Sunday Snippet: Underbelly

Happy Father's Day to the dads out there, including fur dads and mentors. We've got beautiful weather after a very soggy week.

My work projects are bringing me so much joy right now. The books are so amazing! Also heard from one of my authors on two new stories he's got percolating right now. And I got a text message from one of my current authors that completely made my weekend. So … work is awesome right now.

Had a very good viewing week. I ended up doubling up on a couple of shows because the mood struck.

Ended up catching two episodes of the Brokenwood Mysteries. Both were pretty great. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting another one of Mike's ex-wives. And my heart kind of broke for him by the end of that episode. I'll probably finish out season nine this week.

Finished the complete run of available Classic Who episodes. Have to say in retrospect, it's weird how there have been seven doctors and only one master. That said, I'm actually kind of happy with how Seven's tenure ended. Not sure if I'll watch the movie with Eight or just skip over to New Who. It might be a few weeks before I start that.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness. This two-parter ended up being very twisty and I liked it. Looking forward to starting a new one this week.

Watched two episodes of Death in Paradise. I'm enjoying watching from the beginning in chronological order. It's nice to see how the original group came together.

Enjoyed the penultimate episode of Only Murders in the Building. What a cool twist or three. Can't wait to watch the finale this week.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. This is my nostalgia show. I have so many great memories of watching this when my kiddos were little.

Watched an episode of Peak Practice. Joanna breaks my heart sometimes. And we're nearing the end of season nine when things don't go so well for her.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with a double-header of "Home Part I and II." These are two of my favorite episodes of season two. The fleet is brought back together, and the acting is stellar.

Enjoyed another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Very interesting development at the end. I have a feeling I'll either love or hate the twist.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Underbelly, a novella with an urban noir vibe and characters who get to pull off a heist.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jarrod Steele is a private investigator who deals with the weird and the unknown and can find anything his clients want. His super-efficient assistant, Maylin Rose, along with her unique skill set, makes sure of it.

And a preview snippet…

Jarrod reached out through a looking glass spell. As predicted, his harpy of a grandmother ignored his call attempts for a full hour.

When he finally got through, Sopharella Whetstone snapped and sniped. "You know I don't appreciate being summoned via a spell. If you want to speak to me, you can come to the estate." Her tone oozed censure.

Jarrod bit back. "Considering I don't know where you are twenty-four hours a day, which estate should I try first?" It could take him days to figure out which home she happened to be staying in.

She snarked. "If you bothered keeping in touch, you'd know where I am."

Jarrod shot back. "Yet, you don't answer calls or spell-casts until it suits you. Kind of makes it hard to find out where you are." He arched his brows. "See the problem?" He bit his tongue to avoid saying more.

She harrumphed. "Touché. What do you want?" Her image wavered a little then grew stronger.

She'd added her considerable power to the spell.

Jarrod got to the point. "What do you know about Aston Pemburke?"

Her lips puckered. "Bah! Nouveaux magick. Bought and paid for by the Pemburkes. Not worth my time." She sent a piercing stare his way. "Why are you wasting yours with him?" Her tone had curiosity laced through it.

Jarrod didn't answer, instead he replied. "He almost got me killed tonight. And I know there's something not showing in his background."

Her visage softened a little. "Are you hurt? Did he cause harm to you?" She couldn't quite keep the concern from her voice.

Jarrod grunted. "I'm fine. But if he didn't set me up, I want to know who did."

Grandma Sophie demanded a full account. "Start at the beginning and tell me everything."

Jarrod shook his head. "I'm bound by my contract to keep the details under wraps." His reluctance to share went deep with her.

She snapped. "If I don't have all the details, I can't provide the right information."

Jarrod snorted. "Meaning you can't give out the crumbs you choose to like ammunition if I don't provide a big enough target." No way would he give her cannon fodder to use against another family.

She waved her hand. "Not this time. Whatever you say goes to my grave. I won't have your life threatened."

Unless she did the threatening.

Jarrod gave her the rundown. She listened without interrupting—for once—and nodded several times.

Leaning forward, she asked one question. "Did the Pemburkes purchase this cube or steal it?"

Jarrod lifted his chin. "According to my research, they bought it. There's a transfer of ownership in the archives."

She settled back in her chair. "The short answer is Aston has a sister whose relationship has been expunged from the family records. She married an up-and-coming magick monger named Jayson Barrowman." Her face twisted in distaste. "The cube works on a blood imprint, meaning anyone with the family DNA can wield the power." She paused a moment. "And the power could be astronomical. Barrowman will, no doubt, want to use it for nefarious purposes."

Jarrod growled. "Son of a bitch." He wanted to smash Aston Pemburke in the mouth.

His grandmother huffed out an exasperated sigh. "What on earth are you doing with a group of lowlifes like them?"

Jarrod matched her biting tone. "Getting paid. Thanks for the help, Grandmother." He cut the conference off with a wave of his hand.

He'd pay later. The next time he needed help.

Rising from the table, he hissed out his frustration. "Stupid class wars." But, damn, the hierarchy aspect explained a thing or two.

I love this couple! There might be a possibility of more adventures if the sages cooperate.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Underbelly

I seriously can't believe I'll be moving my daughter into her dorm in three weeks. It's coming up fast! She's very excited and I think I have almost everything she needs to be prepared for the daily masking, temperature taking, and hand sanitizing she's going to have to do.

On a super-positive note, I found an app that will let me not only brainstorm but will translate the long-form handwritten brainstorming I've done into text! This is true game changer for me. I'm so, so, so excited.

Had a semi-slow week for watching shows. I made some serious progress on getting my office cleared and organized. I'm almost ready to add a bookcase or two. I've been a little light on work projects so this is a terrific time to get the tedious sort, sort, sorting accomplished.

I did get to watch another episode of Peak Practice. I'm about midway through the second season and I have a sneaking suspicion someone will be leaving at the end of this one.

Also rewatched the second episode of Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. I truly love this spinoff.

Caught "The Sontaren Experiment" episodes of Classic Who. It's a lot of fun to visit Sarah Jane way back when. I miss Elisabeth a lot.

Watched episode four of Picard. I'm trying to figure out what the captain's deal is. All of his holographs are versions of himself? I kind of love it but also really wonder about it.

Got a few more episodes of Danger Man in, both ones I didn't remember. I thoroughly enjoyed each.

Also watched another compilation of Cirque du Soleil shows. I honestly can't fathom how the performers do what they do. I'm always, always amazed at their ability. And the costumers and makeup artists along with the musicians pull everything together. It's mind-blowing.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Underbelly, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jarrod Steele is a private investigator who deals with the weird and the unknown and can find anything his clients want. His super-efficient assistant, Maylin Rose, along with her unique skill set, makes sure of it.

And a preview snippet…

Jarrod straightened his clothes and grinned. Maylin started typing—something she could actually do but not accurately at her current speed—just before their prospective client entered the office.

She rose to offer a standard greeting. "Mr. Pemburke? Mr. Steele will see you right away." Ushering the man into Jarrod's office, she made the introductions. "Jarrod Steele, this is Mr. Aston Pemburke."

Jarrod stood and offered his hand. "Pemburke, what can I do for you?"

Maylin ducked out, no doubt going back to her desk to resume typing, but not before she turned the intercom record button on. She'd have an earphone in so she could listen to the entire meeting.

Aston didn't waste time, getting directly to the point. "Steele, I'd like to hire you to retrieve an object stolen from my family's estate." He sat down and reached inside his interior jacket pocket. "This is what was taken." He handed Jarrod a photograph of a cube with carved runes embedded on all sides.

Jarrod's curiosity piqued and he met Aston's gaze. "I'll need to know what I'm getting into here. The runes imply magick. Is there a protective spell or backlash to deal with?" He'd run into some nasty scenarios and now charged his client's accordingly.

Aston's eyes widened. "Uh, I'm not certain. The object is my father's and he doesn't know it's missing yet." He leaned forward. "I'd like to keep it that way. I know who has it but I can't get close to him."

Interesting. Jarrod mentally added another line item to the bottom line, as would Maylin when she gave Pemburke the contract.

Jarrod pulled out a notepad. "I guarantee confidentiality. You're the client. The rest of your family can be none the wiser." He glanced up. "Tell me who has it and anything else you can think of regarding the artifact."

Aston snarled. "Jayson Barrowman is the cretin who stole the cube from our home. He'll have it secured in his compound, which is a gated, guarded, and gilded monstrosity located in the foothills of Quark Mountain." His hands fisted in his lap. "You're not going to have an easy time of getting the cube back. I attended a party last month and it's nowhere on the main levels of the house. But I know it's there."

Jarrod narrowed his gaze. "How, exactly, do you know?" A red flag went up.

Aston shrugged. "I scried for the object. It's there but nowhere on the upper levels." He shifted his position on the chair. "Barrowman has to have a sublevel. There's no other explanation."

Jarrod jotted the information down but Maylin would already be researching the architect and builder details. "I'll look into whether or not he has one. It's not a problem if he does." Jarrod paused and met Aston's gaze. "Do you have proof of ownership? If you don't, things could get sticky." He'd had his share of off the books item-retrieval, which always got dangerous.

Aston withdrew another document. "This is a copy of the decree that gave my family control of the cube. My grandfather purchased the artifact from the Manchurins three decades ago."

Jarrod had a working knowledge of the Manchurins. Old family, old magick, old money that ran dry. But he now had a thread he could pull to find out more about the cube. Especially if Pemburke didn't give Jarrod more to go on.

Jarrod prodded Aston a little. "Okay, you've got ownership. Why did Barrowman steal the item?" A dispute between buyers couldn't be ruled out.

Aston glanced away. "I'm not completely certain. The cube has immense power if the wielder understands the runes and how they work. Barrowman fancies himself a dark arts master." Pemburke met Jarrod's gaze again. "Which means he could turn the power against whomever he wants to."

Well, hell. The stakes just anted up. And Pemburke knew more than he wanted to share with Jarrod. Another dollar sign to add to the contract.

Jarrod stood. "Pemburke, the terms for this case will be fluid, dependent upon what I'll need to get in and out of Barrowman's estate and how much trouble I have doing so." He wrote an amount down. "This is the amount to put me on retainer." Sliding the paper toward Aston, he waited until the man nodded to continue. "If I don't have the job finished within a week, I'll provide an update to you and only you. Since you want this to stay confidential, I'll contact you via a messenger service under the name Atlas Limited." He moved around the desk and directed Pemburke to Maylin's desk. "Maylin, please provide a standard contract with this amount as a retainer. We're leaving the expenses open-ended for now."

Maylin turned and opened a file cabinet to retrieve a contract.

Jarrod thrust his hand forward. "Thanks for coming in, Pemburke. I'll leave you in Maylin's capable hands." After a firm handshake, Jarrod reentered his office and strode over to the windows.

He didn't like the potential for mishap the cube represented. He'd be doing some careful research on any side effects handling the item might generate. Neither he nor Maylin needed another curse to be unleashed on them.

They almost hadn't survived the last one.

This story took on a life of its own and I'm completely okay with that. The sages knew exactly what little twist to add to make this ten times better.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Storm Down the Drain

I think we're starting to get used to our state of affairs. For me, it's not a huge change. The household still has three workers deemed essential and one who can work depending on the weather. Financially, we're feeling a pinch but not a hard bite. We're still trying to show support for the restaurants and local businesses to help ease their concerns.

Kind of a slow week for television, mainly because I've been feeling kind of blah. When the weather goes from warm to cold then back again twice in one week, I react poorly. My sleep schedule is way out of whack right now. Bleh.

I finished up Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears. I loved it!! The conclusion ended up being perfect with a callback to the series and Phryne's biggest fear. And the movie let Phryne stay in character so to speak. I won't spoil anything but the romance ended up being exactly right for Phryne and Jack.

I also got to check out the behind the scenes footage and a Q and A with Essie Davis. Fun stuff. If you get a chance, check this movie out on Acorn.

Watched the penultimate episode of season one Peak Practice. I'll finish up the series this week coming up. I can quite decide if I like Will or if I think he's a complete prat. Or … if I actually like him because he's a prat. LOL

Caught the Death to the Daleks arc of Classic Who. I'm not sure how many episodes are left in season eleven, but I'm looking forward to revisiting the fourth doctor in the next series.

I decided to see if I can catch some musicals and concerts that are streaming right now. I watched an amalgamation of Cirque du Soliel, featuring Amaluna and two other shows. I'll be watching another one later this week and then searching for a musical or orchestra concert to watch.

I'm doing a trial with CBS All Access and watched the first episode of Picard. I'm intrigued. The reviews were mixed but I can safely say I kind of want to know what the hell is going on with the Romulans and the Borg and the federation and AIs. I'll be tuning in for another episode for certain.

Caught episode four of Strike Back. I'm very pleased one of the characters got to live to see another day. I love how much Chetri does on the down low. I also love how Coltrane does what he thinks he should do but changes on the fly when loyalty comes into play. This show … I'm going to miss it so much when it's over.

This week's Strike Back Declassified ended up being really good. Seeing into the thought process is always fun and hearing how they shoot things in long takes amazes me.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles. I'd forgotten how much Demona annoyed the crap out of me. I'm getting a crash course during the rewatch. LOL

Caught episode two of The Witcher. Again, this show intrigues me. I'm following along fairly well and I like having the three storylines playing out on the screen. Looking forward to the next episode.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Storm Down the Drain, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

On a dark and stormy night, Brooks Algonquin knocks on Velvet Strong's door and asks her to help him find the Burmesian Raven, an antiquity with magical qualities. Velvet takes his case but quickly learns Brooks has ulterior motives for acquiring the artifact stolen from his family.

And a preview snippet…

She's taking the case.

Brooks's grin faded. Now he had to figure out how to keep her safe. But … an idea started to form in his mind for a perfect solution.

Letting go of her palm and reaching for his checkbook, he met her gaze. "Will you accept half your fee up front?" He retrieved a pen from his pocket.

Velvet held up a hand. "No, not yet." Leaning back, she draped an arm over the cushion. "Let's see if I can find this artifact first." A small smile curved her lips. "And maybe see how much of an adventure this turns into." The robe parted at her waist below the hastily tied belt, giving Brooks an amazing view of the leg she didn't have tucked under her thighs.

His mouth watered … just a little.

Then reality kicked in. He'd hate to see anything happen to any of her limbs.

Clearing his throat, he pressed forward with his idea, playing a carefully manipulated hand. "Er, you know how my family operates. I ditched my babysitter to come here so they wouldn't know my plans." He rolled a shoulder. "I'd feel better if I have you on retainer. You'll be protected if you are."

Velvet's eyebrows rose. "How do you figure? If I'm on your payroll, they'll know what you're doing." Her lips thinned to a flat line across her face.

Now comes the tricky part.

Brooks complimented her intelligence. "Good point. Your reputation is well-known, but you're also a woman. In my world, you wouldn't be taken as seriously as a male counterpart." He rolled his eyes. "Having you on retainer would offer a layer of protection if only because you'd be taking payment. But … it would tip my hand." He met her gaze. "To be completely safe, and to keep what I need to do under wraps, I want you to become my mistress."

Velvet's mouth dropped open. "Excuse me?" She blinked and her shoulders tensed.

Brooks quickly clarified. "Only to the public. You know, a ruse." He gave her another slow once-over. "Although, full disclosure, I wouldn't mind having you in my bed." Not one damn bit would he mind.

Velvet's countenance changed and the seductive siren came out. "Mmm. As nice as that would be…" She leaned forward, invading his personal space. "I only get intimate with people I trust." She patted him on the chest. "And you and me … we're not there yet." Rising, she gathered the tray from the table and carried the items into the kitchen area again.

Brooks almost asked why she didn't trust him. But … he hadn't told her everything. He couldn't. Not yet anyway. The fact she'd picked up on his evasive tactic kicked his respect for her up another notch.

He stood and followed her into the nicely appointed kitchen. "Have you changed your mind then?"

Velvet angled her head around to meet his gaze. "About taking the case? No, not at all." She turned, facing him. "But let's be clear on my role. I'll pose as your lover in public. In private, we stay in our own beds." She folded her arms over her chest. "Does that work for you?"

He nodded. "It does." As much as he wanted her, he couldn't be a slave to his libido—not with his life on the line.

Velvet gave him a brief smile and moved past him. "Good." She led the way back to the exit.

Brooks paused behind her. "Once my family knows you'll be at my place or I'll be over here, they'll relax. If they think I'm wrapped up in a new woman, the shadow detail should loosen up and give us windows of opportunity to find the artifact." Most of those pockets of time would be during the darkest part of night, but she'd have figured that out already.

Velvet stepped aside but stayed close to the door. "Did you have a place in mind for our first meeting?"

Brooks had just the place picked out. "Jumpin' Joes. Do you know the place?"

She gave a nod. "I'm familiar with it, yes. A good pick. Crowded enough to play into a chance meeting, but not so popular we'll be in a crush of people. Tomorrow around nine?"

The time worked well for him. "Perfect. I'll get there a little early and claim a spot at the bar." One last thought struck him and he didn't stop to think about his next action.

Cupping her face with one hand, he leaned in, making his intention clear. She didn't resist or flinch away and his mouth slanted over hers for a long, lingering kiss.

When he eased back, he traced his thumb over her cheek. "Practice. Had to make sure we'd be able to pull off a public display of affection." He definitely wouldn't mind finding reasons to lock lips with her again.

Velvet blew out an extended breath. "Obviously not going to be a problem." She reached for the doorknob. "But … let's remember to keep those displays in the public arena from this point forward." Pulling the door open, she sidestepped to let him exit.

Brooks lifted his chin, acknowledging her stipulation and left the suite. He waited until he started down the back stairs before letting a wide, slow grin cross his face.

Working with Velvet Strong might be the best thing ever.

I love this couple who aren't a couple. If all goes well, Brooks and Velvet will slowly make their way toward a satisfying ending.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye