Sunday Snippet: Damn the Torpedo Flu

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. Happy regular Sunday to those who don't. After three days of lovely temperatures, we're back to mid-forties and chilly. I'll take the cooler weather because the warm-up seemed to bring the ticks out. Pulled three of them off my spouse yesterday. That's usually a May through October problem.

Got to enjoy a wonderful Friday with my daughter at an art walk. She's a project manager for a county arts council and knows many of the artists. So much fun!

Had a busy work week. Finished up a copy edit and proofread for one of the publishers I edit for. Also finished a proofread for a memoir. Continued work on two other proofreads. I have a developmental edit to start this week and hopefully another copy edit.

Ended up with an okay viewing week. I got through most of the shows I watch. I ended up skipping two because I didn't feel well and couldn't concentrate on more than one thing at a time. I did get some cleaning and decluttering done when I needed a break from work projects.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and quite enjoyed the mystery. I love Alexa and Madison's friendship, especially when Madison pushes Alexa out of her comfort zone.

Caught another Foyle's War and ended the eighth season. Loved Sam's good news and kind of felt sorry for Miss Pierce. There are several behind the scenes episodes that I hope to watch this week.

Watched another Return to Paradise and I'm almost finished with the first season. Not sure when the second will be available to me, but I'll look forward to it.

Also enjoyed another episode of Poirot. A holiday episode with a truly distasteful antagonist that thankfully didn't last long. I loved Poirot coming to Japp's rescue once the singing started. If you know, you know.

Elementary ended up being very good. I'm kind of interested to see where Joan's story goes with Shin. Also enjoyed Sherlock's chess match with Shin.

I binge-watched some Brokenwood Mysteries. The new season starts this week and I'll dive into it as soon as I finish up My Life Is Murder.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Damn the Torpedo Flu, a novella that explores what happens when one couple is the last man standing … so to speak.

Here's the miniblurb:

When the torpedo flu hits the space station, Paisley and Dale are practically the last ones standing. Working through the crisis will bring them closer together, if they don't kill each other first.

And a sneaky peek…

::Pass the word. A full one-third of the station has been torpedoed. Stay clear of the heads on levels five and seven. Engineering is down by nine workers, and they closed those two levels. If you gotta go, hit level six or eight. Pass the word. The outbreak has torpedoed one-third of the crew.::

Paisley heaved a sigh. "Great the head will be packed on six. No one likes the one on eight." She frowned. "It's too cold."

Dale snorted. "Maybe you should make that one your official place to hide out." He snagged the crew roster and marked off more blocks.

Paisley shivered. "No, it really is too cold down there." She glanced up. "Unless you wanna keep me warm?" She could go for getting up close and personal with him.

Dale smirked. "I can do that right here, which is where I'm staying for the duration." He nodded toward the door to the back wall. "Duck through there and the old single bathroom is usable." He inclined his head toward the long row of filing cabinets. "The last three are empty. I took up two with my gear." He leaned back in his chair.

Paisley grinned. "Are you inviting me to move in?" How interesting.

Dale shrugged. "I'm offering you a place to crash until this damned flu runs its course." He leaned forward again. "The less we interact with others, the better our chances of coming through this unscathed." He cocked his head toward his shoulder. "But the choice is obviously yours."

Paisley flashed a smile. "The easy access to a bathroom that isn't a walk-in freezer sells it." She waggled her eyebrows. "But you're a bonus too."

Dale rolled his eyes. "Shut up and go get your stuff?" He got up and fished a key from a hook on the bulkhead then handed it to her.

Paisley bounced off the couch. "I'll be back before you miss me." She brushed her mouth over his. "Thank you for this." Patting his chest, she skipped to the hatch.

Dale's lips quirked. "Yeah, yeah. You'd do the same for me." He huffed out a breath. "Right?" His tone showed his doubt.

Paisley shot him a deadpan glance. "If you have to ask, you don't deserve to know." Ducking out into the corridor, her laughter trailed behind her.

This one is shaping up to be way more fun than I thought it would be. I love writing Paisley and Dale.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Cupid's Folly

Ugh. So many small irritants combined to make the week rather challenging. Car problems, house problems, and too many things hitting at once. I'll get through it all, but I'm stressing out, which isn't fun.

The great news is we didn't lose power even with the wild back and forth temperatures. I have a feeling April won't be much better than March when it comes to stabilizing the weather patterns. If only the world could figure out what's causing all the bizarre weather. Yes, that's sarcasm. The world knows what the problem is.

Got a lot of work completed over the week. I have four main projects on my schedule and I'm plugging away at all of them. Finishing up two but have two more waiting in the wings. I also have a couple of backburner projects that I'll be dipping into again.

Had a semi-decent viewing week. Two of my projects involve some tedious cleanup and it's nice to have something on in the background to keep things interesting. I made it through most of my usual shows.

I started with Foyle's War and enjoyed the episode. Kind of sad to see his female counterpart moved to the sidelines again. Lovely to see Sam help her husband get elected as an MP.

Caught another episode of Return to Paradise. I remembered most of this one and enjoyed seeing some familiar faces from other shows I've watched set in Australia.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Really fun to see a couple of very young costars in this one. Also thoroughly enjoyed the mystery.

Elementary had a great episode. I didn't quite make it all the way through because I got distracted, but I enjoyed it.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I'm about two episodes from the end of the series and I need to decide what I'll be watching next. Maybe a Justice League series.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and very much enjoyed watching Boimler lose his mind. Very fun!

I also had a chance to use my library membership to watch a Stevie Nicks concert via the Kanopy app. I'm going to work hard to make sure I'm taking advantage of everything my local libraries offer. The concert was so good!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Cupid's Folly, a novella that brings a couple together after they definitely get off on the wrong foot.

Here's the miniblurb:

Jinx Jersey just signed on as the XO of the Cupid's Folly, captained by Alrick Cates and he's given her fair warning she picked the worst time to start her new post and develop an attraction for him. The pleasure ship is booked solid for the couples' cruise, and they don't have time for romance.

And a sneaky peek…

Alrick paced back and forth on the bridge. "Moving on from the update on XO Barrick, while he's out, the civilian board saw fit to assign a temporary executive officer." He paused. "Jinx Jersey will be joining us for this cruise." And only this cruise. "A word of warning. She's brand new. You know what the couple's cruise is like. I'm warning you to not get any ideas." He started walking back and forth again. "The XO is off limits—" He broke off when he glanced up to find Jinx, looking incredible in her uniform, gazing at him with rage in her eyes.

Dammit, she would show up early. Yep. And she caught you out, dumbass.

She lifted her chin. "Sorry for interrupting." Moving further onto the bridge, her gaze never leaving his, she tilted her head. "Did I miss the memo about the earlier briefing?"

Dead silence met her question and none of the others would meet her gaze when she swept it around the assembled crew members. Which answered her query clearly enough. And Alrick kind of hated how bad they all looked right now.

Jinx gave a nod. "I see. Well then, let me apologize for dragging you all from your racks earlier than usual." She found a seat and got settled, smoothing her features into efficient professionalism. "Captain, if you'll continue the briefing…"

A measure of respect nudged its way into him, but he squashed it. He'd give her two full shifts before one of his crew or the passengers made a play for the little sexpot.

Flipping his folder open, he finished the briefing by giving everyone their assigned posts for the launch. "Any concerns?" He closed the file.

Jinx rose. "I have one." She addressed the other officers. "Will any of you have a problem taking orders from me?" She stood with her shoulders squared and her hands behind her back, a military stance.

All crew members shook their leads.

Jinx slowly met Alrick's gaze. "Well, Captain, guess it's a good thing my magnificent rack won't get in the way of my mouth issuing orders, isn't it?" She gave him a nod. "If there's nothing else, I'll be at my assigned post." She made a crisp turn and exited the bridge to head for the aft section of the ship where she'd oversee making sure the cargo got secured in the hold.

Alrick stood in stunned silence for a full minute, gazing at the empty spot she'd vacated. She hadn't raised her voice. She didn't show outward disrespect toward him or any of the crew. She had been quietly restrained when faced with his unwarranted hostility.

A throat clearing snapped his attention back to the bridge.

He blinked, his vision clearing to find raised eyebrows and questioning gazes directed his way. "Right. That's it. You're all dismissed."

