The Excerpt
“I’m not in favor of this relationship,” the older man continued, “and I can’t say I approve of you parading it around.”
“Good thing for me your opinion isn’t the one that matters most.”
At the coolly mocking tone, Atcliff warned, “You break her heart, I’ll pull you out by the roots.”
Cee Cee stepped between them with an exasperated, “Would you two stand down? Uncle Byron, Max is my choice so deal with it, and Max, you will respect his right to be pissed off about it. Clear?”
They gauged one another again, measuring the degree of influence and threat—cop versus criminal.
“Take care of her, stay out from under my feet professionally and I won’t have a problem with you, Savoie.”
“I’ll stay out of your way unless you push that professional foot into our personal lives again. Then I’d have to make myself your problem. In a big way.”
. . . and a bit more . . .
Atcliff assessed the arrogant man who’d somehow managed to snag the heart of Tommy Caissie’s daughter. Did he have the steadfastness Cee Cee could depend upon, the strength to support her, and the wisdom to protect the best damned thing he’d ever have? Savoie wasn’t someone he’d enjoy seeing across the dinner table at holiday time. He doubted they’d ever make comfortable small talk while fishing off his boat together. But he was Charlotte’s choice, and Savoie didn’t give an inch when it came to claiming that.
And there was nothing wrong with a little arrogance.
Chief Byron Atcliff allowed a grim smile. “Understood.”
Wow. What a confrontation! I could feel the testosterone in the air. Like you, I love series--both as a reader and as an author. A series gives you so much more room to reveal the main characters. Glad that the "By Moonlight" series is coming back.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Di! Yes,there's a bit of chestbeating going on here. Men, sigh!
DeleteTwo bulls squaring off. Great tense scene and I love her telling them off. Tweeted.
ReplyDeleteShe doesn't take guff off the guys.
DeleteLOVED this excerpt!!! I felt the beginnings of a begrudging respect :)
ReplyDeleteRespect, yes. Trust, no.
DeleteA good standoff here, without diminishing the female main character's agency. Enjoyed the snippet.
ReplyDeleteShe's very well grounded in who and what she is!
DeleteI think Ce Ce's handling that very well, allowing for each of them to have his feelings but not to the point that it's going to drive her crazy. I like Uncle Byron. He and Max would make an interesting team. Have fun on your trip to the Big Easy!
ReplyDeleteA reluctant team, but a determined one.
DeleteHope you got those extra socks on, and your toes are toasty now.
ReplyDeleteI really like this scene. They laid it on the line and came away with begrudging respect. Seems like they have nothing in common--but they do have their love for Ceecee. :-) Great snippet. :-)
Extreme opposites drawn together by one powerful motivation - protecting the person they both love.
DeleteReally enjoyed the read, liked everyone's attitude which promises some great conflicts.
ReplyDeleteOh, there are conflicts aplenty, to be sure!!
DeleteI loved that her father's friend realized Charlotte is her own woman and her decision about Max isn't negotiable. He's got to deal with it. I like that she's calling the shots! Great Snippet!
ReplyDeleteThat's a difficult thing for him. Max has got to stick in his craw but to go after him would mean losing her.
DeleteBecause law enforcement officers deal with criminals so much more than the rest of the public, they do seem to have a genuine respect for them as people. A cautious respect.... but it's there. And Cee-Cee and Max may need that
ReplyDeleteA cautious, if not trust, at least respect. When my best friend from high school went into law enforcement, she became a very different person with a very different outlook. It's not a path everyone can take. They live in their own world and see things through very narrowed eyes.
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