Sunday Snippet: Tangled Web

April 19, 2020

Crazy weather in Ohio this week. Warm, then cold and rainy, and then a little slushy snow mix thrown in. I can honestly say I'm kind of ready for spring to get here in full. At least having the option to go outside and enjoy some sun breaks things up a bit.

Not a big week for television but I got a few shows watched. I started with an episode of Arrow and I'll be getting ready to start the Crisis Crossover soon.

Caught the penultimate episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I'm sad about the death of a character I liked. I loved George's side story. I have no earthly clue what Julia is doing but I'm rolling along with the character arc to see where things go. I do like seeing the ups and downs of William and Julia.

Watched an episode of Riverdale and, wow, the batshit ramped up to double digits, which I love. I still hate Hiram with the burning passion of a thousand suns and gotta say the character kind of ruins the show for me. We'll see how this season shakes out but I honestly can't stand it when he's on the screen. I'm not sure how I feel about the Charles / Chick development but we'll see how that one plays out also.

Had a virtual watch party with a good friend and we rolled out The Rise of Skywalker. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie to bits. I'm hoping we'll get more of those in soon.

Started the second episode of Roswell, New Mexico's new season. So far, I'm enjoying but I really want Maria to finally be aware of the aliens. The fact she isn't really bugs me. So far, I'm not a huge fan of having Rosa back either.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jordan gave her a slow once-over and interest flashed in his gaze.

Ruby shook her head. "You don't want to get tangled up with me." Her inner self screamed her frustration.

Jordon tilted his head to one side. "Why not?" His lips curved in a sweet, sexy smile.

Ruby gave him the straight answer. "I'm toxic. Burned every damn bridge I ever crossed." Okay, more like had every one burned for her, but she'd fill him in later on that part.

Jordan quirked a brow. "So? Leave one untouched for once."

Ruby snorted. "Can't."

He prompted. "Because…"

Show or go time. "Every guy I've dated, shown an interest in, or hell, greeted in a nice manner is dead." She met his gaze head-on. "And I need to find out why."

Jordan gave her a long, considering look. "And you want me to help." He made it a statement.

Right. Because why else would she have contacted him?

He continued. "That's why you messaged me and asked to meet here, isn't it?"

She nodded. "I come here every Tuesday, so it's nothing out of the ordinary or a change in habit." She lifted a shoulder. "I honestly didn't know if you'd show." But holy crap. Relieved didn't begin to describe her gratefulness he had.

He laughed. "Are you kidding? Who could resist a request to meet at a beauty parlor?" He leaned in closer. "I've never seen the inner workings of such a female-dominated place before. Truth told, I was a little terrified to enter."

Ruby smiled. "Nothing too scary." She glanced around the back area of Curl-a-Whirl. "Just a bunch of coloring dyes and perm solutions."

He scanned the room. "I had no idea so many different shades existed."

She chuckled. "I just brought the latest colors in. Purple is a big trend this fall." She shook her head again. "Sorry. I'm rambling a little. Thelma's place is my last stop on Tuesday and I sometimes stay and have tea and scones with her. That's why I picked this shop."

His head bobbed up and down. "Smart. Truly. Gives us some time to discuss what you're looking for."

Ruby sighed. "I'm looking for a miracle. I'm so tired of being an object of destruction." She snorted. "Or, I guess I should say being used as an instrument of one."

Jordan questioned. "Are you sure that's what's going on?" He settled back in the seat when Thelma entered the room, carrying a tray with tea, scones, and two mugs.

Ruby got up and took the items from Thelma. "I'm not sure about anything, Mr. Riceman, but my gut says—"

He corrected. "Jordan. And you don't have to say more. Gut instinct has saved my life more than once." He waited until she sat back down before going on. "So, people, men in particular, drop like flies around you and you'd like to know why, right?"

Hell, yes.

Since he'd nailed it on the head, she poured two mugs of tea before responding. "Wouldn't you?" She placed a cup in front of him.

He lifted the tea and blew across the top. "Absolutely." He took a tentative sip then let out a blissful sigh. "Earl Gray, one of my favorites."

Ruby's lips curved. Knowing a brew by taste raised her respect for him a notch. She hoped like hell he'd take her case.

She toyed with the spoon beside her mug. "Mr. Rice—sorry. Jordan, knowing what you do now, about the men I've been associated with, are you willing to find out what's going on?" She sprinkled some sweetener in her tea and stirred, anticipating yet dreading his response.

He snagged a scone from the serving tray. "Oh, I'm in, Ms. Ire. If for no other reason than to clear a path for you and me to get better acquainted." He bit into the pastry and gave another bliss-filled sigh.

Oh, she liked him. A lot.

Ruby stuck out her hand. "Please … call me Ruby." When he grasped her fingers, she added. "And thank you. I think you might be a little insane, but after two years of handling this alone, it feels good to have someone on my side … aside from Thelma."

Jordan grinned. "If the woman throws in a dozen of these on a weekly basis, I might just work for free."

Ruby laughed, a true, honest release of mirth.

Jordan winked. "Feels good, doesn't it?" He leaned forward, taking her hand again. "Be prepared for more, Ruby. We will figure out what, or who, is plaguing you. I promise."

She squeezed his fingers in response but didn't speak. She couldn't. Finally. Finally.

She had hope.

I love writing what I've dubbed as Urban Noir. Combining the feel of underlying intrigue and danger with a slightly paranormal edge, the characters get to act and react in different ways.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye