Sunday Snippet: Breaking Through

Well, 2026 is off to a wonky start. It's like it looked at 2025 and decided to say, "Hold my beer." Not sure that's a good thing.

Weather stayed very cold, which I'm totally okay with. We got a bunch of snow on New Year's Eve and I'm happy to have stayed in and enjoyed ringing in the new year at home. It ended up being a super-busy week with a lot going on but at least I didn't have the crazy back and forth temperatures to deal with. My sinuses really hate that.

Another slower work week, but progress on the three projects I'm working on at the moment. The unexpected stuff kind of messed up my groove, but I got back on track. I'm hoping this week is a little smoother.

Didn't quite make it all the way through my round of shows, but I did get the remaining holiday special in. I also have some new seasons of shows I'm excited about.

I started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, and I'm almost finished with my rewatch. I think I have two more episodes left. Then I'll probably watch the fan-funded movie, which is quite excellent.

Finished up the episode of Foyle's War and enjoyed it. I'd forgotten Andrew and Sam split up in this one and I kind of mourn their breakup.

Caught the holiday special of Death in Paradise. Such a good one! Having Selwyn in England added a really nice layer to the whole mystery and tied the episode of Beyond Paradise in nicely.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and it's a very twisty and turny case. Looking forward to the second part to wrap things up. I also really enjoy the newest addition to the Lyell.

I began season four of Poirot and enjoyed the first episode. Interesting mystery and a lot of fun with Hastings really wanting to talk about his shooting of the alligator-like creature and no one being interested until the very end.

That's all I got in this week on my television shows.

Tonight's post is from Breaking Through, a follow up to Guarded Chance that kind of insisted to be written.

Here's the miniblurb:

Race Markinton finally has Echo Dart, the woman he wants to spend the future with. His one problem? She's been brainwashed by the enemy, and he has to find a way to break through and get his Echo back.

And a sneaky peek…

Echo tried to quell the nervous roil of her stomach after Race sent his extraction team back to the base then asked for a secure communication with their CO.

Race spoke quietly with his dad. "We're coming in under medical quarantine. It's the only way to limit exposure." He frowned then flipped the comm to within the ship. "All right. Go ahead."

Rick addressed Echo. "You understand that medical quarantine means you'll be recalled to active duty?"

Echo tilted her head. "Will be? I assumed from the moment you sent Race, I already was." How else could he justify sending anyone?

Okay … she could see him skirting the edges of protocol because of, well, history. But not even their long-standing relationship gave him completely free rein.

He cut into her thoughts. "Echo, I can't make you active duty until you're cleared. And you may not be. We're in a gray area here. You're an unknown element at the moment, and I'll give it to you straight. You're in for a bumpy return." He paused, giving her a moment to wrap her head around everything. "You need to know I'm happy to have you back in the fold, but until we know more about what's going on with you, I have to stand back and keep some distance."

Her heart sank a little. "I understand, sir. If I'm not considered active duty, what's my status?" She really hoped it wouldn't be prisoner.

Rick sighed. "For now, you'll be listed as reserve standby, which gives you full access to medical but keeps you out of day-to-day operations."

Race glanced in her direction. "Which means you'll be contained but not locked down." He rolled his eyes.

Echo shrugged. "At this point, I only care about fixing whatever they did to me." She met Race's gaze. "Then I can fix what I've done to myself." And fully re-pair her heart and mind.

Race's lips quirked but he didn't comment.

Rick signed off. "Medical will meet you in bay five. I'll be down after Echo's assessment." A brief burst of static ended the call.

Echo awkwardly turned toward Race. "Before we leave the transport, I need you to do something for me." He wouldn't like her request.

Race grunted. "You want me to use ankle restraints, don't you?" His grip tightened on the throttle.

She blinked, surprised. "Uh, yeah. Figured you wouldn't be happy about it."

Race snorted. "I'm not. But the old man called it. You're an unknown element." He lifted a shoulder. "For everyone's safety … especially yours … we're not taking any chances."

She nodded. "Bumpy return." At least until she got her head back on straight.

And he'd stick beside her. Which meant he'd have a target on his back.

She reached out with her pinky finger. "Thanks."

Rafe glanced over then hooked his finger with hers. "For what?"

Echo's lips twisted into a smile. "For getting it. Getting me."

Rafe lifted his chin. "From now on … I'm with you."

Echo couldn't ask for more … having him back in her life might prove to be the greatest gift she'd ever received.

Echo has a bit of a journey ahead of her, but she's exactly where she needs to be.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Breaking Point

Can't believe we're in the final few days of the year. I can't say 2025 has been stellar, but it has been interesting. I'm looking forward to a new year.

Our weather is still wild. Our low for today is going to be about four degrees higher than the high for tomorrow. We're currently at fifty-eight degrees for our high and we'll plummet to twenty-nine. The high for tomorrow? Twenty-five. Seriously.

Slower work week with the holiday out of offices. I finished up a copy edit and started a new proofread that won't be due until the first week of January. Also got started on a developmental edit of a five or six book series. Continued work on the memoir and making good progress with the author. This is such a great story.

Had a pretty good viewing week. I got a couple of holiday special episodes in and that made me happy. I have one more I'm looking forward to this week.

Started again with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm getting closer to the end with a handful of episodes left. I'm thoroughly enjoying the rewatch.

Caught the holiday special episodes of Madam Blanc Mysteries. At first, I didn't realize it was a two-parter and had to impatiently wait for the second half. Excellent episodes! I love the holiday specials.

Watched part two of Silent Witness and honestly didn't expect the twists and turns. I'm enjoying the newest team member. She's going to be a great addition to the Lylle.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I kind of like it when Poirot is under the weather. He's such a cranky dude but also hilariously funny.

Caught another episode of Elementary and, wow, Joan could be headed for some serious trouble with Moreland. I have a sneaky suspicion Sherlock knows exactly what's going on and I'm interested to see if I'm right.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and remembered it on my original run through. Good episode.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks. So fun when lore from all the other Trek incarnations pops up and play a big role in the episode.

Caught the holiday episode of Beyond Paradise and loved seeing Commissioner Patterson! Also very happy to see Humphrey and Martha tie the knot. The rest of the background story ended up being super emotional and I love this episode a lot.

I did skip Foyle's War but should finish up the episode this week. Looking forward to watching the rest of the show.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Breaking Point, the third space opera saga in the Scorched Galaxy series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Molly and Sloan are rock solid until the fleet reaches its breaking point and their relationship is one of the casualties … or so they want everyone to think.

And a sneaky peek…

Sloan walked in just in time to see Molly wrap herself around Raj and something snapped. Her action felt like a punch to the gut. He should've expected it … she basically did exactly what they expected her to do. Sloan should be elated she seemed to be pulling it off.

But he hadn't been prepared, dammit. Not really. Burning anger and jealousy settled deep in his gut.

Sloan couldn't stop himself. He started forward, intent on smashing Raj into the nearest hard surface.

Killian's firm grip on Sloan's shoulder halted his progress. "Take a breath, Major." He kept his voice soothing and quiet, meant to calm. "You know it's just part of the game. It's not real."

Right. Molly loved him … that's real.

Sloan forced himself to calm down.

Several long, slow breaths later, he nodded jerkily. "Right. You're right. We're close and can't afford to blow it now."

Especially over something he'd specifically asked Molly to do.

Didn't stop Sloan from hating himself and—if he were completely honest—her just a little bit right now. Raj's hands lowered to cup Molly's ass. Sloan bit the inside of his cheek so hard the metallic taste of blood coated his tongue.

Dammit.

Sloan shot forward and Killian slapped a hand on his shoulder, again halting the progress. "Don't do it, Major." He tightened his grip when Sloan tried to shrug out of reach. "She's close, you know she is. You do not want to break her cover."

Sloan threw a lethal glance in Killian's direction and jerked away from him, but stayed on their side of the bar. Killian had it right. They were too close to fuck things up now.

Didn't mean Sloan had to be happy about it.

His voice terse, Sloan gave Killian an order. "Give Molly the signal for a meet up." He didn't say anything else.

MacShane would do as he asked.

Sloan turned on his heel and stalked away.

Away from the vision of Molly all but poured onto the initiative man. Sloan's stomach churned, anger thrummed in every cell of his body. The stress of the last few weeks hit the boiling point and Sloan's vision blurred. He finally gave rein to the rage he'd kept firmly under control and his fist shot out, connecting with the wall in the corridor. A hole appeared in the panel, but Sloan didn't break his stride. He kept going until he reached the waiting Talon.

He wouldn't bother looking at his bruised and scraped up knuckles, but they would hurt in the morning. He should probably be thankful for the lower-grade material of the Star Riser. A metal bulkhead could have done serious damage to his hand.

Still too pissed off to feel the pain, Sloan only offered a grunt of response when MacShane angled past him to take the pilot's seat.

Killian kept his gaze forward. "Better strap in, Major."

Sloan let the anger churn while Killian ran the preflight prep. Sloan still saw several shades of red even as the checkers green signal came over the headset. He developed a solid appreciation for MacShane's companionable silence on the trip back to the MacGregor.

And he finally felt nearly rational and had a little clarity by the time they landed. Or at least something resembling both.

With the clearer head came the inkling of an idea. Wanting some time to mull it over, Sloan exited the Talon and turned to Killian.

He gestured to his now swollen fingers. "I'm gonna see if the doc can check the damage and maybe ice this down." The attempt to flex the digits had him wincing with pain.

Killian clapped him on the shoulder. "Probably a good idea." He didn't comment on the injury and Sloan appreciated it.

Still turning thoughts over in his head, Sloan started for sickbay.

He paused and turned back to the Talon pilot. "Meet me in quarters tomorrow morning, will you? I've got something to run by you."

MacShane nodded his agreement and wisely refrained from asking questions even though curiosity lit his gaze.

By the time the doc finished with his hand, Sloan's idea pretty much meshed out. Everything solidified in his mind.

It's time to bring Molly home.

I have so much love for this series and I really, truly hope to have the opportunity to get it out there in the near future.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Boxing Day

Happy Solstice season! I did start to get in the spirit last week and I'm kind of feeling better about things in general. We're very low-key for holiday celebrations anyway. The good news is because I finally got some shopping done, I had to do a cleanout of my space, which is a very good thing. Got those urges started again and I also did more clearing and decluttering in other areas. Yay!

Ohio is still trying to figure out what it wants to do with the weather. We got a little more snow and a bunch of rain then plummeting temps. Thankfully, we also had a ton of wind before the drop, so we didn't have icy conditions. Whew!

Had a decent work week. I finished up some last-minute changes on a proofread, completed a copy edit, and had a client meeting over Zoom. I'm getting into some deep edits on the memoir and getting ready to start a new proofread and developmental edit over the holiday break.

I had an okay viewing week. I didn't make it through the bulk of my shows, but I'm kind of needing a brief break. I'm changing things up a little for the holiday season.

I did start over with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the rewatch. There aren't many episodes left before I'll be moving on to a new show.

I also got a partial episode of Foyle's War in. Since this season's episodes run a little longer, I might break them up into two parts. The Americans have finally arrived in England and it's going about as good as can be expected … which isn't great.

I started a new season of Silent Witness and part one ended up being very interesting. I really wish we got a little more info on where the other characters ended up going. Jack's niece in particular. The new head of the Lylle is kind of different and I like that. And it's always good to see Sean Pertwee show up in any show.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed the intrigue. Also fun to see super young actors that have gone on to starring roles in their own series. In a weird twist of fate, the actor playing Japp had a guest starring role in the episode of Foyle's War.

Also did a minimarathon of the holiday episodes of Death in Paradise. Both featured Neville. I might dive back into the new inspector's episode this week.

I also plan to watch Madame Blanc's holiday special this week. Stay tuned for more on that one.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Boxing Day, a sexy short about big changes.

Here's the miniblurb:

Aeryn Gray packs up the personal belongings of Nash Nitali and spies a pair of boxing gloves. The sight takes her back through their weird brand of courtship, and she takes some time to reminisce about the end of their long, tangled affair.

And a sneaky peek…

Nash paced the corridor in sickbay. "I can't believe we were eating dinner together two hours ago and now Joe's fighting for his life." He met the ship doctor's gaze. "I mean, he got knocked down when we were sparring, but Joe got up and seemed just fine. What happened?" And how did it take three hours?

The doc explained about the aneurysm. "Look, Captain. They can occur at any time, and I have to stress this … the boxing match didn't cause it." He typed in orders for the next shift.

But Nash blamed himself. "You can't know for sure." He raked a hand through his hair, angry at everything.

Doctor Barnes gave Nash a hard glance. "Actually, I can. Joe doesn't have a brain bleed. The aneurysm didn't rupture because he took an uppercut to his chin." He pulled the curtain and motioned for Nash to walk with him. "This isn't your fault … there's no one to blame here. He's lucky it happened when someone was there. That's not always the case and the outcome is rarely good when it happens that way." He paused and held up a hand when a nurse flagged him down.

Nash shook his head. Lucky? Lying in a coma with less than stellar odds of recovering? Yeah, no. Not lucky.

Barnes picked up where he left off. "Joe's situation, having you and Lieutenant Gray there to seek immediate medical attention, gives him better odds." He frowned. "But I'm not gonna lie. He's in bad shape but stable for now. If that changes, I'll let you know." His tone had dismissal threaded through it.

Nash got it. The man had other patients that needed attention.

He lifted his chin. "Right. I'll be on the reserve hangar deck. If that changes, I'll leave word." Exiting the infirmary, he started toward the reserve deck.

With no recollection of getting there, he hopped up on one of the low walls surrounding a maintenance pit. He didn't care what Barnes said. Too much of a coincidence that Joe landed in the medical unit after a hard round of sparring.

At least they had a fun dinner. Mainly because of Aeryn. She listened to their old stories with fresh ears … and made the old man laugh with a few of hers. Joe had tears streaming from his eyes over her getting stuck in the cockpit during flight school due to a deck hand using spray adhesive instead of cleanser.

What if he died?

Nash didn't want to accept that possibility. "What will I do without him?" He'd been the closest thing to a dad Nash had.

A quiet voice asked, "Where, exactly, do you think he's going?"

The structure of this story is mainly flashbacks, which not everyone is a fan of … but it really works well for Aeryn and Nash's story.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

 

Sunday Snippet: The Baracas File

Yeesh. We're already halfway through the month and I have barely scratched the surface on holiday stuff. In all fairness, I'm not really feeling it this year. There's just too much terrible going on from mass shootings to the kidnapping of people off the streets. Good will toward man doesn't seem to be a thing anymore … unless it's a specific type of man.

Ohio is super cold and snowy right now. We got about six inches last night and the temperature plummeted down to single digits. It's in the teens at the moment. Won't last long. We're supposed to be in the mid-fifties by Thursday. Seriously.

Work projects are moving along. I'm finishing up a proofread and working on a copy edit. I have another new project getting ready to start soon and another copy edit coming next week. I also have the memoir that I'm reviewing as the author makes changes.

I got a few of my regular shows watched this week. I'm still in a blah place and haven't been able to dedicate the time to viewing. I did get a good bit of my mountain of laundry completed, which is a huge accomplishment. I have a new hanging rack I want to get set up but can't until I get the backlog of clothes cleared.

I did finish up Foyle's War and will be starting a new season this week. The next one only has two episodes, which means they might be a little longer. If that's the case, I might be breaking the episodes into two chunks.

I also got the season finale of Beyond Paradise in. I wanted to get it watched before the holiday special and I got it done. Really hope there's some good stuff around the corner for Esther and Archie. My fingers are crossed. Also … Martha and Humphrey are really great foster parents. It hurts my heart every time they send one of their fosters back.

In an odd twist, I caught a holiday episode of Poirot. Thoroughly enjoyed the mystery even without Hastings and Miss Lemon or Inspector Japp. Gotta say the Egyptian prince being a complete prat ended up being fun to watch. I would not have blamed Poirot if he lost his calm and thwacked that guy on the head.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from The Baracas File, a novella that takes the main characters on a twisty journey to find justice. This is a tie-in to the Furlough 99 universe.

Here's the miniblurb:

Briggs Felderzon, an investigative reporter, will stop at nothing to discover what's in the Baracas File, the contents of which results in his brother's death. Myrrh Golz, his brother's partner in the Inter-Stellar Police, decides to help him … but Briggs isn't sure he trusts her.

And a sneaky peek…

Briggs let the ISP handle the arrangements for his brother's death. No … not death. Murder. The ceremony and wake would take place later today.

And Briggs had research to do, if he wanted to get answers.

But putting his current workload on the back burner pissed his boss off.

Briggs cut into his editor's tirade. "Fuck off, Andy. You do remember I just lost my brother, right?" Asshole behavior wouldn't get the guy a story … not when a bigger one took up every inch of Briggs's brain.

Andy's breath hissed out. "Shit. Yeah. Yeah, you're right." He paused and heaved a sigh. "Take whatever time you need. I'll move the trafficking story over to Carson."

Briggs shook his head. "Andy? Do me a favor. Leave it with me…" A huge ask but…

Andy all but salivated over the phone line. "You've got a feeling, don't you?"

Briggs couldn't explain his reticence—gut instinct, a weird vibe, or just sheer ego—but, yeah, something made him reluctant to let the thread go. "I don't know what the fuck I have. Yet. Give me some leeway and if nothing pans out, I'll send my notes to Carson." The other reporter would do an adequate job … if necessary.

Andy grunted. "Yeah, okay. And listen, my apologies for being a dick. I'm sorry about your brother." He signed off after extending his condolences again.

Briggs leaned back and let a little of the grief slide in. He'd been out of touch with Zell for weeks, but they'd been close. Briggs chased down stories about corruption and greed; Zell chased criminals that committed major crimes. Sometimes their professional paths crossed, but often they didn't have time to make personal connections.

The weight of that fact settled over Briggs. "Who did this to you, Zell?" And you need to keep watch for Myrrh…

Sitting up, Briggs grabbed his laptop and started digging for information on his brother's partner.

Two hours later, he had the basic details any cursory search would come up with … and quite a bit more the general public wouldn't be able to get their hands on.

Closing his computer, he exhaled on a long, slow breath. "Looks like I need to have a chat with Myrrh Golz. And she better have some good answers for my questions."

Starting with whether she killed my brother…

This one might end up going in a direction I didn't expect, but I love it when that happens.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Banter and Brawling and Sex, Oh My (Top Dog Pilots bonus short)

Well, the first week of December is in the books, and it ended up being super busy for me. I had a follow-up appointment with my primary care doctor, and we went over the results from the colonoscopy. While everything looks okay, I have to go back for another scan in six months. Um … yay? Bleh. I also have several moles we're going to remove in January and my blood pressure is still a little high so I'm starting meds for that. All in all, a productive appointment.

I'm not juggling as many work projects, but I have a tricky copyedit that I need to do some research on and a proofread that's due next week. I also have reading to do for the developmental edit of the memoir. I also have two more projects waiting in the wings. I like the idea of having a strong end to the year.

I did not get much viewed this week. I've been in a bit of a slump and just needed a break. I did do some binge watching of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, My Life Is Murder, and I got a bit more the of Foyle's War episode watched.

Other than that, I had adulting to do like check insurance coverage for the procedures I need to have and paying bills. I hate how much time that stuff eats up.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Banter and Brawling and Sex, Oh My!, a sexy little short bonus scene in the Top Dog Pilots 'verse.

Here's the miniblurb:

Max Cutter always goes along for the ride with Maggie Harper. He pretty much has to … she always gets into the most interesting situations and someone has to cover her ass.

And a sneaky peek…

Maggie never failed to catch him off guard. His hands sought her ass, cupping the rounded globes. She pulled away for a brief moment. "I want you." Her mouth latched back onto his skin.

"Again? Here?" He mumbled the words against her mouth.

Maggie eased away. "You're complaining?" Her teeth grazed the column of his neck.

Cutter snorted. "Hell, no. You just pick the craziest locations for sex, Mags." He worked his fingers under her shirt.

The guy they'd saved came into the space. "Um, wanted to say thanks for having my back in there." He glanced over his shoulder. "Security should be out of the way in the next ten minutes. Er … if you were trying to stay out of their way." His feet shuffled and he sent them an embarrassed smile.

Maggie paused in her assault on Cutter's neck. "No problem." She waved him off. "We didn't like your odds." She went back to nuzzling Max.

Cutter sent the guy a raised eyebrow.

He ducked his head and scurried back. "Uh, yeah. Leaving now." He turned toward the door. "Thanks again."

Maggie waited for the steel slab to close before she chuckled. "Good thing he didn't get here five minutes later." Her hand palmed the hard ridge behind his fatigues.

Cutter nudged Maggie further into the corridor behind some crates. He edged her shirt upward again and trailed kisses along the exposed skin. No time to get naked. They only had fifteen minutes to report to their transport—thirty if they wanted to cut it really close.

He popped the button of her fatigues. "Gonna have to be down and dirty, Mags. We don't have a lot of time."

She shoved the pants past her hips and sent him a steamy look. "Not like we don't have experience." She braced hands on the metal surface of the wall and pushed her butt out.

Cutter moaned, unfastened his pants, and dropped them past his ass. He moved forward and grasped her hip with one hand and guided his dick with the other. He slid deep in one thrust.

He couldn't believe they were doing this here … but he'd never say no to her.

This series and its bonus scenes are so much fun. I love Max and Maggie to bits. Hopefully, I'll have the full array ready to launch on my new side project soon.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Bad Chemistry

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 Bad Chemistry, the opening book in the speculative series about an uncivil revolution.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lex Durban and Charlotte McIntyre do their best to survive in new world hierarchy, each with a different kind of target on their back. But when they have to undertake the dangerous task of moving refugees to a new location, Lex wants Char to stay behind so only one is in danger, but Char has other ideas.

And a sneaky peek…

Charlotte McIntyre shoved her fist against her mouth and bit back the scream that wanted to come roaring out. Charlie Miller—immediate superior, mentor, friend—dead, cut down too soon. She couldn't grieve; she didn't have time. She had to stay clear, focused, and think. 

If the board had Charlie killed, she couldn't be far behind. "He made no secret I've been his right hand and know everything about Project Hope." What she wouldn't give to be blissfully ignorant right now.

The true intent of the project had been leaked. By Charlie. He'd gotten the word out, let his contact know Project Hope had the power to wipe out a large portion of the world's population. But global annihilation didn't happen to be on the agenda. Not yet.

"It'll start at home, in our very backyard."

Targeted disbursement would take out the malnourished and indigent. Half a city's population could waste away to nothing and die with no traceable reason. Okay, half might push the numbers, but the demographic range of homeless, low-income families, and drug abusers made up a large portion of residents. The board decided if they could remove the load on the social system, it would ease everyone's burden.

"And by everyone, they mean the upper echelon of global corporations."

Her gaze scanning the lab, she looked for something, anything, she could easily carry as a weapon. Her sight landed on an array of syringes. She dashed over and grabbed a handful. It wouldn't help much, but it could slow down anyone who tried to pursue her.

The sound of running footsteps had her crouching low against the wall. She had to get out of the lab … down more floors than she wanted to think about and out the gates of the complex. The elevators had security cameras so no way would she use them.

The stairwells had the stupid things, too, but one of Char's soon-to-be-former coworkers had found a way to stay hidden from them. Thank God the woman had an insane sex drive and a penchant for taking willing participants to the nearest landing for quickies. And a mad desire to overshare about her exploits.

That unwanted knowledge might just be the thing to save Char's life.

She made it halfway down the eight flights of stairs before she got busted from behind.

"Charlotte McIntyre! Hold up." A burly security officer called out. "I've been instructed to keep you on the premises until further notice." He hustled down the remaining steps to the landing.

Char stood still, keeping her hand in pocket of her lab coat and worked the cap off one of the syringes. She knew this guy. Not terribly bright and he didn't demand she show him her hands.

A mistake. When he went to grab an arm to secure her and Char lashed out … jabbing the sharp needle into his neck. His eyes blinked rapidly and he tilted his head to one side.

She didn't think the solution worked at first, but he finally went down, collapsing in a heap.

Char dashed the rest of the remaining four floors, stumbled out into the parking garage, and sank to the floor. She dragged in a shaky breath and willed her heart to slow down. She had to get moving or lose her life.

Forcing herself upright, she took a wobbly step forward only to shrink back against the wall when a motorcycle came roaring up along the exit.

The helmet visor popped up, and her eyes met the clear blue of the rider's.

He held out a gloved hand. "Charlotte McIntyre? Name's Dom. You need to come with me."

She stood, mouth hanging open, wondering how he knew her name.

He grabbed another helmet off the back. "Lady, if you wanna survive, get on. Now." He tossed the spare and revved the throttle.

Char did the smart thing. She strapped on the protective cover and settled in behind Dom.

He sped out of the parking level and headed for the main gate. "Hang on!"

The words, shouted loudly, gave her warning. Char risked a peek over his shoulder and gripped him tight around the waist. Her eyes slid closed, and she groaned. Dom planned to ram the panel blocking the garage exit.

The bike picked up speed and Char bit back a scream. The splintering sound of smashing through the gate hit just before the screech of tires when Dom rounded the sharp curve that would lead them away from Coburn Pharmaceuticals.

Char had no idea how he kept the bike upright let alone how she managed to avoid flying off. She held tight, leaning to the side when he did and hoped like hell he had some kind of plan.

Because she sure as hell didn't.

This story keeps me on my toes. I have the general plot hammered out but I also have to sprinkle in some seeds for the other two books. These characters are a lot of fun to write.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Automatic Failure

Another busy week in the books and I'm gearing up for a chaotic ride for the upcoming one. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for Tuesday and, frankly, I'm not excited. But at least it'll be done and over early in the week.

Ohio is still doing the back and forth weather stuff. At least it's not a wild fluctuation. More like fifties one day, high thirties the next. I'm not complaining because it's time for the cool down and I like chillier weather.

I have a slow start to my work week because of the colonoscopy, but I have a full of projects. A copy edit and a design proofread are underway and I should have another copy edit sliding in by midweek. I also have an author Zoom session either Tuesday or Wednesday. I very much enjoy the variety of projects I'm working on. I'm also looking forward to a possible collaboration on a fun idea with a few colleagues sometime soon.

Had an okay viewing week. I had time to hit the back burner shows but found I needed a break. My focus slipped by the weekend and I ended up keeping them on simmer for now.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. Season three is kind of a wild ride and I waffle between enjoying having Phryne's dad causing problems and wishing we had more episodes without him.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's one I remember from my first run through of the series. The acting is top notch throughout from beginning to end.

Enjoyed another episode of Beyond Paradise. I love Martha and Humphrey with their foster daughter. Kind of bummed Esther decided to break things off with Archie. Hopefully, that's a red herring.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. I don't have any memories of watching this one before and I always love how terrible Hastings is at Miss Lemon's filing system.

Elementary ended up being excellent. I like Joan trying to navigate having a half-sister. The case also proved interesting. And definitely a little scary.

Caught the season three opener of Batman Beyond. Always fun to see the Royal Flush gang. I'd forgotten how this one ended and I enjoyed it.

Also watched an episode of Lower Decks. I'm very much enjoying how many easter eggs are in this show. Lots of fun!

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Automatic Failure, a novella that throws a family-dynamic challenge into a couple's journey.

Here's the miniblurb:

Piper Kemp, a flight instructor, moves aside to avoid letting her personal feelings influence a decision about whether to pass one of her students. But when he crashes and almost loses his life, Knox Petruci steps up to defend Piper and opens a can of worms because her student happens to be his brother.

And a sneaky peek…

Well, fuck.

Knox frowned again. "What the hell? Did you tell him to fuck off?" His dad had some serious stones on him.

She snorted. "Why bother? You already beat me to it." She started walking again. "Apparently, that's why he came. Because you cut all of them out of your life." She shot him a sideways glance. "He seemed to think he needed to fix things with us." She waved her hand. "I wished him luck after explaining how we left things." She met his gaze head-on. "The whole if I didn't fight the transfer and shipped out, we were through." Her tone took on an icy quality.

Knox winced then groaned. "Ultimatums aren't my strong suit. That was stupid of me." He dropped his bag and reached out to stop her. "If nothing else, I owe you an apology." And a whole lot more.

She held his gaze. "Okay, you apologized. Now what?" Glancing around, she made sure they didn't have an audience. "Look, we kind of live in each other's pockets here. Are you gonna be able to handle that?" Her brows arched.

He didn't blame her for doubting he could. "Piper, regardless of my old man's interference, or how I got here, I'm glad for this post. I knew within the first week I'd made a mistake by letting you leave without resolving anything. For telling you we were through if you did." He paused, letting two crew members pass before continuing. "Is there somewhere we can go? To talk?" He really didn't want any distractions.

She lifted her chin. "Sure, I'll show you to quarters." She took off again. "Every officer has their own space." Her lips quirked when she glanced over her shoulder. "The one and only perk of being this far out."

He grabbed his bag and followed her until she stopped by one of the doors.

She pointed to the blank ID label. "This will be you. As soon as you check in with the quartermaster." She pushed the activation switch and the door slid open.

He placed his bag at the foot of the bed. "How far away are you?" The quarters were roomy, which surprised him.

Her lips twitched. "Just across the hall. They try to group us by designation. Pilots with pilots, engineers with engineers and so on."

Knox nodded. "Okay, good." He had to test the waters. "So … will you have dinner with me? Give me a chance to make up for being a dick?" He almost wouldn't blame her if she said no.

She flashed a smile. "I'd like that." She nodded toward the corridor. "Get checked in with the quartermaster or they won't serve you in the galley." Crossing the deck, she opened her door. "I'll meet you at 1800." She entered her quarters.

Knox couldn't keep a wide smile off his face. He'd better get moving if he wanted to get started off on the right foot with Piper.

And he definitely wanted to do exactly that.

Knox has a wee bit of groveling to do and he's perfectly okay with that.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye