Arriving 30 minutes early, Butch wasn’t surprised to see Gail already sitting in a booth at the back of the diner. The last 14 years had been kind to her, she was as beautiful as ever. Only her eyes gave away the sadness that filled those years. Butch slid into the seat across from his … Continue reading Gail: a life disrupted

Pauley was surprised how easily the doorman was charmed. A little touch on the arm, a bit of flattery, a peek of cleavage, and she was escorted in. She'd never admit it to Millicent, but her lessons in seduction worked exceptionally well. Pauley threaded through the crowd to the front bar - a long, polished … Continue reading Dead Money: All in

With the confidence of a skilled gunman, Pauley gripped Millicent’s hand, forcing the Walther out of her grasp. “Holding a gun like that will only do two things,” Pauley said with obvious mirth. “It’ll give you one hell of a slide rash, and guarantee you won’t hit anything you’re aiming at.” Putting some distance between … Continue reading Dead Money: Family obligations

Gripping her phone with both hands, the best Pauley could do was strangle Butch in effigy. Smacking the screen against her open palm, she lamented the lack of a landline handset that she could slam down with righteous indignation. She stood in the bathroom doorway, feet shoulder-width apart, one foot in front of the other. … Continue reading Clothes make the woman