Sunday Snippet: Event Horizon

Wow. June is kicking my ass and it's only seven days old. I'm choosing to look at the beginning of the month as the bottom of the well and it can only get better, because I won't be able to handle another appliance going down. Thankfully, delivery services are available on Sunday and I have shiny new fridge to replace the one that died on Friday. And my coffeemaker decided to be wonky this morning so, yeah, I'm still trying to troubleshoot that one. Glad I can pour over in an emergency.

Other than the appliance fiasco, the weather is all over the map, which isn't unusual in Ohio. More chilly days and a few really humid ones. Rain, wind, and little bit of sun. We're supposed to have a drippy week, which is okay because I don't think it's supposed to be severe weather.

Pretty decent work week. I finished up a few projects and should be close to finishing up the one that won't seem to end. Started a new proofread and I'm making good progress on it, even with the appliance distractions.

Had an okay viewing week also. Made it through my usual list of shows but didn't get to the back-burner ones.

Started the week with half an episode of Foyle's War. Should finish it up this week and move on to the bonus episodes.

Also caught the season twelve finale of Brokenwood Mysteries. Really enjoyed this season and hope to have another one because this is definitely a comfort show.

Watched an episode of Death in Paradise. Loved getting some good character building for Seb. I'm also looking forward to getting some for the new sergeant.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. This one took a bit of a twist and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next episode.

Elementary finished up a two-parter and the resolution ended up being fun. Also loved Sherlock's excitement about becoming a godparent.

Caught another episode of Young Justice and quite enjoyed it. Very fun to see Wally face his disbelief in magic.

Loved watching an episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. The callbacks to other series are such a delight in this show.

That's pretty much it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Event Horizon, a novella that brings a couple together when one has a big secret.

Here's the miniblurb:

Casey meets Oliver on a transport flight to celebrate his dad's retirement. They hit it off, but Casey has a big secret … she's the reason Oliver's brother didn't pass the flight test, and the way she did it could get her court martialed, especially if the old man finds out.

And sneaky peek…

A weird sense of calm settled over Casey. She'd thought she might be hauled in front of a review board or have formal charges slapped on her. But this … definitely unexpected but oddly okay.

Casey finished buttoning her uniform shirt. "If you're going to file formal charges, I'd prefer to have them in writing and served through proper channels." She met the elder Stephas's gaze. "And if you're going the review board route, I'll turn my credentials in to the acting commander and assume I'm on administrative leave until a hearing can be scheduled." Her matter-of-fact tone surprised everyone … including her.

Oliver shook his head. "Casey, no. This isn't going to come to that."

Orin gave a rude snort. "So, you're taking her side?" He went for the jugular and became obnoxious. "She must be one hell of a good fuck."

Orwen sputtered. "Dad, what the hell?"

Casey didn't resist this time. She punched Orin in the face. His head snapped back, but he recovered quickly, grabbing a handkerchief from his pocket.

She flicked her gaze to Oliver then back to the old man. "Whether I'm a good fuck or not doesn't come into play here." She wouldn't let him try to shame her for making a personal choice to be with his son.

Orin narrowed his gaze but not before a gleam of respect lit in the depths. "It does if I file charges."

Both brothers blinked at the insinuation.

Casey's heart sank now … because, shit, she didn't want her intimate details strewn about for any and all to observe, mull over, and use as fodder for the gossip mill. And they would be because all the Stephas men were witness to her action.

Orwen made a garbled choking sound. "You're not gonna do that, Dad. She saved my life." He raked a hand over his head.

Orin snarled. "No, she almost got you killed. She gave you a passing grade, when you failed the written tests."

Orwen shook his head. "If she bumped my grades, she had a good reason."

Orin's eyes bugged out. "I can't imagine what that could be."

Orwen's voice dropped to a low tone. "Then try this one on, Dad. She did it to prove to the one person in the universe—namely you—that I don't have what it takes to fly." His voice hissed to a whisper on the last three words before he met and held his dad's gaze. "And I never will, because I don't want to." He didn't look away when Orin flinched as if struck.

Casey's heart broke for the youngest Stephas, but pride filled her at his show of conviction. That probably needed to be said a long time ago. And she now wondered if Orwen had an inkling of what she'd done because he didn't seem surprised at all.

This story took a couple of turns I didn't expect, and I'm having a lot of fun writing Oliver and Casey.

 

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

ML Skye