Sunday Snippet: Zane's Ghost

Winter blast is lingering for at least another week. Our low is supposed to minus eight on Tuesday. And I'll probably have to go out when it's that low. I can't wait.

Lighter than normal work week, but I had come copy editing on my plate. Finished one project and started another one. I also have some new stuff floating in the wings and will hopefully start that soon.

Had an okay week of viewing and made it through the full slate of shows. I'll be starting a new one this week and I'm pretty sure I have the show picked out.

Finished up the series run of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I quite enjoyed this show. Sometimes I got annoyed at the antics but mostly loved the interactions between the characters.

Caught another episode of London Kills and loved the twisty turns in the episode. I'm loving the vibe between the characters and I'm happy to see Billie become a full detective constable. Looking forward to the next episode.

Loved the Christmas episode of Death in Paradise. The beginning of season eleven is off to a great start. Really cool to see Dwayne again.

Enjoyed another episode of Beyond Paradise. My favorite actor showed up and I'm very excited to see what happens. Still not sure about the mom. Can't quite figure out if she's going to be an anvil between Humphrey and Martha or supportive.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed. I'm not really sure about Joan's new love interest. I actually think he's a bit annoying.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and loved it. I remembered this one and possibly caught an easter egg related to Batman: The Animated Series and the Gray Ghost character. Fun times!

Enjoyed the last episode of the eighth season of Classic Rugrats. I'll be starting the final season this week. Very much looking forward to picking back up with new episodes once my rewatch is complete.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zane's Ghost, a novella that brings a couple together after the death of the sibling.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Zane Warchild goes down in the line of duty, Kella Fine blames herself—after all, she realizes her mistake when she crosses a personal line and steps way back from Zane. Gray Warchild grows quickly tired of Kella wearing her guilt like a badge and putting his brother's ghost between them.

And a snippety peek…

Gray blinked. "What?" How the hell did he not know about any of this?

Right. He'd pretty much cut ties with her and Zane. Or at least his brother didn't talk about her anymore.

And he never will again.

Kella motioned toward the sofa. "You might as well have a seat. I'll try to explain." She took a spot on the edge of the chair perpendicular to the couch.

Gray sank down, his mind reeling. "You put in for a transfer?" He wondered how long ago.

Kella gave a nod. "Yeah. I couldn't work with Zane anymore." She paused, her gaze losing focus.

Gray leaned forward. "Hey, we don't have to do this right now. I came because I thought…" She loved Zane…

Kella blinked. "No, this is good. We should clear the air between us." Inhaling deeply, she continued her story. "Zane and I had one night, as you know. I realized it was a mistake as soon as it happened." She met his gaze. "You know that, also. But Zane … he thought we had couple potential and when I put in for the transfer, he started making noise about wanting to get back together … since we wouldn't be partners anymore." She took a shaky breath. "But I told him—multiple times—we'd never be partners or lovers again." Her eyes went hard and sharp for a moment.

Gray got a terrible feeling in his gut. "What did Zane do?" He didn't have to elaborate, because Kella wouldn't cut bait with Zane without a good reason.

She hesitated. "Not sure now's the time to get into all that." Her fingers twitched and she clasped them together.

Gray nudged a little. "Please, Kella. I want to understand what happened with you two." He rued the lack of communication with his brother over the past few months.

Kella sighed. "After I told him we weren't having sex again, and after you and I … well, after that, Zane changed." She took another deep breath. "He started taking shortcuts and ignoring protocol. We were called out for a disturbing-the-peace situation. We had a position in an alley and were assessing the scene, trying to decide how to de-escalate. Another radio call came in for a drug bust a few blocks away…" She paused again and blew out another shaky breath. "Zane left me because he wanted a narco collar. Our disturbing the peace turned into an armed altercation. I almost got shot and one of the participants did get wounded." Her gaze met his. "I put in for a transfer the next day."

Gray choked down the bile rising in his throat. "Fuck. I'm sorry. I had no idea any of this happened." Because he decided Zane had to figure his shit out on his own. "And I really believed you loved my brother."

Kella's lips curved in a sad smile. "I did. But more as a best friend … especially after I met you." She shrugged. "Even if that didn't work out, I realized Zane and I weren't meant to be more than colleagues and friends."

Gray winced. "Yeah, I made that more awkward than it needed to be. I cared about you. A lot." He could almost see the future with her in it. "But when Zane mentioned your personal connection, I backed off like a flash." In hindsight, a stupid thing to do. "Zane and I had issues, I'm sure you know. I always tried to protect him, because I didn't really think he had the personality to be a cop." He'd warned him, time and time again, he'd get himself killed if he didn't play by the rules. "We fought over it, fairly frequently. Zane always thought I had jealousy issues because Zane nabbed more collars and had a higher profile in the department."

Kella's head bobbed up and down. "He did trot that theory out a lot."

Gray huffed out a breath. "My drama actually had more to do with thinking Zane got into cop work for the wrong reasons. And I told him that numerous times." He exhaled a harsh breath. "Just because the family tradition happens to be joining the force, it doesn't mean all Warchilds are cut out to wear the badge." He should've pushed harder to prove that point, especially since Zane started taking shortcuts. "I could've said something, but I didn't want the old man to find out." Stupid mistake.

Kella made a sound of commiseration. "I get that. Your dad was so proud to have both of his sons on the force."

Gray lifted his chin. "Yeah, this loss will hit hard."

Kella's eyes filled. "Yeah, it will." She dashed the tears away.

Gray wanted to haul her into his arms, but he got to his feet instead. "I should head home. I left the chaplain with Mom and Dad." He reached for his coat on the back of her chair.

Kella stood up and walked him to the door. "Thanks for stopping. You really didn't have to." Her smile suggested she appreciated the gesture.

Gray started to turn the knob but angled around and cupped her face with one hand. Leaning in, he meshed his lips with hers. Kella responded, making a guttural sound in her throat. He dropped his coat and hauled her closer. She melted against him but only for a moment then put her hand on his chest and eased away.

She shook her head. "I'm sorry. I can't." Her gaze met his. "I didn't love your brother as more than a friend, but everything is jumbled in my head right now."

Gray understood. "You're right. I'm sorry." He stooped down to get his jacket. "I'll keep you posted on the arrangements. Do you need a ride to the funeral?"

She declined the ride. "I'll probably go with one of the officers from our unit."

Gray left and pondered what to do about his feelings for Kella.

Because Zane had been a stumbling block before and now, he might be a bigger hurdle to jump.

I'm excited about how this book is coming together. I love writing Gray and Kella.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Zane's Ghost

It's been a wild and busy week! I'm buried with work projects, which I'm thrilled to have—even if I could use about four more hours in each day. Good problems to have.

Had a slower than normal television viewing week, but I kind of expect that when I'm trying to keep plates spinning with work and only have a small wobble here and there.

I caught two episodes of Hawkeye and I'm kind of bummed there's only one left. I'm loving this show a lot.

Caught the season three premiere of Harrow and I already intensely dislike the new boss. That said, I kind of love the shifting dynamics of the character relationships. Fern could grow up just a little, but I like where everyone else is for the most part.

Watched another episode of Blue Heelers and liked the way everything played out. Really good case of the week on this one.

Enjoyed another MasterClass lesson with Neil de Grasse Tyson. Learned about cognitive bias and have a much better understanding of how that works.

Caught another episode of Young Wallander: Killer's Shadow. Poor Kurt gets his ass kicked on a regular basis. Glad to see Reza get bumped up to detective. Poor Rusk has a lot going on at the moment.

Got two more episodes of Classic Rugrats in and thoroughly enjoyed. I love the call outs to stuff from my younger years. That's why the original show is genius. Enjoyable for parents and kids.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med and things got interesting at the end. Not sure I'm down with Will possibly hooking up with Agent Lee. Really kind of squicked out by Nat's involvement with the dad of her former patient. But I love the whole saga of Daniel's ex and everything that's going on with that.

Enjoyed another episode of The Snoopy Show. I like how the short vignettes are themed around a topic. This one had Halloween stuff and it was a lot of fun.

Caught another episode of Loch Ness and I'm kind of amazed how things are moving forward but at what seems like a maddeningly slow pace. A couple of big reveals in this episode.

Finished up season seventeen of Silent Witness and should start eighteen this week. Have to say I quite liked how this one ended. Glad Jack will be sticking around.

Watched another episode of Classic Who. Poor Seven just doesn't have a lot to work with. That said, I'm kind of enjoying this arc.

Enjoyed another episode of The Laundry Guy. I think I could honestly watch multiple seasons of this show. Patric needs his own YouTube channel. I'd totally subscribe.

Also watched another episode of The Hardy Boys and have a lot of love for this show. It's so much fun to talk to my brother about the episodes after we see them. Brings back a lot of eighties memories.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zane's Ghost, a novella that puts the characters in a quandary over a loss.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Zane Warchild goes down in the line of duty, Kella Fine blames herself—after all, she realizes her mistake when she crosses a personal line and steps way back from Zane. Gray Warchild grows quickly tired of Kella wearing her guilt like a badge and putting his brother's ghost between them.

And a snippety peek…

Thirty minutes after she got the call from one of the task-force members, Kella couldn't shake the all-consuming numbness. Or the feeling of responsibility—which she pinned on like a badge in her brain. Zane's dead … and it's my fault.

Sitting in her dark living room, she rewound her last conversation with him.

You know, one of these days a bullet is going to find you if you're not a little more careful.

No way, babe. I'm untouchable.

Apparently not so much.

She twisted a coil of hair around her finger. "Why the hell did I tempt fate that way?" She should've just wished him luck with the raid.

But he'd goaded her. And she let him. Even after she'd promised herself she wouldn't play the Zane game anymore. Because the lather-rinse-repeat angle exhausted her.

She almost didn't answer the door when the bell rang. But she needed to move. To do something other than sit alone in darkness.

When she answered, she found Gray standing outside.

Shit.

Guilt kicked her in the gut and she had no clue what to say.

His haggard gaze met hers. "Can I come in?"

She stepped back and let him enter. Her heart hammered against her ribs, the weight of the last few months wearing through her composure. Trembling fingers closed the door with a hard bang.

Gray turned, grasping her elbow. "Are you okay?" He raked his free hand through his hair. "Geez, stupid question. Forget I said that." Shrugging out of his jacket, he shook his head.  "You just lost the love of your life. Of course you're not okay."

A bitter taste filled her mouth, but she automatically took his jacket. Hesitating only a moment, she decided she needed to address what he'd said and set the record straight.

Draping his coat over the back of a chair, she faced Gray. "Here's the thing … Zane isn't—wasn't—the love of my life." She finished the sordid statement. "In fact, we weren't partners anymore because I put in for a transfer three months ago."

Gray and Kella have a lot to unpack and it's not going to be an easy road to travel, especially because Kella is very gun shy about getting involved with another Warchild.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Zane's Ghost

Hello, February. An extra day in the month probably won't make much difference, right? Eh, January already felt like an entire year, so here's hoping February doesn't.

Another slow week for television viewing, but not a bad one. I finished up season three of Riverdale and, whew, what an ending. Talk about jamming a crap-ton of stuff into forty-three minutes. That said, wow. I'm still processing all the crazypants. I'm very glad I can start season four this week. I'll be dreading the first episode but can't wait to see what happens from here. Hopefully something utterly horrible for Hiram is on the horizon but I doubt it. Sigh.

Midsomer Murders had a good opener for series twenty-one. One down and three to go. Then I have to find another show to start. I have a few on my list to check out.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice. I went back to the first season again. I'll watch another of the final season this week.

Watched another full arc of Classic Who and have one more set before starting the last season with Three. Looking forward to Sarah Jane episodes.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Zane's Ghost, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Zane Warchild goes down in the line of duty, Kella Fine blames herself—after all, she realizes her mistake when she crosses a personal line and steps way back from Zane. Gray Warchild grows quickly tired of Kella wearing her guilt like a badge and putting his brother's ghost between them.

And a snippety peek…

Gray Warchild opened the door to his parents' home when the knock came. Nothing unusual about answering, especially when he'd been coming down the stairs anyway. What did happen to be unusual? Greeting the police chaplain flanked by the commissioner and a precinct captain at eleven fifty-two pm.

Instinctively knowing they wouldn't be bringing good news, he stepped back and invited them inside. "I'll get Dad." He started for the study where his parents were watching the end of a classic movie.

The chaplain grasped Gray's shoulder. "Better bring your mother, too." He didn't add why, but Gray didn't need the details.

 His brother had either been shot or killed and Gray hated the sense of certainty… that he'd been right about Zane not being a good fit for the force. How many times had they argued about the way Zane took the job for granted? All because of the Warchild surname.

Too many to count.

With his gut roiling, Gray entered the study and met his dad's gaze. "We have company." He didn't elaborate, but he didn't need to.

Benton closed his eyes for a brief second then shut off the television and reached out for his wife's hand. "Come on, Maggie. We'd better see how bad it is." He wrapped an arm around her and preceded Gray out of the room.

The commissioner broke the news. "Benton, Maggie, Gray, we regret to inform you Zane was slain in a line-of-duty incident earlier tonight in a task-force operation. Captain Gelding has the details, if and when you're ready to hear them." He placed a hand on Benton's shoulder. "I'm sorry for your loss." He stepped back and let the chaplain take over.

Mark Shaunessey nodded toward the small sitting area to the right of the stairs. "Shall we? I know this is a shock, even when it's the family business." He guided the elder Warchilds into the room and looked back toward Gray.

Gray shook his head. "Go on. I'd like to speak with the commissioner and the captain." He met the commissioner's gaze. "Thank you for coming, sir. I know Dad appreciates the gesture." His brain spun with questions but his mother's training kicked in. "Can I offer either of you a drink? Take your coats?" Mundane chatter but soothing in a weird way, especially when his mom finally started quietly crying.

The commissioner shook his head. "Nothing for me, thanks. I'm headed down to the docks to meet with the union leaders. Please let Benton know I'll check in later. My phone is on and I'll take his call, no matter what time it is, if he needs anything." He showed himself out.

Gray turned to Captain Gelding. "Sir… do you know if Kella, Officer Fine, has been informed? Was she on the task force?" As Zane's partner, she'd no doubt take the news hard.

Gelding shook his head. "No, Zane signed on for the extra duty time. Officer Fine wasn't involved. I'm not sure if she's been told, but news travels fast." He opened his mouth to say more, but closed it when Gray reached for his jacket.

He shrugged it on. "Would you mind giving Dad the commissioner's message? I'd like to check in on Officer Fine. She doesn't have any family she can lean on and this is probably going to hit her hard." Gelding probably didn't know how hard and Gray wouldn't be the one to tell him.

The captain cocked his head to one side, but didn't argue. "I'll let Benton know. Make sure you check in with your folks soon. They're going to need you." He waved Gray off.

Gray quickly exited the house and dragged in a deep breath of air. He didn't look forward to the meeting with Kella—especially after everything that had gone down between the three of them—but she shouldn't be alone in her grief.

Hell… he didn't want to be by himself in his. And Zane drove Gray to the edge of sanity on a regular basis.

Exhaling slowly, he fished his keys out of his pocket. "But he was still my brother no matter what."

And he's the man Kella loved.

I'm excited about getting this one finished up. I love writing the sibling dynamic especially when it's kind of messy.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Zane's Ghost

Wow. I so look forward to my Sunday posts, mainly because the crazy that is the real world makes discussing fictional television shows and books a nice, lovely interlude.

Teen Wolf followed up with a terrific episode. I literally laughed for a good, long while during Stiles's FBI scene. The return of Old Man Crazypants didn't disappoint either. Just saying.

Had a seriously busy week playing taxi driver for the kids. Didn't get to catch up on anymore Killjoys or Dark Matter. I have to throw Wynonna Earp in there, too.

Now that the end of Orphan Black happened, I'll be adding that show to my queue to binge watch the entire final season. Can't wait!

The Last Ship premieres next week!! Really looking forward to having my favorites back on the screen. And crossing my fingers that I don't lose my super-secret top few this season. Won't be holding my breath on that one. LOL

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Zane's Ghost, a novella that started with a very cool writing community prompt. Create a story with the conflict centering on another character. Example: Because of [insert character here].

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Zane Warchild goes down in the line of duty, Kella Fine blames herself—after all, she realizes her mistake when she crosses a personal line and steps way back from Zane. Gray Warchild grows quickly tired of Kella wearing her guilt like a badge and putting his brother's ghost between them.

And a snippety peek…

"God dammit, Zane. Why are we still talking about this?" Kella Fine threw her hands up in frustration.

Her ex-partner drove her crazy sometimes. The ninth precinct might not be big enough for both of them anymore.

Zane Warchild quirked a brow. "Because my brother is being a raging asshole and he's directing his pissed off attitude at me." He crossed his arms and kicked his feet up onto her desk.

Kella bit back a growl. She hated when Zane got overly comfortable. Made it a lot harder to find stuff when she needed it. And, dammit, Gray Warchild had plenty of reasons to be angry with Zane and most didn't have a thing to do with her.

She dropped down to the armrest of her desk chair. "Look, you and I crossed a line we shouldn't have. Your brother has nothing to do with why we'll never be sleeping together again." Okay, not exactly the truth.

Gray had a lot to do with why she wouldn't be twisting the sheets with Zane again. But Zane's attitude, his possessiveness, and his utter disregard for their safety when out on cases topped the list of why she'd put in for a transfer three months ago.

Zane snorted. "Bullshit. He's got everything to do with why." His tone descended into the almost snotty petulance she abhorred.

Kella sighed. "No, he doesn't. I told you we made a mistake before I met him." She paused, once again wishing she'd met Gray first. "Gray and I aren't even dating at the moment." And they probably never would.

Zane rolled his eyes. "Right. Work schedules, blah, blah, blah." He moved his feet off the desk and leaned forward. "You know he's not going out with anyone else. He just won't get involved with you because of me." His lips twisted with a small triumphant smirk.

Kella lifted a shoulder. "Which is fine by me. It's awkward as hell anyway." Mainly because Zane made things that way, but Gray could ignore his brother if he chose to.

He didn't.

Zane leaned back again. "Yeah, well, you should've thought of that before dumping me as your partner and screwing my brother." He crossed his arms over his chest.

Kella exhaled slowly, tamping down a rise of anger. "You know damned well Gray and I didn't sleep together." They'd come close, but Gray backed off from going full-on horizontal, opting for a not-quite-as-satisfying oral conclusion instead.

At least he'd let her return the favor. A moment she frequently relived.

Unlike the one and only time she'd slept with Zane.

He didn't get why she considered that slip a huge mistake. He'd let their one night of passion morph into something it couldn't be. Kella loved him as a partner. Before… when Zane played by the rules. Before he'd assumed they had couple potential and didn't appreciate her differing opinion.

Before he'd left her alone in an alley during a tense situation because he didn't about a nothing disturbing the peace bust. Not when another call came through several blocks away with a better chance of getting a collar with narcotics. Their disturbing the peace turned into an armed altercation that almost got Kella shot and left one of the participants wounded.

He swore he didn't leave her because she'd earlier told him, in no uncertain terms, they wouldn't be hooking up on a regular basis, but the timing reeked of Zane lashing out to prove a point. She couldn't trust he wouldn't pull the same thing again, even after he promised to be on his best behavior.

Kella explained, again, why she'd wanted out. "We're not partners anymore because we crossed a line and you take too damned many chances." She couldn't bear to watch him push the envelope anymore and risk him leaving her stranded without backup again.

Zane hand-waved her reasoning. "Now you sound like Gray. He's so damned jealous because I pull in more collars and I'm on the fast track for promotion."

Kella shook her head. Gray didn't give two shits if his brother made the grade before Gray did. Sure he had three years on Zane, but Gray went to college and entered the police academy after his younger brother. Only Zane made a big deal out of moving up the ranks at a faster pace.

She opened her mouth to… honestly, she had no idea what to say anymore.

Zane's superior officer popped his head into the bullpen. "Warchild, let's go. Wheels roll in five."

Zane straightened and flashed a smile. "Task force duty tonight. We're on standby for the union protesters at the dock." He puffed out his chest. "Should add a few more feathers to my cap tonight." He almost strutted across the room.

Kella stood and followed him. "You know, one of these days a bullet is going to find you, if you're not a little more careful."

Zane snorted. "No way, babe. I'm untouchable." He strolled out the door and fell into step beside the task force leader.

Kella appreciated the necessity for full confidence, but Zane had her worried. Bravado did not equate to self-assurance. She had no doubt Zane brazened his way onto the task force roster, probably using his old man's name to gain entry. He lacked the full-training he should have to participate in the raids, meaning he should be hovering in the background, learning from the others.

So not a Zane thing to do.

Grabbing her jacket, she closed the door to the bullpen and made her way outside. She'd have her new assignment in a few days and finally be off desk duty. Her mind drifted to Gray. Maybe he'd be willing to revisit going out together after a few months of her being Zane-free.

I love the possibilities with this one. Family dynamics are so much fun to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Zane's Ghost

Greetings!

Gah! What a week in television. Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D got interesting, Sons of Anarchy kicked several plots up a notch, Arrow continues to WOW me, Haven had a kick ass episode and Walking Dead still amazes and creeps me out all at the same time. J I already miss Strike Back, but hopefully a new season will be announced, if it hasn't been already.

Shifting gears, tonight's post is from Zane's Ghost, a novella featuring characters that land in the middle of a moral dilemma. Gray and Kella don't make it easy for each other to get out of the quagmire.

Here's the tagline:

When Zane Warchild goes down in the line of duty, Kella Fine blames herself—after all, she realizes her mistake when she crosses a personal line and steps way back from Zane. Gray Warchild grows quickly tired of Kella wearing her guilt like a badge and putting his brother's ghost between them.

And a snippety peek…

Benton Warchild strode into the room. "Shut up. Both of you." He planted his feet and crossed his arms over his chest. "I've had just about enough of listening to you two slice each other to shreds." He jerked his head toward the long, leather couch. "Sit down. And don't even think about ducking out. You're going to listen—and hear—what I have to say."

Kella trudged to the sofa and chose the spot closest to the door. Gray took his time—his only outward display of defiance—and opted to sit at the opposite end, as far away from Kella as possible. His dad didn't move, standing directly between the objects of his wrath and their exit.

Gray settled back, figuring he might as well get comfortable.

Benton sent a scathing glance in each direction. "What, exactly, is your problem?"

A rhetorical question, neither Gray nor Kella answered.

Benton shook his head. "You two have been dancing around something—something that could be good. Why haven't you done anything about it?"

Kella rolled her eyes and looked longingly towards the door. Gray slouched down and kept his mouth shut. He could explain exactly why he and Kella didn't act on their attraction—because the damn fool woman wouldn't let it happen.

Benton studied each for several moments then sighed. "Because of Zane." He turned his attention to Gray. "Your brother wouldn't give a damn if you pursued something with Kella. You're stupid to think he would."

Gray shot back. "Dad, you don't know everything. Zane and I… we had some issues." And almost every damn one had to do with the other two people in the room.

Benton scoffed. "Bullshit. I know more than you think." He pinned Gray with his gaze. "You never talked to me, but Zane did. About everything."

He left the rest hanging. The old man probably assumed Gray would figure things out eventually and realize what they'd talked about. The biggest problem with the concept? Gray seriously doubted Zane had been completely honest with Benton, which meant Gray would continue to keep his mouth closed.

Benton swung his gaze toward Kella. "And you. You hang onto your guilt so tightly, I'm not sure you'll ever let it go. But I'm telling you to try." He paced back and forth. "Zane's gone. It's not your fault. Get over it." He stopped. "Move the hell on and stop wallowing in self-doubt. It doesn't suit you."

Kella opened her mouth to retort but thought better of it. She clamped her lips together and stared straight ahead. Gray almost let her hang under the glower of his dad, but decided to let her off the hook.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You've made your point, Dad." He glanced up and met his father's gaze. "I think we're done here." Gray made sure the dismissal came through in his tone.

Benton snorted. "Fine. I'm leaving—heading upstairs, in fact," he started for the door, "but if I hear you two going at it again, I'm coming back and I won't be playing referee, I'll be physically kicking you two out the door."

Kella waited until the old man cleared the first landing. "Hard to get a word in with him, isn't it?"

Gray huffed out a breath. "You had your chance." He got up and went to the bar, grabbing a glass from the shelf above it.

Kella followed. "Oh no. Uh uh." She added a tumbler next to his. "Your old man has a way of twisting shit back around and laying open old wounds…" She chose whiskey and poured a healthy amount into the cup. "And jabbing a hot poker into them every damn time."

Gray's lips quirked and he took the bottle from her hands. "Yeah, Dad's kind of notorious for ripping off the scab, says it keeps the sore from festering." He picked up his drink and tossed it back.

Kella slowly sipped. "You know he's wrong, right? Scabs are part of the healing process. Sometimes they leave scars, but those usually fade away."

Gray turned and faced her. "Yours haven't." He held her gaze, waiting for her to look away.

She didn't.

Instead, she took a step closer. "Not yet. But he nailed it. I gotta let go and move forward."

Yep, I'm gonna leave it there. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin