So... finally have moved all of my characters (or most of them) into one spot, so tomorrow, something is going to have to happen to move the multiple plots forward and I will be honest I really don't know what is going to happen but I am out of ways to waste time! So here is an excerpt from the end of my writing today. Everyone is all together in the storage room at Jackie's Place. They are surrounded by cops, Mr. Black is somewhere in the building...
There was no easy way to explain to Brock what was happening
inside of Jackie’s Place. The New Jersey Devils Fan Club, the academics, the
flip cup contest, the dog themed cover band… it was a lot. So Annalise didn’t
really try, but she had to admit she was impressed with how in stride he took
it. Brock had always been unflappable. Although it had driven her crazy at
times, she had to admit it was a useful characteristic. It would certainly serve
him well here. The only question he had asked was about Black Labbath. As she
and Ethan went to meet Brock at the entrance, where he was waiting with the
unfortunately named Jorn Alcorn, who was still abiding by Jack’s ‘no cop’ rule
for some reason, the band had launched into the ever popular “Old Lab Road,”
and had somehow managed a costume change while on stage, as the band members
were now wearing western themed outfits that were simultaneously lab-themed. It
was an astonishing sartorial triumph.
I’m gonna take my lab to the Old Lab Road… I’m gonna bark ‘til
I can’t no more…
“Is that a Black Sabbath tribute band, or a Labrador Retriever
tribute band?” Brock had asked.
Ethan, demonstrating classic adolescent contempt for the
stupidity of adults, had rolled his eyes.
“Um… it’s a Labrador Retriever tribute band. Duh.”
“Cool,” Brock had responded, earning another eye roll from
his son.
While Ethan might have been feeling scornful of his father’s
lack of understanding about dog-themed tribute bands, Annalise had been
impressed with Brock’s handling of Jorn Alcorn. Perhaps it was because Brock
had not brought up the more famous naturalist brother (not being familiar with
John Alcorn’s oeuvre), or perhaps it was because Brock was a man, but either
way, Jorn Alcorn had been easily talked into allowing Annalise and Ethan some
time with Brock in advance of being formally interviewed by the police. Perhaps
Jorn believed that they would not be able to successfully discuss anything in
Jackie’s Place, what with the music playing so loud, and the crowd being so out
of control. So far, it was going according to Jack’s plan.
When Annalise returned to the storage closet in Jackie’s
Place, Ethan and Brock in tow, she was surprised to find that more people had
joined Jack and the still dusty Gordon in the small space. She recognized the
medicolegal death investigator with the penchant for reinforcing traditional
Western gender stereotypes, Will Hawthorn, and if she wasn’t mistaken, a very
much alive P.K. Subban was hovering at the edge of the group, filling the room
with his larger than life charisma.
So excited to see that you've got everyone in one place! Loved the Black Labbath version of Old Town Road and the fact that they had managed costume changes while on stage - that is quite an accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteI'm really really excited to find out what happens next! (Even though I actually have no idea what is happening because you have cleverly concealed the most important plot point!)
I wonder what it will be like for Brock to see Annalise and Jack together - does he still feel for Annalise? Will he be jealous, or will he be happy for her, or will he be nervous about what is about to be unleashed?
As always, loved your firm grasp of teenage scorn. ;)
Old Lab Road! Wow! Brock is such a good character. It's incredible how well you write even your side characters. They're still so developed and multifaceted.
ReplyDeleteEveryone being in one place is fantastic. Now the fun can really begin. I can't wait to see how this all resolves, especially how p.k. subban fits into the story.
I agree with indigo about annalise and Jackie as well as the compliment on your writing of Ethan. His reaction to his father was on point!
Old Lab Road is sure to be the song of the summer! I am really enjoying thinking about what a lab-themed country look is-- an astonishing sartorial triumph, indeed!
ReplyDeleteThis excerpt is just classic Jill: "The New Jersey Devils Fan Club, the academics, the flip cup contest, the dog themed cover band… it was a lot." Your novels kind of remind me of Wes Anderson films, with all of their madcap adventures and odd characters, who always find a way to make us love them. I can just tell this novel is a literary triumph, in addition to a sartorial one.
Loved this excerpt! The only thing missing was an explanation of what a western + dog-themed costume would look like. Impressive that the costume changes was done while on stage. Great that Old Lab Road made it into your novel - I hope we always sing it this way.
ReplyDeleteLike the others, I think that Brock is a really great addition. I didn't think much of him when he was introduced very early on, but he has really grown into an interesting character.