Sunday Snippet: Think Twice

Celebrated my thirty-fourth anniversary this weekend! We had crappy weather, so we brought Chinese home and stayed in for the evening.

Had another busy work week and I'm so thankful the projects are rolling in. Working on a terrific manuscript and I'm so excited to dive into the story. This will be a fun one!

Had a so-so week of viewing television. I'm still focusing on the great cleanup and spent a good amount of time reorganizing and rearranging things in my living room.

I did finish up Wednesday and I enjoy this show so much. I'm excited to see where things go from here.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. The autumn leaves one is fun. I love how much this show still appeals to both kids and adults.

Watched the premier episode of Brokenwood Mysteries season nine. This is another show I have a lot of love for. I miss a few of the original recurring characters but I'm enjoying some of the newer ones. Trudy in particular ends up being fun.

Enjoyed an episode of Endeavor. I'm kind of sad to see Thursday falling in with the new crew. But I'm hoping there might be a twist to this thread. We'll see what happens.

Caught another episode of Classic Who. I'm nearing the end of the classic episodes and I'm happy I did a full rewatch. There are a bunch of episodes I either missed as a kid or completely forgot.

Started a new Silent Witness two-parter. I kind of like seeing Nikki in therapy. Not really sure what's going on with Jack, but he's never boring. Thomas is another one I'm not sure about. His interaction, or lack thereof, with his daughter left a lot to be desired. Clarissa is awesome as always.

Enjoyed another episode of Battlestar Galactica. This is another one of my favorites because Lee Adama steps fully into the role of being a badass.

Also needed some background noise and I ended up watching the Surf Now channel and The Forgotten Coast. Ended up enjoying it a lot.

Started another episode of Strangest Things. Kind of an odd mix of topics with this one, but very interesting so far.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Think Twice, a novella where the characters take two steps forward and one step back more than once with each other.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Judd Millian asks Pru Watson to work with him to take out the evil invading their city, she doesn't hesitate to say yes. But when he wants something more, she's reluctant, unable to commit to an answer. The indecision drives a wedge between them, but Pru won't let Judd get sucked into the worst part of her past.

And a preview snippet…

Pru hesitated before answering. "Because you matter. This is my mess to clean up. I can't deal with something happening to you because of me."

Judd opened his mouth, closed it, swallowed hard then visibly relaxed his stance before he finally spoke. "You do realize you're doing exactly the thing you never wanted me to do, right? You're taking the decision out of my hands and not giving me a choice." He held her gaze, daring her to counter.

And she wanted to. Wanted to deny the truth of his words. But she couldn't because he'd called things exactly right.

Her shoulders slumped. "I do now." She whirled away. "I've been so blind. Because I let my need for revenge and closure consume and drive me to the point of absurdity." She turned back to face Judd. "I don't have to do everything alone. Especially this. The good of all takes priority. I finally understand this." How many times had he pulled her out of the fire.

Going it alone didn't matter because Judd always turned up at the right time.

She needed him for a lot of things, but only one she had confidence to ask about. "I'd like to plan the op together. Can we do that?" Anything else would maybe come later.

Judd tilted his head to one side. "And after?" He didn't spell it out, but what he wanted couldn't be clearer.

She bit her lip, chewing over her response. "I don't know. What I want and what I can have are often two very different things." At least to her brain they were.

Judd shook his head. "They don't have to be. The fact you won't see the difference is a big part of our problem." He sighed. "And honestly, we can plan an op together and maybe get lucky and pull it off, but half the trouble is the constant start, stop, move forward, go back, then dive headlong off a cliff. It's exhausting and it's not healthy for either of us." He started walking back and forth. "I've given you all the space I possibly can. I don't think it's too much to ask to have some kind of assurance that once this is over … we can actually, I don't know, maybe have a conversation about where we go from here and what we want from the future."

She gave a nod. "It's not. Too much I mean. You're asking me to make a decision before we get tangled back up in trying to eliminate the evil running rampant in the city." The idea scared the hell out of her, but he deserved some kind of assurance.

Judd and Pru are on the same side but often at cross purposes. This ended up being a conversation they needed to have.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Think Twice

Well … my youngest is pretty much officially a graduated senior. She got to walk outside—the weather cooperated—and received her diploma in a socially careful ceremony. The entire thing will be shown next week on the scheduled night of commencement. I'm scared and excited for her future. Times are weird, what else can I say?

Semi-decent week of television viewing. Still haven't finished up the third episode of Picard but hope to get to it this week.

Caught an episode of Gargoyles and remembered this one. I like it when they dive into the mythology of the show.

Watched four episodes of Danger Man. I'm enjoying the longer format of the second season. I also really like the black and white episodes. I think the show moves to color in the next season.

Caught another episode of The Witcher. I love this show! The fluid timeline can be a little confusing but I'm staying pretty clear on what's going on. Based on what I've read, by the end of the season, the timelines converge. Here's hoping that's actually the case.

Finally watched the season finale of Murdoch Mysteries. I'll honestly say I'm pleasantly surprised by the way everything unfolded. Not sure I'm keen on Violet getting a second chance but I'll see how things go. I do believe the moral quandary of not always being able to go by the book comes through in a terrific way. It's also quite nice to see William understand things can't always be firmly put into one column or the other. I so love this show!

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers but didn't get very far before I had to pause. I'll try to finish it up this week.

Also in the middle of a Strike Back episode. Quite happy with how they've moved the timeline forward but we still get to see what happened to Mac play out. That was a massive cliffhanger at the end of the previous episode.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Judd Millian asks Pru Watson to work with him to take out the evil invading their city, she doesn't hesitate to say yes. But when he wants something more, she hesitates, unable to commit to an answer. The indecision drives a wedge between them, but Pru won't let Judd get sucked into the worst part of her past.

And a preview snippet…

Judd Millian caught sight of a lone woman peering over the edge of the second-floor balcony. She's the one who stepped into the line of fire. And, like him, she probably had an ability she didn't know much about.

"Millian! A little help here." His colleague held up the automatic rifles the terrorists used.

Judd glanced up again before crossing the short distance to Ben Zoya. Taking the firearms, Judd held them together and used his gift to turn them into a congealed mass. The three men gawked, which looked incredibly odd with their faces under black balaclavas.

Judd handed the weapons back to Ben. "The local LEOs can still pull prints off the magazine if there are any." Usually, the element Judd's team dealt with had higher than average intelligence, so prints might not be an option.

Ben shook his head. "I'm still not used to seeing you do that." He nodded toward the other two team members. "Metro is on the way. Bag and tag these guys then hand them over." He stepped toward the counter. "Ladies and gentlemen, you're all clear. It's safe to come out now."

Heads started popping up from behind the ticket station. Ben motioned the group to come around and they complied, most talking about the woman who'd saved their lives. Shooting Judd a sideways glance, Ben quirked an eyebrow.

Judd shrugged. "Not sure. There's someone on the second floor. That might be who they're talking about." He itched to go after her, maybe discover how much they had in common.

Ben rolled his eyes. "Go on. See if she's still around and maybe find out if she's got any information on this bunch." He didn't have to tell Judd to bring her in, but his tone implied it needed to happen.

He'd do his best, but he wouldn't force anyone to do something against their will.

Judd inclined his chin. "I'll check in when I can." His gaze landed on the spot he'd last seen the woman.

Reaching the second floor, he found the location empty. "She's quiet, that's for certain." He followed the rounded corridor to the left and came upon an empty stairwell leading upward. "Might as well try." He took the steps up three levels and exited out onto the rooftop.

The woman stood at the edge of the wall facing the street below. Her hair whipped in the gusty wind, the dark strands flicking back and forth. He approached quietly, fearing he'd startle her otherwise.

"That's close enough." Her voice carried on the air. "Are you here to take me back?"

His step faltered. Take her back where? Maybe she had the same questions he did … or possibly answers to his questions. Either way, she intrigued the hell out of him and he hoped he got the chance to find out more.

Keeping his distance, he tried to put her at ease. "I don't know where back is. Name's Judd Millian. I think you might have the same type of affliction I have." He clocked the squaring of her shoulders but pushed forward. "Well, not the same. Bullets don't bounce off me…" From her torn clothes, she'd deflected a shit ton of them. "But I can make them harmless before they cut through my body."

She whirled around. "Who are you?" A tiny tremor of fear laced the question.

He frowned. "I told you. My name is—"

She growled. "Not your name, dumbass. Are you military? Black ops? Who are you working for?" Each syllable of the last sentence had perfect enunciation.

Judd took a step toward her but backed off when she tensed, ready to run. "I'm not military, more like private security." Actually, a lot like mercenary for hire but he feared she'd freak if he mentioned that part.

She relaxed but only slightly. "Why are you here?" Her head tilted to one side and she gave him a slow once-over.

Judd widened his stance, hoping to appear conversational. "We've been tracking that trio since they got off their plane. They planned to bomb a building—not sure which one—but something spooked them and they ended up shooting up the station instead." He held back some information; he couldn't reveal the full details yet. "I'm on this rooftop with you for two reasons. One to make sure you're okay. And the second is to find out if you heard or saw anything that might help us." He paused a moment. "Actually, I don't care about the second one. I've only met a handful of people who have our abilities and I didn't want to miss an opportunity to meet another one."

Her lips twisted in a wry smirk. "And that's it? I'm free to go?"

He tried to hide his disappointment. "If you want. Do you have somewhere to be?" He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "I can make sure you have a ride if you do."

Her face fell. "I have nowhere to go. That's why I was at the station."

A wild idea took root in his brain. "In that case … how are you with heights?" His loft would be quick to get to if they traversed the rooftops … in traffic, it would take thirty minutes.

She gave him a long, level look. "I'm standing on the edge of a building. Heights don't bother me."

He flashed a quick grin. "In that case, if you need a place to crash for the night. Follow me." He made his way to the south side of the building then took off at a run and leaped across the alley.

He didn't stop but smiled again when he heard her land behind him.

So far, his night looked to be very interesting.

I love writing meta-human stories. Working different abilities into the romance is a challenge and fun to do.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Think Twice

June 18, 2017

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. My Dad is off on a grand adventure with my middle kid. They're in Alaska, which, oddly enough, is where my dad spent last Father's Day. From the pictures I've seen, they're having a great time.

It's been a crazy week. I need to rewatch Dark Matter. I had too many distractions going on and I feel like I missed important stuff. Wynonna Earp delivered another great episode. I like some of the twists and turns. I don't like losing Dawls and I'm a little iffy on the new evil overlord chick but I'll give this series a lot of leeway to provide a terrific viewing experience. I'm going to have a hard time wrapping my brain around Kevin Hanchard playing a possible bad guy when he's one of my favorite good guys on Orphan Black.

Speaking of Orphan Black, I have to catch up. We had busy Saturday and I missed the second episode. Thank whatever rules the universe for On Demand. LOL

I have the new ITV drama Fearless ready to go, but haven't had an opportunity to watch yet. I'm looking forward to seeing Jamie Bamber on television again.

I'm almost finished with my binge watch of City Homicide. I'll be seeking my next Australian drama in the very near future. Possibly a binge watch of Sea Patrol, another of my favorites.

Started a premiere viewing of Young Justice on Netflix. Four episodes in and I'm excited about the possibilities.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Think Twice, a novella that got its start and took its title from the two-word prompt "think twice".

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Judd Millian asks Pru Watson to work with him to take out the evil invading their city, she doesn't hesitate to say yes. But when he wants something more, she hesitates, unable to commit to an answer. The indecision drives a wedge between them, but Pru won't let Judd get sucked into the worst part of her past.

And a preview snippet…

Pru Watson didn't think twice when she stepped into the hail of bullets flying from the automatic rifles. The people behind her scrambled to a semblance of safety, taking cover behind the counter of the bus station. The spray of spent ammo bounced off Pru's form, landing with loud, metallic pings on the marble floor. The sound of casings played a weird, harmonic symphony when they flew from the weapons.

One lone woman stood off to the side, too terrified to move. Pru drew the fire from three masked, armed people and made her way to the lady.

Grabbing her arm, Pru spoke quietly. "Get behind me." She provided a bulletproof shield until the female finally crouched with her coworkers.

Once everyone appeared to be out of harm's way, Pru walked toward the masked figures. The group closed ranks and circled around her, slowing down the rain of fire to avoid shooting each other. She'd rattled the trio, holes appearing in her clothing from the gunfire but no blood or wounds. Ever since she'd come awake in a clandestine lab three years ago, she had the ability to make her body impervious to harm. Bullets, knives, fire, heat, subzero temperatures? Nothing. No damage. She wore a brand on her right shoulder—probably received before whatever happened to her happened. The number eight inside an "X".

"What the hell is up with this bitch? Why isn't she dead yet?" The tallest of the three-man attack team reloaded his rifle.

Pru's lips curved and she veered in his direction, making the other two cease firing or risk hitting their cohort. "Maybe that should tell you something, big man." She got within three feet of him and he tossed the gun aside and reached out, locking his arm around hers.

Her fighting skill needed work, but she held her position. His buddies moved closer, pinning her in. Exactly what she wanted.

The big guy smirked, the mouth opening of his mask making the action look bizarre. "What're you gonna do now, sweetheart?" His voice had a rough rumble to it.

Pru jerked her arm from his grasp.

The short, squat goon to her left snorted. "Not much she can do. We've got her trapped."

The final henchman grunted. "I wouldn't underestimate her. There's some freaky juju happening here."

Pru bit back a grin. They had no idea. Hell, she didn't either but not knowing wouldn't stop her from diverting their attention from the hostages.

She started a slow three hundred and sixty-degree turn. "Come on, fellas. You've got me." She came to a stop. "What's the plan?"

The tall one lunged for her and she sidestepped, driving her shoulder into the short guy while the third man went tumbling to the ground, taking the weight of the tall one.

She made a move to face the little dude but didn't have the opportunity to square off. The doors burst open and an army of black-clad operators came pouring into the stations from all entrances. Pandemonium ensued and Pru ducked for cover… the sea of militarized people kicking her heart rate into overdrive.

"I gotta get out of here." Grabbing hold of a railing, she swung upward, climbing into an overhang on the second floor.

She wouldn't stick around long, but needed to make sure the hostages got out without harm. Then she'd do what she always did.

Run.

Pru will give it a good shot, but she won't get far.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Think Twice

Greetings!

It's been a truly long week, but Strike Back remains a bright spot. I'm utterly fascinated by Dalton and how much she's crossing the line (if there is a line LOL)

I've also been rewatching Farscape on Pivot. I love it when newish channels air one of my favorite shows. Farscape ranks in my top five of all time winners.

The characters in my post tonight remind me of John and Aeryn, or maybe it's more the dynamic they have in seasons three and four. Think Twice is very much about not playing games and committing to a relationship, even though everyone and everything pretty much stands in the way.

Here's the tagline:

When Judd Millian asks Pru Watson to work with him to take out the evil invading their city, she doesn't hesitate to say yes. But when he wants something more, she hesitates, unable to commit to an answer. The indecision drives a wedge between them, but Pru won't let Judd get sucked into the worst part of her past.

And the preview snippet…

Judd stopped pacing. "Think twice. I'm serious, Pru." He grasped her upper arms. "Think twice before you answer."

Pru glanced away, knowing a pithy comeback wouldn't suffice. Yet the weight of saying yes scared the hell out of her.

Judd squeezed flesh that wouldn't bruise. "Because this thing…whatever it is between us could be the greatest thing we've ever experienced—"

Pru finished the thought. "Or it could end all we know."

She did get it. More than she wanted to. Make or break, she had to move or lose.

Judd heaved a sigh. "Exactly…so be damned certain of your decision. No more second guessing."

Her most notable trait and biggest downfall. How many times had she jumped two steps forward only to stumble three back?

Pru shook her head. "I deserved that."

Judd growled. "It's not about what you deserve, Pru. It never was. How can you not get that by now?"

She lifted a shoulder. "Guess I'm a little too slow sometimes."

Judd lifted her chin. "You know that's not true. And it's not what I meant." He brushed the hair back from her face. "Our timing is always off…and we've had so many chances that missed the mark. This has to be right…for both of us." Dropping his hand, he stepped back. "And I'm going to leave now, before I end up talking you into something you might not want." He reached for the knob.

Pru took two seconds, more time than she truly needed, because she'd had the answer for so long, just didn't have the guts to act on it.

She moved quickly, her palm covering his. "Don't go, Judd." She grasped his hips and turned him away from the door. "I want you to stay." She lifted her gaze to meet his. "We're better together. Work. Play. Everything. You and me."

Judd's eyes slid closed and he hauled her close. "Well, it's about damned time you finally said it."

Pru laid her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him. "I know. And guess what? It feels exactly right." She glanced up. "We feel exactly right."

Judd's head lowered, his mouth meeting hers, his agreement shining through the kiss.

This isn't quite the happy ending, but it's getting closer. J

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye