Sunday Snippet: Turning the Tide (a Black Watch banner novella)

Whew. Rough week. The nasty cold bit down hard, and I struggled to get through any and everything. I think I finally kicked the worst of it yesterday. Got a solid eight hours of sleep and only woke up twice coughing. The three days before? Only got two to three hours of sleep at a time before the coughing fits would wake me up and I couldn't get back to sleep. Not fun.

The tire drama is finally at an end. Now it's on to brakes for my car. That's still going to be a November problem.

We got our first cold snap and finally had to turn the furnace on today. I'm usually good until the interior of the house hits the low sixties. Woke to sixty-two degrees and, yeah, kicked the thermostat to heat. Pretty sure we'll be back in the seventies by the middle of the week and I'll turn it off again … hopefully until November.

Work projects were rough this week, mainly because of my cold. The whole fuzzy bunny slippers in my head feeling doesn't match well with trying to read words and edit manuscripts. I did finish up a proofread and started a copy edit. I also reviewed the opening chapters of a manuscript for a potential new client. I have an evaluation I need to work on and should be able to start hitting that one hard this week.

Had a semi-okay viewing week. I didn't make it all the way through my regular slate of shows because of the aforementioned cold, but I got most of the way through.

Started with Marple and I'm warming up to the new actress playing the role. She's not quite as snappy as the previous actress but she embodies Jane just the same.

Watched another episode of Britain's Most Scenic Counties and enjoyed the various stops in Cheshire. If I had to pick between Kent and Cheshire, I'd lean toward Kent, but Cheshire is gaining momentum.

Caught an episode of Return to Paradise and I can honestly say this season is kind of knocking it out of the park. The emotional upheaval of Mac being back in Paradise Cove is so well done. I love her interactions with Philomena are amazing.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot and continue to love his friendship with Ariadne. I think I have two episodes left of this version of the show. Looking forward to those.

Elementary had another great episode. I'm enjoying the way the show is weaving in outside elements to the case and tying them together.

I also did some binge watching of Death in Paradise per usual. Sometimes it's nice to have a comfort show on in the background.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Turning the Tide, a to be named banner novella. Yeah, the title of this series keeps changing and it's driving me bonkers.

Here's the miniblurb:

Verity and Emory have to balance the personal with the professional when they're back at Black Raven command. They're tasked with taking out a crucial enemy stronghold by exploiting a vulnerable weakness. The removal of the base will give the allied forces a way into the heart of enemy territory. Just when they think they're ready to go, Verity's ace fighter pilot dad shows up to see his daughter … and meet the man who wants her—Emory Cavendish.

And a preview snippet…

Well, hell.

Verity closed her eyes for a brief moment before glancing up and meeting her father's angry gaze. "Hello, Ace. What brings you to Blackwatch command?" She kept her voice calm and casual … even though the looming figure of Victor Jones had her hackles rising.

As much as it pained her to do so, she shot Worthington a quick look for help. She carefully avoided Emory's gaze for the moment.

Worthington stepped out from behind the table. "Jones, as you can see, we're busy right now and this operation is need to know only." The implied meaning being Victor Jones did not need to know.

Verity bit back a smirk. Wonder how long he's wanted to nail my dad with that one?

She finally sought Emory's and took the boost of confidence his smile gave her.

Worthington directed Victor to the door then glanced back. "Finish the run through. I'll get Ace here something to drink and find some quarters for him." He pushed Victor through in front of him. "Come by when you're finished." He gave Verity a pointed look before leaving.

Verity let out the breath she'd been holding when her dad offered no objection and the door closed softly behind them. All eyes were on her, so she broke the tension.

"You all can scrape your jaws off the floor. He's just a man."

Laughter erupted and Emory placed the next piece on the board.

When the others began setting the stage, Emory leaned in, keeping his voice low. "Were you expecting him?"

She shook her head. "Nope. Haven't even heard from him since I received my orders.'' And his arrival didn't bode well.

Emory cut into her depressing thought. "Are you okay?" Concern laced his tone.

Verity lifted a shoulder. "I'll get back to you on that." She waited a beat. "You'll come with me to see him after this is over?" She actually wanted Emory to meet her dad, and she had a feeling she'd need Emory's moral support … both as the CAG and as her lover.

Emory lifted his chin. "Absolutely." He held her gaze a moment longer before diving back into the run through.

This series is so much fun to write, and I'm so happy with where things are … with the exception of trying to nail down a name for it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye