Midweek. Wednesday. Hump Day. New words. Yay.

I feel a bit phony claiming to be a writer because the only words I’ve managed on the WIP in the past week are these. In a way, that’s okay because they are pretty good words–enough to get me the honorable mention in last week’s Thursday Threads flash fiction challenge. Here’s the prompt: *”Helps most of the time*”

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Business at the counter remained steady. Most customers were mundanes though an occasional magick arrived, made their purchase and left, often with a scowl directed Sade’s direction. After a werewolf flashed red eyes and barely hidden canines at her, she raised her elbow and sniffed under her arm.

“I showered this morning. What’s the deal, Caleb?” She arched a brow. “Oh, duh. I’m sitting here with a werewolf and a dragon. It’s not me, it’s the company I keep.”

“Don’t be sarcastic, Sade.”

Nikos snorted. “That’s like telling a rooster not to crow, Caleb.”

She turned a jaundiced eye to the dragon. “You’re the one who insisted that Ariel frequents this place, Nikos. So where the hell is he?”

“Patience.”

“Patience? At this moment, all of my patience is contained in this cup of coffee.”

“Is it working?”

Sade stared at the mug she held, her expression morose. She eventually took a sip, swallowed, and said, “No, but this helps most of the time.”

Caleb rose, strode to the counter then returned shortly with a large to-go cup. He didn’t sit but teased her with the cup. “You’re going to need this.”

“Why?”

“Because I just saw Ariel across the street.” He paused, his focus centered on a spot out the shop’s window. “He’s following something.”

Standing, Sade reached for the cup. “Who? Who’s he following?”

“Not who, Sade. What.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Whatever he’s after isn’t visible.”

“Great.” Sade growled, heading for the door. “Another wild goose chase.”
****

Yes, Sade is used to wild goose chases at this point in her career. I’m not quite sure where this scene will eventually reside in the book. It depends on when Sade ends up getting involved with the situation that’s developing in Rochester. I still can’t believe that I’m setting a book in Rochester, NY, but there ya go. Writers, I hope the prompt provides some inspiration. Readers, what helps you most of the time?