A very low hum of buzzing voices started as soon as the crew cleared the bridge, with the exception of remaining members taking their places at their stations. Their almost eerie silence unnerved him. Normally, the chatter of prelaunch acted as his guidepost.

Five minutes later, Alrick finally grasped how his new XO had pretty much handed him his ass with brutal calm and served it up on a platter with lethal coldness. And showed him just how much of a dick he could be.

And, damned if wasn't the hottest thing I've ever seen.

Having a lot of fun with this story. Jinx and Alrick have a lot of friction, but they also have a lot of attraction.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Crash and Burn

Whew. It's been a long week. Can't say it's been terrible, more a constant state of busy. I did manage to take care of several personal life things that I've been putting off so that's a bonus. But I've also been scattered all over the place and that makes me bananapants.

Ohio is gearing up for another weather event where we have 84 degrees today for the high and by Monday, the high will be in the low forties. The barometer hates me right now. Also planning for power outages because when the temperature shifts that much in twenty-four to forty-eight hours and thunderstorms are thrown in, things tend to happen. Wind shears, lightning strikes, flash floods that take out trees. Yeah, definitely hope for the best but prep for the worst.

Work projects have been stacked up with more coming in. I'm very happy to be busy! I finished up a proofread of a terrific nonfiction book, got through a copy edit that ended up having some possibly big consistency concerns. Set up the start of a manuscript proofread to start this week and scheduled a read through of a manuscript that I'll be doing a developmental edit on. I have a few odds and ends that I'll be working on wherever I can also.

Did not get a lot of viewing done this week. Didn't have the bandwidth and needed to focus on work projects. Also ended up having a very productive writing week.

I did finish up Foyle's War and I enjoyed rewatching. I'd forgotten how reluctant Foyle was to join the security forces.

Also caught another episode of My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. I love Rueben letting himself get pulled into the capers.

Still need to finish Poirot from last week. I'll probably start over because I didn't get very far into the episode before I had to pause.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Crash and Burn, a novella that explores what happens when the main character meets the wrong brother first.

Here's the miniblurb:

Pepper Strand met the wrong brother first and when her personal feelings get in the way, she takes the easy way out. When it leads to the death of Bax's sibling, she drowns her guilt with alcohol and Bax decides to make her crawl out of the bottle and into his arms.

And a sneaky peek…

Bax barely hesitated before he agreed. "Love to." He didn't like the way she'd started slurring her words or how she looked like she could topple over at any moment.

Especially since she more or less swayed on the barstool.

Bax held out a hand. "Where're you staying?" Hopefully somewhere close.

She pointed upstairs.

At least it's convenient.

He didn't know if they'd make it up the steps. "Come on. Let me help you up." He got his shoulder under her arm and wrapped his hand around her waist. "You've had enough."

She didn't argue at all and went with him up the stairs on unsteady legs.

He paused at the top of the steps. "Which room?"

She wobbled a little. "Uh, three."

He got them to the door and tried the knob. Locked.

He propped her against the wall. "Key?" She angled her hips around and stuck her butt out, indicating he'd find it in her back pocket.

He bit back a groan when he fished the card out and she let out a lusty laugh. She had an incredible ass, and his dick fought the confines of his pants. He pushed the keycard against the lock, the mechanism released, and the door snicked open. Wrapping an arm around Pepper, he guided her inside the room.

He didn't even get across the threshold before she turned and backed him against the wall and smashed her mouth against his. Shit. As good as he remembered. And Pepper didn't do things by halves. So everything she did stuck out in his mind.

The kisses were sloppy and hot, and he wanted her with everything he had. But not like this. He needed to slow her onslaught down.

He got the door shut and cupped her face, nudging her toward the bed. "Whoa. What's the hurry? We're not in a race here."

This one is coming together in small bursts of activity. I kind of know where things are going but the characters like to veer off in different directions and I'm okay with that.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Covert Heart

What a week. Our weather went completely insane and we got a wild mix of rain and wind. We lost power on Friday afternoon and finally had it restored on Saturday after about eighteen hours. Thankfully, it didn't get super cold overnight.

Work projects are moving along. I finished up the memoir and have two new potential jobs. I'm still working on a proofread and have some final touches to put on a copy edit. I'm hoping to get to a developmental edit that I put on the back burner last month because it's a manuscript that will launch an amazing series.

Had a limited viewing week. I managed to get through a couple of my usual shows but didn't get through my whole slate. Too many things pulling my attention and focus.

Started with My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. Always fun to see Will and the sibling relationship he has with Alexa. Per usual, Madison had some great scenes.

Caught most of an episode of Foyle's War. I'd forgotten he kind of got pulled into the spy scene. Really fun to see his interactions with Sam after her marriage. Kind of bummed they recast the guy who played her fiancé in the previous season.

Watched an episode of Return to Paradise and it's one I remembered. I love the quirky interactions Mackenzie has with everyone but I really, really love when she has to deal with her messy emotions. Watching her apologize to Glen almost physically hurt to observe. Very good moment between them.

Started an episode of Poirot but didn't get a chance to finish it before I crashed. I'll finish it up and start the round of shows again.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Covert Hearts, a novella puts a couple on the brink of their happy future in peril.

Here's the miniblurb:

An impossible task. A couple sworn to carry it out or die trying. One big test of the depth of their courage and love.

And a sneaky peek…

Rick McBride stood with his arms wrapped around Emma Wells and let the realization of what they were about to do wash slowly over him. They’d just had the conversation, and he promised to have her back.

And he would … regardless of whether he questioned the right to assassinate a government official or not.

An argument could be made that he’d once held a gun to the head of a superior, but he’d counter that his decision had been spur of the moment, enacted to keep his cover, and not likely to result in the actual shooting of said official.

But this … this action would be cold-blooded murder—order or not. And, of course, Emma would not refuse since the old man issued the orders. And the elder McBride knew it.

Why else would he dismiss Rick before giving Emma the assignment?

And leave it to Emma to try and give him an out. She knew this operation wouldn't sit well with him. And it didn't. Not one bit.

But he wouldn't accept her offer. He'd never let her go it alone on something like this.

Yet what did she do?

Thanked him.

That alone told Rick she had doubts, even if she pretended to be okay with the order.

And while his brain warred with itself, he drew her closer. The summit should be their salvation. Instead, it had become their curse. Every single official at the meeting would be armed … they'd made it a requirement. The uneasy truce they all agreed to didn't extend to any kind of trust. No one thought they'd achieve peace without everyone using their own weapons to discourage a coup attempt. But getting them all in one place had to bring them one step closer to a cease fire.

Dammit, he and Emma should be talking about the endless options they could have after a treaty had been signed … not standing together in an empty room holding on for dear life.

But they couldn't discuss future game plans … there were none. Neither would be coming back from this.

They’d never make it out alive.

Stepping back, his gaze slowly met Emma's. Her eyes held the same knowledge. And acceptance. She would give her life to end another.

And he would give his life so she could.

Wrapped in that understanding, Rick didn’t speak. Moving his hands forward, he cupped Emma's face. Her gaze didn’t waver from his as the moment stretched out between them.

Slowly moving his hands to rest on her shoulders, he took comfort in her palms resting on his hips. Neither spoke as their eyes held, saying things they’d never utter aloud. Not now.

This is it.

Emma's hands slid forward to undo the buckle of the holster he wore and removed it, heavy with its side arm. Still looking levelly at him, she didn’t blink when he followed suit. The sound of both weapons thudding softly to the floor created noise in the quiet space.

No turning back.

Rick's fingers trailed lightly up Emma's arm before settling on the topmost button of her blouse. He caught the gleam in her eye before she mimicked the motion. The breath hitched in his throat right before he slid the button loose from its slotted opening. The line between past and future crossed, right now became their only option to say all that needed said.

We’re gonna do this.

This one has been fun to dive into. The narrative is a little different, but I'm enjoying the way it's coming together.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Come Here Often

Whew. Long week filled with so many things going on. And, of course, weird weather. I also didn't sleep well at all … probably due to the upcoming time change. It's like my body and brain knows it's coming and tries to resist accordingly.

Ohio started the week with cold weather then warmed up to seventy degrees yesterday. We also had a lot of rain. Which gave us a lot of foggy mornings. Bleh.

Work projects are less backlogged than they were. I mostly finished up the developmental edit on the memoir, which feels good. A few small things left then it's off for a copy edit and proofread. This is such a great book! Also finished up a copy edit and started a new one. The new one is first person, which I'm not fond of. I also started a new proofreading project on a nonfiction book. I love being busy!

Had a decent viewing week. Made it through my usual slate of shows and did a little binge watching when I needed some background noise.

Started off with another episode of My Life Is Murder. Very fun to see a familiar face in the guest stars. One of the things I love about watching shows from New Zealand and Australia are the amazing actors who pop up frequently.

Ended up watching another Foyle's War episode instead of finishing the previous one. It's one of my favorites and finished out the season. Looking forward to starting a new season this week.

Caught another episode of Return to Paradise and enjoyed watching it. Mackenzie trying to find her footing while avoiding the landmines of being back home is kind of compelling. And the supporting cast is fun.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I like it when it's actually kind of easy to figure out the who then watch how the what and why happen.

Elementary had another great episode. I'm very interested in Joan's relationship with her former patient. My hope is he ends up not falling back into old and bad habits. The case also ended up being interesting with a twist or two I didn't expect.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I only partially remember. It's a two-part episode and I'm looking forward to the resolution.

Star Trek: Lower Decks had a great episode. It's always fun to see rivalries pop up and to learn interesting things about the other characters. The relaxation planet thread of the story ended up being very entertaining.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Come Here Often, a novella that explores several phases of a relationship between the characters.

Here's the miniblurb:

Neely survives a war but not without considerable emotional damage. When Ace offers her everything she's ever wanted, she turns him down, believing they can't pick up where they left off. Ace aims to prove they don't have to.

And a sneaky peek…

Neely woke with a startled jerk. "I dreamed about being captive." Her hand rubbed at her temple, a dull throb radiating outward to her hairline.

She only had fuzzy and blurry memories—nothing concrete. But she remembered bits and pieces—flashes, really—of her time in captivity. Something she hadn't done before.

Sliding from the bed, she walked to the bath and brushed her teeth, staring at herself in the mirror. Head tilted to one side, she couldn't quite decide if her dream meant anything. Why now? She'd been blessedly blank even though the inability to recall what happened drove her mad. Finishing up, she washed her face, splashing cold water to shake the cobwebs loose.

She followed the smell of coffee and found Ace in the kitchen, holding a mug, one hip propped against the counter. After pouring a cup, she settled at the table and stirred some cinnamon into her brew. Ace joined her and she wanted to keep the quiet camaraderie they had … especially after last night's revelations.

She hesitated mentioning her murky dream to Ace, but the fact she'd had one had her gut screaming something didn't feel quite right. What if she'd been triggered by their conversation? Could she risk saying nothing and possibly turning on those she loved?

Short answer. Nope.

Still stirring her coffee, she raised her gaze to Ace. "Do you trust me?" Simple question but loaded nonetheless.

Ace answered immediately. "Always have." He scooted down in the seat, showing his lack of hurry.

Neely pushed for answers about his response. "The man who always needs a reason suddenly doesn't?" She left no doubt about her confusion over his utter acceptance and zero queries about her return. "Why?"

Ace shrugged. "It's a faith thing. Even when we haven't been on the same page or, hell, not speaking to each other, I've always had faith in you. That never wavered." He took a sip of his coffee.

Neely pounced. "Even when I was gone?" How could he not have doubts?

He shook his head. "Not even then. And not because it didn't drive me insane. More because if anyone could survive, it would be you." One side of his mouth twisted upward. "If for no other reason than to prove you could."

Neely huffed out a breath. "Guess that makes sense." She leaned forward, resting her forearms on the table. "Okay, then. I need to tell you something that can't go in your reports." She waited a beat. "Do you still trust me?"

Ace arched his brows. "I think a better question is whether you trust me?" To his credit, he didn't look away, keeping his steady gaze on her.

Neely exhaled slowly. "Honest answer? I'm not sure, but I do believe you'll protect me—and our side—even if it means turning me in…" She paused for a brief moment. "Or killing me if necessary."

Ace's brow furrowed. "What's going on, Neels?" He straightened in his seat and reached out for her hand.

She told him about the dream and the unsettled, bad-vibe feeling she had about it.

He leaned back but kept her fingers in his. "Why now? What triggered the vague memories?"

She shrugged. "Not sure, but until I know more, I don't want anyone but you to know. Can you deal with that?" She hoped he could.

Ace nodded. "Yeah, I can. I want to get to the bottom of what happened to you … for your sake." His hand squeezed hers.

Neely nodded. "Yeah, same. And it needs to be soon."

This story took a turn I didn't expect but I love how it's adding a layer to the relationship. There might end up being a sequel also.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Come Back to Me

Geez, I can't believe we're into March. February ended up being a complete blur for me. Then again, it's such a short month, even if I think it's weird how two or three days can make such a big difference.

Ohio weather is still acting like a drunk toddler. Warm one day, cold the next. Snow. Rain. Sunny skies. I am excited that it's getting light earlier, especially when I have to leave at six thirty to play taxi service.

Work projects are still rather backlogged. Well, maybe not backlogged more like stacking one on top of the other. I love being busy, but I have to admit, I've been a little overwhelmed lately. Then again, it's a good problem to have.

My viewing stayed on course for the most part. I made it through most of my usual shows. I've been itching to start something new but haven't quite decided what I want to watch yet.

Started the week with the fifth-season premiere of My Life Is Murder and once again, this show doesn't disappoint. Such a fun episode.

Watched most of an episode of Foyle's War. It's one I remembered and I enjoyed it, but kept getting distracted so I'll finish it up this week.

Another newish show for me is Return to Paradise. I've watched most of the first season but not in order, so I started the series from episode one.

Caught another episode of Poirot and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and seeing Poirot in his native surroundings.

Elementary ended up being a fun watch. I like it when Sherlock and Joan are on opposite sides of an issue but aren't nasty about it. And the case they solved was really interesting.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and remembered it after I got started on it. I enjoy seeing how far Terry has come since the beginning of the series.

Star Trek: Lower Decks had a great episode. Kendi is such a fun character and I love her. Also great to see Boimler, Mariner, and Rutherford in action together. It's been a while since they had a good adventure.

That's pretty much it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Come Back to Me, a novella that helps a couple find their footing by righting a wrong from the past.

Here's the miniblurb:

Tania and James love each other deeply but have a complicated relationship. When Tania has a chance to right a wrong, James has to trust she'll keep her promise to come back to him.

And sneaky peek…

A buzzing sound filled Tania's ears, but she shook the sensation away. "Denny." Of course he'd be a prisoner causing problems.

James let go of her hand. "She gets it in one."

The room spun and went black for a second before adrenaline kicked in. "What aren't you telling me? This is my chance to do something." She could maybe right her wrongs.

James's mouth thinned to a grim slash. "He's causing too much trouble and the Carmites plan to execute him by the end of the week." Tania jumped up and started pacing back and forth. "Then we need to get out there and stop them." No way should more people die.

James shook his head. "What's your plan, Tania?" He folded his arms over his chest and arched his brows.

She shot him a look. "Right now? Find the commander and convince him to send a team out to get Denny." Pausing she turned to face him, ready to do battle.

His hands settled on her shoulders. "You know that won't work, right? The brass won't give a go to save one guy."

She whirled away, walking back and forth again. "I don't care." She spun back around. "I want him home."

James flinched but quickly schooled his features. "If you go off half-cocked, they'll never give a go." His voice lowered. "Let me approach the commander and see if we can find a way to get an op approved."

She snorted. "Let you go to our CO?" She flung her hand out. "Why? So you make sure any opportunity to rescue Denny is squashed under a pile of red tape?" Regret filled her as soon as the words left her mouth, but she wouldn't apologize.

James gave her a level stare. "Do you really think so little of me? Of us?" He squared his shoulders. "If I really wanted Denny dead, I could've kept his situation to myself." Lifting his chin, he quickly and quietly exited quarters and let the door shut behind him.

Tania drew her lower lip between her teeth. Did she really not trust James at this point? Her heart said she should.

But her mind? Well … her head had too many warring factions doing battle to listen to anything else right now.

This story is shaping up nicely. I'm excited to see where things go as I fill in more of the blanks.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Cockpit

I'm happy to say I managed to pull off a surprise birthday celebration for my husband with the help of our daughter and a few other very good and awesome friends. I held it at the elementary school where he works as a custodian and surprisingly got everything and everyone in to the cafeteria without him finding out. I'm so happy we surprised him!

That party capped off a very busy week between trying to figure out what the weather is going to do from one moment to the next and work projects dropping from the sky to not feeling the greatest because of said weather. We're gearing up for some additional snow so that should be fun.

As mentioned, work projects are piling up and I'm happy to be busy. I have a good mix of genres at the moment and I enjoy the variety. I should have two finished up this week and two more starting. I'm excited and hope this trend continues!

Had an okay week of viewing. I managed to get through my usual schedule of shows and caught a little more of the Olympics. I'm not a rabid fan, but I do enjoy amazing athletes compete for their countries.

Started the week with Midsomer Murders and finished up season 25. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this season. The writing kind of blew me away and the humorous moments made me happy. More of this please!

Caught the premiere episode of Foyle's War season seven and it's one I remembered. I do miss the sergeant and kind of hope he ends up showing up again.

Finished season twenty-eight of Silent Witness and I love ending on the wedding on Jack and Nikki with the hint of where they'll be going in the next season. The new team is amazing, and I'm thrilled they'll be sticking around.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot and loved how Hastings and Poirot were concerned about Miss Lemon but ended up not having to be because of a cat.

Elementary had another great episode. Kind of fun to see Sherlock wake Joan up with a violin. I also think Sherlock nudging Gregson to get married actually made sense. Sherlock's awkwardness always makes me smile.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it isn't the last one of the series. I have several more to watch before having to decide which show to pick up next.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and rather enjoyed the new vibe between the characters. I have to admit, I'm kind of meh about the Ransom character. We'll see if he grows on me the way Beckett did.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from The Cockpit, a novella that offers one of the main characters a glimpse of something new.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lark Fisher pulls R&R and hits the most happening bar on Virgonon, the Cockpit. Imagine her utter stupefaction when she finds out its owner is not only an old friend, but the one who got away.

And a sneaky peek…

Fox had her just off kilter enough she could only blink. Damn.

Lark shook her head. "Not in the bar. Can we go somewhere else?" She needed a minute to get back on track.

Fox grabbed two bottles and held out his hand. "I've got just the place."

She clasped his palm and he took her through a small, winding hallway and stopped outside a battered metal door.

Fox paused a moment. "You need to know, you're one of the few people I've invited into my home." He keyed in an entry code.

Home!

Fascinated, she gave the area a closer look. "The entrance reminds me of an old arms locker." The kind they had on the old class-B ships.

A small grin quirked his lips before he turned the knob and pushed the door open.

Lark's jaw dropped. "Holy shit." She entered his home slowly, her eyes trying to take everything in.

Fox's interior sprawled out over a space almost as big as the bar. The loft-like area had a suspended second floor with—

Her head whipped around. "Are those hanger deck steps?" They led upward on both sides.

He nodded. "Yep. Got them off an old ironsides that went down for scrap." He moved past her and set the bottles on the table in the seating area.

She noticed several other items he'd obviously picked up. About a dozen port holes, several obs deck windows repurposed as skylights, two galley prep stations as an island separating the kitchen from the living space.

Turning, she met his gaze. "You've got the best of both your worlds, don't you?" She kind of loved this place.

Fox glanced around his home. "Yeah, I really do." He opened one of the bottles.

Lark gave a slow nod. "You've found your niche, haven't you?" Something she longed for but had no clue how to attain.

Fox rolled a shoulder. "More like filled one here." He moved to the bar and retrieved a couple of glasses.

Lark gazed outside. "Exactly what you wanted, right?" She hated the wistful tone in her voice.

Fox moved to stand behind her. "Pretty much." Placing a hand on her hip, he handed her a glass then directed her to the plush sectional in the seating area.

She dropped down and let him pour her a full tumbler. She raised her drink then took a sip. How did she go about getting something similar to what he had?

Gotta say, I'm having fun with this one. Lark is at a crossroads, and she's not sure what to do next. Having to face her past and her future at the same time is fun to watch.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye