Sunday Snippet: Mixed Signals

September is off to an okay start. Still feeling a little off … not really frustrated more like being stuck in limbo yet feeling like there's something that needs to be done. It's weird.

Had several thunderstorms roll through, which did a lot of back and forth with the temperatures. Today is cool and sunny, but midweek was steamy hot. Pretty sure it'll get to boiling again in the near future.

Not a bad work week. Finished up the proofread and started a new copy edit. I had a great call with a new author, and I'll be starting on a manuscript evaluation this week. Really excited about this book. Also had some breakthroughs on several of my WIPs, which is always a bonus!

Had a decent viewing week. I made it through my usual slate of shows and binged some Death in Paradise again. This show has kind of nudged Midsomer Murders out of the top spot of my go-to shows.

Started the week off with Marple and, again, I really enjoyed the mystery. Kind of fun to see Tommy and Tuppence in their later years.

Watched another episode of Britain's Most Scenic Counties. I enjoy seeing all the green areas in Kent. Also loved seeing the different types of boating available.

Caught another Beyond Paradise. Loved that Kelby's girl actually made it to Shipton Abbot. Kind of hated the awkwardness of the dinner party Anne threw with Mister Smith. But I loved the vague ending when Humphrey went to confront Smith with his decision. Methinks Smith let something very important slip during the dinner. Can't wait to see if I'm right.

The Halloween themed episode of Poirot ended up being such a fun ride. Well, as fun as murder can be anyway. So many twists and turns.

Elementary ended up being pretty interesting. I'm kind of holding my breath with the small clues and hints about the possible serial killer luring Sherlock into a dangerous situation. Also kind of interested in Joan's situation with becoming a mom.

Watched another episode of Young Justice. Thoroughly enjoyed the fallout from the training exercise and also loved seeing Connor interact with the New Genesis team.

Caught another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and once again loved it. This show is so good.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Mixed Signals, a novella that explores a second change at romance after a friendly fire incident.

Here's the miniblurb:

Avery and Trigg, both undercover cops, can't keep their relationship going. Their work makes it hard to stay connected. When mixed signals results in Avery shooting Trigg in a friendly fire incident, she wants to set the record straight and maybe test the waters to pick up where they left off.

And a snippet preview…

Avery Squire watched the ambulance pull away. "I can't believe I shot Trigg Bertelli." Nothing like pulling the trigger and having her ex significant other get in the way.

At least she'd caught him in the shoulder. If he hadn't stepped into her line of fire, she'd have had a clean target. Why the hell had he been there? Her undercover unit spent weeks setting up the sting operation in the backwoods bar and grill suspected of laundering money.

She shook her head. "Someone got their signals crossed." Raking a hand through her hair, she found her superior officer and turned her weapon in.

The paperwork would be a bitch. Friendly fire incidents sucked.

She cocked her head. "How did the second unit end up at our operation?"

Her boss, Morley Rafer, snorted. "Sheer shit luck. Gregson had two guys undercover with the Dirty Bastards motorcycle gang, and they picked tonight to make a drop." He gave her a pointed look. "You should head out. Take a couple of days." He paused. "This isn't on you. There's no way you could've prevented what happened." His chin lifted. "I'll keep you posted on Bertelli's status."

Avery nodded. "Yeah, thanks." She turned to leave, keeping the rapidly setting in reaction at bay until she slid behind the wheel of her car.

She'd shot Trigg Bertelli. The very last person on the planet she'd ever want to harm. Okay, do more harm to. Because she'd loved him once.

Resting her head on the steering wheel, she let out harsh laugh. "Hell, I still do." Not like she ever stopped.

But … he had a significant other, and she wouldn't get in the way of that. Besides, he'd never want her again. Not after she'd ruined their relationship by not being able to smoothly step in and out of her assumed roles. After she split from Trigg, she'd finally got help and now worked regularly with a therapist.

She heaved a sigh and started the engine. "Too bad I realized I needed to get my shit together a little too late." But at least she'd be able to unpack the trauma of shooting her ex.

This one is coming together in a way I didn't expect and I love that.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin