Sunday Snippet: Underbelly

I seriously can't believe I'll be moving my daughter into her dorm in three weeks. It's coming up fast! She's very excited and I think I have almost everything she needs to be prepared for the daily masking, temperature taking, and hand sanitizing she's going to have to do.

On a super-positive note, I found an app that will let me not only brainstorm but will translate the long-form handwritten brainstorming I've done into text! This is true game changer for me. I'm so, so, so excited.

Had a semi-slow week for watching shows. I made some serious progress on getting my office cleared and organized. I'm almost ready to add a bookcase or two. I've been a little light on work projects so this is a terrific time to get the tedious sort, sort, sorting accomplished.

I did get to watch another episode of Peak Practice. I'm about midway through the second season and I have a sneaking suspicion someone will be leaving at the end of this one.

Also rewatched the second episode of Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. I truly love this spinoff.

Caught "The Sontaren Experiment" episodes of Classic Who. It's a lot of fun to visit Sarah Jane way back when. I miss Elisabeth a lot.

Watched episode four of Picard. I'm trying to figure out what the captain's deal is. All of his holographs are versions of himself? I kind of love it but also really wonder about it.

Got a few more episodes of Danger Man in, both ones I didn't remember. I thoroughly enjoyed each.

Also watched another compilation of Cirque du Soleil shows. I honestly can't fathom how the performers do what they do. I'm always, always amazed at their ability. And the costumers and makeup artists along with the musicians pull everything together. It's mind-blowing.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jarrod Steele is a private investigator who deals with the weird and the unknown and can find anything his clients want. His super-efficient assistant, Maylin Rose, along with her unique skill set, makes sure of it.

And a preview snippet…

Jarrod straightened his clothes and grinned. Maylin started typing—something she could actually do but not accurately at her current speed—just before their prospective client entered the office.

She rose to offer a standard greeting. "Mr. Pemburke? Mr. Steele will see you right away." Ushering the man into Jarrod's office, she made the introductions. "Jarrod Steele, this is Mr. Aston Pemburke."

Jarrod stood and offered his hand. "Pemburke, what can I do for you?"

Maylin ducked out, no doubt going back to her desk to resume typing, but not before she turned the intercom record button on. She'd have an earphone in so she could listen to the entire meeting.

Aston didn't waste time, getting directly to the point. "Steele, I'd like to hire you to retrieve an object stolen from my family's estate." He sat down and reached inside his interior jacket pocket. "This is what was taken." He handed Jarrod a photograph of a cube with carved runes embedded on all sides.

Jarrod's curiosity piqued and he met Aston's gaze. "I'll need to know what I'm getting into here. The runes imply magick. Is there a protective spell or backlash to deal with?" He'd run into some nasty scenarios and now charged his client's accordingly.

Aston's eyes widened. "Uh, I'm not certain. The object is my father's and he doesn't know it's missing yet." He leaned forward. "I'd like to keep it that way. I know who has it but I can't get close to him."

Interesting. Jarrod mentally added another line item to the bottom line, as would Maylin when she gave Pemburke the contract.

Jarrod pulled out a notepad. "I guarantee confidentiality. You're the client. The rest of your family can be none the wiser." He glanced up. "Tell me who has it and anything else you can think of regarding the artifact."

Aston snarled. "Jayson Barrowman is the cretin who stole the cube from our home. He'll have it secured in his compound, which is a gated, guarded, and gilded monstrosity located in the foothills of Quark Mountain." His hands fisted in his lap. "You're not going to have an easy time of getting the cube back. I attended a party last month and it's nowhere on the main levels of the house. But I know it's there."

Jarrod narrowed his gaze. "How, exactly, do you know?" A red flag went up.

Aston shrugged. "I scried for the object. It's there but nowhere on the upper levels." He shifted his position on the chair. "Barrowman has to have a sublevel. There's no other explanation."

Jarrod jotted the information down but Maylin would already be researching the architect and builder details. "I'll look into whether or not he has one. It's not a problem if he does." Jarrod paused and met Aston's gaze. "Do you have proof of ownership? If you don't, things could get sticky." He'd had his share of off the books item-retrieval, which always got dangerous.

Aston withdrew another document. "This is a copy of the decree that gave my family control of the cube. My grandfather purchased the artifact from the Manchurins three decades ago."

Jarrod had a working knowledge of the Manchurins. Old family, old magick, old money that ran dry. But he now had a thread he could pull to find out more about the cube. Especially if Pemburke didn't give Jarrod more to go on.

Jarrod prodded Aston a little. "Okay, you've got ownership. Why did Barrowman steal the item?" A dispute between buyers couldn't be ruled out.

Aston glanced away. "I'm not completely certain. The cube has immense power if the wielder understands the runes and how they work. Barrowman fancies himself a dark arts master." Pemburke met Jarrod's gaze again. "Which means he could turn the power against whomever he wants to."

Well, hell. The stakes just anted up. And Pemburke knew more than he wanted to share with Jarrod. Another dollar sign to add to the contract.

Jarrod stood. "Pemburke, the terms for this case will be fluid, dependent upon what I'll need to get in and out of Barrowman's estate and how much trouble I have doing so." He wrote an amount down. "This is the amount to put me on retainer." Sliding the paper toward Aston, he waited until the man nodded to continue. "If I don't have the job finished within a week, I'll provide an update to you and only you. Since you want this to stay confidential, I'll contact you via a messenger service under the name Atlas Limited." He moved around the desk and directed Pemburke to Maylin's desk. "Maylin, please provide a standard contract with this amount as a retainer. We're leaving the expenses open-ended for now."

Maylin turned and opened a file cabinet to retrieve a contract.

Jarrod thrust his hand forward. "Thanks for coming in, Pemburke. I'll leave you in Maylin's capable hands." After a firm handshake, Jarrod reentered his office and strode over to the windows.

He didn't like the potential for mishap the cube represented. He'd be doing some careful research on any side effects handling the item might generate. Neither he nor Maylin needed another curse to be unleashed on them.

They almost hadn't survived the last one.

This story took on a life of its own and I'm completely okay with that. The sages knew exactly what little twist to add to make this ten times better.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Raid at Midnight

Wow, half of July is gone and I'm trying to get my office organized and figure out how we're going to get my daughter moved into her dorm. If she can even move into the place. The clear out and organization is going better than expected. I ordered several types of smaller bookcases and some drawers to help corral all the crap I've had surrounding me for close to a decade. It's way past time.

I didn't get a ton of television watched this week but I do have a few updates. First, I'm still having feels about Arrow's final episode. There might be more coming about the series as a whole at some point.

Caught Roswell, New Mexico and honestly truly enjoyed the episode, "I'll Stand by You." The entire cast got some solid screen time and that makes me very happy. Special kudos for Michael and Isabel's arc and I loved Kyle telling Liz she's family because he gets what she means now. I'm starting to truly appreciate the complexities of the characters' interactions. So good.

Watched the penultimate episode of Strike Back and, damn, the cast brought their A games. Seriously, every single moment had me on the edge of my seat. The crazy fight between Coltrane and Wyatt topped the list because the size difference is almost comical but the entire point wasn't lost on me. The trio needed to clear the air and that was the best way to do it. And I'll freely admit I absolutely loved Chetri's journey. I love that she pretty gave a giant middle finger to her captors and that her end didn't happen before the team arrived. Another huge eff you to the antagonists. Excellent viewing. Seriously.

Started another new episode of Blue Heelers and this one is off the charts crazy. Different from the usual and I like that.

Began a rewatch of Hollywood Dirt, a Passionflix original. I love the chemistry between the actors and I also appreciate the fact that the casting department will go back to actors who are terrific.

Caught several episodes of Danger Man and both were ones I don't remember watching. Each ended up being terrific.

That's pretty much my week in a nutshell. Tonight's post is from Raid at Midnight, formerly known as Under the Black Hawk Banner, which became the series title. I've done a little research and decided I need to make a change for the series and it's tentatively going to be Under the Black Raven Banner.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Verity Jones joins an elite group of civilian protectors in a battle-torn land. She's the daughter of an ace fighter pilot who tore up the skies in the first epic war. Emory Cavendish is the lead pilot and his crew pulls off amazing feats, largely thanks to Verity, which drives their commanding officer mad to the point of putting Verity in danger.

And a preview snippet…

Emory quelled the urge to stare at the newest member of the group. Whitcomb already set a terrible standard with his lack of welcome. Emory didn't care who worked on their planes as long as they flew.

He led Specialist Jones down a darkened corridor then withdrew another set of keys. "We'll be heading to the east wing. No one is currently housed there, but it's kept clean and ready." After unlocking the door, he motioned for VJ to precede him.

She stepped through the doorway and paused. "This isn't going to cause problems, is it? Only having one person in the entire wing?" Her eyes squinted when he pressed the lightswitch.

Emory's lips curved. "Not at all. We're not fully staffed, but we do have a group that comes in to clean and air out the unused sections of the manor once a week. We have a cook that stays here full-time and his wife does the bulk of the cleaning and laundry. I'll introduce them to you…" He paused and tilted his head. "What do you prefer to be called? We're fairly casual around here since we're a civilian outfit." Only Whitcomb really adhered to rank and structure. "Do you go by your initials?"

His companion lifted a shoulder. "Sometimes. But Jones is fine. I'm used to being referred to by my last name." Her gaze darted away from his.

He shook his head. "We have two other Joneses. Do you mind if I ask what the VJ stands for?"

She frowned for a moment. "Uh, Verity is my first name. The middle name is Jay, as in J-A-Y." She rolled her eyes. "My dad's got a thing for family names and every generation's firstborn has that middle name."

Emory stopped at a set of stairs. "Up this way." His curiosity compelled him to ask more questions. "So, the firstborns are usually male then?" Her lips quirked and the smile reached her eyes.

She gave a nod. "Got it on the first guess." Her gaze raked over the landing when they topped the stairs. "Wow. I'm going to be the only one here?" A slight echo bounced off the walls.

Emory lifted his chin. "For now, yes. Whitcomb, no doubt, thinks you'll go stir-crazy not having any kind of company and you'll ask for a transfer straight away." He paused and caught her gaze. "But you're not gonna give him that satisfaction, are you?" He arched a brow to let her know he hoped she wouldn't.

Verity grinned. "Probably not. I tend to stick to my guns." She sobered. "And I will prove my worth." Her tone held a ton of conviction.

Emory flashed a smile. "I have no doubt…" Making a quick decision, he added, "Verity."

She blinked, showing her surprise. "Um, okay. I appreciate the confidence." She glanced around then met his gaze again. "Do I take my pick? I'm a little out of my depth here."

Emory shook his head. "Me too. And, yes, choose a room or rooms, whatever you'd like. I'll see if Mrs. Bainbridge can sort out a kettle and maybe a hot plate for your use." He pointed down the hallway. "There's a loo at either end of the corridor and you can do some washing in the one on this end if you need to."

He waited while Verity poked her head into a few of the rooms then chose one. A good choice. The window looked out over the hangar and the runway would be in full view.

Once she placed her rucksack at the end of the bed, he gave her a full briefing on the planes and upcoming missions. She asked intelligent questions, not surprising given the credentials and signatures she'd brought with her. But she completely threw him when she asked for details about a damaged rudder and the degree it affected the yaw. Only someone who flew would really think to ask something that specific.

Intrigued beyond measure, Emory started piecing a few bits of information together. First and foremost, the home office finally sent someone who could maintain their small fleet of planes and really understand how they got used. Secondly, she had a ton of pull if the president and prime minister endorsed her presence. And, finally, whether she liked it or not, he had a pretty good idea where her intrinsic knowledge came from. And Whitcomb is going to be dead in the air if he thinks he'll run her out of the group.

He wanted to verify his gut instinct, but if it proved correct, Verity Jones would be a valuable asset to the Black Raven program.

Female or not.

I love this series! I think I've finally got a handle on how everything is going to play out. There might be a few tweaks here and there, but the alternate reality thing is so much fun to write.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Uncommonly Good

I spent the past week wondering where half the year has gone quickly followed by feeling like it's been a decade since January. Anyone else have that experience? It's kind of insane how weird this year has been.

I did get a few shows watched while I worked on several projects. I had a week where I wanted some good background noise and got multiple episodes of Danger Man in. I truly enjoy this classic show.

I also started another episode of Blue Heelers. I'm almost through the second season of the show and I'm enjoying how things get changed up. I also love seeing how rural Australia is portrayed.

Have almost all of Riverdale's "Tangerine" in the watched column. Man, lots of reveals and good stuff in this episode. As much as I loathe and dislike Hiram, I kind of loved how Veronica sticks it to him. That said, I dread her storyline revolving around one-upping her dad all the time … if that's the direction the story goes in. Cheryl's situation with her mummy dearest ended up being a load of fun to watch. Archie's vigilantism biting him on the ass ended up being better than I thought it would be. Also loved Jughead finally getting to the bottom of the whole deal with his grandfather and the mystery books. And Betty … not quite sure how I feel about everything going on with her. I do have a theory about who's doing what to whom and I can't wait to see if I'm right.

Last but not least … I finally watched "Fadeout", the finale of Arrow. I have to say I couldn't have asked for a better end to the series. I'm so sad to see this chapter of the Arrowverse close but I'm also thrilled to have been a part of the experience from the very beginning. I got to watch the characters grow and change and become who and what they're meant to be. I think my favorite thing about this whole season are the callbacks to previous seasons and the cavalcade of familiar faces from the past—seriously, I don't think they missed anyone—and how they made Oliver's send-off worth its weight in green arrows. The fadeout with Oliver and Felicity in Moira's office ended up being pretty much a perfect endcap to the entire series. My glass is raised and my pile of tissues is testament to the emotional journey I took with the cast and crew of one of my very favorite shows ever.

Whew. I'm actually getting a kick in the feels all over again.

And that's a good note to wrap up television for this week. Tonight's post is from Uncommonly Good, a novella that features the coming together of a couple from opposite sides.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Shelby Fewes and Creed Campanalla have a very friendly rivalry vying for top name in their respective dark and light organizations. When Creed is ordered to eliminate Shelby for retaliation, he makes a different call and the duo have an uncommonly good time proving the two sides can live and love together.

And a preview snippet…

Creed Campanalla entered the study of Damon Gray, the light master, leader of the lightsider mages. "You wanted to see me, sir?" His gaze swept the room, taking in some recent changes.

Damon glanced up from a file on his desk. "You're familiar with Shelby Tewes?" The folder made its way over to Creed, along with a chair.

Creed sat, giving in to the expectation he would do so. "I am. We've got something of a friendly rivalry. She's at the top of the ranks on her side; I'm at the top on mine." The quiet part rarely got said aloud … assassins didn't compete openly.

At least lightsider ones didn't.

Damon tapped the packet of information. "She's overstepped and needs to be dealt with." His gaze met Creed's. "I want you to handle it." His tone didn't waver, but a question entered his eyes.

Creed gave an inward sigh. He didn't have to accept the assignment. His connection to the light master gave him some leeway to pick and choose the type of work he did. Taking out a top ranked darksider would put a target on Creed's back.

Creed set the file aside. "Is this an elimination or extraction?" He didn't really have to ask but making Gray verbally confirm would give Creed a kick of legitimacy.

 Damon folded his hands on the desk. "An elimination is warranted. She killed a protected mage and we can't let her get away with doing so." His chin lifted. "Darksiders have no honor. But this isn't a sanctioned accord. That's why I'm asking you to do this. I don't trust anyone else to complete this task."

Creed bit back a scathing retort. He'd gone down this road before. Damon's trust tended to be a double-edged sword. Convenient for the light master to trot out when he needed something done off book but otherwise held at bay when things really counted.

But Creed made a promise to his mother long ago and wouldn't break it now. She finally had the life she deserved … as long as he kept his place at Damon Gray's table.

Creed leaned back and folded his arms over his chest. "What's the plan?" There would already be one or Shelby's file wouldn't have been provided.

The light master's lips curved. "You're going to join the next cage match and make sure she ends up as your opponent." He shuffled the pages in his copy of the file. "You'll take her out when she cheats to win. That way you're within your rights and questions will be minimal." A very pleased look graced his features.

Creed gave a nod and picked up his folder. "I'll put my name on the roster." He started toward the exit.

Damon shook his head. "No need. It's already there."

Creed's step didn't falter but he silently cursed the other man on his way out of the manor house. Creed liked to handle his work without interference from anyone, including the light master. He'd earned the right, dammit.

The trek to his quarters on the grounds of the light master's estate, didn't take long and he'd cooled off by the time he sat down to review every detail in the package of information. He didn't question the need to do something about Shelby Tewes, but he did want to thoroughly research her background. Anything to give him an edge in the cage.

By the time he finished the first two pages, he let out a low whistle. "Man, she's in a crappy situation." Paying off a debt her mom owed had turned her into an assassin for the darksiders. "At the age of fifteen? Geez." Ten years later, she'd become lethally proficient at her job. "And that's why I got called in."

And if he had to be honest, this assignment didn't sit well with him. Shelby did cross a line, but if she'd been ordered to do so, making an example of her solved nothing. To avoid a late-night visit from the light master, Creed needed to be somewhere else to think and ponder how to handle everything … and to train for the upcoming cage match.

Rising, he tucked the folder under his arm and headed for the location he always found sanctuary. With the blink of an eye, he stood inside his loft in the industrial section of the city. The old factory building belonged to him and had become the only place he called home.

I love this story! Creed and Shelby have a lot at stake because family is involved. I like exploring how characters will do what they have to in order to keep people they love safe or to pay a debt of honor.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Twilight Kingdom

Well, July is off to a roaring start. Daughter's graduation party is scheduled for today and I'm hoping we have a good turnout but also spaced out over the three hours of the party. I'm filling out my blog post early and getting it ready to post beforehand.

Had a semi-busy week between work and the party prep, but I did get some solid television watched. I started out with Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. This is a rewatch for me but I love the show.

Also caught another arc of Classic Who. The four-part Ark in Space episodes. Not a bad group.

Watched another episode of The Witcher and, ouch, kind of a heartbreaker episode. I did totally love the dragons though. Looking forward to the next episode.

Caught two more season three episodes of Danger Man. I don't remember either of them so I enjoyed watching.

And that's it for this week. I should have more time next week to dive into some of the shows I'm behind on. And I have to watch the finale of Arrow. I'll have at least two boxes of tissues on hand. Just saying.

Tonight's post is from Twilight Kingdom, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt and puts a twist on a fairytale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jess Gillian heads to the outer rim planets to get away from his overbearing parents—the royal consorts of their home planet. When the heir is away, the evil Maniforti will play, luring Nareen Rhom, a palace ward, into a relationship so he can get close to the rulers. When Nareen gets wise, Maniforti casts a spell holding the entire kingdom in his thrall—until Jess returns and sets things straight.

And a preview snippet…

Nareen Rohm threw her head back and planted her hands on Jess Gillian's chest. "Ah, Jess! So good." Her fingers curled into her palms, no doubt to avoid drawing blood on his skin.

Jess grasped her hips and thrust harder. Nari connected telepathically with his mind and the level of intimacy deepened. How it is possible for her to make the sex even hotter?

He had no idea because he didn't have her inherent mind gift. Probably a good thing or they'd burn the palace down whenever they got passionate. Which happened often.

She nudged his mind with her skill. "I'm close … you need to focus here." Her mental tone held no rancor, more like a desire to find release together.

He responded, "See if this helps." His lips found and closed over her nipple and he swirled his tongue around the pebbled tip.

Nari gasped then moaned. "Perfect. Don't stop." Her inner walls tightened around his shaft.

The increased friction pushed him to the edge. "Come with me, Nari." A ball of tension uncoiled at the base of his spine and spread outward but he held back.

Her breath rasped out between her lips then hitched in her throat before a shudder tore through her. "Now, Jess. Please, now." Her thighs quivered around his torso.

His control slipped and he toppled over the brink, his palms cupping her ass until the orgasmic wave crested. She collapsed atop his chest but angled her head to meet his mouth. The kiss spun out, her tongue dueling with his. Sated and spent, it still didn't take long to have him half-hard again.

He started to shift out from under her, intent on having her again, but a loud pounding at his door stopped their progress. Tangled up in the sheets, he heaved a sigh. Nari chuckled and helped him get unwrapped.

The knocking grew louder.

"Dammit, Jess. I'm coming in. I know you're in there." His father's bellow came through loud and clear.

Jess slipped from the bed, wrapping the sheet around him. Nareen sat up, pulling the duvet over her naked form. Jantzen Gillian, House of Gillian consort, entered the room in all his regal glory.

He stopped and rolled his eyes. "You know this has to end soon, don't you?" He pinned Jess with a stern look. "In fact, it ends tonight. I'm announcing Jess's betrothal to Lavica Premier." He focused on Nareen. "You're my ward and I love you like a daughter, but you'll not be marrying my son." He turned to leave as if he didn't expect an argument.

He should know better.

Jess stalked to his father's side. "Uh-uh. No way. We've talked about this. I'm not getting married any time soon." He tightened his grip on the sheet. "It'll be my choice when I do."

Jantzen's face took on a red hue of anger. "You know why I want this match. I won't accept argument." He shot his gaze toward the bed. "You're lucky I've let this go on as long as I have."

Jess chafed at the constraints his father tried to put on him. "You don't have a say, Dad. Nari and I are grown. We can think for ourselves." Did they have to have this same conversation over and over?

Jantzen waved a hand. "You play at being lovers because you're bored."

Jess's temper snapped. "And why are we bored, Dad? Maybe because you keep us confined all the time? Only trot us out when you need us or let us travel for official events." On a roll, he plowed forward. "Why wouldn't we fall for each other? We've been at each other's sides for ten years. We know each other inside and out." He met Nari's gaze. "And guess what, Dad? We wouldn't have it any other way." Her wide smile confirmed her agreement.

Jantzen huffed out a harsh breath. "Since you're being unreasonable, I'll give you three days to get your head around the idea of your betrothal. Be prepared for the announcement." Not bothering to wait for a response, he exited the room.

Jess did a slow ten count to keep from following. Getting into a heated discussion wouldn't change his dad's mind. A cooler head might prevail … later.

I'm having a ton of fun putting some twists on the Sleeping Beauty trope. Jess and Nareen are very cool characters and interesting to get a handle on.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye