Sunday Snippet: Fevered Pitch

I can't believe we're at the end of May already. The year is flying by a lot faster than I want it to. Then again, it's been busier than usual for me, so time is kind of relative right now.

Had a great week with work projects. I'm making steady progress on both and still enjoying them. It's so much fun when you love the work.

Had a somewhat limited viewing week. I'm trying to figure out the whole HBOMax is Max now and, oh, yeah, it includes Discovery+. I have both so I have to figure it all out. I won't be paying twice for the same thing.

I watched a double-header of Battlestar Galactica with the second and third episodes of season two. I can't say enough about how strong the first ten episodes are. This show rarely missed in the first two seasons.

Also caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I have so much love for this show. It also makes me happy when people pop back up. I kind of miss a few of the original recurring characters but it's nice to have the continuity this show tries for.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Who. I think I might have one or two left to finish out the classic run of episodes. Not sure if I'll start a new rewatch of the New Who or not, but I'm excited for the new doctor and the anniversary specials.

I'll be starting the second part of Silent Witness this week. I'm also going to change up how I do my viewing. I normally scroll through my streaming services and watch one show from each, but that hasn't been cutting it lately. I think I'll start watching whatever strikes my interest and go from there.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fevered Pitch, a bonus read featuring the characters from Mia's Choice.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After six months apart, Hal and Mia are finally reunited at the new space station. But Hal is unknowingly exposed to a virulent virus and brings it along from his last planetary excursion. He succumbs to the raging illness and Mia makes a fevered pitch to her former husband to save Hal's life before she surrenders to the same infection.

And a sneaky peek…

"Well, hello, Mia. It's lovely to hear your voice."

Mia swallowed a gag at the sweet tone her ex-husband used. "Can't say the same, Fredrick. But I appreciate you taking my call." As if he didn't already expect it.

Fredrick's tone changed after her greeting. "Why did you call, Mia? I've got a full schedule today."

Mia explained the situation and added her suspicions. "I have no doubt you're behind the virus, Fredrick. This whole thing smacks of your tactics." Especially since the planetary scans were clear.

Fredrick made derisive hum. "Regardless of where the virus originated, you must truly love this Hal if you're making a call to me of all people. Especially after the last time we spoke."

And that, right there, gave Fredrick's whole game away.

Mia gave a quick answer. "Make no mistake, Fredrick. I'd call the demon who rules the underworld if it means saving Hal's life. But your scheme backfired. Hal isn't the only one who's ill. If half the station goes down there will be a full-scale investigation, which won't bode well for you."

Fredrick tsked. "Such passion. If only you'd shown some when we were married."

Mia snorted. "If only you were worthy." She waited a beat. "But you weren't. Especially considering the way you treated me. Holding my father's position over my head to use and objectify me with your friends. Switching out test results to keep him beholden to you and keep me on a short leash. Contaminating the water supply of Hal's ship to put me in my place. And none of it worked."

Fredrick countered. "It's really too bad, my dear, that you have no proof of my misdeeds. You left with nothing but my name. But you took everything that belonged to me. "

Mia smiled. "You're right. But you just confirmed every horrible thing you did on a recorded line, and I won't hesitate to broadcast to the entire universe if you don't come through." She paused a moment then hammered the final nail. "Where will your precious research grants come from if that happens?"

Fredrick snarled. "You bitch. I'll make you pay for this."

Mia shook her head. "No, you won't. Never again. You can't touch me anymore." She straightened in the seat. "And you can consider the length of our marriage as payment in full for this little favor. And you have exactly twenty-four hours to provide the formula." She ended the communication to the choked sputters of Fredrick and the cheers of Jessup Main.

This started out as a bonus read but may end up as a sexy short. The characters have things they want to accomplish and they're stretching out the word count.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fevered Pitch

So far, June is shaping up to be a weird month. Work has slowed way down, which isn't an all bad thing. I've been very fortunate to have a steady flow when so many others have been furloughed or, worse, completely lost their job. That said, it's weird to have time on my hands so I'm hitting projects I've been putting off for ages. It's kind of wonderful and scary all at the same time.

Hit or miss week with television viewing. I haven't been watching as much as I normally do, mainly because I've been doing a good bit of writing. I did catch another episode of Danger Man. Almost finished with the second season.

I caught the penultimate episode of Arrow. Green Arrow and the Canaries ended up being more entertaining than I thought it would be. I'd watch the new version if it comes around.

Also started another episode of Riverdale. I'll be honest, I'm probably done after this season. Alice came such a long way and now she's back to being her obnoxiously overbearing self. I had so hoped she'd maintain her character growth. Bleh.

That's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Fevered Pitch, a bonus read featuring Hal and Mia from Mia's Choice.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After six months apart, Hal and Mia are finally reunited at the new space station. But Hal is unknowingly exposed to a virulent virus and brings it along from his last planetary excursion. He succumbs to the raging illness and Mia makes a fevered pitch to her former husband to save Hal's life before she surrenders to the same infection.

And a sneaky peek…

Hot. So hot.

Hal startled awake, his skin burning, head pounding, and muscles aching. Why do I feel like a space carrier hit me? He flung the sheet off and tried to sit up.

Big mistake.

Everything hurt. Moving. Not moving. The light in the room too bright, too bold, too … much.

He reached out for Mia but met air instead. What the hell? Where is she?

He made an effort to sit up again. "Mia?" His voice croaked and, holy shit, it hurt to swallow.

Gentle hands pushed him back against the pillows. "Whoa, Hal. Take it easy." A cool cloth pressed along his forehead. "Here, drink." She held a cup to his lips.

Hal drank, swallowing the blessedly chilled water in deep gulps. The liquid slid down his throat, soothing the scratchy ache. He lifted his chin when finished and she set the cup on the stand next to the bed.

She left the cloth draped over his head and picked up another one and worked it behind his nape to rest on his neck. "You're feverish and hot to the touch. How're you feeling otherwise?" Her cool fingers laced with his.

Hal moaned. "Like I got run over with something big and ugly." He met her gaze. "I'm sorry. This sucks." So much for an extended reunion.

A knock sounded on the door and Mia rose to answer.

Jessup Main came strolling into the bedroom with his medic bag and ready smirk. "I expected you two to be too hot to handle for a couple of days, but not in the literal sense." He dropped the bag on the end of the bed and fished out his multi-unit, a mini-device that recorded health information and helped diagnose problems.

Hal groaned. "Dammit, Mia. Did you have to call Dr Snark?" He submitted to the bright light shined in his eyes but not without flinching.

Jessup frowned. "Your attempt at humor notwithstanding, this isn't good. Your temperature is too high, your pupils are more reactive than normal, and I'll bet your entire body feels like a festering wound." He switched out his multi-unit for an ice pack and activated it. "You've got something going on but here's the kicker…" He paused a moment. "I have no idea what the hell it is." His gaze swung toward Mia. "I think we will need to do a blood draw, just like you insisted." The ice pack took the place of the cloth behind his neck.

Hal shook his head. "Wait. What're you saying? Did we bring something back with us from the last planet?" His brain spun. "Is anyone else down with this?" How did the sensors miss the contaminant?

Dr Main rolled a shoulder. "I won't know where we picked this bug up until I take a look at the labs, but I'll be tracking the crew down to do some testing and find out if anyone else has it." He made short work of collecting two vials of blood.

Hal sent Mia a frustrated glance. "Put out a call. Have the Queen Amalie crew report to sickbay on the ship to be tested. And make sure anyone on board stays there." The entire station could be exposed by now.

He should be the one making the announcement.

Mia frowned. "Why not use the infirmaries here?" She tilted her head to one side.

Hal exchanged a look with Jessup.

Mia closed her eyes. "You're trying to limit the exposure. Keep this contained." She waved her hand between them. "Might not work because, well, we're not the only ones who had a single-minded idea of how to spend the next few days." She got up to make the call.

Hal muttered. "At least you have clothes on." He had a sheet, which frankly, felt more like a scratchy blanket.

Jessup snorted. "Trust me when I say this. You don't want clothes on right now. Think inferno and standing in the middle of it." He riffled around and pulled out several more cold packs.

Hal huffed out a breath. "Already there." He met his medical officer's gaze. "Why didn't whatever this is tag any alarms? I mean, I get this could be something we've never seen before, but the wide spectrum we use should've caught anything foreign." Fatigue made his head hurt more.

Main gathered up the vials and tucked them into a case, which he stowed in the bag. "Not sure yet, but I'll find out. In the meantime, I want Mia to keep you filled with fluids and I've already ordered an array of fruit to be left outside."

Hal narrowed his eyes. "You took precautions already." And why wouldn't he? Not the first time they'd dealt with contamination.

Jessup nodded. "Based on Mia's description of your symptoms, I figured you had some kind of bug. The fact we don't know what concerns me, but a virus is a virus. At least in the initial stages." He snapped his case closed. "I'll keep you posted. Take it easy and try not to be a pain in Mia's ass." He passed her on his way out of the bedroom.

Mia carried a tray with pre-ordered fruit. "Looks like all your favorites." She settled on the side of the bed and placed the food next to him. "Think you can eat anything right now?"

Hal picked up some watermelon and tried some. The cool fruit soothed his throat but he really wanted to sleep more.

Mia cajoled him into finishing the small bowl and talked him into drinking more water before she let him get comfortable again. He kept the ice pack behind his neck and Mia put another cool compress along his hairline.

Wrung out, he took her hand. "I'm gonna be fine. You know that, right?" Worry lines marred her forehead.

She gave him a quick smile. "I know you're determined to be okay. We'll see that how that works out for you." Smoothing her hand over his cheekbone, she leaned in to kiss his temple. "Rest for now."

Mia settled into the chair perpendicular to the bed and he started to drift off.

Not exactly how I thought the next few days would go.

A longer than usual preview, but I loved how this scene came together. Hope everyone enjoyed.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Every Last Drop

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. I'm having a low-key day, which is kind of nice. The past week has been crazy with weird weather—we had snow yesterday … in May—and a lot of uncertainty about how safe it is to start getting back out there and mixing with people.

Had a semi-decent week of television viewing. I'm finally caught up on the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover and, yeah, I'll save my thoughts on it for last.

Otherwise, I caught a few more episodes of Danger Man. Again, these were two I don't remember in my first run through of the episodes. I really love this classic.

Speaking of classics. I finished up the third doctor's run in Classic Who. I thoroughly enjoyed Jon Pertwee's portrayal. Up next, is the fourth doctor and I'm ready to dive in.

Caught another episode of The Heart Guy and liked it. I have to say it's kind of odd how much I like Hugh because he really is a bit of a dick. But there's a good heart, pardon the pun, under his arrogance and immaturity. I actually had a moment of intense dislike for his boss when she spent the money he cajoled out of Nathan for an MRI on regular supplies. The jury is still out on that situation. I think it was a major smack and her level of smugness irritates me on the regular. Then again, she's dealing Hugh so there's that. My last thought on the show for this week is really hoping the sister-in-law doesn't do anything stupid like hook up with Hugh again. I don't hold out much hope because that's a hard trope to ignore and the messy fallout is hard to resist.

Also caught the opener of season two Peak Practice. I kind of like where Will is right now. I'm a little weirded out by the whole trying to pray a daughter's asthma away plot line but overall a good episode.

I got to watch another Cirque du Soliel performance with Zed. This one ended up being the whole show from start to finish and, wow, what a show. I'm going to try to catch it again later this week. There's always so much going on I miss stuff.

Started episode three of Picard but CBS All Access is crap for streaming at my house. I have no idea why, but I literally struggle to get episodes watched. Very frustrating.

Last but not least … Crises on Infinite Earths. I give the whole thing a ten out of ten. Backtracking a little, losing Oliver in the opening episode? Bold choice. I can honestly say, I loved everything about the Supergirl portion of the crossover even if it broke my brain.

Following up with Batwoman, what a kick-ass episode. I loved the additional cameos and throwbacks and mash-ups. Having Kevin Conroy as a live-action Batman, albeit a broken one, rocked. Anyone who's a huge fan (um … definitely me) of Batman the Animated Series should have enjoyed the voice actor in this role. I liked the bonding Kate and Kara did too.

