Sunday Snippet: Veritas

November 3, 2019

Hello, November. The temperature dropped significantly, which kind of sucks for my household since we can't get our new furnace until the middle of next week. That said, with some careful placement, space heaters are doing an excellent job of keeping the house comfortable. As long as we don't dip into single digits, we're golden.

Not a bad week for television. I have a heavy workload right now but still squeezed in some decent viewing.

I started out with Riverdale and, wow, what a great episode. I'm still catching up from last season so this episode featured FP's fiftieth. Cole Sprouse and Skeet Ulrich brought their A games. Also loved the linked montage of Archie's king of the mountain battle with Cheryl and Toni's hot session in the speakeasy. The breakup ended up being a lot more painful than I anticipated but excellent work from the women. Reggie and Veronica's falling out also packed a punch. Reggie is very much growing on me as a character. A few random notes… I absolutely hate the entire farm storyline. I also dislike Hiram with the passion of a thousand suns going supernova. Don't see that changing anytime soon.

I finally got to sit and watch Arrow's season finale. I can honestly say the ugly crying didn't stop after the credits rolled. Everyone acted their collective asses off—Stephen and Emily in particular. Stephen, quite frankly, blew me away. Watching him evolve as Oliver over seven seasons has been a true joy. Seriously… I'm going to miss this show so much. My one main disappointment is not getting any scenes with Oliver and Mia. I'd love to see the two actors interact.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murdoch Mysteries. Nice to see George's family tree expand and with such a terrific character (pun intended). I have so much fun watching this show.

Frankie Drake Mysteries also made me smile. I'm still getting used to the new opening and the somewhat different shift in the show's dynamic. That said, it's growing on me and I like the fabulous foursome and their interactions.

Caught a new story arc on Sapphire and Steel. This show is usually background noise for me when I'm working and I have the horrible feeling I'm really missing a lot. I'm going to make an effort to really focus when I start the third assignment.

Watched the beginning of series nine with Classic Who. The daleks returned to be a huge pain, per usual. I always enjoy episodes that feature them.

Should be catching another episode of Midsomer Murders in the very near future.

That's it for this week. Tonight's post is from Veritas, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tillie Cruz has a moment of veritas when she shoots Faxon Jarvis in a friendly fire incident. The realization she wants a life with him may be too late because Faxon has a new relationship and Tillie doesn't want to mess it up. But she may not have to—her bullet may have done the trick.

And a snippety peek…

Tillie leaned into the window of the car. "Thanks for the ride." She pounded her fist lightly on the door then turned and started for the precinct house.

"Hey… can I get your number?"

Tillie closed her eyes and paused. Damn… so close to a clean getaway.

She pivoted and went back to the car, only ducking down this time. "Look, I thought I made it pretty clear and we agreed to scratch each other's itch. Let's leave things there, okay?" She met his gaze, trying like hell to even remember his name.

Max. Right.

Max rolled a shoulder. "Didn't hurt to try. Look me up again if you need another scratching post." He put the car in gear and rolled away from the curb.

Tillie breathed a sigh of relief. Six months out from her break up with Faxon and she still had zero desire to get tangled up with anyone else. The guy du jour thing worked just fine.

No it doesn't.

Tillie yanked the door to the precinct house open and ruthlessly ignored her inner voice. Her pushy inner self could get bent. Tillie would focus on her career and prove Faxon wrong about everything.

Why does it matter if he doesn't anymore?

Tillie tossed her bag into her locker. "Argh. Shut up." Dragging out a fresh shirt, she quickly tugged the one she wore over her head and traded it with the new one.

Jensen Gates poked her hear around the end of the row. "Uh… I didn't say anything." She gave Tillie a raised eyebrow. "Rough night?"

Tillie rolled her eyes. "Depends on how you define rough. The sex was fantastic. The drop off this morning not so much." She sank down on the bench and grabbed her work shoes.

Jensen's lips quirked. "That's the third one this month. Are you sure you're telling them you're only interested in a one-time, mutually satisfying romp?" She braced her shoulders against the opposite row of lockers.

Tillie shook her head. "Always." Shoving her foot inside a closed clog, she reached for the other one. "Maybe I'll see what's available in undercover work right now. I need something different." She smoothed down her pants, pressing against the fabric.

Jensen nodded. "You could also look into some task force openings. I heard there were two spots coming up." She fell into step beside Tillie after they exited the locker room.

Tillie pursed her lips. "Hmm. I like the sound of that. I'll check into it." She parted company with Jensen at the causeway. "Thanks, Jen."

Either area—task force or undercover—would take up time and give her focus. She'd check with her lieutenant to see if he'd put in a good word for her.

You're still trying to fill a Faxon-sized void.

Tillie growled. "Shut. Up."

If she didn't know better, she'd swear her inner voice guffawed.

I like Tillie's inner voice. It's so much fun to write internal conflict, especially when the inner self is snarky and almost always right.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Ring It In

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. It's rainy and chilly in Ohio and a nice day to stay in and be pampered. A few quiet hours alone is on my agenda today.

Had a solid television watching week. Since I watched so many penultimate episodes last week, this week ended up putting me in the finale zone. I started with the final episode of Underbelly: Razor. I'll admit I ended up being pretty satisfied with how things turned out. Kate and Tillie ended up living to ripe old ages for the times and Nellie, oddly enough, had an ending that rather suited her. Big Jim definitely got his due as did Phil the Jew.

Caught two more episodes of Midsomer Murders and thoroughly enjoyed both. I do like John and his wife along with their dog Sykes. Also watched two more episodes of Peter Gunn.

Started a new show from the CW. In the Dark ended up being more than I expected and, honestly, I enjoyed it. The heroine is messy and prickly and I like her flaws. The supporting cast is excellent. I'll watch more and see how it goes. It's been renewed for another season so I hope I like the rest of this one.

Watched another episode of Blade and remembered most of this one. There were a few bits I missed the first time around so it's nice to have those blanks filled in.

Also caught two more episodes of Classic Who and finished out the time meddler episodes. If memory serves, this is really the first sighting of the Master. Kind of like his origin story.

Watched the finale of Strike Back and I'm happy to say everyone I lived that I wanted to see still standing at the end. With the exception of Wyatt's marriage, which I have a feeling didn't survive. I can't wait for the final season now.

Caught Chicago Fire and enjoyed the episode. I'm not sold on Grissom being an okay guy yet but here's hoping they go in that direction. I really don't want to see Severied used as a pawn on the chessboard so I'll be pissed if that happens.

Iron Fist had a decent episode. Danny and Colleen are walking a very fine line and I'm hopeful their relationship can withstand the coming nightmare of dealing with Davos. Joy and Ward had some personal growth and Mary's storyline meshed well with the others. Davos is Davos and I'm still struggling to find some kind of empathy with him. It's not working.

Caught a great episode of Arrow and thoroughly enjoyed. I'm not a big fan of Diggle and Lyla keeping big secrets but I'll hold back from judging too much. Really loved Oliver and Laurel's reckoning with past sins. I love Oliver the most when he's pushing to be better than his parents.

Watched the finale of Murdoch Mysteries and, whew, I'm so glad things worked out the way they did. Miss Hart should probably watch her step and I'm kind of hoping she ends up becoming a good character. Nice to see where everyone is at the end, mostly in great places with their personal relationships.

Caught another episode of The Murders and I'm really loving this show. I'm excited to find out who is messing with Kate and I liked seeing Nolan not dealing with his personal life. Also loved having Kate back him up.

Watched the finale to Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries and, wow, I truly hoped the stupid superintendent would get what he deserved. Of course, he didn't and Peregrine might have lost her edge with him. We'll see what happens… if there's a second season. The chemistry between Steed and Peregrine is so delicious.

I'm nearing the end of my Painkiller Jane rewatch and I completely missed the episode I caught the first time around. Glad I got it in. I think there are two episodes left in this season, but I can't remember for certain.

Started another new show for me, Durham County. It's dark and twisty and I think I'm going to like it a lot. The first episode had a good mix of creepy happenings along with some good exposition. Looking forward to more.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Ring It In, a sexy short featuring a snowy New Year's Eve and an element of danger for our hero and heroine.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Recovering from post-holiday family drama, Paris Lightful wants to spend New Year's Eve in her uncle's cabin with nothing but her laptop and a ton of action movies. When near blizzard conditions strand Deputy Kelton Pine at her location, Paris doesn't welcome the intrusion, especially since Kelton has a major chip on his shoulder. But once the ice breaks between the couple, things heat up rather quickly.

And a snippety peek…

The end credits rolled on the latest Star Trek movie and Paris shook her bowl of popcorn.

She debated making more. "Nah. It's late." She started scrolling through her list to find another movie to watch.

A knock on the door startled her.

Unwinding her legs, she tossed off the fluffy throw she'd brought. "Maybe it's the Hendersons." A quick glance at the clock showed three a.m. "Okay, doubtful." She grabbed fireplace poker and went to answer.

The door swung open and the barrel of a handgun led the way. Paris bit back a yelp and raised the heavy iron, ready to swing.

"Sheriff's department. Don't move."

Paris checked her upward motion, bringing the poker back down to her side, and met a familiar gaze. "Kelton Pine?" When had he become a deputy?

Kelton lowered his weapon and holstered it. "Paris Lightful." A brief flash of distaste crossed his features.

The sneer in his tone caught her off guard, but she nodded. "Yeah. It's been what? Eight years?" Damn, she hadn't prepared for a blast from the past.

He grunted acknowledgment while his gaze scanned the space. "You here alone?" He finally glanced back in her direction, giving her a quick once-over.

Apparently, pleasantries weren't necessary.

Paris tilted her head to one side. "Yeah, with permission. Uncle Mick owns the cabin." What had his ass in a twist?

Kelton blinked. "Yeah, I know. Is he here?" Again, his gaze swept the immediate area.

She shook her head, growing more curious by the moment. "No, just me." She shivered. "Would you mind coming in and closing the door?" Backing up, she gave him space to enter. "Is there a problem?" His attitude had her hackles rising.

He gave her a long look and she racked her brain trying to figure out what the hell happened to the happy-go-lucky guy she'd had a huge crush on after high school.

Kel stepped further inside and shut the heavy oak. "I've got a guy who put his wife in the hospital on the loose." He folded his arm across his chest, the thick uniform jacket spreading at the bottom to reveal a tight stomach. "He usually heads up this way when we're looking for him."

Paris stifled an uneasy kick of concern. "I've been here since early evening. No one's been around that I know of." Then again, she hadn't been listening for a fugitive that might be traipsing around her uncle's cabin.

Kel dropped his arms and turned toward the door. "Keep this locked and keep the spare key in here with you." He retrieved the container Uncle Mick kept stashed in the mailbox and handed it to her.

His attitude bordered on hostile and Paris wanted to believe it had to do with the man he needed to find.

Something told her it didn't.

Kel nodded toward the porch. "The weather's nasty and looks to get worse. If anyone you don't know knocks on your door, don't let them in." He stepped out and hunched into his jacket.

Paris followed but didn't go outside. "I won't. Could you let me know if you find the guy?" When his shoulders tensed, she added a clarifier. "Or have someone else let me know?"

He didn't speak, only gave her a curt nod before climbing into his SUV and starting the engine.

Paris closed the door and wondered what the hell crawled up his ass. Not like she'd called and invited him over—he barged into the cabin then acted like she'd intruded on his day. Asshat.

Angry and unsettled, mainly because she'd liked him way back when, she went back to the couch and picked up with scrolling through her movie titles. She'd totally cop to being a little stung he didn't acknowledge their history, the little they'd had.

Paris picked a DC superhero movie and clicked on the title. "Forget him, Paris. He's obviously forgotten you." The opening credits started and she settled down with the throw again.

She'd probably be crashed out before the end of the film, but she hoped she'd dream of space ships and superheroes instead of the brooding deputy that stirred up old memories.

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. Paris is beyond tired of drama but she won't mind a little with Kelton.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Get a Room

Well, we had a semi-nice weekend. Today is rainy and chilly but Friday and most of Saturday was sunny and beautiful.

I got a lot of television watched this week. Dipped into CW Seed's Vixen and thoroughly enjoyed the first "season". I'm almost finished with Blindspot's first season and I'm looking forward to starting season two. Watched another episode of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD this week. Not sure how much I like seeing Hank defanged on Chicago PD but I'm in for the ride either way.

Legends of Tomorrow delivered an awesome season finale. I'm thrilled with where the characters ended up and having Constatine and Gary drop their little gift on the team made me laugh.

The Flash had a decent episode. I'm actually ready for the season to be over and Devoe to be defeated. Still need to catch up on Black Lightning. I'm hoping to find time this week to watch the episodes I've missed.

I did catch an episode of Riverdale and, yeah, talk about uncomfortable. No one is having an easy time of it right now. Definitely concerned about Cheryl. Her mother is a piece of work. Fred running for mayor… that's gonna be interesting. Just saying.

I got another episode of Gotham out of the way and things did not go where I thought they would. Sofia is a piece of work. I did love the overall theme of getting people back together. "Reunion" is a perfect title for the episode.

Arrow truly continues to amaze me. I'm saddened Oliver seems to be breaking ties with everyone so he can focus on the mission, but I'm also pretty interested in how the rest of the season plays out. I'll go out on a limb and say the councilman is on Diaz's payroll, too.

I'm almost finished with season two of Jessica Jones and I'm truly thrilled we'll have a season three. That said, I hope it's a little more cohesive. It's nice to have Jessica's backstory but I'd like to see her truly throw down with a villain. Just saying.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Get a Room, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of building a scene around a tent, an ice cube, and pretending to sleep. I didn't quite stick to the whole thing, but I got the basic vibe.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Talon and Haim have a complicated past. When she returns and asks Haim for a favor, they're ready to act on their attraction again… except they keep getting interrupted.

And a snippety peek…

Talon Lance hung up the phone. "Argh! This couldn't have happened at a worse time." She got up and paced her office. "Not good. So not good." She'd reserved a block of cabins at a state park for a writer's retreat and a fire had torn through three, leaving them short and unable to accommodate the group. "I'm going to have to move the venue, because I can't reschedule the date."

Her client, Dana Morse, would freak. Dana coordinated her group of paranormal romance writers and had at least a dozen who were flying or driving in from other states. Talon landed Dana's account based on an online workshop she'd put together for a Regency romance writers' group. Talon dreamed of expanding her reach and working with other author associations, but…

She sank down behind her desk. "That might blow up in my face." She had to call Dana, but not before Talon came up with a way to salvage the situation. "Think, Talon. Where else can we do this?"

There weren't a lot of options that didn't include hotels and the group expressly stated they didn't want to be cooped inside a big building. They wanted something kind of off the grid. Great if they could get internet access for research, but cell phone coverage could optional. Somewhat close to the airport, but far enough out to have a "away from it all" vibe.

Right, not a short order.

Talon sighed and started a quick search on her laptop for alternative locations. "Dammit, the state park was perfect." The cabins were grouped together and the main lodge had a conference room for the large group discussions Dana wanted to have.

Talon had to find a place to accommodate between fifty and seventy-five authors for a long weekend, Friday through Monday. She drummed her fingers on the desk, scrolling through results and refining her parameters. She rejected anything over budget, which trashed about eighty percent of her options. She'd received a sweet deal on the cabins because she'd booked six months in advance.

Leaning back in her seat an hour later, she closed her eyes only to snap them open when her phone rang. Checking her caller ID, she cringed. Dana. What crappy timing.

Talon answered. "Lance and Talon. Hi, Dana." She put her client on speakerphone. "What's up?"

Dana launched into a tirade. "Are you serious right now? Where are we going to hold out retreat? I called the lodge. They don't have anything else they can give us. And why didn't you call me?" Her voice rose to something short of a screech.

Talon blew out a slow breath. "Dana, I'm already working on getting a new venue. I didn't call right away because I wanted to have some options before I did." Not that she had any… yet. "How did you find out? I only got the call an hour ago." And only my contact information is listed.

Dana gave a sheepish chuckle. "I've got a google alert set up for the state park. Opened my email to see the news about the fire."

Well, that explained a few things. At least Dana calmed down a little.

Talon rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Give me the rest of the day to find something." One idea came to mind, but, no… she discounted it before letting if fully form.

Even though the place would offer exactly what Dana's group wanted. No, just… no.

Dana pushed for assurances. "Do you really think you can pull off finding another place? We're two weeks out, Talon." She paused. "Maybe I should poll the group? If we lower the numbers, we might still be able to use the lodge and—"

Talon cut her off as kindly as possible. "I already asked to have the deposit refunded, Dana. It'll be in the account by the end of business today." The judgmental "hmm" coming from Dana kicked up Talon's defenses. "It's what you pay me for. Handling the details. I'll need the funds to secure another location and the sooner we do that, the better." Nothing like a buttload of pressure.

Dana sighed. "I think I'd feel better if I knew for certain you had something lined up. This is a big deal for me—us, really—since we each have goals we're shooting for with this retreat."

The gentle but not so subtle reminder of what Talon had at stake revved her anxiety up a notch.

Dana continued along… "I mean this is my first big event and I want it to become a yearly thing. And you need a win with this if you want other associations to think about doing something similar." She paused again. "You have to make this happen, Talon."

No kidding? The image she'd been fighting popped into her head. Hell, no. She couldn't, she really—

"I might know a place." Talon bit back a groan after blurting the words.

Dana cleared her throat. "Excuse me? Why didn't you say that in the first place?"

Talon gave a brief explanation. "It's a camp located in my hometown. I used to work there in the summers." Dammit!

Dana brightened. "A true blue camp? That sounds wonderful!" Her excitement buzzed over the phone.

A ball of dread settled in Talon's stomach. "Um, yeah, it's been years since I've seen the place, but I can make some inquiries, see if it's available." And then kick herself for making the suggestion.

Dana made a high-pitched squeezing sound. "Perfect! I'm loving this idea already." The sound of typing came through over the line.

Talon had no such love for the idea. "Look, keep this between you and me for now. It might take me a day or two to finalize the details. No sense in rushing announcements until I do." If she did.

And, yeah, no guarantees there.

Dana made a noncommittal response. "Sure, yeah. No problem." Her fingers still tapped on the keyboard.

Dammit.

Talon warned her client. "Dana, I'm serious. Please hold off until you hear from me."

Dana responded, "What? Oh, right. Yeah. I'll just let you get to it then, okay?"

A dial tone met Talon's ears. "Fuck." If she couldn't secure the camp—and big ass chance of that miracle happening—she'd lose her reputation and possibly her livelihood. "What the hell possessed me to mention the camp?"

Nostalgia. Easy answer.

Aside from the fact the camp would be perfect, she'd been thinking of home lately.

Home.

The place where Haim Roosevelt lived.

And the location of Roosevelt Roost, the camp facility his family owned.

God… she'd run from Chamber Corners—and Haim—ten years ago and hadn't been back for more than a quick pitstop or two since then.

Haim.

God.

She'd have to face him—and crawl on her hands and knees—to convince him to let her use the camp.

A phone call wouldn't work. No way in hell. He'd probably hang up as soon as he heard her voice.

Rising, she left her office in the basement of her condo and walked upstairs. She ducked into her bedroom and grabbed her suitcase. Packing enough clothes for the weekend, she followed with a shower and took only a little extra care with her hair and makeup. No way would she try too hard. But she had to at least look professional and in control when she knocked on Haim's door.

A bubble of nerves burst in her stomach. She hadn't been this stressed when she'd ended things with Tim. Or when she'd married him.

Her current anxiety rivaled what hit her when she'd sent the wedding announcement home to Haim's family. Coward!

Cringing, she grabbed her bag and suitcase and ran for her car. "Ready or not, Talon. You're going home."

Kind of longer than normal preview, but I ended up being pleased with how this scene turned out.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Unacceptable Behavior

Whew. It's been a whirlwind week, getting ready for the upcoming holiday. I think I have almost every task completed off my check list. Still doing some baking and I always wait until the last moment to wrap presents. LOL Actually, if all goes well, that will be finished up over the next three days. J

Looking forward to some TV marathons over the next week or two, with a Xmas Eve X-Files event and Five Days of the Doctor, too. I kind of wish more of my favorite shows created specific holiday shows to air on Christmas Day. That's a trend I could definitely get behind.

Just got the word that Bitten returns in February. I cannot wait!! Banshee starts in a few weeks, so that should keep me going during the brief lag time.

Tonight's post is from, Unacceptable Behavior, a novella where my main characters have a reunion of sorts.

Here's the tagline:

Blain Donahue wants to buy into a fight club and decides to invest when he meets the main attraction Roxane Kewes. He's known her a long time—since high school where she constantly got in trouble—and thinks it's great she's found an outlet for her unacceptable behavior.

And a snippety peek…

Blain entered the office and shook Andy's hand. "Andy. Glad you could meet with me."

Andy nodded toward the seat across from the desk. "Happy to do so. We're always looking for new investors."

Blain settled down into the chair and got straight to the point. "Heard you'd decided to move into other venues and I'm looking for a controlling interest." He lifted a shoulder. "Figured I'd see if the rumors are true."

Andy frowned. "It's true I'm branching out, but I'm very emotionally invested in Fight Night. I started it from the ground up and it's given me a base to launch from. I won't just hand over full control to anyone." He started to say more, but a series of three rapid knocks interrupted him.

The door cracked open. "Sorry to barge in, boss, but I need a signature. Now." A pair of female legs appeared, quickly followed by the rest of the woman, carrying a clipboard. "As in this won't wait for your smoozefest if you want me to keep running the arena for you."

Blain's mouth dropped open and he rose from his seat. "Roxane?" He glanced in Andy's direction. "You've got Roxane Kewes culling the talent?" Blain definitely wanted in now and should kick himself for not checking the employee roster before arranging the meeting with Andy.

Roxane angled her head around. "I don't just cull—Blain? Blain Donahue?" She shoved the clipboard in front of Andy and planted her hands on her hips. "Damn, how've you been?" She reached out and grasped Blain's hand, shaking it then tugging him into a firm hug. "Haven't seen you since graduation."

Blain nodded. "Yeah, five years ago. It's good to see you finally found an outlet for your unacceptable behavior." He chuckled and faced Andy. "You have nothing to worry about, Andy. Knowing you've got Roxane on your team only seals the deal for me. I'll take very good care of Fight Night."

Honestly? Had no idea where this one would end up going when I got a prompt from a friend, but I'm very excited with how it's coming together. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin