimate object and focusing the blame inward. He had no one to blame but himself.

Thirty minutes later, sweat dripping off his arms and torso, he finally tossed the gloves aside and walked the perimeter of the barn to cool off a little. He still couldn't get the image of Reilly and her ex out of his mind, but the red haze of anger no longer colored the picture. Heaving a sigh, he grabbed his shirt and headed for the office. A long, hot shower before he went home sounded great at the moment.

Entering the office, he turned on the desk light and nothing else. "Don't need to advertise I'm here late." Normally, he wouldn't care but he didn't want to deal with anyone right now.

He shed his clothes outside the stall and turned the water on. When it warmed, he stepped under the spray and rested his head on the wall. The water would run cold well before his mind went numb, but he'd manage.

"And remember why what-if can get me into trouble."

Caden is not a happy camper and he'll make sure Reilly knows it very soon. But … all is not what it seems, which is always a fun vibe to play with.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: X Out the Date

Nothing like starting April with snow flurries and chilly weather. Prom weekend for the high schoolers ended up being very brisk. Brrrr.

Had a very busy work week but I made a ton of progress on a difficult edit. It's something kind of new for me and I'm thoroughly enjoying the project. Had a couple of great calls for some possible new work also. All in all a productive week.

Had a decent week of viewing television also. I'm more or less back on my regular schedule, which makes me happy.

Caught two episodes of Silent Witness. I'm very much liking the new season. Clarissa is fast becoming a favorite and they're not shoving the new guy in my face all the time. All in all, I'm still loving this show.

Finished up season twenty-three of Classic Who and started season twenty-four. I'd forgotten the weird way they morphed from Six to Seven. I actually might not have seen that one. Almost finished with the original run and then I have to decide if I'm going to start a rewatch of New Who. I might wait a while.

Watched two more episodes of Aliens in Alaska. I have one more to watch then it's on to something new. I might dive into something more space-related again. I'm not sure yet.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Muppets Now. I should have this finished up this week then I'll have to decide what to watch next. I might dive into the Marvelverse. I've been wanting to watch Hawkeye.

Caught two episodes of Harrow. Man, this season is a roller coaster. I have no clue what the hell is going on with Maxine but I'm not liking it. I love, love, love the kind of new dynamic with Fairley and I like the new assistant. I also enjoy the whole Daniel and Grace being unable to find their footing. Good stuff.

Watched an episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I'll have this season finished up this week and should be ready to start season eight.

I started a new MasterClass with Neil deGrasse Tyson. I'm enjoying the way he explains things. Should be a very interesting class.

Finished the first season of Young Wallander and started the second. I gotta say I shouldn't have been surprised with how the first season ended but I was. That said, I loved the opening episode of season two. Kurt is a magnet for strange cases.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. One of my favorites with Grandpa moving out followed by the legend of Satchmo made me really happy. One of the best things about the original show is how much grown-ups could enjoy the episodes right along with the little ones.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med and, sadly, Will is beginning to annoy the crap out of me. Ethan is probably my favorite doctor even if he's a bit rigid sometimes. Not sure I like where they're taking April, but I'll hold judgment on that front for now.

Watched an episode of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life and I'm down to having one more left. I'll have to decide what to watch next once I finish this series.

I started a new mystery, Loch Ness, and enjoyed the first episode. This one could go either way so I'm hoping it keeps my attention.

Also enjoyed another episode of Blue Heelers and liked it. I do not enjoy Monica but this one seemed to set up some stuff for the future so that might be fun to watch.

Began the Ready Room episodes for the second season of Star Trek: Discovery. Rather enjoyed the first one and I'll look forward to watching more.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from X Out the Date, a novella where the couple has to spend a week apart and they come to realize how much they want to take the next step in their relationship.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Preston Ayl and Elliot Newman are on the verge of making a strong commitment. Attending conferences on opposite ends of the country, the week away from each other is proving more difficult than either expects and they're crossing out the date until they're back together.

And a snippety peek…

Elliot glanced at his phone, expecting a call from Preston.

Alex rolled his eyes. "Dude, you've got it bad. You've only been apart a day or two and you're jonesing for her like a junkie." He leaned back and spread his arms out. "We're out, watching a match. Enjoy the freedom." He snagged a wing and dipped it ranch dressing.

Elliot cocked his head. "I already have freedom. Have I missed a hockey match? Or a practice?" He shook his head. "Preston doesn't try to shackle me." He loved having someone who had outside interests like he did.

Alex nodded. "True. And she never would. We're not built that way."

An accurate statement. The Ayls were very close-knit but also supportive of pursuing interests and doing their own thing. Elliot didn't have a point of reference for families like theirs. His consisted of his parents and a cat. No one else. Preston and Alex had relatives sprawling all over the state.

His phone pinged and he scooped it off the table. "That's Preston. I'm gonna take this outside."

Alex waved him off. "Yeah, yeah. I'll be out when the game's over."

Elliot elbowed his way through the crowd at the bar. "Preston? Hey, give me a sec." He made it to the door and exited out into the cold night air. "How did today's seminar go?"

She groaned. "It went okay. Our instructor was one of those types that think so highly of themselves they lose sight of the reason they're teaching the class."

Elliot winced. "Bleh. Rough day then." He shivered against a gust of wind. "At least tell me the weather is terrific. It's cold in Maine." Ducking between the bar and a bakery, he huddled against the building.

She chuckled. "High-eighties and sunny earlier. Now it's breezy and about seventy-five. Very comfortable." Her voice lowered. "I wish you were here."

He did, too. And not only for the spectacular climate. He missed her. A lot.

"Are you outside? It sounds windy."

He barely kept his teeth from chattering. "I am. Alex and I had dinner at a sports bar and were watching the hockey match."

Preston tsked. "Way more fun than the quick meal I grabbed on the way up to my room. We're doing a mock event in about thirty minutes. It'll be a late night for us."

He gave a nod. "At least it'll be warm." Unlike his location.

Alex exited the bar and Elliot waved him over. "Your cousin says hello."

Alex snorted. "I did not. But I am now." He shuddered. "Talk and walk, man. It's too cold to not be on skis or a board out here."

Preston laughed. "That's my cue to X out the date and let you go. Short day tomorrow. Text me when you're done with your client meeting."

Elliot agreed. "Will do. Love you."

Preston signed off. "Love you, too."

He pocketed his phone and jogged to catch up with Alex. They made a beeline for the hotel and headed for their respective rooms. Elliot turned the television on to the sports highlights but didn't pay much attention to the screen.

Instead, he pondered the next step with Preston. He wanted them to move in together. Except … they each needed space and neither of their current abodes had enough for both on a continuous basis.

She had a change of clothes and some toiletries at his apartment and he had the same at hers.

His lips twitched. "Poor Alex almost had a stroke when he recognized Preston's shoes sitting by the door." Not that there had been any meaning behind her leaving them there—she'd brought them over when they hiked one of the trails close to Elliot's apartment.

Or course, Alex promptly took credit for matching them up—once he got over the initial shock of not being informed immediately of the couple status.

Elliot rolled to his side. "What a night that was."

Preston had planned to stop by after her shift at the hospital to watch a movie. Elliot tried to get rid of Alex, but he wouldn't budge from the couch, claiming he couldn't possibly miss the end of the snowboarding competition. Elliot shook his head and considered sending Preston an advanced warning text.

By the time he had the message ready to send, she knocked on the door.

Elliot answered and gave her a quick side-eye when she entered.

Alex jumped up. "Presto? Whatever are you doing here?" He couldn't quite pull off the innocent act.

Preston narrowed her eyes. "Are we twelve again? No one has called me Presto since then."

Alex smirked. "You mean when you smashed Dougie's hand with the crochet mallet?" He shrugged. "You like me better than him so I can get away with it."

She arched a brow. "Don't bet on it, Alex." Her gaze met Elliot's. "Cat's out of the bag then?"

Elliot nodded. "He spotted your shoes."

Preston rolled her eyes. "Of course he did. He was with me when I bought them." She dropped her bag on the table then faced Alex. "You've had your thrilling moment of victory. Can Elliot and I go to dinner now?"

Alex gave her a wide grin. "Sure. As long as I can come along to chaperone." He waggled his eyebrows.

Preston tsked. "You're welcome to come along, but I don't plan to hump him in the middle of the restaurant." She flicked a glance toward Elliot. "What about you? Any grand ideas of getting hot and heavy between the appetizer and main course?"

Alex held up his hands. "Okay, okay. I get it. You can manage without me." He headed for the front door. "I'll take my leave and you two can enjoy your meal in peace." After twisting the knob, he shot Preston another smirk. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Preston barked out a laugh. "Nothing like leaving the field wide open, Alex. There's not much you won't do."

He snickered. "I know." The door closed behind him.

Elliot shook his head. "I'm sorry about that, but he's your cousin."

Preston snorted. "True. Which means I'm stuck with him. You choose to be friends with him, though."

Elliot grasped her hips. "Yep. And I met you because he is my friend." His head lowered. "We should give him a pass … just this once."

Preston lifted her chin. "If you say so." Her lips meshed with his and Alex didn't get another thought from either of them the rest of the night.

I'm enjoying the concept of this story and showing the couple at a turning point where they evaluate their relationship from opposite ends of the country.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin