Stan and Pauley remained on the roof, watching the Sampas' comings and goings. Using her cell phone, Pauley snapped photos of select targets to ask Lenore about later. With his expertise, Stan was singling out certain bosses as the higher ranked crew members. The way they maneuvered to get close to Tomas, pushing lesser men … Continue reading Taking aim

“Compajaf.” A name that could make grown men tremble. A place so wicked, so evil even the harshest mother would never utter it to force her crianças to behave. Compajaf prison, more a medieval dungeon than modern facility, housed the most heinous of Brazilian criminals. Functioning toilets were nonexistent, food was scarce and putrid, medical … Continue reading Deadman walking

The roof had an odd pitch to it, making it a challenge but not impossible to walk across. Stan kept his hand on Pauley’s back, claiming he was helping steady her, but really he liked that he could feel the heat of her body through her silk blouse. He worried that the steep angle would … Continue reading Up on the roof

Lenore drove into the city with Stan riding shotgun beside her, his window rolled down to get some air circulating through the car. Vivian and Pauley sandwiched Danela between them in the back seat. The girl, in the throes of an anxiety attack, sat hunched over, her head almost lying in Vivian’s lap. After driving … Continue reading The air up here

Leaving the women to their breakfast, Stan went back into the room he was sharing with Pauley.  If it wasn’t for her, this trip to Brazil would be a disaster. Straightening out the bed cover, Stan tossed the pillows on the floor. He stood by the bed, lingering over the memory of his kiss with … Continue reading Armed and dangerous

Opening one eye a mere slit, the view told her she wasn’t still sitting on Vivian’s couch. Pauley’s first thought was she needed to stop drinking Vivian’s tea, and the second was she needed to punch Vivian in the face. Rising on her elbows, Pauley’s looked around the guest room. Alone in the King-sized bed, … Continue reading One lump or two