Moving on to The Flash, again, thoroughly enjoyed the episode even if, by this point, I decided to have a full box of tissues next to me. I think because I knew what to expect everything hit harder emotionally. I loved the way they brought the Black Lightning 'verse into the fold; a solid choice with Barry and Jefferson bonding over shared circumstances.

The Arrow episode almost did me in. I won't lie. I spent most of it in tears. And they were actually good tears even if I ended up ugly crying for a lot of it. Part of the reason is because Arrow is the first, the show that launched it all and the one I've followed from the very beginning to the very end. I've caught the others, watched a good bit of The Flash and Legends, a little of Supergirl and a smattering of Batwoman, but Arrow is my Arrowverse show. I'm truly, completely in awe of Stephen's performance not only in the crossover but also over the eighth season so far. There's a lot of nuance to his acting and I'm impressed.

The falling action in Legends of Tomorrow didn't stop the flow of tears but the much needed lightness interspersed with the final battle ended up being a good mix. By the time they held the memorial I was literally laughing while sobbing. Not a good look for me but for the crossover an excellent ending. Seeds have been planted and it'll be fun to see how everything shakes out. I'm actually excited by the Earth Prime concept and I loved the voiceover from Oliver kind of laying the groundwork. By the time Barry unveiled the table and with it the hint of a Justice League story I was raring and ready for another crossover. Even if it'll be super weird without Oliver.

So … those are my random thoughts on what ended up being an emotional week of television viewing.

Tonight's post is from Every Last Drop, a bonus read featuring Effy and Jonah from Unlawful Acts.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A bonus scene where the last cup of coffee can make or break someone's day … depending on who gets to it first.

And a sneaky peek…

Effy exited the tiny bathroom—the type found in airplanes—and settled back down in her seat.

Jonah smirked. "Coffee goes right through you." He adjusted the camera angle on the second monitor.

Effy rolled her eyes. "Never been so glad not to have to leave the van to answer the call of nature." The recording unit kicked on and she picked up headphones, but placed them back on the small counter. "They're bitching about their takeout order."

Jonah noted the time in the logbook then turned to face Effy. "So … you're saying it was a good idea to hold out until the commissioner agreed to adding the head, right?" He'd gone to the mat to have the extra feature outfitted on their new mobile observation unit.

Effy shrugged. "Sure, it gives you some extra points." Her shoulders slumped. "Actually, having the shower included really bags you the bonus score. That's a nice bit of icing on the cake." Kicking back, she reached into her duffel and pulled out a deck of cards.

Jonah narrowed his gaze. "Should I be insulted?" Up until now, they'd been keeping up a steady stream of conversation.

Effy waggled her eyebrows. "Nope. Thought we might make things a little more lively." She nodded toward the empty thermos. "We should keep the full one in reserve or we'll both be ready for a nap before our shift ends." Shuffling the cards, she stacked them on the empty space between them. "What do you say? High card strip?" Her finger tapped the top of the deck.

Jonah hedged. "I say we've been really lucky. So far, no one is wise to our extracurricular activities … yet." He glanced at the cards, weighing the odds they wouldn't get caught in a compromising position … because their game wouldn't stop at taking clothes off. "We'll run a heavy risk if we engage at work." Again … the first time they hooked up had been in the locker room at the precinct.

Effy nodded. "You make a good point, but let me counter with this…" She turned over a two of clubs and placed it in front of him. "We've got proximity sensors around the van and outside the entrances of the townhouse…" She flipped another card over—a king of hearts—and shook her head. "We'll get an alert if anyone shows up outside here or at the residence." Her fingers edged the fabric of her T-shirt upward. "What do you say now?"

Jonah's lips curved in a wide smile. "I think unlawful acts are becoming the norm for us." He motioned with his hand for her to shed her shirt.

Effy grinned and yanked it over her head. "Thought you might get with the program." She dropped the garment on the floor and snagged another card.

The ace of spades.

Looked like he'd be losing an item of clothing this time…

I have a lot of fun writing bonus scenes. Sometimes revisiting characters at a different point in their relationship can be a nice little window into their status.

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

ML Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Everyone Has a Skill

As usual, the weather in Ohio is all over the map. A balmy fifty degrees one day and single digits the next. It's crazy.

I'm working my way through my binge watch of Hawaii Five-0. I'm currently in season 4 at the halfway mark. I'm rather happy with the continuity to this point. When shows play with their history and / or rewrite it, I get a little cranky. (I'm looking at you NCIS: LA)

Need to catch up on The Librarians and Teen Wolf. Definitely looking forward to the return of my regular shows later this month.

Tonight's post is from Everyone Has a Skill, a bonus free read featuring Lita and Ollie from All Jacked Up.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A bonus scene where our heroes are trapped behind enemy lines and only one paid good attention during survival training. The other had more fun memorizing the armory's weapon selection.

And a sneaky peek…

Ollie stirred the contents of the pan over the fire. The stew would be bland, but at least filling. The ginsa root's pungent flavor when raw turned into a much milder taste when cooked.

Lita burst into the clearing, carrying a handful of something with her. "Hey, look what I found." She waved the green plants back and forth then brought them closer.

He grinned. "Wild leeks?" Taking them, he rinsed the tender greens with some water and started slicing them into the pot.

She quirked a brow. "Don't sound so surprised. I'm not a total moron." Dropping down to her haunches, she sniffed the bubbling soup.

Ollie snorted. "Never said you were. I asked if you slept through survival training." He finished cutting the leeks and wiped his knife off. "That'll liven up the stew."

Lita nodded. "Actually smells good." Her tongue darted out, swiping over her lower lip. "Here's hoping it tastes halfway decent." Laughter sparked in her gaze.

Ollie put his hand over his chest. "Ouch." He stirred the stew one more time then dished it into two cups. "Let's find out, yeah?" Handing her one, he settled down beside her.

Lita took a tentative bite and lifted a shoulder. "It's not five-star dining, but, hey, it's better than anything I'd ever cook." She tapped her cup against his.

Ollie accepted the praise. "At least we won't starve before we can make it to the extraction point." He dug into the meal.

Lita gave him a long, considering look. "Looks like I'm going to have to find a way to repay you." A sexy smirk curved her lips and she waggled her eyebrows.

Ollie chuckled. "Given your imagination, that should prove interesting."

Lita set her dish aside and crawled around to straddle his lap. "You'd better believe it."

Lita and Ollie are very fun and having them rely on each other sparks their attraction, then draws them into a deeper relationship.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Every Last Drop

A very Happy New Year to all!

Hope everyone survived the holiday season and 2017 is starting out with peace and joy.

I finished up my Great Holiday Show Binge Watch Extravaganza for the most part. Mainly single episode shows from a wide variety of dramas. I still have a couple of shows on my DVR that I'll watch after everyone goes back to school and work.

Started a binge watch of the reboot of Hawaii Five-0. After watching the Christmas episodes, I had enough interest to start the series. So far, I'm enjoying the reboot and started season two yesterday.

Looking forward to the return of my regular shows this month.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Every Last Drop, a bonus scene featuring Effy and Jonah from Unlawful Acts.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A bonus scene where the last cup of coffee can make or break someone's day… depending on who gets to it first.

And a sneaky peek…

Effy tucked one of her stakeout bags under the chair in the van. She always came prepared, especially when surveillance only required minimal effort. Changing a camera angle or adjusting a microphone didn't take a lot of work.

But someone needed to man the controls and they always worked in teams.

Setting up the equipment, she muttered. "If Jonah sicced Piney on me, I'm going to cheerfully kill the man." She grabbed a thermos from her second duffel and chuckled. "At least I got the last of good stuff.

The back door opened and Jonah popped his head inside the van. "What's this about cheerfully killing me?" He ambled up inside and dragged a large canvas satchel in with him.

Effy blinked, surprised beyond reason. "What're you doing?" Complaints about Piney aside, she hadn't expected Jonah to take the shift.

Jonah shot her a lopsided grin. "Apparently not dying tonight." He unzipped his case and rummaged around. "Cheerfully, though? Geez, Effy, that's a little harsh, isn't it?"

She lifted a shoulder. "Maybe. But since it's not a cause for concern, we'll just forget I said that, right?" Her brain couldn't quite wrap around the idea of Jonah doing surveillance with her.

Jonah glanced up. "Good. Now that we've established you're not going to kill me, I can deliver the bad news."

She braced for the worst. "Please tell me Piney's not outside waiting to ruin my night."

Jonah laughed. "Come on. I wouldn't do that to you." He waggled his eyebrows. "Especially since you were up until the wee hours this morning." He sobered. "Actually, we're pulling a double, meaning you'll be up until dawn again."

Effy straightened. "What? Why?" Wait, why complain?

At least she had a hot man to spend the next eight hours with.

Jonah pulled out another thermos of coffee. "How about I sweeten the deal with some manna from heaven?" He set the carafe beside hers. "You're not the only one who has pull with the galley crew."

Effy smiled. "Consider me all in for the double then."

Not much of a date night, but they didn't flaunt their couple status to anyone.

And Jonah ranked way higher than Piney Underwood ever would.

I love to write bonus scenes and revisiting Jonah and Effy is so much fun.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Every Last Drop

Hi!

I hope everyone who celebrates the 4^th had a safe and happy one filled with lots of fireworks!

Some great TV even with the holiday week. Defiance keeps getting better… and darker, which I love bunches. Dominion also keeps me coming back. I'm not quite sure I have everything down but I like to be kept guessing. Forgot to mention The Last Ship… loving it. I have a thing for shows with ships and combine it with a mutated virus, I'm totally there.

Tonight's post is from Every Last Drop, a bonus short story tying in with Unlawful Acts.

Here's the tagline:

A bonus scene where the last cup of coffee can make or break someone's day… depending on who gets to it first.

And a sneaky peek…

Jonah grabbed the last cup of coffee from the dispenser and the galley crew came in to clean up the huge vat. The process would take at least half an hour. Jonah's lips twitched when he heard crashing footfalls outside the mess hall.

Effy came dashing through the open door and skidded to a halt, a low growl coming from her. "Dammit!" Her gaze shifted to Jonah, narrowing. "You moron. You took the last cup, didn't you?"

Jonah's eyes widened. "Wasn't me. I've been here at least fifteen minutes." He took a long swallow of the bracing liquid.

Effy snorted. "Really? The steam wafting off that giant mug says otherwise." She crossed her arms in front of her chest.

Busted, Jonah shrugged. "Maybe you should get your ass out of your rack a little earlier." He moved forward, stopping beside her. "Briefing's in fifteen." He took another swallow, but didn't turn to leave.

Effy smirked. "Speaking of. Did you figure out who to put Piney with yet?" Her hand reached out and snagged the mug from Jonah.

He didn't object. Effy took a large gulp, closing her eyes in bliss when the caffeine-infused wake up jolt slid down her throat.

Jonah shook his head. "Not yet. But I'm sure you'll tell me who it should be." He took the mug from her hands and barely got a sip before she launched into a list of prospects. She laid her hand on his forearm. "But, yeah, don't stick him with me. The guy never shuts up." She took the opportunity to grab the cup from his hands when he shook his head.

He quirked a brow. "Meaning you can't get a word in edgewise and that pisses you off." Effy rolled her eyes and downed the contents of the cup. "No, but it sure makes for a long four hours in the back of a stakeout van." She set the cup on the table for the galley crew to retrieve.

She walked past Jonah, bumping her shoulder against his, the only thanks she'd provide. He chuckled and fell into step beside her.

After turning the corner to a quieter corridor, Effy leaned in, keeping her voice low. "You know, if you didn't keep me up half the night doing wicked, wonderful things in my rack, I might roll out of bed a little earlier." Her hand smacked him on the ass and she ducked into the head, no doubt to splash cold water on her face.

A single, shared cup of coffee wouldn't be enough to totally get her in top condition.

And he had kept her up until the wee hours of the morning.

Effy and Jonah are a fun couple to write and this bonus short is coming along very nicely. Should be available as a free download after the release of Unlawful Acts.

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

ML Skye