Sunday Snippet: Down the Middle

Whew. Finally recovered from our vacation and I'm back to work with multiple projects and a possible new venture in the near future. I'm super excited about it but still need to nail down some details and make some decisions on the setup.

As mentioned, I'm doing two weeks of catch-up on the life update and television viewing. While gone, I didn't watch a lot but I did get some screen time in.

I caught two more episodes of Strangest Things. I quite enjoy the approach the show takes in trying to solve the mystery of odd artifacts.

Started The Book of Boba Fett and watched two episodes. So far, I like what I'm seeing. It's a little hoppy with the back and forth of the timeline, but I'm following that without too much trouble.

I also started Only Murders in the Building and loved the first episode. I'm excited to see where the show goes.

Watched another MasterClass lesson with Roxane Gay. She did a writer's workshop and discussed finding common ground. Very interesting stuff with this lesson and I enjoyed.

Sobbed during the Babysitter's Club episode. I think I only have one left and I'm very sad there aren't going to be more. This is such a good show.

Finally had a chance to watch the Frankie Drake Mysteries special, "Music at Midnight" and I'm so glad I got to see it. This is another show I'm sad won't be coming back.

Caught another episode of The Ready Room. This one featured Michelle Paradise and recapped the penultimate episode of season two. Really fun interview.

I finished season three of Driven and loved the finale. I'm so glad Passionflix is starting a new series. They've done a great job so far.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med. I'm not sure but this might be my last season of the show. I enjoy it, but I might take a bit of a break.

Enjoyed another episode of Batman: The Animated Series. I love how the first season kind of explored a lot of different villains and they weren't always the big bads we've come to know and love.

Caught another episode of Ted Lasso. I'm three episodes in and I'm enjoying the show. It's a tiny bit campy and I like that aspect.

Watched another episode of The Agatha Christie Hour. Very interesting conflict in this one and fun to see an uber-young John Nettles as one of the stars.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. I actually have no idea where this one is going and I kind of like that. I do suspect the old and new cases will converge in a nasty way. Per usual.

Began a new Classic Who arc. For some reason the Psychic Circus is sticking out in my mind but I don't think I've actually seen these episodes. I'll know more next week.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Down the Middle, a sexy romance with two bounty hunters that have to work together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Bounty hunter Ursa Goode always gets her man … if Jake Weatherwax doesn't beat her to him. But when a target escapes and comes after her, Ursa has to take Jake up on his offer to work together and split the reward right down the middle. The need for a partner rubs her wrong, but Jake definitely doesn't.

And a snippety peek…

Around five a.m., Ursa almost gave up with her plan. The bartender made last call and the DJ announced the final song. Cavil had his victim picked out but had yet to make a move.

Ursa dug her nails into her palms. "Dammit, why is he deviating now?" Usually, he wanted to be clear of the place before people started leaving to find their cars.

Twenty minutes later—the final club song still playing—Llewellyn finally led a petite blonde out the back exit. Blood thrummed through Ursa's veins but she checked the urge to bolt after them. Waiting a discreet few moments, she followed them into the alley behind the club.

The first smudges of light were noticeable overhead, but the shadows remained dark and gloomy in the street. She barely got outside before a jolt went through her system and she stood paralyzed and unable to move. When the hell did he start using a low-voltage taser?

A zip-tie tethered her wrists and she went to kick out, but quickly found herself backed into the brick façade of the building with Cavil holding on to her leg. With her hands bound, her shoulders slapped the hard surface.

Struggling to keep her balance, her head cracked against the rough-hewn concrete windowsill. "Shit. That hurt." Stars swirled behind her eyelids.

Llewellyn grasped her other leg and she went down, landing on her ass hard enough to knock the wind from her lungs. Cavil used the time to wind several rows of duct tape from her feet to mid-calf.

Ursa growled. "Son of a bitch." Her gaze scanned the alleyway. "Where's the cute blonde?" Not like him to let one get away.

Except her.

Cavil gave her a smug look. "You mean the sweet child I escorted out of the club? She's on her way home." He stooped down and leaned in close. "I ordered an Uber for her." His smirk stretched across his face.

Ursa blinked. "I'm surprised you know what an Uber is." He prided himself on being a traditionalist.

Llewellyn got to his feet. "Oh, I keep up on the latest. And I knew you'd be coming for me. I laid out a careful trail of breadcrumbs for you to follow." An expansive smile curved his lips. "After all, you're the one I'm really here for."

She realized he'd picked her as his prey and wanted to kick herself for being so stupid.

Llewellyn dusted off his hands. "As much as I'd love to stick around and play, I have someplace to be." He shoved her into the space between the building and a dumpster.

Landing on her side, she had almost zero room to move.

Cavil tore off another piece of tape and slapped it over her mouth. "Can't have you raising the alarm too soon, but we'll see you again in the near future, my lovely Ursa. Our fun and games are only beginning." Tucking the roll underneath his arm, he strolled away, whistling a peppy tune.

Ursa inhaled and exhaled deeply through her nose and wriggled around until she had enough room to yank the tape off. "You're damn right we'll meet again. And next time I'll be ready."

Like she should've been this time.

I'm very happy with how this story is coming together. Ursa is a fun character to write and when I throw Jake in, things get really interesting.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin