Sunday Snippet: Price Paid

Final day of November and it's cold and windy outside. We're due for some snow in the next day or so. I'm kind of not prepared. It's been a long week.

Had to prep for the colonoscopy on Monday and I can now commiserate with anyone who's gone through the process. It's not fun. Seriously not fun. By the time I got to the surgery center, I was completely spaced out, which maybe didn't hurt. I have a major phobia of being put under and I was in full freak-out mode. Thankfully, everything went well and even though it was a holiday weekend, I got the test results back and all looks okay. Whew!

Had a full slate of work projects also. I'm a little behind because, honestly, while I should have bounced right back from the procedure, I ended up being out of it until Thursday. I have a copy edit I have to finish up today then I'll have a little breathing room.

I literally watched one of my normal slate of shows this week. I'm hoping to get back on track, but even with breathing room, I've got a busy week ahead. We'll see how it goes.

I did get an episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries in. It was a fun episode that I enjoyed the first time around.

I started an episode of Foyle's War but haven't made it all the way through yet. I'll probably pick up with it this week and finish out the round of my usual shows.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Price Paid, a novella featuring a couple trying to overcome a betrayal to take down a foe.

Here's the miniblurb:

Reva Bane's actions lead Mitch Vanderman to a lot of harm, but seeking atonement shouldn't cause so much pain. Then again, betrayal sometimes demands a price paid in blood, and Reva is willing to shed some if he'll finally forgive her.

And a preview snippet…

Reva dropped down through the skylight in the council house's residency wing. It's showdown time. More like a sneak attack. She didn't want an audience or a registered visit.

Making her way through the dimly lit hallways, she paused outside Barax's door. According to Alonzo, their leader would be there … waiting on a companion that would not be showing up.

Without preamble, she flung the door open and marched to his room.

Naked and sprawled on the bed, he glanced up when she entered his space. "What the hell are you doing here? I've got someone coming. Unless you want an x-rated show, you'll turn around and leave the way you came in." He grabbed the edge of the sheet and yanked it over his midsection.

Reva snorted. "Yeah … about that. You're date for the evening found something better to do." Shrugging the backpack from her shoulders, Reva unzipped it and dumped the contents at the foot of the mattress.

The color drained from his face, but he tried to salvage his fuck up. "What's that?"

She gave him a hard glare. "Your spy gear. And before you try to deny you planted them, I have the checkout sheet with your signature signing the equipment out." Warming up to her victory, she gave him a sweet smile. "But don't worry. I won't use the information." Waiting a single beat, she pinned him with her gaze. "Yet."

His shoulders slumped with relief. Too bad it wouldn't last long.

She snarled. "But … here are my new ground rules. First, back the fuck off. I'll take on my share of the shit assignments you're going to give me because, frankly, I don't give a damn about anything anymore." Pacing back and forth, she laid out the rest of her terms. "If you even think about trying to fuck with my personal space or my life, I'll use my brand-new trump card." She stopped waved her hand over the equipment. "And possibly a blade on things you'd like to keep." She'd love to slice him to pieces.

He sputtered. "You did not just threaten my life." His eyes narrowed.

She snorted. "Yeah, I did. All you have to do to stay safe is don't be a dick." She gathered her backpack and slipped it back over her shoulders. "I'll give you wide berth, you give me the same, and we'll be copacetic." She turned to leave.

Barax scrambled forward. "I want you to be my queen, Reva."

She whirled around. "We're not fucking royalty, you dumbass. We're hunters." Her jaw clenched. "We have a code. And you broke it. Multiple times. All because I'm not interested in being your bedwarmer." And she never would be.

Barax made a garbled choking sound. "Don't talk to me about breaking code. You shacked up with a rival."

Reva stilled. "And I paid your required recompense even if I didn't owe it." And the thought clawed its way through her on a daily basis.

Barax's mouth dropped open and he roared. "Didn't owe it? How do you figure that?"

Reva counted off, lifting one finger. "Because I never pulled punches out there, regardless of who I slept with." She added a second. "I never talked about ongoing missions." Raised a third. "I never compromised our team." Her hand curled into a fist. "In essence … I. Did. Nothing. Wrong." Her voice dropped to a snarl. "Unlike you, who invaded my space. Who revealed information to the council without following the standard procedure of presenting your evidence to me first." Because he'd have to admit how he got his proof. "And why did you do all this? Because you couldn't blackmail me into your bed." She leaned closer to him. "Your days are numbered, Barax. Let that thought keep you warm at night." Turning, she walked toward the door without a backward glance.

Too bad the brilliant victory over Barax did nothing to ease the guilt of betraying Mitch.

This one is slightly dark, but I love writing the characters. Coming back from betraying someone is a hard challenge.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

 

Sunday Snippet: Price Paid

Crazy week with projects finishing up and new ones starting. I love the variety of editing work I have right now.

Pretty decent week of television. I got caught up and back on my regular schedule for the most part. I have a few new recommendations and I have to decide if I'm going to work those shows into my weekly viewing calendar.

To start things off this week, I caught an episode of The Ready Room with a recap of season two, episode nine. This was such a great one. I always love when the interviewee is a huge fan of the franchise.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. I'm a little disgusted by Nat's storyline even if I'm thrilled to bits that she kicked Philip to the curb. I'm so glad Maggie finally told the others what's going on with her. Nice to see Noah kind of stepping up and growing in his role as a resident. I love this show.

Enjoyed an episode of The Snoopy Show. I kind of like it when they let Snoopy act like a dog and enjoy things like head scratches. So much fun.

Caught the bonus episode of Signora Volpe with behind the scenes cast interviews. I'm hoping there will be another season of this show because I really love the characters.

Watched a well-done first-parter of Silent Witness. This arc is very twisty and turny. I have a solid idea of who the killer is and why they're trying to set up Nicki. Can't wait to find out if I'm right.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Who. Ace is rather fun and I like how she handled the betrayal. This is another episode kind of set in the fifties and that always interests me because it was such a thing in the late seventies and early eighties.

Started season three (because there is no season two) of Most Terrifying Places in America. This one focused on haunted road trips and I liked the change in the format. I'll finish the series out before starting something new.

Finished the first season of The Mandalorian. I truly loved it! Now I have to decide if I'm going to dive right into the next season or start a new show and wait until it's closer to season three. Stay tuned.

Caught an episode of Harrow and, whoo boy, the walls are closing in. James is a big, fat liar—about everything. Nichols is completely in the know and it kind of breaks my heart because Harrow needs friends and he might have burned a bridge here. I still completely dislike the boss person even though they tried to soften her up by giving her a kid. Sorry, not buying it.

Watched an episode of Blue Heelers and loved it. A very young Sullivan Stapleton guest starred and the storyline rocked. Good stuff.

Enjoyed another MasterClass with Roxane Gay. She discussed the writing process in this lesson and I took away some good information.

Also caught two more episodes of Classic Rugrats and took another trip down memory lane. This show played such a huge role in my kids' childhoods. Makes me happy to reminisce.

That's pretty much it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Price Paid, a novella that explores the cost of a perceived betrayal and the weight of guilt between a couple who isn't supposed to be together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reva Bane's actions lead Mitch Vanderman to a lot of harm, but seeking atonement shouldn't cause so much pain. Then again, betrayal sometimes demands a price paid in blood, and Reva is willing to shed some if he'll finally forgive her.

And a preview snippet…

Reva ran to the bathroom and heaved, barely making it to the toilet. Alonzo followed along behind her, handing over a cold washcloth when she finished.

Reva wiped her mouth then turned and punched Alonzo in the face. "Get out. Right now." She pointed to the door. "And don't come back for at least a week."

Alonzo rubbed his jaw. "Barax isn't gonna like you going ghost."

Reva snarled an obscenity. "Barax can haul his ass here if he's got a problem with me." She pinned Alonzo with her gaze. "But be forewarned. He won't leave here alive if he decides to drop by. I'd be doing us all a favor and you know it."

Alonzo shrugged. "Not gonna argue. And he's not stupid enough to test your resolve. But … he can and will make everything in your life shit until one of you either dies or gives in."

Reva lifted her chin. "He already shit on the one good thing in my life." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "And there's no coming back from it." The utter hatred on Mitch's face would haunt her.

Probably forever.

Alonzo blinked, the truth finally hitting him. "Vanderman meant that much to you." His jaw flexed, but not from pain this time. "Shit, Reva. I didn't know. I really didn't."

Reva didn't want to talk about Mitch. "No, you didn't. And you still don't." She nodded toward the door again. "I won't ask a second time. Five second rule before I kick your ass out of my sanctuary. I don't give a flying fuck what you tell Barax or if you tell him anything at all." She exited the bathroom and went back to the window. "But if anyone shows up in the next seven days, no one will ever find their bodies." She shot him a sideways glance. "That includes you." As much as she counted on Alonzo, he'd let her down with this situation.

Alonzo held up his hands. "I got the message. Loud and clear." He paused at the door. "But if you need anything, reach out. You don't think so right now, but I do have your back." He moved forward again, his booted feet clomping down the steps.

Reva pressed her face against the cool glass. "Too little, too late." Tears spilled over her lashes and she dashed them away.

Crying wouldn't absolve her sin.

Only Mitch could do that.

And her gut said they weren't finished yet.

Reva has a hard road ahead and she'll be very careful with giving her trust to anyone—even after Alonzo vows to have her back.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Price Paid

Whew. What a week. My middle kiddo—who's not really a kiddo anymore at twenty—ended up in an accident when a car turned in front of him across traffic. His car is pretty crunched up but he's thankfully okay. It's been a lot of phone calls this week to get a loaner car lined up and an insurance claim filed. I can say one thing with absolute certainty. I'm so glad we don't have many accidents or fender benders that need insurance company involvement. Yeesh.

I've been on a bit of a comfort viewing watch this past week. I stuck with more Peter Gunn episodes after watching the weekend marathon. I'm in the beginning of season two and about ten or so episodes in.

Also caught three groups of episodes with Classic Who. The six-part Web of Fear, which had some editing issues but it's better than not being available. I followed that with The Wheel in Space, another six-part arc. And then finished up with The Dominators, which is a five-part storyline. It looks like I'm in the last season of Two's run. I'm a little disappointed with how few episodes are available from his tenure.

I watched the last two episodes of series sixteen of Midsomer Murders and started the first episode of series seventeen. It's kind of odd how there was "The Flying Club" in sixteen and now "The Dagger Club" in seventeen.

I need to try to binge watch the final episodes of Riverdale to prepare for the new season starting soon. My heart is so heavy when I watch because they're the last episodes with Fred. I'm really looking forward to the premiere episode, which will be his memorial show.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Price Paid, a novella that started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reva Bane's actions lead Mitch Vanderman to a lot of harm, but seeking atonement shouldn't cause so much pain. Then again, betrayal sometimes demands a price paid in blood, and Reva is willing to shed some if he'll finally forgive her.

And a preview snippet…

Mitch waited outside Reva's townhouse. "What the hell is taking her so long?" She had a thing about him being seen at her place.

He knocked again and his preternatural senses kicked in, the tingling, prickling sensation of his hair standing on end his only warning. Seven grotesque creatures converged on him, their snarling maws gaping open and snapping shut.

Mitch flicked his gaze upward, toward Reva's bedroom window. The curtain fluttered but he couldn't see her. She sure as hell stood and watched though. He'd bet his life on the fact.

He backed away, turning in a slow circle. "Vengeance demons? Seriously." The bitter taste of betrayal coated his tongue.

Why? Why would Reva set this demon show up now? Because she played you, you moron.

He didn't want to believe she'd break the hunter code by putting him in peril. He also didn't want to acknowledge how much he'd come to give a damn about her. Even though she worked for the rival group.

Shaking his head, he readied for a battle. "Stupid idiot. Way to think with your dick instead of your head." No way would he admit his heart got involved.

And no way did he stand a chance against seven of these fuckers. Instead of wasting the effort, he whirled around and faced the townhouse, his gaze going straight for the upper window. Reva whipped the curtain aside, shouting something that looked like "fight".

He snorted. "Not gonna give you the satisfaction, babes." Talons clawed at his jacket, cutting through the thick leather.

Mitch made no move to resist. Why bother? For however long it took him to escape, his fate would be at the demons' mercy. And they thrived on aggression and hostility.

He be damned if he made their work easier.

And he would escape.

When the seven hell-spawns worked together to lift him off his feet, Mitch never looked away from the window. Reva didn't break away either. The defeat marring her features gave him a kick of satisfaction.

The ground opened up and began swallowing the demons along with Mitch.

He made one final gesture, flipping up his middle finger. "Get ready, Reva. You'll pay for this."

Mitch is not going to enjoy his time with the vengeance demons but the way he escapes will pay off when he's back on solid ground and close to Reva.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Price Paid

November 20, 2016

Ugh. It's been a long week with terrific and terrible happenings. In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, I'm choosing to focus on the terrific. I'm the proud owner of a new to me car! Very excited to have an extra vehicle. Yay!

Television didn't disappoint again this week. I only half-watched The Walking Dead, mainly because I had several deadlines I needed to meet. I'll be front and center tonight for The Librarians, one of my favorite escapist shows.

Gotham upped the stakes again and I'm truly interested in where things go from here. I love the interaction between Cobblepot and Nygma. Seriously, I would probably watch a spin-off show of just them. LOL

The Flash laid some groundwork for the showdown with the Alchemist. Looking forward to the crossover episodes starting on Monday.

Arrow had a great episode. Loved the gestures of friendship and the twisty betrayal at the end. Kind of leaning toward knowing who the vigilante is, but excited for the reveal… eventually.

Legends of Tomorrow is doing an awesome job of making the hiccups and ripples count. I like not really knowing for sure how much they're affecting their futures by messing about in the past. Fun times.

I got a late start to MacGyver's episode and need to catch up on the beginning, but another enjoyable way to spend the thirty minutes I did get to see.

Still need to watch this week's episode of Murdoch Mysteries, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching the previous week's offering. It's nice to know more about Miss James.

Putting together my holiday show binge watch list. Starting Friday, the holiday tunes and television screen will be filled with merry making fare. LOL

Tonight's post is from Price Paid, a novella that got its start with a prompt to write a story about forgiveness.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reva Bane's actions lead Mitch Vanderman to a lot of harm, but seeking atonement shouldn't cause so much pain. Then again, betrayal sometimes demands a price paid in blood, and Reva is willing to shed some if he'll finally forgive her.

And a preview snippet…

Reva turned and punched the wall. "Son of a bitch. How?" Moving to her dresser, she dragged out a pair of jeans and rifled around for a tank top.

Shoving her feet inside the denim legs, she jerked the pants past her hips, leaving them unzipped and unbuttoned for now. Tugging the shirt over her head, she wrapped her arms around her waist and blew out a long breath. Anger simmered at a low boil but she couldn't rage at Alonzo. First, he wouldn't give two shits about stepping all over something precious to Reva. Second, her right to a private life—if she had one—came a distant second to her role in the league.

Meeting Alonzo's gaze, she held it. "Never mind the how. I didn't realize you had runners tracking my ass." No other explanation came to mind.

Alonzo snarled. "I don't. The intel didn't come from them." He reached out, grabbing her biceps. "Barax announced the liaison during the council meeting." His fingers dug into her skin and he gave her a shake.

Shit. How the fuck did Barax find out? He wanted Reva and she didn't return the sentiment. Hell, no.

Alonzo let go but stayed right up in Reva's face. "You know Barax has his own personal rat patrol. I wouldn't be surprised if he's not watching video of your hot session with Vanderman as we speak." He made a wanking motion with his hand.

Reva swallowed down the bile threatening to leave her throat. If Barax had a direct video feed hidden in her townhouse, she'd cut his balls off. There were lines that didn't get crossed and invading a hunter's personal space topped the list.

She narrowed her eyes. "You know what I'll do if I find evidence. Regardless of whom I choose to fuck, good choice or bad, no one has the right to tread upon my sanctuary." Her voice lowered. "Not even the preening cock that calls himself our sitting leader." She crossed her arms over her chest, daring Alonzo to counter.

He didn't. Instead he grabbed her shoulder and nudged her out of the room. Once clear, he nodded toward the stairs and she heaved a sigh but trudged down and crossed into her living room.

Alonzo followed hot on her heels. "Look, Reva. You're in shit stew here. If I could do damage control, I would, but—"

She cut him off. "You can't. I get it, Alonzo. Doesn't mean I won't be searching this place from top to bottom to ferret out that bastard's spy gear." Flopping down on the sofa, she kicked her feet up onto the ottoman.

Alonzo shook his head. "Won't matter, Reva. You've been outed and owe recompense."

Reva saw red. "Excuse me? You implied that asshole is beating his meat while watching me have sex and I'm the one who's gotta pay?" She wanted to shoot something, anything, and Alonzo started looking like a damned good target.

He dropped down into the chair next to the couch. "First, you have zero proof and even if you did, who the hell cares? Barax didn't lure you into taking a tumble with our biggest rival." He pinned her with his gaze. "You did that all by yourself and gave Barax what he needed to capitalize on your fuck up."

A sickening dread filled Reva. "How, exactly?" Barax didn't do anything by half-measures.

Alonzo glanced away. "The council decided to give you two options. And I gotta tell you, you're not gonna like either one." His quiet tone screamed red alert.

Dread turned to anxiety with a side of trepidation, but Reva jumped in with both feet. "What are the options?"

Alonzo gave it to her straight. "You can kill Vanderman or put him in the path of vengeance demons."

Reva's head dropped back, smacking against the wall. "Fuck me sideways."

This one is coming together piece by piece. Reva has a very strong voice and talks a lot, but Mitch is waiting to tell me how he feels. I like it when characters know their minds better than I do.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Price Paid

Happy May! We had terrific weather this weekend and I feel like spring has finally arrived. YAY!!

On the TV front, Arrow and The Flash kind of blew my mind. I'm not sure the final episodes can get any more mind bending. LOL Of course, Orphan Black is always twisty and freaky, but the sibling reveal adds a very cool layer. Won't go into specifics here so I don't spoil anyone, but I'm looking forward to seeing more about the new wrinkle.

Bitten and Lost Girl are such a great pair-up on Syfy. And I'm eagerly awaiting Killjoys and Dark Matter. I'd love Syfy to be my place to be on Fridays again. Been way too many years since that's happened.

Starting on Teen Wolf season three and gotta say, I truly enjoy the show. So far, it's lived up to its hype.

And that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from Price Paid, a novella where my characters have to find their way back to each other after a betrayal.

Here's the tagline:

Reva Bane's actions lead Mitch Vanderman to a lot of harm, but seeking atonement shouldn't cause so much pain. Then again, betrayal sometimes demands a price paid in blood, and Reva is willing to shed some if he'll finally forgive her.

And a preview snippet…

Alonzo frowned. Mitch Vanderman. God damn. Barax called it.

He waited for Mitch to walk around the corner before crossing the street and letting himself into Reva's townhouse. The darkened interior didn't faze him. He knew the layout well. Striding from the foyer, he ambled down the long hallway and hit the steps, taking them two at a time. He made a sharp left and burst into Reva's room, flipping the overhead light on.

Reva shot up, blinking against the brightness. "What the flaming fuck?" Naked, she leaped out of her bed, weapon drawn, and made a running dive toward him.

He grasped her forearm and stopped the blade from making contact. "Hold up, Reva." He twisted sideways, narrowly missing a knee to his groin.

She growled. "Jesus, Alonzo. You could've just said hello." She jerked away and grabbed a robe, wrapping it around her nude form. "Why are you even here?"

He crossed the floor and settled on the edge of her bed, crossing his arms over his chest. "You mean after three in the morning?" He pinned her with his gaze. "I had to verify with my own eyes that you do indeed have a new lover." His lips curved when the color drained from her face.

Her guilt confirmed, by his reckoning. And he didn't even have to mention Mitch's name.

Reva blew out a harsh breath. "Shit. Who else knows?" She dragged a shaky hand through her hair.

He quirked an eyebrow.

Her eyes widened. "Everyone?" A low groan escaped from her lips.

Needless to say, Reva's going to have some serious tap dancing to do and it doesn't go well.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye