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