Passing notes

November 1, 2012January 12, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 5 Comments

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

Girl from Ipanema

October 2, 2012January 12, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 20 Comments

“Well, what do you know Walt, Christmas cards from the ‘rents and Viv,” her voice echoed in the empty post office atrium. Flipping open the card written in her mother’s feminine flourish, she smiled at the childish cartoon drawing that was her father’s signature. Pauley was still adjusting to her long-dead mother resurrected, and living … Continue reading Girl from Ipanema

Dead Money: plane geometry

September 23, 2012January 12, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 9 Comments

Once the seat belt lights went off, Butch called the flight attendant, asking for a bourbon on the rocks. He leaned his seat back, and finally took a deep breath. It was easier than he expected. The reunion between Pauley and Gail was awkward at first, but they slowly warmed to each other. Perhaps since … Continue reading Dead Money: plane geometry

Dead Money: Flight plan

September 17, 2012January 12, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 6 Comments

Butch sat behind his massive mahogany desk, his Corona finally lit and smoldering in a nearby ashtray, a tumbler of bourbon in his hand. Eyes closed, he fought the overwhelming feelings of anger and fear. A combination that was giving him a mighty headache. Stanley, his bodyguard, sergeant, his heir-apparent, was standing well away from … Continue reading Dead Money: Flight plan

Dead Money: When it hits the fan

September 10, 2012January 12, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 5 Comments

Butch hung up his cell phone, and began to pace around his office. He had never heard Pauley so distracted. She wouldn’t tell him much more than the hit was done, but there was a serious breach in their cover. A Cuban cigar hanging unlit between his teeth, Butch nearly chewed through the Corona. His … Continue reading Dead Money: When it hits the fan

Dead Money: Return to the scene

September 3, 2012January 12, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 6 Comments

Pauley let the smallest of smiles break the tension. Millicent’s attempt to make her feel better was enough to snap her out of her pity party. “Even if your Love Potion worked as well as you said it would, we’ll still have a little time.” Pauley picked up the cloth napkin from the table, and … Continue reading Dead Money: Return to the scene