Sunday Snippet: Vice

The work project abundance continues. I'm plugging along and chiseling away at the four current projects I have on my plate—two copy edits, a proofread, and a developmental edit are the main events. I also have a set of revisions to review and a read through to start. It's chaotic but also … fun? I love that everything I'm working on right now is so different. Not one of the manuscripts is similar to the other ones.

As usual, totally unhinged weather in Ohio. It's cold. It's hot. It's both in one day. Rain, sun, gloomy clouds, and hey, a chance for more snow. I did get lucky and had a mostly clear night for the recent blood moon eclipse, which was amazing to watch. Being a night owl comes in very hand sometimes.

Had a limited viewing schedule this week, mainly because I needed to focus on the words in the manuscripts. I did get a few things watched. I might have to give binge watching something for background noise a go for the next few weeks.

Finished up Beyond Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed the first season finale. They packed so much into this episode. The case, Humph and Archie fight, more shenanigans from the Chief Super, Esther and Hump bonding, Margo being Margo, Kelby being Kelby, and of course, the crew from Death in Paradise at the end. I can't wait to watch the first holiday episode this week!

Caught an episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed it. Interesting interactions between the consulting trio and the police duo and twisty bits thrown in to keep things rolling.

Enjoyed an episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I definitely remembered and liked during my first watch of this series.

Watched an episode of Classic Rugrats and actually remember this one, which is odd because most of the ninth season has been new-to-me stuff.

Started an episode of London Kills, the opener to the fourth season. I had to stop partway through because I need to pay attention and this isn't the week for me to do that.

Also binged a marathon of Peter Gunn on one of the live PlexTV channels. I've been hitting Plex up for a lot of viewing fare lately and I might end up using it over the next several weeks for background noise. Stay tuned.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Vice, a novella where the characters get together despite it being a terrible idea.

Here's the miniblurb:

Mercy Flynn and Bishop Hiller, two of Space Station Titania's brightest employees, have many vices, but the biggest one for either? Each other. They have to live and work together and avoiding the temptation to take things into personal territory wears on each, making the thin line of professionalism very blurry.

And a sneaky peek…

Mercy escorted Ivan to his one and only meeting for the day. "Mr. Lemig, you're scheduled to review the mining contracts for Darbin's kelcite ore with Titania's commerce director. While you're occupied, I'll get to work on your requested itinerary for the rest of the day." She stopped outside one of the private conference areas. "If you finish early, please wait for me to return. The attendant will be happy to assist you with refreshments or entertainment modules." Opening the door, she ducked inside to make sure Rave Neptite had arrived.

Rave lifted his chin. "Mercy, I'm ready." He patted the stack of portable files.

Mercy smiled and made the introductions between the men before stepping out and sealing the door. She a beeline to Bishop with a list of activities the dignitary wanted to participate in. She almost couldn't wait to see his reaction.

He glanced up when she handed him the curated notes. "Gambling, the bathing chamber, and a visit to the private club. Is there no limit to this guy's need for debauchery?" Bishop snorted his disgust.

Mercy bit back a grin because he responded exactly the way she'd imagined.

She shrugged. "Apparently not." Folding her arms over her chest, she met his gaze. "What do you want me to do to get this rolling?" She hadn't given him the best news yet.

Bishop heaved a sigh. "Nothing. I'll make personnel assignments and get back with you before he's through with the contract reviews." He opened the employee roster.

Mercy grimaced. "Well … that might not work. The dignitary requested the two of us." Apparently, Ivan needed to posture and look important on top of being as depraved as possible.

Bishop growled. "Are fucking you serious?" He shot her a look over his shoulder. "Does he realize the less we know about his vices the better?" He put his head in his hands. "Great universe, help me." Grumbling, he straightened and reached up to pull down two handheld comp units.

Mercy huffed out a breath. "The universe could give two shits about us." If the great expanse cared, it would stop sending randy politicos their way.

She took one of the devices, opened the roster and synced her machine with Bishop's.

He got up. "Fine. Let's get started." Keying in two names, he swiped and sent them to her.

Mercy's lips twitched. "You're gonna be fun today, aren't you?" The dealer he'd chosen pretty much guaranteed Lemig would leave with much lighter coffers.

She kind of feared who Bishop would pick for the bathing chamber.

Bishop rolled his eyes with a grim twist to his lips and stalked out of his office.

Mercy let out a long exhale. "Gonna be a long, long day."

Enjoying this one. Mercy and Bishop are fun to write and throwing Ivan in there makes things interesting.

 

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

ML Skye