Sunday Snippet: Justice Is Served

What a wild week. We're back to almost winter temperatures with freeze warnings this weekend and the first part of the week. My cold is sorta kinda over, but the crazy weather probably won't help.

Had a pretty decent work week. I'm in flux on a number of projects but the work is moving steadily along. I'm happy to stay busy.

Pretty good viewing week also. I finished up a rewatch and have to pick a new show to watch on one of my streamers … and I have no idea what I want to choose.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and it was so fun to see a regular in one of the shows I watch do a guest turn in this episode. Can't wait to watch the finale this week.

Caught another behind the scenes episode of Foyle's War and enjoyed it. I have one or two more before starting the next season of the show.

Watched another episode of Poirot and loved the mystery. Hastings completely falling for the girl ended up being very interesting along with Poirot kind of lending a helping hand. Very cool.

Started the new season of Silent Witness. Jack's new look is … okay? Enjoy them being in a new city, and I'm liking the vibe of the characters.

Elementary, as usual, didn't disappoint. Such an interesting case and having Sherlock go out on a limb for Shinwell was rather cool.

Finished up my Batman Beyond rewatch and, honestly, the show holds up. Not sure what I'll pick next, but it might be DC universe adjacent.

Watched another Star Trek: Lower Decks. Kind of fun to have a one-off character come back and not end up being an actual hero. I like the risky maneuver there.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Justice Is Served, a novella that brings a couple together during an advocacy.

Here's the miniblurb:

Derby Stack is a cold-blooded killer, but not by choice. She's convicted for her crime, but Nate Mobius's specialized legal firm takes an interest in her case. Nate gradually wins Derby over and together they uncover a sinister trail leading back to her childhood therapist.

And a snippety peek…

Great question.

Not like she asked to have some righteous, nosy woman poking around in her dismal life.

Derby mimicked Nate's stance, bracing her back against the chair. "You're here because I apparently have the unlucky right to an advocate … who thinks she knows what's best for everyone on the planet." She rolled her eyes. "As if." Derby shrugged again. "Whatever. Not like I'm in any hurry to die a slow death in prison."

Tired of talking, she got up and started for the door—then remembered he hadn't given her permission to leave.

Heaving a sigh, she turned and kept her head low. "Are we through here? I have to have your okay to leave." She had to have someone's okay to take a piss.

Nate gave her a tight smile and waved his hand toward the door. When she pounded on the heavy metal, he got up, gathered his stuff, and moved to stand beside her.

Wilma yanked the door open and glanced back and forth between them. "Well, now. Aren't you two a cute couple?" Her wheezing laugh grated on Derby's ears.

Derby brushed past the guard and took her place one step behind the woman. Nate exited the room.

Ignoring Wilma's presence, he addressed Derby. "I'll be in touch soon. If you need anything, let Laura know or have the warden contact the legal firm."

Derby barely stopped from rolling her eyes. She lifted her chin, acknowledging she'd heard him. Wilma watched the exchange with avid interest. She also fixed her gaze on Nate's ass and didn't stop staring until he'd crossed into the admin area to sign out.

Wilma gave a low whistle. "Man's got a hot bod hiding under that suit." She practically licked her lips.

Derby didn't doubt he probably did, but she didn't share her opinion one way or the other. Wilma could perv all she wanted. Derby didn't do fantasies—not anymore.

Wilma jerked her head toward the cell block. "Let's go, Stack. You've got extra time in the library since you missed the last thirty minutes."

Derby hid her surprise. "Yeah, okay." She followed Wilma back to the only sanctuary she had.

And smashed down the flair of hope the guard's unexpected and out-of-character kindness sparked.

I really love how this one is coming together. Derby isn't quite sure what's going on, but she's in for a wild ride.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Just Take a Moment

Bleh. I've been fighting a yucky cold all week and I'm feeling a little better but not quite 100 percent. I'd be happy if the coughing could be a wee bit less.

Weather has been steadily warming up. We've dipped back down a couple of times but thankfully it's been gradual without the wild forty-degree swings in twenty-four hours. Been getting a lot of rain, which is causing high water and some flooding. Combine that with ongoing construction and the onset of tree-trimming and getting anywhere is something of a challenge. It pays to leave early.

Another busy work week. Finished up another proofread, continued work on one, and started an assessment read through. Also finished up a read through on another project that keeps lingering in the shadows. Started a new proofread that's a lot of fun so far.

Had a decent viewing week even though I slept a lot because of the yuck. I made it all the way through my usual slate of shows and added an addition to the lineup.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery along with getting more Harry backstory. I think the next two episodes are a two-parter that makes the finale. Can't wait to watch.

Watched the first behind the scenes for Foyle's War. Kind of enjoyed seeing the process of how they do what they do to film the period specific series.

Finished up the first season of Return to Paradise. I have no idea when season two will be available on the streaming platform, but I'll look forward to it.

Caught another episode of Poirot and completely enjoyed poor Japp trying to manage on his own then having a harder time after accepting Poirot's invitation to stay with him. Fun to see Miss Lemon's sister.

Elementary ended up being very entertaining. The twisty start proved interesting and Joan's advice to Sherlock turned out to be great. I love where their relationship is at this point.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and had completely forgotten about this one. I think I have one more left before I'll need to find a new series to watch or rewatch.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and quite enjoyed learning about Tendi's pirate past. Always fun to see characters from other Trek shows pop up in the episodes and Deep Space Nine counts as a character. Just saying.

I continued to use my Kanopy tickets to watch Fleetwood Mac: The Dance. This was such a great concert film, with quite a few surprises. Glad I got to watch.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Just Take a Moment, a novella that explores a second chance at romance.

Here's the miniblurb:

Sheila Hogan has spent eight years in the military and returns home to bury her mother. Troy Collins is the guy she left behind, and, after a bumpy reunion, she realizes he's still a source of strength and calm. Sheila has thirty days to decide if she's going to sign on for another four years or muster out and explore the future with Troy.

And a snippety peek…

Troy stared at the empty space Sheila left behind. Whispers rose and filled the room when she departed. Eyes darted his way.

The funeral director stepped in. "Ms. Hogan is taking a few moments to compose herself. Please give her some time and space." He stood sentinel next to the casket.

Troy shook his head. "That went about as well as I expected." He moved through the room, filled with flowers and pictures of Lydia's life. Not much different from his dad's viewing. But with a different set of lifetime memories.

Pushing his way out the door, he walked down the steps and across the parking lot. "Maybe I shouldn't have come." He'd debated the idea, not sure how he'd react to seeing Sheila again.

He didn't think about her reaction to seeing him.

He snorted. "Guess I know the answer now." The her seeing him part.

He didn't have a handle on so close to her yet. She obviously looked different. Eight years changed people. The navy appeared to have been good for her. She'd never been soft and giggly. He loved that about her. She spoke her mind and expected him to do the same.

Except when it came to leaving. She hadn't said a word about enlisting in the military. Hadn't mentioned she'd be heading out two days after graduation.

He paused by his car. "I really should've seen it coming, though." She'd laid the groundwork … he'd been too blind to see the gears turning.

He popped the door open and settled behind the wheel, his mind drifting back to Lydia giving him the news about Sheila being gone. Lydia brought him in, set him down, and explained that her daughter had some ghosts that needed laid to rest. Clarity hit him between the eyes. Sheila never really got over her dad walking out. Lydia agreed. Sheila wanted to see the world because she thought it would help her understand why her dad left.

Lydia shook her head. "I fear she'll be sorely disappointed. Jack didn't walk away to traipse all over the planet. He left because he couldn't handle being responsible for himself let alone anyone else." She'd grabbed his hand. "I'm sorry she didn't have the courage to tell you. But I think she feared she wouldn't go if she did. She'd let you talk her out of leaving."

At the time, he didn't want to admit he would've tried to convince her to not do something she wanted. But after some soul-searching and talking to his mom, he had to own the idea he probably would have. Or worse … given her an ultimatum.

Shaking off the memory, he started the car. He'd done what he'd come for. Offered his condolences for Sheila's loss. And okay, things went sideways pretty fast. A better man would track her down and apologize, but he didn't have it in him at the moment. Besides, he didn't owe her anything.

But Lydia had always being kind to him, even when he'd asked her to keep him out of the loop when it came to her daughter. She respected the request. But she'd come to his dad's funeral, and Troy's mom appreciated the gesture.

A weird thought hit him. He and his mom had each other to lean on when his dad passed and left their finances in a mess. 

Sheila didn't have anyone to rely on. No parent to help pick up the pieces.

At least not a present one.

Putting the vehicle in gear, he eased out of the parking space and turned toward the exit. His headlights flashed on the lone figure sitting on the stone ledge, head bent forward and shoulders shaking.

He almost stopped … but decided against doing so. He didn't want to make her grief worse.

But a part of him let go of the thread of resentment he'd held on to for so long.

No matter what remained unsaid between them, they'd each lost a parent and that meant they shared some common ground. Maybe not enough to forgive and forget … but probably enough for him cut her a break and move on from the hurt she'd caused.

Just starting out with this one but very happy with how it's coming together. Sheila and Troy are a bit of a challenge to write and I like that.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Just Skip Dessert

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. Happy regular Sunday to those who don't. After three days of lovely temperatures, we're back to mid-forties and chilly. I'll take the cooler weather because the warm-up seemed to bring the ticks out. Pulled three of them off my spouse yesterday. That's usually a May through October problem.

Got to enjoy a wonderful Friday with my daughter at an art walk. She's a project manager for a county arts council and knows many of the artists. So much fun!

Had a busy work week. Finished up a copy edit and proofread for one of the publishers I edit for. Also finished a proofread for a memoir. Continued work on two other proofreads. I have a developmental edit to start this week and hopefully another copy edit.

Ended up with an okay viewing week. I got through most of the shows I watch. I ended up skipping two because I didn't feel well and couldn't concentrate on more than one thing at a time. I did get some cleaning and decluttering done when I needed a break from work projects.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and quite enjoyed the mystery. I love Alexa and Madison's friendship, especially when Madison pushes Alexa out of her comfort zone.

Caught another Foyle's War and ended the eighth season. Loved Sam's good news and kind of felt sorry for Miss Pierce. There are several behind the scenes episodes that I hope to watch this week.

Watched another Return to Paradise and I'm almost finished with the first season. Not sure when the second will be available to me, but I'll look forward to it.

Also enjoyed another episode of Poirot. A holiday episode with a truly distasteful antagonist that thankfully didn't last long. I loved Poirot coming to Japp's rescue once the singing started. If you know, you know.

Elementary ended up being very good. I'm kind of interested to see where Joan's story goes with Shin. Also enjoyed Sherlock's chess match with Shin.

I binge-watched some Brokenwood Mysteries. The new season starts this week and I'll dive into it as soon as I finish up My Life Is Murder.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Just Skip Dessert, a novella that puts one of the characters in a tricky situation and gives the other character a chance to lend a helping hand.

Here's the miniblurb:

Wanda Craig and Dewey Pearson are the two newest teachers at Cheltenson Academy, a private school, and they hit it off right away. When a family emergency calls Wanda away right before the end of semester dinner for the new academic advisors, Dewey gets to deal with an inappropriate advance from the headmaster's wife. When Wanda returns, she takes steps to give Dewey a better experience.

And a snippety peek…

Dewey's new boss stopped in front of a brick bungalow where a woman with wavy blond hair sashayed back and forth from one side of the porch to the other.

Chalmers frowned. "Ellyn, what are you doing here?" His gaze narrowed on the woman.

Ellyn waved a hand. "Chalmers, dear, I'm here to welcome the newest additions to our exalted ranks, of course." She smiled sweetly at Chalmers. "Please do the introductions."

Chalmers made a grumbling sound. "This is Ellyn, my wife." He stepped up onto the porch and withdrew a key from his pocket. "Ellyn, this is Dewey Pearson and Wanda Craig." He unlocked the door and pushed it open.

Ellyn barely spared a glance for Wanda, acknowledging her with a brief lift of eyebrows.

For Dewey, she tucked her hand around his arm after giving him a slow once-over. "It's so lovely to meet you. Let's go in for a quick tour, shall we?" She didn't wait for an answer, guiding Dewey into the bungalow.

Chalmers made a grumbling sound again. "Yes, yes. By all means, show them around." He retrieved another key and held it out for Wanda. "You're right next door." He pointed to the quaint stone cottage on the right side.

Wanda murmured her thanks. "Much appreciated." She trailed behind Dewey and Ellyn.

Chalmers stepped inside. "Ellyn, don't be long. We want to give Pearson and Craig time to get settled." He met Dewey's gaze. "Report to my office at eight a.m. and I'll go over your responsibilities." Glancing toward Wanda, he lifted his chin. "I'll meet you directly after lunch and we'll get you sorted over at the theater." He gave Ellyn a brief look.

She waved her free hand. "Go on, dear. I know how busy you are the week before classes start. I'll see you at dinner." Turning away from her husband, she led Dewey further into the house.

Dewey grew increasingly annoyed at the way Ellyn wouldn't let go of his arm while she showed the main points of the bungalow. She also blithely ignored Wanda, which irritated Dewey, especially when Ellyn continued to flirt outrageously with him. Dewey worked to bring Wanda into the conversation and remind Ellyn the other woman existed.

He asked about the layout of the houses even though they were the same on the information sheets. "Wanda, any questions about your cottage?"

She smirked a little and got a good swipe or two in with a polite innocence that counted as … anything but innocent. "Oh no. None at all. Mrs. Grove is doing a lovely job with the grand tour." Keeping things formal by calling Ellyn Mrs. Grove earned Wanda a sharp glance.

Dewey's lips twitched, but he remained silent.

Wanda got another jab in when they finished the walkthrough. "Mrs. Grove, your husband has been so welcoming and kind. It's remarkable how both of you are working in tandem to make us feel like part of the family."

Ellyn's nostrils flared, but she gave Wanda a tight smile.

Wanda shot one last missile across the bow. "And I think your husband is going to be a great boss."

Dewey admired the way his newest coworker rather put Ellyn Chalmers in her place without being catty or bitchy about it. Frankly, he wanted to applaud the new theater director's ad-libbing, show-stealing moxie. They'd reached the front door again and Ellyn visibly stewed at Wanda's gentle reminders about Ellyn's marital status.

However … since she had no reason to continue holding on to Dewey, she inclined her head and stepped toward the door. "Yes, well, it's wonderful to have you." She met Dewey's gaze. "We always host a dinner party for our new educators." She flicked her attention to Wanda. "Chalmers will let you know the date and time, but it'll be soon." With another tight smile, she exited Dewey's new residence.

Dewey waited until the door firmly closed behind her before he turned to Wanda. "Uh, wow." He had no other words.

Wanda laughed. "Yeah, she's not subtle, is she?"

Dewey chuckled. "Not one bit. But you were amazing."

I'm in the beginning stages of this one but it's so much fun to write!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin