Sunday Snippet: A Quiet Hell

Whew. We got hit with a ton of snow last night and this morning. About fourteen inches. My county is under a rare level three snow emergency. I had to drive out this morning and, it wasn't horrible but I definitely drove slowly. And we only had about seven inches at that point. So glad I don't have to go out anymore today.

Had a crazy-busy work week. A project came back that needed some extra TLC after numerous author revisions. I'm still working on the memoir, and I started a new project with one of my regular authors. Also working on a long romantasy novel and hitting the series book when I can.

Had a slower week of viewing with everything else going on. Prepping for the snowstorm took up some time and I needed to focus on the work stuff.

I did watch Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears. I thoroughly enjoyed this fan-backed movie project. A very cool way to cap the series.

Also caught an episode of Foyle's War that finished out the fifth season. I'd completely forgotten Foyle actually resigned from the police force. Looking forward to starting the next season.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness. Again, the twists and turns were amazing. So many red herrings. And a side story that ended up being compelling.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. This one had an interesting side plot with Miss Lemon that I loved.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Quiet Hell, a novella that explores a paranormal connection between the main characters.

Here's the miniblurb:

Mattox Lang lives in a quiet hell, seeing and sensing paranormal activity. Bruce Wendelson has haunting dreams that linger, but he can never recall the details. Mattox understands Bruce's torment and hopes to ease her own by helping him deal with the nightmares.

And a preview snippet…

"Why do I gotta be here, Mom?" Bruce Wendelson sent his brother Bailey a mean look. "I'm not the one getting in trouble." Stupid Bailey caused all the problems.

Bailey balled up his fist and punched Bruce in the arm.

Bruce snorted. As if that hurt.

Their mom, Tillie, separated the boys and entered the therapist's office. "Bailey won't come by himself, and it's only forty-five minutes." She blew her bangs out of her face and signed them in.

Bruce rolled his eyes. Easy for her to say. She doesn't have to sit with shithead Bailey.

He leaned against the counter. "It's forty-five minutes twice a week, Mom. That's an hour and a half." Time he could be spending with his friends, doing what fourteen-year-old boys did.

Instead, he had to babysit his ten-year-old brother because he wouldn't grow a pair and do therapy on his own.

Bruce folded his arms across his chest. "He's got the balls to be a dick in class, why can't have them for this?" Geez, he shouldn't have to explain how much this sucked.

Tillie pulled Bruce aside. "Bruce Malcolm Wendelson, what have I told about your language?" She hissed the words between clenched teeth.

Bruce heaved a sigh. "It's not fair, Mom." Not much had been fair lately.

Her face softened and deep sadness filled her eyes. "It's not fair that your dad died so young either. Bailey's really struggling." She paused. "And you are too. Ninety minutes isn't too much to ask of you."

Bruce rolled his eyes again. "Whatever, Mom." He'd sit through the stupid counseling session—his own quiet hell—and listen to Bailey garner sympathy for their loss.

And, yeah, last year had been difficult, but Bruce managed to get through a school day without trashing his teachers, destroying gym equipment, or setting fire to anything. But … Bruce would stop complaining to his mom. She didn't need the added burden. Not when she missed their dad as much as Bruce did.

The counselor called Bailey's name.

Bruce heaved a sigh. "Better to suffer in silence." He followed Bailey into the office and started the mental countdown until they could leave.

I have a lot of love for this story. Mattox and Bruce are such an interesting couple and I love writing the vibe between them.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quicksilver Flash

Whew. What a week. Between everything going on in the US, most of which is terrible, and the yucky weather, I'm exhausted. One of my goals for this year is to take better care of myself, so I'm making some plans to do that. Getting better sleep is topping the list right now.

Work projects are stacking up and I'm happy to be busy. February is shaping up to be another good month for editing! I also have two birthdays to prepare for and one of them is a big one!

Had a decent week of viewing. I made it through my usual shows even though I tried to get to bed earlier than usual.

Finished up my rewatch of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries regular season shows. I'll be hitting the movie this week.

Started the fifth series of Foyle's War and forgot how much of a banger the opener was. And a holiday episode to boot. But very glad to have the whole wife thing out of the way.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and look forward to finishing it up this week. The two new characters are growing on me. I love the newest tech, and the new head of the Lyell is finally settling in.

Caught another episode of Poirot and thoroughly enjoyed the many twists and turns. Gotta say I miss it when Hastings and Miss Lemon aren't in the show, but it's fun to see Japp and Poirot on their own also.

Elementary didn't disappoint. I'm looking forward to seeing how the season ends and what the resolution will be between Sherlock and Joan, Moreland, and the offshoot of Moriarity's group.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I didn't remember or only have a vague recollection. Ended up enjoying.

Also enjoyed another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. I'm kind of feeling like the show finally found its groove. Or at least I found my groove with the show.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Quicksilver Flash, a novella with a bit of a steampunk flair.

Here's the miniblurb:

Winsome Crown, a scientist's daughter, searches for her lost father in the wilds of the mountains. Lynx Hadrington lives alone and away from society—by choice. When Winsome stumbles onto his little piece of sanctuary, he can't deny her plea for help, but he fears the worst for her dad. Only one person has ever survived a brush with the quicksilver flash—him.

And a preview snippet…

Lynx opened his mouth then closed it again. If she'd said she could blow rainbows out her ass he wouldn't have been more shocked. Telepathically linked with Wadsworth?

Lynx narrowed his gaze. "Professor Crown never mentioned being telepathic." He'd never mentioned his daughter either.

Her mouth twisted in a wobbly smile. "Yeah, he's kind of weird about the ability. A little too woo-woo for him." She rolled her eyes. "As if there isn't a scientific field dedicated to the study of the subject." A sigh escaped her lips.

Probably an old argument between the two; one he could almost imagine after working with Wadsworth.

Lynx nodded. "I'm sure he had reasons for not talking about it with me. He didn't acquaintance didn't last that long, and he got very wrapped up in his work." To the detriment of his guide.

Winsome picked up her spoon and stirred her stew. "Probably didn't say he had a daughter either. He likes to compartmentalize." She slurped the mixture of chicken and carrots off the utensil and made a hum of satisfaction.

Lynx shook his head. "He didn't, but we didn't get into personal details." He ate a heathy bite of his food. "So, you think something is wrong with the professor because you haven't what? Heard from him?" He had no idea how telepathy worked between them.

Winsome lifted her chin. "Not in three months. And he's never been radio silent for that long." She scooped up some of the broth with her bread and popped it into her mouth.

Which Lynx refused to think of as sexy. He couldn't afford to be attracted to her. Even if she appealed to him on many levels.

He posed a question instead. "Not even when he's deeply absorbed?" The good professor toiled tirelessly … to the point Lynx had to remind the man to eat and rest.

Winsome shrugged. "He's gone several weeks without reaching out before, but after a lively conversation we agreed he wouldn't do that anymore. After six weeks, I started looking for him. That's the length of time we negotiated." She picked up her glass and drained the contents. "Let me back up a little. I received a cryptic letter from him with little detail other than he had some kind of breakthrough with his latest project. Then nothing. I waited for the six weeks, then spent a week preparing to travel and then the last five trying to piece together his last know whereabouts." She picked up her spoon again. "That finally led me to you."

Lynx needed a moment, so he refilled her glass and brought the pot of stew over to the table. "Like I said, it's been almost a year since I saw your dad. I'm not sure how you think I can help." He actually had a very good idea of what she wanted, but he truly needed to avoid getting sucked back into Wadsworth's orbit.

Winsome chewed thoughtfully on a piece of bread. "You might not be able to help, but I'm hoping you can at least direct me to where you parted ways." She kept her gaze trained on the bowl in front of her.

Whether intentionally or not, Lynx couldn't tell.

He'd better find out. "What makes you think you'll find him where I last saw him?" Wadsworth could've doubled back or moved on.

She carefully placed her spoon on the table. "Because he's obsessed. I didn't know why but I do now. You were ground zero." She met his gaze. "He's trying to find a cure for the quicksilver flash."

Lynx blinked and his mouth dropped open. "Well, fuck."

This one is coming together in short little bursts, but I'm happy with the progress. Lynx and Winsome are going to have quite an adventure.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Question Everything

Today is my middle kid's birthday. Something fun to celebrate in the middle of January when the weather is often full of yuck, which it is today.

It's been a weird, wet week in Ohio. Mostly rain, but we got some snow last night and early this morning. We'll have more snow and rain throughout the week with maybe one day of no moisture falling from the sky. We also had some back-and-forth temperatures again, which makes my sinuses cranky.

Work projects continued with good progress. I have a new project starting this week and a catch-up call with an author on when to get their new book started through the editing process. Also making great progress on the memoir and series developmental edits.

Had a solid week of viewing. I made it through the full slate of shows I normally watch and hope to do the same this week. I'm close to being able to start the new season of at least one of my fave shows and I can't wait.

Started out with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it's one of my favorite ones. I'll be watching the finale this week and then move on to the movie.

Ended up watching the whole episode of Foyle's War, which I actually remembered. It's also the last one in season four, because it only had two episodes. I'll be starting the new season this week.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and, whew, it definitely had some twisty turns. Such a good episode! Starting a new two-parter this week.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Interesting to have a plane involved in the mystery and fun to know Poirot isn't any fonder of flying than he is of sailing.

Watched an episode of Elementary and thoroughly enjoyed watching Moreland and Gregson go head-to-head about Sherlock and Joan. Kind of glad Moreland didn't actually have his employee killed. Also quite love that he didn't clock Joan as being as sneaky as she is.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and loved seeing Inque again. I remembered this one and enjoyed how it ended.

Enjoyed an episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. I'm finally warming up to Mariner. The dual storyline with the chief engineer ended up being a lot of fun.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Question Everything, an urban fantasy romance that brings a couple together while they try to take down an underworld dynasty.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Temple Sparrow discovers her family is part of an underground society of beings and creatures who secretly control the city, she eschews their traditions and finds her true vocation, seeking answers. Hunt Gambit doesn't trust anyone, least of all Temple, but playing by the rules isn't an option and he'll use her knowledge to get what he needs and teach her to question everything.

And a preview snippet…

Temple pocketed the keys to the front door and strode through the lower floor of the townhouse from the foyer into the living room. "Let's put a light on for show." Twisting the toggle, she turned a lamp on.

But she didn't stop or remove her jacket. Instead, she headed through the dining room and into the kitchen. She glanced out the window, checking the side yard, before heading into the butler's pantry. From there she could head down to the basement or up to the second floor. Or … she could duck out the side entrance and circle back around to the front of the house.

Okay … not the front. She planned to cut through the neighbor's yard and make her way up the block then head to the street facing the townhouse from an angle.

Because someone followed her home. And she wanted to find out who. If her mother thought she could keep tabs on Temple, Tressa would learn the hard way not to fuck with her daughter.

Slipping outside, Temple carefully and cautiously approached the green space across from her home. She thanked Uncle Marsh for teaching her how to use stealth to keep the element of surprise. She hoped she'd be able to thank him for imparting lessons in guile, but she doubted it because a direct confrontation would get her answers faster.

Quietly creeping in from behind, she caught her first look at the person tailing her. A lone man, with dark hair and lean muscles. He didn't have the hefty bulk her mom's goons usually carried on their beefy bodies. Didn't mean Tressa didn't opt to change tactics and give Temple someone wildly different to throw her off kilter.

She softly snorted. "Try again, Mother." From this point onward, Temple wouldn't let her guard down.

Crouching low to the ground, Temple took a few minutes to observe the guy watching her house. He had one shoulder propped against a tree and a hand in his pocket. Did he have a weapon hidden inside? Didn't really matter. She planned to take him by surprise and be prepared for anything. And … she had her trusty blade, which she'd use to make him spill the reason he found her townhouse so interesting.

Moving quietly, she headed straight for her target.

This one is finally coming together. I had the basic premise but didn't have some of the beats I needed and they're slowly filling themselves in.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quest for the Kingfish

Well, 2026 is off to a wonky start. It's like it looked at 2025 and decided to say, "Hold my beer." Not sure that's a good thing.

Weather stayed very cold, which I'm totally okay with. We got a bunch of snow on New Year's Eve and I'm happy to have stayed in and enjoyed ringing in the new year at home. It ended up being a super-busy week with a lot going on but at least I didn't have the crazy back and forth temperatures to deal with. My sinuses really hate that.

Another slower work week, but progress on the three projects I'm working on at the moment. The unexpected stuff kind of messed up my groove, but I got back on track. I'm hoping this week is a little smoother.

Didn't quite make it all the way through my round of shows, but I did get the remaining holiday special in. I also have some new seasons of shows I'm excited about.

I started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, and I'm almost finished with my rewatch. I think I have two more episodes left. Then I'll probably watch the fan-funded movie, which is quite excellent.

Finished up the episode of Foyle's War and enjoyed it. I'd forgotten Andrew and Sam split up in this one and I kind of mourn their breakup.

Caught the holiday special of Death in Paradise. Such a good one! Having Selwyn in England added a really nice layer to the whole mystery and tied the episode of Beyond Paradise in nicely.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and it's a very twisty and turny case. Looking forward to the second part to wrap things up. I also really enjoy the newest addition to the Lyell.

I began season four of Poirot and enjoyed the first episode. Interesting mystery and a lot of fun with Hastings really wanting to talk about his shooting of the alligator-like creature and no one being interested until the very end.

That's all I got in this week on my television shows.

Tonight's post is from Quest for the Kingfish, a novella that sends a couple of a wild adventure in search of an elusive artifact.

Here's the miniblurb:

Stevie Peel is a little bit backward and standoffish, but she loves a good mystery. Griff Lannsiter takes an immediate liking to Stevie and when she finds an ancient scroll tucked into the dusty stacks of the research library, he offers his help on her quest to find the elusive kingfish.

And a preview snippet…

Griff propped his head on his hand. "So this scroll is the answer to everything? Filled with cryptic clues and mumbo jumbo to find the mysterious Kingfish?" He quirked a brow. "Maybe I should take the dusty roll into protective custody."

Stevie snorted. "Forget you. I'm going to find the single most hunted and well-hidden artifact in our history." And put everyone else to shame.

Griff prodded her. "You sure about that?"

She gave an emphatic nod.

He flashed a grin. "Good. Want some help?" His free hand curved over her hip.

Stevie smirked. "Thought you'd never ask." She tucked the parchment under the bed and snuggled into Griff. "But it'll keep until the morning." Her lips trailed along his jawline. "Right now, I want something a little more tangible."

Griff's hand drifted around to cup her ass. "I think I can help provide what you're looking for." He leaned in, his mouth hovering close to hers.

She caught his lips in a hungry kiss and his erection bobbed against her stomach.

She eased away, reaching down to palm his length. "I'd say there's no doubt about that." Her stroking had his cock swelling in her grip.

Griff nuzzled her throat and skimmed a hand up to her breast. Her nipples grew taut and sensitive. He thumbed over a pebbled tip and a zing of heat pooled in her core.

She wanted more. She needed him. Even if she got lost in the haze of uncertainty of why he'd return her feelings.

Griff moved his hand to cup her chin. "Stevie. Stop thinking and let me in." His mouth captured hers.

She deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue to tangle with his. He moaned and shifted onto his back, hauling her over to straddle his thighs. She took the hint and raised her hips to sink over the hard, long length of his dick. Once fully seated, her eyes closed and she savored the sensation of being filled to capacity.

Griff brought his hands up and cupped her breasts. "Yeah, that's it. Ride me, Stevie." His hips flexed and dipped under her.

She planted her palms on his chest and rocked back and forth. Heat and lust coursed through her veins. Tingling awareness skittered along her nerve endings. Griff's hands fondled her dangling boobs, amping up the tension coiling low in her belly.

Her head drooped, a riot of colors swirling in her mind. "So close, Griff. It's so good." The pressure burst outward and an orgasm washed over her.

Griff hissed out a breath. "Ah, yeah. Right behind you." His thighs grew taut and his head thrashed on the pillow.

Stevie collapsed down to her elbows, her mouth seeking his. Griff meshed their lips together, his heartbeat running wild against her chest. Her fingers and toes were numb with bliss.

Easing away from him, she rested her forehead against his. "Will you stay with me tonight?" She didn't want to break the spell they were under yet.

Griff gave a brief nod. "I'll stay as long as you let me."

She smiled and shifted to the side and burrowed into him. She didn't notice when he drew the sheet up and over them. Her eyes drifted shut and sleep claimed her.

I didn't quite know where this one would end up going, but I had a stroke of inspiration and think I have a plan now.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Quest for Home

Can't believe we're in the final few days of the year. I can't say 2025 has been stellar, but it has been interesting. I'm looking forward to a new year.

Our weather is still wild. Our low for today is going to be about four degrees higher than the high for tomorrow. We're currently at fifty-eight degrees for our high and we'll plummet to twenty-nine. The high for tomorrow? Twenty-five. Seriously.

Slower work week with the holiday out of offices. I finished up a copy edit and started a new proofread that won't be due until the first week of January. Also got started on a developmental edit of a five or six book series. Continued work on the memoir and making good progress with the author. This is such a great story.

Had a pretty good viewing week. I got a couple of holiday special episodes in and that made me happy. I have one more I'm looking forward to this week.

Started again with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm getting closer to the end with a handful of episodes left. I'm thoroughly enjoying the rewatch.

Caught the holiday special episodes of Madam Blanc Mysteries. At first, I didn't realize it was a two-parter and had to impatiently wait for the second half. Excellent episodes! I love the holiday specials.

Watched part two of Silent Witness and honestly didn't expect the twists and turns. I'm enjoying the newest team member. She's going to be a great addition to the Lylle.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I kind of like it when Poirot is under the weather. He's such a cranky dude but also hilariously funny.

Caught another episode of Elementary and, wow, Joan could be headed for some serious trouble with Moreland. I have a sneaky suspicion Sherlock knows exactly what's going on and I'm interested to see if I'm right.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and remembered it on my original run through. Good episode.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks. So fun when lore from all the other Trek incarnations pops up and play a big role in the episode.

Caught the holiday episode of Beyond Paradise and loved seeing Commissioner Patterson! Also very happy to see Humphrey and Martha tie the knot. The rest of the background story ended up being super emotional and I love this episode a lot.

I did skip Foyle's War but should finish up the episode this week. Looking forward to watching the rest of the show.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Quest for Home, a novella that follows a couple trying to get their people to a new home.

Here's the miniblurb:

A world-ending natural disaster is imminent and Drury Amanze—Fate's chosen messenger—has to convince everyone to follow her to a new location. Porter Magda becomes Drury's touchstone while she battles resistance and disinterest from the community. While they race the clock, Porter props Drury up against the toll transporting their entire civilization to safety takes on her during their quest for a new home.

And a preview snippet…

Porter tightened his grip on Dru. "We'll figure it out. Or … you'll figure it out." He squeezed her lightly then stepped away. "I'm just along for the ride." He drank in the sight of the stars overhead.

Dru's hand found his. "You're so much more than that." Lacing their fingers together she tugged him closer. "You keep me grounded. You're my port in the maelstrom and the only thing I can truly count on." She angled her head to meet his gaze. "I can't do this without you."

Porter huffed out a breath. "I wouldn't want you to." He started looking around the landscape.

Because they weren't in a cave or temple, which surprised him.

Dru pointed to a rocky outcropping. "Think we should start over there? I'm not sure what to do since we're not in or on a portal." Her voice wobbled a little.

The journey affected her more than she wanted to let on.

Porter shook his head. "We wait until daylight. You need to rest a little and we need to regroup." Her certainty that this would be their new home made exploration a smart move.

Dru leaned into his side. "See what I mean? My brain is holey cheese right now." She nodded toward a copse of trees. "Shelter over there for the night?"

He grunted. "Probably the best option." Shrugging his backpack off, he lifted a flap and retrieved a small stake.

He planted it in the ground to mark their arrival spot.

Dru lit a small lantern from her pack and started leading the way toward the trees. Her gaze swept back and forth, looking for signs of animal or human life. Porter did the same, glancing behind them several times to make sure nothing came up on them.

When she reached the edge of the tree line, she knelt and put her hand on the ground. "Doesn't look like this area has been disturbed by anything for a long time." She lifted her gaze upward. "What do you recommend?"

Porter pulled a torchlight from his pack and cast the beam forward. "We camp on the edge here and use only what's on the ground." If the planet ended up being inhabited, they should be as respectful as possible.

Porter gathered the stuff to make a fire and Dru carefully created a circle with stones after she cleared an area. The temperature might drop a little, but Porter doubted it would be by much since they arrived at what appeared to be full nighttime. A blanket and their packs should be enough for them until dawn.

Once he got the fire going, he settled beside Dru and exhaled slowly.

Her hand found his again. "It's starting to sink in … this is going to be our new home." She shifted around and straddled his thighs.

Porter let the idea wrap around his brain. "The end of one journey and the beginning of another." He rested his forehead against hers.

Dru sighed. "Can we think about that tomorrow?" Her lips ghosted along his jawline.

Porter's lips twitched. "Yeah, I think we can pick up with this in the morning." His fingers slid under the hem of her shirt.

Dru reached down and pulled the garment off. "See … like I said. You're everything I need exactly when I need it."

Porter flashed a smile. No way would he argue with her right now.

This one is just getting started and I'm excited to see where it goes.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quelling Hunger

Happy Solstice season! I did start to get in the spirit last week and I'm kind of feeling better about things in general. We're very low-key for holiday celebrations anyway. The good news is because I finally got some shopping done, I had to do a cleanout of my space, which is a very good thing. Got those urges started again and I also did more clearing and decluttering in other areas. Yay!

Ohio is still trying to figure out what it wants to do with the weather. We got a little more snow and a bunch of rain then plummeting temps. Thankfully, we also had a ton of wind before the drop, so we didn't have icy conditions. Whew!

Had a decent work week. I finished up some last-minute changes on a proofread, completed a copy edit, and had a client meeting over Zoom. I'm getting into some deep edits on the memoir and getting ready to start a new proofread and developmental edit over the holiday break.

I had an okay viewing week. I didn't make it through the bulk of my shows, but I'm kind of needing a brief break. I'm changing things up a little for the holiday season.

I did start over with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the rewatch. There aren't many episodes left before I'll be moving on to a new show.

I also got a partial episode of Foyle's War in. Since this season's episodes run a little longer, I might break them up into two parts. The Americans have finally arrived in England and it's going about as good as can be expected … which isn't great.

I started a new season of Silent Witness and part one ended up being very interesting. I really wish we got a little more info on where the other characters ended up going. Jack's niece in particular. The new head of the Lylle is kind of different and I like that. And it's always good to see Sean Pertwee show up in any show.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed the intrigue. Also fun to see super young actors that have gone on to starring roles in their own series. In a weird twist of fate, the actor playing Japp had a guest starring role in the episode of Foyle's War.

Also did a minimarathon of the holiday episodes of Death in Paradise. Both featured Neville. I might dive back into the new inspector's episode this week.

I also plan to watch Madame Blanc's holiday special this week. Stay tuned for more on that one.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Quelling Hunger, a novella about a couple trying to keep the peace during a crisis.

Here's the miniblurb:

When a storm destroys the food warehouses in the city, Rita Steed and Fletch Lancaster are tasked with keeping the peace while half-rations are necessary until the rooftop gardens can produce more crops. Heading up the sector patrol, neither is certain they can maintain the status quo when quelling hunger seems to be impossible.

And a preview snippet…

Rita paced back and forth, waiting on Fletch to return from the briefing. "I know he's gonna bring bad news. It's stupid to add another holding facility unless something's wrong." Her heart sank when she thought about more trouble.

Fletch entered their space. "Well … you were partially right." He heaved a sigh. "They're not cutting rations again but they're anticipating more conflict because there will be a slight delay in the harvest." He raked a hand through his hair. "No, it's not really a delay. More like the processing time is going to be longer than they thought." Sinking down onto the futon, he kicked his feet out.

Rita plopped down beside him. "So, the new holding center is to hold more people who just want to eat?" She shook her head. "Actually, maybe that is the route to go. If they're inside, they'll be served their share of food and can't hurt anyone or wreak havoc anymore." Damn … didn't make their job any easier though.

Fletch snorted. "That seems to be the prevailing thought. The one piece of good news is they've brought more field officers on board. At least temporarily." He met her gaze. "You and I? We've got two days of training them in between callouts." He held up a hand when she got ready to protest. "Yeah, not great news but…" He patted his lap. "We have the rest of today off." Grasping her hand, he tugged her over to straddle his thighs.

Rita leaned in close to him. "How did you manage that?" Her lips grazed the column of his throat.

Fletch grunted. "Told them they needed a day in the field, so they understand what's going on." His hands cupped her ass. "And if they didn't take my suggestion, they would be adding combat pay to our weekly salary."

Rita made a low humming sound. "Not that I'd turn down more wages, but your solution is better." She rocked against him. "Having a full day to rest … and do whatever…" Working her hands between them, she lifted the hem of his shirt upward. "Sounds really great right now." A brief respite from the chaos outside.

Fletch grabbed the collar of his shirt and yanked it over his head. "Thought you might appreciate my genius there." His fingers worked the button of her pants lose.

Rita pulled her shirt over her head and slid back to drop her fatigues. "You'd be right about that." She reached forward and helped Fletch get out of his pants.

Then she dropped to her knees and swiped her tongue over his cock.

Fletch thrust his fingers into her hair. "I aim to please." He groaned when she drew most of the length into her mouth before pulling back again.

Rita glanced up to meet his gaze. "Yes, you do. And so do I…"

I like writing this one because there are variations on the title theme. Rita and Fletch are a fun couple even if they're living through a dark time.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quell the Boom

Yeesh. We're already halfway through the month and I have barely scratched the surface on holiday stuff. In all fairness, I'm not really feeling it this year. There's just too much terrible going on from mass shootings to the kidnapping of people off the streets. Good will toward man doesn't seem to be a thing anymore … unless it's a specific type of man.

Ohio is super cold and snowy right now. We got about six inches last night and the temperature plummeted down to single digits. It's in the teens at the moment. Won't last long. We're supposed to be in the mid-fifties by Thursday. Seriously.

Work projects are moving along. I'm finishing up a proofread and working on a copy edit. I have another new project getting ready to start soon and another copy edit coming next week. I also have the memoir that I'm reviewing as the author makes changes.

I got a few of my regular shows watched this week. I'm still in a blah place and haven't been able to dedicate the time to viewing. I did get a good bit of my mountain of laundry completed, which is a huge accomplishment. I have a new hanging rack I want to get set up but can't until I get the backlog of clothes cleared.

I did finish up Foyle's War and will be starting a new season this week. The next one only has two episodes, which means they might be a little longer. If that's the case, I might be breaking the episodes into two chunks.

I also got the season finale of Beyond Paradise in. I wanted to get it watched before the holiday special and I got it done. Really hope there's some good stuff around the corner for Esther and Archie. My fingers are crossed. Also … Martha and Humphrey are really great foster parents. It hurts my heart every time they send one of their fosters back.

In an odd twist, I caught a holiday episode of Poirot. Thoroughly enjoyed the mystery even without Hastings and Miss Lemon or Inspector Japp. Gotta say the Egyptian prince being a complete prat ended up being fun to watch. I would not have blamed Poirot if he lost his calm and thwacked that guy on the head.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Quell the Boom, a novella that brings a couple together when they have to catch a mad bomber.

Here's the miniblurb:

Quinna Joltz and Efran Pendragon, experts in diffusing magical bombs, tend to let their rivalry take center stage, but when an unbalanced wizard plants devices that can bring down their entire city, they agree to work together. The adrenaline-filled race finally gives them some perspective and a little bit of common ground to share.

And a preview snippet…

Efran Pendragon did a slow walk around the hex bomb suspended from the ceiling joists of the old barn. "Tricky son of a bitch." And way harder to assess than the previous two explosive devices he'd diffused earlier this month.

Folding his arms across his chest, he stared upward. No way to tell if levitating would trigger the device. And no way to tell if there were any trip-wire spells surrounding the bomb. If he tried to cut it down to see if he could diffuse on the ground, it could blow up, taking him and the barn with it.

Exhaling on a hard breath, he ran multiple simulations through his brain, trying to envision the safest way to handle the situation. "Gonna be a two or three step process." A possible solution settled on the edge of his mind.

He brought the idea into focus, carefully examining the pros and cons of each move. First step … dampening spell. If the bomb triggered, at least the damage would be contained … to him.

Next would be a spell to disengage the bomb from the rafters. "This part is gonna be a pain in the ass." A wrong word or phrase could send the thing crashing to the floor, which the dampening spell wouldn't stop.

The last part … getting it somewhere safe to either diffuse or trigger had him a little stumped. He couldn't risk translocation or teleporting, but maybe…

A smile curved his lips. "I can cloak it until I'm clear of the building and in a safe spot." Yeah, that could work.

Centering his mind, he began a long series of incantations and didn't stop until he had the explosive device outside and well away from the barn. Gently lowering the bomb, he kept the dampening spell active then ran like hell once it touched the ground. The loud boom made his ears ring but otherwise did no harm … at least not to him.

But the field now had a small crater strewn with debris from the explosion.

He approached with caution and carefully picked though the pieces, gathering what might be useful for his bosses at Hampstead. No doubt they'd be in conference with the team from Briarcliff.

Which probably meant a joint operation. "And I know who they'll stick me with. Quinna Joltz." Just thinking about her gave him heartburn.

She always, always, had an answer. Even if she didn't have a clue. He'd never met anyone who spent so much time being snarky and obnoxious.

Heading toward the road, he decided a nice, long walk would do him good. "Give me plenty of time to wrap my head around the idea of working with Quinna."

Why did such a gorgeous creature have to be a massive pain in the ass?

This one is a lot of fun to write. Efran and Quinna have a lot more in common than they think.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye