Sunday Snippet: Green-Eyed Monster

It's a drippy, dreary day, which actually doesn't bother me. It's been so dry in Ohio, and the rain might help wash all the allergy-inducing yuck away for a while.

Had a solid work week. I finished up a copy edit and started a new one. I'm wrapping up an extended coaching project and moving into the final stages before sending it out for the next steps. Started a new memoir developmental edit, and I'm excited about working on it with the author. I have a couple of other projects waiting in the wings, but my plate is full for the moment.

Doggo update. I think we're through the hard stuff. Who knew having a congested dog could be so exhausting. It sucks because, unlike when my kiddos didn't feel well, the dog can't verbalize what's making them feel poorly. A lot of trial and error to make sure they're doing okay.

Had an okay viewing week. I got through most of my usual shows with the exception of Lower Decks. I ran out of steam and couldn't get that one in.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the episode. The ending always make me smile with Hugh and Dottie getting engaged and Jack and Phryne drinking wine from grapes … that she crushed with her feet.

Watched another episode of Foyle's War and remembered most of it. I'd actually forgotten the underlying thread of Rex being in love with Andrew and Foyle's supportive reaction to the information. A very good episode.

Finished up season fourteen of Death in Paradise. I'm kind of curious about Patterson's departure. If he's really leaving the show, I'll be disappointed as he's been with it since the beginning. However, a changing of the guard isn't always a bad thing. I have a fun thought about who could possibly replace him and if it pans out, it would be very cool.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I really do like the episodes that don't involve a murder. The bond robbery ended up being a lot of fun. Poor Hastings being seasick and his denial of it was a fun side thread.

Elementary had another solid episode. I'm enjoying Joan's journey of getting back to supportive interpersonal relationships. The scenes with her and Gregson were lovely.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I didn't really remember so I enjoyed watching. I think I'm almost through the second season and I can't really remember if there are more after this one or not.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Green-Eyed Monster, a novella that explores how the grass is greener after a breakup.

Here's the miniblurb:

Dani works undercover sting operations and inadvertently shoots the girlfriend of Neal, one her coworkers. When the green-eyed monster of jealousy rears its head, Dani isn't sure how to help Neal through the trauma, but she'll move whatever stands in the way to make sure he's happy.

And a snippety peek…

Dani shoved the green-eyed monster back in its hole.

She snagged one of his fingers with one of hers. "I don't have any easy answers, but I do understand where you're coming from." She met his gaze. "When you left, I had something of a wake-up call. What we do isn't just difficult." Fighting the urge to glance away, she got right down to the specific point. "It's hard and bloody more often than not. And it means trust is a commodity unless it's freely given." She stopped there, hoping he'd understand.

He gave a nod. "I know. And it's harder to give if you've been burned." He squeezed her finger.

He did get it.

She changed the topic, just a little. "So ... based on everything you've said tonight ... you and Kyra? No happily ever after?" Her heart hurt for him even if she didn't want them together.

His lips curved in a sad smile. "There is no happily ever after. I don't think they actually happen anymore." He shrugged.

Dani traced the back of his hand. "Does Kyra know?"

Neal shook his head. "Not yet. The whole shootout kind of interrupted a gentle letdown." One side of his mouth kicked up.

Dani closed her eyes. "Man, I'm sorry." Truly suck ass timing on everyone's part.

Neal rolled a shoulder. "And I won't do it here. I might be cynical, but I strive to keep the asshole behavior to a minimum."

Dani chuckled. "Except with me." Not that she didn't deserve it sometimes.

Neal turned his palm upward. "Yeah. Probably true."

Dani tilted her head. "Have you ever wondered why?"

Neal huffed out a breath. "I know why. Because no matter what, you'll call me on it."

Dani took the opening that statement provided. "And you tried to call me on it, but I never listened. I always put the job first." She waited a beat. "I'm ready to listen now." She hoped he believed her.

Neal laced their fingers together. "You have suck-ass timing, Dans." He huffed out a breath.

She shrugged this time. "I know. But there's no rush." She got to her feet and let go of his hand. "If you decide you want happy for the moment, you know where to find me…"

This story is coming together in a way I'm very happy with. Dani is a little tricky and I love writing her.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Green-Eyed Monster

December is off to a roaring start. We got some interesting and good family news and I think I'm very close to being finished with my holiday shopping. I might have one or two last-minute things to figure out but that's it.

As noted in my last post, I continued with my Batman: The Animated Series rewatch and started with episode thirty-one and ended with episode forty-seven. I had forgotten a couple of those episodes, in particular, "His Silicone Soul" and "Off Balance," which introduced Talia and Ra's Al Ghul.

There were also several of my favorite episodes in this bunch. "Beware the Gray Ghost," "Christmas with the Joker," "Almost Got 'Im," and "Harley and Ivy." Christmas with the Joker is one of my all-time faves and I usually watch it on a yearly basis.

I'm enjoying the rewatch so much, I'm probably going to continue through the end of the year. I have a lot of love for this show.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Green-Eyed Monster, a novella where a couple might get a second chance at a future … if they can get through a current situation.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Dani works undercover sting operations and inadvertently shoots the girlfriend of Neal, one her coworkers. When the green-eyed monster of jealousy rears its head, Dani isn't sure how to help Neal through the trauma, but she'll move whatever stands in the way to make sure he's happy.

And a sneaky peek…

At the familiar voice, Dani's eyes slid closed. "What the hell?" Of all the terrible timing.

She motioned the kitchen employees toward the back exit. Her team would get them out safely. Then send in reinforcements.

She cursed Neal's interference. Everything had been going according to mission parameters. They had ears in the place, the planned strategy unfolding like clockwork. Sasha showing up at exactly the right time.

Until she asked about the new girl, meaning Dani. They'd planned for the question. Coached the cashier how to respond. New hire. Started tonight. That would've been the cue for Ward to move in. Instead, three shots were fired and Neal's calm tone threw the whole operation into a tailspin.

And caught Dani off guard … because he shouldn't be here.

She shook her head. "Dammit. What the fuck is going on?" Neal could blow their whole sting.

Dani looked out, braving a quick glance to tag everyone's location. Relaying the general location information to her team, she assessed the current situation. Five armed hostiles, eight potential hostages. Dani had the element of surprise on her side and could probably take Sasha before she could get another round off.

Neal faced the gunwoman. "Look, at least let the women exit. There're only two." He tilted his head toward the door.

Dani bit back a growl. She couldn't have that. And, as a former undercover agent, he should know better.

Ward already had backup moving in. If the door opened, Sasha would see their movements. Shit. Dani needed to get a handle on things.

Sasha shook her head. "No one leaves." She unholstered a second weapon. "In fact, everyone in the back better get out here now." She laid a volley of gunfire through the open serving area.

Dani kicked off her espadrilles and withdrew her weapons. "Fuck. It figures." She had to go in now.

Flaming hot and with potential moving targets.

What could go wrong?

This story is coming together in a way I didn't expect and I love it when that happens.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Green-Eyed Monster

Well, we're almost to the end of another month and I'm trying to contemplate what the final two months of 2020 are going to be like. Frankly, I can't do it. LOL And we still have a full moon to get through in October.

Had a slower than normal week for television. I'm honestly not in the mood to watch much and have been catching marathons on regular cable for the most part. Hallmark started their holiday fare and one of the books I copy edited is featured as a new movie this year. Last year, another book I copy edited had a premiere. That's always so exciting!

I did catch an episode or two of Silent Witness, but other than that, I mainly watch Ovation. I'm crossing my fingers they don't have a major programming change anytime soon. That happens so frequently for me. I fall in love with the line-up and all of a sudden, some new honcho comes in and effs it all up. I'm looking at you HGTV, SyFy, and BBC America. Or, I lose access to a channel that usually has classic stuff I really enjoy. Sigh.

Tonight's post is from Green-Eyed Monster, a novella that explores the character dynamic after a breakup when both characters realize they what they lost.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Dani works undercover sting operations and inadvertently shoots the girlfriend of Neal, one her coworkers. When the green-eyed monster of jealousy rears its head, Dani isn't sure how to help Neal through the trauma, but she'll move whatever stands in the way to make sure he's happy.

And a snippety peek…

Dani got home and questioned her sanity. She paced her living room, walking back and forth, letting her thoughts roam free. What made her think Neal would fall back in with her? He'd basically said the work sucked and he couldn't deal. And while she did completely understand why he felt the way he did, she couldn't imagine not doing the job.

Then again, she also couldn't imagine life without Neal either. A knock sounded on her door and she answered. Neal stood outside. She opened the door wide and invited him in.

Dutifully—and reluctantly—asked about Kyra. "How's she doing?"

Neal's lips curved. "She's on the mend. Her sister drove in from their hometown. She'll he taken care of."

Dani led Neal to the couch. "So..." She had no clue what to say.

Neal sat and tugged her down beside him. "Why am I here, right?"

Dani shrugged. Her nonexistent communication skills should stay in the background. And she'd promised to listen.

Neal grabbed her hand. "Basically, I came because we work. You and me."

Dani let a kernel of hope take root and laced their fingers together.

Neal gave her a shy grin. "Oddly, Kyra helped me see my personal truth. My problems with what we do are insignificant compared to why we do it." He hauled Dani close. "It's my turn for a wake-up call. My difference of opinion with you amounts to nothing. Not really."

She shook her head. "Don't say that. Because it does matter. When you're trying to get someone to listen and they refuse, there's a problem." Dani laid her heart out. "And I get that now. My inability to trust became my inability to be present when I needed to be."

Neal pressed a kiss to her temple. "We need each other. I need you to challenge me sometimes, especially when I get maudlin."

Dani nodded. "And I need you to remind me there's more at stake than the job." She cocked her head. "When did you realize? I mean, what was your moment of truth?"

Neal's lips twisted. "When we went after the counterfeiters right before we split. When I got stuck in the crossfire, pinned down, trying to avoid getting hit, the whole scenario seemed too stupid for words. The gangs, gun runners, drug cartels, none of them are going anywhere." He shifted and maneuvered her around to sit on his lap. "I really started wondering then." Dani stayed silent, hoping he'd continue because she planned to listen until he had no more words to say.

I like writing this one. I've got the story mapped out and hope to have it polished and ready in the near future.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Green-Eyed Monster

Well… half the year gone and I have no idea where it went. LOL I have some terrific news. My oldest kidlet, on his twenty-fifth birthday and fifth anniversary of dating his girlfriend, proposed and she said yes. I'll be welcoming a new daughter-in-law in the next year or so. She's already part of the family… the marriage will only make it official. Congratulations to both!

Good television viewing week. I started off with Endeavor and caught two episodes. Glad I was able to watch the opener for series three not long after the end of series two. That was kind of a cliffhanger.

Gotham went and changed all the rules again. I have so much love for this show. I truly think season four is its best yet. Everyone finally came into their roles and the cast and plotlines all meshed together in a brilliant fashion. I can't wait for season five. Seriously.

Caught two more episodes of Chicago Fire and Blindspot. I'm truly curious about where Roman is going with everything. I'm also hopeful he ends up not being a raging dickhole. Probably not much chance he won't be, but, yeah, here's hoping.

Also caught two episodes of Sense8 and Fearless. I'm getting into Sense8. It's not as hard to follow as I thought it would be. I'm excited to see where the rest of season one goes. Fearless is kind of relentless. I'm somewhat saddened the US person is such a raging bitch. Terrific actress though.

Krypton's first season is excellent. I have the finale to watch then it's wait, wait, wait for the next season. Argh!

I didn't get to finish Archangel on the app I was watching it on, so I'll have to find it on Netflix. I did finish up The Ghost Squad and, honestly, not a bad show. A little ambiguous, but quite enjoyable. I'm still working my way through the later seasons of Midsomer Murders and should be starting series twelve soon. On the rewatch front, I'm hitting The Sarah Conner Chronicles, Band of Brothers, and Strike Back's fourth season. I'm gearing up to watch the most recent season of Strike Back so I can be ready for season six when one of my favorite actors joins the cast.

Also caught another episode of Constantine and two more episodes of Classic Who. Mutant X has joined my lineup of shows I'm revisiting.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Green-Eyed Monster, a novella that started with the idea of a friendly fire incident.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Dani works undercover sting operations and inadvertently shoots the girlfriend of Neal, one her co-workers. When the green-eyed monster of jealousy rears its head, Dani isn't sure how to help Neal through the trauma, but she'll move whatever stands in the way to make sure he's happy.

And a snippety peek…

Neal Cassidy waited for his date to exit the car. Kyra Zarek took her time, straightening her coat and smoothing a crease from her jeans. She sent Neal a wide smile and linked her arm around his.

She stepped onto the crosswalk before speaking. "So, where are we going? Is this a new restaurant?" A gust of spring wind blew her hair across her face.

Neal ignored the twinge of guilt about her question. "Uh, no. It's been around for a while." Kind of an out of the way, off the beaten track place.

Perfect for what he needed tonight. Away from their usual haunts with little chance of running into people they knew. Neal wanted to sit down and talk about the hints Kyra started dropping two weeks ago.

About the future… specifically their future. Neal wanted to set the record straight and nip that idea in the bud. Being in a committed relationship didn't rank high on his radar right now… except maybe with Dani, the only person Neal ever wanted to plan a lifetime with. Kyra had too much going for her to get tangled up with his issues.

He pulled the door open, waiting for Kyra to finish reading the sign before following her in.

She loosened the belt of her jacket. "Hun's… I've never heard of this place."

Neal found a quiet table in the corner. "It's the best noodle house in the city." Not that she'd be able to tell by the half dozen customers in the restaurant—the place usually didn't start filling up until after ten.

Kyra settled onto her chair and grabbed a menu. "What do you recommend? Is there a specialty?"

Neal shook his head. "Not really, no. The garlic sesame is excellent." The adapted menu featured all kinds of Asian dishes but also offered a healthy amount of cuisine from other locales.

They got their order placed and their drinks arrived. Out of habit, Neal's gaze scanned the occupants and workers. A brief flash of a familiar shock of raven hair had him doing a double take, but he quickly discounted the eerie feeling. Dani took up a lot of space in his head, hence the reason for bringing Kyra out tonight. But how to approach the topic?

With Dani, he'd put everything out there and let things shake out as they would. The woman had boundary concerns. As in she didn't believe in them and blew past any she came across on a regular basis. Unless it came to her career. Then the boundaries she set could not be crossed.

Ever.

Kyra placed her palm over his hand. "What's going on, Neal? You obviously have something on your mind because you haven't answered any of the questions I've asked in the last five minutes."

He winced. "Sorry. You're right. It's been a long day and I've got a lot on my mind." The bell over the door jangled and four new customers walked in, momentarily distracting him.

He didn't like the bulky jackets they had on; not when the weather only called for something lightweight.

Kyra flashed a smile. "Well… you can look forward to having stress-free evenings once we find a place together. I was thinking we should look in the Hammond Heights area. You know halfway between where you work and my office." She got a dreamy look on her face.

Neal gently extracted his hand from under hers. "About that…" The four customers walked to the counter, fanning out in three directions while one stayed at the pickup area. "Kyra, I'm not sure—" Damn, why did the woman waiting on her order look so damn familiar?

Kyra crossed her arms over her chest. "Not sure about what, Neal? We've been talking about maybe moving in together for a while now—"

Distracted, he cut her off. "No, Kyra, you've been talking about it. I have a lease for another six months." His sixth-sense instincts kicked in when the woman at the counter asked about one of the employees.

The nervous glance the cashier sent over her shoulder ramped the edgy feeling into overdrive. Kyra spoke brightly about his lease not being a problem. She'd move in with him until it ended. No. That's not going to happen. But instead of speaking, he listened, focusing on the nervous energy building in the restaurant and the raised voice of the woman at the counter.

Kyra huffed out a breath. "Neal, are you paying attention here?"

He spared her a glance. "Hold on. Something's not right…"

The scene unfolded in slow motion. The four in heavy jackets withdrew weapons and the woman at the counter fired three rounds into the ceiling. Customers scattered to the floor, crouching beside chairs and scooting under tables. Kyra screeched out a startled breath and dropped off her seat to take cover between two tables.

Neal calmly stood and slowly walked toward the four armed people. "Look, whatever you want, I'm sure we can find an amicable solution."

Definitely not how he pictured the evening unfolding.

I'm not quite sure how this one is going to unfold, but I like how it's coming together.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Green-Eyed Monster

Well… The Walking Dead returned with a killer episode. Holy zombies, so much happened. LOL I didn't know what to really expect and lowered my expectations but color me surprised by how incredible the episode ended up being. Although, why is no one talking about how Carol is pretty much responsible for wiping out a whole family? *grins* Not quite how it went down, of course, but something to ponder.

Forgot to mention The X-Files last week for my Monday night lineup. I, for one, have really been enjoying the six-episode run. Final ep airs tomorrow and I actually rather hope we'll see another six or eight episode arc in the future. Wouldn't mind seeing a few more familiar faces either.

The other Monday shows were suitably excellent. I'm staying interested in The Magicians and kind of love the various sides we're seeing. Also thrilled to see Lost Girl and Bitten. But I watch with sadness, knowing they're each in their final seasons.

Tuesday's The Flash ended up being terrific. I'm kind of amazed the earth two turned out so well. Looking forward to seeing more from that verse, if there is more. Also really want to see what the whole deal with Jay is. Agent Carter's final episode airs this week and the lead up to the finale turned out awesome. I really hope Peggy gets to punch Vernon in the face at least once. Twice would totally make the entire wait for a season three (if there is one) worth it.

Arrow continues to blow my mind. The whole tease at the beginning of the season with Oliver standing by a grave now has so many possibilities my brain hurts from thinking about them. LOL

Legends of Tomorrow keeps getting better and better. I'm thrilled with how the cast is being utilized and the way the teams are always mixed. Snart (or Snark as I like to call him) is a favorite and he keeps growing on me more and more.

Gotham and Agents of SHIELD return soon and I'm looking forward to both being back on my screen.

And, whew, that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from Green-Eyed Monster, a novella where the prompt stated to take a scene from a favorite television show and change the key moment. I opted to take a scene where someone got shot and swap the character with another one. Very fun dynamic to write.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Dani works undercover sting operations and inadvertently shoots the girlfriend of Neal, one her co-workers. When the green-eyed monster of jealousy rears its head, Dani isn't sure how to help Neal through the trauma, but she'll move whatever stands in the way to make sure he's happy.

And a snippety peek...

Dani Kent ducked into the equipment room and pulled down her gear. "Thank God for active ops." Dragging her bag of tricks to the changing area, she rifled through the case and found what she wanted.

The tip her unit received turned out to be good and her team had ten hours to get in place. A noodle house. Dani shook her head. The leader of a gun running ring hit the place like clockwork, a crazy-stupid error in judgment.

Dani's lips curved. "Never underestimate a food addiction." Satisfied with her choices, she quickly shimmied into the low-riding jeans, tight t-shirt, and espadrille wedges, the standard uniform of the female waitstaff at Hun's Noodle Hut.

Her CO, Ward, wandered into the area. "You good to go, Dani?" He slapped his palm on the wall. "We've gotta get inside and set up a perimeter."

She shoved everything back in her bag and hefted it over her shoulder. "Yeah, I'm good." Stowing the duffel under one of the benches, she met Ward by the main entrance. "How's the rest of the team?"

Ward nodded down the corridor. "They're in the armory kitting up. You need to do the same."

Dani acknowledged his order and headed to get her weapons. "Am I the only one going in?" The plan called for two people, but the minimal staff at Hun's probably wouldn't allow for anyone else.

Ward stopped her progress. "Yeah. But we'll have you covered. And you're wearing an earwig. No arguments."

Dani sighed, but held her tongue. "Okay." She started for the armory again.

Ward dropped one more question. "First op without your former partner. You sure you're good to go?"

Dani lifted a hand and gave him a thumbs up. The reminder stung, but her track record spoke for itself. Her work record, anyway. Her track record with men pretty much sucked. Note Neal Cassidy, her former partner. He'd chosen to leave the unit instead of working with her after a terrible breakup.

Of course, per usual, Dani realized she'd lost something important when he walked away. Too late. She always figured shit out too late to make a difference.

But work would always be there, the one thing she could count on.

Always.

Enjoying this one. The sages are very loud with how they want the story to go, always a bonus. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Green-Eyed Monster

Hi!

It's been a rather trying week on the personal front. It's funny how that happens. Little annoyances pop up when least expected and sometimes snowball into raging nightmares. LOL

Seriously, not quite that bad, and thankfully nothing with immediate family. J

Tonight's post is from Green-Eyed Monster, a novella where jealousy rears its ugly head…maybe too late for Dani to get the man she's always wanted. J

Here's the tagline:

Dani works undercover sting operations and inadvertently shoots the girlfriend of Neal, one her co-workers. When the green-eyed monster of jealousy rears its head, Dani isn't sure how to help Neal through the trauma, but she'll move whatever stands in the way to make sure he's happy.

And a snippety peek…

Dani dropped by the hospital to check on Kyra's status. Neal sat, slumped in a chair beside the bed, his head thrown back against the cushion. Dani didn't like the ugly jealousy swirling in her heart. Of course he'd be concerned enough to stay with Kyra.

Dani stepped into the room, letting the door close softly behind her. "I'm sorry I ruined your date." She spoke quietly, in case he slept.

Neal angled his head toward her, his lips quirking briefly. "You didn't. Sasha Chan pretty much had that covered." He turned his face away, his eyes gazing upward. "I think the universe is trying to tell me something." A heavy sigh escaped and his eyes closed.

Dani weighed her guilt against trying to find out what Neal meant. Her curiosity won out.

Moving further into the room, she laid a hand on his shoulder. He glanced up then over to the prone figure of Kyra. Blowing out a long exhale, he rose and worked the kinks from his shoulders.

His head jerked toward the door. "Come on. You can buy me a coffee and I'll explain."

The fact she didn't have to voice the question cemented itself to her brain. He always had an uncanny ability of knowing her thoughts…sometimes before she even did. She'd never had the kinship with anyone she had with him.

Too bad she realized how deeply they'd connected after he'd finally given up on her.

Following Neal out into the corridor, she turned and nodded toward the elevator. "Cafeteria is still open. Have you eaten since—" She stopped, unwilling to put a voice to her role in Kyra's shooting.

Neal shrugged. "Been a little preoccupied."

Dani laid a hand on his arm. "Then chow's on me. You need more than a caffeine high. You gotta eat, Neal."

He hesitated, shifting his gaze toward the door. Dani's heart sank. He'd go back in, and she wouldn't have a chance to find out what had him tied up in knots.

Aside from her part in almost killing his girlfriend.

Heaving a sigh, he headed in the direction of the elevator.

Dani let out the breath she held and followed him. She'd have her chance to be there for Neal, to dig down and drag out whatever put the weariness in his eyes. The bone-tired expression started way before their botched sting, and she aimed to set his world right again.

Lord knew she'd done enough to make it wrong.

Dani and Neal have an interesting conversation…and she tries really hard to set the jealousy aside and truly be there for him. But Neal won't make it easy. Where's the fun in that, right?

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin