Sunday Snippet: Zanzibar Blues

We had a bit of a thaw with temperatures just a bit above freezing. It's not going to last long but nice to step outside and not have it hurt to breathe.

Work ended up being very busy this week. And I made some progress on my side project. Hoping to launch by February, but that's not a given. I am crossing my fingers though.

Didn't quite make it all the way through my usual shows. I did add a new one, which I think I'm going to enjoy.

The new show I added is One Lane Bridge and I watched the first episode. There's a bit of a paranormal twist to this that I'm very interested in.

Caught another episode of London Kills. It was nice to get some Billie backstory. Also nice to see movement on the larger case. Looking forward to a new episode this week.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. New sergeant is fun, and the mystery ended up being interesting. Looking forward to more of season eleven.

Watched another episode of Beyond Paradise. I'm enjoying my favorite actor's character in this. Loved the mystery and piecing everything together.

I started an episode of Elementary and I'm enjoying it. I'm not quite sure what's going on with Watson's guy, but I have a sneaking suspicion there's more to him than we're seeing and not in a good way.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zanzibar Blues, a novella that brings a couple together during a fraught time.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Higg Astley is brought in for a clean-up job, maintaining order over a raucous and rowdy crowd, in a roadside tavern, his first goal is to keep the house singer, Liberty Vans, from partaking in the nightly brawl. No easy feat when Liberty is the surrogate daughter of the man who owns the bar.

And a snippety peek…

Higg listened and ate a piece of mouthwatering apple pie while Marko explained his situation. He already didn't like Henry Caver. Guys with too much power always let it go to their heads.

Marko poked his fork around his piece of pecan. "The thing is, I've got a good place in a sweet spot close to the interstate and tucked back on a copse of land where two major highways intersect." He took a long drink of his coffee. "For the last two years, I've had a great house band with a kick-ass singer that draws people in from several counties." He finally cut off a bite of the pie and forked it into his mouth.

Higg bobbed his head. "And this trouble with Caver isn't good for business." He tilted his head. "I have to ask … would it be easier to find a new location?" He had to see how hard Marko would be willing to fight.

Marko shook his head. "I own the land and the building outright. I'm not leaving." He paused a moment. "And I'm not selling."

Higg grunted. "Okay. Give me the rest of it. What are you looking for."

Marko leaned forward. "I don't trust anyone local, but I have six employees aside from the house band." He paused. "If you have some folks you could bring in—at least until things are settled with Caver—I'd be obliged."

Higg leaned back. "Haven't said I'd take the job." But he liked Marko and didn't like bullying bigwigs that thought they could squash others.

Marko point-blank asked. "Will you?"

Higg folded his arms over his chest. "It'll cost you. Ten percent of your daily take. The men I bring in or that we keep on get paid by the hour at twice the normal rate and"—this could be the kicker—"you pay all medical expenses."

Marko gave a nod. "Deal."

Higg held up a hand. "I'm not done. What I say goes. If you contradict anything, I'm gone and you're on your own. That needs to be clear from day one." As a military man, Rivera would understand the chain of command.

Marko nodded again. "Done." He grinned and scooped another piece of pie into his mouth.

Higg didn't doubt Rivera would make sure everyone got the message.

Higg got a little buzz of adrenaline about starting a new job. "I'll start the day after tomorrow. That'll give me time to settle up my rent and pack, make a few calls, then head north and find a place to stay." His brain went into organization mode.

Marko pushed his plate away and rose. "I know several folks who have places for rent." He slid an index card across the table. "I hoped you'd take the job, so I wrote their contact information down." His lips twitched.

Higg chuckled. "Thanks. Saves time." Higg picked up the card and tucked it into his pocket.

Marko stuck out his hand. "I'll see you the day after tomorrow." He inclined his chin and headed for the exit.

Higg grabbed his phone. His finger hovered over the contact icon. He'd really like to call his former CO, Wade Dalton, but decided to hold off.

Instead, he scrolled to David Chase and swiped. He'd make another half dozen calls after this one. Dave answered on the second ring.

Higg didn't waste time. "I've got a job if you're available."

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. It has some Roadhouse vibes that I'm really leaning into.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zane's Ghost

Winter blast is lingering for at least another week. Our low is supposed to minus eight on Tuesday. And I'll probably have to go out when it's that low. I can't wait.

Lighter than normal work week, but I had come copy editing on my plate. Finished one project and started another one. I also have some new stuff floating in the wings and will hopefully start that soon.

Had an okay week of viewing and made it through the full slate of shows. I'll be starting a new one this week and I'm pretty sure I have the show picked out.

Finished up the series run of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I quite enjoyed this show. Sometimes I got annoyed at the antics but mostly loved the interactions between the characters.

Caught another episode of London Kills and loved the twisty turns in the episode. I'm loving the vibe between the characters and I'm happy to see Billie become a full detective constable. Looking forward to the next episode.

Loved the Christmas episode of Death in Paradise. The beginning of season eleven is off to a great start. Really cool to see Dwayne again.

Enjoyed another episode of Beyond Paradise. My favorite actor showed up and I'm very excited to see what happens. Still not sure about the mom. Can't quite figure out if she's going to be an anvil between Humphrey and Martha or supportive.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed. I'm not really sure about Joan's new love interest. I actually think he's a bit annoying.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and loved it. I remembered this one and possibly caught an easter egg related to Batman: The Animated Series and the Gray Ghost character. Fun times!

Enjoyed the last episode of the eighth season of Classic Rugrats. I'll be starting the final season this week. Very much looking forward to picking back up with new episodes once my rewatch is complete.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zane's Ghost, a novella that brings a couple together after the death of the sibling.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Zane Warchild goes down in the line of duty, Kella Fine blames herself—after all, she realizes her mistake when she crosses a personal line and steps way back from Zane. Gray Warchild grows quickly tired of Kella wearing her guilt like a badge and putting his brother's ghost between them.

And a snippety peek…

Gray blinked. "What?" How the hell did he not know about any of this?

Right. He'd pretty much cut ties with her and Zane. Or at least his brother didn't talk about her anymore.

And he never will again.

Kella motioned toward the sofa. "You might as well have a seat. I'll try to explain." She took a spot on the edge of the chair perpendicular to the couch.

Gray sank down, his mind reeling. "You put in for a transfer?" He wondered how long ago.

Kella gave a nod. "Yeah. I couldn't work with Zane anymore." She paused, her gaze losing focus.

Gray leaned forward. "Hey, we don't have to do this right now. I came because I thought…" She loved Zane…

Kella blinked. "No, this is good. We should clear the air between us." Inhaling deeply, she continued her story. "Zane and I had one night, as you know. I realized it was a mistake as soon as it happened." She met his gaze. "You know that, also. But Zane … he thought we had couple potential and when I put in for the transfer, he started making noise about wanting to get back together … since we wouldn't be partners anymore." She took a shaky breath. "But I told him—multiple times—we'd never be partners or lovers again." Her eyes went hard and sharp for a moment.

Gray got a terrible feeling in his gut. "What did Zane do?" He didn't have to elaborate, because Kella wouldn't cut bait with Zane without a good reason.

She hesitated. "Not sure now's the time to get into all that." Her fingers twitched and she clasped them together.

Gray nudged a little. "Please, Kella. I want to understand what happened with you two." He rued the lack of communication with his brother over the past few months.

Kella sighed. "After I told him we weren't having sex again, and after you and I … well, after that, Zane changed." She took another deep breath. "He started taking shortcuts and ignoring protocol. We were called out for a disturbing-the-peace situation. We had a position in an alley and were assessing the scene, trying to decide how to de-escalate. Another radio call came in for a drug bust a few blocks away…" She paused again and blew out another shaky breath. "Zane left me because he wanted a narco collar. Our disturbing the peace turned into an armed altercation. I almost got shot and one of the participants did get wounded." Her gaze met his. "I put in for a transfer the next day."

Gray choked down the bile rising in his throat. "Fuck. I'm sorry. I had no idea any of this happened." Because he decided Zane had to figure his shit out on his own. "And I really believed you loved my brother."

Kella's lips curved in a sad smile. "I did. But more as a best friend … especially after I met you." She shrugged. "Even if that didn't work out, I realized Zane and I weren't meant to be more than colleagues and friends."

Gray winced. "Yeah, I made that more awkward than it needed to be. I cared about you. A lot." He could almost see the future with her in it. "But when Zane mentioned your personal connection, I backed off like a flash." In hindsight, a stupid thing to do. "Zane and I had issues, I'm sure you know. I always tried to protect him, because I didn't really think he had the personality to be a cop." He'd warned him, time and time again, he'd get himself killed if he didn't play by the rules. "We fought over it, fairly frequently. Zane always thought I had jealousy issues because Zane nabbed more collars and had a higher profile in the department."

Kella's head bobbed up and down. "He did trot that theory out a lot."

Gray huffed out a breath. "My drama actually had more to do with thinking Zane got into cop work for the wrong reasons. And I told him that numerous times." He exhaled a harsh breath. "Just because the family tradition happens to be joining the force, it doesn't mean all Warchilds are cut out to wear the badge." He should've pushed harder to prove that point, especially since Zane started taking shortcuts. "I could've said something, but I didn't want the old man to find out." Stupid mistake.

Kella made a sound of commiseration. "I get that. Your dad was so proud to have both of his sons on the force."

Gray lifted his chin. "Yeah, this loss will hit hard."

Kella's eyes filled. "Yeah, it will." She dashed the tears away.

Gray wanted to haul her into his arms, but he got to his feet instead. "I should head home. I left the chaplain with Mom and Dad." He reached for his coat on the back of her chair.

Kella stood up and walked him to the door. "Thanks for stopping. You really didn't have to." Her smile suggested she appreciated the gesture.

Gray started to turn the knob but angled around and cupped her face with one hand. Leaning in, he meshed his lips with hers. Kella responded, making a guttural sound in her throat. He dropped his coat and hauled her closer. She melted against him but only for a moment then put her hand on his chest and eased away.

She shook her head. "I'm sorry. I can't." Her gaze met his. "I didn't love your brother as more than a friend, but everything is jumbled in my head right now."

Gray understood. "You're right. I'm sorry." He stooped down to get his jacket. "I'll keep you posted on the arrangements. Do you need a ride to the funeral?"

She declined the ride. "I'll probably go with one of the officers from our unit."

Gray left and pondered what to do about his feelings for Kella.

Because Zane had been a stumbling block before and now, he might be a bigger hurdle to jump.

I'm excited about how this book is coming together. I love writing Gray and Kella.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Youth Is Overrated

The winter blast is still underway. I'd love to send some of our precipitation out to California to combat the wildfires burning LA right now. Another 3-5 inches of snow in the next day or so. Thankfully, I don't have to really go out for anything until the end of the week.

I made progress on my side project. I have a few more things to upload and some links to get set, then I'll hopefully be ready to launch. I also did some future planning on what manuscripts to focus on next. At least it's movement!

Very light work week again. Still working on the readthrough for my friend and I completed a manuscript proofread. Hoping to have another new one to get started on this week.

Not a bad week for viewing. I had some distractions but nothing major. I also think I've found the next show I want to watch on one of my streamers.

Finished up the premier episode of London Kills. This is definitely going to be a wild season. Can't wait to see more.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Kind of sad to see JP leaving but excited to see what happens next. Marlon is growing on me so that's a good thing.

Started the spinoff Beyond Paradise and enjoyed the opening episode. I'm interested to see where things go with Humphrey and Martha. Not sure about Martha's mom. So far, not a fan. I do love the team and look forward to more interactions with them.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Enjoyed the dynamic with the Sherlock regular, the math guy. Also kind of enjoyed the Joan and Kitty scenes. I'm not sure what's going on with Kitty but I don't think she's really committed to the group therapy thing. We'll see if I'm right about that…

Finished up the second part of the opening episodes of Batman Beyond. I'm excited about this rewatch. The theme song alone makes it worth another visit to this one.

Enjoyed another Classic Rugrats episode. This one was the launch of All Growed Up and I hadn't seen the bookend with the original babies. Such a fun episode.

Also finished up an episode of Peak Practice, which I ended up liking. Will is still a bit of a prat but and I really, really dislike the finance guy, but overall, this ended up being a great episode.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Youth Is Overrated, a novella that explores a mature couple's origin story when one of their offspring needs some advice.

Here's the miniblurb:

Tatum Moore and Fisher Vogler have three grown children and their oldest is considering divorce. When he seeks advice from his parents, they try not to interfere but provide insight into a passionate opposites-attract marriage and how to make it work.

And a snippety peek…

Fisher grabbed his coffee and sat at the table. The next part would take some explaining.

Jamie leaned forward. "Don't leave me hanging. What did you do?"

Tatum glanced Fisher's way. Her signal that the narration would continue with him.

He met Jamie's gaze. "Your mom dumped my ass and left town for six months." She completely noped out of their relationship.

Jamie's eyes bugged out. "You're kidding me."

Tatum head jerked back and forth. "Hm-mm. I signed on with a traveling theater group, packed up my shit, and let my lease expire." She paused a moment. "But I didn't stay gone. I came back and showed up on your dad's doorstep." She glanced up and lifted her chin. "Tell him."

Fisher replayed that time in his mind. He'd wanted nothing to do with Tatum but couldn't say no when she needed a place to crash. Her crew dumped her when she got tangled up in a beef with the stage manager. The guy also acted as the production manager and signed their paychecks.

Fisher shook his head when she got settled in on his couch for the night. "Why did you come back?" He'd just started moving forward with his life again.

Tatum answered quietly. "I left a piece of myself here with you."

Fisher threw a hand up. "Then why did you leave?" She didn't make sense.

She jumped up and paced back and forth, wearing one of his Shaunessey's T-shirts and a pair of his boxers. "Because I had to see—to know—if what we have is real. I needed to be on my own with no influence—or sex—from you to do it." She stopped moving and pinned him with a horrified look. "Shit. Did you find someone else?" Her eyes were wide and fearful.

Fisher snorted. "No. I tried. Been through a dozen false starts. But no, nobody new because I kept comparing them to you."

This one is a challenge but I'm very happy with how it's coming together.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Your Move

Hello 2025. I truly hope this year is better than I expect it will be.

I have some goals for this year, and one is to finally launch my side project. I've been putting it off, and I think I finally figured out why. Instead of FOMO, fear of missing out, I have FOFU, fear of fucking up or, a kinder version, FOMU, fear of messing up. I need to get over that.

We're under a winter weather advisory and I have to leave super early in the morning to pick my oldest up from work. I'm debating whether I should fill up my tank now or just wait and do it on the way. We're only supposed to have an inch of snow, but I'm not sure about the freezing rain and ice. I'll monitor and decide soon.

Very light work week. I'm working on a readthrough of a series for a friend and I'm so excited for this project! I'm also hoping I have some new work starting this week. I have tentative dates in my calendar, but nothing set yet.

Had an okay week of viewing. I've been in a weird mood and haven't been watching as much as I could have. That said, I have been getting a lot of writing done so I'm not complaining.

Caught another episode of Elementary. Much happier with where Joan and Sherlock in this episode. The vibe is very different from the first two seasons, and I think I'm okay with that.

I started a Batman Beyond rewatch. I have a lot of love for this show and look forward to diving back in again.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. Once again, I didn't remember either of the vignettes, so I had fun watching.

Watched an episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I hadn't seen any of this one and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think there's one episode left, and I'll have to find a new show to watch.

Almost through the season three premiere episode of London Kills. This could end up being a wild ride. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Your Move, a novella that reunites a couple for a second-chance romance.

Here's the miniblurb:

Reilly Mounts returns to her hometown after an impulsive marriage and a divorce that's turning ugly. Caden Bromley, her high school flame, wants to pick up where they left off, but Reilly needs some time to figure out where he fits in her life … and she has to deal with her soon-to-be ex.

And a snippety peek…

Reilly plunged the mop into the soapy, hot water then swiped it over the faded vinyl flooring in the kitchen. "Nothing like a good old-fashioned clean out when I've got a lot to think about." Deep cleaning often helped corral the chaos in her mind.

She looked at the house she grew up in with new eyes. The place needed some major TLC. Some could be accomplished with cosmetic updates, new paint, some throw rugs, and a good polishing of the woodwork. She had the blueprint of how she wanted to display her product line in the two front rooms of the house. A small bedroom would transform into a treatment and consultation area and the kitchen would be for personal use. The small bathroom would be for clients if needed. The large room adjacent to the kitchen would eventually become a meeting area for classes and projects.

Reilly paused by the basement door. "I'll bring the downstairs kitchen up to code to make my product." Her gram used the space to can vegetables, make jam and jelly, and do all her holiday baking.

She dipped the mop back into the water again and started on another area of the floor. A rapid series of knocks sounded on the back door. Propping the mop against the wall, she carefully crossed the damp floor to answer. Twisting the knob, she tried to pull the door open, but the latch got stuck.

Sighing, she jiggled the knob. "Hang on. Give me one second." She yanked hard and the door jerked open to reveal Caden on the other side. "Um, hi." Equal parts surprised and embarrassed at the state of the house, she tilted her head. "Sorry. The door keeps getting stuck."

His lips twisted in a wry grin. "I can fix that. Hold on." He made a quick jaunt out to his truck and started back with a tool belt draped over his shoulder and small roll-up bag.

Reilly closed her eyes, letting memories wash over her. Her very first kiss had been on the covered patio. And Caden had been the one to provide the lip-lock. She took a moment to cherish that remembrance then focused on the here and now.

Caden set the bag aside and strapped the toolbelt around his waist. "This shouldn't take long." He pulled a screwdriver from its notch and started unscrewing the metal plate.

Reilly observed his actions, filing them away for later use. "Thanks. You really didn't have to do this." She leaned against the counter. "What brings you here?" Not that she minded having him drop by … she just hadn't expected to see him again today.

Caden glanced up from his work. "Got a hold of Cam. Said he'd call you on his way home and find room in his schedule to see you." He removed the metal plate and stopped down to look at the wood. "Gonna need to put an anchor in here. The wood isn't holding the screws securely anymore. That's why the latch sticks." He unrolled the bag and grabbed two anchors. "Cam said getting you set up as a corporation shouldn't be difficult. The divorce will depend on how messy things get." He met her gaze. "I didn't know what to tell him about that, but he has someone he can refer you to if needed."

Reilly shook her head. "Doug's not going to contest the divorce. This is a mutual decision." At least her soon-to-be-former spouse promised he'd sign on the dotted line. "He knows I want to live here and start over." Without the added stress of trying to fix something that broke a long time ago.

Caden twisted the screws and tugged on the plate. "That should do it. Let me check the door also." He moved inside the house and checked the knob. "Eh, I'll tighten this up also then you should be good to go … at least for a while." He cast his gaze around the kitchen. "What are your plans for the place?"

Reilly smiled. "I'm starting a homeopathy business. I'll be making and selling my product line here and online." She winced. "That means using a ton of elbow grease and TLC to get things ready. Most of my readily available capital will go toward bringing the basement kitchen up to code." She shrugged. "I'm not afraid of hard work but trying to make the upstairs into my residence while getting the store area down here ready is a bit daunting." And a wee bit overwhelming even if she couldn't wait to get started.

Caden cocked his head. "So, you got three bedrooms and a full bath upstairs, right?" He propped his shoulder on the door jamb.

Reilly nodded. "Yeah. I'll use one of the rooms as my office, one for a living room, and the other as my bedroom. The backstairs will make it easy to keep the kitchen as a personal space." She'd be going with the bare minimum upstairs until she got the store up and running.

Caden's head bobbed up and down. "Sounds like a solid plan. You've got good bones here with the house. Mainly fix-up stuff for the most part, right?"

Reilly lifted her chin. "I think so. I'll need to do some updating, especially this vinyl flooring, but that can wait for now." She glanced around the room, seeing her gram puttering around while cooking something wonderful.

Caden made a sound of agreement. "Small steps. Can't be easy coming back and living with the memories while trying to forge a new beginning at the same time."

Reilly's breath caught. "Yes, that's it. Exactly." He'd nailed the way she felt on the head. "It's like having one foot in the past and the other in the future and straddling the present makes me feel … vulnerable." Her eyes welled up and she blinked tears away. "I miss her. But I think she'd be happy I'm moving back." A laugh bubbled up. "I know she'd be thrilled about the divorce. She was never a huge Doug fan." A fact Wanda made clear anytime Doug accompanied Reilly home.

She should've listened to her gram and owned the mistake a long time ago.

Shaking her head again, she gave Caden a wobbly smile. "Anyway, thank you for calling Cam. I should let you get home." She started to reach for the door, not wanting Caden to leave at all.

But she really couldn't ask him to stay … not after everything he'd done for her today.

Why would he even want to stay? Especially when she walked away from him…

A bit of a longer peek this week. I'm so happy with how this scene came together.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin