Sunday Snippet: Getting Schooled

Happy Almost Halloween! Gotta say it's been a week. Several work projects hit at once—which I'm not complaining about—and a couple of disasters decided to show up on my doorstep. It's been a low-bandwidth week for me.

I didn't get a lot of viewing time in, mainly due to the work projects and the distractions form the washing machine going kaput, a trip to the ED for one of my grown kiddos, and having another one out of town and calling to check in several times.

I did get a few things watched. Finished up the Umbrella Academy and, wow, didn't quite expect how things went down. Looking forward to seeing the next episode.

Caught some Classic Rugrats with the Thanksgiving episode. I'd actually forgotten about this one and I'm glad I got to watch it again. I might have to set up a bit of countdown and try to catch all the holiday episodes between now and the solstice.

Watched another Batman: The Animated Series. It's always fun when they have Alfred step out of his comfort zone and this episode definitely makes him stray. That's two in a row and I'm here for it.

Enjoyed an episode of Ted Lasso. I love Roy and Keeley so much. Nate is getting a wee bit annoying. Jamie is … I'm not sure. If he doesn't act like a raging ass, I might be able to stomach seeing him. LOL

Caught another episode of Suspects and loved how it all came together. Some really interesting bits popped and I love the pacing. Great show.

I started another episode of Endeavor but I'll have to finish it when I have higher brain capacity. It has a focus on the space race and I love that.

Watched the second part of Silent Witness and whew, this one ended up being very twisty. Kind of bummed about how it ended but not surprised.

Enjoyed another Classic Who episode. I like the setting for this arc and look forward to the next episode.

Sci Fi Science looked into how to blow up a planet. Had a lot of fun watching this episode. I love so much that fans are featured in each episode.

Started the next episode of Ms. Marvel and love it so far. I'm hoping to finish it up in the near future.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Getting Schooled, a novella that puts the characters in a position where they have to work together to save their summer camps.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tamsin and Ike are resident leaders at neighboring summer camps. Tamsin works with upper crust girls and Ike has underprivileged boys. When a grant program director suggests bridging the gap, neither is very excited by the prospect, but once they meet, both get schooled in by how well the kids get along.

And a snippety peek…

Ike rolled to a stop outside of the main house, cut the engine, and lifted a hand in greeting to Hank Carlson. "Weird. He's not usually waiting on me to arrive." Popping the door, he slid out from behind the wheel.

Hank made his way down the porch steps and Ike's gut churned. Something's not right here. He met the owner at the end of the sidewalk.

Hank didn't mince words. "We've got a problem. A big one."

Ike frowned. "Is something wrong with Joe or Lanie?" Joe didn't usually arrive until the second week, but Lanie worked as Hank's right hand.

Hank shook his head. "No, they're fine. Well, Lanie is. Joe's okay, too, but he won't be working at the camp this year." He nodded toward the house. "Why don't you come in and I'll explain."

Ike followed Hank inside the home. The utilitarian décor, with a few of Lanie's touches, hadn't changed much in the time Ike had known the family. Hank went directly to the office and settled behind his desk. Ike took a chair facing him and stayed quiet, giving the older man time and space to speak his piece.

Hank sighed. "The grant committee contacted me earlier today. They've got a shortfall and it's either us or Seneca this year. That's why Joe isn't working here this summer. He'll be going full-time with the delivery service." He paused and took another deep breath. "Without grant funding, we won't be able to operate. I can't cancel, not with the short notice, but I can't cover expenses for the camp, not without running the risk of losing everything." He shook his head. "I should've prepared better and waited to make the improvements to the—"

Ike cut in. "You didn't know this would happen. Don't blame yourself." He leaned forward. "What can I do to help? When will the committee make a decision?" They'd better do it soon, camp started in two days.

Hank huffed out a breath. "They want to have a meeting with the Wintersons tomorrow morning to decide which camp gets the funds." He leaned back in his chair, his gaze roaming slowly around the room.

Ike didn't like the air of defeat coming from Hank. "Look, why don't you and Lanie focus on getting everything ready, keep things business as usual. I'll do some brainstorming and put together a list of reasons Camp Carlson deserves the funds." He might as well put his education to good use.

Hank brightened up. "You'd do that? And maybe meet with the group?" Hope filled his voice.

Ike gave a nod, even if he flinched on the inside. "I'll do my best." He never enjoyed being a stand-in, but he didn't want to let Hank down.

And he wanted the boys to have a shot at a fun summer.

Hank stood and came around the desk. "I can't thank you enough, Ike. Why don't you take the head cabin? I'll have the other counselors bunk in one of the camper cabins."

Ike got to his feet. "Sounds good. It'll give me some room to spread out a little and get something together." He gave Hank a quick pat on the back. "I'll get started now."

Hank walked Ike to the door and thanked him again. Ike accepted graciously and spent the time unloading his jeep turning ideas over in his mind. He thought about using one of the laptops to put a spreadsheet together, but didn't want to give the impression the Carlsons had money to spare.

Instead, Ike raided the supply closet for some folders, a dry-erase board and markers, and a ream of paper. He worked on a creative display that listed out the benefits of keeping Camp Carlson in business and the drawbacks to forcing them to close. After neatly stacking the files and covering the white board, he yawned and stretched the kinks out of his muscles.

"I hope this is enough."

Exhausted, he crawled into bed and set an early alarm.

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. Ike and Tamsin will learn a lot of new things about their campers and each other.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Get Back to Where He Once Belonged

Had a bit of a rough week and felt under the weather for most of it. I did make progress on two of my work projects so not a total loss.

I didn't quite get all the way through my full streaming schedule, but I got a decent amount of viewing completed.

I started the second season of Ted Lasso and quite enjoyed the first episode. I'm interested to see where things go with the psychologist.

Caught another Agatha Christie Hour and loved the cloak and dagger aspect of the episode. Very twisty and turny and an excellent resolution.

Started season six of Endeavor and enjoyed the first episode. Not sure I like the new DCI but I'll see where things go. I don't like not having all the guys together but a shake up now and then is probably good for the show.

Watched another episode of Silent Witness and had no idea Clarissa had a husband. Good to see how they interacted. Interesting premise and I can't wait to see how it plays out.

Started a new arc of Classic Who. It's a bit spooky and I liked the first episode. Looking forward to seeing where this one goes.

Sci Fi Science had a fun topic of traveling to a parallel universe. I like to see how a theoretical physicist puts ideas together that could one day possibly happen.

Enjoyed another episode of Ms. Marvel. This group of characters is a joy to watch. I love the way Kamala interacts with everyone and the show nails the entire awkwardness of being a teenager pretty well.

The finale of Only Murders in the Building did not disappoint! I'm so excited to start season two because I have to know what happens next for our trio of characters.

Started season four of Blue Heelers. Nice to see Roz again even if the circumstances were sad. I'm a little disappointed I won't have new episodes to watch after this season unless I want to jump to eleven.

I'm in the middle of an Umbrella Academy episode and should have it finished up later today. Things are really spiraling and that's not a bad thing.

That's pretty much it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Get Back to Where He Once Belonged, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Barton Gress leaves his small hometown right after graduation to become a music legend and breaks Noss Allrider's heart in the process. He makes good on his dream but discovers life at the top gets lonely without the one he loves. Noss isn't interested in a reunion when Barton returns but he brings her something she can't resist—the chance to know her dad. Whatever Noss decides, Barton is finally back where he belongs and he's not going anywhere.

And a snippety peek…

"'Cause I'm feelin' you deep in my soul … And, baby, leavin' you was never the goal … And I'll never again string you along … 'Cause I'm back, back where I belong … Where I should've been right from the start … Smack in the middle of your heart…"

Noss Allrider turned off the music app. "Why does he have to be everywhere on streaming platforms?" She didn't want to hear Barton Gress's newest hit.

A mash-up of country, folk, soul, and mainstream pop, she couldn't get away from the song. Then again, "Back Where I Belong" burned up the charts and topped the list for most downloaded single for two weeks running—the latest in a string of ballads that propelled Barton's rising star into the stratosphere. He'd become a hometown boy who made good.

Noss rolled her eyes. "A hometown he couldn't get out of fast enough." Almost ten years ago.

Barton hightailed it out of town without so much as a goodbye only two days after graduation in his grandma's old car.

Turning down an alleyway, Noss pulled into the parking space behind the small boutique she owned with her best friend, Neela. They'd worked hard to establish the eclectic inventory and filled the two-story public space with items they loved. Luckily for them, the third floor provided enough room for two apartments and an area where they ran live sales on social media to enhance their services. Five years into the enterprise and the business showed no sign of slowing down.

Cutting the engine, Noss gathered her bag and popped her trunk open so she could get the groceries she'd picked up.

Neela startled Noss by knocking on the window. "Have you heard the news?"

Noss frowned. "Who's running the store if you're out here?" They had some part-time help in the afternoons in the form of local high-schoolers.

Neela waved a hand. "I put the back in five minutes sign up." She winced. "Although this might take more like the rest of the day."

Noss nudged her door open and got out of the car. "Nees, what's going on? What news?"

Neela went to the trunk and pulled the groceries out. "Damn. I actually hoped you'd already heard. It's been on the radio all morning." She nodded for Noss to get the rest of the bags.

Noss retrieved them and closed the trunk with her elbow. "I don't listen to the radio, unless there's bad weather. And I closed my app because—" She broke off, a ball of tension knotting in her stomach. "What's the news?"

Neela paused mid-step and angled her head around. "Barton's coming home. He bought the old pavilion and plans on turning it into a recording studio and concert venue." Her gaze filled with concern.

The knotted tension tangled tighter. "And this is supposedly happening when?" The words to his latest song took on a new twisted meaning.

'Cause I'm back, back where I belong…

Neela walked the few steps back and wrapped a grocery-laden arm around Noss. "He made the purchase while he was on tour. He's planning to be home sometime this week."

Noss inhaled deeply then exhaled slowly. "Right then. The county will be in an uproar for the foreseeable future." She moved forward, twisting the knob on their rear-entry door then took an immediate right to head the back stairs to their living space.

Neela followed right behind. "Who cares about the rest of the county? Are you going to be okay?" She dropped her bags on the bench outside Noss's door. "You've heard his new song, haven't you?"

Noss gave a nod. "It's why I turned off my app." Pushing her door open, she carried the purchases to the kitchen. "Everywhere I go, one of his power-ballads is playing." With lyrics about regret, lost love, and making amends.

As if he'd actually live the words to his songs. Not damn likely.

Neela brought the groceries she'd set down into the apartment. "He does have a way of dropping the hits and making everybody think he's singing about them." She nudged Noss with her shoulder. "He actually could be singing about you, especially with the newest song."

Noss shook her head. "No way. He's been gone ten years and never once reached out, tried to call, or, hell, even wrote a letter. That song is not about me." Wouldn't matter anyway. "I gotta get this stuff put away and we'd better reopen the store." She started putting the perishables in the fridge.

Neela placed her hand on Noss's shoulder. "For what it's worth, I still hate him."

Noss laughed and hugged her friend. "You don't have to. But I love that you're always on my side."

Neela eased back and met Noss's gaze. "You gonna be okay? We can take a half day off, if you wanna go blow off some steam."

Noss shook her head. "I'm good. It's been ten years, Nees. He'll cause a stir and then things will settle down. We'll probably never cross paths. Not like we even know each other anymore."

Neela shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. You might not know each other now, but you knew each other way back when. Do not be surprised if you bump into each other or if Barton shows up hoping for a stroll down memory lane." She headed for the door. "I've got the store covered … come down when you're ready."

Noss lifted her chin. "Thanks, Nees." She returned to putting the groceries away.

Neela had ringside seats and a VIP pass to the rise and fall of Noss's relationship with Barton. Neela helped pick up the pieces and put Noss back together when she found out Barton left—no goodbye, no advanced notice, nothing but a trail of dust in his wake.

Neela huffed out a breath. "It was high school. No one said we'd stay together forever." Not even she expected they would.

But she'd thought they cared enough for each other that he would've at least respected her enough to break things off like a normal person would. She'd confided her history to him. Her dad left without a backward glance and she never heard from him again. To have Barton do the exact same thing…

Yeah, the cruelty of it messed with her head for a while.

Closing the cupboard, she shook off the stab of pain. "No more of that. I'm done letting anyone make me feel like I don't matter." Grabbing her phone, she headed for the door to join Neela downstairs.

Barton Gress could return home and set up his recording studio to make more chart-topping hits. It wouldn't affect her life in any way.

'Cause I'm back, back where I belong … Where I should've been right from the start … Smack in the middle of your heart…"

Because he'd never get anywhere near her heart let alone smack in the middle of it.

I'm excited about writing this one. Nell is cautious and has some issues and her world is going to be turned upside down in the near future.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Game Night

I should not have made a joke about having snow before Halloween in my last post. Apparently, there's a chance we might have some in the early part of the week. If it happens, it'll probably be a dusting and won't last long, but, geez, I'm not quite ready to drag out my cold-weather clothes yet.

Had a good week with my work projects and made a tiny bit of progress on my future endeavor. I also got some writing time in, which makes me happy. I have some home projects that need attention this week so I might not have as much time to write as I'd like.

Had a decent viewing week and made a full circuit through my usual programs. Caught the first season finale of Ted Lasso and I'm excited to start season two this week.

Watched the second episode of Suspects and enjoyed the twists this one took. I like the cast and characters and the pacing is excellent. Definitely going to continue watching this one.

Finished up series five of Endeavor and loved where things ended up. I'm looking forward to starting series six this week.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and, whew, what a ride. I loved how twisted up everything got before the final act. Considering I'm in season twenty, it's nice to still love this show.

Watched the final part of Classic Who's arc with Leftbridge-Stewart. Thoroughly enjoyed for the most part. Should be starting a new multi-part arc this week.

Started Sci-Fi Science and liked the first episode. I've seen bits and pieces of this show and I'm excited to watch it through from start to finish.

Loved the second episode of Ms. Marvel. I have a feeling this will end up being one of my favorite Marvel shows. The characters are a lot of fun.

Caught the penultimate episode of Only Murders in the Building and, wow, it blew my mind in the best possible way. I can't wait to see the finale this week.

The Umbrella Academy had a great episode. Things are coming together and I'm looking forward to seeing how things play out in the next episode. I did not think Klaus would end up being one of my favorite characters but he totally is. I love him in all his screwed up glory.

Watched the second episode of Star Trek: Discovery in season three. I'm glad to have everyone back together, but it's always nice to see the crew shine under Saru's leadership.

Also caught another episode of Batman: The Animated Series. This one featured the Joker again and it might be sacrilegious but he's my favorite Mark Hamill character of all time.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Game Night, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Newly retired from the military and first-time parents, Albany and Jiles Wright are spending their first night out without their little one. They've got great friends staying with the baby, they're going to their favorite restaurant, and both love hockey. They should be having a great time. But … while they each put on a brave face, Albany and Jiles take turns checking on their kid behind each other's backs then finally realize he's in great hands and they can actually have a good time.

And a snippety peek…

Albany Wright picked her son up and checked his diaper. "Can't drop you off with a messy one." Her heart kicked hard for a moment.

I can do this. Jiles and I need a night out. Bryce will be fine with Hawk and Sharon.

The Hawthorns were perfectly capable of minding a ten-month-old overnight. And it had been a little over a year since Albany had a date night with Jiles.

She snorted. "Besides, not like we haven't gotten into and out of some crazy situations with the Hawthorns." While being deployed and back on base.

Jiles poked his head into Bryce's room. "I put extra diapers in the bag. Also added some of his favorite toys, just in case." His gaze landed on their son.

Albany's lips quirked. "It's overnight, Jiles. Hawk and Sharon have a stash of Bryce's toys at their place already." She put Bryce down on the changing table.

Jiles nudged her out of the way to take over diaper duty. "Right. It's overkill." He slid the clean one on and fixed the onsie. "And I'm in mission-planning mode." Scooping Bryce up, he glanced over his shoulder. "Tell me to stop."

Albany chuckled. "No way." She moved to his side. "You're way too cute and sexy when you're going all ticky-box checking on me." Going up on tiptoe, she brushed her lips over his cheek.

Jiles gave her a heated look. "I'll be ticking off a lot of boxes when we get back from dinner and the hockey match. Just you wait."

Albany smirked. "I'm going to hold you to that." She took Bryce and headed for the living room to get him into his coat.

Jiles followed, grabbing the portable crib. "I'll get this in the car along with the diaper bag." He hoisted the bag over his shoulder, picked up the small duffel with the extras and headed outside.

Albany shook her head. "Daddy's over-prepared, as usual. But we love that about him." Zipping up Bryce's jacket, she shrugged into hers, then put him on her hip.

Once she had him settled and secure in the car seat, she closed the door and had another pang, which she tamped down. She turned to open the front passenger door but bumped into Jiles. He grinned and got the door for her. She smiled and slid inside the car.

He leaned in. "In case I haven't said it enough, I love you." His mouth met hers in a sweet and hot kiss.

Her lips curved. "I love you, too. Date-night starts now."

Jiles shut her door and darted around the front of the car, got in, and slid behind the wheel, his gaze going to the backseat. "Ready, little man? Hawk and Sharon can't wait to spoil you rotten." Reversing out of the drive, he laughed when Bryce started jabbering.

Albany's heart squeezed again. But Jiles had it right. The Hawthorns would absolutely spoil Bryce and have fun doing it.

Everything would be just fine…

I hope this story goes where I'd like it to. Capturing a date night out after having a little one is fun to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Future in Play

Had a truly fall-weather week … to the point we had to turn the heat on. We'll probably get another brief spell of warmer temperatures before things settle down into actual fall. Or, we could have snow before Halloween. It's Ohio.

Busy work week with several projects going at the same time. I did get through a round of my usual viewing schedule.

Ted Lasso didn't disappoint with Rebecca's reveal and the catalyst for her finally making it happen ended up being so good. I rather hope Rupert dies in a fire or maybe gets hit by a double-decker bus in the near future. What a twat. Keeley continues to make me laugh out loud and I have so much love for her.

Caught another episode of The Agatha Christie Hour, which ended up being quite a fun episode even if the whole point was to gaslight one poor guy into handing over something that didn't even belong to him.

I picked up where I left of with Endeavor in season five and caught back up with the characters. I'm looking forward to more and seeing where things go.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and thoroughly enjoyed the twists in the episode. I'm not quite sure who the culprit is and that's always fun for me.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Who. Loved seeing Three's car pulled out of mothballs and the interactions between the brigadier and the Doctor. So much fun.

Finished up the first season of Strangest Things and I'm looking forward to the second. I love seeing how they try to figure out what the relics are and how they were used.

Started Ms. Marvel and loved the first episode. I'm very excited to dive into this series. Kamala and Bruno are awesome!

Only Murders in the Building had an awesome episode with the Superfans. Seriously, I loved so much about how everything played out. Okay, except at the end. Now I can't wait to find out what happened to the bassoonist. I have so many theories, but two stand out and I'll share if either one of those is correct.

Finished up season three of Blue Heelers and said good-bye to Wayne. I'm actually kind of glad it was indeed a random act as the episode title suggested. I'm kind of bummed out that I'll only be able to watch one more season in order then I'll have to skip to the later seasons. Streaming sucks sometimes.

Watched another MasterClass lesson with Roxane Gay. She discussed being a good literary citizen in this one and I enjoyed what she had to say. Kindness doesn't cost a red cent and being considerate of others is sometimes a lost gesture that should be the norm instead of the exception.

The Umbrella Academy had another terrific episode. I love how much chaos there is and also how the characters end up being there for each other even when they'd rather be anywhere else.

Caught an episode of Classic Rugrats and laughed out loud more than once and remembered doing the same when watching with the kiddos.

Finished off the week with Batman: The Animated Series and the introduction of the Clock King. I loved this episode when it originally aired and enjoyed it again this time around.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Future in Play, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nellie Finch is a little bored with her family's annual fall money-maker, the Apple Butter Festival. But when the village council decides to add a competitor to the yearly event, Nellie faces off against Mace Bigelow to see who makes the best mouth-watering spread and find out which challenger will win bragging rights and maybe the other competitor's heart.

And a snippety peek…

A little after eight a.m., Mane Bigelow stepped out of the SUV in the casual-dining restaurant parking lot. "Thanks, Dave. Safe trip to Pennsylvania." He lifted a hand in farewell when his shipmate reversed out of the parking space and drove toward the road.

He hoisted his rucksack over his shoulder and got his first look at home in over five years. The three-rivers bridge had recently been renovated and looked pretty amazing, all things considered.

Dave had been nice enough to drop Mane off in Ohio and not ask a bunch of questions Mane couldn't answer yet. He had thirty days. More than enough time to decide if he'd reup for another stint or not.

A lot depended on how his visit went.

The door to the restaurant pushed open and a group of women exited, carrying takeout boxes with them. One in particular caught Mane's eye. Nellie Finch. Her laughter rang out and waved to the group heading to their vehicles.

The sound transported Mane back to high school. He'd had it bad for Nellie. But she'd been taken all four years by Jace Stewart. Hell, she might still be…

Mane didn't want to think too much about her status. "Nellie? Hey, how are you?"

She turned and stopped short. "Mane? When did you—" She shook her head. "Stupid question. Obviously, you just got back." Her gaze went to his rucksack.

His lips twisted. "Uh, yeah. Like five minutes ago." He moved toward her, crossing the short distance to the row of cars lined up. "It's great to see you."

Her head bobbed a little. "Yeah, good to see you, too." Her chin lifted and her brows arched. "Are you waiting on someone? Your grandma?" She popped her back door open and set the takeout box on the seat.

He shook his head. "Not yet. I literally just got dropped off. Haven't had time to call her." He'd decided to wait until he got into town before letting her know he got leave.

Nellie blinked. "She doesn't know you're here?" She shut the door and leaned against the car.

He rolled a shoulder. "Didn't know if I'd get leave or when I'd be coming through. Thought I'd wait until I got here to check-in with her." He also didn't want to call too early.

Nellie tilted her head. "Were you thinking of surprising her? Because I can give you a lift out to her place if you were."

Mane smiled. "Didn't think that far ahead, but that would be great." He started around the vehicle. "If you don't mind. Do you have to get to work or anything?" He had no idea what she did or where she worked.

Nellie huffed out a breath. "I'm finished for the day." She slid behind the wheel. "Just finished a planning breakfast for the Apple Butter Festival. I'm usually off on Wednesdays." Starting the engine, she waited for Mane to get his rucksack in the back and then for him to get settled in the front. "I work part-time at the chamber of commerce." She backed out of the parking space and drove out of the lot. "So, what's it been? Five years?" Her teeth worried her lower lip.

Mane gave a nod. "There about. You went to OU, didn't you?" On a scholarship if he remembered correctly.

She lifted her chin. "Yeah. Graduated two years ago and I'm almost finished with a master's degree." She made the turn onto the county road heading toward his grandmother's place. "Not sure what I'll do with it, but my mom insisted that I keep going." She rolled her eyes. "If I moved to Columbus, Cleveland, or Cincinnati, it would make sense. But here—" She broke off, not completing her thought.

Mane soaked up the scenery. The fields were pretty much the same as they'd always been. The trees weren't as dense. Probably some harvesting of hardwood.

Mane focused on the driver again. "You plan on sticking around then?"

Nellie shrugged. "Kind of have to. Mom and Dad decided to pull up stakes and move to North Carolina. Both brothers live there with their families." She turned onto the township road his grandma lived on.

Mane frowned. "Is your grandmother doing all right?" He remembered her as a go-getter.

Nellie laughed. "Gram's fine. But she can't manage the orchard by herself and since I'm not planning to get married or have a family any time soon, it's logical that I shoulder some of the workload." Turning into the drive, she pulled up close to the house.

Mane angled around. "Logical? Maybe. But is it what you want to do?" Something in her voice suggested differently.

Nellie cut the engine. "Honestly? I have no idea." She pasted on a bright smile. "But, right now, it's what I'm doing." Her attention when to the front porch when his grandma came out. "Looks like Hannah is definitely going to be surprised." She waved.

Mane wanted to keep talking to Nellie but his grandma already started toward them.

He popped the door. "Hang on one second." Exiting the car, he crossed the short distance and met his grandma, sweeping her up into a big hug.

When he set her down, she had tears in her eyes. "Oh, Mane. Why didn't you tell me you were coming home?" She patted his cheek.

Mane gave her a quick smile. "Wanted to surprise you. Caught a ride out with Nellie." They walked to the car together.

Nellie leaned across the seat. "Hi, Hannah. Found your grandson and thought I'd better return him to you."

Mane chuckled and grabbed his rucksack from the back. "She makes me sound like a lost puppy instead of a sailor on leave." He ducked into the front of the vehicle. "Can I reach you at your grandma's?" He wanted to take her to lunch or dinner as a thank you.

Nellie's eyes widened. "Uh, sure. Or, better yet, call me directly." She riffled around in her bag and handed him a card. "Number's on the back."

He tucked the contact information into his shirt pocket. "Thank you for the ride. It was great catching up. If you're up for it, I'd like to take you and my grandma to dinner. Or lunch, whichever you prefer."

Nellie blinked, clearly surprised. "Um, depends on when. But I'd enjoy that. Give me a call." She started the car again.

Mane shut the door and lifted a hand in farewell.

His grandma waved and waited until Nellie got turned around and headed back down the drive before she spoke. "I'm so glad you're home, Mane. I've missed you." She wrapped an arm around him. "And a ride from Nellie Finch. Bet you didn't see that one coming, did you?"

Mane laughed. "Grandma! It's been five years and she didn't know I was even alive in high school." He grabbed his bag and walked up to the house with Hannah.

Hannah chuckled. "She knows you're alive now. And she's very single at the moment." With a sly look, she ushered Mane inside the house and bustled directly to the kitchen.

Mane shook his head. Damn, he'd missed his grandmother and her keen perception.

This one is going to be fun to write. There's a bit of a rivalry that's going to come into play and the characters will have fun with that.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Fuel for the Fire

Welcome to spooky month! October is one of my favorite months, even if it means holiday season is hiding around the corner. So far, we've had some fall-like weather and that's making me very joyful right now.

Had a semi-decent viewing week. Work projects are ongoing and I needed some quiet time to focus on those. But I made a full circuit of my standard streaming schedule.

Once again, Ted Lasso delivered a full-on episode. I'm nervously awaiting the moment when Rebecca reveals why she really hired Ted and dying to see the fallout. Keeley rules at being a mess but not staying that way. I love how she's absolutely not afraid of Rebecca because it never occurred to her to be so. This show. It's so good.

I tried to watch the behind the scenes feature for Brokenwood Mysteries but couldn't seem to get it to play. I'll try again this week.

Started a new show and watched the first episode of Suspects. So far, I'm hooked. I enjoyed the characters and watching the case unfold.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness and liked the twist the episode took. I kind of thought I had the right killer but the history part I didn't quite see coming.

Caught another episode of Classic Who. I'm ready for the Doctor's reunion with Leftbridge-Stewart. I'll be disappointed if it doesn't happen in the next installment.

Watched another episode of Strangest Things. This one featured the enigma machine and delved into the history of how the encryption finally got cracked.

Finished the first season of The Book of Boba Fett and I have to say, I ended up loving this show! I hope there's another season.

Enjoyed another episode of Only Murders in the Building. What a mess Oliver and Mabel got into. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Started season nine of Peak Practice. Gotta say Andrew kind of annoys me when he darts off to figure himself out. I guess it's something of a character trait with him. Loved how Joanna and Sam held the line and got through the ordeal of having their patients down with an unknown virus.

Caught another MasterClass lesson with Roxane Gay. She focused on getting published and what to expect from the traditional side of publishing and also delved a little into the small, independent presses and self-publishing. Good information.

The Umbrella Academy had a stellar episode. Pieces are falling into place and plots mixed with subplots are popping up. Allison's concern about Leonard is definitely warranted and I'm very interested in what Vanya's power is. I loved the interactions with Five and Luthor and Klaus and Diego and, of course, the standoff with ChiChi and Hazel ended up being terrific. This show is amazing.

Started season three of Star Trek: Discovery. Gotta say I'm kind of blown away. Can't wait to have Michael back with her crew and hopefully with the addition of a few more members. Excellent premiere!

Finished off the week with Batman: The Animated Series and got another episode without a feature rogue's gallery villain. I really enjoy the slice of life ones.

I'm also in the midst of watching more Resisting Roots, a Passionflix original. I might have it finished up this week, but I won't make any promises.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fuel for the Fire, a novella featuring a couple brought together under harrowing circumstances.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A fire bug wants arson investigator Sadie Kyle's attention and burns the home and business Greg DeSoto to get it. When Sadie shows up to investigate, she hits it off with Greg, which only adds fuel to the fire for her pyromaniac. When Greg gets hit a second time, Sadie digs in and calls the burner out.

And a snippety peek…

Sadie's gut churned. A new sprinkler system. Greg Desoto's bar made the third fire in six months to have a similar set of circumstances.

She gave him a semi-straight answer. "To answer your question, yes, we're investigating as a possible arson. They call me in when a sprinkler system doesn't function." Especially when a total loss occurred.

An aid-worker walked by with a carrier of coffee and Sadie snagged two. She needed a moment to get her head wrapped around the possibility of a serial arsonist before she sat down with Desoto to get some answers.

Handing one of the cups to Greg, she angled around and perched her butt on the floor of the unit, leaning back against the open door. Her bulky bunker pants would make maneuvering around inside a huge pain in the ass. She placed her coffee on the floor under the cot and reached into her interior pocket for her small notebook and a pen.

She flipped to the first empty page then glanced in Greg's direction. "Mr Desoto, Greg, do you have any enemies who'd want to see you or your business harmed?"

Greg snorted. "Not likely. I've worked hard to establish good relationships with the other business owners around here. I picked this neighborhood because the majority of the owners live within a few blocks of their shops." His mouth twisted. "We pull together and sponsor block parties in the summer and a big holiday stroll on the weekends between Thanksgiving and New Year's. This doesn't only hurt me, it hurts them."

Sadie nodded and jotted down a few notes. She'd look into the other business owners as a precaution, but she had a strong feeling they'd all be cleared.

She stopped writing. "You mentioned a new sprinkler system. Who installed it?" She crossed her fingers, hoping her instincts were off base.

Greg answered. "Five Alarm Sprinkler Systems."

Shit. Shit, shit, shit.

Sadie closed her notebook, fighting the urge to snap her pen into pieces. "Thank you, Greg. I've got enough to get started and I still need to investigate the interior of the building." She needed to get the hell out of the ambulance and do her job. "Can I contact you through your insurance company?"

Greg nodded, his eyes narrowing a little. "I use a local agent—"

Sadie jumped in. "Kyle Addy?"

Greg's eyes widened. "Yeah, how did you…"

She cracked a brief smile. "I grew up in this neighborhood. Kyle's the best there is."

Greg's lips quirked. "He's a good man. He's actually on his way down. He wanted to make arrangements for a place for me to stay."

Sadie reached out, placing her hand on Greg's forearm. "We'll find whoever did this. I'm sorry for the loss of your business."

Greg gave her a twisted half-smile. "Not your fault, but thank you."

Sadie eased out of the unit, tucking her notebook back inside her pocket. Greg had it so wrong. The destruction and devastation of his livelihood might not be her fault, but she'd bet her pension part of the blame would land at her doorstep.

Sadie had a damned good idea who the culprit would turn out to be … and who he really had it in for.

Her.

I love this one! Sadie and Greg are meeting under terrible circumstances but it gets better … then worse.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin