Sunday Snippet: It's Not What They Think

November is starting off with a wild trajectory. The election in the US is taking up a lot of air and space in my life and I'm okay with that. It does make it harder to focus on anything but the election, which isn't optimal for my work projects.

That said, I'm weirdly calm and very hopeful. Which is not to say I'm complacent because that would be stupid and reckless. There's going to be a lot of work to do regardless of who wins the presidency, senate, and house.

My tricky manuscript turned extremely challenging, but I finally got it finished up late last night. Now I can focus on a couple of projects that were simmering on the back burner and start two new ones that need attention.

Had an okay week of viewing. Trick or treat night took up some time and an unexpected accident involving my oldest and his fiancé needed my attention. Thankfully, both are okay and weren't injured in the crash.

I started the week with an episode of Elementary and I also ended the week with one. Both were enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoy the vibe when Sherlock tries to coordinate outfits for Joan. So far, it looks like she ditches those in favor of choosing her own.

Caught an episode of The Batman and enjoyed it. Nice to see Batgirl back in action. I'll be finished with this show at the end of this season and I'm not sure what I'll be replacing it with.

Also watched an episode of Classic Rugrats. The three vignettes were new to me again. I think I'm going to shift back to the new Rugrats once I'm through this season.

Enjoyed another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I'd seen most of this one before and really enjoyed the snappy and snarky dialog between the characters.

Caught another episode of London Kills and, whew, I got spoiled for what would happen and it still freaked me out. Really like this series.

Finished up season nine of Death in Paradise. Looking forward to season ten even with some of my misgivings with DI Parker. I love this show enough to give him time to grow on me.

Enjoyed the second half of Silent Witness. The show managed to surprise me, and I love it when that happens. One thing to note … I'm always curious about where Jack and Nikki live. Jack had such a cool house during the last season and now he seems to be in a townhouse of some sort. This is after he bought the fixer-upper that his dad and brother (for a while) shared with him. Weird stuff makes me curious.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from It's Not What They Think, a novella that puts a couple through the wringer when one of them can't control their power.

Here's the miniblurb:

Meaghan Wrath goes on the warpath, losing her hard-won control over her powers and wreaking havoc on unsuspecting clan members. She's setting a crappy example, but her husband, Vinnie Grayson, walks a fine line by not reprimanding her. Her need let off steam and be rebellious never lasts long—usually the week leading up to the full moon—and a demand to stop will only land her on the hot seat—almost literally.

And a preview snippet…

Vinnie faced the group of elders with a short leash on his temper. "For the last time, Meghan doesn't know what's going on or why it's happening." And he shouldn't be the one caught in the middle.

Master Mayhew pointed a long, bony finger at Vinnie. "You've got to get that woman under control." He gave a definitive nod when Elderman Vice grunted in agreement.

Vinnie arched his brows. "That woman is one of the most powerful mages we have. It's fine to use her when it suits your purposes, but when she's venting pent-up magick it's a problem." He got tired of the same old arguments.

Master Janson growled. "No one else is allowed to use their ability in the manner she's been using hers. Parlor tricks and light shows are beneath our level of achievement." He gave a derisive sniff.

Elderman Vice slowly nodded with another sound of agreement slipping from his lips.

Frustrated, Vinnie sighed. "No one wields the kind of power she does. So, there's a criterium for special circumstances." He shouldn't have to explain this. "And, hey, if any of you want to step up and help find some answers, you're welcome to do it." He paused a moment. "You are, after all, the elders, not to mention the ruling council. Isn't it your job to not only seek a solution but to assist in finding one?"

An uncomfortable silence followed his outburst, which bordered on a tirade. Perhaps he'd pushed too hard. Too effing bad. Meghan needed some room to figure out why she couldn't seem to keep her powers under control. The stodgy mages could either step up or shut up.

Or kiss his ass if they chose to do nothing.

He waited one more minute before he turned and started for the exit. If the old bastards weren't going to help, why waste time or act like their whipping post.

"Mr. Grayson, you haven't been dismissed yet," Elderman Vice, the head of council, called out.

Vinnie glanced over his shoulder. "I know. Yet here I am, still leaving." He pushed the doors open and sailed out of the room.

He barely contained the urge to flip the entire group off.

He and Meghan were on their own and Vinnie would stand by her until they got answers.

Vinnie is a great guy and he's done talking to the elders, especially if they're not going to help.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye