Sunday Snippet: Quicksilver Flash

Whew. Finally recovered from our vacation and I'm back to work with multiple projects and a possible new venture in the near future. I'm super excited about it but still need to nail down some details and make some decisions on the setup.

As mentioned, I'm doing two weeks of catch-up on the life update and television viewing. While gone, I didn't watch a lot but I did get some screen time in.

I caught two more episodes of Strangest Things. I quite enjoy the approach the show takes in trying to solve the mystery of odd artifacts.

Started The Book of Boba Fett and watched two episodes. So far, I like what I'm seeing. It's a little hoppy with the back and forth of the timeline, but I'm following that without too much trouble.

I also started Only Murders in the Building and loved the first episode. I'm excited to see where the show goes.

Watched another MasterClass lesson with Roxane Gay. She did a writer's workshop and discussed finding common ground. Very interesting stuff with this lesson and I enjoyed.

Sobbed during the Babysitter's Club episode. I think I only have one left and I'm very sad there aren't going to be more. This is such a good show.

Finally had a chance to watch the Frankie Drake Mysteries special, "Music at Midnight" and I'm so glad I got to see it. This is another show I'm sad won't be coming back.

Caught another episode of The Ready Room. This one featured Michelle Paradise and recapped the penultimate episode of season two. Really fun interview.

I finished season three of Driven and loved the finale. I'm so glad Passionflix is starting a new series. They've done a great job so far.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med. I'm not sure but this might be my last season of the show. I enjoy it, but I might take a bit of a break.

Enjoyed another episode of Batman: The Animated Series. I love how the first season kind of explored a lot of different villains and they weren't always the big bads we've come to know and love.

Caught another episode of Ted Lasso. I'm three episodes in and I'm enjoying the show. It's a tiny bit campy and I like that aspect.

Watched another episode of The Agatha Christie Hour. Very interesting conflict in this one and fun to see an uber-young John Nettles as one of the stars.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. I actually have no idea where this one is going and I kind of like that. I do suspect the old and new cases will converge in a nasty way. Per usual.

Began a new Classic Who arc. For some reason the Psychic Circus is sticking out in my mind but I don't think I've actually seen these episodes. I'll know more next week.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Quicksilver Flash, a story with a bit of a steampunk flair where the characters have to work together to solve the mystery of quicksilver flash.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Winsome Crown, a scientist's daughter, searches for her lost father in the wilds of the mountains. Lynx Hadrington lives alone and away from society—by choice. When Winsome stumbles onto his little piece of sanctuary, he can't deny her plea for help, but he fears the worst for her dad. Only one person has ever survived a brush with the quicksilver flash—him.

And a preview snippet…

Winsome woke up to the smell of something wonderful.

Stretching, she sat up and blinked, trying to remember what happened. A series of snapshots clicked in her brain. The cryptic letter from her dad. The breadcrumb clues she'd pieced together after he'd stopped sending updates. Then finally finding his guide only to have her hopes dashed again. And then … basically passing out from sheer exhaustion.

Struggling to sit up, she winced when her head pounded. "Dammit. I don't have time for this." Her gaze landed on the glass of water and pain killers. "At least he's thoughtful." Even if he absolutely didn't want her here.

Swiping the tablets, she washed them down and drained the contents. Easing to the edge of the bed—his bed, no doubt—she swung her feet over the edge of the mattress and tested standing up.

The room swam but she stayed upright. Okay, she got her feet under her. Now to try walking.

Taking a step forward, she wobbled a little, but kept going. With the glass in her hand, she made her way to the door and poked her head out into the living area. Finding the room empty, she carefully crossed to the kitchen and rinsed her glass out.

The smell coming from the stove had her stomach growling. Something bubbled in a pot and she leaned in closer to get a whiff of the savory aroma. Wavering on the cusp of being rude and helping herself or remembering her manners, she debated internally whether to reach for one of the bowls on the shelf.

A blast of cold when the door opened had her gaze going to the living area instead.

Lynx stomped his feet outside then entered, carrying a pile of logs. He dropped them into the box beside the door and shrugged out of his coat. After he hung it on the peg, he turned and his eyes widened.

Swiping a hand over his head, he removed his hat. "You're awake." He crossed to the counter. "Hungry?"

She gave a nod. "Yes. Very." Backing up, she gave him room to move in the small area. "Thank you for the painkillers. My head is pounding."

He grunted. "Food and water should help with that." He spooned thick broth with chunks of chicken and carrots into a bowl and handed it to her. "Take a seat. I'll bring some bread and more water."

She settled at the table and resisted the urge to dive in to the food. The steamy tendrils wafting upward gave ample warning she'd burn her tongue if she tried to eat right away. Her mouth watered with anticipation.

Lynx brought the items then went back to get a dish for himself. "How long has it been since you heard from your dad?" He broke the crusty loaf in two and placed one half by her bowl.

Her hand shook when she picked up her spoon. "Three months." She put the utensil down and picked up the bread. "I know something's wrong and I fear the worst." She had to decide how much to share with him.

Lynx frowned. "As you've experienced, the weather is unpredictable out there. He might not have been able to get word out to you." He broke off several pieces from his half of the loaf and sprinkled them over his stew.  

Winsome folded her hands in her lap. "The weather doesn't matter. You see, I can sense something is wrong." She held his gaze for a moment then looked away. "I'm linked telepathically with my dad."

I'm having so much fun with this story. I love making characters who don't want to be involved with each other get involved.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Quicksilver Flash

Well, another homecoming house party is in the books and I'm so thankful we had such a great group of kids to host over the last four years. A few faces came and went, but for the most part, the core group has remained the same. I'm looking forward to seeing what this group of kids ends up doing in the future.

It's been a crazy week with a ton of work projects coming in and I'm truly thankful to be busy. Sometimes my projects dwindle a little in the fall and that doesn't seem to be the case this year.

A limited week of television, but some good progress made. I started a new classic British series called Sapphire and Steel. It's pretty decent with some time-wimey elements.

I also started a new arc of Classic Who. I didn't realize quite how much of a role the Master had in the third doctor's run.

Caught an episode of Midsomer Murders and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm almost through with series nineteen and have the final season to watch.

Watched another episode of Arrow and should be ready to start the new limited season eight in the near future. I started the penultimate episode but had to pause to get ready for homecoming. I'm going to miss this show so much when it's gone.

Also viewed an episode of Murdoch Mysteries and quite enjoyed it. I'm a little wary of what they're possibly doing with Julia, but we'll see how things go.

Finished up Frankie Drake Mysteries second season and look forward to starting the third. I'm pretty excited to see where things go from here.

Caught another episode of Riverdale. I can honestly say the whole farm thing really kind of annoys me. That said, this show tends to pull off a few twists that end up making me like what I didn't before. With the exception of Hiram. I love the actor but truly hate the character.

Also started another episode of Blue Heelers but have to pick it back up this week. Ran out of time to finish watching it.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Winsome Crown, a scientist's daughter, searches for her lost father in the wilds of the mountains. Lynx Hadrington lives alone and away from society—by choice. When Winsome stumbles onto his little piece of sanctuary, he can't deny her plea for help, but he fears the worst for her dad. Only one person has ever survived a brush with the Quicksilver Flash—him.

And a preview snippet…

Lynx cradled the soft form of Winsome close to his chest. "I knew you'd be trouble. I knew it." Correction… his innate ability informed him.

Not for the first time, he cursed the day he met Wadsworth Crown and agreed to act as a guide for the man. Even if the professor ended up becoming a friend and confidant. They'd parted on amiable terms, but Lynx specifically asked the man to leave him out of any further expeditions and experiments.

Lynx picked Winsome up, carried her to his bed, and gently placed her on the mattress. "You are going to stir things up, aren't you?" More like stir him up.

He'd gone two months without glowing or shimmering. She walked in and within minutes, he'd reacted to her. Damn.

He smoothed the hair back from her forehead. "Hmm. You're overly warm. That shouldn't be, not after you've been out in those frigid temperatures." Loosening the top button of her flannel shirt, he checked her pulse.

Slow and steady with a hop every few beats. Probably exhausted and rundown. Moving to her feet, he unlaced her boots and slid them off, placing them beside the bed. He drew a blanket up and over her then exited the small room and crossed over to the kitchen tucked into the corner of the cabin.

Reaching into the fridge, he pulled out some leftover chicken and set it inside his one and only stock pot. "Some broth and plenty of fluids should get her fixed up right." And maybe shorten her stay.

Setting the burner to a medium-high temperature, he added some seasoning then filled a glass with water and carried it into the bedroom. After checking her once more, he got some pain killers, shook two out of the bottle, and placed them beside the glass.

He paused before leaving. She had Wadsworth's facial features but instead of a light hair color, hers had a deeply luxurious onyx color. Her mother must have been a raven-haired beauty.

Another gust of wind rattled the cabin walls and Lynx backed out of the bedroom. If he lost power, he might have to make the broth over the fire. The woman in his bed would need the sustenance when she woke up.

"And then she needs to be on her way… for my peace of mind."

This story is coming together nicely. I'm going for a bit of a steampunk flair and having fun adding those elements.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quicksilver Flash

A very Happy New Year to all!

Hope everyone survived the holiday season and 2017 is starting out with peace and joy.

I finished up my Great Holiday Show Binge Watch Extravaganza for the most part. Mainly single episode shows from a wide variety of dramas. I still have a couple of shows on my DVR that I'll watch after everyone goes back to school and work.

Started a binge watch of the reboot of Hawaii Five-0. After watching the Christmas episodes, I had enough interest to start the series. So far, I'm enjoying the reboot and started season two yesterday.

Looking forward to the return of my regular shows this month.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Quicksilver Flash, a novella based on a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Winsome Crown, a scientist's daughter, searches for her lost father in the wilds of the mountains. Lynx Hadrington lives alone and away from society—by choice. When Winsome stumbles onto his little piece of sanctuary, he can't deny her plea for help, but he fears the worst for her dad. Only one person has ever survived a brush with the Quicksilver Flash—him.

And a preview snippet…

Winsome bit back a curse at his stunned blink. "Argh, sorry." She turned and faced the fire. "It's been a rough week and I'm barely keeping it together." She glanced back over her shoulder. "You're a hard man to find, Mr. Hadrington."

He folded his arms over his chest. "There's a reason for that, Ms. Crown." His gaze didn't waver when it met hers. "And I don't know where your father is."

Her shoulders slumped. "You were my last hope. Can you at least tell me when you last saw him?" Wadsworth Crown loved his work above everything else… except his daughter.

Three months without a word meant something happened to him.

A battle played out over Lynx's face. Indecision, determination, and finally resignation crossed his features. An iridescent shimmer gleamed over his forearms and traveled upward to his neck before touching his chin, cheeks and forehead.

Winsome gasped. "Oh, my god. What happened to you?" An inkling occurred, but she refused to leap to conclusions.

Her father would scowl and growl if she did.

Lynx shook his head, his features returning to normal. "Nothing. And you've wasted a trip. I haven't seen the professor for almost a year." He turned away from her, yanking the sleeves of his shirt down to his wrists.

Winsome frowned. "Going all glowified is not nothing." She needed answers and she'd push to get them. "You've been in contact with something… otherworldly… haven't you?" Her father's notes mentioned a substance he couldn't identify.

Lynx whirled around, his gaze fierce. "My affliction is none of your business, Ms. Crown." He grasped her shoulders and nudged her toward the fireplace. "You can get warmed up, but then I want you to head back out to wherever you came from." He moved her coat closer to the fire.

Winsome bit her tongue. She'd done it again. Shoved her way into a blunder.

She sank to her knees, defeated. "Give me fifteen. I'll be out the door." Swaying slightly, she fought back a wave of despair.

Five weeks of travel, chasing the thinnest of leads with scraps of information, and she finally found someone who'd been in contact with her dad. Moisture pricked behind her eyelids and Winsome wanted to give the free rein to fall. But she couldn't. Lynx Hadrington wanted her to clear out. Her vision blurry with unshed tears, she slowly got to her feet and reached for her parka with a shaky hand. Head swimming with exhaustion, she couldn't seem to get her arms into the sleeves.

Lynx grasped her shoulders and turned her to face him. "Ms. Crown—"

She cut him off. "Please, call me Win. My dad's the one who stands on formalities." Lifting her gaze, his face swam in and out of focus. "And, I'm… I'm…" The words got stuck in her throat, a shudder wracked her body, and the world went dark.

Strong arms wrapped around her and cushioned her fall. Her last coherent moment before inky blackness surrounded her.

There's something about writing quest stories that appeals to me. I'm having a lot of fun with this one.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quicksilver Flash

So… I found out last week The Last Ship did indeed get renewed! WooHoo!! I'm also almost caught up on Defiance, which continues to keep me interested. The new season of Doctor Who premiered and eh… I'll watch and hope I get more into it. So far, I'm not a huge fan of the new Doctor, but I went into viewing with that thought so it's only fair to hold off making a final decision about watching and give the guy a fair chance.

In something of more fun news, the Bitten and Arrow casts are so much fun to follow on social media. They're always posting fun tidbits and behind the scenes stuff, which just makes me more excited to see the new seasons. Gotta give credit to Kurt Sutter for keeping the Sons of Anarchy stuff rolling out, too.

Tonight's post is from Quicksilver Flash, a novella with a bit of a steampunk flair.

Here's the tagline:

Winsome Crown, a scientist's daughter, searches for her lost father in the wilds of the mountains. Lynx Hadrington lives alone and away from society—by choice. When Winsome stumbles onto his little piece of sanctuary, he can't deny her plea for help, but he fears the worst for her dad. Only one person has ever survived a brush with the Quicksilver Flash—him.

And a preview snippet…

The howling wind whipped around the cabin and kicked up bursts of snow, sending swirls spinning around in different directions. Lynx gazed out the window, the unsettled feeling seeping deeper into his bones. He tamped the urge to crawl into the warmth of his bed and not come out until spring.

But he couldn't. His gut churned with the knowledge something big headed his way.

Or someone.

His interaction with what Professor Crown had dubbed the Quicksilver Flash gave Lynx insight he truly didn't want—and made his skin glow, hence his nice, quiet life hidden away in the back woods. Until he could control when his body decided to shimmer, glow, and gleam, he'd stay buried in his sanctuary, alone and safely away from anyone he might harm.

A heavy gust blew against the solid oak door, rattling the hinges. Lynx leaned closer to the window. His eyes narrowed, catching sight of a blurred image making its way toward his home. A fur-covered blob, female—if his unerring instinct didn't pick now to fail him, made slow but steady progress. With each step she made, the burden he lived with grew heavier. Whatever the woman wanted, she'd extract a high price.

Heaving a sigh, Lynx turned away from the window and strode toward the fire burning heartily in the hearth. He added several logs and poked at the embers.

"Better get ready. If she's not frozen through by the time she arrives, it'll be a miracle."

Sooner than he expected, a hardy knock sounded on the door. He opened the heavy slab, letting a blast of frigid air into the cabin. The woman pushed her way inside and Lynx secured the entrance, closing out the icy weather. Without a word, the lady yanked the fur-trimmed hood away from her head and shrugged out of the oversized coat, draping it close to the fire.

Rubbing her hands together she met his gaze head on, her bold blue eyes frankly assessing him. "Are you Lynx Hadrington?" She waved an arm. "Never mind. Of course you are." She moved closer. "Winsome Crown." Her finger jabbed into his shoulder. "Where the hell is my father?"

Winsome will get her answer, but she absolutely won't like it. J

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye