Sunday Snippet: Yearly Vigil

Whew. Ended up being a long week between work, home, and other projects. The biggest and best one is helping my daughter edit her final paper for her master's degree. I'm so proud of her!

I made a small dent in the great cleanout project. Didn't get a lot accomplished but made a bit of progress, which I'll take.

Finished up two work projects and continued on with two more. I have another two in flux and two new ones coming sometime this week. Excited to stay busy!

Pretty good week for viewing. I got through my full round of shows and finished up one from last week. I'm still working on one of the others.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it was one of my favorite episodes. I love a good masquerade or costume party.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries and enjoyed Gloria and Nick working together. Hope to see more of that in future episodes.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. The run-up to Neville leaving is turning out to be a lot of fun. And always good to see Dwayne back. Looking forward to the next episode.

Finished up the two-part Poirot and loved how the resolution came together. I like it when the infallible Poirot gets off on the wrong track for a bit.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed the mystery. Also enjoyed Joan handling her detractor and Sherlock acting as the support system afterward.

Enjoyed an episode of Batman Beyond. I remembered this one from my original watch. A lot of fun.

Caught an episode of Lower Decks and, again, ended up being equally charmed and annoyed. I think that's my standard for this show.

Finished up the Reacher episode from last week and wow. Gotta say I didn't see the ending coming, which is always a good thing. Hoping I can get a full episode in this week.

Almost finished an episode of Peak Practice. Things are getting very messy in the relationship departments for everyone, and Sam, whew, what a huge pile he's getting ready to step into.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yearly Vigil, a novella that pulls a couple together over a shared loss.

Here's the miniblurb:

Venessa Broyles makes a yearly vigil to the graveside of her former lover, Hamish Blesdale, where she runs into his best friend, Hogan Baird. What starts out as an awkward stroll down memory lane eventually brings two lonely souls together.

And a sneaky peek…

Hell, why do I care?

He cocked his head. "I care because Hamish loved you." And Hogan wanted to understand her mindset.

Why she would refuse the honor of having the flag.

Maybe because she'd killed his best friend. Indirectly, but the responsibility rested on her shoulders. When he figured out how he felt about that specific instance, he might be able to start the grieving process.

Until then, he needed to conduct himself as Hamish would expect. "He'd want you to have the flag."

Venessa shrugged. "I don't need a flag to remember him."

Hogan frowned. "Or to remember your role in his death." Harsh, but the shrug got to him.

She flinched like he'd slapped her, and he regretted the accusation, but he didn't take it back. He did blame her … a little. Might not be rational, but too bad.

Venessa popped the door open. "You're right. I'll never need a reminder about why he died." She moved behind the door, using it as a barrier between them. "Good that you came, Hogan. Hamish deserved to have the people who cared about him most to see him laid to rest." She slid behind the wheel.

Hogan put a hand on the top of the door. "If you change your mind … let me know." He met her gaze. "Take care, Venessa."

She blinked and gave a nod. "Yeah, you too." Then she pulled the door shut and started the engine.

Hogan didn't like the subdued but dangerous look in her eyes. He quickly made his way to his rental vehicle and decided to follow her. No matter how he felt about her role in Hamish's death or her current lack of emotion, he'd make sure she got home okay.

Pulling out behind her, he stayed a few car lengths back. "It's the least I can do for my best friend."

Pretty happy with how this story is coming together. Hamish and Venessa have a long road to travel, and I enjoy this journey.

 

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

ML Skye