Sunday Snippet: Hot Rocks

Our temperature warmed up again but didn't get super-hot, so the week ended up being very nice. The leaves are starting to turn and are already falling to the ground. I'm sad the colors aren't nearly as bright as they used to be.

Had a busy work week with lots of potential new projects. I also had some extra time to finish up a fall holiday short story, which makes me so happy! I ended up getting a good chunk of writing done and hope that continues this week.

Ended up with a decent week of viewing television. I got a little distracted with writing so about one full round of my current lineup. Not bad all things considered.

Watched two episodes of My Life Is Murder. So far, I'm enjoying the series. I feel like I might get a little annoyed with Alexa, but it's early days yet and that might change. I do love the supporting characters and how Alexa's backstory is unfolding at a slow drip.

Got almost two episodes of Agatha Raisin watched. I'll be finishing the second one up later today. Another show where I love the supporting characters so much. And Agatha is a lot of fun.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness, which finished out season twenty-two. I thoroughly enjoyed Nikki knowing in her gut she hadn't made a mistake and then following that through to prove it. I was kind of bummed the assistant ended up being the reason for the problems. Also loved the additional case of the drug-trial testing and how that one played out.

Started season three of Death in Paradise. I've watched the episode before, but it's a great example of how to bring in a new character while giving the original a proper send-off. Looking forward to Humphrey's tenure.

Finished up Fantasy Island's second season. I ended up being fairly pleased with the lack of extended angst between Elena and Javier. So nice to see Ruby's daughter and follow that story. The wives' club fantasy ended up being pretty great also. If and when the writer and actor strike is over, I'll look forward to a season three if the show is renewed.

Caught another episode of The Batman and it's one I'd forgotten. I like having some different or lesser-known rogue characters. And the Alfred and Bruce interactions are fun in this series.

Watched a double-header of Battlestar Galactica with "Lay Down Your Burden," the season two finale episodes. So much to love and so much to not love about these two episodes. And I'm still completely amazed with how prescient this series ended up being. It's freaky sometimes.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Rugrats, which ended season five and ushered in the first movie and baby Dil. I'd completely forgotten about Charles's parents being in this one. Kind of cool to see them.

Also caught another episode of VIP. It's one I remember from way back in the day and a fun one, where Tasha actually give Val kudos. This is an over-the-top wild show but so much fun to watch.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hot Rocks, a novella that brings two characters together under horrible circumstances but also gets them to face their issues.

Here's the miniblurb:

Ava and Walt are taken by the enemy and subjected to torture. They won't find a better time to examine their long and storied past, right?

And a sneaky peek…

Walt closed his eyes. By the cosmos, I didn't miss her sassy mouth. Okay, maybe he did a little.

Walt grimaced. "As if existing didn't piss him off already?"

Ava's knack for keeping him on his toes—by questioning everything—might have prevented his headlong rush into attempting too many crazy stunts during the war and counted as the main reason he lived to help rebuild the galaxy. Dammit. She would have to be the one Woggins caught.

Ava snorted. "Can't argue that point." She hissed out a breath. "Dammit, this metal burns." She shifted her position, which brought his forearms into contact with the searing metal.

He winced but kept a grunt of pain behind his lips.

He hoped but couldn't be certain he got a signal blast out. If he did, he prayed one of their former platoon members bothered to check. But … since he had no way of being sure, he'd give the news to Ava straight-up with no chaser.

He shook his head. "No, I'm not stupid. If I keep his focus on me, you might have a chance." If they didn't scorch to death first.

Ava made a rude sound. "Right. Because Woggins will suddenly grow half a brain and understand the concept of mercy." She rattled the frame. "You're not stupid. You're delusional."

Walt didn't doubt he might be. "Maybe, but there's a chance—a slight one—and I won't give up until I know it's a bust. I used an old relay signal and might have got a coded message out." And … if only one of their former attack squad got the signal, they'd come.

Hopefully with reinforcements.

Ava huffed out an angry breath. "Care to share what's going on in your overly optimistic brain?" Her lack of faith came through loud and clear.

Before he could reply, Woggins strolled back in.

Walt lowered his voice. "Just follow my lead." He might be able to buy some time. "Now, Ava, you know Dim Shade Hollow wasn't our first battle campaign. We were on Rotten Ridge, remember? That crazy-narrow ledge on the side of Mount Waller." Getting a platoon with forty soldiers set up and ready for battle on that nightmare of a cliffside challenged all of them.

Walt would never forget his first look at Ava, dragging a rail cannon into position then unleashing a volley of explosive rounds on the Axis forces trying to get through the mountain passage below. Their squads eventually merged at the end of the campaign … mainly due to casualties.

Ava made a noise of acknowledgment. "Ah, yeah. That's right." She paused a moment. "First time we kicked the enemy's balls up to their teeth." She struck with a verbal barb. "Didn't we, Woggins?" Her head snapped back when Vince slapped her.

He snarled. "Sheer luck gave you red dogs the edge there. It sure as shit wasn't skill." He rattled the frame, making it tilt wildly.

Walt grabbed the hot steel, wincing against the burning pain. Ava's fingertips grazed his hands, then nudged them off the rack. He flexed his palms, trying to ease the discomfort.

Vince made a slow circle around them. "Enough strolling down memory lane. Time to get down to business." He jerked his head toward his two henchmen.

They made quick work of unhooking Ava and dragging her from the alcove.

Walt closed his eyes. "Fuck. So much for buying time."

I'm not completely sure where this story is going. Actually, I know where it's going but how it gets there is the part that's slowly coming together. I'm pretty happy with the direction so far.

 

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

ML Skye