Sunday Snippet: Academic Challenge

Crap. I can't believe May is almost over. It's been a crazy month. We're finally getting through the Covid crud. Thankfully, I'm still negative and I'm crossing my fingers I stay that way.

Had a solid week of work projects and got some extra writing in also. My oracle cards this week had a majority of work-life balance advice this week and I'm trying to pay heed and take time to do fun stuff along with the work.

Had a semi-decent week of viewing. Made a full round of my regular streaming services and played a little catch up with some small things I'd been saving up for a while.

Caught another episode of The Snoopy Show and laughed out loud several times. Pitty Snoopy against Lucy is always fun.

Started Signora Volpe because two of my favorite actors are in it and it's a mystery series. Really enjoyed the first episode and I'm looking forward to more.

Watched the first part of Silent Witness. Very interesting episode and a bit of a departure from the way cases are usually presented. I'm looking forward to the second part.

Finished up a Classic Who arc and actually kind of enjoyed it. This is an odd season and I'm still not quite sure how I feel about Mel as a companion.

Enjoyed another episode of The Mandalorian. I love the pacing and the small reveals and the humor. This is a fun show even if it not necessarily supposed to be.

Caught another episode of Harrow and loved it. Putting Farley, Harrow, and Daniels in the wild ended up being hilarious. Not sure how I feel about Grace and her ex—I'm not really that interested and I don't like being jerked around. I do know I'm not a fan of James and I'm going to be interested to see if they end up making him as awful as I think they will.

Watched another episode of Blue Heelers and enjoyed it. It's always cool to see how the southern hemisphere celebrates a holiday like Christmas when it's the middle of summer for them.

Enjoyed another MasterClass lesson with Neil deGrasse Tyson. I liked the focus on inspiring curiosity in your audience. There were a couple of great takeaways from that.

Caught another episode of The Babysitter's Club and, again, I totally get why so many people loved this show. I'll savor the two seasons available.

Watched two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. I love the trip down memory lane and how much fun the show has with classic pop culture references.

Finished season four of Chicago Med and, wow, ending on a cliffhanger for sure. I'm glad I can start season five right away.

Last but not least, I caught up on a few things I've had on hold. I watched several Passionflix options. Dirty, Sweet Valentine, Wicked bloopers, and I finally finished up Seduction and Snacks, which I ended up enjoying so much. The laugh out loud funny moments were exactly what I needed to end the week. I hope they do more with sexy romcoms.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Academic Challenge, a novella that puts a teaching assistant and a professor on the path to a happy ending.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Holly Patz, the newest TA for Professor Sam Ingali, wants to enjoy the experience. But when rumors start swirling about her relationship with the handsome instructor, she has to decide whether to stick around and become his latest conquest or turn the odds in her favor.

And a snippety peek…

Holly tilted her head to one side. "I think you need to switch the first section with the third." She straightened and met Sam's gaze, trying to gauge his reaction.

His shoulders slumped a little. "I wondered about that. But the chronological events line up better with this version." He sat in the chair at the corner of the couch.

Holly gave a slow nod. "True, but you're also trying to get the class to think critically. If you present the information in order of importance then ask them to describe how the timeline set this series of dominoes up for the fall, they'll walk away with a better understanding of how everything shakes out." She untucked her legs and stretched out her kinked muscles.

Sam leaned back. "Damn … you're right. Pushing the class to think outside the lines will open up their thought processes." He grabbed his glass of wine then sent her an appreciative look. "Thank you. This has been a big help." He drained the glass.

Holly inclined her chin. "You did the hard work. I only tweaked things a little." She didn't want to bask under the praise too much, but the compliment warmed her.

Sam shook his head. "That's exactly what I'd hoped for. You're a terrific sounding board." He reached and grasped her palm.

Holly squeezed his fingers. "I do aim to please." Her lips quirked. "Once I figure out what not to do, the rest falls into place pretty easily." She loved the easy way his smile flashed.

Sam kept hold of her hand, his thumb rubbing circles on her wrist. "You catch on quick and I appreciate it."

Since he didn't seem to be in a hurry to leave, Holly pushed the envelope a little. "Another glass of wine?" She got up and grabbed her glass.

Sam gave her a long, level look. "We finished the bottle and half of another. I shouldn't have more if I'm going to drive home."

Holly took the opportunity he presented. "So, don't go home. Spend the night here." She walked into the kitchen area, hoping he'd follow.

He did. While she poured two more glasses, he put his hands on her shoulders. Waiting until she'd finished, he turned her to face him.

His gaze searched hers. "Are you sure about this? I didn't ask for your help so you'd invite me to stay." His palms slid up to cup her face.

Holly did a gut check. After their banter-filled introduction, she honestly expected something to happen between them the very first week. While not disappointed they'd taken longer to act on the attraction, she wanted to see where things went.

She liked him. A lot.

Good looks combined with keen intelligence? Her catnip. And the way his voice sounded when he got rolling on a passionate topic … Whoo boy.

Sam stroked a thumb along her jawline. "Holly?"

She put her hands on his hips. "I'm sure, Sam. I'm very sure." To seal the deal, she raised her chin and met his lips with hers.

Sam has a reputation but Holly's not going to let that deter her from forming her own opinion. This story is so much fun to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Zootropolis

What a week. We've been very lucky to this point and have avoided anyone coming down with Covid. That ended on Tuesday. Luckily, out of the four living at home, only one tested positive and the others are, so far, negative. I'm crossing my fingers that holds.

Had a decent week and a little more balance on my work projects. I'm trying to more even paced and mindful about my work-life time.

Ended up getting a good amount of television watched this week. I started a new show and picked out a new one to begin next week.

I caught the first of a two-part Blue Heelers and ended up enjoying it a lot. Kind of sad to see Chris and Adam part ways, but I'm interested to see how that plays out.

Ended up enjoying two MasterClass lessons with Neil deGrasse Tyson. The second one ended up being fairly lengthy so maybe my note from last week was premature.

Watched two more episodes of the Babysitters Club and I'm completely charmed by this show. I can see why everyone kind of fell in love with it. Good stuff.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Both ended up taking me back to when my oldest was still a toddler and watched the show daily. Two of his favorite episodes were in the group I watched.

Got two episodes of Chicago Med in and, wow, season four kind of went in a few crazy directions. I'm on one of the last episodes of the season and I'm kind of wondering where they'll go with five.

Enjoyed another episode of The Snoopy Show. This is such a fun and lighthearted half hour. Highly recommend if you need something low-key to watch.

Watched another episode of Loch Ness. I'm close to the end and I'm pretty sure I've got a good idea of who the killer is. There have been a lot of red herrings and I'm on the fence between two theories. Can't wait to find out if I'm right.

Got another Classic Who episode in. I'm into an arc I haven't seen, which is good because that distracts me from the low-budget everything about this season of the show.

Caught another episode of Most Terrifying Places in America. Honestly, I kind of enjoy hearing about all the weird, haunted, scary places that abound in the US.

Started The Mandalorian and loved the low-key dry humor. Looking forward to watching more for sure.

Watched an episode of The Hardy Boys. Have to admit, I'm getting annoyed by Joe. He was a lot of quirky fun in the first season but not so much in the second. He's still got good snark, but he's lost a lot of his good nature. I hope that gets explained. We'll see.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice. This one ended up being really good with great plot lines. Nice to Alice back in her home and trying to deal with the scary flashbacks of the robbery. I actually hope they pick up with that and find the guy.

Last but not least, I caught another episode of the Ready Room. Doug Jones was the guest and it fun to get insight into his character and the Kelpian race.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zootropolis, a novella that features an opposites attract relationship that gets off to a rocky start.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Mackenna Sycks is looking to raise money for a wildlife refuge in Africa. When Walton Conley offers to back her project, she balks, thinking the hot shot playboy has ulterior motives. He does, but he's also a whiz with fundraisers and surprises Mackenna with gala affair dubbed Zootropolis.

And a snippety peek…

Walton quirked an eyebrow. "Is that a compliment? Coming from you?" He didn't want the warm kick her enthusiasm gave him.

He wanted to stay mad because he'd worked his ass off to make the presentation damn near perfect only to have her possibly ruin it.

She gave a wary nod. "Gotta admit I'm impressed. So, yes, definitely a compliment." She ran her fingers over the miniature mock-up.

He moved to stand next to her. "Thank you. And I really built the whole thing myself." Rarely did he take full credit, but his project involved no one else in his company … yet. "I didn't trust anyone else to create the vision I have for the benefit." Which she might not know about if she hadn't spoken to Carrie. "That's why I called this group in. I can give you the money for the down payment and fund the sanctuary. But if we get everyone I brought in on board, you wouldn't have to worry about ongoing costs or support." She'd have a sizeable chunk of money in the bank, and if he invested it for her, she could watch it grow.

Mackenna lifted her chin. "I get it. The more people who get involved, the better to drum up donations." She put the elephant back and turned to meet his gaze. "If the gala goes well, it could become an annual event, right?"

He grunted. "Sure. If necessary. And it might be after the blunder today." He hated possibly seeing his hard work go down the drain. "Can I ask? Did you really deliver a gazelle today?"

She blushed. "I helped, yes. And if you think you can get everyone back in two days, I'll have a little time to regroup and then I can explain what happened." She moved away from the credenza and paced back and forth. "I'll do my best to wow them and show how much this entire project means to me." She paused a moment. "I could even have the zoo vet take some pictures of the fawn. People love that stuff, don't they?"

He considered the idea. "Baby animals? Are you kidding? They'll eat it up." He moved to his desk and opened his contact list. "I'll set a new meeting for eleven a.m. the day after tomorrow. Does that work for you?"

She gave him a tentative smile. "I'll make it work. And I promise I won't be wearing flip-flops, mucky shorts, or a tank top." Heading for the door, she lifted a hand in farewell.

Walton tilted his head to one side when the door closed behind her. "I have a sinking feeling she's going to surprise me with something incredibly sexy."

And that might not be a good thing…

This story is so much fun. I love a small bit of miscommunication, especially when two people are trying really hard not to admit their feelings.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Zipline and Sinker

I'm still working on keeping all the plates spinning in the air. Finished up a few work projects and started more. I'm definitely not complaining even if I wouldn't mind things slowing down a wee bit.

Had a light week for television. I've pretty much decided that getting through one round of my rotation is doing well at the moment. I have some home projects that need attention and that cuts into screen time.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I like how the trauma with Alice is still prevalent. And the surgeon guy is an interesting addition to the cast.

Watched another MasterClass lesson with Neil deGrasse Tyson. I've noticed he has a number of fairly short lessons and I'm not sure why they're not a little longer. They do have some great information.

Started The Babysitters Club and liked the first episode. I've heard rave reviews about this show and I'm looking forward to getting into the storyline.

Enjoyed another episode of the Ready Room for Star Trek: Discovery. I like the interviews but the format could use a little work. I'm keeping in mind that these were more than likely filmed during the Covid shutdown.

Watched an episode of Chicago Med. Ended up being pretty tense and gnarly for the entire ED. I'm a little bummed there wasn't an end scene with Ethan and April.

Caught another episode of The Snoopy Show. I love this for quick breaks when my eyes need something different to focus on instead of words on a page.

Finished up the first season of Cuffs. Have to admit the finale ended up being terrific. I wouldn't mind seeing more of this group of characters.

Watched an episode of Silent Witness and honestly, I have no clue what's going on. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I hope some pieces fall into place in the conclusion.

Started a new arc of Classic Who. So far, it's kind of lame but I think this one will get better as it goes along. Here's hoping.

Began a new-to-me series with Most Terrifying Places in America. The first episode featured a haunted prison in Ohio. I actually had a friend who went for one of the weekend excursions not long after it opened for tours. I can't remember if they enjoyed it or not.

Finished up the first season of Hawkeye by watching the deleted scenes and gag reel. I truly enjoyed this show. If they have a second season, I'm in.

Last but not least, I started another episode of Harrow and I'm liking how things are coming together for this season. Not sure how much I'll like the whole long, lost son angle, but I'm interested for now.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Zipline and Sinker, a South of the Border novella that features a relic hunter and a security specialist that end up reuniting.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Vaughn Dyson is a relic hunter who goes out of her way to save old treasures and preserve their place in history. But when Faulkner Roush gets word she's trying to smuggle a priceless artifact out of South America, he has to track her down before a rival, out for profit, group gets to her.

And a snippety peek…

Vaughn moved away from the window in an abandoned mission. "Gonna need to refill my water supply." She'd rationed what she had, unwilling to chance heading for the river or the spring behind the building.

She wanted at least two full days before she made an attempt to get out. Halfway through the first day and no sign of the goons chasing her. Yet.

Heading back to her gear, she gave a nod. She'd chosen to stash her pack and supplies close to the altar. The hardwood would offer protection if needed and an old priest hole could offer an escape route if necessary.

She rummaged through her backpack to retrieve her next meal. Using the altar for cover and having an egress route were things Faulkner Roush taught her about. Her once upon a time man with a plan backup partner.

Shaking her head, she sighed. "Long time ago, Vaughn. He ghosted on you." She winced. "Okay, you had a big hand in the reason why."

Settling back against her bedroll, she closed her eyes. Faulk didn't truly cut ties until she gave him no other choice, by refusing to settle down for a happy future. Why did I push him away? Because he mattered, maybe a little more than her work and she wouldn't give relic hunting up.

Snorting, she grabbed the food packet and activated the internal warmer. "What else would I do?"

Her internal voice answered, "Gee, I don't know, Vaughn. Maybe teach antiquities and light a spark in a new generation. Duh."

Vaughn squashed the pesky intruder. "Teaching would mean staying in one place and I'm not built for that." She got itchy feet just thinking about being confined to a class room or lecture hall.

Inner Vaughn stuck her nose in again. "Teaching could also involve visiting lecture series, so yeah, that dog won't hunt, my friend."

Vaughn ripped open her last MRE. "Shut up, dammit. If I wanted an argument, I could track Faulk down. He's always up for a good disagreement." She barked out a laugh.

"Sorry, sweetness, the only thing I'm for right now is a solid eight then hauling your ass out of here."

Vaughn gasped and shot to her feet. The man himself stood just inside the door, looking hot, exhausted, but incredibly sexy. Damn him. She refused to acknowledge the face she hadn't heard him coming.

Both pissed and grateful to find Faulk's looming presence less than ten feet away, she lifted her chin. "Hello, Faulk. What brings you to my doorstep?" She resisted the urge to brush the dust from her clothes.

Faulk glanced around. "Not much of place you've got here." He jerked his head toward the entrance. "Not much of a doorstep either." Reaching into his pack, he withdrew a bottle of water, handing it over.

Vaughn accepted the gift. Would be stupid to do otherwise. She only had half a container left.

Untwisting the cap, she took a long drink before she shrugged. "Yeah, well, worth its weight in ancient relics right now." Not that she had any with her … she'd hidden the artifact outside the mission.

He huffed out a breath. "I'll bet." He handed her another bottle. He rolled a shoulder when she quirked an eyebrow. "Figured you'd ration water. I came prepared."

Why didn't that surprise her? "There's a spring behind the mission. We can refill." At least she wouldn't have to keep watch and try to fill up her canteens at the same time.

He grunted a response but said nothing. Instead, he dropped his gear next to hers and gave a nod toward the altar. His gaze also scoped out the priest hole. He made an impressed humming sound but didn't speak. Would it kill him to acknowledge her good planning? Less than thrilled with his quiet act, she also noticed he didn't answer her question about why he'd come. She'd lead up to that with a different question.

She sat back down and gathered her food. "So, how did you find me?"

I'm excited to get this one finished up. I love writing the South of the Border stories and this is one of my favorites.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Zinging Barbs (a South of the Border bonus free read)

What a crazy week of weather. We had rain, rain, rain, which is probably great for the gardens—as long as the plants are hardy. We also had some close to freezing temps in the wee hours of the morning.

Another super-busy work week. Started a few new projects and I'm humming along on some others. I like having a variety of work and I definitely have that right now.

Another slower week for television. I got started again on doing some clearing out and sorting of stuff I've put off way too long. The good news is I've discovered a ton of missing socks, which makes me very happy.

I watched the second episode of Harrow's third season. So far, I really, really dislike the new boss. But … I kind of love the dynamic between Harrow and Fairley. Discovering Grace is married is something I'm on the fence with, but we'll see what happens there.

Caught another episode of Blue Heelers. I'm a little disappointed to find out I won't be able to watch the bulk of the series now. It seems to have been removed from the streaming service I've been watching it on. Maybe it'll pop back up again. I still have the season to finish then I'll see what happens.

Enjoyed another lesson of MasterClass with Neil deGrasse Tyson. This one talked about systems of beliefs.

Finished up Young Wallander: Killer's Shadow and it did not disappoint. I hope there's another season of this show.

Watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I enjoy having this show on in the background when I'm reading emails.

Caught an episode of Chicago Med and, wow, I'm starting to wonder a little if this is Conor's last season. Things seem to be ramping up quickly.

Enjoyed another episode of The Snoopy Show. This one had a bunch of spring-like vignettes.

Watched another episode of Loch Ness and there didn't seem to be a lot of forward momentum on the case, but little revelations popped up and into the storyline. I'm excited for the next episode.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness. I'm kind of happy Thomas didn't do something sketchy with the information he had on the ex's new boyfriend. Even though she pretty much deserves anything he hands out. She's a piece of work.

Managed to finish an arc of Classic Who. I'll be starting a new one this week. I'm still on the fence with Mel as a companion. She does a lot of screaming.

Also watched the last episode of The Laundry Guy. I actually hope he does another round of episodes. I thoroughly enjoyed the six available.

Watched the Marvel Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye. Honestly, I really loved the first season and I'm kind of hoping there will be another, even if it's primarily Clint-free. Some great groundwork is out there if they continue this.

Started a new episode of The Hardy Boys. I love the mystery of this season and I can't wait to finish this episode.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Zinging Barbs, a bonus free read set in the South of the Border universe.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Relic finder Vaughn Dyson sticks much closer to home since Faulkner Roush saved her life, but when an artifact all but lands in her lap, she insists on taking it to the university for safe-keeping, which Faulkner can't argue about even if they'll be late for a party in their honor.

And a snippety peek…

Faulkner Roush smashed the accelerator and shot past a large van then jammed on the brakes when another car cut him off. "Dammit!" He slid his gaze to his passenger. "Why the hell are we doing this again?" A spot opened up and he zoomed through.

Vaughn Dyson barely held on to the artifact, wrapped protectively in padding and paper foam. "Because my luck is shit—even though this beauty practically fell from the sky into my lap—and the black market dealers would probably kill to get their hands on it." She angled her head toward him. "You don't want to put our friends in danger, right?"

As if. And definitely hell no. Like he and Vaughn, their friends had to fight to be together. Lars and Kiernan, Vail and Ellery, and Hayden and Lilith finally had peace and calm in their lives. He and Vaughn didn't need to wreck their friend's hard-won happiness.

Of course, their status as a couple might be short-lived … if they couldn't make it to a gathering in their honor.

Taking a sharp left, he squeezed through the alley behind the university. "You know we're gonna be late. Again." They'd been late to the formal ceremony at the university bestowing an award for the return of the jade relic that had brought them back together.

Vaughn rolled her eyes. "Remind me again who made us late for that award?" Her lips curved in a sexy grin.

Faulk grunted. "Technically?" He flicked his gaze sideways. "You did. That dress all but begged me to strip it off…" He veered to the right and drove into the parking garage, pulling up to the freight entrance. "And I didn't hear any complaints or protests." He did, however, hear her vocal moans during their steamy sex on the sofa.

She smirked. "What can I say. You in a tuxedo is a big turn-on." Popping the handle, she ducked out of the vehicle. "Be back in five. I'm only taking this one floor up. It'll be safe in the vault until Tuesday." Pushing the door closed with her ass, she quickly entered the elevator and headed out of sight.

After five minutes passed, Faulk drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. "Come on, Vaughn. Don't get sucked into any debates with long-winded professors." He'd give her a little longer then all bets were off.

They had someplace to be.

I have a lot of love for Vaughn and Faulkner. Their story is coming along nicely and we'll get to visit with more characters from the South of the Border series.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Zanzibar Blues

Well, hello May. I'm not quite sure where April went but it's nice to have a nice shiny new month to get started.

Had a very busy work week with lots of movement on my projects. I'm finalizing a few and getting ready to start new ones. I love having a full calendar!

Kind of a slow week for television. The weather got a little nicer and I tried to take advantage of getting outside for a while.

I watched an episode of Peak Practice and it ended up being really good. I think there might end up being a new doctor coming to the practice, which will make things interesting.

Caught another MasterClass with Neil deGrasse Tyson. He spoke of cultural bias and I ended up getting a lot out of the lesson.

Got another episode of Young Wallander: Killer's Shadow in and pieces started falling into place. I loved the reveal at the end of the episode and can't wait to see what happens next. I have a feeling Kurt is going to be on the hot seat through no fault of his own this time.

Enjoyed another episode of The Ready Room. Anthony Rapp is such a fun interviewee to watch and he offered up some great insight into his character.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med and found it kind of interesting. I really love how the episode title tends to be a through line for the whole episode.

Caught another episode of The Snoopy Show and enjoyed it. The three or four vignettes are a lot of fun.

Got another episode of Cuffs in and should be close to the final episode of the season. I'm kind of interested to where they end up leaving things for the characters.

Started season eighteen of Silent Witness and ended up loving it. There's a bit of a different vibe this season and I like how the characters are interacting. I can safely say I really don't like Thomas's wife and I'm kind of hoping there's not going to be a lot of his personal drama. That said, I totally get his concern for his daughter.

Watched another episode of Classic Who and I'm liking how this arc is moving along. Even though the budget for Seven's turn as the Doctor is kind of lacking, the actors do a darn good job with what they have.

Enjoyed another episode of The Laundry Guy. I'm truly hoping there will be more episodes of this show. If not, I guess I can scour YouTube to see if there's anything else with Patric.

Last but not least, I watched the finale of Hawkeye. Really happy with how the season ended. I loved the three-way conclusions and the intermingling with the LARPers. I so hope there will be more of them if another season ends up happening.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zanzibar Blues, a novella that puts the characters in a tenuous situation and they have to rely on each other to solve a big problem.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Higg Astley is brought in for a clean-up job, maintaining order over a raucous and rowdy crowd, in a roadside tavern, his first goal is to keep the house singer, Liberty Vans, from partaking in the nightly brawl. No easy feat when Liberty is the surrogate daughter of the man who owns the bar.

And a snippety peek…

Higg Astley hated working strip clubs, but couldn't say no to the money. He had things in hand and could probably turn the reins over to the head bouncer, who would become the lead. Higg mainly hung around because he didn't have anything else lined up.

A tall man entered the club and took a long look around.

Higg narrowed his eyes. "Hmm. Not a regular." He took the guy's measure.

Not the usual type of client. Could be big money. Could be trouble. But the man didn't have the cagey vibe most of the guys gave off.

The guy approached Higg at his post, the column between the stage, the bar, and the entrance. "Higgins Astley?"

Higg gave a nod. "I go by Higg." Only his mom called him Higgins.

The man flashed a smile. "I'm Marko Rivera." He thrust his hand forward.

Higg clasped his palm and immediately liked the guy. Good, firm handshake with no posturing asshole ambiance.

Marko jerked his chin upward. "You've done a nice job here." His gaze traveled the length of the stage but didn't linger.

Definitely not here for the show.

Higg nodded. "It was a challenge, but we finally got the guys to stop trying to jack off in the men's room and the girls can exit the building and cross the street without worrying they'll be manhandled." Amazing what kicking some ass could do.

Marko met Higg's gaze. "You have anything lined up after this?" His stance shifted and he propped a shoulder against the column.

Higg assessed the man again. No nonsense but a soft heart. "Not yet. You lookin' to clean a place up?" The timing couldn't be better.

Marko grunted. "I am, but you'll need full disclosure. Can we meet someplace when you're through here?"

Higg lifted two fingers and Doug Namin left his post at the door to make his way around the main stage. Barker Smith quickly took over duty by the door. A third man moved to Smith's former position.

Marko smiled. "You've trained your men well." His head bobbed up and down.

Higg shot him a sideways glance. "They're not my men. Owner wanted to keep his staff." A wise choice … they were good people.

Doug approached. "Need something, boss?"

Higg clapped him on the shoulder. "You're the boss now, Doug. It's time I moved on."

A wide grin spread across Doug's face. "Thanks, Higg. We'll keep everyone in line." He nodded toward the back area. "You all settled up with Rudy?" Bolland, the strip club owner.

Higg raised his chin. "Last week. Tell him I said you're good to go." He turned toward Marko. "I'm through here. There's a place around the corner. Serves coffee and it's quiet." Had decent pie also.

Marko flashed another smile. "Sounds perfect."

Higg followed the man out with a gut feeling they'd end up getting to know each other well.

I have so much love for this story. Marko is making a wise decision to bring Higg into a nasty situation and Higg is going to have his hands very full.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin