Sunday Snippet: Voices Carry

I'm still working on getting my side project ready to go. At this point, I have no idea how long it will last, but I'm going to go like gangbusters until I can't anymore.

Had a solid week of work. Finished up a copy edit and started a new one. Also worked on a developmental edit that's been simmering on the back burner. I have three projects lined up and I'm waiting on deposits to get rolling on those. Hopefully, December is going to be a steady month of work.

Had a very good week of viewing. I made it through my usual round of shows and started looking for a former fave to rewatch but it's not readily available. Might have to dig out my ripped DVDs and hunt around for one of my old players.

I caught two episodes of The Batman this week. No Justice League cameos in these two. Strictly Robin and Batgirl, which I enjoyed.

Also watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Both were single episodes instead of the standard two or three vignettes. Preschool and Halloween featured and were a lot of fun to watch.

Enjoyed another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I'd seen most of this one and liked it the first time around. Very fun to get some background on the detective.

Finished out the first season of London Kills with an episode-length behind the scenes look at the series. Lots of fun to see the actors talk about their characters and see how the showrunners also make the city of London a character.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I liked the mystery in this one and enjoyed the crab cooking contest. Not completely sold on Marlon as the new police officer but I'll probably end up enjoying him.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness and, boy, there were a lot of twists in this one. Really loved Jack declaring his love for Nikki at the end. So nice to see them have a happy moment.

Watched an episode of Elementary and rather enjoyed it. Of course, it ended on a cliffhanger, and I have no doubt Mycroft is involved in something nefarious. I truly hope involving Joan blows up in his face.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Voices Carry, a novella that puts a couple on the ropes almost before they even get started.

Here's the miniblurb:

Summer Blaine is a struggling artist who always listens to Detective Fitch Falconer's tales of triumphs and woes when he drops by the diner she works in to make ends meet. When she gets a chance to display her art, she invites Fitch to the gallery to see her true passion. Unfortunately, a ghost from her past tries to get in the way and it's up to Fitch to find out who wants her dead.

And a snippety peek…

Summer held Fitch's gaze. The answer to her question had a lot riding on it. She'd taken a lot of time to get to know him, especially after the instant attraction upon meeting the handsome detective.

She'd been down that road before and didn't like where the destination ended.

Her heartrate kicked up a notch.

Fitch didn't look away. "I'm not exactly sure what you are to me yet, but I'm not using you to change things up." He leaned forward, resting his arms on the counter also. "If anything, you've been a constant in a chaotic life. My life." His forefinger brushed over her hand.

Her heart settled in her chest. "I can pretty much say the same about you." She clasped his hand. "And that's not easy for me. To let someone be a constant in my life." Which he knew.

Fitch squeezed her fingers. "I get that. You're smart to be cautious." His lips curved. "And I'm grateful you've given me your trust." His gaze glanced around her small apartment. "I'm also really glad you invited me in."

Summer shrugged. "I didn't want to presume too much. But you're coming to the opening with me and, well, I hope we'll be able to see more of each other outside of your visits to the diner." She'd be lying if she didn't admit to some nervous tension, but after Barrick, who would blame her?

Definitely not Fitch. The fact he'd given her the space and time to build a connection meant a lot to her. And the introduction he made to Laura Graydon opened doors to a future she once only dreamed of.

Unlike the last time she interacted with her ex, the flutter in her stomach didn't indicate fear … it spoke of anticipation. Of being excited to spend time with someone. She wanted to discover what sharing her world with Fitch might bring.

His eyebrows arched. "I'd love to spend more time with you, and I don't care where or how." His phone pinged and he chuckled. "The timing could get tricky, though." He dug the device out of his pocket and checked his messages. "Whew. Just a reminder about a witness statement scheduled for tomorrow morning." He set his phone on the bar and leaned back down. "Where were we?"

Summer closed the small distance between them. "I think we were right about here…" She lifted her chin and met his mouth.

Fitch responded by cupping her face with both hands and brushing his thumbs along her jawline. His tongue swept past her lips, and she swallowed a moan because, holy hell, the man could kiss. Desire ignited along her nerve endings, and she relished the swift current of lust coursing through her veins.

Dragging him to her bedroom would be so easy right now.

Fitch eased away, resting his forehead against hers. "Whoa. Had a feeling if we ever kissed it would be like throwing a lit match on gasoline."

Summer made a hum of agreement. "Instant explosion. Yeah." She nodded toward the living room space. "Might be more comfortable on the couch." Her gaze met his. "If you can stay for a while." She started for the sofa but glanced back over her shoulder.

Fitch answered with a grin. "I'll stay as long as you let me…"

I'm excited to see how this story all comes together. Fitch and Summer are an interesting couple, but they're in for a bumpy ride.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Voices Carry

Whew. It's been a week, right? I finished up several projects and got a couple of new ones lined up. My workload is changing in a lot of ways and I'm happily adapting to the new lineup. Change is good, even when you (meaning me) don't like it. At least that's what I've discovered lately.

Had a very solid week of television viewing. I have something of a pattern and I watch shows on a bit of a schedule. This week everything kind of seemed to speed along.

I ended up getting in three Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. I'm enjoying the second season of this show. The episodes are pretty short and fun to watch.

Finished up the Queens of Mystery second part and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. I'm a little frustrated by the overarching mystery of Mattie's mom but I'm very willing to give this show a lot of leeway.

Watched three episodes of Silent Witness. The second two-parter ended up being pretty enjoyable. I like the vibe of having the forensic science mixed in with the pathology. After fifteen seasons, it's probably past time to introduce that into the mix.

Enjoyed two more Classic Who episodes. I actually kind of like the format for this season with Six being on trial. It's a nice change of pace and something a little different from the norm.

Caught two more episodes of The Muppets. Weirdly, the show really started to gel for me in the last couple of episodes. It's more inclusive and somewhat similar to the older format. And it's fun.

Watched two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. I'm very much into the unknown mysteries that haven't been discovered there yet. Dinosaurs, UFOs, weird paranormal encounters. This show has everything.

I'm loving Harrow. I got two more episodes watched and the walls are kind of closing in on the bigger arc of who killed Robert Quinn. I'm kind of excited to see where it ends up.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice and the characters said good-bye to David. It's about halfway through the seventh season and I'm interested in what will follow and what the fallout will be.

Enjoyed two more MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. She discussed mazes and patterns and the audience and both classes were very interesting. If nothing else, she's given me a new way of looking at projects and I'm here for that.

Got two episodes of Paranoid in and, wow, things are heating up. This is a very twisty and turny mystery and I like how things are playing out. I also love that the three leads are kind of a total mess but still get the job done.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. While none were my faves, they were great to watch as I'd kind of forgotten them. Nice to be reminded.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med and I really, really don't like the COO person. As a foil for Sharon, I get the need to have her but, yikes, she's awful, terrible, and rage inducing.

Enjoyed two bonus episodes of The Brokenwood Mysteries. A behind-the-scenes short and an interview with the two leads. I finished out everything that's currently available and I'll have to find a new show to start this week to go along with Queens of Mystery.

Got the first of a two-part Blue Heelers watched. I have a sneaky feeling this might be Wayne's swan song. The episode ended up being better than I expected. Can't wait to finish it next week.

Star Trek: Discovery once again kind of blew my mind. I love the interaction with Spock and Michael. The same goes for Michael and Ash. Actually, all the relationships on this show are amazing. Seriously, amazing.

That's pretty much it for this week's update. Tonight's post is from Voices Carry, a novella that puts the characters in peril after they realize their mutual attraction.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Summer Blaine is a struggling artist who always listens to Detective Fitch Falconer's tales of triumphs and woes when he drops by the diner she works in to make ends meet. When she gets a chance to display her art, she invites Fitch to the gallery to see her true passion. Unfortunately, a ghost from her past tries to get in the way and it's up to Fitch to find out who wants her dead.

And a snippety peek…

Summer set her bag on the counter. "Stan, don't forget to call if you need someone to fill in. I'm going to be around but painting my ass off to get ready for the show." She turned when the bell chimed over the door and hoped Fitch would there to greet her.

Instead of Fitch, a customer from earlier in the evening strolled in. Summer got a strange vibe but tried to shrug it off. Fitch would be here soon.

Stan came around the counter. "Hey, man. We're closed." He flipped the lights in the kitchen off.

The customer lifted his chin. "Know that. Came to see if Summer would like to go for a drink." He shoved his hands in his back pockets.

Summer glanced toward Stan. "Frank got the special for dinner earlier." She turned her attention to Frank. "I'm sorry, but I have a previous commitment."

Frank relaxed his stance. "How about tomorrow then?"

Summer tamped down the nervous twinge snaking along her spine. "Can't. I'm tied up for the next two weeks and I'm seeing someone."

Frank made a move toward her. "I don't believe you."

The bell chimed again and Summer breathed a little easier when Fitch entered the diner.

"Exactly what don't you believe?"

The guy turned, giving Fitch a nasty look. "None of your business, dude. I asked the lady out and she said she can't go."

Fitch inclined his chin. "Right. Meaning the lady said no." He tilted his head to one side. "Do you understand the definition of the word?" He straightened. "If not, I'll be happy to set you straight." He swept his jacket aside, flashing his badge.

Frank backed up, a little wary now that he had a full understanding of the situation. "But she was all nice and flirty with me earlier—"

Fitch cut him off. "Being nice to someone isn't a crime. It's also not an open invitation or permission for you to help yourself." He grasped Frank's shoulder and propelled him toward the exit. "You'd do well to remember that for future reference." He pushed the door open. "Now get moving before I have a uniformed officer come down and arrest you for being a pain in the ass." Once Frank cleared the threshold, Fitch pulled the glass panel shut and locked it up.

Stan gave a low whistle. "Damn, that was smooth."

Fitch glanced over his shoulder. "Sorry to butt in, but glad I got here when I did."

Summer let out a relieved sigh. "He was probably harmless, but didn't want to take no for an answer."

"Too right he didn't." Stan grunted. "If he'd gotten any closer to Summer, you'd be arresting me for assault. I didn't like the vibe he gave off."

Summer's eyes widened. "So, it wasn't just me then." She didn't say more, but she didn't have to.

Both men knew why she tended to be skittish.

Fitch gave a nod to Stan. "Not if Stan here got creeped out." He wrapped an arm around Summer. "You okay?"

Her head bobbed up and down. "Yeah. I'm good." She grabbed her bag off the counter. "Ready to head out?"

Fitch squeezed her shoulder. "Sure, let's go." He lifted a hand. "'Night, Stan."

Summer glanced over her shoulder. "Bye, Stan. Call me if you need anything."

Stan waved them out. "Will do. I'll see you on your big night."

This one has a little suspense and I like where the characters are headed.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Voices Carry

I wish I could say it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but it's so not. LOL I'm hoping I can add some holiday cheer to the casa sometime this week. I think I'm going to make 2020 my year to finally purge a ton of stuff we no longer need or use.

Didn't have a great week of television, but did get a few things watched. We got a Disney + account through our wireless carrier so I did start a rewatch of the Gargoyles series. I have so many fond memories of this show when my oldest was little.

I finished the Gilmore Girls marathon and had some pretty intense feels. I watched sporadically when it originally aired, mainly because I had three youngish kiddos at the time. I really love the vibe of this show, even when I wanted to strangle the characters sometimes.

Caught another episode of Midsomer Murders and also realized series twenty isn't the last one. Yay!!

Caught a full story arc of Sapphire and Steel along with a full arc of Classic Who. I'd forgotten how much I truly disliked the Master way back when.

I finished out the week with The Trouble with Mistletoe, a Passionflix original. If you're not a member, consider signing up. I love the service!

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Voices Carry, a novella that started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Summer Blaine is a struggling artist who always listens to Detective Fitch Falconer's tales of triumphs and woes when he drops by the diner she works in to make ends meet. When she gets a chance to display her art, she invites Fitch to the gallery to see her true passion. Unfortunately, a ghost from her past tries to get in the way and it's up to Fitch to find out who wants her dead.

And a snippety peek…

I feel like I've passed a test of some kind.

Fitch followed Summer down the long hallway and stopped outside her door. Her artistic flair showed in the bold color choice and decorative border surrounding the jambs.

Summer smiled and pushed the shiny red wood open to reveal her inner sanctum.

Fitch crossed the threshold and whistled. "Whew. This is like entering a different dimension." She had serious talent.

Summer ducked her head a little. "It's a lot, but I love it." Her gaze met his, almost shyly.

Fitch took a moment to appreciate the invitation into her personal space. His gut told him she didn't share this level of intimacy with many people—except with her artwork. Having a glimpse of this side to her meant something.

Fitch soaked up the atmosphere she'd created. "It's amazing." She'd taken color to new levels, creating a cohesive environment that had easily distinguishable spaces with touches of personality stamped in each one.

Summer entered the kitchen area. "I have dark roast and hazelnut. Which do you prefer?" She moved the single unit coffeemaker to the edge of the counter and sent him a quick glance over her shoulder.

Fitch stepped up to the island with barstools lining one end. "Hazelnut. Love the aroma." He loved her efficiency of movement, picturing her with a paintbrush in her hand and a canvas before her. "Laura's excited about the opening. I'll bet she loves the title you decided on." As an opener… playing it safe sounded like the best option.

Summer set the brewed coffee in front of him. "She does. She likes the fact it came from our conversations even more." She started another cup. "I think she's got her matchmaking cap on." A sly look came his way.

He sputtered on his first sip. "Uh… why do you think so?" He hoped like hell Laura didn't suggest Summer ask him to the opening.

Summer laughed. "Because, when we met, she said something along the lines of 'no wonder he turned down a date with my assistant.'" Her cup ready, she joined him at the bar.

Fitch groaned. "Ugh, she didn't." But, of course, she had.

Summer's lips twitched. "Yeah, she kinda did." She sobered. "But I'm glad in a way because I didn't know if inviting you to go with me would be stepping on anyone's toes." Her eyebrow quirked upward.

Fitch shook his head. "Um, no. Much to Laura's dismay." He put his cards on the table. "I haven't been ready to settle down, mainly because I'm a terrible bet for anything normal." With the exception of stopping in to the diner, he didn't have a regular schedule.

Summer took a long sip of coffee then set the mug down. "Normal's overrated. Routine can be good, but a lot can be said for changing things up on a frequent basis." She leaned her forearms on the bar. "Is that what I am to you?"

I'm excited about this story. Summer and Fitch are going to navigate a few twists and turns and it's fun to write their journey.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Voices Carry

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. My dad is off on a grand adventure with my middle kid. They're in Alaska, which, oddly enough, is where my dad spent last Father's Day. From the pictures I've seen, they're having a great time.

It's been a crazy week. I need to rewatch Dark Matter. I had too many distractions going on and I feel like I missed important stuff. Wynonna Earp delivered another great episode. I like some of the twists and turns. I don't like losing Dawls and I'm a little iffy on the new evil overlord chick but I'll give this series a lot of leeway to provide a terrific viewing experience. I'm going to have a hard time wrapping my brain around Kevin Hanchard playing a possible bad guy when he's one of my favorite good guys on Orphan Black.

Speaking of Orphan Black, I have to catch up. We had busy Saturday and I missed the second episode. Thank whatever rules the universe for On Demand. LOL

I have the new ITV drama Fearless ready to go, but haven't had an opportunity to watch yet. I'm looking forward to seeing Jamie Bamber on television again.

I'm almost finished with my binge watch of City Homicide. I'll be seeking my next Australian drama in the very near future. Possibly a binge watch of Sea Patrol, another of my favorites.

Started a premiere viewing of Young Justice on Netflix. Four episodes in and I'm excited about the possibilities.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Voices Carry, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of "a cop and a waitress". This one screamed for some suspense and mystery.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Summer Blaine is a struggling artist who always listens to Detective Fitch Falconer's tales of triumphs and woes when he drops by the diner she works in to make ends meet. When she gets a chance to display her art, she invites Fitch to the gallery to see her true passion. Unfortunately, a ghost from her past tries to get in the way and it's up to Fitch to find out who wants her dead.

And a snippety peek…

Summer Blain kept one eye on the window when she served an elderly couple their dinner entrées. Spying Detective Falconer heading toward the entrance, she finished up with the Dammers then nodded toward the counter when Fitch walked into the restaurant. He gave her a wide smile—the kind that made her heart flip—then ambled to the empty spot two spaces down from the register.

Summer had quite the thing for the handsome detective and looked forward to seeing him pretty much every day. The closest thing she had to a relationship since, well, since she became very cautious about who she spent time with.

Moving behind the counter, she greeted Fitch. "Hello, Detective." Grabbing a glass and poured him some water and added a slice of lemon. "Which usual will it be today?  Meatloaf or baked ziti?"

Fitch put a hand over his heart. "Better make it meatloaf tonight." He took a long swallow of his beverage.

Summer waved to the short order cook, Stan, and held up two fingers, their version of shorthand for Fitch's preferences. "How was your day? Catch all the bad guys?" She loved hearing his tales of bringing in criminals.

Fitch shook his head. "Not today. But we're close to closing a case." He drained his glass.

Summer refilled and settled a hip on the counter. "The one?" She didn't get into details; he'd been pouring his frustration out for two weeks.

Fitch nodded. "Yeah. That's it." His fingers worked over the glass and his gaze focused on the lemon inside. "Graydon swears we'll catch a break, and he's right; we usually do when he gets that feeling." He lifted his chin, staring straight ahead. "But I fall asleep with the faces of those victims swimming in my brain. And the families they left behind." He lifted the glass and took another long swallow.

Stan dinged the pickup bell. "Order up, Summer." His head bobbed in greeting to Fitch.

Summer eased the plate in front of Fitch and changed the subject. "Speaking of Graydon… I'm very glad you introduced me to Laura. She's been a whirlwind and just the shot I needed to finish up the last piece." She leaned on the bar again, waving to the Dammers when they got up to leave.

Fitch cut into his meatloaf. "How's the latest project coming along?" Scooping up some potatoes, he shoveled the food into his mouth.

Summer smiled. "It's finished and it inspired a name for the whole show... Voices Carry." When the title came to her, she got a burst of creative energy and completed the abstract painting.

Fitch stopped chewing and swallowed. "I love it." He scooped up another forkful of his meal.

Summer grinned. "Good. Because you helped me come up with it."

Confusion marred his handsome features. "Really?"

She chuckled. "Well, yes. Remember telling me about that witness last week?" She waved to a regular customer and grabbed his takeout order from the pass through. "The one who heard the two men talking?" She rang the cabbie up and swiped his card.

Fitch lifted his chin. "Yeah, the Polo-Martin case."

Summer returned the spot in front of Fitch. "I got to thinking… she'd heard that conversation through the ductwork—plain as day—because their voices were amplified. My work is visual but it should speak to the viewer and cause a reaction."

Fitch flashed a smile. "Amplification of emotion."

Summer smiled wide. He got it. He always did when she talked about her work.

She refilled his glass. "That's it. Exactly." Carrying the pitcher out to the eating area, she waited on a young couple talking about the movie they were going to see.

Fitch finished up his dinner and switched to decaf coffee, a sure signal he planned to stay until her shift ended. He almost always did. Summer appreciated having the handsome detective for company—Stan's idea of witty conversation usually started with hello and ended with goodbye, but she dearly loved him.

Three hours later, the replacement cook and waitress arrived and Summer left through the back entrance with Stan. She walked to the sidewalk and stopped beside Fitch. The street light cast his face in shadows and her fingers itched to pick up a paintbrush and capture the visage.

He shoved away from the lamppost. "Walk you home?"

He asked every night and she usually refused because… well, she didn't do the taking men home thing. At least she hadn't for a long time.

But she'd built up a solid thread of trust with Fitch and wanted to explore whether they could find something deeper. A huge risk, considering her previous experience, but Summer needed to let someone into her life… and maybe her heart.

She tilted her head to one side. "Yes."

His widened eyes showed his surprise, but he fell into step beside her.

Summer's thread of trust is going to get a hard yank, but not by Fitch. He's the kind of guy who always has her back… even if she might not need him to.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Voices Carry

Well, hello, March. Thank you for dumping like seven inches of snow on me. :D

Seriously, I have to remember I was wearing flip flops and shorts in October so I don't get all crazy about having snow in March. LOL

Some great TV this week. I'm rather sad I have to wait almost a whole month for new The Flash and Arrow episodes. Oh well, teaches me the value of patience, right? Banshee and Bitten had great episodes. So happy for a satisfying end to one of the characters on Banshee, which tied in nicely with the satisfying end to one of the characters on Bitten last week. Yes, I have a bloodthirsty streak sometimes. :D

To counter the death toll, let's see if The Walking Dead manages to keep everyone alive again this week. LOL

Tonight's post is from Voices Carry, a novella with some suspenseful twists and turns.

Here's the tagline:

Summer Blaine is a struggling artist who always listens to Detective Fitch Falconer's tales of triumphs and woes when he drops by the diner she works in to make ends meet. When she gets a chance to display her art, she invites Fitch to the gallery to see her true passion. Unfortunately, a ghost from her past tries to get in the way and it's up to Fitch to keep find out who wants her dead.

And a snippety peek…

Detective Fitch Falconer headed down the back steps of the precinct house, ready to call his day over and done. He hit the cracked, tiled floor at the bottom of the stairs and started for the exit. A shrill whistle stopped him in his tracks. His ingrained response to Commissioner Paul Graydon's attention getter never failed to give Fitch pause, especially since hadn't been doing anything to get in trouble, unlike his teenage years when Graydon first used the high pitched signal. Sometimes working for his godfather sucked balls.

Graydon slapped Fitch on the back. "Fitch, my boy, the wife is very excited about that new artist you mentioned at dinner last month." The superior officer shoved the door open and held it for Fitch.

He ducked through with a smile. "Sounds like I'm back in her good graces then. She didn't appreciate my quick refusal to take her newest assistant out on the town." Laura Graydon wanted to see Fitch happily settled with a nice woman who would take care of him.

Fitch didn't want a nice woman to do his bidding. He wanted an equal. Someone to share the ups and downs of life—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Right now, he had a great friend whose talent needed an outlet, a nurturing hand to direct the way. Fitch hoped Laura's influence would lay the groundwork for a career boosting nudge.

Commissioner Graydon chuckled. "You never fall very far, you know that." He nodded toward the east intersection. "You headed over to the Red Shoe?"

Fitch grinned. "Absolutely. Almost every night." He started toward the end of the block.

Graydon called out. "Decompress, Fitch. We'll crack the case soon."

Fitch raised a hand. The reminder of the triple homicide growing colder by the day gave him heartburn. He crossed the street and turned left, strolling along the sidewalk. For five blessed minutes he'd forgotten about the families counting on him to bring them justice.

Decompress. Right. Stopping in front of the Red Shoe Diner, Fitch heaved a sigh. No way in hell.

But at least he could have a good meal and some terrific company for an hour or two.

I'm having fun with this one. It's got a little bit of a darker thread going through, but still has lots of humor.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin