Sunday Snippet: Quiver Full of Arrows

February is going to be a wild month. It's already shorter than average and my project load is intense plus I have two birthdays hitting a week apart. A big one for the husband, which involves a super-secret aspect that's challenging to pull off.

Ohio is still deep into its cold spell, which I'm actually okay with. We're also still digging out of the huge snowfall we got last week. It's hilarious that I get stuck in my own driveway. But I do.

As mentioned, work projects are falling out of the sky right now and that's not a bad thing. But it is a bit of a hurdle to manage making sure they're all getting the attention they need. I'd love to have about five more hours each day.

Had a better than normal viewing week. Some of my projects involve tedious busywork, and it's nice to have something on in the background. I even got to one of my back-burner shows.

Started off with Midsommer Murders and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. It also made me want to take up lawn bowling. I remember playing something like that, along with croquet, when little.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War and it's one I remembered well from the original watch. I have one more episode in the sixth season and I'm looking forward to watching it this week.

Watched the second half of Silent Witness and whew! So many twists and turns. And, of course, the obnoxious asshat is the actual target … yet somehow manages to come through partially unscathed. Really loved the team doing what they needed to do regardless of the consequences.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. Loved how he got a chance to revisit a murder he wasn't allowed to solve the first time. Lots of twisty turns.

Elementary didn't disappoint with the opening of the fifth season. I love that Joan probably saved her former patient by offering a helping hand. Also love that Sherlock recognized she needed something more.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and kind of loved the teamwork with Gotham PD and taking down the poacher. I'd forgotten about this episode.

Watched the season two finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks and, wow, what a way to end the season. Looking forward to catching what happens next.

Also started another episode of Peak Practice. It's painful to watch Sam completely fall from grace. I might end up forwarded through some of it because it hurts to watch.

That's pretty much it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Quiver Full of Arrows, a novella that mashes up superpowers and fae magick.

Here's the miniblurb:

Frey Witter, codename Crossfire, is sent to bring in mercenary for hire, Solaris Polanski, aka Moon Shadow, for a covert mission. He's got one little problem. Solaris answers to no one—and she used to work for the other side.

And a preview snippet…

Solaris braced for seeing Norm Coleman again. Something she rarely, as in never, enjoyed. He'd recruited her at the tender age of sixteen—almost thirteen years ago. The only thing she'd credit him with is teaching her to take a beating. No, he'd never abused her with physical violence. Her parents took top prize there.

She waited for Crossfire to key in the access code and while he scanned his credentials, she trudged back to the beginning of her relationship with Coleman.

Norm's tactics were and still are much more sinister and slyly developed than a mere physical ambush. Cajolery, manipulation, emotional thievery, and gaslighting were his go-to favorites.

Being different—having her ability of extra sensory perception aka the sixth sense—and being able to hold her own from a young age got her into a lot of trouble. The very reason my parents decided I needed to have the evil beat out of me. When their brutalization didn't work, they cashed in and sold her to a program for gifted children when she turned twelve.

The program proved to be a sham—the people running if were training spies. Infiltration, seduction, all the tricks of the trade. Norm came in, took one look at her and bought out her contract. He wanted her young enough to train for agency purposes but old enough to handle the physical aspects. I learned the emotional toll on my own and finally escaped.

Only to be brought back. Dammit.

Crossfire led the way through the maze of corridors, and she followed at a slightly slower pace. Norm hadn't moved his cushy office, still residing at the top of the stairs in a space that overlooked the main hub of operations. A large concrete platform jutted out from the enclosed area, leaving plenty of room for a staging location … or in her case, a place to cool her heels whenever Norm wanted to make her wait.

Which she wouldn't do today.

Brushing past Crossfire, she strode into Norm's space and cleared her throat. He looked up, arching a brow. His silence a grudging acknowledgment of her presence; his lack of surprise an irritation she'd have to live with.

Solaris tossed the bag of diamonds on the desk. "My compliments. It better buy me some time and consideration." She kept her gaze on her former employer but appreciated Frey taking a post just inside the door.

Norm shook out the gems and flicked his gaze up to her. "Petty thievery is beneath you." His fingers trailed through the pile of sparkly bits.

Solaris snorted. "Half a billion in untraceable diamonds is a fucking wet dream for black-op budgets. The only thing petty about it is your inability to accept the windfall without being a raging dick." She folded her arms over her chest but winced and dropped them down again.

Her ribs still ached from her time with the trio of thugs in the railroad turnstile.

Norm leaned back and gave her a bland smile. "I see you're still using the old standby of letting yourself get caught and brutalized. Haven't you outgrown the need for pain?" He widened his eyes in his usual fashion.

Her fingers curled into her palms. "Considering I learned all the tricks of the pain trade from you, you're stating the obvious." She slowly straightened her hands. "Are you ready to give me what I need? Because I'm fresh out of patience and the desire to breathe the same air as you."

Coleman scooped up the diamonds and returned them to the bag. "You've got the time." He tucked the gems into his shirt pocket and leaned back again. "I'm listening."

She swallowed the bile rising in her throat. "Pay attention then. These are my terms…"

I have so much love for this story! Solaris and Frey are such a great couple to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quiver Full of Arrows

Not a bad week. I made excellent headway on the two projects I'm editing and got some writing of my own done. The weather has been so nice and comfortable. Not quite chilly enough to be considered fall but also not the sweltering yuck we often have this time of year.

I'm finally more or less back on my regular viewing schedule. I might be dropping one of my streamers because they're going to paid only and, frankly, I'm not that interested in the content to pay five bucks a month for it. We'll see how it goes.

Caught several episodes of Classic Rugrats. I'm into season four and trawling through the memory banks. I love reminiscing about sitting with the kids and watching this when they were wee little ones.

Watched maybe the last episode of Chicago Med for me. This is the streamer that's going to paid only and I'm not that interested in continuing to watch. I'll see what happens in a few weeks.

Enjoyed two episodes of Batman: The Animated Series. I have so much love for this series and tend to rewatch on a semi-frequent basis. There's a very good stable of villains and the animation is great.

Caught another episode of Ted Lasso. Gotta say I thoroughly enjoyed Ted losing his shit with Rebecca. I also loved the whole method of breaking the curse. This is a great show.

Watched the season eight finale of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I have a behind the scenes episode to watch then another wait for new episodes. Looking forward to seeing what Mike had to say to the proposal at the end.

Enjoyed the second part of Silent Witness. Looking forward to seeing what season twenty has to offer. I'm loving the dynamic between the characters.

Finished up season twenty-five of Classic Who. Not a bad way to end the season. I also discovered there's at least one more so I'll start it this week.

Caught another episode of Strangest Things. I liked the segments in this episode. A hoax and a spectacular way-before-its-time device caught my attention.

Loved the episode of The Book of Boba Fett. It featured the return of the Mandalorian and I'm a little spoiled for season two of The Mandalorian because of this, but I'm totally okay with that.

Enjoyed another episode of Only Murders in the Building. This show. I have a lot of love for it and can't wait to jump in to season two.

Watched the season eight finale of Peak Practice. A lot of moving pieces and setting things up for next season. I'll be starting nine in the near future.

Caught another MasterClass lesson with Roxane Gay. She focused on the business of writing and I ended up getting some good information from this lesson.

Umbrella Academy ended up being great. I'm really loving this show. I very much enjoy finding out little bits and pieces about the characters and the pacing is excellent.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Quiver Full of Arrows, a novella that pulls the characters into facing their past transgressions while nudging them into finding a future together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Frey Witter, codename Crossfire, is sent to bring in mercenary for hire, Solaris Polanski, aka Moon Shadow, for a covert mission. He's got one little problem. Solaris answers to no one—and she used to work for the other side.

And a preview snippet…

Frey held out as long as possible after retrieving the diamonds.

Turning on to the long, winding road that would take them to the operation enclave, he slowed down for the twists and turns. "Okay, my curiosity is piqued. What's your history with Coleman?" No doubt it would be nothing good.

Solaris gave him a long look. "Why do you want to know?" Her fingers curled into her palms, the only indication she'd rather talk about anything else.

Frey rolled one shoulder. "If I'm going to the involved in this deal, I gotta know what Norm will throw at me." He shot her a sideways glance. "And he'll fling shit everywhere because you're messing with his plan." The man had control issues with his control issues.

Solaris smiled. "Messing with his shit is my favorite pastime." She straightened in the seat, angling toward Frey. "Okay, Coleman and I go way back. And the first thing you need to know is that I hate him … with a passion." Her lips twisted in disgust.

Frey grunted. "The thousand burning suns kind or something less intense?" Oddly, it mattered because being a buffer meant he could get burned.

Solaris pursed her lips. "Hmm, let's gо with five hundred thousand burning suns for now." She purposefully straightened her fingers and splayed them on her thighs.

Wow, okay. Frey shot her a quick look. "Did he sacrifice you for a mission?"

Solaris narrowed her eyes. "Is that in some dossier about me?" Her hands fisted again.

Frey shook his head. "No. It's SOP for Coleman. He burns through assets at a higher rate than anyone else." A not-so-secret secret among the agency.

Solaris snorted. "There is that." She stared straight ahead. "The second thing you need to know is he'll consider me expendable, so whatever big operation he's got planned, he's not expecting me to make it out alive." Her voice never wavered, her tone matter-of-fact.

Frey didn't the sound of that. But the idea tracked. Coleman didn't earn his hard-assed reputation by not being ruthless.

Frey growled. "We'll see about that." He'd examine why he gave a shit later … somewhere away from the agency.

Solaris raised her eyebrows. "Look, don't go off book on my account. I know the score. I mean, you were supposed to kill me if I didn't agree to come in." She scowled. "Didn't you think to ask why?"

Yeah, he had. And he did make a query. And he'd been handed a thick folder full of her exploits.

But his bullshit meter just blew the limit now that he'd interacted with Moon Shadow—Solaris. Clearly, a lot got left unwritten about her.

Frey slid a quick glance her way. "For the record, I don't always follow orders. I go where they tell me and follow the planned operation, but I make my own calls when shit goes sideways." He put his eyes back on the road. "I read your file—even the redacted material. But, obviously, there's always stuff—good and bad—that doesn't make it in." He slowed and made the turn into the parking lot then cut the engine. "Norm's a dick—but he gets results. That said, my gut says he doesn't want to go up against his target if you're on their side."

Solaris shrugged. "He's not stupid. I'll give him that." She spread her fingers again, flexing them twice.

Frey nodded. "You're right. So, he takes you out, either by getting you to work for him or by killing you." Ruthless and efficient … and beyond fucked up.

Solaris opened her mouth but paused before speaking. "Boiled down to its essence … yes. And since I'm not dead, he'll assume I'm on board with whatever fucked-up plan he has." Her gaze went hard and angry but she didn't curl her hands into fists.

Frey focused on her pause and what she didn't say. Which means there's more to the story. Oddly, he wanted the full scoop. A rarity.

Then again … she'd fascinated him from the first glimpse of her file. He had a major gut check. And he'd formed an initial impression. No one gave her credit … or a chance. Coleman would have exploited her skill set to his own ends. The man didn't stray from his modus operandi. Which put Moon Shadow at a disadvantage—exactly where Norm wanted her.

Frey paused before he popped his door open. "Here's a promise I will keep. As long as you're considered an agency asset, I'll have your back—even if I don't end up as your handler." A real possibility.

Solaris gave him a bland look. "Pretty words and a nice sentiment. And I'm sure you're sincere." Her gaze changed to something harder and more determined. "But I don't trust anyone one hundred percent." She pulled on the door handle and glanced over her shoulder. "And if you're not my handler … I hope you're ready with your quiver full of arrows—because I'm not working under Coleman's direct supervision in any circumstance." She exited the truck and stood at the front, her gaze sweeping the area.

If Coleman pulled the asshole card and refused her stipulation, would Frey be able to notch an arrow? A gut check said no.

He slid out of the vehicle. "Fuck me. This could go balls up in a big way."

I have a ton of love for this story and these characters. Things came together in a terrific way for Frey and Solaris and there could be more from them.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quiver Full of Arrows

Whew. This week flew right by. We're still waiting on our new furnace, which I should have by my next post. My workload is bananas right now and I didn't get a chance to watch much television due to deadlines. It's also been a busy week with my daughter's golf banquet and awards ceremony and state band competition.

I started a new episode of Blue Heelers but stopped midway through so I need to finish it up this week.

I started out with Midsomer Murders and watched the first episode of the final series. The new coroner is kind of fun and recognizable from a Doctor Who episode, at least that's where I remember her from.

I'm limping through the Riverdale musical episode "Big Fun". I keep stopping the action because I don't want to miss anything. I can honestly say I'm impressed with the way this episode is put together. I love how many of the group is involved in the musical. The only thing I'm not a fan of is how much screen time Eleanor is sucking up. I realize there's a reason for it but she's right up there with Hiram in the characters I love to hate department. I do think I'll have time to finish up later tonight or early tomorrow. Then it's off to the new season of Arrow, where I'll probably weep through every episode.

I caught a few holiday movies in the background during the workday and also ended up catching a bunch of Blue Bloods episodes.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Frey Witter, codename Crossfire, is sent to bring in mercenary for hire, Solaris Polanski, aka, Moon Shadow for a covert mission. He's got one little problem. Solaris answers to no one—and she used to work for the other side.

And a preview snippet…

Solaris lifted her gaze to meet his. "I doubt that." But he had her.

And, dammit, she didn't have the energy to battle with him. She slowly got to her feet. He didn't make a move to help her and, honestly, he earned points for not doing so.

Taking a deep breath, she slowly exhaled. "Okay, who sent you? The name is going to be a deciding factor because ninety percent of the agency goons are assholes and I'd rather take an arrow than work with or for any of them." She'd had too many double crosses to fully trust anyone from the covert government unit.

Frey gave her a long look. Would he shoot her? She couldn't tell and it almost thrilled her to not be able to read him. Given enough time, she'd learn the silent language he spoke, but fat chance she'd the opportunity… unless…

Frey broke his silence. "Norm Coleman." His shoulders tensed while he waited for her response.

Solaris closed her eyes. He'd named the one person she couldn't refuse.

"Aw, fuck. Guess I'll live to see another day." She owed Norm and she always paid her debts.

Even if she'd rather eat glass.

Frey relaxed his stance, which didn't do anything to dissipate the coiled energy coming off his body. The man oozed readiness, no doubt willing and able to leap into action at a second's notice. She didn't want to admire the quality… but she did.

She glanced around for a vehicle. "If we're going, let's go. I'd rather get whatever the hell Norm wants out of the way." She finally spotted the matte black vehicle tucked into the shadows by a row of dumpsters.

Frey gathered his crossbow and started toward the SUV.

Solaris followed but paused. "Look, before we take off, I have one condition." And he probably wouldn't like it.

Frey's finger tightened on the trigger of his crossbow. "And that would be?" He slowly angled around, keeping the weapon primed.

Solaris dropped her bomb. "You're bringing me in so you're going to be my handler. Norm and I need a buffer. I elect you." She'd be lucky if she and Norm got through with their little meeting without blood being shed.

Frey frowned. "Might not be possible. I go where they tell me." He smoothly angled away again.

Following orders. How boring.

But she wouldn't cave on her decision. "It's a stipulation I won't give in on. I come in—without trouble—and you take the role or we end it here." And what a shame that would be.

Frey gave her a level look, holding it for several long moments. "I'll see what I can do. I don't make promises I can't keep."

Solaris made her way to the SUV. "You'll keep this one. Especially if we hit the caverns and retrieve the diamonds." No way would she let that jackpot go uncollected.

Frey shook his head. "That's not the mission." He yanked the back door open and propped his equipment within easy reach.

Solaris gingerly got inside the vehicle. "Trust me when I say Coleman will thank you if you bring them along. His black-op budget can always use a boost." And she would definitely need the leverage.

This story is coming together better than I expected. I love putting characters in a situation where their gut instincts have to make decisions.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quiver Full of Arrows

Okay, I finally finished the six seasons of Hawaii Five-0 that were available on Netflix. Only a few small quibbles, the biggest being it makes me insane when actors play two different, unrelated roles on the same show. I love Ingo Rademacher, but don't make him the parent of a kidnapped child in one episode and then call him back to play a prosecuting attorney trying to bring Five-0 down. Seriously? Were there no other actors who could have played one of those roles? Ugh.

And thank the universe the whole Gabriel Waincroft saga is over. Yeesh.

I'm all caught up on Teen Wolf and aside from wanting to throw things because they brought Theo the Asshat back, I'm loving this season.

I'm working on The Librarians and should start catching up on Murdoch Mysteries and Sherlock this week.

Gotham returned and, yeah, definitely happy it's back on my screen. Now I need all my other DC shows to come back. Also looking forward to seeing what Riverdale ends up bringing to the table. That one could be really fun or truly terrible. Fingers crossed for the first option.

And that's it for television. Tonight's post is from Quiver Full of Arrows, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of having a super hero type character meet a mercenary for hire, answers to no one character.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Frey Witter, codename Crossfire, is sent to bring in mercenary for hire, Solaris Polanski, aka, Moon Shadow for a covert mission. He's got one little problem. Solaris answers to no one—and she used to work for the other side.

And a preview snippet…

Moon Shadow had a reputation for getting out of awkward situations. Since Frey had her cornered, he prepared for defensive tactics. He had the exits covered, but no one could foresee every contingency.

She'd proved to be an elusive shadow, difficult to pin down and almost impossible to capture.

Unless she wanted to be caught.

She didn't flinch or look away. "You're obviously in control. Your call is whatever you decide." Gripping the ice pack, she placed it over her eye again.

Crossfire snorted. "You'd like me to think I have control, but you're calculating the distance and speed you need to throw that ice pack as a distraction." When her lips thinned to a flat line, he let his curve slightly upward. "Go ahead, Moon Shadow. Let's figure out who has the upper hand." Anticipation filled him and he waited for her next move.

She struck quickly, tossing the bag high in the air then pulled a drop and roll maneuver. He didn't fall for the distraction and kept his focus aimed on her. The icepack took out the overhead light, but Frey didn't illumination to follow her trail. Keeping his arrow notched, he monitored her progress when she headed toward the side exit of the warehouse. He slowed his pace, waiting for a reaction.

"Son of a bitch!"

His lips curved into a full smile and he strolled out the door. Solaris hung from her feet, swinging lightly back and forth from one of the trusses. Her mumbled curses streamed steadily from her mouth.

Frey set his crossbow aside and grabbed the rope to lower her to the ground. "You know, killing you would be a waste." He stood over her, hands planted on his hips. "Keeping you around should prove to be fun."

I think this one is going to be a ton of fun to write.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quiver Full of Arrows

August 18, 2013

Hi,

I'm going to bore everyone with all my Strike Back talk, but holy hell, the hits keep coming. Poor Scott can't catch a break. I do have one wild hair theory of what I want for him at the end of the show's run, but I'll keep mum so I don't jinx it. :D

While on the subject of hits that keep coming, in Quiver Full of Arrows, the hero and heroine take more than a few physical and emotional blows. They can't quite trust each other, at least not at first, but they definitely form a reliance that grows into solid belief and faith—something neither is used to having with another person. J

Here's the tagline:

Frey Witter, codename Crossfire, is sent to bring in mercenary for hire, Solaris Polanski, aka, Moon Shadow for a covert mission. He's got one little problem. Solaris answers to no one—and she used to work for the other side.

And a preview snippet…

Three soft whirring sounds rapidly flew past her head followed by the snick and thwap of the arrows hitting their marks. Her three targets dropped like stones, keeling over sideways with heavy thuds. A white hot rage rolled through Solaris at the loss. She let out a frustrated yell.

A man emerged from the shadowy recesses by the railway turnstile. He made a slow circle around her and stopped directly in her line of vision. Even with her left eye swelling almost closed she admired the firm cut of his jaw and the way he carried himself and kept his weapon at the ready.

He lowered his crossbow. "Solaris Polanski?"

She lifted her chin. "Haven't heard that name in a long time." Most of her recent underworld acquaintances called her Moon Shadow. "Who the hell are you?"

He laid his weapon aside. "Frey Witter, codename Crossfire."

Codename. Not what she wanted to hear. An assassin sent to take her out, or bring her in?

She played her hand carefully. "Well, Crossfire, thank you ever so much for completely fucking up my operation." She snarled. "Did you have to kill them?"

He quirked a brow. "There's a problem with that?"

Solaris growled. "Yes, there's a problem, you moron. You just screwed a month long game of cat and mouse to find their cache of smuggled diamonds. I let those stupid apes grab and bring me here." She fought down an urge to punch something—or someone. "They'd just about given me everything I needed—except the location of the stash." She jerked her head toward the bodies. "You killed them before they could give it up."

Frey lowered his weapon and stalked over to grab one of the men and drag him under the light. "You wanna know where the location is, look at big picture, Moon Shadow. What's he wearing? What's it covered with? What type of boots does he have on?"

Solaris narrowed her good eye. He shouldn't know her alias. Only the dregs of humanity and people who could pay her price had it.

She tilted her head to the side. "Where are you going with all this?" She had to buy some time, keep him talking before she made a move.

He sighed. "Think about it. While you were getting the shit kicked out of you—brilliantly, I might add—you missed crucial details." He lifted the leg of the dead man. "He's got caked sand in the soles of his boots, they all do. That means they've been out to the shore recently." He dropped the guy's foot. "That string of caves along the coast would make a damned convenient place to drop off and pick up smuggled diamonds."

She snorted. "They wouldn't be so obvious?"

Frey lifted a brow. "Really? You're not dealing with highly intelligent people here. Like you said—a bunch of trained apes. They have to be obvious, or get lost trying to pull their heads out of their asses."

Solaris studied him for a moment. "Hmm. Looks like I'm dealing with intelligence now." She stopped speaking and snapped her mouth shut.

Frey bit back a grin, no doubt realizing he'd thrown her off balance. Again. Thankfully, he said nothing. He gathered up his arrows, leaving the tips inside the victims. Solaris watched him, silently. He wanted to his message to be loud and clear.

Shoving the quills back in his quiver, he strode over to her side. "Are you gonna pretend to stay all tied up or what?"

Solaris's mouth didn't drop open, but she had to fight to keep it shut. The guy knew too much about her. She needed to find out a little about him.

Letting the ropes binding her hands fall to the floor, she asked. "Why did you kill them? You could have made a buttload if you'd ransomed them." She rubbed her wrists, trying to get the feeling back in her fingers.

Frey's lips twisted. "I don't need them and they'd get in the way." He dropped to his knees, loosening the bindings at her feet.

Get in the way of what?

She slowly rose from the chair. "So why are you here?" She crossed over to the small backpack she'd had with her when the goons grabbed her from the street.

Rifling through, she found an ice pack, activated it, and gingerly placed it over her swollen eye.

He spoke softly. "I came for you."

She whirled around. "Me? What the hell for?"

He reached back and retrieved an arrow, notching it in his crossbow. Solaris scrambled quickly, trying to think who might want her dead. The list would take days to get through.

She took a direct approach. "Who are you? And why, exactly, are you here?"

Frey casually aimed the weapon at her heart. "I'm here to bring you in. The Agency has need of your services." His grip didn't waver on the trigger. "If you refuse, I've got orders to take you out." Glancing up, he held her gaze several moments. "What call should I make?"

Ohhh…I've had so much fun writing this one. It's still early stages, but the urge to get more on the page is strong. Stay tuned. J

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye