Sunday Snippet: No Loss of Life

April is starting off with a bang. We've had seven days of volatile weather. Thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and another big drop in temperature with snow flurries. I thought for a while we might end up with a blizzardnado—complete with sharks. If you know you know. It's that time of year where keeping warm-weather clothes beside arctic gear isn't a bad idea.

Due to the crazy weather, I didn't get a lot of viewing in this week. I also had a full plate plus dessert of work projects. I'm very happy to have multiple things to occupy my time!

I did get another episode of My Life Is Murder in and loved getting to see Madison strut her stuff undercover. I'm going to miss this show when I'm finished watching.

Caught Midsomer Murder's final episode for this season. Enjoyed the mystery. I'm a little disappointed that it feels like the characters don't know much about each other. Winter has been with Barnaby for quite some time now and it seems like the interactions they've had in the past are quickly forgotten. Really the only thing that kind of irritates me about British mystery shows.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness. I think I'm going to like the new guys. I really enjoy Jack and Nikki together. The case was very confusing, but I ended up liking how things turned out.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. It's almost the end of Humphrey's run and I'm kind of excited to finish up and start Jack's journey. And also pick up with Humphrey and Martha back in England.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. Kind of fun to see some of Joan's old life collide with her new one. Not super thrilled that her friends thought she needed an intervention, but at least they came around by the end.

That's it for the life update this week. I'm hoping to get back on track this week, barring any weird and wild weather.

Tonight's post is from No Loss of Life, a novella that brings a couple together from opposite sides of a big issue.

Here's the miniblurb:

Brigit Hardy is an anti-government revolutionary who kicks the system in the teeth to incite change. Vlad Octavius is the government agent who has to bring her to heel. There's only one problem—Vlad hates what she does but can't disagree with her reasons.

And a sneaky peek…

Brigit rolled up the schematic of the train depot when a knock sounded on her door.

Tucking the plans into a cardboard cylinder, she stowed the container behind a cabinet and strolled to the entrance of her space to answer. "Well, gotta say I didn't expect company tonight." She stepped back, allowing her visitor to enter.

Vlad gave a shrug. "Er, I won't stay long. Mainly wanted to put it out there … if you need anything, help, errand-running, whatever. I'm in. Let me know."

Brigit's eyes widened a little. "Anything? How are you defining that word?" She might as well test the waters and possibly boundaries.

Because Vlad Octavius appealed to her on more than one level.

Vlad blinked but recovered quickly. "Uh … however you want me to." His gaze took on a smoky quality. "Anything can mean as little … or as much … as you want it to." He propped a shoulder on the jamb.

The man presented a picture of nonchalance. But … Brigit clocked the coiled readiness under the surface. He might be a newb to their movement, but he had training. Military? Cop? Or … something else?

She searched her gut to see if it mattered. He wouldn't be the first man to try gaining an edge with her. Moving with caution had saved her more than once. But she rather wanted to tangle with Vlad. In bed. Out of bed. Kind of didn't matter.

And that might not be a good thing.

Brigit cocked her head. "That mean you're on offer with regards to the anything?" Might as well go for broke.

Vlad barely shifted his position but somehow managed to convey a mix of sexy up-for-whatever and relaxed detachment. "Depends. Is this a stud service type of thing or a mutually beneficial arrangement?" His voice rasped from between his lips.

Brigit liked his quick responses. "Would it matter?" The back-and-forth banter kicked her libido into gear.

Vlad lifted one shoulder. "I'd prefer a mutual assignation but don't mind proving my worth if necessary." If possible, his gaze darkened even more.

Brigit gave a throaty laugh. "Good answer." She grasped his forearm and dragged him into the space. "Pretty sure the benefits will be mutually satisfying." Possibly on multiple fronts if she got really lucky.

I'm not quite sure where this story is going to go but I love the journey so far.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: No Loss of Life

I hope everyone who has a long weekend gets to enjoy the time off. We're continuing to be low-key and not really doing much more than our usual food fest of pizza, burgers, brats, and sides. I've been trying to balance cleaning and sorting with writing and editing work.

Had a really solid week of television viewing. I started out with Peak Practice. I had to skip an episode because it's not available for streaming.

Caught another Master Class lesson about graphic design. This one featured using photography in design. Got a few great ideas to maybe use for covers and marketing material.

Ended up watching a full episode of Blue Heelers and started another. The tension and conflict seems to be amping up and I'm not sure I really like it. It's gone a little into soap territory, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but it's not what I expected.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina pulled a fast one and made me shift my opinion a little on Zelda. This is a good thing. I really didn't like her at all until she chose Sabrina and Hilda over the high priest. I kind of hope he dies in a fire. I'm also not loving the teacher. Again, it might be residual Doctor Who dislike bleeding over.

Caught an episode of the Ready Room. I like Wil's enthusiasm and he asks some great questions. Looking forward to the recap of episode three.

Watched a couple of Passionflix originals. A holiday Quickie, The Merry Mistake, entertained with a mistaken identity vibe. That finished up the holiday fare from this past year. I also got to watch the premiere of Wicked and thoroughly enjoyed! I'm looking forward to more paranormal romance adaptations.

Got another episode of Chicago Med in. This one ended up being a good viewing with lots going on but fairly equal storylines.

Caught the opener of the third season of No Offence. Man. A gut-wrenching episode. I love, love, love Dinah and Spike's friendship. I have a sneaky suspicion he'll be moving up and forming the third point of the trio now. I'm okay with that.

Finished up the tenth season of Silent Witness and should start series eleven this week. This is an episode I remembered watching but I'd forgotten how it played out. Ended up really loving it.

Started the sixteenth season of Classic Who. New companion, new K-9, new multiple arcs with a single thread. I think I'll like through line with four-part arcs.

Last but not least, I caught another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one had a focus on police files. Pretty interesting.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from No Loss of Life, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Brigit Hardy is an anti-government revolutionary who kicks the system in the teeth to incite change. Vlad Octavius is the government agent who has to bring her to heel. There's only one problem—Vlad hates what she does, but can't disagree with her reasons.

And a sneaky peek…

Brigit Hardy skimmed through the latest reports from her main man on the ground. "Are these numbers accurate, Augie?" If so, twelve hundred families were being made homeless.

Augie Buchanan gave a nod. "Based on residency in the Greenwall Arms, yes." He sank down into the chair across from her.

She tossed his reports across the room. "Dammit! That's an increase of ten percent over the last six months." They were all being displaced from a block of tenant general housing.

Augie grunted. "You know development is the priority. Over the good of the people and the will of the people." He kicked his feet out and dropped his head to the back of the cushion.

White hot rage filled her. "We're not going to take this anymore. Not quietly." She paced in front of Augie. "Put the word out. Assembly meeting tonight." She paused a moment. "I'm going to make a speech to launch a new initiative." And make plans to ram the needs and wants of the people down the throats of the government.

Augie sat up and put his forearms on his knees. "Had a feeling might want to have a gathering." He met her gaze. "Probably not the best time to have you meet a newbie to the underground then, is it?" His shoulders slumped.

Brigit cocked her head. This is important to him. She didn't have siblings and Augie filled the role of a brother not to mention best friend. He'd never failed her and she didn't want to let him down.

She moved to sit across from him. "Why do want me to meet him?" She could take five minutes before her speech.

Augie shrugged. "He's got some good ideas." His lips quirked. "But he's green. Like I was when you took me under your wing."

Brigit chuckle-snorted. More like he stuck to her side so she didn't trip over him. And she wouldn't change a thing.

Now he had someone to bring along for the ride.

She grinned. "And you're picking up the torch? That's awesome, Augie. I'm proud of you." She fist-bumped his knee. "Bring him tonight and introduce me." Their movement could always use good ideas.

Not sure Brigit is going to be so thrilled once she actually meets the guy Augie wants to introduce but that's what makes the story fun!

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: No Loss of Life

January 14, 2018

Brrrrr!! It's crazypants cold in Ohio. We're having the standard bizarre weather. At the beginning of the week, we had an icy snow mix. My middle kidlet had his second spinout and almost took out a road sign. Luckily, the damage to his car is minimal and he didn't get a ticket. Thank you, Deputy H! On Thursday, it was almost sixty degrees. Friday started out around fifty-eight then steadily dropped over thirty degrees and dumped freezing rain and eight inches of snow. I'm at the point where I'm over the crappy driving conditions. I don't mind winter weather for the most part but I hate driving when ice is involved. Bleh.

The nice thing about the frigid temperatures is settling in with a good manuscript and watching movies or television. This week I got through the most of the back half of Chicago Fire. Some very emotional through lines, which I enjoyed. I'm liking the later season episodes much better than the first part of the season.

I'm hoping to start The Punisher this week. I've heard some terrific things about the season. Looking forward to more Frank Castle.

Also rewatching Hollywood Dirt on Passionflix. This steamy movie is so much fun. I'm a fan of the male lead anyway so I'm thrilled to have him in a hot and sexy role.

My regular shows return this week and I'm excited. Can't wait for more Arrow episodes. Also looking forward to the Black Lightning premiere.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from No Loss of Life, a novella that had a writing community prompt of write a story where one character is an antigovernment revolutionary and the other is a government agent fighting for the same cause in a nonviolent way.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Brigit Hardy is an anti-government revolutionary who kicks the system in the teeth to incite change. Vlad Octavius is the government agent who has to bring her to heel. There's only one problem—Vlad hates what she does, but can't disagree with her reasons.

And a sneaky peek…

Vlad Octavius waited impatiently outside the government council chambers. "Summoned to come immediately then made to wait. Not exactly how I wanted to spend my day." He glanced outside the wide expanse of windows, unable to enjoy the pristine view from the top floor of the high-rise.

The double doors opened and a harried clerk came out. "Agent Octavius, the director will see you now." He swept an arm toward the open office.

Vlad nodded and entered the room. The heavy wood slabs closed behind him with surprisingly quiet ease. The director glanced up and motioned for Vlad to have a seat.

He planted his feet hip-width apart. "I'll stand, thanks. If this meeting is what I think it is, I won't be here long." And they could dispense with any pleasantries.

Director Long settled back in his seat. "Has your ear been to the ground?" He steepled his fingers and rested his elbows on the arms of the chair.

Vlad snorted. "Doesn't need to be. The rumblings about the new government regime are pretty much out in the open." He pinned his old friend with a hard gaze. "Rich, you have to know how bad it is out there. The cushy job here in the ivory tower can't possibly put you completely out of touch." If it had… well, Vlad would lose some respect for the man.

Rich leaned forward, placing his forearms on the desk. "Vlad, you and I go way back so I'll let that slide. What I know about the plight of the city and what I can do about are vastly different subjects." He got up and came around the desk. "And you answer to the same leaders I do, but I don't have the luxury of having director to act as a buffer." Meaning Vlad should back off.

Okay then.

Vlad heaved a sigh. "What do you want me to do?" He'd hate the assignment, but Rich wouldn't have summoned Vlad if he didn't need the best.

Rich cut directly to the point. "Enter enemy territory and take them down from the inside."

Perfect. Even though Vlad half expected the order, he'd hoped it wouldn't come down to infiltrating the underground movement to resist the new government regime.

Rich quirked an eyebrow. "You going to have a problem with this assignment?"

Hell, yes. Because, frankly, Vlad understood where the protesters were coming from. Housing, food, medical assistance, all basic needs, were disappearing under the directive of the elected officials who were lining their pockets by privatizing the markets and raising prices beyond what most could afford.

Rich cleared his throat. "Vlad. I need to know if I can count on you."

Vlad lifted his chin. "Yeah. I'll go under." He waited a beat. "But I'll be going dark so don't expect regular status updates. We do this my way or we don't do it." He'd need to tread very carefully and live, breathe, and act as one of the resisters.

Rich moved back behind the desk and withdrew a file from the top drawer. "Your target is Brigit Hardy. She's become the leading voice of the underground." He handed the folder to Vlad, but kept a grip on it. "You need to watch your back. She's got a military background and significant experience with blowing things up." He released the file.

Vlad closed his eyes, his mind going back to his childhood. Both parents were victims of a radical bomber—something Rich had foreknowledge of considering he'd been with Vlad when it happened. They managed to avoid being in the car when the explosive device detonated because Rich ran back for his overnight bag.

Vlad tucked the file under his arm. "Thanks for the heads-up." His smooth delivery hid his underlying anger at the timing of the reveal.

Turning on his heel, he exited the office then growled his frustration. "A vocal leader with the potential to escalate to blowing shit up."

Perfect. Just perfect.

I like the potential for this story. I still need to do some brainstorming to iron out the details, but I can't resist two opposing sides working to find common ground even when they don't really want to.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: No Loss of Life

Whew. Can I say transferring data from old computers to new computers is a pain in the waz? It seriously is. Gah.

Anyway, moving files didn't stop me from watching my appointment television. Gotham is keeping me interested. Banshee, with only one episode left, has me hanging on the edge of my seat. Bitten keeps improving on the books. And I don't mean it's better or anything, but I like the changes so I don't always know what's coming next. And finally, The Walking Dead is actually kind of riveting lately. I absolutely love the almost scaled back tension and how it's building to hopefully something big.

Patiently waiting for Strike Back to return and Orphan Black very soon now. Need to watch the first two seasons again just to ramp up.

Tonight's post is from No Loss of Life, a novella pitting my main characters on opposite sides of an issue.

Here's the tagline:

Brigit Hardy is an anti-government revolutionary who kicks the system in the teeth to incite change. Vlad Octavius is the government agent who has to bring her to heel. There's only one problem—Vlad hates what she does, but can't disagree with her reasons.

And a sneaky peek…

Vlad seized the opportunity to formally meet Brigit, following Augie through the crowded space. When Brigit turned, Vlad missed a step, bowled over by the passion lingering in her eyes. What would it take to have her look at him with so much feeling? What the hell am I thinking? He shook off the foolish notion and waited for Augie to make the introduction.

Augie shuffled on nervous feet. "Er, Brigit, this is the guy I've been telling you about. Vlad Octavious, meet Brigit Hardy."

Vlad stuck out his hand. "Nice speech. You have a quite a presence." He winced when Brigit grasped his hand in a tight grip.

She smirked. "And I've made an impression then?" She pulled free and crossed her arms over her chest. "Why are you here?"

Vlad blinked but respected her caution. "To see what young Augie's been blathering about for days now." He stepped cautiously with his next words. "He's been keeping me out of trouble at the shelter, showing me the ins and outs. Listening to him has paid off so far. Couldn't refuse when he asked me to meet him here tonight." Close enough to the truth, her keen nose for bullshit should be fooled.

Brigit narrowed her gaze and tilted her head to one side.

Or not.

After several long moments, where she swept thorough head to toe once over, she straightened and tossed off a genuine smile. "Well then, welcome to the revolution."

She didn't wait for a response. Turning on her heel, she stalked away and headed for the closest exit.

Augie let out a quick laugh. "So, that's Brigit. Not one for small talk at all."

Vlad kept her in his sight until she left the building. "No, I guess not." He slid a slow glance toward Augie. "What did she mean by 'welcome to the revolution'?" Big moment time. He needed confirmation from Augie.

The young man flashed a grin. "It means you're in, man. When everything goes down, you'll be a part of it." He slapped Vlad on the shoulder and walked away.

Vlad cracked a smile. Pay dirt. He finally landed a prime spot in Brigit's inner sanctum. Now his work really started.

Taking the woman down before she started blowing stuff up.

Gotta say, Vlad has his work cut out for him. Brigit won't go down without getting her pound of flesh.

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

ML Skye