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