Sunday Snippet: Mister Mysterious

May the Fourth be with anyone who celebrates! And, wow, a shiny new month that's off to a wild start so far. Our weather has been crazy intense with loads of rain. My daughter graduated with a master's in arts administration, and I unfortunately had to miss due to being under the weather. But I'm so proud of her!

Work projects kept me very busy. I'm getting to a finishing point on one that's been difficult to get through and I have a new one getting ready to start. The weather has been wreaking havoc on productivity because the possibility of losing power is a constant concern.

I did have a decent week of viewing and made a full run through my regular slate of shows. I started a movie but didn't have time to finish it.

I caught an episode of Dark Winds and I'm still intrigued by everything that's happening in this show. I love that the FBI agent's cover is blown by episode two and I can't wait to see what happens with the fallout from that.

Also watched another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries. This is truly one of my happy place shows. I'm rather curious about whether Gina is still rooming with Kristin or not and if not, what happened there.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Very curious where things might go with the Sophie and Neville thing and also where the whole last prepper standing thing will end up going since he's watching Neville.

Loved the season two finale of Beyond Paradise. Humphrey and Martha are so much fun, and the surrounding cast of characters is so good. I'm not always sure about Anne, but she's growing on me.

Caught another episode of Elementary and rather enjoyed Sherlock's attempt at taking care of Joan. And her solution to having her own space is genius.

Watched an episode of Batman Beyond with the beginning of season two. Ended up remembering most of this one. This is such a good follow up to the original series.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I have some vague memories of both vignettes, which is so weird because most of the ninth season is new to me.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Mister Mysterious, a novella that gives a couple a second change to right an old wrong.

Here's the miniblurb:

Marlow Spence loses her sister to a sinister spellbinder who believes the siblings have the power to control dreams. When Tharn Oliver shows up on her doorstep, there can be only one reason—Leo Tolstoy is back and he wants Marlow.

And a preview snippet…

After tossing and turning for an hour, Tharn spent a sleepless night studying the cluster of gifts Marlow had received. "Better than strolling down memory lane…" Which would not end well with her in such close proximity.

Stop thinking with your dick, dumbass.

Right. Because that would not happen. They had their chance and acting on their attraction stole the future from them.

He clenched his fist. "Not this time." Tolstoy wouldn't get the chance to ruin Marlow's hard-won recovery.

Even if she existed in solitude never letting anyone get too close.

Not that he blamed her. And he respected the fact she continued to work and carve out a life for herself … even if she had to be lonely. The conscious choice she'd made worked for her.

He leaned his head on the back of the couch. "Wish I could say the same." But he really couldn't.

He moved through life always reaching for something that eluded him. The thing he almost had the night Charlotte died. A contentment lasting in a small window of time before his future ended up dashed and dead against a rocky cliff.

Because even after so much time had passed … and especially after coming here tonight … he finally figured out what his life had been missing.

"Marlow's it for me." No one else could fill the void in his heart.

Seeing her brought the wild attraction back, but in a way tempered by the events of that night. All that transpired since then added depth to the longing for what could have been. And served as a stark contrast to the reality he lived.

"Is she really happy? Or is she marking time like I am?"

The answer to that question might prove to be as elusive as what he truly wanted …

Her love.

She would hate having him in her space … a constant reminder of what she lost. But he wouldn't walk away … not yet. When she no longer had to look over her shoulder, he'd get out of her way, and she could live her life…

Without him.

This is such a moody manuscript and I kind of love it. Tharn and Marlow have a road they have to travel together and it's fun writing their journey.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Mister Mysterious

Not a bad week overall. The weather has been a little crazypants, but given the state of the world, not exactly surprising.

Had a new work project and set up several more for the near future. Happy about getting some new ink on my calendar. Also started a new goal of reading a bit from my new books. If I make it an almost daily habit, I'll get a lot accomplished.

Decent viewing week for television. I caught a couple of Peanuts specials. Happy New Year, Charlie Brown and It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown. I don't think I've ever seen either.

Watched the penultimate episode of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. So far, I'm really enjoying this new show. Here's hoping there will be more.

Caught two episodes of Classic Who and I'm stuck between thinking it's kind of cool that the Doctor struggles with maintaining the TARDIS and being annoyed by the idea. Did kind of enjoy the various incarnations the ship took when they moved from place to place.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Alaska Triangle. I'm constantly fascinated by how vast the state is and how beautiful the scenery is. Even with weird stuff going on.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. Not quite sure what this one will be about but I have a feeling Wayne's not going to fare well.

Watched four episodes of The Muppet Show. Gladys Knight, Hal Linden, Marty Feldman, and Wally Boag were the guest stars. Almost finished with season five and then it'll be the new-to-me series and movies up next.

Got two more episodes of Peak Practice watched. The icky doctor finally got his comeuppance and Claire's manic depression might have calmed down a little. Still enjoying this one.

Finished up the holiday special of Fantasy Island. I ended up a blubbery mess by the end of it. Kudos to the writing staff for that. Really like where this show is headed. Fingers crossed they don't eff it up like so many other shows.

Enjoyed two more lessons of MasterClass with Bill Nye. I love his mix of humor and excitement. I wish school districts would let teachers instruct the way he does.

Got two episodes of The Witcher watched and I'm so in love with this show. I love everything about the plotlines this season. I'm very excited about the main trio meeting up … if it happens. If it doesn't, I'll deal but I want Geralt, Yennifer, and Ciri in one room at the same time—even if it's the final cut scene of the season. Just saying.

Watched two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. Both were remembered favorites. Someday, I'd love to watch some of these with my oldest kidlet again.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med and enjoyed both. There's something about a medical drama that makes me very happy. This one walks a nice line of drama and humor.

Finished up season six of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I've got one season left and I'm actually hoping there will be another one in the wings. Haven't really looked to see if that's going to happen but here's hoping.

Started a new season and a new two-parter of Silent Witness. Harry is still around, which is terrific. I love his character. I also don't remember watching this run so I might finally be in new episodes for me.

Caught another episode of Fosse Verdon. This one made me grin because my daughter did the "Who's Got the Pain" number for her senior year pops concert. I'm hoping I can get her to watch at least that scene.

Last but not least, I watched another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. A lot going on in this one. Ash is back with star fleet. Tilly is going through it. Phillipa made an appearance, which I'm totally down with. And Michael is caught up in major family drama. Looking forward to seeing where everything ends up.

Whew! That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Mister Mysterious, a novella that brings a former couple together again to resolve their past.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Marlow Spence loses her sister to a sinister spellbinder who believes the siblings have the power to control dreams. When Tharn Oliver shows up on her doorstep, there can be only one reason—Leo Tolstoy is back and he wants Marlow.

And a preview snippet…

Her mouth dropped open. "You can't be serious? You're not staying here. No way." She got up and paced back and forth.

Tharn barely batted an eye. "Yes, I am." His tone indicated he'd be stubborn.

Marlow stopped and flung a hand out. "Why? Why would you want to?" Did he have masochistic tendencies she didn't know about?

Tharn closed his eyes. "Because I owe Charlotte. And you." His eyes popped open and he met her gaze. "Hell, I owe myself for not taking enough precautions to save your sister."

Marlow owned responsibility there. If she'd backed off and ignored wild chemistry they had, his mind would've been focused only on Charlotte. But … she hadn't and they paid a high price for their lack of attention.

She dropped down beside him. "I hate this." She waited a beat. "I hate you." Even though she still wanted to jump him.

Almost as if he'd read her mind, Tharn's lips quirked. "No, you don't. That's why it's hard." He angled toward her. "You want to hate me, but you don't. Because you're too much of a realist to lay all the blame at my feet."

And just like that, he'd nailed her to the wall.

She gave up trying to get rid of him. But she wouldn't make the same mistake she'd made three years ago.

Heaving a sigh, her shoulders slumped. "Damn you, Tharn. I'm not going to fall back into bed with you." The only indication she'd accept him sticking close by.

Tharn snorted. "Didn't ask you to. That's not why I'm here."

Right. Apparently he didn't have sex on the brain like she did. And she really shouldn't be pissed about that fact.

Getting her head on straight, she nodded. "Glad that's settled." Now she needed her fears confirmed, even if unofficially. "You got word through channels? I'm assuming they're deep and dark and way, way back." They had to be because she hadn't heard any kind of chatter. Not even a whisper.

Tharn grunted. "You assume correctly. And before you ask, no, I'm not sharing the sources. Suffice to say I trust them." His head dropped to the back of the cushion.

Marlow bit her cheek to keep from demanding answers. "Meaning I have to trust you, right?" She didn't have much choice and it didn't rest well with her.

Tharn gave her a sharp glance. "Bluntly? Doesn't matter if you do or don't. I will not fail you like I failed Charlotte. Believe me. Doubt me. I don't care. From this moment forward, nothing gets to you without going through me." He straightened and got up, heading to the wardrobe in the corner of the room.

Reaching in, he pulled out an extra throw and a pillow. He went to the front door and whispered an incantation then returned to the living room. The windows were warded next followed by the fireplace. He added a blanket spell to cover the French doors and patio. He made his way to the kitchen and stopped by the bath on his way back through, placing protective layers in each location.

Setting the sleeping items on the sofa, he lifted his chin. "You'll take care of the loft? I won't invade your personal sanctuary."

Rising, Marlow gave a nod. "I'll head up now and take care of it." She didn't say goodnight, her heart needing the separation of personal and professional.

But her mind eased with the knowledge she'd actually sleep more than a few hours for the first time in two weeks.

I love a good reunion with unresolved issues and Marlow definitely has major concerns with Tharn showing up on her doorstep.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Mister Mysterious

Well, hello, March. So far, I'm still battling the stupid respiratory crud I thought I was over last week. It was just a little reprieve. That said, I do feel way better than I did three days ago when I had a moment where I thought death might actually be a better option than being sick. LOL Then I remembered to not be a ninny and get over myself. In the grand scheme of things, a stupid recurring cold won't last forever.

I did have a decent week of television viewing. Started off with a weird episode of Lexx that I honestly don't remember if I finished or not. Cold meds make things a wee bit fuzzy.

Followed up with an episode of Strike Back and, man, did they cram a lot of stuff into a single episode. I love that about this show. So much goes down it's hard to keep up.

Started an episode of Midsomer Murders while doing laundry. One of the best things I've ever done is add a television to my laundry room. Makes the chore of sorting and folding much more enjoyable.

Watched the first episode of Iron Fist's new season. While the pace is a little slow, I loved catching up to where everyone is. Joy is the biggest surprise that isn't actually a surprise. It'll be interesting to see where she ends up by the end. And Ward just fascinates me. Looking forward to seeing him work through all of his issues. Or not. LOL Danny and Colleen are terrific and I'm curious about how the episode ended. Danny's got some internal drama to work through or so it seems.

Chicago Fire had a great episode. I'll be really pissed if anything happens to Cruz's Chloe. Here's hoping that works out okay. The way the episode ended though, with Matt's place in flames, doesn't bode well for him.

Gotham had such a great episode. The ending though? Holy crap. I did not see that coming. I'm actually loving this season so much.

Caught another Classic Roswell episode and it's one of my favorites where Liz's grandmother suffers a stroke and doesn't make it. Michael being sneaky is such a not-Michael thing and I loved it, too.

Watched another episode of Arrow and I'm slowly but surely getting caught up. A great theme about what being a hero entails. Also liked getting confirmation that Stanley's a weasel. Loved Oliver's face when that realization kicked in. Also watched another episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I loved seeing some of the secondary characters shine in this one.

Caught a few episodes of Classic Who while attempting to get through the huge stack of dishes I have waiting to be washed. Being down with the sickness doesn't mean those buggers wash themselves. Bleh.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Mister Mysterious, a novella that started with a concept prompt of writing a story about characters who get word someone they thought was dead ended up not being so.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Marlow Spence loses her sister to a sinister spellbinder who believes the siblings have the power to control dreams. When Tharn Oliver shows up on her doorstep, there can be only one reason—Leo Tolstoy is back and he wants Marlow.

And a preview snippet…

"Nooooooooo!" Marlow stumbled to a halt at the side of the crumpled figure.

She dropped to her knees, hauling the body of her sister close against her chest. Tears of rage and grief streamed from Marlow's eyes. Her sister's gaze, locked open in death, staring into an unknown void of darkness, no longer spoke to Marlow. You can't be gone, Charlotte. I should've done more to protect you.

Strong hands gripped her shoulders. "Marlow, I'm so sorry." Tharn spoke between heaving gasps, no doubt from giving chase to the man responsible for Charlotte's death.

Marlow looked up, blinking to clear her vision. "Did you get him? Where is he?" She carefully eased Charlotte back to the ground and got up, searching the area around Tharn.

Tharn shook his head. "He's gone. I hit him with a wave of fireballs. He burst into flames and disappeared." Something in his voice sent up a red flag.

And the crimson haze of rage nudged aside her grief. "Disappeared. Disappeared!" Her hands shoved at Tharn's chest. "How could you let him get away?" Her eyes welled up again and she swiped the moisture away.

Tharn held up his palms. "He might not have! There's no way to tell for sure." He grasped her biceps. "He exploded, Marlow. There's not much chance he escaped."

But not knowing… would haunt her. Maybe more than Charlotte's death.

Charlotte.

Marlow angled her head around to glimpse her sister's unmoving form.

Tharn hauled Marlow close, wrapping his arms around her. She welcomed the protective embrace, even if she didn't deserve the comfort. My fault. It's my fault she's dead.

Resting her forehead on Tharn's shoulder, she fought to stay upright. "We should have been here for her. She wouldn't be dead if we were." Guilt kicked her hard in the ass.

Tharn smoothed his hands down her back then brought them around to tip her chin up. "Look, we didn't know he'd gotten so close. We had no idea." His thumb brushed over her cheek.

The gentle, caring gesture broke something inside Marlow. "You're wrong. She knew. But we were too busy fucking to pay attention." Shoving away from Tharn, she spun around to avoid smashing her fists against him. "Charlotte told me he'd strike soon. And I let your dick distract me." She turned back to face him. "I let you distract me." And Charlotte paid the price.

Tharn flinched, his voice hoarse when he replied. "That's not fair. You and I—" He broke off, closed his mouth and swallowed hard. "We just—" He stopped again, sighed, and finished on a truth she didn't want to face. "Couldn't stop the inevitable from happening."

The inevitable. Such an innocuous word. It didn't begin to describe the all-consuming, highly addictive passion and attraction that sparked the moment they met. And still existed—even though, right now, she fought the bile rising in her throat.

She and Tharn… not happening. Ever again.

Clenching her hands into fists, because—dammit—she ached to touch him, she met his gaze square-on. "Tharn, get away from me. I don't want you here." The words snarled in her breath.

Because she did want him. Here. Now. Always.

He reached out, grasping her arm. "I won't let you go through this alone." His gaze went to Charlotte's prone form.

Another wave of bile threatened to rise. Marlow didn't need his help with Charlotte. She needed… time. To be alone. To grieve. To weigh her role in Charlotte's death.

Pulling away, Marlow fished in her pocket for her phone. "You don't have a choice, Tharn. I will shut you out." Of everything. "This is my burden to bear right now. Charlotte's my sister. To you, she's just a former protectee." She scrolled through her contacts but lifted her gaze. "One who no longer needs your nonexistent guardianship." She nearly choked on the words, harsh and brutal.

Tharn's normally open and expressive features faded into a granite-like mask. He inhaled sharply, the only outward sign her barb had reached its target. Good. She'd achieved the desired effect. Shrugging, she turned away to make the call to the proper authority.

With her eyes closed, she waited for the connection to go through. She sensed Tharn's retreat; didn't need her ability—the one that got Charlotte killed—to sever their link. Tharn would have a barrier in place now.

Which she simultaneously wanted and regretted. She needed it to process her grief, guilt, and pain. She regretted the separation because it marked the beginning of the end. She and Tharn were over… before they really had a chance to start.

I'm very excited about where this story is going. Marlow and Tharn have some obstacles to overcome but they'll have to work together if they want to avenge Charlotte's death.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mister Mysterious

Whew. Some great television this past week. Gotham's episode ended up being pretty terrific. Fish Mooney rocks!

I missed The Flash, but plan to catch up before the finale this week. Agents of SHIELD went out with a bang. I'm rather liking how the movie 'verse affects the small screen 'verse.

Arrow's episode ended up being so awesome. Can't wait for the final showdown between Team Arrow and Darhk.

I was thrilled with Legends of Tomorrow. Still hoping to see great things next season. Orphan Black blew my mind as usual. So many things going on! I have a sneaky feeling the creepy engineer chick did something truly terrible to Sarah. Here's hoping she meets an untimely end very soon.

Still have Wynonna Earp and Banshee to watch from the past week. I'm saving Banshee for last since it's the final episode ever. I know how I want things to end, but have a strong doubt I'll get what I want. LOL

Watched the finale for Marcella and, eh, not as good as I hoped. That said, if there's a second series and Jamie Bamber is a cast member, I'll be there. :D

That's it for the television this week. Patiently waiting for The Last Ship to premiere and looking for new stuff to dive into over the summer.

Tonight's post is Mister Mysterious, a novella built on the following prompt: two characters out of their comfort zone. Give them a reason to work together and search for someone they discover is alive.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Marlow Spence loses her sister to a sinister spellbinder who believes the siblings have the power to control dreams. When Tharn Oliver shows up on her doorstep, there can be only one reason—Leo Tolstoy is back and he wants Marlow.

And a preview snippet…

Tharn winced and couldn't hold her bold stare. A sucker punch to the face would have hurt less, especially coming from Marlow. The woman packed a wallop when she used brute force. But she wielded words with surgical precision, cutting deep and going directly for the throat.

He inhaled deeply then exhaled slowly before providing a response. "As usual, you're dead right. But this time has to be different." He finally risked another glance in her direction and found she'd retreated into the sanctuary of her living room.

Not what he expected. He figured she'd shove him out and slam the door in his face. Not that he didn't deserve her scorn. But he would have stood out there, the weather raging around him, until the shock to his system over seeing her again wore off.

Probably take a full month, because damn, she looked good. Three years had changed her. Longer hair, sharper features, but gorgeous just the same. Still lithe and limber, she prowled around the room before coming to a halt, standing in front of the fire.

Apprehension licked at his heels and he followed her, carefully gauging her body language. Stiff shoulders, jerky hand movements, her gaze darting all around the room. Shit. She held something back, something dark and bad.

He stopped beside her, observing where her glance lingered. A small music box, a hefty tome, a wilting peony draped along the mantle. He didn't need to hear the tune or see the title of the book. The peony spoke volumes. Crap. How many more items had she received?

Staring into the flames, the rumble of thunder overhead, he pushed for answers. "When did it start?"

Her head jerked back, but she quickly recovered. "Two weeks ago." Turning away from the fire, she moved to the sofa and sank down, perching on the edge.

Tharn settled into the wingback chair opposite the couch. "Why didn't you contact me?" Stupid question. Why would she get in touch with him? "Never mind. But you could have at least let one of the watchers know." Then again, the elder group of guardians would have sounded the alarm, dragged Marlow to the estate, and lost any chance of catching Tolstoy and bringing him to justice.

Marlow shook her head. "Honestly? The anniversary of Charlotte's death is next week." Her fingers twisted in her lap. "Anyone could have sent the stuff."

He sent her a sharp, sideways glance. She didn't really think he'd believe that line of bullshit, did she?

She caught his look and flopped back on the cushions, heaving a sigh. "Yeah, yeah. Buy me a boat for the river in Egypt." Her fingers rubbed at her temples. "I didn't want to possibly consider Leo the bastard wanted another go around." Her eyes slid shut. "The son of a bitch should be dead."

I loved writing this scene. I have a goal to get better with using body language to convey mood in my work. I hope this one worked well.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mister Mysterious

Hi!

Finally got a hot and steamy day after about a zillion days of rain. I finally remembered what it feels like to get that humid blast of heat when I go outside. LOL Can't say I missed that overly much. J

Tonight's post is from the novella Mister Mysterious. I'm actually not sure what genre this will fall under, but I'm working with the tentatively named Urban Noir. There's a little bit of mystery and magic at play and the main characters have a history that will haunt them a little in the story.

Here's the tagline:

Marlow Spence loses her sister to a sinister spellbinder who believes the siblings have the power to control dreams. When Tharn Oliver shows up on her doorstep, there can be only one reason—Leo Tolstoy is back and he wants Marlow.

And a preview snippet…

Thunder crashed and lightning flared when Marlow got up to answer the knock, not sure what to expect. The weird daily deliveries had her on edge. No card or note, but each gift had some kind of meaning to her.

Hand on the knob, she took a deep breath, bracing for anything.

Except Tharn Oliver.

"Shit." She huffed out a sigh and her shoulders slumped.

Tharn nodded. "Hello, Marlow."

Geez, he looked good. And with two words had her heart thumping in her chest and lust boiling in her veins. Down, girl. You're not happy to see him.

"Why are you here?" He couldn't possibly know about the random items she'd received.

He propped a shoulder on the door jamb. "Got word Tolstoy is alive." He waited a beat. "Through channels, not officially."

Okay. She'd visit the cryptic statement later. Her gut churned with the implication of what her presents now represented.

"Fuck."

Tharn inclined his head. "Exactly." He straightened and took a step forward.

Marlow blocked his path. "Again, why are you here?" She wanted time to process the idea her sister's killer still lived. Tharn would not help.

He snorted. "You're not stupid. Let me in."

She shook her head. "Oh no. Uh uh. Been down that road and I'm not going back." She grabbed the door, ready to shut it in his face. "You wanna settle a score, find some other way. Do not suck me back in." Tolstoy could do that without Tharn's assistance.

Tharn's eyebrow rose. "And if he comes after you?"

She bit her tongue to keep from saying he already had. "Bang. I'm dead."

Tharn hissed out a harsh breath. "No. I won't let it happen."

Closing her eyes, Marlow resisted the urge to shout, choosing to speak quietly. "You weren't supposed to let it happen to my sister either. But guess what? It did." She blinked and met his gaze. "Because you and I…couldn't keep our hands off each other."

Leo is going to make life very interesting for Tharn and Marlow, and honestly? They kinda need the help. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye