Vivian opened her door, stepping out onto the asphalt. Pauley shook her head, making no move to join Vivian outside. Holding up a well-shod foot, Pauley demanded an explanation. “Do you see what I’m wearing? You really expect me to walk hell knows how far in my Jimmy Choos? These are $400 Espadrilles!” “I know … Continue reading Walk a mile in my shoes

Pauley felt like shooting her. Vivian could be so incredibly exasperating. “Viv, just do what you do, and I’ll do what I do,” Pauley checked the holster on her hip. “I’ll stay in the back and wait, you go out front, business as usual.” Vivian handed Pauley her empty coffee cup and turned away with … Continue reading Out going mail

“You aren’t seriously doing the tacky tourist thing and taking pictures with your smartphone?” Vivian walked up behind Pauley on the street outside of Café Suplicy. “At least use a real point and shoot.” “Your sense of humor is as droll as ever,” Pauley looked at the display on her camera phone. “I’m not taking … Continue reading Point and shoot

At Vivian’s cryptic comment about her drink, Pauley licked her lips, remembering the last time she drank some of her “spiced” tea. Returning Vivian’s hug, Pauley countered with her own warning. “And, my people know where to find you if anything happens to me,” Pauley smiled at their homicidal banter. Even she didn’t understand their … Continue reading Brazilian blend

Looking out the window of her flat, Pauley wiped at the rime spiderwebbing across the glass. Steam rose from the radiator under the sill, melting ice from the bottom panes. Pauley shrugged off her jacket, switching hands so she could still stare at the postcard from Vivian. A life in The Family made sudden name … Continue reading Passing notes