Sunday Snippet: Table of Lies

Welcome, December! I'm truly not sure what this month will bring. I'm at a weird place where I feel kind of stuck and a little buried under the weight of needing to get things done … but I have no idea where to start.

Work slowed down a little, which isn't a great thing. But it did give me some time to spend with my daughter when she came home for Thanksgiving break. I'm so grateful for that time. And December still looks to be booked with projects for the most part.

The temperature did drop but didn't quite dip into the teens. I'm really not ready for the arctic blast yet. But it does help get me in a mood for the holidays.

Had a semi-decent week of viewing. My sleep schedule is all over the place again and that doesn't always make for a good attention span.

Watched the season two premiere episode of London Kills. Nice to see Billie back in action. I'm interested in the ongoing arc from season one. This cast is stellar, and I love the changing dynamics between them.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm starting to find some redeeming value in Neville. I liked the way he kind of helped Florance. Really not sure about Marlon.

Enjoyed part one of Silent Witness. Loving some inside looks at Jack and Nikki and the mystery is kind of amazing. I have no idea where things are going and that's always fun.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Mycroft is an ass and maybe that's a good thing. He definitely has some explaining to do. I do give him kudos for being able to manipulate Sherlock even if I hate that he could. And I'm going to be really pissed if Sherlock decides Joan is his weakness and starts acting like a bigger ass than Mycroft.

Caught an episode of The Batman and it's one I don't remember watching previously. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Having a team that is completely opposite of Batman and Robin was fun.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I think it's the final one where the whole episode is one story. I kind of wish there were more of those.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Table of Lies, a novella that features one of my favorite tropes of meeting the wrong brother first.

Here's the miniblurb:

Nichelle Stohl finally has her life on course—she's an instructor at the coveted academy of military science and she's testing the relationship waters for the first time since a truly horrible break up. Then she meets Garth Fillion—her boyfriend's brother—and her world tilts sideways.

And a sneaky peek…

Garth Fillion returned from a lunch meeting and grinned when he noticed the message light flashing on his computer. "Hope that's Quint getting back to me." His brother's concept of time didn't always reflect reality.

But Garth wouldn't trade his younger brother for anything on the planet. They might be opposites in almost everything, but Quint never failed to brighten things up wherever he went. Before their parents got divorced, Quint made life bearable when the arguments got out of hand by using humor to drown out the yelling and shouting from both adults. Garth tried to be the one to ease the strife, and usually got caught in the middle. Quint would usually come down and drag Garth away with a lame excuse—like Quint needed help with his homework—then get into his stash of snack foods to share before regaling Garth with bad jokes.

Garth shook his head. "Those jokes haven't improved since grade school." And if he sometimes wished Quint would dial back the antics, Garth rarely expressed that hope.

Because Quint used humor as a release valve and deserved to cope however he wanted to … especially after their turbulent childhood.

Pressing the icon on his monitor, Garth listened to his brother's message.

"Yo, G-man. Can't wait to see you, even if I have to share you with the ministry defoffs."

Garth snorted at the nickname his brother gave to the defense officers on base next to the military academy.

The one their dad and Garth each graduated from and where Quint currently spent his days. Garth had to monitor an inspection of a newly launched program for the ministry. One of the new responsibilities he'd inherited when he'd accepted his position in the ministry of defense.

Quint added a parting shot. "Also, I won't be on campus. I crash at my girlfriend's place on the weekends. Stop by after six for dinner. We'll catch up then." He rattled off the address then signed off.

Garth's eyes widened. "Girlfriend. Huh." A new development since they'd spoken last?

Or … one of Quint's practical jokes? With Quint, Garth didn't know for sure. He could end up in the middle of nowhere with Quint laughing his ass off.

Garth jotted the address down. "Not in a neighborhood I'm familiar with." He'd double-check the mapping program before heading out this weekend.

I love exploring different variations on a theme. Meeting the wrong brother first opens up a lot of possibilities. Garth and Quint are fun to write and throwing Nichelle into the mix is a lot of fun.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Table of Lies

We're supposed to get dumped on by winter storm Izzy. I don't know, six to eleven inches doesn't seem like getting hammered by snow, but it'll make driving very not fun.

Had a great work week and started a new project. Also got another haul of books that I've already cracked open and started reading. I'm gonna need another bookcase in the near future.

Decent week of television also. Caught two episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life and kind of enjoyed them. They're super short and rather fun.

Finished up an episode of Silent Witness and started a new two-parter. This show continues to make me happy. Although Leo is being a bit of a shit and that disappoints me.

Caught two more episodes of Classic Who. The Master returned, which is kind of meh for me. I'm not a fan of his weirdness or one-note return to evil.

Watched two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Both focused on hauntings and one featured giants and the other had a creature called the kushtaka. I found everything fascinating. Gotta watch more shows about Alaskan lore.

Finished out season five of The Muppet Show. Johnny Cash, Buddy Rich, Linda Ronstadt, and Roger Moore were the guest stars. I'll probably start a new muppet series this week.

Caught two more episodes of Fosse Verdon. I feel like I missed out on so much by not really following this as it all happened. I didn't really get into Broadway shows until my late twenties, which is almost a decade after Fosse died.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Peak Practice. I'm nearing the end of season six and they've tackled a lot this season. Kind of looking forward to Claire having the baby to see where things go from there.

I finished up the first season of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. Only slightly surprised by who the villain turned out to be and I'm looking forward to seeing if this thread is picked back up if there's a second season.

Watched two more MasterClass lessons with Bill Nye. I truly enjoy how he presents information. I think I have about four more classes with him and I'm looking forward to more.

Caught two episodes of The Witcher. Man, the second episode almost did me in. Never thought I'd be so damned bummed about a horse. And, wow, the storm brewing around Ciri is getting intense. I only have two episodes left and I'm not sure I'm ready for them.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. This show makes me happy. The first two seasons are filled with so much tongue in cheek, yet very spot-on mayhem.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. I have a sad feeling Sarah is headed for lots of trouble. Really not sure about the whole Conor Beckett hookup. I mean, I know what happens but the way they get started is kind of bleh.

Started season seven of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I really hope there's more to come from this series. I have a lot of fun watching this group solve crime.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Suru and Michael have come such a long way and I love their storyline. This show really makes me happy.

That's pretty much it for this week's television update. Tonight's post is from Table of Lies, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nichelle Stohl finally has her life on course—she's an instructor at the coveted academy of military science and she's testing the relationship waters for the first time since a truly horrible breakup. Then she meets Garth Fillion—her boyfriend's brother—and her world tilts sideways.

And a sneaky peek…

Garth stood outside the building his brother's directions led him to. "Whew. Old neighborhood." He liked the solid brick structure.

Quint crashed at his girlfriend's place on the weekends and extended an invitation to Garth for dinner. Girlfriend. His brother found someone.

Garth frowned. "I wish I could." Not that he didn't try.

His work kept him busier than he'd like and he didn't have a lot of time to get out and meet people. Inevitably, he ended up squiring unattached daughters or siblings of coworkers around when they needed an extra date. Most of the time a second outing ended up not being necessary.

On the off chance he did meet someone, things rarely turned out well. "As soon as they find out I'm with the ministry, they become a clinging vine." Kind of like the social climbers that flocked to his side in droves. "The one that want me for the prestige that goes along with my position in the ministry of defense." He hated that.

Shaking off the downer vibe, Garth knocked on the door. A few seconds later, the panel swung open by a gorgeous woman. This is my brother's girlfriend?

Garth blinked then recovered. "I'm sorry. I must have the wrong apartment. There's no way my brother would end up with such a vision of beauty." The lucky jerk.

Nichelle smirked. "I see charm flows in the Fillion bloodline." She stepped back. "Please come in." She introduced herself by thrusting her palm forward. "Nichelle Stohl."

The name rang a bell and the moment he clasped her hand he got a zing that traveled straight up his arm.

Her eyes widened and Garth suspected she got the same jolt. She didn't release his hand right away and the moment stretched out into awkward territory. Thankfully, Quint came bounding out from the kitchen and the weird connection crashed and burned.

Nichelle shook her head and let go. "Dinner in five. I'll leave you two to catch up a little." She melted into the shadows and ducked into the next room.

Quint grabbed Garth into a back-slapping hug. "Bro, it's good to see you. How long are you in town?" He led Garth into the living area.

Garth shrugged. "Probably through Tuesday. Then it's back to the grind and crush of defense business." A huge contract loomed and the bids were coming fast and furiously.

Stohl. Garth remembered why the name seemed familiar. Nichelle Stohl wrote a paper for the ministry of science and it redefined the way defense ran acquisitions, hence the new contract.

Well, I'll be damned.

I love a good sibling rivalry and meeting the wrong brother first trope. Here's hoping I pull this one off.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Table of Lies

October 14, 2018

Wow, what a difference a week makes. The crisp feeling of fall has definitely arrived and I'm actually a little chilly at the moment. We'll probably have at least one more warm up before we settle into the true briskness of autumn in Ohio. Or… we could have one more nice week and then have a blizzard by Halloween. It's always hard to say. LOL

Got quite a bit of television watched this week. Some shows premiered their new seasons and I'm excited to settle in for the ride.

The Last Ship is crazy good and crazy wild. I'm always stunned when the credits roll because it doesn't seem like an hour should have gone by.

For premieres, I caught the new episodes of The Flash and Riverdale. Gotta say I ended up really enjoying both. Having Nora around could prove pretty interesting. And the whole situation with Archie is way over the top but, honestly, a ton of fun. Can't wait for Arrow this Monday. Also watched Chicago Fire and have mixed feelings on the episode. Maybe more on this next week.

And, of course, the Doctor Who premiere with Thirteen! What a great launch of the new doctor. Can't wait for more. After the disappointment with the last two seasons of Twelve, I'm excited to see where the show goes now.

I continued my rewatch of Babylon 5. The first season is so hit and miss but it also plants a lot of seeds for the following seasons. I'm always finding something new that ties into a future episode.

In other science fiction fare, I watched The Sarah Conner Chronicles, Birds of Prey, Lexx, Wynonna Earp—a Christmas episode, and The Dresden Files. Also caught Luke Cage and Penny Dreadful.

In military fare, I caught another episode of Pensacola Wings of Gold and Strike Back. I'm starting to gel with the new cast of Strike Back and I also need to go back to season two and do some sleuthing. I have a feeling there's a connection that's deeper than I realized. More later on this too.

Caught some mystery shows with The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Murdoch Mysteries, and a couple of episodes of Peter Gunn. I started an episode of Midsomer Murders but didn't get to finish it yet.

I also watched episode five of Driven. I'm actually thrilled with this series and I'm so excited for more from Passionflix.

On a final note, I finished up Canal Road and what a satisfying ending. I'll be starting a new Australian series in the very near future. Looking forward to it!

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Table of Lies, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of writing a scene or story involving a lie and set it in one of the character's apartments.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nichelle Stohl finally has her life on course—she's an instructor at the coveted academy of military science and she's testing the relationship waters for the first time since a truly horrible break up. Then she meets Garth Fillion—her boyfriend's brother—and her world tilts sideways.

And a sneaky peek…

Nichelle Stohl opened the final file she needed to grade. "Saved the best for last." She'd chosen to grade Quint Fillion's after she completed the rest of the class's essays.

Dating one of her students might not be the wisest decision she'd ever made, especially since she'd landed a coveted position teaching for the academy of military science, a prestigious branch of the ministry of defense. Being an instructor at her age rarely happened.

Her lips curved. "And most of my students don't know what to do with a twenty-seven-year-old professor." The dean insisted she use the academic title since her rank as lieutenant only listed two grades above the ensigns in her class.

She wouldn't qualify for military promotion until she reached thirty. A stupid rule.

Quint's filled his paper with silly notes in the sidebars, which brought a smile to her face. But the additional commentary didn't distract her from catching the errors on the paper. Quint tended to be sloppy with his answers and left out key details, probably assuming she'd know what he meant.

The problem? As his instructor, she couldn't assume facts not on the page. Fully aware she wouldn't, Quint continued to push the boundaries anyway.

Nichelle marked his errors and filed the test. He wouldn't be pleased with his score, but she couldn't allow him to cut corners. In the field, the chemical compounds they used required precise measurements and focused steps. Leaving one out could potentially wipe out an entire regiment… of their own men.

Quint's lackadaisical approach to his classwork fit directly in to why she so enjoyed being with him. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Not even the less than stellar score on his essay would keep him out of sorts for long.

She grinned. "And he makes me laugh." So much and very often.

Nichelle needed the humor. She'd decided to test the relationship waters after being cheated on by not one, but two men. Quint affably stated if he ever looked at another woman with lust in his gaze, she should shoot him where he stood—because death by stupidity would take too long.

Her personal and professional life intersecting didn't always sit well with her. Quint sometimes lacked in maturity, but he always treated her with respect. And when she grew frustrated with his antics, he dialed back the joviality and put in the effort needed.

And the man had charm by the truckload. Starting something with him while he took her class… probably a bad idea. But she really liked him. And she tried hard to keep some balance between her head and her heart.

Just in case everything blew up in her face.

She hoped her concerns with his sometimes unfocused answers would be unfounded. But if they proved not to be, she'd deal with the fallout.

This one is coming along. The story is brainstormed and outlined and hopefully the sages won't decide to throw random plot bombs my way when I dig back in to writing.

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

ML Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Table of Lies

Still battling the cold / allergy / viral evilness thing. But… I think I'm finally in the last stages.

Teen Wolf has me confuzzled. I seriously don't know where or how everything is going to end up. I will say I kind of can't wait for the end of the Dread Doctors. I'm pretty much done with giving any kind of crap about them. Not my favorite storyline to date. Just saying.

Defiance keeps getting better. The twisty-turny stuff makes me happy. I love how even with internal betrayals, judgment and forgiveness tends to be fast and certain. I really do hope this show continues.

Killjoys season finale proved to be excellent. I'm so in love with this show, enough that I'm considering doing recaps for my fandom blog. Need to make a note to get the DVDs ASAP.

Dark Matter also gave me something I wanted, more information about Two. I'm liking how the crew is starting to gel and work together. The scene in the vault with all the guys was a treat to watch.

And once again, The Last Ship brought a ton of drama to the table. I'll be honest, I really want Chandler to take a step off the high horse and remember what things were like before he picked up the POTUS. Rachel made a gut call and kept everyone else out of it, taking full responsibility. And in this case, the greater good should outweigh any righteous indignation.

Also… I have a bad vibe about who cut the video to make it look like the ship bombed New Orleans. I hope we'll find out if I'm right this week.

Tonight's post is from Table of Lies, a novella where my main characters have some messy issues to deal with.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nichelle Stohl finally has her life on course—she's an instructor at the coveted academy of military science and she's testing the relationship waters for the first time since a truly horrible break up. Then she meets Garth Fillion—her boyfriend's brother—and her world tilts sideways.

And a sneaky peek…

Garth knocked on the door, hoping like hell Nichelle answered. She jerked the door open and stepped back, horror then resignation settling over her face. With a quick flick of her wrist, she invited him in.

He entered and turned quickly toward her.

"About the other night." Speaking in unison threw both off.

Garth shut his mouth. By all means, Nichelle could go first. He had no freaking idea what he really wanted to say. I can still feel your mouth and taste your lips. Can't sleep because I dream of not stopping. I want you. More than I've ever wanted anyone.

Shit. No. He couldn't say any of those things. She belonged with Quint. Garth wouldn't get in the way of that.

Nichelle blew out a breath, a quick look of uncertainty crossing her features before a resigned one settled in its place. "Look, Garth. I know why you're here. Or I can guess anyway." She closed the door and put several feet between them. "The other night? One time thing. Never happened before. Won't happen again."

Did she think he assumed she made a habit of almost screwing men on her kitchen table?

Interesting.

But it let him off the hook. "Right. Agreed." Wait, that didn't sound right. "I mean, uh yeah, not a habit, won't become one."

Her lips twitched. "Didn't think it would."

She nodded toward the couch and he took a seat.

She settled in the chair beside it. "Trying to drink you under the table didn't turn out quite the way I expected. And it's not a thing." She chewed her bottom lip. "I mean, well, you know what I mean, right?"

Garth could guess. "I think I get it. And for the record, it's not a thing with me either. I don't steal Quint's girlfriends, and I'm not trying with you." He wanted to, good God, he wanted to, but he wouldn't.

She narrowed her gaze. "Then we're good, right? No need to be all awkward and weird?"

Garth nodded. "Yeah, good." He'd settle for that.

He stood and she rose as well. "Um, thanks. Just wanted to be clear."

Nichelle walked him to the door. "Great. Consider it crystal and all that." She twisted the knob and yanked hard.

Garth almost questioned the action, but thought better of doing so. "Good. Uh, I'll see you then." He stepped out into the hall. "I mean with Quint, you know, right?" God, what an idiot.

Nichelle's mouth curved up on one side. "Yeah. Right. Probably in a few weeks." She glanced away.

Garth lifted a hand in farewell and started down the corridor. The faster he got out of the building, the better chance he had to keep his head on straight and not lose his ass.

I'm not quite sure where this one is going or how many twists and turns it'll take, but my love of writing the sibling dynamic remains strong.

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

ML Skye