Sunday Snippet: Loss

Wow, March is being its typical mercurial self. Warm up and then plunge back into the teens and single digits. The back-and-forth weather is normal but not fun.

Crazy-busy week with work projects. I'm thrilled to have my calendar filling up and excited to start some new manuscripts. Also getting more details sorted out for Tip Jar Shorts. I need to find a full day I can dedicate to getting everything where it needs to be.

Very limited viewing this week. My brain decided it needed quiet to focus on the reading I needed to finish up for one of my work projects. I probably needed the break.

I did get more of the One Lane Bridge episode watched. I might take a brief vacation from this one. There's a lot going on in this show and focus is going to be important so I don't miss anything.

Finished up season three of London Kills with the behind-the-scenes bonus episode. I always enjoy getting a deeper look at how everything comes together in a series.

Started another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm about halfway through and I like the tension in this one. Also enjoyed Neville and Commissioner Patterson being on the same page for once.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Loss, a novella that explores how the main characters deal with a devastating blow.

Here's the miniblurb:

Welsh Hollingsworth is the golden child of Clan Grimstone, but when he's expected to fill the void left when his dad is killed, he can't quite figure out how and he hopes Cagney Gaines can help him find some insight. Cagney can't deal with the loss of her mentor, the one constant in her chaotic world and she leaves when Welsh needs her the most. One year later, she returns to find a very different Welsh—one who doesn't welcome her with open arms.

And a preview snippet…

Cagney surveyed the group gathered on the tracks and lining the subway platform. "I've gotta hand it to Welsh. He mobilized the clan in a hurry.'' She met Jacko's gaze. "He's not happy about staying behind." She wouldn't be either if she'd been in his place.

Jacko rolled a shoulder. "Someone needs to call the shots and, like it or not, that's him." He shook his head. "And he needs to be protected. This is a coordinated attack. Taking the old man out? Bold move to get the ball rolling."

Cagney nodded. "Bold but stupid." The one thing Clan Grimstone didn't lack?

Loyalty.

Word of Wallace's death at the hands of Bainbridge spread quickly, and members all but poured out of the woodwork at Hollingsworth House. With communication lines blown, the telepaths were working in a chain to get logistics and movement down and relay orders on. Cagney had met Jacko at the subway terminal and, along with twenty women and thirty men, had a trap set for the Stoneworth clansmen.

The sound of screeching wheels on metal echoed through the tunnel.

Jacko nudged her shoulder. "This should be them. The train is dark." He readied his pouch to give the signal.

The man's bag of tricks never failed to amaze Cagney. Damn good thing he'd arrived at the house in one piece to get the details of Wallace's death. Cagney didn't know if she could have led this battle on her own. Not with—

Guh. She couldn't even think about Wallace not being around when she got back. No way.

Jacko clasped her shoulder with a gnarled hand. "Easy, Cag. I need you here with me." With a gentle squeeze, he let go and readied to launch the counterattack.

Cagney gave him another nod. "On your mark." Shoving aside her grief, she let the anger take control.

When Jacko gave the go, Cagney unleashed her rage and rained hellfire down on the darkened car. Men spilled out on both sides, and Jacko directed the other clansmen in a strategic skirmish that quickly cut the Stoneworth numbers to half. Now, with a fair fight, both groups pulled back on their magick and entered into physical battle mode.

Cagney jumped into the middle of the fray, each blow, kick, punch, and strike chipping away at the tenuous hold on her pain. By the time the Grimstone side had the advantage, rounding up the stragglers of Clan Stoneworth, and she threw her final fist, the tears blurred her vision.

Connecting with her adversary's jaw, she growled. "For Wallace." She let the opponent hit the tracks in a heap of battered flesh.

Jacko made his way to her side. "The old man would be proud of you." He flung an arm around her shoulders. "Let's go see how our new leader fared." He limped forward, a little worse for the skirmish.

Cagney didn't argue, and she appreciated Jacko ignoring the grief overflowing from her eyes. His gaze held a sheen of moisture too. Exhausted and overwhelmed, Cagney didn't stop the stream of tears, letting them run freely. But she'd be dry-eyed when they briefed Welsh—because he would need her to be strong and unbreakable when they got back.

And she would be both even if it killed her.

This one is coming together in so many ways I didn't expect, and I'm excited to see what else unfolds.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Loss

Okay, we're a week before Thanksgiving in the US and I'm happy to say I've got the bulk of my holiday shopping done. I need to get a few more items then it's time to put a bow on the whole package and be done. YAY!

Had a pretty solid week of working and watching television. A new project crossed my desk and it's going well. On the television side, I started with Classic Who and watched a four-episode arc then hit a two-episode arc. Both were enjoyable.

Caught the last two episodes of Roswell: The Final Verdict. Really enjoyed this six-part series. Not sure what I'll pick up with next, but probably something else UFO related.

I watched four episodes of The Muppet Show and finished out season four. The guest hosts were Doug Henning, Andy Williams, Alan Arkin, and Diana Ross. Season five is the final run of the original show and I'm not sure what I'll watch next. Maybe some of the movies.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Fantasy Island. So far, I'm liking the new premise and how things from the past are blended into the current incarnation of the island. Based on what I've read, there's going to be a holiday episode. I'm a total sucker for stuff like that and can't wait.

Finished out season five of Peak Practice. Did not expect it to end with a house burning down, but it happened. Looking forward to starting season six. I'm at the halfway point. Yay!

Watched two more lessons of MasterClass with Brandon McMillan. He's got some great methods and I'm hoping to try some out on my furry mutts soon. I've already incorporated a couple of things and they've worked well.

Completed the first season of Glitch. I didn't see a couple of things coming and I love the twists. Looking forward to starting the second season this week. I gotta say I really feel for James and this show is like catnip because of the love triangle that isn't really a triangle and the fact that no one is a bad guy in it. That's a trope I thoroughly enjoy.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and have a feeling it's going to be one of those odd ones where the heelers are on opposing sides. Not sure how I'll like this one.

Finished the finale of Star Trek: Discovery. Man, what a ride the first season ended up being. I can't wait to see what the breakdowns will look like on The Ready Room.

Caught two more episodes of Chicago Med. I'm almost finished with the second season and looking forward to the third. Gotta take a moment to appreciate the episode titles. This show makes them fun.

Started a new show with The Madam Blanc Mysteries. So far, I'm hooked. I loved the first episode. Looking forward to seeing more.

Finished the second episode of Silent Witness. I have vague memories of this one and how it played out. Kind of a twisty tale.

Last but not least, I watched two more Classic Rugrats episodes. I'm trying to decide if I want to watch the holiday specials or hold off and watch as they pop up during the seasons. Stay tuned.

That's pretty much it for weekly updates. Tonight's post is from Loss, a novella that puts my characters in a quandary when they deal with grief in completely different ways.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Welsh Hollingsworth is the golden child of Clan Grimstone, but when he's expected to fill the void left when his dad is killed, he can't quite figure out how and he hopes Cagney Gaines can help him find some insight. Cagney can't deal with the loss of her mentor, the one constant in her chaotic world and she leaves when Welsh needs her the most. One year later, she returns to find a very different Welsh—one who doesn't welcome her with open arms.

And a preview snippet…

Welsh woke with a start and had ten blissful seconds of peace before his memory kicked in and the world went dark again. He needed to be a leader today and the idea freaked him out. How had his dad managed for so long?

He scrubbed a hand over his face. "Cagney?" Her side of the bed—empty and cool to the touch—barely looked slept in. "She must be in the shower.'' But his bathroom hadn't been used. "Maybe she's in hers."

He grabbed a shower and dressed then went to make coffee. All routine things that no longer felt normal. Because the looming presence of sending his dad to his final rest hovered on the fringes of his mind. Jacko knocked on the door at the moment the coffeemaker finished brewing.

Welsh offered Jacko a cup. "I'd like to get a group together to build the pyre."

Jacko nodded. "I figured. You want to go to the square or do it here?"

Welsh didn't hesitate. ''Here. I know the square is the community gathering place, but my old man welcomed any and all at the estate. And I plan to do the same."

Jacko didn't argue. "No one is going think it's a bad idea."

Welsh shrugged. "Truce or not, we should be ready to bring people in. The closer everyone stays, the easier it'll be to respond if the treaty is broken."

Jacko cocked his head. "What do you think Bainbridge is angling for?"

Welsh shrugged. "I don't know, but it's definitely something. Bainbridge is full of shit and he's not going to sit back and lick his wounds. We've got a reprieve but it won't last long." He'd bet his entire future on that fact.

Jacko put his mug on the counter. "We'll keep this information under wraps for now?"

Welsh nodded. "We will. The clan needs to focus on Dad right now and mourning our dead. Time enough to say our good-byes before we open the floodgates of planning and preparation."

Jacko lifted his chin. "For what it's worth, I wouldn't do anything different. You're handling everything the way I would."

Welsh appreciated the boost of confidence. "Thanks for saying so. Could we get the crew together in an hour or so?"

Jacko left with the assurance he'd have everyone ready.

Welsh stared out the window, pondering the toll it would take on him to lead and grieve at the same time. He considered whether to track Cagney down but decided against it.

He backed away from the counter. "Let her have some time alone." He got a kick of guilt for relying on her to do things his way. "I'll get her when the time comes to light the pyre."

They could figure out the future after they'd laid his old man to rest.

This one is challenging but so enjoyable to write. Welsh is a natural-born leader but doesn't think so and he stumbles along his way for a while.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Loss

January 6, 2019

Welcome 2019! I can honestly say it's been a weird week. The whole having the new year start on the second day of the week throws me off. Even more so than if it started on Wednesday. I have no idea why, but there it is. LOL

I started some new shows this past week. Caught the first episode of Blade and I'm looking forward to actually watching this show in the correct order. If CW Seed doesn't pull it. I didn't get to finish Birds of Prey and it irritates me.

Also watched part of the second episode of Roswell but I'll be switching to Netflix for this one or maybe another streaming service. DustX only has it available as a marathon and, frankly, it's too much of a giant pain to fast forward until I get to the episode I need.

Also watched another episode of Pensacola Wings of Gold and Lexx before the end of last year. I'd forgotten the prison ship episode and end up enjoying it more than I thought I would.

Caught the next to last episode of Strike Back season five. So thrilled to see familiar faces and experience the passing of the torch, so to speak. Looks like those familiar faces are in the last episode, too. I'm also super excited for the new season with Jamie Bamber taking over the CO. I can't wait!

I watched the last episode of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and truly wish there had been another season. I fell in love with the characters. I'm rather glad it didn't end on a massive cliffhanger, only hinting at what the characters might face in a new season.

Caught another episode of Luke Cage and loved having Danny turn up. Nice to have another mention of Claire too. I'm actually thrilled with Missy's arc and I'm kind of disappointed we won't see more of her development after this season ends.

Chicago Fire disappointed the hell out of me by having the stupid deputy commissioner back again. Not sure why the conflict irritates me, but it's the same thing that happened with Chicago PD. I think it's because it feels forced and not something that happened organically even though both antagonists were introduced well before they became the actual pains in the ass they are. Eh… whatever.

I watched the Passionflix holiday Quickie Caught Up In You; obviously after the actual holiday. Such a sweet little tale! More of these please!

Murdoch Mysteries had a terrific episode but I'm honestly still trying to figure out what the hell happened in the last one. LOL

Watched several episodes of Classic Who. I'm still on the web planet arc and it's kind of a fun run. Also started Doctor Who's "Demons of the Punjab" but still need to finish that one. Also can't wait to see the New Year's special.

Started season two of Penny Dreadful and, wow, Vanessa is a true magnet for all things evil, no? I'm very interested in Ethan's story and not so much in Frankenstein's. I'm honestly kind of pissed off with his actions lately.

Caught most of Wynonna Earp's second to last episode of the season. I had a sneaking suspicion Charlie would end up being something other than a cool new dude. And this show loves taking crazy twisty turns and Charlie's real identity is definitely a solid effing twist. LOL

Started a rewatch of Painkiller Jane but didn't have time to finish the first episode. I rather like this show when it originally aired and I'm looking forward to seeing it again.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Loss, a novella that started as an exercise in writing grief but turned into a story I wanted to show.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Welsh Hollingsworth is the golden child of Clan Grimstone, but when he's expected to fill the void left when his dad dies, he can't quite figure out how and he hopes Cagney Gaines can help him find some insight. Cagney can't deal with the loss of her mentor, the one constant in her chaotic world and she leaves when Welsh needs her the most. One year later, she returns to find a very different Welsh—one who doesn't welcome her with open arms.

And a preview snippet…

Cagney pulled the zipper on her single suitcase. "Travel light and fast." Wallace taught them to take only the essentials and find everything else they'd need in the field.

Except I'm not going in the field.

Where she'd up would be anyone's guess. But she couldn't stay here. Losing Wallace left her rudderless and unfocused. Vengeance filled her heart and mind and she had no room for anyone or anything else.

Including Welsh.

Her heart squeezed but her resolve remained. "I can't right now. He needs a strong number two and I'm not it." Welsh needed to lead the clan and finish Bainbridge.

Crossing the room she'd lived in since the age of five, she gazed out the window. The pyre continued to grow. The clansmen added logs in carefully placed bundles, with Welsh directing the flow, stopping to answer questions about the mix of hard and soft woods.

She placed her palm on the glass. "I'll miss you most, Welsh." After Wallace, Welsh lined up next as her most cherished relationship.

And I'm gonna trash it all because I can't. I just can't stay and be around when Wallace isn't here.

Tears pooled in her eyes. She didn't have a clue how to exist or function without her guiding constant. Wallace fulfilled the role for so long acting a father, mentor, and so many times, her conscience. The man often drove her crazy but he kept her from making truly terrible decisions even while letting her make mistakes she'd learn from.

Okay, she had to get moving. Thinking about Wallace solved nothing and it hurt. Dashing the tears from her eyes, she inhaled deeply and turned from the window. She grabbed her suitcase and checked to make sure the letter she'd left for Welsh remained on the bed.

Satisfied, she left her room and closed the door on her life. The one she loved but couldn't live anymore. She didn't have a destination in mind, but she planned to be as far away as possible before the pyre rites began. With the sun already slipping toward the horizon, she needed to make tracks.

When she exited the estate house, she refused to look back. She didn't need to see the huge structure to remember what it looked like. She'd always have a picture in her mind of the place she called home. But she carried pain in her heart underneath the vengeance and she didn't want either to touch the one sanctuary she'd had growing up.

Reaching her car, she popped the back door open and slid the suitcase inside. Once settled behind the steering wheel, she experienced a moment of indecision, the longing to stay almost overwhelming.

Squaring her shoulders, she started the engine and slowly drove down the winding lane to the main road. Luckily, she didn't have any oncoming traffic and turned left onto the state route, heading away from the city and the never-ending clan war.

She exhaled a long breath. "I'm sorry, Welsh. You'll be so much better off without me mucking everything up."

From one tiny corner of her mind, a niggling thought pushed through. I'm leaving the next best thing in my life and neither of us will be unscathed.

I'm excited to see where this one ends up. I have the basics in place and I'm slowly adding the detailed elements that flesh everything out.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Loss

So, first week of April in Ohio and we had a wintry mix of sleet and snow yesterday. *shakes head* Come on, Mother Nature, cut us a break. LOL

On the television front… The Walking Dead set everything up for the finale tonight. I'm actually thinking I won't watch it live. It's been a rough week and my brain might just break if one of my faves doesn't make it out alive.

Missed Gotham on Monday and haven't caught up yet. This plays into the rough week angle. My teenage daughter had her first track meet Monday night and badly sprained her ankle during the warm-ups. The poor kid didn't even get to compete. The good news is she cleared all the hurdles. The bad news? She needs to work on the landings. LOL Needless to say, she's on crutches and miserable but gets to see the orthopedic guy tomorrow. Whew.

The Flash and Agents of SHIELD had great episodes. I liked seeing the fallout from previous episodes on both shows. Time travel always kicks my interest up a notch and The Flash usually pulls off nice twists when it happens. Henry Simmons is terrific at playing Mack and I'm glad he's on Agents of SHIELD.

Arrow added some new layers to relationships and it was cool to see a Flash villain show up in Star City. I kind of liked having Felicity save the day and Curtis was a total riot in the Arrow cave / bunker. I love his character so much.

Legends of Tomorrow surprised me with revealing how Mick survived his encounter with Snart. Very cool to see Sara back in Nanda Parbot and being introduced to Talia. I loved the little seeds / references to Nyssa, too.

I checked into The Magicians and love the kind of twisty things they're doing with the relationships there. Bitten also had a great episode, but I'm truly sad another pack member met his end. I'm very ready for Elena and company to kick ass and end the menacing presence in their lives.

I'll be catching up with Wynonna Earp and Banshee sometime today. Will probably be adding little bits to next week's post on both.

And that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from Loss, a novella built around how my main characters handle the loss of their mentor. And how they find their way back to each other… if they can.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Welsh Hollingsworth is the golden child of Clan Grimstone, but when he's expected to fill the void left when his dad dies, he can't quite figure out how and he hopes Cagney Gaines can help him find some insight. Cagney can't deal with the loss of her mentor, the one constant in her chaotic world and she leaves when Welsh needs her the most. One year later, she returns to find a very different Welsh—one who doesn't welcome her with open arms.

And a preview snippet…

Cagney quietly made her way to the grotto. She'd snuck inside the compound, through the small fissure she and Welsh created when they were teenagers. How many times had they busted curfew using their secret passage? More than she could count.

She entered the small alcove and stopped; glad she'd used a dampening spell to silence her footfalls. Welsh stood at the altar, facing the double urns forged from pewter, holding the ashes of his ancestors. She approached from behind, but left plenty of space between them. No way would she intrude on his moment of remembrance.

Cagney tried to think of something to say, but being home, seeing Welsh, knowing the huge hole she'd left behind and the damage it probably caused had too many emotions clogging her throat. She couldn't speak so she remained quiet.

Welsh didn't turn around, but he broke the silence. "Thanks for coming, Cagney."

She didn't question how he knew. She'd never be able to explain the almost unbreakable connection they had, the deep awareness of each other when in close proximity. Even after being gone for months, he'd sensed her presence. She'd been so caught up in grief and guilt she closed herself off from sensory instincts. If she hadn't, she would've waited and not intruded on Welsh's time in the grotto.

Geez, they had so much left unsaid between them.

Welsh finally turned and met her gaze, held it a long moment, then stepped back. "I'll leave you to have a moment."

Cagney nodded thanks. She wanted, needed, to apologize to Wallace for leaving when she did. But she also owed Welsh the biggest act of contrition. She'd left him when he needed her the most.

He got about ten steps away from the exit when Cagney turned. "Welsh." Her voice got stuck, no words would come.

Her heart ached with the loss. Her eyes watered with grief and the need for forgiveness. Welsh took a step forward and Cagney ran to him, wrapping herself in his embrace.

She put her head over his heart and whispered. "I'm so sorry, Welsh. For everything."

Cagney's home but there's a lot she has to make up for. Welsh doesn't plan to make it easy on her.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Loss

I tend to open my Sunday Snippet blog posts with 'My Week in TV' run down and I realized I've never really explained why. It goes back to one of my big reasons for writing in the first place—what if? Television, GOOD television, always makes me ask things like: what would happen if… or what could this character do if that character did [insert random scenario here]. Seriously, the 'what if' possibilities are endless, which when it comes to writing, provides a crap ton of fodder for the imagination, right?

Of course, the definition of good, great, and awesome TV is subjective. The shows I love may be something you hate, so apologies if this part of the blog is mucho boring. J

Quick recap for the past week: The Walking Dead delivered, as mentioned in my last snippet post. Bitten and Lost Girl both made for brain eating material. Almost Human had a solid episode, and I really forget how much I kind of love that show until I'm watching it, you know? Arrow finally returns this week and I sooooo can't wait. All in all, the Olympics are great and all, but I'm glad my favorite shows will be back.

Tonight's post is from Loss, a novella where my main characters experience losing a person they're very close to and how they deal with the fallout. Hint: Not well. LOL

Here's the tagline:

Welsh Hollingsworth is the golden child of Clan Grimstone, but when he's expected to fill the void left when his dad dies, he can't quite figure out how and he hopes Cagney Gaines can help him find some insight. Cagney can't deal with the loss of her mentor, the one constant in her chaotic world and she leaves when Welsh needs her the most. One year later, she returns to find a very different Welsh—one who doesn't welcome her with open arms.

And a preview snippet…

Wallace dead. Welsh couldn't quite wrap his head around it. Carmine gave him the news and Welsh exited the alcove, unsure where to go. He leaned against the sterile wall, sinking down, his feet unable to hold him upright. The loss hit hard, harder than he expected. Tears pricked behind his eyelids and he blinked, trying to clear his vision.

Cagney kneeled in front of him. She held silent, words not needed. She felt the void, just like Welsh.

She reached out a hand, a tentative motion, so not Cagney. She moved with purpose and used strength and skill to make things happen. Her hands touched his arms, barely gliding over the surface before cupping his face.

Welsh broke. A quiet sob escaped and his shoulders shook. Cagney moved closer, drawing him near, tucking his head under her chin. He wrapped his arms around her, breaking down, letting tears flow unchecked. His father, his foundation, gone. The head of Clan Grimstone ended his journey, cut down by a rival clan.

Cagney didn't speak, but she pushed her strength towards him. He welcomed the burst. Would need it soon.

Welsh eased back, holding Cagney's gaze. She met his stare, grief shining in her eyes, tears pooling in the corners. She swallowed hard then nodded, her lower lip briefly quivering.

A throat cleared. "Uh, Welsh?" Carmine, minus his bloody scrubs, held up a phone.

Welsh dropped his head back, blinking fast and scrubbing his face with his palms. He blew out a harsh breath and slowly inhaled, dragging the air deep into his lungs. Cagney moved back and got to her feet, giving Welsh room to rise. He stood and walked several steps, trying to compose his thoughts and get his emotions under control.

Swiping at his face, he exhaled and turned, taking the wireless device from the doctor. "Yeah—" His voice cracked and he coughed, clearing the phlegm from his crying jag. "Hollingsworth, go ahead."

The line crackled, Jacko, one of the scouts replied. "Welsh? I expected the old man." More static. "Look, Bainbridge has the rest of Clan Stoneworth on the move. They're coming in from all sides. You've got maybe fifteen to twenty minutes before they strike."

Welsh closed his eyes and fought back another wave of grief. "All right, Jacko. You get back here. We'll need all good hands to fight this battle."

A loud boom sounded over the line. "Shit, Welsh. I think they're trying to take out the tower." A long pause. "Aw, fuck. Welsh, what do you know about the old subway line that runs along the river?"

Welsh scrambled to recall anything his old man told him. "Why? What's going on?"

Jacko cursed again. "A shit ton of men, probably a hundred, entering from the Eighth Street station." Another loud thundering in the background. "Shit, they're definitely trying to take out the tower."

Welsh tensed. "Jacko, what's going on? Are the men armed?"

Silence met his query.

"Jacko? Talk to me?"

A burst of static, then Jacko replied. "Welsh, I'm coming in. Get someone to cover the subway terminal closest to Hollingsworth House."

The line went dead.

Fuck. Welsh turned and his gaze clashed with Cagney's. She'd heard enough to know the situation. Cagney gave him a brief nod and squared her shoulders, ready to throw everything she had into the fray. She'd stand firm and hold the line.

Welsh crossed the short distance between them, backed her up against the wall and caught her lips with his. She melted into the embrace, bringing her hands up to drag him closer.

She broke the lip lock and pressed her forehead against his. "They're looking to you for leadership now. I've got your back, no matter what." Her mouth met his for a quick, hard kiss. "Go. Get everyone ready. We'll make our stand."

Welsh trailed a finger down her cheek. "Thank you."

Backing away, he made his way down the long corridor to the big doors leading out to the main hall.

He didn't want to face his people, his clan, and deliver the revelation of his father's death. But… he would take a page from his old man's book and use the news to mobilize everyone, to give them a reason to fight hard and use their abilities to strike a heavy blow against Bainbridge.

Welsh's lips curved. His dad's motto—steal from the best—certainly came in handy and Welsh would use it to avenge Wallace's death.

So far, this story is coming together nicely. Well, the writing is flowing smoothly. Nothing for the characters is. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye