Sunday Snippet: Bombs Away

November 3, 2019

Hello, November. The temperature dropped significantly, which kind of sucks for my household since we can't get our new furnace until the middle of next week. That said, with some careful placement, space heaters are doing an excellent job of keeping the house comfortable. As long as we don't dip into single digits, we're golden.

Not a bad week for television. I have a heavy workload right now, but still squeezed in some decent viewing.

I started out with Riverdale and, wow, what a great episode. I'm still catching up from last season so this episode featured FP's fiftieth. Cole Sprouse and Skeet Ulrich brought their A games. Also loved the linked montage of Archie's king of the mountain battle with Cheryl and Toni's hot session in the speakeasy. The breakup ended up being a lot more painful than I anticipated but excellent work from the women. Reggie and Veronica's falling out also packed a punch. Reggie is very much growing on me as a character. A few random notes… I absolutely hate the entire farm storyline. I also dislike Hiram with the passion of a thousand suns going supernova. Don't see that changing anytime soon.

I finally got to sit and watch Arrow's season finale. I can honestly say the ugly crying didn't stop after the credits rolled. Everyone acted their collective asses off—Stephen and Emily in particular. Stephen, quite frankly, blew me away. Watching him evolve as Oliver over seven seasons has been a true joy. Seriously… I'm going to miss this show so much. My one main disappointment is not getting any scenes with Oliver and Mia. I'd love to see the two actors interact.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murdoch Mysteries. Nice to see George's family tree expand and with such a terrific character (pun intended). I have so much fun watching this show.

Frankie Drake Mysteries also made me smile. I'm still getting used to the new opening and the somewhat different shift in the show's dynamic. That said, it's growing on me and I like the fabulous foursome and their interactions.

Caught a new story arc on Sapphire and Steel. This show is usually background noise for me when I'm working and I have the horrible feeling I'm really missing a lot. I'm going to make an effort to really focus when I start the third assignment.

Watched the beginning of series nine with Classic Who. The daleks returned to be a huge pain, per usual. I always enjoy episodes that feature them.

Should be catching another episode of Midsomer Murders in the very near future.

That's it for this week. Tonight's post is from Bomb's Away, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A power struggle, an explosion and communication breakdowns. Sometimes it takes a really big boom to move things in the right direction.

And a sneaky peek…

Kiara couldn't help feeling awkward even though she'd flagged Ronan to her side. They might not be together anymore, but his presence was a welcome gift. Triaged and tagged as low priority—rightfully so—she couldn't move from her spot and it made her insane.

She hated the immobility, but her knee, screwed up and swollen, meant she couldn't do anything anyway. Getting thrown a dozen feet and being trapped under debris would do that. She only heard snatches about an explosion and suicide bomber and wanted some answers.

Ronan would fill her in on the situation, regardless of their off again status. “Hey, is it true? A suicide bomber?” What the flaming hell is going on?

Ronan leaned on the side rail of the cot. “Yeah, it looks that way. Took out half a causeway on SL3.” His eyes searched her from head to toe, concern fading way to relief.

She looked a hell of a lot better than when they had first wheeled her into sickbay. She'd been covered with dust and dirt and appeared more injured than she'd actually been. Not that a busted up knee didn't hurt like a bitch.

Kiara wracked her brain trying to figure out what the bomber could have been after. She couldn’t think of anything.

“What the hell’s on SL3 worth blowing yourself up for? All that's down there is—” Wait a minute… Carmody's special dignitary suite happened to be on that level? He'd chosen the one at the very end of the hub. The possibility of him as a target would bear some thinking on later.

Ronan scanned the chaos before answering. “From what I hear… nothing of huge importance. Carmody isn't on the base at the moment. But the bomber didn't get the intended target.” He looked back at her. “We got lucky. The XO and the big man himself stopped whoever it was before he got where he was going.”

Ronan's comms beeped and he checked his panel. “Listen… I gotta go.” He didn't seem to want to leave, probably knew it killed her to not be in on the action. But at least he'd be involved in getting everyone cleared from the debris and maybe find out what was going on.

Kiara waved him off. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll be fine.” He gave her hand a quick squeeze and fought his way through the throng to head back out.

Kiara heaved a sigh. Jesus, look at the mess that son of a bitch left behind. She didn't know why it bothered her so much, but it did. Maybe because she couldn't do anything about it, it frustrated her that much more. She already hated having to stay in sickbay, but she'd just be in the way until they fixed up her leg. The swelling hadn't even gone down yet. Hopefully Ronan would come by to see her later and fill in the details.

On the outs or not, she figured he'd at least stop in to give her the rundown of what was happening. They'd always be friends, no matter what. And there was nothing like a bomb exploding to put petty disagreements in perspective.

What did their stupid issues matter in the grand scheme of things? Not a hell of a lot. Kiara looked forward to seeing him later so she could share that with him.

I like this story so much. I'm getting close to having it complete and I'm looking forward to launching it out there to see what everyone thinks.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blaze on Beltane

Bleh. I found out we need to get a new furnace because ours is old, horribly inefficient, and very dangerous. Fun news I didn't really need or want. The good news is the new furnace will be super energy efficient and probably save us a buttload of money overall. I definitely won't complain about that.

Had a semi-decent viewing week. I caught two episodes of Midsomer Murders and should be ready to start the final series. I'll be sorry to see Cam go. I liked her.

Caught episodes of Murdoch Mysteries and Frankie Drake Mysteries. I'm kind of on the fence with the new season of Frankie. I liked the first episode but it feels like a very different show. I loved the first season, enjoyed the second season, so I'm hoping I'll fall into a groove with the third. We'll see how it goes.

Finished up the first story arc of Sapphire and Steel. I rather like the show. I'll give the rest of the season a whirl and see how it goes with this one too.

Watched the rest of Classic Who's season eight. I'll be starting season nine this week.

I should also be catching the final episode of Arrow's season seven run. I'm trying to savor every last moment because season eight is the final bow.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Blaze on Beltane, a working title that ties into the Capital City Seasons series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An arsonist strikes Capital City, setting blazes, each more devastating than the last, on the lead up to the Beltane holiday. Graham McClain is called on to analyze the firebug's actions and help get a handle on his next move. Fire captain Prima Alton works closely with Graham and together they discover she plays a role in the culprit's twisted fantasies.

And a sneaky peek…

Graham McClain knocked on his boss's doorjamb. "Hey, Murph. Got a second?" He entered the office when Ben Murphy gave a nod. "I just got a call from the fire marshal about a series of fires in the quad. They think they've got a firebug and want someone to analyze the data to maybe get a handle on their next move."

Murph quirked an eyebrow. "And the someone they want is you, right?" He leaned back in his chair a smug grin on his face.

Graham lifted a shoulder. "You've been singing my praises all over town, so yeah, they want me." He owed a huge debt of gratitude to Murph.

Murph leaned forward again, his eyes narrowing. "But you're… what? Not willing to take the project on? Is there a problem I need to know about?"

Grahan shook his head. "No, it's not that." How do I admit I have serious imposter syndrome? "More like I'm not sure I'm ready." How stupid do I sound right now?

Murph blinked then frowned. "That's bullshit. You've been ready. What's really got you concerned?" He leaned back again, crossing his arms over his chest.

Graham sighed and moved further into the office. "Capital City is where we call home. I don't wanna fuck this up, not where we live, not where you've built an unimpeachable reputation." Graham moved to Capital City to work for Murph and he wouldn't risk letting him down.

Ben rolled his eyes. "Your record speaks for itself, Graham. They wouldn't have asked for you if it didn't." He unfolded his arms and pushed up out of his chair. "The number of times I've talked you up doesn't mean jack in a situation like this. If they didn't believe you had the chops, they wouldn't have requested you." He came around the desk and planted his hip on the side. "That said, you've got backup here. Me, Margo, Melanie. We're all on deck right now. Use us." He waited a beat. "If you even need to."

Graham huffed out a breath. "Geez. I always forget how damn good you are at laying facts out and removing obstacles." Even self-inflicted ones.

Murph slapped Graham on the back. "My man, you also forget how damn good you are at doing the same. Call them back and set up the meeting."

Graham gave a nod. "Thanks, Murph." He made his way to the doorway and exited out into the central hub of the suite. "I will not let you down."

I'm having a lot of fun writing Graham and his interactions with everyone. I've been dying to get to his story for a while now.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Baracas File

Well, another homecoming house party is in the books and I'm so thankful we had such a great group of kids to host over the last four years. A few faces came and went, but for the most part, the core group has remained the same. I'm looking forward to seeing what this group of kids ends up doing in the future.

It's been a crazy week with a ton of work projects coming in and I'm truly thankful to be busy. Sometimes my projects dwindle a little in the fall and that doesn't seem to be the case this year.

A limited week of television, but some good progress made. I started a new classic British series called Sapphire and Steel. It's pretty decent with some time-wimey elements.

I also started a new arc of Classic Who. I didn't realize quite how much of a role the Master had in the third doctor's run.

Caught an episode of Midsomer Murders and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm almost through with series nineteen and have the final season to watch.

Watched another episode of Arrow and should be ready to start the new limited season eight in the near future. I started the penultimate episode but had to pause to get ready for homecoming. I'm going to miss this show so much when it's gone.

Also viewed an episode of Murdoch Mysteries and quite enjoyed it. I'm a little wary of what they're possibly doing with Julia, but we'll see how things go.

Finished up Frankie Drake Mysteries second season and look forward to starting the third. I'm pretty excited to see where things go from here.

Caught another episode of Riverdale. I can honestly say the whole farm thing really kind of annoys me. That said, this show tends to pull off a few twists that end up making me like what I didn't before. With the exception of Hiram. I love the actor but truly hate the character.

Also started another episode of Blue Heelers but have to pick it back up this week. Ran out of time to finish watching it.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from The Baracas File, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Briggs Felderzon, an investigative reporter, will stop at nothing to discover what's in the Baracas File, the contents of which results in his brother's death. Myrrh Gold, his brother's partner in the Inter-Stellar Police, decides to help him… but Briggs isn't sure he trusts her.

And a sneaky peek…

Briggs Felderson entered his apartment via the underground tunnel. "Damn, I hate meeting with sources who can't deal with tech." His informant didn't trust anything electronic.

Briggs refrained from pointing out that paper trails couldn't be encrypted and didn't provide any more safety. Why bother? Especially when the source's information usually paid off in big ways.

Briggs flexed his fingers. "The writer's cramp sucks ass." He retrieved the notebook he'd almost filled with details of a possible police corruption story and made his way to his office.

He wanted a shower and about three days of sleep, but both would have to wait until he got the notes scanned into his computer. He started the first few pages then grabbed his phone to check for messages.

The display showed two from the news center. "Eh, the bosses can wait." He'd informed his editor he had a hot lead, another day wouldn't hurt.

His brother's name flashed as the next contact. Briggs pressed the screen to replay the message. He hadn't heard from Zell in almost a month.

"Yo, Briggs, listen. I've gotta be quick here. Push for all the intel you can get on something called the Baracas file."

Something in Zell's voice set Briggs's teeth on edge. Fear. His brother's tone carried fright of someone or something.

"Bro, I need you to keep a lid on whatever you find. Talk to no one. I mean it. I'm sitting on a pile of explosives and can't trust anyone but you." Zell's voice took on an urgent timber. "And you need to keep watch for Myrrh—"

Pop. Pop. Pop-pop-pop.

Briggs blinked, his brain scurrying to keep up with what just happened. A muffled sound of his brother's phone landing with a thud, the screech and squeal of tires zooming off, and finally, a beep when the call dropped told a sinister tale.

A cold chill slithered down Briggs's spine but he switched screens and dialed Zell's number. The call went straight to voice mail and the chill turned to ice in his veins. Fighting a wave of nausea, he started to call the precinct but a knock at his door drew his attention.

Getting up, Briggs walked toward the door, each step taking him closer to a certainty he didn't want to face.

Someone had killed Zell—keep watch for Myrrh—and it might have been his partner.

This story is so much fun. I love writing cat and mouse moments between characters and showing how they finally come to trust each other. Briggs and Myrrh are going to need each other if they want to find Zell's killer.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Banter and Brawling and Sex, Oh My

October 13, 2019

So far, October is a pretty good month. My daughter is on the homecoming court for the first time and is excited to participate in the annual parade coming up in a week or two. She'll be hosting her annual gathering next weekend and we've got a laundry list of stuff to get finished up before then.

Not a bad week for television. I started out with a Passionflix original, Brother's Honor and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I'm excited to see the other two movies in this trilogy when they're available.

I also caught up on some Arrow, watching an episode from last season. I'll be a little behind when season eight premieres but I should be caught up soon.

Watched the first episode of Murdoch Mysteries's new season. This show is so much fun. I love the characters more each year.

For some reason, I missed the last two episodes of Frankie Drake Mysteries's second season. I got one episode watched and have the final one and the first three of this season to get caught up on.

I'm also catching up on Riverdale. I finished an episode and watched another full one. I haven't seen the premiere of season four yet, but I plan to have at least a full box of tissues handy when I do watch it.

I still haven't decided what I'll be picking up after Peter Gunn, but I'll be starting that this week.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Banter and Brawling and Sex, Oh My, a free sexy short that will eventually make it's way to my website and blog.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Max Cutter always goes along for the ride with Maggie Harper. He pretty much has to… she always gets into the most interesting situations and someone has to cover her ass.

And a sneaky peek…

Max Cutter followed his fellow pilot into the lounge on Spacestation Xulu. "Mags, I'll grab a table if you get the brews." His gaze dropped to her ass, admiring the view.

She shot him a look over her shoulder. "Yeah, yeah. Want me to walk really slow so you keep staring?" She smirked.

Cutter laughed and changed his direction to scope out the seating area. He found an empty table and dropped down on one of the chairs. Maggie brought two mugs of ale and placed one in front of Max.

She settled across the table from him. "I wish we didn't have to leave the transport. I could've used a nap." A yawn finished her statement.

Cutter nodded, his brain still a little bleary from hell week. "At least the second leg of our journey back to base is pretty much nonstop. I plan on being dead to the universe the whole time." Unless she wanted to get up close and personal again.

He still struggled to believe they'd had sex in a causeway of the space carrier.

Really good sex.

No, more like amazing and fantastic.

Maggie snapped her fingers in front of his nose. "Cutter. Stop it." She leaned in closer to the table. "This is so not the place to be strolling down memory lane." Her gaze dropped to the table.

Cutter's lips quirked a little. She had as much trouble as he did trying to figure out the context of their new status… She glanced back up and gave him a wry smile.

Max and Maggie are one of my favorite couples to write. They feature in the Top Dog Pilots series and also have a couple of bonus scenes I'm working on.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Bad Chemistry (Uncivil Revolution book one)

Boo! It's the month of Halloween and creeptastic treasures! I love October. That said, it's also the time I need to start thinking and doing my holiday shopping. I do not want a repeat of last year when I waited way too long to get stuff done.

Had a busy week driving all over the place with my daughter. We had a college visit on Monday. I picked her up from the district tournament for golf on Wednesday. And I picked her up from her band competition because she needs to be up and out early in the morning. I forgot how much windshield time driving gives me. LOL

Not a bad week for television. I haven't started any of the new seasons of my faves yet. But… I did finish up Peter Gunn. I have a few ideas of what to replace that slot with but haven't landed on a specific one yet.

I caught two episodes of Blue Heelers. I'm still at the beginning of season two but I love this show. It has a great cast.

I started season nineteen of Midsomer Murders. I can honestly say I took the death of Sykes really hard. Seriously. Which is actually kind of sad but, man, that was one cool dog. The new one, Paddy, is also fun, but I had years' worth of Sykes antics to enjoy. Anyway… I like the new DS guy but I miss Charlie. I'm watching an episode with Jones in it and it kind of makes me nostalgic.

I got to watch two more arcs of Classic Who. The Claws of Axios and Colony in Space. I'll be starting a new one this week.

I also plan to watch the new Passionflix movie that released this week. I'm looking forward to it.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Bad Chemistry, the opening novella in the Uncivil Revolution series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lex Durban and Charlotte Martin do their best to survive in new world hierarchy, each with a different kind of target on their back. But when they have to undertake the dangerous task of moving refugees to a new location, Lex wants Char to stay behind so only one is in danger, but Char has other ideas.

And a sneaky peek…

Her rescuer drove at least a couple hours north out of the city. Char nodded off a few times, exhaustion claiming its due. She hoped they stopped before nightfall. Her ass ached from the ride and she'd kill to stretch her legs.

Okay, not the best choice of thoughts.

Dom didn't do much for conversation. He'd said nothing since he told her to hang on. Not that talking would work over the sound of the cycle. Char chose not to think about how fast they traveled along the road. Everything blurred when they flew past… enough for her to get dizzy if she tried to focus on an object.

Or maybe hunger made her feel that way.

An hour later, the bike slowed down and they turned off onto a bumpy, rutted lane. Char freaked out a little. On the back of a motorcycle, in the middle of nowhere, with a man she'd never set eyes on before. She had to be insane.

For all she knew, he could be leading her to a secluded spot to kill her. Nah. He could've stopped anywhere on the way. He meant no harm.

"You okay back there?"

Char jumped, his voice unexpected. She gave a jerky nod. "Yeah. Fine." As long as he didn't kill her.

The bike hit a deep rut and she gripped the jacket covering the man tighter. He maneuvered the cycle over to their right and the ride smoothed out. Another mile or so and he slowed down again, making a sharp left turn. Char held on and leaned with him, expecting to continue further onward. It took her a moment to realize he'd rolled to a stop.

He cut the engine. The lack of motion and sudden quiet brought on a wave of dizziness. Char swayed and Dom grabbed hold of her thighs to keep her upright.

"Whoa. Stay vertical. Just for a little bit longer." His foot kicked out the stand and set the bike. Char let go of him, less shaky now, and unfastened her helmet. She let the strap dangle and reached up, stretching her arms over her head. Closing her eyes, she tilted her head side to side. Movement in front made her eyes snap open.

Dom had removed his helmet and sunglasses, hanging both on the handlebars. He angled toward her, gaze solemn when it met hers. His hair, black as midnight, had rough, jagged waves from the protective head gear. And his eyes, cool and blue, looked tired.

Char licked her lips. "Who are you?" Stupid question, but she only knew his name… nothing else. And she really wanted to know.

Dom grabbed her hand and shook it. "Dom. Marinelli." He let go and continued. "Charlie called me. Right before—" He stopped and looked away, his mouth thinning down to a tight frown. Glancing back her way, he finished. "Charlie asked me to find you and get you to safety."

Tears pricked behind her eyelids. "Then I thank you." She reached up and removed the borrowed helmet. "Are you Charlie's outside contact?" She shoved the headgear toward him.

Dom took it and draped it over the other handle. "One of them." He eased back and swung a leg over the barrel of the bike. "But not the one he regularly leaked information to." Rising, he held out a hand.

She grasped it and all but slid off the bike in a heap. Dom caught her under the shoulders and kept her standing on two feet. She leaned into him for a moment then got her legs under her.

"Thanks. Need to walk out the kinks." She wandered around the area, taking in a tent, a ring of stones for a fire, and a small stack of something hidden under a big tarp.

Dom went over to the oil cloth and pulled out several large sized logs. Char decided to help and walked over to the tree line, gathering smaller twigs for kindling. She made her way to Dom's side and offered him her findings.

Dom's lips quirked. "Thanks." He stuffed the bits and pieces under the trio of logs.

Char crouched down beside him and her stomach growled. "I've never cooked over a fire before, but I'm willing to learn how."

And learn she did. Pretty basic stuff, they had canned stew, but Dom taught her how far to hang the pot over the flames. Not much of an accomplishment, but Char admired his patience. She worked with test tubes and samples and he seemed to understand.

After cleaning up, they stretched out by the fire and Char got lost in the flames. She mourned Charlie's loss, but said a silent thank you.

Dom broke into her thoughts. "Do you know what you want to do?"

Charlie blinked. "Honestly? No."

Dom nodded. "You've got a couple of options. You can try to gain access to one of the other sectors, seek refuge there. Or you can maybe find a spot in one of the refugee stations."

Char shuddered. "I'm pretty sure I'll have a price on my head. Coburn won't want to leave loose ends, and I'm definitely one of those." She gave him a questioning glance. "What are the stations?"

Dom gave her a level stare. "Have you heard the rumors? About the pipeline?"

Char shook her head.

He explained. "All around the country, families are being displaced. Some are locked out of the cities by the Sector Police. Some are forcibly removed from their homes in the outlying areas because the new districts are annexing their property for water and mineral rights. And some find ways to escape the oppressive atmosphere of the districts. It's not pretty in most of them."

Charlotte supplied an honest observation. "I had no idea just how bad things were. I can't believe we didn't get stopped on our way out of Chicago."

Dom's lips turned up. "I know three different weak spots in their patrol areas. We slipped out under their noses."

Char shook her head. "That seriously makes my head hurt to ponder." She shot him a sideways look. "I don't know what to do, here."

Dom watched her for a moment. "Take some time and think about it. I'll take you wherever you'd like to go."

Charlie felt tears well. "Are you sure? You did what Charlie and asked and got me out. Everything else is above and beyond."

Dom shrugged. "I usually make my way around to the stations anyway. Check in and see who's in charge and find out if they need anything." He chuckled. "If they do, I find a way to procure it."

Char's lips quirked. "Do I want to know how you do that?" She had a pretty good idea.

Dom gave it to her straight. "I liberate things not in use or left unguarded."

Char laughed. "You're a damned resourceful man." And she truly liked him. A lot.

I honestly love this story and how it has kind of grown and spawned a few more ideas. Dom is so much fun to write the sages decided he needed his own story.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Automatic Failure

September 29, 2019

Had a crazy busy week with multiple projects coming due and, thankfully, I made the deadlines. I'll freely admit there might have been some wine to help along the way. More as a reward at the end of the week than during the actual crunch time.

I made a lot of progress on the three shows I'm currently watching. This means I haven't seen any of the premieres of the new seasons yet. I'm weirdly out of sync with everyone else and I'm not eager to dive into the new stuff yet.

I continued with season three of Peter Gunn and have a handful of episodes left to watch. Season three marks the end of the run and I'm not sure what I'll replace this show with, but I think I'd like to go with another classic television series. We'll see what I can find.

I'm through season seven of Classic Who and have a start on season eight. I'm in the Mind of Evil arc. The Master is now a nemesis and it's fun to watch how the long-standing rivalry started between the Doctor and the Master.

I've also finished up series eighteen of Midsomer Murders and should start nineteen soon. That leaves about twelve or so episodes left before I finish up the entire run. Not sure what I'll replace this one with either. I might finish The Coroner if it's still available.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Piper Kemp, a flight instructor, moves aside to avoid letting her personal feelings influence a decision about whether to pass one of her students. But when he crashes and almost loses his life, Knox Petruci steps up to defend Piper and opens a can of worms because her student happens to be his brother.

And a sneaky peek…

Sometimes Knox wanted to punch his younger brother in the face. This counted as one of those moments he would cheerfully do so. His brother's insufferable treatment of his flight instructor—who for all intents and purposes Abel didn't deserve—rubbed Knox the wrong way. He shouldn't be surprised Abel tried to play an angle with her—she definitely had the beauty and brains factor going on—but the disappointment burned hot anyway. One of these days his brother would get his. Knox hoped he'd be there to see it happen.

He stared Abel down. "You're a dick." Folding his arms over his chest, he added one more insult. "And an asshole."

Abel lifted a shoulder. "Love you, too, bro." He frowned. "Why are you here? Didn't we have enough happy family time this morning?"

Again, the urge to smash his fist into Abel's mouth almost won out. But Knox liked a fair fight, so he resisted the temptation. Wouldn't be sporting when Abel had two broken legs and a busted hip. Not to mention bruised ribs. But, hey… adding a broken arm to the mix might not be a bad idea.

Abel snapped his fingers. "Knox. What brought you back to the hospital? Aside from the need to call me names?"

Knox bit back another sarcastic reply. "You got a call from cryptology and counterintelligence. Don't ask me why, but they want you for their program." Actually, Abel would be better suited for spook work than flying any day.

Abel snorted. "News travels fast. I haven't been out of surgery for a full twenty-four hours yet." He swept a hand back and forth over his legs. "Hope they're not expecting me to report anytime soon."

Knox shook his head. "Look, Abel, I suggest you at least get back to them right away." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the paper with the phone number on it. "It's an opportunity for you to excel in a field suited for your particular skill-set." He put the information on the bedside table and started for the door.

Abel stopped him with a question. "Hey, what's my particular skill-set?"

Knox glanced over his shoulder. "Being a dick and an asshole." He pulled the door open. "So get your head out of your ass and make the call before they realize you might be too good for the work." Exiting the room, he ignored the barrage of expletives his brother unleashed.

He had another person to visit, a nice, amicable veteran who had served with his grandfather.

I loved writing the exchange between Abel and Knox. Siblings are so much fun to portray, especially when they're not afraid to call each other on their bullshit.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: An Answer to Fate

My second senior night is in the books. We got to participate in pre-game moments for the football game, meet with our daughter on the field, and basically bask in her glory for band. We are so, so lucky with her particular group of friends. They've been together for a long time, most of them since elementary school, and it's terrific to watch how they hold each other up and make themselves accountable.

I also got to finally attend one of her band competitions. She's got a duet with another senior and they sounded terrific. I'm hoping I can make more of her shows this year.

My week was jammed with work and running around but I did get to watch some of my usual standbys, starting with Peter Gunn. I finished up the second season and got a start on the third and final one. I should have that one finished up by the end of the month.

I also caught two more arcs of Classic Who and have started on the third doctor's series. This week's episodes were, Spearhead from Space and Doctor Who and the Silurians. I rather like the third doctor so far.

Watched three more Midsomer Murders episodes. I thoroughly enjoyed each one. I'm into series eighteen, so I only have two more to go.

I finished up another episode of Blue Heelers and started a new one. The new one features an almost washed-up footie player, which is fun for me because the US, at least in my part of it, doesn't really follow soccer, unless it's during the championships. Then everyone and their brother has a team. Seriously, it's bonkers.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from An Answer to Fate, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt. It's also the first in a triology.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Quillan Jaymes and Jeb Paladino finally get their act together and declare themselves a couple. Too bad that's when everything goes wrong.

And a sneaky peek…

"Did you ever think we'd actually get here?" Quillan Jaymes brushed her lips along the firm jaw of the man reclining beside her, Jeb Paladino.

Jeb chuckled. "Only when I was too tired to find reasons why we shouldn't."

"Why didn't you find more of them sooner?"

"I'm not the only one who played musical partners, Quill. You've led me on more than one merry chase."

Her lips quirked. "But you had fun." Her hand drifted downward, skimming his taut abdomen to dip under the covers. "And makes catching me so much more worth it, right?" Wrapping her fingers around his heavy length, she relished the way it filled in her palm.

Jeb agreed. "Notice I'm not arguing." He waited a beat. "That should speak volumes." He shifted toward her, nudging her legs apart to work a hair-roughened thigh between them.

Quillan laughed. "Gah… why did we wait so long?" She loved being so free and open with him.

Jeb pondered. "We weren't ready yet. We are now." His hands spanned her waist, sliding up to cup her breasts.

Quillan moaned. "I love having your hands on me." She leaned into his touch, arching her back.

Jeb kneaded, teased, and tantalized. His head lowered so his mouth could capture a nipple while his fingers tugged and pulled on the other one. Quillan squirmed, trying to cool her heated need.

Jeb flicked his tongue over the pebbled tip. "You getting impatient, Quill?" His palm ghosted over her hip to slide between her legs.

She hissed out a breath when he made contact with her button-hard clit. His erection jutted between them, rubbing against her lower stomach. Rock hard but velvety soft met her grasping hand.

She made a hum of satisfaction. "I'm not the only one. You're all but throbbing in my hand." Her fingers curled around the shaft, squeezing lightly.

Jeb gave a grunt. "Not gonna last long. I'm ready to go off right now." He rolled to his back, then maneuvered her to straddle his thighs.

Quillan caught his lips for a hard kiss. "Then we'll make this one quick and dirty and save slow for later." The fact there would be a later sent a wave of contentment through her.

She lifted her hips and slid over his hard cock, taking her time to savor every sensation. The experience didn't disappoint and when her butt met his thighs, she closed her eyes and sighed.

When she opened them, her gaze met Jeb's. "So worth the wait."

I'm loving the way this story is unfolding. I also love having an established couple in the beginning of a book that ends up getting separated for some reason. Quillan and Jeb have a long journey ahead of them.

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

ML Skye