Out going mail

November 30, 2012January 12, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 8 Comments

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

Point and shoot

November 16, 2012January 12, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 4 Comments

“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

Brazilian blend

November 9, 2012January 12, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 5 Comments

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

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