Sunday Snippet: Blaze on Beltane

Bleh. I found out we need to get a new furnace because ours is old, horribly inefficient, and very dangerous. Fun news I didn't really need or want. The good news is the new furnace will be super energy efficient and probably save us a buttload of money overall. I definitely won't complain about that.

Had a semi-decent viewing week. I caught two episodes of Midsomer Murders and should be ready to start the final series. I'll be sorry to see Cam go. I liked her.

Caught episodes of Murdoch Mysteries and Frankie Drake Mysteries. I'm kind of on the fence with the new season of Frankie. I liked the first episode but it feels like a very different show. I loved the first season, enjoyed the second season, so I'm hoping I'll fall into a groove with the third. We'll see how it goes.

Finished up the first story arc of Sapphire and Steel. I rather like the show. I'll give the rest of the season a whirl and see how it goes with this one too.

Watched the rest of Classic Who's season eight. I'll be starting season nine this week.

I should also be catching the final episode of Arrow's season seven run. I'm trying to savor every last moment because season eight is the final bow.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Blaze on Beltane, a working title that ties into the Capital City Seasons series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An arsonist strikes Capital City, setting blazes, each more devastating than the last, on the lead up to the Beltane holiday. Graham McClain is called on to analyze the firebug's actions and help get a handle on his next move. Fire captain Prima Alton works closely with Graham and together they discover she plays a role in the culprit's twisted fantasies.

And a sneaky peek…

Graham McClain knocked on his boss's doorjamb. "Hey, Murph. Got a second?" He entered the office when Ben Murphy gave a nod. "I just got a call from the fire marshal about a series of fires in the quad. They think they've got a firebug and want someone to analyze the data to maybe get a handle on their next move."

Murph quirked an eyebrow. "And the someone they want is you, right?" He leaned back in his chair a smug grin on his face.

Graham lifted a shoulder. "You've been singing my praises all over town, so yeah, they want me." He owed a huge debt of gratitude to Murph.

Murph leaned forward again, his eyes narrowing. "But you're… what? Not willing to take the project on? Is there a problem I need to know about?"

Grahan shook his head. "No, it's not that." How do I admit I have serious imposter syndrome? "More like I'm not sure I'm ready." How stupid do I sound right now?

Murph blinked then frowned. "That's bullshit. You've been ready. What's really got you concerned?" He leaned back again, crossing his arms over his chest.

Graham sighed and moved further into the office. "Capital City is where we call home. I don't wanna fuck this up, not where we live, not where you've built an unimpeachable reputation." Graham moved to Capital City to work for Murph and he wouldn't risk letting him down.

Ben rolled his eyes. "Your record speaks for itself, Graham. They wouldn't have asked for you if it didn't." He unfolded his arms and pushed up out of his chair. "The number of times I've talked you up doesn't mean jack in a situation like this. If they didn't believe you had the chops, they wouldn't have requested you." He came around the desk and planted his hip on the side. "That said, you've got backup here. Me, Margo, Melanie. We're all on deck right now. Use us." He waited a beat. "If you even need to."

Graham huffed out a breath. "Geez. I always forget how damn good you are at laying facts out and removing obstacles." Even self-inflicted ones.

Murph slapped Graham on the back. "My man, you also forget how damn good you are at doing the same. Call them back and set up the meeting."

Graham gave a nod. "Thanks, Murph." He made his way to the doorway and exited out into the central hub of the suite. "I will not let you down."

I'm having a lot of fun writing Graham and his interactions with everyone. I've been dying to get to his story for a while now.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Baracas File

Well, another homecoming house party is in the books and I'm so thankful we had such a great group of kids to host over the last four years. A few faces came and went, but for the most part, the core group has remained the same. I'm looking forward to seeing what this group of kids ends up doing in the future.

It's been a crazy week with a ton of work projects coming in and I'm truly thankful to be busy. Sometimes my projects dwindle a little in the fall and that doesn't seem to be the case this year.

A limited week of television, but some good progress made. I started a new classic British series called Sapphire and Steel. It's pretty decent with some time-wimey elements.

I also started a new arc of Classic Who. I didn't realize quite how much of a role the Master had in the third doctor's run.

Caught an episode of Midsomer Murders and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm almost through with series nineteen and have the final season to watch.

Watched another episode of Arrow and should be ready to start the new limited season eight in the near future. I started the penultimate episode but had to pause to get ready for homecoming. I'm going to miss this show so much when it's gone.

Also viewed an episode of Murdoch Mysteries and quite enjoyed it. I'm a little wary of what they're possibly doing with Julia, but we'll see how things go.

Finished up Frankie Drake Mysteries second season and look forward to starting the third. I'm pretty excited to see where things go from here.

Caught another episode of Riverdale. I can honestly say the whole farm thing really kind of annoys me. That said, this show tends to pull off a few twists that end up making me like what I didn't before. With the exception of Hiram. I love the actor but truly hate the character.

Also started another episode of Blue Heelers but have to pick it back up this week. Ran out of time to finish watching it.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Briggs Felderzon, an investigative reporter, will stop at nothing to discover what's in the Baracas File, the contents of which results in his brother's death. Myrrh Gold, his brother's partner in the Inter-Stellar Police, decides to help him… but Briggs isn't sure he trusts her.

And a sneaky peek…

Briggs Felderson entered his apartment via the underground tunnel. "Damn, I hate meeting with sources who can't deal with tech." His informant didn't trust anything electronic.

Briggs refrained from pointing out that paper trails couldn't be encrypted and didn't provide any more safety. Why bother? Especially when the source's information usually paid off in big ways.

Briggs flexed his fingers. "The writer's cramp sucks ass." He retrieved the notebook he'd almost filled with details of a possible police corruption story and made his way to his office.

He wanted a shower and about three days of sleep, but both would have to wait until he got the notes scanned into his computer. He started the first few pages then grabbed his phone to check for messages.

The display showed two from the news center. "Eh, the bosses can wait." He'd informed his editor he had a hot lead, another day wouldn't hurt.

His brother's name flashed as the next contact. Briggs pressed the screen to replay the message. He hadn't heard from Zell in almost a month.

"Yo, Briggs, listen. I've gotta be quick here. Push for all the intel you can get on something called the Baracas file."

Something in Zell's voice set Briggs's teeth on edge. Fear. His brother's tone carried fright of someone or something.

"Bro, I need you to keep a lid on whatever you find. Talk to no one. I mean it. I'm sitting on a pile of explosives and can't trust anyone but you." Zell's voice took on an urgent timber. "And you need to keep watch for Myrrh—"

Pop. Pop. Pop-pop-pop.

Briggs blinked, his brain scurrying to keep up with what just happened. A muffled sound of his brother's phone landing with a thud, the screech and squeal of tires zooming off, and finally, a beep when the call dropped told a sinister tale.

A cold chill slithered down Briggs's spine but he switched screens and dialed Zell's number. The call went straight to voice mail and the chill turned to ice in his veins. Fighting a wave of nausea, he started to call the precinct but a knock at his door drew his attention.

Getting up, Briggs walked toward the door, each step taking him closer to a certainty he didn't want to face.

Someone had killed Zell—keep watch for Myrrh—and it might have been his partner.

This story is so much fun. I love writing cat and mouse moments between characters and showing how they finally come to trust each other. Briggs and Myrrh are going to need each other if they want to find Zell's killer.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Banter and Brawling and Sex, Oh My

October 13, 2019

So far, October is a pretty good month. My daughter is on the homecoming court for the first time and is excited to participate in the annual parade coming up in a week or two. She'll be hosting her annual gathering next weekend and we've got a laundry list of stuff to get finished up before then.

Not a bad week for television. I started out with a Passionflix original, Brother's Honor and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I'm excited to see the other two movies in this trilogy when they're available.

I also caught up on some Arrow, watching an episode from last season. I'll be a little behind when season eight premieres but I should be caught up soon.

Watched the first episode of Murdoch Mysteries's new season. This show is so much fun. I love the characters more each year.

For some reason, I missed the last two episodes of Frankie Drake Mysteries's second season. I got one episode watched and have the final one and the first three of this season to get caught up on.

I'm also catching up on Riverdale. I finished an episode and watched another full one. I haven't seen the premiere of season four yet, but I plan to have at least a full box of tissues handy when I do watch it.

I still haven't decided what I'll be picking up after Peter Gunn, but I'll be starting that this week.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Banter and Brawling and Sex, Oh My, a free sexy short that will eventually make it's way to my website and blog.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Max Cutter always goes along for the ride with Maggie Harper. He pretty much has to… she always gets into the most interesting situations and someone has to cover her ass.

And a sneaky peek…

Max Cutter followed his fellow pilot into the lounge on Spacestation Xulu. "Mags, I'll grab a table if you get the brews." His gaze dropped to her ass, admiring the view.

She shot him a look over her shoulder. "Yeah, yeah. Want me to walk really slow so you keep staring?" She smirked.

Cutter laughed and changed his direction to scope out the seating area. He found an empty table and dropped down on one of the chairs. Maggie brought two mugs of ale and placed one in front of Max.

She settled across the table from him. "I wish we didn't have to leave the transport. I could've used a nap." A yawn finished her statement.

Cutter nodded, his brain still a little bleary from hell week. "At least the second leg of our journey back to base is pretty much nonstop. I plan on being dead to the universe the whole time." Unless she wanted to get up close and personal again.

He still struggled to believe they'd had sex in a causeway of the space carrier.

Really good sex.

No, more like amazing and fantastic.

Maggie snapped her fingers in front of his nose. "Cutter. Stop it." She leaned in closer to the table. "This is so not the place to be strolling down memory lane." Her gaze dropped to the table.

Cutter's lips quirked a little. She had as much trouble as he did trying to figure out the context of their new status… She glanced back up and gave him a wry smile.

Max and Maggie are one of my favorite couples to write. They feature in the Top Dog Pilots series and also have a couple of bonus scenes I'm working on.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Bad Chemistry (Uncivil Revolution book one)

Boo! It's the month of Halloween and creeptastic treasures! I love October. That said, it's also the time I need to start thinking and doing my holiday shopping. I do not want a repeat of last year when I waited way too long to get stuff done.

Had a busy week driving all over the place with my daughter. We had a college visit on Monday. I picked her up from the district tournament for golf on Wednesday. And I picked her up from her band competition because she needs to be up and out early in the morning. I forgot how much windshield time driving gives me. LOL

Not a bad week for television. I haven't started any of the new seasons of my faves yet. But… I did finish up Peter Gunn. I have a few ideas of what to replace that slot with but haven't landed on a specific one yet.

I caught two episodes of Blue Heelers. I'm still at the beginning of season two but I love this show. It has a great cast.

I started season nineteen of Midsomer Murders. I can honestly say I took the death of Sykes really hard. Seriously. Which is actually kind of sad but, man, that was one cool dog. The new one, Paddy, is also fun, but I had years' worth of Sykes antics to enjoy. Anyway… I like the new DS guy but I miss Charlie. I'm watching an episode with Jones in it and it kind of makes me nostalgic.

I got to watch two more arcs of Classic Who. The Claws of Axios and Colony in Space. I'll be starting a new one this week.

I also plan to watch the new Passionflix movie that released this week. I'm looking forward to it.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Bad Chemistry, the opening novella in the Uncivil Revolution series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lex Durban and Charlotte Martin do their best to survive in new world hierarchy, each with a different kind of target on their back. But when they have to undertake the dangerous task of moving refugees to a new location, Lex wants Char to stay behind so only one is in danger, but Char has other ideas.

And a sneaky peek…

Her rescuer drove at least a couple hours north out of the city. Char nodded off a few times, exhaustion claiming its due. She hoped they stopped before nightfall. Her ass ached from the ride and she'd kill to stretch her legs.

Okay, not the best choice of thoughts.

Dom didn't do much for conversation. He'd said nothing since he told her to hang on. Not that talking would work over the sound of the cycle. Char chose not to think about how fast they traveled along the road. Everything blurred when they flew past… enough for her to get dizzy if she tried to focus on an object.

Or maybe hunger made her feel that way.

An hour later, the bike slowed down and they turned off onto a bumpy, rutted lane. Char freaked out a little. On the back of a motorcycle, in the middle of nowhere, with a man she'd never set eyes on before. She had to be insane.

For all she knew, he could be leading her to a secluded spot to kill her. Nah. He could've stopped anywhere on the way. He meant no harm.

"You okay back there?"

Char jumped, his voice unexpected. She gave a jerky nod. "Yeah. Fine." As long as he didn't kill her.

The bike hit a deep rut and she gripped the jacket covering the man tighter. He maneuvered the cycle over to their right and the ride smoothed out. Another mile or so and he slowed down again, making a sharp left turn. Char held on and leaned with him, expecting to continue further onward. It took her a moment to realize he'd rolled to a stop.

He cut the engine. The lack of motion and sudden quiet brought on a wave of dizziness. Char swayed and Dom grabbed hold of her thighs to keep her upright.

"Whoa. Stay vertical. Just for a little bit longer." His foot kicked out the stand and set the bike. Char let go of him, less shaky now, and unfastened her helmet. She let the strap dangle and reached up, stretching her arms over her head. Closing her eyes, she tilted her head side to side. Movement in front made her eyes snap open.

Dom had removed his helmet and sunglasses, hanging both on the handlebars. He angled toward her, gaze solemn when it met hers. His hair, black as midnight, had rough, jagged waves from the protective head gear. And his eyes, cool and blue, looked tired.

Char licked her lips. "Who are you?" Stupid question, but she only knew his name… nothing else. And she really wanted to know.

Dom grabbed her hand and shook it. "Dom. Marinelli." He let go and continued. "Charlie called me. Right before—" He stopped and looked away, his mouth thinning down to a tight frown. Glancing back her way, he finished. "Charlie asked me to find you and get you to safety."

Tears pricked behind her eyelids. "Then I thank you." She reached up and removed the borrowed helmet. "Are you Charlie's outside contact?" She shoved the headgear toward him.

Dom took it and draped it over the other handle. "One of them." He eased back and swung a leg over the barrel of the bike. "But not the one he regularly leaked information to." Rising, he held out a hand.

She grasped it and all but slid off the bike in a heap. Dom caught her under the shoulders and kept her standing on two feet. She leaned into him for a moment then got her legs under her.

"Thanks. Need to walk out the kinks." She wandered around the area, taking in a tent, a ring of stones for a fire, and a small stack of something hidden under a big tarp.

Dom went over to the oil cloth and pulled out several large sized logs. Char decided to help and walked over to the tree line, gathering smaller twigs for kindling. She made her way to Dom's side and offered him her findings.

Dom's lips quirked. "Thanks." He stuffed the bits and pieces under the trio of logs.

Char crouched down beside him and her stomach growled. "I've never cooked over a fire before, but I'm willing to learn how."

And learn she did. Pretty basic stuff, they had canned stew, but Dom taught her how far to hang the pot over the flames. Not much of an accomplishment, but Char admired his patience. She worked with test tubes and samples and he seemed to understand.

After cleaning up, they stretched out by the fire and Char got lost in the flames. She mourned Charlie's loss, but said a silent thank you.

Dom broke into her thoughts. "Do you know what you want to do?"

Charlie blinked. "Honestly? No."

Dom nodded. "You've got a couple of options. You can try to gain access to one of the other sectors, seek refuge there. Or you can maybe find a spot in one of the refugee stations."

Char shuddered. "I'm pretty sure I'll have a price on my head. Coburn won't want to leave loose ends, and I'm definitely one of those." She gave him a questioning glance. "What are the stations?"

Dom gave her a level stare. "Have you heard the rumors? About the pipeline?"

Char shook her head.

He explained. "All around the country, families are being displaced. Some are locked out of the cities by the Sector Police. Some are forcibly removed from their homes in the outlying areas because the new districts are annexing their property for water and mineral rights. And some find ways to escape the oppressive atmosphere of the districts. It's not pretty in most of them."

Charlotte supplied an honest observation. "I had no idea just how bad things were. I can't believe we didn't get stopped on our way out of Chicago."

Dom's lips turned up. "I know three different weak spots in their patrol areas. We slipped out under their noses."

Char shook her head. "That seriously makes my head hurt to ponder." She shot him a sideways look. "I don't know what to do, here."

Dom watched her for a moment. "Take some time and think about it. I'll take you wherever you'd like to go."

Charlie felt tears well. "Are you sure? You did what Charlie and asked and got me out. Everything else is above and beyond."

Dom shrugged. "I usually make my way around to the stations anyway. Check in and see who's in charge and find out if they need anything." He chuckled. "If they do, I find a way to procure it."

Char's lips quirked. "Do I want to know how you do that?" She had a pretty good idea.

Dom gave it to her straight. "I liberate things not in use or left unguarded."

Char laughed. "You're a damned resourceful man." And she truly liked him. A lot.

I honestly love this story and how it has kind of grown and spawned a few more ideas. Dom is so much fun to write the sages decided he needed his own story.

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

ML Skye