Tuesday Teaser time! I’m knee-deep in editing Jack & Gareth’s fourth book, Swings & Roundabouts. So deep, in fact, that between edits and work my brain doesn’t have space for other stories outside the Nancarrow Mining ‘verse.
It’s also amusing how much in the way of snippets and notes and sketches I’ve accumulated in the last few years. They’re like a giant box of puzzle pieces that eventually end up settling in their rightful places.
Most of them got a quick re-read before I got into editing mode, just to get me in the mood. And while most characters and ideas are accounted for, some of the snippets don’t have a home just yet, including the one I’ve picked for today’s Tuesday teaser: it’s Jack, talking about Skylar.
Skylar? Gallant brought him along to one of our jobs, so I’ve not known him long. Doesn’t matter, though. Despite his exotic looks he’s one of those men you get to know in an afternoon and don’t change your opinion about ever after. Which sounds as if Skylar Payne’s square cut, but nothing could be further from the truth.
He’s an opinionated little shit, especially when it comes to colours and style. Subtlety in personal communication is not his strong suit. Skylar’s blunt bordering on rude and Gallant tells me that he’s not afraid to tell his celebrity clients what’s what. Which—apparently—they love him for.
He’s also the only man I’ve ever met who can make tactical gear look like Armani.
He’s loyal, though, and damned good with a knife, so we get on just fine. Like a lot of us misfits, he freelances for Aidan Conrad when he’s not doing his real job. He’s an investigator – intuitive enough to go work for my old crowd, though his mouth would get him into hot water before he’s out of the lobby. So it’s much better he sticks with Aidan. Because Skylar’s other sideline is covert close protection and he’s seriously good at that.
Being a stylist clearly has advantages, because Skylar Payne can turn himself into simply anyone. It’s uncanny how good he is at disguises. On top of that, very few people give you a second look and even fewer consider you a bodyguard. Until they meet the business end of your knife, that is.
Very intriguing! Looking forward Swings & Roundabouts.
Thank you. 🙂 Not long now.