Sunday Snippet: Unlawful Acts

Super-heavy workload this week. I'm actually thrilled to be scheduling on my planner again, color-codes and everything. It's been a while since I've had to use a hard copy for keeping track of my projects. I like being busy.

Had a bit of limited viewing time this week. More so from having a bout of insomnia and taking naps at weird times during the day.

I watched an episode of Star Trek: Discovery and I love how things are coming together. There's been so much packed into this season and I'm amazed by the storytelling. This is such a good show.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. Gotta say Will gets himself into some tricky situations. I'm kind of annoyed with the FBI agent being such a drama queen over everything. Also feel terrible for Rhodes. Between having his dad on the board and the new ED doctor, he's got a lot on his plate.

Caught another episode of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. This is such a great show for young science nerds who love anything to do with space.

Enjoyed another episode of Cuffs. I'm kind of intrigued by the various relationships and I quite like how they intercut the scenes. I'm liking this one.

Watched two episodes of Classic Who. We're getting close to the end of the season and I have sneaky suspicion the Master is going to rear his ugly mug at some point. Should be interesting to see if I'm right.

Finished up season sixteen of Silent Witness and, yep, we lost Leo. So sad to see his end. Kind of wish Harry had come back for that but I loved Nikki's eulogy. Started seventeen and, eh, not sure I like the new guy. Jury is out on that one.

Caught two episodes of Aliens in Alaska. I love getting into what people see and how the experience shapes them afterward. This is a good show.

Started Muppets Now and I kind of like it after watching two episodes. They've brought back some older characters and it's a very updated and modernized variety style. Fun stuff.

Watched two more episodes of Harrow and, dammit, they killed off one of my favorites. I'd actually like to see one of the other characters go but won't hold my breath on that one. I really enjoy the dynamic between Harrow and Fairley's niece. The blending of the case of the week and overarching mystery works well with this show.

Got an episode of Peak Practice in and it was a sad one but with other happy moments woven in. Loved the ending with the new doctor grieving with Joanna.

Caught two more MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. I love how she covers scope when she talks about design. She's done some very interesting work and I'm learning a lot from watching her classes.

Watched two episodes of Young Wallander. It's a little uncanny how closely the plot line mirrors stuff going on right now and this show is set in Sweden. I love the lead in this one. He's understated and quiet but actually kind of funny and deep also.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I should be close to the end of season two and getting ready to start on three. I love revisiting this show. I'm pretty sure they leave out a few of the best episodes when they run encores of this.

Caught a bonus short for Queens of Mystery. The recap of season one had some pings that I'll look forward to playing out in season three, especially the ones that weren't solved in season two.

Last but not least, I watched another episode of Blue Heelers. An interesting dive into coming home after being gone for a long time and how some people don't wear or show their feelings for everyone to see.

That's pretty much it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Unlawful Acts, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Effy Carmichael, an up and coming officer, wants the job of Alpha Team Leader and deserves it, except she's a few years too young to hold the position. When the spot goes to one of her oldest friends, Jonah Kirkland, Effy has to swallow her pride and welcome him even while she fights the powerful attraction between them. Hooking up with Jonah is against regs, but it may be worth committing an unlawful act to finally realize one of her most closely held desires.

And a sneaky peek…

Jonah stopped short when he entered the storage locker. "Eff, what the hell?" He didn't expect to find her hanging onto the top of them trying to keep her balance and having little luck doing so.

Hell, he didn't actually expect to find her there.

Her feet clawed at the mesh storage units. "Shit." Legs swinging, her fingers tried to gain purchase on the flat, smooth surface.

His eyes took in the sight of the toppled ladder and the brief thought of setting it upright disappeared when she finally started to drop. A quick decision had him stepping up to break her fall. His fault she'd lost her balance when he'd called out her name.

She landed squarely in his arms. Nicely done, if I had to admit.

Clearly expecting to hit the floor, her surprised eyes flew to his. Her chest heaving with reaction, she gripped his shoulder with one hand.

He flashed a proud grin.

Effy rolled her eyes. "Smooth, Jonah." She wriggled a little. "Now put me down."

He thought about it, but decided the time had come to clear the air between them.

He shook his head. "Uh-uh." He tightened his hold when she began to squirm. "I've got you right where I want you for the moment." Turning, he walked toward a cluttered table. "And whatever happened to thanks for saving my ass?" He used his elbow to clear a spot, then turned and sat on the edge, Effy still in his arms.

She stopped struggling. "Considering I was trying to save your ass, you should be thanking me." She tilted her head and gave him a considering look.

He'd obviously caught her off guard and from the look of it, she enjoyed it.

Score one for him.

Her words registered. You should be thanking me.

Jonah shot her a confused look. "What, exactly, were you trying to save my ass from?" He had no idea what she might be talking about, but having her at his mercy ended up being rather much fun. Too much so to let her go just yet.

Effy shook her head sadly. "I was looking for a helmet for Popper's big celebratory bust, since you obviously have no idea what's going on."

Ah. A sweet move to try and protect him? Or another pitfall to trap him?

Didn't matter, since he'd found the elusive prop.

Jonah sent her a smug smile. Her eyes widened with understanding and she probably realized she owed him an explanation.

He leaned back and sat her up on his lap. "Yes, I already found a helmet, Lieutenant." He pointed to the file cabinet behind the door.

A battered and beat up head cover sat where he'd tossed it to catch her.

Shifting her on his lap, he positioned her so she faced him. "Any other snide remarks?"

She cast her eyes down. "Uh, no." Heaving a sigh, she glanced back up.

Jonah lifted a brow. "Ergo…"

Effy closed her eyes and bit back a grin. "All right … I'll figure out an appropriate way to thank you, later." She made a move to slide off his lap.

Jonah tightened his hold on her again. "Is there a reason you didn't tell me about the ceremony?" They weren't quite finished yet … he planned to have whatever had her holding back hammered out between them.

Right now.

She shook her head. "Not a good one." A note of shame filled her voice.

Jonah loosened his grip and let her slide to her feet. "Talk to me, Eff. Why are we working at cross purposes half the time?" He snagged her hand and tugged her forward but let her keep a little distance.

He really needed to know what had her all twisted and bent.

I have such a soft spot for this story. Effy and Jonah have some complicated issues but their history ties them together and will help them get through their drama.

 

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: Unlawful Acts

Welcome 2019! I can honestly say it's been a weird week. The whole having the new year start on the second day of the week throws me off. Even more so than if it started on Wednesday. I have no idea why, but there it is. LOL

I started some new shows this past week. Caught the first episode of Blade and I'm looking forward to actually watching this show in the correct order. If CW Seed doesn't pull it. I didn't get to finish Birds of Prey and it irritates me.

Also watched part of the second episode of Roswell but I'll be switching to Netflix for this one or maybe another streaming service. DustX only has it available as a marathon and, frankly, it's too much of a giant pain to fast forward until I get to the episode I need.

Also watched another episode of Pensacola Wings of Gold and Lexx before the end of last year. I'd forgotten the prison ship episode and end up enjoying it more than I thought I would.

Caught the next to last episode of Strike Back season five. So thrilled to see familiar faces and experience the passing of the torch, so to speak. Looks like those familiar faces are in the last episode, too. I'm also super excited for the new season with Jamie Bamber taking over the CO. I can't wait!

I watched the last episode of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and truly wish there had been another season. I fell in love with the characters. I'm rather glad it didn't end on a massive cliffhanger, only hinting at what the characters might face in a new season.

Caught another episode of Luke Cage and loved having Danny turn up. Nice to have another mention of Claire too. I'm actually thrilled with Missy's arc and I'm kind of disappointed we won't see more of her development after this season ends.

Chicago Fire disappointed the hell out of me by having the stupid deputy commissioner back again. Not sure why the conflict irritates me, but it's the same thing that happened with Chicago PD. I think it's because it feels forced and not something that happened organically even though both antagonists were introduced well before they became the actual pains in the ass they are. Eh… whatever.

I watched the Passionflix holiday Quickie Caught Up In You; obviously after the actual holiday. Such a sweet little tale! More of these, please!

Murdoch Mysteries had a terrific episode but I'm honestly still trying to figure out what the hell happened in the last one. LOL

Watched several episodes of Classic Who. I'm still on the web planet arc and it's kind of a fun run. Also started Doctor Who's "Demons of the Punjab" but still need to finish that one. Also can't wait to see the New Year's special.

Started season two of Penny Dreadful and, wow, Vanessa is a true magnet for all things evil, no? I'm very interested in Ethan's story and not so much in Frankenstein's. I'm honestly kind of pissed off with his actions lately.

Caught most of Wynonna Earp's second to last episode of the season. I had a sneaking suspicion Charlie would end up being something other than a cool new dude. And this show loves taking crazy twisty turns and Charlie's real identity is definitely a solid effing twist. LOL

Started a rewatch of Painkiller Jane but didn't have time to finish the first episode. I rather like this show when it originally aired and I'm looking forward to seeing it again.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Unlawful Acts, a novella that started as a writing challenge for reworking a scene from a favorite television show.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Effy Carmichael, an up and coming officer, wants the job of alpha team leader and deserves it, except she's a few years too young to hold the position. When the spot goes to one of her oldest friends, Jonah Kirkland, Effy has to swallow her pride and welcome him even while she fights the powerful attraction between them. Hooking up with Jonah is against regs, but it may be worth committing an unlawful act to finally realize one of her most closely held desires.

And a sneaky peek…

"Son of a bitch."

Someone could've given him a heads up.

Jonah Kirkland dropped a stack of files on his desk and walked over to the supply closet. Maybe the former commander kept an extra riot helmet on hand? He yanked open the double doors and started rifling through the contents.

He had maybe an hour to throw something together. If he could find a damn cover. Office supplies, extra forms, a box of party favors from some type of luau, but no helmet.

It really would've been nice for someone to clue him in. No. Not someone. Effy should've told him about the long-standing tradition of this unit. Instead, he'd had to overhear some of his new team predicting his imminent fall then follow up by reading a sticky note on the after action reports.

How could she still be pissed about the job? It wasn't his fault the position of Alpha Team Leader was a sub-commander billet. She might have the skill and the respect of the team, but she didn't meet the age requirement and the brass wouldn't relax the standard.

And yeah, it sucked. But he didn't make the damned rules.

He went where the bosses told him to go. Always had. If he'd known he'd be stepping into a pile of shit, he might've thought twice about accepting this post. But Effy had a post with Alpha Team and he thought working with her would be awesome.

Jonah really needed to start paying more attention to scuttlebutt. If he had, he wouldn't be fighting tooth and nail for the respect of this team. Or battling for control.

Against one of his oldest friends.

The bitch of the situation? He got it. He completely understood where the team came from. They looked at him as the outsider riding herd on a well-oiled machine. They knew each other inside and out.

He didn't know any of them. Except Effy.

And she'd proven to be the toughest to crack, and so far… the team followed her lead.

She might still treat him as a friend, even commending him on a recent change he'd made to the roster. But she held back her full support and… Jonah didn't understand why.

Well, okay. The job thing. But something more had come into play. If he figured that part out, he might actually find his place in his new unit. He never thought she'd back away, not after they got stationed in the same location. Stupid him… he'd thought they might spend time together. Hoped they would. She'd never hesitated to meet for a drink or share a meal when they were home at the same time. In fact, the last time he'd seen Effy with new eyes. He'd always held a little back, always seeing the childhood friend, but he realized he wanted her.

But then he got the call, the promotion, and now the headache. His grand idea? To test the waters, gauge her interest, and if any, maybe figure out a way around the regs. Maybe have a discussion about working together and making tough choices. The weird thing? That challenge didn't seem insurmountable. Effy pushed him to be better and he challenged her to be more. They could prove to be the exception. Would he make a tough call? One that could put her in danger? He did a gut check and, yeah, he could. Besides… Effy would have his balls in a sling if he tried to do something stupid like protect her from harm. She worked her ass off to achieve the best scores. She could, and would, handle herself.

And if finding a way around the frat regs should prove easy, why couldn't giving him a chance to actually be a good commander? Did she not trust him to do the job? His brain wouldn't wrap around that idea. But something had her off balance.

So… what had Effy all twitchy and on edge?

He sat behind the desk and dug through the drawers. He'd asked her to grab a bite to eat a couple of times. She'd turned him down. He tried getting her out for a drink or two and she'd blown him off. All he'd wanted was conversation. He'd stressed that. Anything more could create drama. She was subordinate to him and they'd both have trouble if anyone thought they'd crossed the line. Even if he didn't think they'd have trouble with the regs, others might not agree. And until he had the chance to figure his new team out, he couldn't push anything too far.

What would she think if he'd asked her to make it more than a casual thing?

He should know, dammit. Shouldn't have to wonder. But they'd grown apart. He got a much different vibe from her lately. Not job related, that one he understood. No, Effy seemed to be waiting for something. From him. Not the first time he'd felt that coming in his direction, but definitely the longest lasting. Somewhat hostile, but not pissed. Frustrated.

About what? He'd gone out of his way to keep up their usual habits. She'd shut him down. It kinda punched him in the gut. Normally she'd be all frosty for a few days then hook up with a new guy and get over it. Not this time. And it bugged Jonah. Being closer to Effy played a large part in why he accepted the new post.

Being separated from her for the last five years, only seeing her sporadically, made him appreciate the huge role she played in his life. Always there, never in his face, but hovering in the background, she provided a solid, steady presence. When she left, a piece of him had gone missing. He didn't like it.

He missed her. More than he probably should.   

He tugged the bottom drawer, but it only opened halfway. Looking down, he gave it a hard yank and pulled free. Success! A beat up, out of date helmet sat all the way in the back.

He lifted the old relic out and placed it on the desk. The visor had a long, jagged crack running diagonally across its surface. Good thing they didn't need the thick plastic. He snapped the pieces off and tossed them in the trash.

The bulk of the pressure off, Jonah contemplated why Effy had been acting so damn strange. Her behavior not only irritated him, it kicked him in the teeth. The realization freaked him out. When did he develop such strong feelings for her? Actually, he pretty much knew. It had been the day they met and she fell out of a tree, landing on top of him. From that day on, he'd watched out for her.

A longer than usual peek and I'm not completely happy with it; probably too much internal monologue but I like what I have to start with and can always judiciously cut out the nonessential parts.

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

Sunday Snippet: Unlawful Acts

Hiya!

Imagine my embarrassment when I realized the Arrow midseason finale actually happened this past Wednesday instead of last week? LOL Oh well, one great thing came out of it…I got a new ep of Arrow and it was AWESOME!! And if the CW doesn't make Flash (or whatever they end up calling it) a series in the very near future, I'm gonna wonder where their brains are. LOL

Shifting gears (pun intended), Sons of Anarchy completely messed with my head. As mentioned, Kurt Sutter rarely goes where I think he will, and he had me going right until the last act of the episode. I pretty much stood up and yelled at the TV, then prayed for someone else's death… which didn't happen, dammit. But in retrospect, I'm actually sort of glad. I now know exactly how I want the final scene of SOA to play out… and if I don't get it, well, Sutter certainly won't give a hang, but I'll be sorely disappointed. I'm at a place with the show where retribution HAS to happen or I'll pretty much feel like it wasn't work seven years of my life. :D

Okay, enough about television this week, more to come about Sleepy Hollow and other shows soon. Tonight's post is from Unlawful Acts, a short story featuring two longtime friends who finally sort of realize their feelings, but shouldn't act on them because of their work situation. (If you haven't noticed, this is one of my favorite tropes. :D)

Here's the tagline:

Effy Carmichael, an up and coming officer, wants the job of Alpha Team Leader and deserves it, except she's a few years too young to hold the position. When the spot goes to one of her oldest friends, Jonah Kirkland, Effy has to swallow her pride and welcome him even while she fights the powerful attraction between them. Hooking up with Jonah is against regs, but it may be worth committing an unlawful act to finally realize one of her most closely held desires.

And a sneaky peek…

"Son of a bitch"

Effy Carmichael searched for a spare riot helmet to decorate for Popper's 1000^th bust. She'd checked everywhere else and the walk-in storage locker was the last place she could think of to find one that couldn't be used anymore. She couldn't figure out where the hell all the old helmets had gone. The unit always had them laying around, usually in the way and exactly where no one wanted them.

She shook her head. Figured. When she needed one, the stupid things disappeared.

She'd find one if it killed her. Everything might be in a state of flux, but it didn't mean the oldest traditions of her team would go away. Not if she had anything to say about it.

And she did. Command Division couldn't take that away from her.

It sucked. She shouldn't be the one searching for a celebratory gesture. Jonah Kirkland should.

Right. Like he had a clue.

And okay, she could have given him one, but dammit, friendship only went so far. Especially when he had her spot.

Five long years she'd wanted and worked hard for the job of Alpha Team Leader. And yeah, she was young, but she knew the post and the team inside out. The position should've been hers.

Instead it went to Jonah.

And as much as she wanted to hate him, she couldn't. They'd known each other forever. He'd saved her as a matter of fact.

She'd been five, he'd been eight and when she'd climbed up too far in one of the neighborhood trees, Jonah talked her down. Even broke her fall when the knobby piece of bark they used for a foothold gave way and she'd dropped the last few feet.

How could she not be friends with him after that?

She'd had the biggest crush on him. Always had. But Jonah treated her like a little sister and she'd never done anything to change that status. Never told him about the way she felt. Because it hadn't been a 'thing'. She didn't want it to be. Older, wiser, more experienced, Jonah had a large group of people he called friend. He'd hang out with her when time allowed, or his group bailed, and she enjoyed it enough to be content.

He graduated, went to college, and three years later, she'd gone straight to the academy. He'd followed her the next year. She'd already been assigned to Alpha team when he finished up and he'd accepted a post with Delta team in another district.

They hadn't seen much of each other over the last five years. Holidays and the odd weekend home at the same time when they'd maybe have a drink or grab a bite and catch up on life. It had been easy to ignore the old feelings with such limited exposure.

But now? She interacted with him on a daily basis. And didn't have a current relationship to draw her focus. She caught herself looking forward to the AM briefings since he'd taken over. And yeah, that one got her. The guy had the job she wanted and got her to not hate mornings.

Oh yeah, big trouble.

And a major potential problem.

Because Jonah was free as a bird, too. Not once, in their long friendship, had they ever been significant other free at the same time. It made her twitchy.

He'd asked her to dinner twice and out for a brew once. She'd dodged him all three times. He'd meant it to be a casual thing, she got that, but it chapped her hide he'd been promoted over her even if through no fault of his own.

And dammit, it pissed her off that Jonah hadn't figured out her deep, dark secret. She wanted him. Still had quite a burning desire to make him hers. And didn't that suck balls.

Because even if he did finally realize how great they'd be together…she now worked under his command. Regulations against fraternization existed for a reason. She got that. And the penalty could be very harsh, if they got caught.

The stupid thing? She and Jonah never, ever played favorites. They wouldn't. But… being the exception to a rule didn't mean squat. She'd seen, first hand, the way a relationship could completely backfire and make lovers do supremely stupid shit.

That left her with crap options. Do the friendly dinner and grab a beer thing or keep pushing Jonah back. She'd opt for the friend thing. But…she wouldn't go out with him until she either had another guy or got over the stupid attraction.

Right. As if. Two decades hadn't made a dent yet.

Shaking her head, she got back to her task at hand.

Effy cleared the last wire mesh locker and came up no joy for the helmet. She grabbed a small ladder and climbed up to look on top of them. The lockers were deep and she couldn't quite see all the way in the back. She needed just a few more inches to reach back far enough to swipe her arm along the top. There had to be something back there.

"I know we have an extra helmet in this damn building, somewhere."

If she didn't know better, she'd almost swear someone had taken every last one of the damned things and stashed them off the premises.

She stood on her tiptoes and hoisted herself up with her arms to see further back. Just a couple more inches and she should be able to see clear to the wall. She kicked out with her foot, trying to find some leverage but knocked the ladder over instead. "Well, shit."

Not good. Tenuous at best, her hold on the top of the lockers became precarious.

Poor Effy. She's left hanging and someone to rescue her would just awesome. (Cue Jonah…)

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

ML Skye