Sunday Snippet: Hot Target

November 29, 2015

I hope everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving had a terrific one. I spent mine with some extended family and had a lovely time.

Slower than normal week in television, which was rather nice. Gotham turned in a great episode. I have much love for Alfred and this episode made me love him all the more. Haven continues to impress me. I really will hate to see the show end.

The Walking Dead fall finale is tonight, right? I'll miss having my Sunday night viewing staple, but with the holidays coming up, the time should fly. I'll have to see if The Librarians and Agent X are taking a break, too.

Last but not least, Doctor Who. I'm truly saddened I just can't seem to get into the new season. This year's Christmas special may be my last episode. I'll have to do some Whovian soul searching over the next few weeks.

Tonight's post is from Hot Target, a novella where my main characters have to put their lives on the line to catch a rogue mage.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Yates and Baylor work undercover for the mage council. They make a great team, but rarely see eye to eye. When their magical brethren start dropping like flies, one of them must become a hot target. Yates decides he'll do it… Baylor's a better shot.

And a preview snippet…

Baylor Fisk stood outside the double doors of the mage council chamber. She'd been out working a misuse of power case when a call came through, asking her to immediately report to the manor house. Her frequent undercover partner and current lover made his way down the long hallway to stand beside her.

Yates Bannerson hadn't changed from his underground fight club garb, meaning he'd probably received the same cryptic message she had.

He slid his gaze sideways. "Know what's going on?"

Baylor shook her head. "Nope. Might as well find out." She raised a hand and knocked on the heavy oak door.

Yates followed her inside the chamber and took up a relaxed stance when they faced the five person board of elders.

The chairman didn't waste time with pleasantries. "I'm sorry to pull you two away from your current cases, but we have grim news and you need to be brought up to speed."

The lights dimmed and the huge plasma screen flashed with a grisly image of Baylor's best friend, Margo Penschot, displayed in a body bag. Baylor watched with horror as other pictures of the surrounding area melted on and off the screen.

The chairman gave the known details, but Baylor only heard the roar of pain and anger. Margo had been her oldest friend. They'd grown up together, hitting each and every rite of passage from discovering their magical abilities to honing their skills and finally graduating from the apprentice program at the same time. Baylor tried to hang on to her professional detachment, but failed. She collapsed, only Yates' quick thinking stopping her from hitting the floor.

Yates held her cradled in his arms. "Give us a moment."

The council shrouded them with a shield and Baylor let out the howl of rage and hurt she couldn't contain.

Yates hauled her closer. "Let it out, Baylor."

He didn't draw away or flinch when she did, patiently waiting for her to expel the emotion churning through her. Her mind didn't want to accept the loss or acknowledge Margo's death had been a deliberate act, but her practical side already sought a reason. The shift in focus gave her a center of calm and she sought Yates' gaze.

He cupped her face. "We'll find out who killed Margo and make them pay. You have my word." His lips brushed over her forehead.

Baylor exhaled and nodded. "Thank you." Composed, she slowly got to her feet.

Yates muttered the incantation to release the shield.

Staying in his embrace, Baylor faced the council. "What do you need from us?"

The chairman met her gaze. "Watch and listen. All of your other cases are suspended." He nodded toward the screen. "Our priority is to discover who killed Margo and bring them to justice."

Baylor gave the man a grim smile. "I can work with that." She turned to head out of the chamber.

The chairman called out. "Baylor, we're terribly sorry for your loss."

Her throat closed up but Baylor lifted a hand in acknowledgment.

Yates fell into step beside her. "They're not the only ones who'll be sorry."

Baylor's heartache eased a little and she laced her fingers with Yates'. Losing Margo hurt and left a gaping hole in Baylor's life, but Yates wouldn't rest until they caught the person responsible.

Baylor couldn't ask for more.

So far, this one is coming in bits and pieces. I can't wait to see the finished product. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye