Sunday Snippet: Believe

December 24, 2017

Season's Greetings!

As usual, I'm running around like a crazy woman finishing up everything at the last moment. I'm only halfway through Operation Wrap Shit Up but I'll get it all done. I always do… even if it's not until four a.m. Christmas morning. LOL

Slow week in television, which isn't a bad thing because I had a few editing projects to finish up and I didn't need the distraction. I did manage to finish the first season of Chicago Fire and I can't wait for the second season to start arriving in my mailbox.

I have the Murdoch Mysteries holiday special ready to watch while we're decorating our tree later tonight. I'm looking forward to the Doctor Who special if only to watch the regeneration into a new doctor. Sadly, I never warmed up to Capaldi as the Doctor and I'm ready for a new face.

I still have the Riverdale winter finale to watch and I'm hoping to finish up my wrapping while viewing that episode. Considering I'll probably be going nonstop until the wee hours, I might even watch it more than once. LOL

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Believe, a novella built around a powerful mage who lacks control of her ability.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Shaelyn Hardwick is a talented mage, but lacks control. When she inadvertently causes another's death, she flees under the cover of darkness. Innis Talmadge goes to the mat for Shaelyn and gets dismissed for his efforts. He tracks her down and a battle ensues. Shaelyn doesn't trust her ability, but she trusts Innis and he has to show her how to believe in herself again.

And a preview snippet…

Innis finished showering and had just grabbed a towel when his phone rang.

He answered the call. "Talmadge." Dripping wet and beyond tired, he listened to the grim announcement. Madwyn didn't make it.

Repercussions could wait and there would be more than a few.

Innis dried off and dressed before scrubbing a hand over his face. "I'd give anything for a cup of coffee right now." No time to make some not right now.

He left for Shae's room on the fifth floor. Raised his hand to knock and caught her as she opened the door, no doubt to head to the infirmary. He nudged her back inside. No need for the others to overhear their conversation. They'd all hear the news soon enough.

Shae copped an attitude right away. "What the hell, Innis? I'm heading for the infirmary. You know I only left to grab a shower." She tried to duck past him.

He shook his head. "There's no need." He hated to break the news.

Her eyes brightened. "You mean she regained consciousness? They're releasing her?" The hope on her face almost killed him.

He gave a quick jerk of his head. "No. She didn't and they're not." He sounded terse, but the gravity of what she'd done warranted his tone.

The color drained from her face. "She didn't make it then." She turned away, her head resting on the wall in front of her.

Not the reaction Innis expected. As usual, she threw him off balance. He didn't have clue what to do, but they needed to talk. Shae had to get out in front of the situation.

He started forward until a sob escaped from her and her shoulders shook. Aw, hell. Tears were the last thing he thought she'd experience. Pissed-off anger, yes. But she seemed almost… defeated.

Shae angled her head around. "You were right. Damn you for always being right." Teardrops tracked down her cheeks.

Of course when she finally got mad, she directed her ire at him. Probably because she had no illusion where he'd place blame. But he'd also have her back. He always did.

Innis grasped her shoulder and guided her to the sofa. "If you're expecting an I told you so, we don't have the luxury. An inquest will be convened and we need to be ready." He had her sit and he handed her a box of tissues.

Cleaning up her face, she blew her nose. "Madwyn hasn't even been laid to rest yet. This can't wait?" Shae blinked and shook her head. "Never mind. Of course it can't."

Innis laid a hand on her arm. "We might have two days, three tops." He didn't miss the hard line her mouth formed into.

Casting her gaze downward, Shae nodded. "Fine." She twisted the tissue in her hands.

Innis blew out a breath. "We should talk, prepare. They won't go easy on you." Or him for that matter.

Shae lifted a shoulder. "Right. But it doesn't have to be today, Innis." Her tone basically said "get out and leave me alone".

And, fine. He'd give her a day. But no more.

He got up. "First thing tomorrow, Shae. We can't wait longer." He didn't budge until she met his gaze.

She held it a moment then glanced away. "Sure, first thing." She gave a pointed look at her door.

He made his way over and twisted the knob. "Eight o'clock. We can use the third flood study." Might as well get a committed time to begin.

Shae acknowledged his suggestion. "Right. Whatever you want, Innis." She leaned her head back against the cushion.

Innis exited her room, unsettled by her easy capitulation. Shae didn't usually see the light of day until after ten. The fact she didn't put up a fuss sent up a red flag.

One he should have paid close attention to.

I'm excited for the possibilities of this story. Shae is a challenge to write and I enjoy her journey so far.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye