Sunday Snippet: The Jade Claw

Ugh, so far September is kicking my butt. I've been down with the flu pretty much all week because of course I haven't had a chance to get a flu shot yet. Lots of chills, fever, aches, and long slogs of sleep. Here's hoping I'm over the hump and on my way to recovery.

Very slow week in television. I started the week with New Rugrats and thoroughly enjoyed both episodes.

Also caught another episode of Chicago Med. I think this might be my favorite of all the Chicago shows.

Watched another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. Once again, this show makes me so happy. A great mystery that had a few twists.

Started another two-parter of Silent Witness and vaguely remembered the first episode.

Enjoyed the first arc of Five's run on Classic Who. So far, I have to admit I like the trio of companions and how they're interacting with each other and the doctor.

Caught the second episode of UFO Conspiracies. I'm enjoying how the stories are presented in this series. There's a theme and the conspiracy revolves around it, with usually at least two different scenarios.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Spike Milligan and Leslie Uggams were the guest stars, along with a special appearance by Big Bird.

Last but not least, I started the second season of Prime Suspect. I'd forgotten just how messy Jane could make things and I'm enjoying that angle.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from The Jade Claw, a novella that sends my characters on a merry chase of cat and mouse.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Skyrah Yule is caught in the middle of a paranormal mafia grab for power when several artifacts are stolen from the museum she works for. The agent investigating the break-in, Clay Wellstone, intrigues her, especially when she discovers he's got close familial ties with the suspected culprits.

And a preview snippet…

Skyrah rode to CDA headquarters in silence. Her anger simmered at a slow boil, but she refused to take it out on the handsome agent. Even though her adrenaline pumped into high gear over the destruction of so many artifacts, the rapid kick of her heart had more to do with the man next to her. She fought to keep her gaze from lingering too long on his profile. The guy had a face artists dreamed of … and her fingers itched to trace the angular lines and planes, to sketch them on a million pages, or to mold them into clay for posterity.

Agent Clay Wellstone definitely had killer looks … and keen intelligence. But he also had more. Her trained eye didn't miss the practiced ease he used to secure the scene when he arrived. Complete confidence and a smattering of arrogance had the uniformed officers jumping to get things done.

He even handled her, something she usually didn't appreciate. She didn't want to admit she'd been shaken and shocked, but she had been. Agent Wellstone deftly maneuvered her off to the sidelines and put her mind to work on something concrete. Tangible. It helped clear her head and she had a solid appreciation for the gesture because it enabled her to let the anger in, and she wanted to feel something instead of being numb.

She glanced in his direction. "Thanks." She shrugged when he shot her a questioning look.

She couldn't put the gratitude into words.

The astute Agent Wellstone figured out what she meant and gave a nod. "You're welcome." He turned his attention back to the road.

He said nothing else, which kicked her respect up a notch. She didn't need inane chatter or empty platitudes. The man intrigued her and Skyrah couldn't decide if she liked it or not. She really shouldn't get tangled up with anyone on a personal level.

So far, this story is all over the place but it's coming together in interesting ways. I love the dynamic between Skyrah and Clay.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye