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

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