Sunday Snippet: Zeitgeist Hall

I can't believe October is almost over. We have our fall weather in full swing though and that makes me happy. Made two batches of potato soup over the weekend because we had rain and chilly temperatures. Perfect for this time of year.

Had a busy work week with one difficult but fun project and another in the final stages. Also got a lot of writing completed. I finished up the two manuscripts from last week and I'm doing final read throughs before sending off to beta readers. I'm so excited!

Had another light week of watching television. I go through phases were I'm either need to focus on other things and can't have background noise or I'm not quite in the mood to watch anything.

I did get another episode of Only Murders in the Building watched and I'm enjoying season three. It's a little jarring to not have the trio as tight as they have been, but I like the different dynamics playing out.

Watched another episode of The Batman and loved it. I remember this one from my original watch and it's fun when Alfred has to save Bruce's butt to keep his secret safe.

Also caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. Both had good moments with Dil and I'd forgotten how cute some of the episodes were after he came along.

Enjoyed another episode of VIP and liked having some Nikki backstory. I can't remember if we get anything for Quick and Kay or not.

Caught a double-header of Battlestar Galactica with "Exodus" parts one and two. I can honestly say there's not a wasted moment in the almost two hours of viewing. These two episodes are premium … even the parts I hate that feature Sam and Leoben, my two least favorite characters.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zeitgeist Hall, a spooky and sexy novella that pits an established couple against a castle caretaker that's trying to break a curse.

Here's the miniblurb:

Morley Graham and Watson Kinkead are off on a weekend adventure when they have serious car trouble and end up stranded at Zeitgeist Hall, a castle looming on the edge of a cliff. The creepy caretaker offers refuge, but Morley and Graham begin to suspect he's behind their stay when they discover a body in the tower.

And a preview snippet…

Morley entered a huge room lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books. "I knew this place had to have a library. Check out the book islands." Her arm swept over one of eight counter-high rectangles storing more books.

Watson gave a low whistle. "These look like original first editions." He gently lifted the edge of a huge cover. "Holy shit. Look at these maps…" Carefully turning the pages, his fingers traced over the topography.

Morley pulled a stool closer. "Oh … my. I love old maps." She slid one of the other gigantic books closer and fell in love with the vivid colors.

Watson strolled around the other islands and came back with a book on the history of the island. "Yep. First, and maybe only, edition." He glanced toward the windows, which provided some space between the bookcases. "What does this make? One hundred and seventeen rooms?"

Morley gave a nod. "I think so. I've never seen so many bedrooms, and we still have an entire wing to explore later." But first, a nice relaxing break would be lovely.

Watson grunted and focused on his book.

Morely got lost in the maps. Lush imagery filled the pages and some unfolded to double their size. Footfalls sounded on the soft carpet along with the slightly screeching wheel of a serving cart.

The caretaker entered and wheeled over to their location."Lunch is served." His head bobbed.

Removing two domed lids, he revealed hearty fare of salad, aromatic stew, and crusty bread. Two slices of a dense, moist cake completed the food portion. A carafe of water and one of hot, probably tea sat in the middle of the serving area. Morley's mouth watered and her stomach growled.

Abner raised up on his toes. "I'll return later for the cart. Please enjoy." He stepped back then turned and left the room.

Watson narrowed his gaze. "He really is an odd dude." Closing the book, he pulled two chairs over to the makeshift table.

Morley shook her head. "How does he always know where we are?" The idea unsettled her.

Watson shrugged. "Don't know, but if he's got the tech to keep track of us, there has to be a way to contact the mainland other than a phone." He tucked into his food and made a hum of satisfaction.

Morley agreed but didn't comment. She wanted to ponder the weird little man a bit more before pushing for information. So far, his interactions with them had been polite affairs … if a little creepy.

Once they finished eating, Watson went back to his book. The rain continued and another storm blew in with thunder and lightning. Morley got a little bored with the maps and started to explore the next room.

She frowned. "Hmm. Armaments and weapons. Reproductions or real?" Not that it mattered but curiosity got the better of her.

She opened one of the big trunks and poked around. An array of medieval-looking weapons filled the space. One caught her attention and she grasped the handle, tugging it loose from its brethren.

A smear had her shouting for Watson.

He came dashing into the room, skidding to a halt beside her.

She held up the weapon. "Tell me that's not what I think it is." Blood stains on a battle ax.

Watson tsked. "I'm sad to inform you it looks like it is, and it's fresh or appears to be." He gingerly took the weapon and placed it back in the trunk.

Morley shuddered. "Yeah. Time to explore someplace else." Closing the lid, she crossed the room and headed down a new hall they hadn't explored yet.

Watson caught her arm. "Let's check this out." He nudged the door open.

Morley's eyes went wide. "An atrium. So cool." A rounded sofa sat in the middle of the glass-walled room, surrounded by a wide variety of plants.

Watson led the way, taking a seat in the middle of the couch. "Looks spectacular with the lightning show." He tugged her down beside him.

Morley leaned into him, and they got comfortable. The patter of rain hitting the outside of the windows and the flashes of bold, brilliant light made snuggling together a given. And snuggling led to lips meshing and hands wandering. Morley sat up to remove her shirt but gasped instead.

A snake slithered out from between two plants and almost sank its fangs into Watson's wrist. Morley grabbed a spade sitting on the edge of the pot and cut off its head. Watson jumped up, rubbing his arm.

He shuddered. "Definitely not a fan of snakes." He met her gaze. "What the hell is one doing inside?"

Morley rolled a shoulder. "No clue. Maybe it wanted to get out of the weather." Somehow, she doubted that idea. "Doesn't matter. This place has absolutely lost its charm. Let's go." They left the atrium and tracked Abner down in the library.

Watson jerked his head toward the hall. "Killed a snake in the atrium. Weren't sure what to do with it."

Abner's gaze slid toward the location. "I'll take care of it. Thank you."

Morley faked a yawn. "Think we'll head up to our room. With this weather, a nap sounds really great right now." She grabbed Watson's hand and headed out of the library.

Once inside their suite, Watson grasped her hips. "Pick up where we left off before the snake interruption?" His lips nuzzled her throat.

Morley smiled. "Absolutely." She eased away and lifted the hem of her shirt. "I think we were somewhere close to here, right?" Yanking the shirt over her head, she tossed it on the chair.

Watson lifted his chin. "MmHmm." He tugged his shirt up and off, dropping it beside hers.

Shoes and pants followed, and they tumbled onto the bed, mouths exploring exposed skin. Watson hauled her over his thighs and cupped her ass, urging her to rise up and sink over his hard length. She obliged, taking him slowly, inch by inch until fully seated.

Watson's hands ghosted along her sides then palmed her breasts. Morley moaned low in her throat then leaned forward to catch his lips with hers.

This is such a fun story! Writing a little bit creepy is a challenge for me and I'm enjoying it so much.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye