Sunday Snippet: Fits and Starts

I'm not quite sure where the month of September went but it's almost over. The weather in Ohio is currently fall-like. Not sure how long that will last. I could actually get behind having it stick around for a while.

Pretty decent week of viewing. I'm back on my usual schedule for the most part. I'll be starting a new show on one of my streamers, but I'm not sure if I'll stick with it or give up that slot for now.

Watched another episode of Ted Lasso. Gotta say, I definitely see the appeal and how so many people have utter undying love for the show. I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

Caught another episode of the Agatha Christie Hour. I loved the twists and turns in this one. Good intrigue without being a full-blown mystery.

Enjoyed the first part of Silent Witness. There's a good mysterious vibe in this two-parter and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out this week.

Started season twenty-six of Classic Who and loved seeing the colonel back again. I'm looking forward to the next episode.

Watched another Strangest Things episode and learned about desert glass. Well worth the view for that alone.

Caught an episode of The Book of Boba Fett. Geez, a lot happened and I'm still trying to process everything. Definitely need to catch up on season two of The Mandalorian to fill in the missing blanks. Looking forward to doing that.

Only Murders in the Building is such a terrific show. The pacing is excellent and the reveals are pretty much perfect. Hat tip to all involved in the writing and acting.

Enjoyed another episode of Blue Heelers and it actually ended up breaking my heart a little. One of the scenes hit a little too close for comfort involving a pet that had to be put to sleep.

Caught another MasterClass lesson with Roxane Gay. She discussed finding an agent and what to pay attention to when dealing with contracts.

Watched another Umbrella Academy episode. I'm definitely getting hooked on this one. I love the characters and how they interact with each other and outsiders. Klaus is a wicked-fun gem. Also nice to see Luther before his transformation. Felt horrible for Diego and my heart really goes out to Vanya. Loved the scene with Allison, though. Great stuff.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. Two of my favorites were in this bunch. Anytime Angelica is foiled by Susie is worth the watch.

Also caught another episode of Batman: The Animated Series. This ended up being a good one. I like the episodes when there isn't a major villain from the rogue gallery for Batman to deal with.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fits and Starts, a novella puts the characters on opposites of a dilemma.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After escaping from a madman's clutches, Pru Stark can't quite find her footing again. She pushes her man, Dane Callaway, away and refuses to see the little girl she saved. Dane can give her space, but he won't stay on the sidelines, not when Pru needs him the most, even if she can't quite admit it.

And a snippety peek…

A loud blast woke Pru up and sent her sprawling from the bed. She rose and a second explosion had her crashing into the wall, her head cracking on the hard surface. The hard jolt had reality becoming a sharp focus but meshed with her dreamlike existence of the last six months.

Everything jumbled in her mind, but danger came through with crystal clarity.

Pru rubbed her temple. "Minnie!" Tearing out of the room, Pru sprinted across the hall into the girl's room. "Minnie! Honey, where are you?" She had to find her daughter.

"Over here." The voice trembled.

Pru found Minnie huddled under her vanity. "Okay, sweetie, come here. We need to get out, okay?" She reached out a hand.

Minnie shook her head. "I'm scared." The words squeaked out and she shuddered.

Pru got down and scooted close. "I know, Minnie. Me, too. But we'll make it. I'm your avenging angel, remember? I won't let anything happen to you." The adrenaline rush kicked her into instinct mode.

The world crashed back with resounding simplicity. Her past—the real one—poked through the haze of dreamy make-believe. She didn't belong here. She never had.

She almost sank under the emotional overload, but her training kicked in. She'd get them out. Snatching Minnie up in her arms, Pru dashed through the apartment and into the corridor. Debris rained down and another boom shook the building. A brief flash of memory ripped through her brain and Pru crouched low, keeping Minnie pressed against her chest. Heavy footfalls sounded around a corner and Pru risked taking cover against the wall. The ceiling collapsed and caught three armed guards under its weight.

Pru stripped a gun off a fallen henchman. She checked the chamber with Minnie clinging on, her little legs wrapped around Pru's waist. Pru had a full clip of ammo and an exit to find. She made her way through the debris and rubble. Making a break for the open main hub, she encountered an armed force of three. Enemies. No doubt in her mind now.

She braced her hand on Minnie's back. "Put your head on my shoulder and don't look up." She picked the first one off, then the second. She went for the third, but he got taken out from the side. She swung her arm toward the assailant ready to fire.

"Pru! Don't shoot. It's me. It's Dane."

Her arm slowly lowered, fingers trembling, the emotional barrage too much. She recognized the name and the voice. And she broke, clasping Minnie close.

Dane enveloped her in his embrace and she finally caved and collapsed. Too many conflicting details filled her mind. She didn't know up from down or fact from fiction, but she did know him.

Dane swept her up, along with Minnie. "It's okay, Pru. We're going home." He clutched them close and headed out of the building.

Home. Pru didn't know what the word meant anymore.

This story took me on a few twisty roads but I love how it's coming together. Pru is going to have to redefine what home is in the near future.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin