Sunday Snippet: A Noble Kidnapping

It's been a long week with a lot going on. My dad turned eighty last Sunday and my oldest turned thirty-two. Yep. They have the same birthday. My brothers always give me a bunch a grief over getting my dad a grandson for his birthday.

We had a nice reception for my dad, and I got to reconnect with a lot of people I hadn't seen in a long time. So nice to catch up.

Work projects continue to keep me busy. I'm making good progress but often feel like I'm spinning my wheels because they're big projects that take a lot of back and forth. This isn't a complaint; it's more an observation.

Had a slow viewing week but did manage to get through my main group of shows. The backburner ones didn't make the cut this week.

Started out with Batman Beyond and enjoyed it. I have memories of this one where Terry's secret is exposed and he finally has something of an ally.

Watched another Classic Rugrats and both were new-to-me vignettes. Thoroughly enjoyed the shopping one and the one with the snow was fun also.

Enjoyed another episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. As a comfort show, the amazing cast is always ready to help me slide into a happy place. Even if there's a murder to solve.

Caught the season twelve finale of Death in Paradise. Good to see Neville's team work hard to clear him of the professor's death. Nice to see the dangling plot threads tied up also. Looking forward to starting thirteen this week.

Watched another episode of Poirot and rather enjoyed the mystery. A lot gets packed into the hour-long episodes and sometimes feels a little rushed.

Really enjoyed the episode of Elementary with the dual mysteries and some insight into the captain's daughter and how she operates.

Also watched what I think is the first season finale of Return to Paradise. I'm really enjoying this show.

I think I found the new show I'm going to start this week, but I'm not absolutely set. Stay tuned.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Noble Kidnapping, a novella that brings childhood friends together under fraught circumstances.

Here's the miniblurb:

Jaina Wraith discovers Seb Morrison is a member of the nobility and she kidnaps him, fully intent on having him executed. When Seb reminds her how many times he's come to her aid, she has to decide whether to help him escape or leave him to a tragic fate.

And a preview snippet…

Jaina stood over her father's grave—two days after her eighteenth birthday. Her mind whirled with too many revelations. The long letter from her father tucked into his patient ledgers explained a lot … and left too much unexplained.

She sighed. "At least you left the book of knowledge for me." She'd need the instructive lessons to wield her new powers.

Ones she'd been unaware of because they passed to her only upon her father's death.

Which happened too soon and under highly suspicious circumstances.

She snorted. "Not that I can prove unlawful killing." Even if she knew in her very bones her dad had been murdered by Hanson Pillwick.

Because her dad refused to use his gift to heal the nobility and Hanson Pillwick discovered Blanton Wraith carried ancestral magick and blamed him for the loss of Hanson's son. He'd had her dad killed, and the act gave Jaina a cause to fight for. And something to ease the depth of her grief.

The nobility would burn—by her hand if possible.

A throat cleared.

Jaina glanced up from her solitary vigil to discover Seb Morrison standing across from her.

He nodded. "I'm sorry for your loss, Jaina."

She noted the changes in him. Taller, broader, but the same intense blue eyes. Always studying and documenting everything in their sight. He'd filled out and become even more handsome.

She thanked him. "I appreciate the condolences." Hyperaware of him, she didn't know what else to say.

He reached out and squeezed her shoulder. "If you ever need anything, let me know." Stepping back, he clasped her hand. "If I'm not immediately available, my mother will get a message to me."

He caught her off guard with the offer. A little touched, her pride wouldn't allow her to accept help or let him into her future plans.

She let go of his hand and lifted her chin. "Thank you for the offer, but I'll be fine." She had a lot of work to do.

He gave her another of his odd, studious looks, but accepted her response. "My sympathies then. I'll take my leave now." He walked away with catlike grace.

Jaina followed his progress until he cleared the gate. A different kind of loss settled over her shoulders. It would be easy to lean on Seb. But she couldn't trust her feelings right now. Anything soft she might feel got crowded out by the need to avenge her father's death.

Two men emerged from the shadows of the crypt beside her. Jocko and Biggs were two tough nuts her dad trusted. By extension, Jaina put her faith in the men. They would be her eyes and ears while she fought to find justice.

Jocko narrowed his gaze on Seb's retreating figure. "Who's the bloke?"

Jaina shrugged. "Someone I used to know a long time ago." A friend she would miss but only in her dreams.

Biggs grunted. "We moved your stuff, like you asked. You sure you wanna come to the dregs with us—"

Jocko cut in. "Yeah, it's not exactly a welcoming place."

Jaina didn't care. "I'm sure." She turned and slowly walked away from her father's final resting place.

She'd find her way, especially when she started taking down the nobles one by one.

This is something of a slow burn romance and I'm enjoying putting the pieces together.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye