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