Sunday Snippet: On the Bench

Happy holidays to all who celebrate. We're having a quiet weekend at home to avoid spreading all of our cold germs to anyone else. I'm very okay with that.

Started two new projects this week and slowly getting back to semi-normal while fighting the cold making the rounds through our house. My husband currently has it again.

Made an almost full run through of my current slate of television shows. I've been trying to make sure I get plenty of sleep, so I hopefully don't end up with a setback with the cold.

Watched an episode of My Life Is Murder and remembered I'd seen most of this episode before. Enjoyed watching it again.

Started another two-part Agatha Raisin and rather enjoyed the dynamic between James's sister and Agatha. Looking forward to the second half.

Finished the second half of a Silent Witness two-parter. I'm kind of excited to see where things go with a new person on the team.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I don't remember watching much of this one before, but I do have recollection of at least one scene. Interesting that one of the guest stars is a regular on Agatha Raisin.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Thoroughly enjoyed it. This show definitely intrigues me.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. I think there might be one more episode of season one left.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. I remembered both of the vignettes and enjoyed watching them again.

Watched another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I'm still intrigued by everything and can't wait to find out more about Amy's past.

Finished the week out with an episode of VIP. I have vague memories of watching this during the initial run of the series. Lots of fun.

That's it for the personal life update this week. Tonight's post is from On the Bench, a novella that brings a couple together with one fighting against their past and one looking for the future.

Here's the miniblurb:

Peyton Bice comes of age around the mixed marital arts sporting events and her past comes calling in the form of her father's former star fighter, now a leading trainer. Rookie Cliff Westfordson offers a shoulder to lean on, but Peyton fears getting tangled up with the newest recruit on her dad's roster.

And a snippety peek…

Cliff Westfordson stooped down by his sister. "Sera? What's going on? Why are you out here behind the gym?" And when did she get here?

A lick of concern rolled down his spine when she didn't answer. She sat on the ground, her knees bent, feet tucked up against her behind, staring straight ahead. He reached out to place a hand on her shoulder and she flinched away with a gasp.

Concern turned to fear. and Cliff dumped his duffel bag off his shoulder. "Sera, what happened. When did you get here?" She hadn't mentioned stopping by to watch his practice today.

Sera swallowed hard, her eyes filling with tears and her breath hitching in her throat. "He said to meet him in the locker room. And … and … not to tell anyone." Her lower lip trembled. "I did just as he asked. We were supposed to … supposed to have our first date." A crystal drop streaked down her face. "But we didn't. Have the date. He wanted to … to…" Her voice trailed off and she went back to staring ahead again.

Fear turned to anger. "Who, Sera? Who were you supposed to go out with?" Had one of his sparring partners hurt his sister?

He discounted the idea as soon as it hit. There were five other guys in the gym today and all of them were either in the ring or at the training equipment. Not one of them left during their two-hour session.

Except … another man had been there today.

Son of a bitch.

Cliff choked down his rage and quietly tried to verify his worst fear. "Are you talking about Roman Capps? Is he the person you were supposed to go out with?" Fuck, the guy had ten years on Cliff.

And twelve on eighteen-year-old Sera.

Sera's startled gaze snapped to Cliff's. "How did you know? Did he tell you?" She shrank down, collapsing in on herself.

Cliff shook his head. "No, nothing like that. He's the only guy I didn't see on the floor today." Unease filled Cliff at her reaction. "Sera, what happened? Did he hurt you?" Cliff would tear Roman apart if he laid a hand on his sister.

Sera drew in a watery breath. "He got so angry, because I didn't want to … I didn't want to—" She broke off, her head dropping to her knees and her shoulders shaking in silent sobs.

He noticed the red handprints around her throat then. A white-hot boil slowly simmered in his veins. No doubt in his mind … Capps caused those marks. But Cliff needed to get Sera anywhere but outside the gym.

Cliff wrapped an arm around her, loosely holding her because he didn't want to scare her. "I'm sorry, Sera, but we can't stay here. Can I get you home? We can talk about what happened when you're ready, okay?" He moved slowly, getting to his feet then offering her his hand.

She raised her head, staring blankly again.

Cliff waited and she finally blinked and gave a nod. Her fingers were icy when she clasped his palm. Her knees were shaky, and she put a hand to the back of her head and frowned. Cliff gently probed the area and found a large bump at the center of her cranium.

He sucked in a harsh breath. "Ouch, that hurts, doesn't it? We'll get some ice on that lump as soon as we get home."

And he'd get the rest of the story out of her as soon as he could…

I'm very pleased with how this story is coming together. Cliff is slowly revealing his character to me, and I love what he's showing so far.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin