Sunday Snippet: A Day in the Life

It's been an eventful weekend. On Friday night at my daughter's university campus, an individual fired multiple shots at a baseball game. Thankfully—and it pains me to say this at all because it shouldn't be anyone—only one person, a player for the opposing team, and the alleged target of the shooter, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect is already in custody and has already been charged by the county prosecutor for attempted murder and felonious assault, both charges have firearm specifications. I'm very happy no one else was physically injured and I'm terribly sorry for the opposing team's player and their family. It's a lot to endure.

It's a lot to endure for everyone. The university staff, baseball team, students, the local community, and the opposing college, their staff, team, and students now have a shared experience with, unfortunately, too many others. I'm so happy my daughter wasn't anywhere near the baseball field when this occurred and I'm very happy the other players are okay. Like I said, an eventful weekend.

On top of that, I had a full week of work projects and made good progress on all of them.

I also got some television in. I didn't have a chance to do my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica, but we're on the schedule for next week.

I did finish up The Mandalorian. Ended up enjoying the episode a lot.

Also watched Only Murders in the Building. I have a working theory on who the killer will be and I can't wait to see if I'm right.

Caught another episode of Pennyworth and I like how this show is coming together. Looking forward to finishing out the season.

Started Wednesday, based on recommendations from a bunch of my viewing friends. Loved the first episode and look forward to more.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats and I think I actually watched on I missed during the thousands of times we watched this when the kids were growing up. Kind of happy to have that happen.

Caught another episode of Midsomer Murders. Loved this one and laughed out loud a couple of times. I guess one more episode to finish out the season.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I'm at the midway point for season nine and getting more familiar with the new faces.

Started a new episode of Classic Who and should finish it up later tonight.

That's pretty much it for the life updated this week. Tonight's post is from A Day in the Life, which will hopefully end up being a companion read to Shyler: Finding Home at some point.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Alphie is a kick-ass droid who assists Inspector Shyler Lumen when she arrives on Furlough 99. He's also not afraid to offer unwarranted advice.

And a sneaky peek…

Alphie pinged the moment Inspector Sweetie entered the elevator with Mr. Galactic Mogul. The ride down in the lift would be quiet, just the two of them. Shyler's body language all but screamed she needed space.

Marshton gave it to her. He seemed to sense she didn't want idle chit chat or friendly banter. He stood back and away from her, owning his corner of confined space. She stood up close to the door, tapping her hand against her leg, no doubt impatient to see if Spider had worked his magic.

Which he had. Alphie had several messages for her.

Shyler moved quickly after the exiting the lift and strode directly to Alphie—her favorite porter, he hoped—and scanned her creds. His eyes blinked several times while he shifted from observation mode into animated stature.

"Inspector Sweetie! How lovely to see you again."

She ignored the stunned look on Mr. Galactic Mogul's face.

But her lips twitched just slightly when she responded. "Uh, yeah. Same goes." She actually bit back a grin. "Got anything for me this morning?"

Alphie tsked. "Girl, do I ever. What do you want first?" He produced a portable media device and handed it to her. "You've got three messages—two marked urgent."

The inspector pondered a moment. "Please play in order." She squared her shoulders, almost like bracing for impact.

Alphie shifted his gaze toward Marsh. "First is eyes only, priority flag."

Mr. Gray stepped away and told the inspector he'd go rustle up something caffeinated.

Alphie would swear her face softened a little. Interesting…

She shook her head and focused on the screen.

Alphie could resist nudging her. "He's got it bad for you, Inspector Sweetie."

Shyler rolled her eyes. "Just play the damn message, will you?"

Alphie cackled. He scored a hit with that one. But he ran the info as directed.

Shyler sucked in a breath. Twelve more survivors had succumbed to the toxin, but someone named Glib hung on by a thread. The docs estimated he had a thirty-six-hour window before he also would be past help.

The information didn't make her happy.

Not a lot of time to save her friend. Alphie hoped the next two messages put her in a better frame of mind.

He could tell she really wanted a save for this Glib fellow. 

Alphie ran the next message without a command.

Spider's face appeared on the screen. "I hack— Er … dug deep as you suggested, not so gently the second time … and relayed my findings to the guild members. They've all agreed to use non-lethal methods when they find Dr. X."

Spider couldn't see Shyler, the message being pre-recorded message, but he answered the question that no doubt popped in her head.

"Uh, yeah, Dr. X is the code name we've given him. I've got kick-ass security and it would be a bitch to hack my system…"

Alphie didn't need to see the video to know Spider's brain whirred with information.

"But this dude is smart. It's a precautionary measure in case he finds a way to have ears on our communications."

Shyler stared at the screen and her shoulders relaxed. Alphie did a quick scan and almost laughed. Spider sat back in his seat. His space looked messy and chaotic, with posters of hot chicks in scanty clothes mixed in with image files of known criminals or people of interest. Shyler smiled and Alphie suspected she'd liked the hit of normal.

Spider shrugged. "So yeah, I'll update when I have something for you. Late."

She grinned while the screen blipped and changed.

Spider's face popped back into view. "Inspector, they tagged Dr. X. I tried the swank digs, but you were gone already."

Alphie would never reveal how Spider knew where she'd spent the night.

His voice lowered a little. "They're bringing X here, to the hall. Coordinates are listed on the lower screen, if Mr. Moneybags isn't sure where to find us. Time—" He glanced at his monitor. "0850. Out."

The inspector noted the location and checked the time. 0855. Spider had almost literally just transmitted the message.

Meaning the timing couldn't be better.

Shyler gave a nod. "End playback. Thank you." She handed the media device back to Aphie.

He tucked it into a side pocket. "Sure thing, Inspector Sweetie. Go get him." He winked at her. "And snag the other one when you're done. He's a keeper."

Shyler laughed, drawing Marsh's attention as he returned with two beverages.

He handed one to her. CaffCola.

"News?" He waited until she'd taken several nice long sips before asking.

Smart man.

Shyler nodded. "The guild has Baj. They're escorting him to the hall. I've got the location."

Marsh's mouth settled into a grim line. "Let's go."

Shyler's next move rather surprised Alphie.

She laid a hand on his arm. "You don't have to, you know."

Even Alphie caught the flash of worry that leapt into his eyes before his resolve kicked in.

Marsh looked down at her hand but didn't comment on the gesture. "He's my brother. I let him push the envelope too many times. So yes, I have to." He shifted around, keeping hold of her hand. "I might also be of use during the interview."

Alphie's circuits cringed. Oh, dude, not the right thing to say.

The inspector's back went up, but Mr. Mogul didn't let her jerk her hand away. "Listen to me. I know what you're thinking, and this isn't a dig at your impeccable skills." He turned at the next junction, leading her along with him. "I can be useful. Unless you hold an honors degree in chemistry?"

Alphie switched to observation mode to follow the conversation.

Shyler snorted. "Right. Honors degree in Chemistry. I haven't forgotten."

"Then let me help. I can get Baj to tell me everything." He stopped their progress, turning her toward him. "I promise you this. Please, trust me."

The inspector considered the bizarre idea, and slowly nodded. "Okay, but here's the deal. I want Spider's people posted outside the room in case Dogo tries to take a runner. And I'm going to be watching, listening, and if necessary, coaching you."

Alphie switched back to porter mode. Inspector Sweetie had Mr. Galactic Mogul well in hand.

It's so much fun writing this companion story! Alphie is hilarious and just what Shyler needed in her life while on Furlough 99.

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

ML Skye