Whew. The week flew
by. I'm in a weird place where I'm getting a lot accomplished but feel like I'm
spinning my wheels. So bizarre. Felt the same way last week.
We've had chilly,
cool weather with rain. And the week ahead looked like it might be soggy also
but is now showing no rain in the forecast. Strange.
Had a pretty okay
work week. I have a project I thought completed but apparently it hasn't. The
author is wordsmithing and making more changes. Something that isn't fun to do once
we're in the design proofread stage. That stuff should happen during the copy
edit. I'm making good headway on a science book proofread, which is actually
great because the science is way over my head. Really interesting book, though.
Started a new copy edit on a mystery thriller and it's going to be a twisty
turny ride. Also have a developmental edit I need to get back to. Oh, and
possibly a new author signing on for a fun project. Excited to see where that
goes.
Pretty good viewing
week also. I ended up making it through the whole slate of shows and got a few
extras in. Not bad!
Started with Foyle's
War and watched the first half of the episode. It's truly remarkable how
eerily history repeats itself. This show is twenty-years old, and the themes are
as relevant today as they were when the show filmed and the history this show
is portraying. Uncanny.
Caught another
episode of Brokenwood Mysteries. Honestly, I love this show so much. There's
always a new twist around the corner. And the main cast and recurring characters
are so solid.
Watched another
episode of Death in Paradise. Very pleased to see the commissioner
working hard to regain the trust of the island. Also love seeing Naomi stepping
up. It would be so great to see her take on the role of DI … if the show could
alter its course a little.
Enjoyed another episode
of Poirot. Nice to see Hastings kind of called out over his advice when
his wife asked that he take a holiday. I like these later seasons of the show.
Elementary ended up being interesting. Felt bad for Shinwell.
But also enjoyed seeing him strive to be better. Sherlock and Joan also had a
twisty case, which ended up going in a direction I didn't expect.
Caught another
episode of Young Justice and I really enjoy seeing the team come
together. Looks like we'll get to see Artemis in the next episode.
Truly enjoyed an episode
of Star Trek Lower Decks. Loved the whole vibe with Mariner and Jack.
Also loved Rutherford getting his promotion. Looking forward to seeing what the
cold open is about later in the season.
Watched another
episode of Peak Practice. Gotta say, I didn't expect to be rather sad
during the whole episode, but I ended up grabbing tissues before it was over.
Also used some
Kanopy tickets and watched The Thin Man, one of my favorite classic
films. I really, really wish the other films were available for streaming.
That's pretty much
it for the life update. Tonight's post is from King's Ransom, a novella
set in the VC Security Solutions universe.
Here's the
miniblurb:
Scientist Livvie King needs protection—she possesses a
rare book that people will kill for. Nab Ransom is assigned to transport her
safely to a secure destination and he's got a big problem—he shouldn't be
falling for the woman he's supposed to guard with his life.
And a snippety peek…
Nab blinked at the rapid change of
heart. "You're sure?" He wondered what prompted the turnaround, but
he wouldn't make a point of it.
Especially when Victor gave him a
look that said, shut the hell up and let the client sign on the dotted line.
Livvie gave a jerky nod. "Um,
yes. I'm sure." She sat back down and drew the papers Victor pulled from
the printer toward her. "But I would like it stipulated that I'm trying to
attract as little attention as possible on the trip back to my hometown."
Her gaze shifted from Victor to Nab.
Nab lifted a shoulder. "The
boss usually works out the finer details." Not quite sure what to do, he
met Victor's gaze, hoping for guidance.
Victor grunted. "Stick around.
This is a special case and starts immediately." He printed out an addendum
to the contract.
While he explained the new details
of her request, Nab studied Livvie. If she thought he would attract attention
because of his looks, she obviously didn't glance in a mirror often. Gorgeous
came to mind. Maybe not in the classical sense, but she had a geeky-chic thing
going on that really made him sit up and take notice.
Victor pulled Nab into the
conversation again. "We're going to use the Serenade and an F250."
Meaning the sleekest fifth wheel camping trailer and mid-size truck. "I'll
have tech go over both units and make sure everything is tiptop." Which
meant fully loaded with weapons, satellite phone and video links. "And
we'll stock the supplies for two weeks." He directed his gaze to Livvie.
"You won't be on the road that long, but I overprepare for all
contingencies." He slid Nab a quick look. "Anything else you need
will be purchased by the name and card in your packet."
Nab nodded. "Got it. If we're
leaving immediately after the boxes are ticked, what about wardrobe? I've got
my go-bag, but Ms. King looks to be traveling lightly right now." From
Victor's demeanor, Nab assumed they wouldn't be stopping by Livvie's home
first.
Victor lifted his chin. "See
Valley. She'll have a lock on what we have and if we need to order anything,
she'll do the intake." He focused on Livvie again. "Valley's my
daughter. She'll take good care of you." He added his signature to the
contract then explained the payment process.
Livvie pulled out a credit card
holder. "I thought I'd use the company card, but maybe we should go with
my personal one?"
While Victor pointed out the pros
and cons to both, Nab continued his perusal of Livvie King. He had zero clue
what the job would actually entail but didn't really care. The woman piqued his
interest, which, yeah. Could be a problem.
Victor got a little
twitchy—Valley's favorite description of her dad—when lines got crossed. But
Nab didn't plan to do more than his job and maybe try to figure out why Livvie
changed her mind about letting him do the work. Anything else he would discover
when Victor gave Nab the packet; the detailed list of his job responsibilities
and anything else he'd need for the service they provided their clients.
Victor filed the signed contract
away and got to his feet. "Livvie, Nab will take you to meet Valley and
then get you settled in for the trip." He thrust his palm forward.
"Thanks for choosing VC Security Solutions."
Livvie clasped his hand then lifted
her gaze to Nab. "Shall we head out then?" She hitched her messenger
style bag over her shoulder.
Nab flashed a grin. "Yes,
right this way…" He led her from the office and guided her down the
hallway to the stairs. "If you don't mind me asking … what changed your
mind? About working with me?"
Livvie's face flushed a little
pink. "You won't believe me." She glanced away then back to him.
"The X-Files. That's what changed my mind."
The elevator dinged and the doors
opened, letting her duck inside.
Nab blinked a moment then shook his
head. "Who knew I'd find another fan of the show?" He followed her
inside and met her gaze. "Mulder and Scully forever."
She laughed, which made him happy.
Yeah … I might be in trouble.
This story is just
getting started but I love the X-Files reference. Here's hoping that won't be
too obscure for most readers.
That's it for this
week. Happy reading!
Skylin
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