Baybay, who is the basis for Beast in Innkeeper Chronicles, has been peeing everywhere continuously, so Kid 1 took her to the vet today, expecting a UTI. Turns out she has bladder stones. She needs surgery. That will be happening tomorrow. She will have to go under anesthesia.
Kid 2’s car needs several thousand dollars in repairs. The bill is large, so they called to confirm it three times.
We are trying to finally sell the house in Georgia – we couldn’t sell it before because the market tanked and we were very upside down on the loan. We are hoping to break even. The house is going on the market, but the rental agency, which was responsible for renting it and now selling it, sent all the paperwork as Gordon and Ilona Andrews.
We had to scrap the entire chapter, because it sucked.
We have to leave on tour in ten days. I have nothing packed or dry cleaned. My hair isn’t done, my nails look like I’ve been digging in dirt – I have – and I don’t even know which way is up anymore.
So far Wednesday is pretty much kicking my butt.
I think it’s time for a small snippet, don’t you?
“What kind of unpleasantness?” I asked.
“The lady in question fought against the Russian Imperial invasion of their small city. The legend states that she placed herself onto a rocky island a short distance from the cliffs and then called an entire battalion of the invading Russian troops to her. She drowned three motorized rifle companies before the few survivors finally managed to reach the rock. She was torn apart. Quite literally, I’m afraid.”
Oh, Catalina . . . I could picture my sister on that rock. That’s exactly what she would do.
“Dreadful business.” The Records Keeper sighed. “The House hasn’t had any female heirs since then. A very knowledgeable source has speculated that it was a matter of choice rather than chance.”
“They abort female children?” Rogan asked, his voice cold.
“Such is the rumor. The House refused our attempts to reach them for a consult. They’re a very reclusive family. Thus, we are left on our own, so after much deliberation, we are creating a new category for Ms. Catalina Baylor.” The Keeper paused. “We shall refer to her as siren.”
She would hate that.
“It is so very exciting. If this magic endures within your family, this may be the beginning of a whole new subset. The rankings of the rare magic talents may shift. We’re bringing in a powerful antistasi Prime for her trials.”
Like aegis mages who blocked bullets and physical attacks, antistasi mages specialized in defense, but against mental attacks. Well, at least that should put Catalina’s mind to rest.
“Which House?” Rogan asked. “Smith?”
“Alessandro Sagredo,” the Keeper said.
Rogan raised his eyebrows.
I glanced at him.
“The best antistasi Prime on record,” Rogan explained.
“We’re taking no chances,” the Keeper said. “Unfortunately, he is otherwise engaged at the moment, so we will have to wait a couple of days. Therefore, your trials will be set exactly one week from now, next Sunday.”
A man marched into the room. In his sixties, but still athletic, he wore black pants, a black T- shirt, and a black garment that could be called a sweatshirt in the same way a Porsche could be called a car. It had notched lapels like a suit, the stylish drape of a luxury trench coat, and likely cost more than our mortgage payment. His skin was a light bronze, his hair wavy and black with a lot of white. He had bold, strong features: a broad forehead, black eyebrows, a prominent nose, and a square jaw mostly hidden by a short beard that was more grey than black. His hazel eyes, alight with intelligence, looked at the world with a touch of humor. When I saw him for the first time, I thought he looked like someone’s favorite uncle, who owned a vineyard somewhere in Greece or Spain, spent a lot of time outdoors, and laughed often. That was before I knew who he was.
“Good evening, Mr. Duncan.” The Keeper smiled.
My House formation would be witnessed by Mad Rogan, the Scourge of Mexico, and Linus Duncan, the former Speaker of the Assembly that ruled the magical families of Texas. Dear God.
“I’m late, I know, I’m sorry.” The former most powerful man in Texas hurried across the room. “Some people insist on being annoyingly difficult. What did I miss?”
“Nothing of importance,” the Keeper assured him.
Duncan nodded at Rogan. “Major.”
“Colonel,” Rogan replied.
The Keeper took out a fountain pen, cleared his throat, and glanced at me, his black eyes sparkling behind his glasses. “Michael, if you please.”
Michael stepped forward and produced a high- end camera.
“A verbal acknowledgment is required,” the Keeper told me, his tone confidential. “You must say these words to me: I, Nevada Baylor, petition the State of Texas for assessment and recognition of my family’s powers. Are you ready?”
“Yes.” My heart was beating too fast.
The Keeper nodded at Michael. Michael tapped the camera’s digital screen. The Keeper raised his pen and looked at me. My mouth had gone completely dry.
Somehow I made my lips move. “I, Nevada Baylor, petition the State of Texas for assessment and recognition of my family’s powers.”
“I, Linus Duncan, Head of House Duncan, so witness,” Duncan stated.
“I, Connor Rogan, Head of House Rogan, so witness,” Rogan echoed. “So noted.”
The Keeper wrote today’s date on the page and added, Nevada Baylor on behalf of herself, Catalina and Bernard Baylor. Witnessed by Linus Duncan of House Duncan and Connor Rogan of House Rogan.
“Your petition is granted,” the Keeper said.
Michael lowered the camera and set it aside.
“It is done,” the Keeper said.
“Congratulations, Ms. Baylor,” Linus Duncan told me.
“Thank you for coming to be my witness.”
“Well, if you’re going to jump into the wolf’s den, it helps to have an ally. Even if that ally is old with blunted teeth.”
A muscle in Rogan’s cheek jerked. He hadn’t said anything, but both he and Michael watched Linus Duncan like he would sprout fangs and claws any second.
“I hope you succeed,” Duncan said.
“Thank you.”
The sound of a woman coming down the hallway in high heels echoed through the room.
“Are you expecting someone?” Rogan asked.
“No,” the Keeper said.
Omg, thank you. I pray everything works out in your favor.
I am with everybody . Some things such as plumber comingand exterminator coming yesterday more of a pain . The blessings are my 2 new kittens 4 months old, 5 healthy children 2 grands. I am not sure about the 7 year old birthday with bounce house and many friend we will see.
Loved the snippet!!! Hope things get better 🙂
Woohoo it is Siren!
There is nothing nicer than getting your hair and nails freshly done. Hoping the rest of the week is better for you and all the issues are sorted out. Baybay looks like she could take on Beast anyday.
My best wishes to Baybay (and parents!)
Days like your Wednesday just suck major hairy B. Those are the ones that once you go to bed you are thankful that you survived it. Remember that good rest is key to have the strength to battle the next day ahead. Write down a next day “to do” list before bed time to ensure you “empty” out your thoughts and not wake up in the middle of the night because your brain in going 90,000 miles per second.
In regards to the furry baby, try Creditcare. I swear I am not an agent or anything like that. I just got it for my family. It covers both two-legged and and 4 legged cost of health related services with no interest payments in different time frames.
Good luck with everything.
So sorry to hear about Baybay’s bladder stones! Poor puppy! Poor people funding the vet’s (and the mechanic’s) vacation home! I know all too well how a week can beat up on you, and yet you help the rest of us get through ours. Wish there was more we could do to bolster yours. Thank you for using your authorlord powers for good, and for your generosity. <3
What a crappy day you had. It sucked! Sorry you had to go through it.
Our central AC (15 yrs old) went out and it will cost $9,600 to fix. It took a month just to find someone to come and look at it. Nobody in NYC wants to do residential AC as commercial is more profitable for them. My hubby saved us $800 by ordering the compressor himself but it came damaged. By the time we get a new one and the repair guy scheduled it will be early August. Oh well, many millions of people survive without AC in the world so we can too.
Then yesterday my Dr surgeon said doing a revision operation on my hip would only make it worse, not better which was hugely disappointing. The original surgery was botched by a different surgeon. Trying a new Physical Therapist he works with to see if it will help. Fingers crossed.
But life is good – have a great hubby who loves his limping, vegan, critter crazy wife and my favorite authors give us snippets. Thanks so much. Less than 2 weeks to go until release day. Hooray!
Hope things brighten up for you. The snippet was a real treat for me. So can’t wait for the book to come out. Counting down.
Funny how these unpleasant occurrences lurk on the threshold of a Wednesday to fall on you like a ton of bricks. Hope today is better!
What is the old saying, problems never wait their turn – they just cluster at the door? I am hopeful that your week (and month!) improve steadily, that things are swiftly & smoothly resolved.
Thank you for the snippet. <>
That kind of day is “the suck”, I find remembering my blessings helps…
Like a wonderful snippet..many thanks
In my head i hear the click of high heels…and Jack Nicholson’s voice from the shinning saying “Here’s Granny”
I am so ready to read the next book.
Oh my — Linus Duncan. That answers a lot. And Bernard is applying as well — probably to be a member of the House (being of age) no matter what his magic rating is.
Hop your succeeding days go better. I am grateful for the snippet.
OH! Their trials are on New Year’s Day!
So looking forward to this book!
Thank you for the snippet!
And good luck with everything!
Eek.
Publishing day can’t come soon enough!!!
So excited for the book to come out!
Will say prayers for your fur babies and everything else on your plate now. See you 7/23 at the Ripped Bodice! Safe travels!
why don’t you and Gordon have a spa Day……hair, manni and peddi and finish with a massage you both need a break. oh yeah….nice soothing music. (its called “me time”)
Sounds like your having a really bad day. Understatement right? If your child’s car needs that much work would it be better to try and sell as is and get something cheap to get them by? I dont know what kind of car it is or how new it is. I DO know that shops really sock it to you so maybe you can call around for some better deals? I only say that because my Dad’s been a mechanic 45 years and I know how those stupid shops work lol. Another way would be to figure out what parts you need. Get the part #’s and go to rockauto.com cause girl those are the best prices you will EVER find on vehicle parts. Then find someone who can do the work for you at a decent price. If its a cosmetic thing like a wreck then just fix only what needs the car to function. I’ve had to do that before too. Hugs to Baybay and a speedy recovery. I hate dealing with house stuff. We just bought a house and it was tedious to say the least. So much crap goes into the process of buying and I am sure selling isnt much different. There is always someone who screws up. They got the wrong spelling on the seller on our house too and had to re-do everything! The selling market must be different where your house is because here in Kansas its a sellers market and those said sellers are making a killing selling their houses. They are more than likely getting what they are asking. I really hope things get better for ya. Looking forward to Wildfire! xo
Poor puppy. Hope you feel better soon. Good luck selling house. Thank you for snippets.:; :; :;
You both must be excellent jugglers to keep so many balls in the air.
Today you may need to remind yourself that you have overcome similar challenges and survived the associated stress.
Take a breath, throw in a load of laundry, have a bath (use the nail brush), and snuggle your dog. Now that you are relaxed, make a list of what needs to be done before your trip. (I believe that having a plan/task list helps reduce stress. You feel more in control of your life.)
Thank you so much for the snippet. I am gleefully anticipating the release of Wildfire. It’s been a great series despite the wait. I hope you decide to explore that world beyond the third book. A novella addressing events from Connor’s point of view would also be intriguing.
Connor’s
You both must be excellent jugglers to keep so many balls in the air.
Today you may need to remind yourself that you have overcome similar challenges and survived the associated stress.
Take a breath, throw in a load of laundry, have a bath (use the nail brush), and snuggle your dog. Now that you are relaxed, make a list of what needs to be done before your trip. (I believe that having a plan/task list helps reduce stress. You feel more in control of your life.)
Thank you so much for the snippet. I am gleefully anticipating the release of Wildfire. It’s been a great series despite the wait. I hope you decide to explore that world beyond the third book. A novella addressing events from Connor’s point of view would also be intriguing.
These snippets are so tantalizing… Thank you for posting even though it was a difficult day!
Thank you! I hope it gets better for you all.
Soon good…thanks for the snippet. Hope your tomorrow is better!
I had a weekend kind of like yours. Saturday, Kiska Dog licked the scab off her leg, bled A LOT and is now wearing the cone of shame. Sunday the Ca overheated, and needs a new engine. Very big “ouch”. I really really needed the snippet! Thanks You!
P.S. That’s not grandmother Tremaine hurrying down the hall, is it?
Let’s see… one of my older and friendliest cats had 2 lumps under her nipples, then had surgery. Currently awaiting biopsy results though the x-ray didn’t show metastasized areas. Fingers crossed on that one.
The medication prescribed to treat my gastritis made meeven more ill. Ten days out from discontinuing it, the dizziness & spinning still haven’t stopped, though thankfully the nausea has.
My father, whom I love dearly but occasionally want to slap upside his head for his stubbornness*, now has 2 different forms of diabetic neuropathy, one painless the other disabling. His lower leg/foot edema is resisting treatment and he can’t control one foot at all. Having ramps built for the yard this weekend and currently researching wheelchairs.
Will spend the weekend and first of the week cleaning out their basement (broken & flooded sanitary tubs) and cleaning his bedroom (hoarder tendencies) so vendors can come out and give us estimates on the plumbing repairs and stair lift installation.
*Please consider him a warning* : To anyone reading this who doesn’t monitor their blood sugar, or knows someone who doesn’t, his current situation is where you’ll find yourself someday if you do not. Even if you hate every aspect of your diabetes, and I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t, please still put forth the effort necessary to live your best life in your best health- because it DOES matter. My father never took it seriously because his was ‘manageable’ with pills. And he is steadily declining right before our eyes. He turns 85 in late August, I’ll be shocked if he sees 86.
Ooooooooohhhh! How fun! I can’t wait for Nevada, Catalina, and Bern to knock their trials out of the park. I’m really interested in Duncan, too, as I hope he becomes a sage new ally. Maybe he can offer a father figure for Nevada and Rogan since both of their fathers have since passed. And, “I would be all the money in my wallet,” that the woman coming is Evil Grandma coming to try to steal Nevada’s house petition away, somehow.
Bet*
just wondering about the timing – I don’t think this sequence at the registrar is chapter 3 is it? The Keeper has a lot of information on them already, it is Christmas day so a few days have passed since the kitchen table meeting.
Nevada told Rynda she would go and see her husband’s workplace and family the next morning. So it isn’t holiday yet… so I assume there is at least one chapter between the family meeting and this one – going back to the missing husband case.
Also on re-read 3 I start to think people might be right about Linus Duncan being Ceaser .. well we will see 9,5 days to go.
Those high heels — could they be the evil granny? Henchmen wear shoes with soles that do not make noise.
Ruh roh. Psycho gramma’s here to play?