Sunday Snippet: Protect the Target

I hope everyone survived the crazy sales if you ventured out. Me? I stay home and avoid the insane traffic, surly moods, and disappointment. LOL

Thoroughly enjoyed the premiere of The Librarians. I love this show. The Walking Dead had a solid episode. Love the interactions with the Hilltop people and Maggie and Sasha are terrific.

Gotham is truly coming into its own this season. I'm thrilled the show finally found it footing.

I'm so excited for the crossover episodes with Supergirl, The Flash, Arrow, and Legends of Tomorrow. It's going to be a fun week!

I started my Great Holiday Show Binge Watch. JAG started the marathon and Doctor Who is up next.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Protect the Target, a novella started from the prompt of "Oh, wait".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Noya Vix is a walking target with a lot of magical factions coming after her, the most persistent being Lenj Gottman, who wants to exploit her precognitive ability. Booth Wanderlux is her number one protector, but he's got issues with keeping Noya out of harm's way because she refuses to lay low until Lenj is caught.

And a preview snippet…

Booth found Starkey in his quarters and knocked on the door.

Starkey glanced up from his book. "Booth, come on in." He closed the tome and settled back in his chair. "How'd the conversation with Noya go?" A small smirk curved his lips.

Booth crossed over to stand in front of the desk. "Exactly as you'd expect." He shifted his gaze to the chair opposite his mentor.

Starkey waved a hand, inviting Booth to sit. He sank down and kicked his feet out. The older man didn't speak, waiting patiently for Booth to continue.  Loyalty to Noya battled allegiance to Starkey. The two constants in Booth's life stuck him between a rock and a hard space.

Noting he didn't deal with on a regular basis.

Booth lifted a shoulder. "She's not happy. Which you can't blame her for." He leaned forward, bracing his forearms on his knees. "She gets it. But she hates the idea of using a decoy. Thinks she should be the bait." Blowing out a frustrated breath, Booth straightened and met Sharkey's gaze.

The older man nodded. "But you explained that wouldn't happen and she's pissed." Starkey pinned Booth with a hard stare. "So now you're thinking about caving and letting her join the fray." He made a statement instead of asking a question.

Booth's shoulders slumped. "Dammit, Stark. I'm tired of being the rock you two toss back and forth at each other. Yes, it's hard for me to cut Noya out of the action. She's like my right hand, and it's harder to fight without her." He softened his tone. "But you're not making a bad call here. It's just we each know Noya and she won't sit back and let the plan unfold. Tell me you get that."

Starkey's lips curved in a wry smile. "Oh, I get it. And she'll find a way to be included." He spread his hands out, turning the palms upward. "But she'll have to be cagey and smart, dig deep into deception. Pull all the tricks out of her ass." Leaning forward, he held Booth's gaze. "And that's exactly what we need."

The light bulb went off. "For her to make it harder for Lenj to track her." Booth tamped down the anger at being manipulated. "You planned this little contingency, shaking Noya up so she's actively working to stay concealed yet still in the loop." He had to give the old man props.

Starkey inclined his chin. "I'm not sorry for thinking ahead. But putting you in the middle sucks. If there'd been another way, I would've used it."

Booth lifted a shoulder, accepting the situation. "If it keeps Noya safe, I'll deal." Rising, he headed for the door. "Looking forward to the day I won't be used as the weapon of choice between you two though." He didn't wait for Starkey's response, twisting the knob and leaving before the guy could get a word out.

At least Booth had an idea of what to expect and how to proceed. He kind of looked forward to seeing what crazy scheme Noya would dream up to get in on the takedown of Lenj.

I've been brainstorming ideas for how Noya is going to be right in the thick of the action. Lots of fun!

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye