Stanley wasn’t sure which was more nerve-wracking, facing the Family Boss Paul, or his second Butch. Paul was intense, loud and over-the-top, but you knew exactly where you stood with him. Butch was different. He had a quiet way about him, almost too calm, like a volcano just before it blows. The newest recruit, Stanley … Continue reading The new kid

Stan asked their limo driver to raise the partition so they could speak in private. Once isolated, Stan moved to sit across from Pauley, and just stared at her. The case carrying her new sniper rifle on the seat beside him. He watched her, a feline smile teasing at the corners of her mouth. She … Continue reading Family feud

For Stan, the whine of jet engines engaging was always a thrill. Leaning back in his seat, he smiled like a little kid as the plane taxied down the runway at full speed. As he felt the wheels lift off the tarmac, he closed his eyes, picturing the woman he was flying to see. At … Continue reading Roller coaster of love

Vivian had to give Danela credit for at least turning over the “Closed” sign at her boutique. Entering the store through the front door, Vivian went first, sandwiching the frightened girl between her and Pauley. As Pauley took the younger girl by the arm, Vivian followed them into the back storeroom. Danela was sitting at … Continue reading Just the facts

Hurrying along the tourist crowded street, Danela kept her head down, but stopped occasionally to clandestinely look into shop windows, checking to see if the Sampas were following her. A quick glance at her watch told her the Sampas were arriving at Vivian’s empty shop, and she needed to get away without drawing attention to … Continue reading Without a prayer

Gathering the lunch plates, Pauley carried the remains of their meal into the kitchen. While they waited for Vivian to come back, she helped Lenore prepared caipirinhas. “I did not know Señora Vivian before she came to live here,” Lenore quartered limes picked from Vivian’s garden, muddling the fruit chunks in two glasses with a … Continue reading Pretty in pink