Marcus Lopés

LGTBQIA2S+ Author, Blogger, Runner

Short Stories

An Uneasy Alliance

by 1 Comment

uneasy alliance

This is a continuation of Pinned Down.

Michael’s grip tightened on his weapon as a cascade of gunfire rang out in the distance.

“Alpha, this is Command,” Captain Orson said into his radio. “Do you have eyes on the target? Over.”

Michael and Orson exchanged concerned looks as the silence stretched for about fifteen seconds.

“Command, this is Alpha-One,” a calm, yet authoritative voice carried back over the line. “Target is down and area is secure. Repeat. Target is down and area is secure. Over.”

“Roger,” Orson acknowledged.

“Command, there’s something you and Agent Reid need to see. Alpha-One out.”

“That doesn’t sound good,” Michael said as he stood. He waited until other members of the tactical unit arrived to assist Daniels, who had managed to sit up on her own. Then he followed Orson towards the house. His finger still on the trigger, he whispered, “Let’s hope there was only one sniper.” [Read more…] about An Uneasy Alliance

Pinned Down

by 1 Comment

pinned down

This is a continuation of ‘Persuasion‘

“Don’t take this the wrong way,” Daniels said as she navigated the empty streets, “but you seem young to be leading this kind of operation.”

“Maybe I am,” Michael acknowledged. “I was there when it started and know the players. Brian and I have both been targeted. On one level, it’s personal.” He glanced at Daniels. “But on the other level, and more importantly, my loyalty was never for sale. My duty, first and foremost, is to my country. I will serve her and die for her, if necessary.”

“The reports coming in indicate at least thirty arrests so far at the Agency.”

“It’s a nightmare,” Michael said. “The Agency may never come back from this. How did Angelique Romero succeed at that level of infiltration? It puts not only the Agency’s work at risk, but also that of the other law enforcement units we work with. The repercussions are far-reaching.”

“We’re going to nail these bastards.”

“I hope you’re right. For the moment, let’s focus on getting the PM back.”

“Do you…” Daniels’s voice trailed off as she made a sharp turn. “Do you think he’s still alive?”

“I think it depends on Eric Wade’s state of mind.” [Read more…] about Pinned Down

Persuasion

by 1 Comment

persuasion

‘Persuasion’ is a continuation of ‘Traitor, Traitor‘.

The two-kilometre perimeter around the convention centre was in place, with roadblocks set up at all nearby intersections and manned by city police officers. Michael’s earlier feeling, that something was of, still nagged at him. Had Findlay intentionally left his phone behind? And unlocked? Michael snapped his fingers. “Of course,” he mumbled. “He wanted to send a message. And he did.”

“Agent Reid…”

Michael, conferring with Brian, spun around to see Superintendent Daniels approaching.

“There’s something you need to see,” Daniels said solemnly.

Michael glanced at Brian, then they followed Daniels and another officer to one of the convention centre’s service entrances, located on the east side of the building.

“The bomb squad…” Daniels pointed at the open garage door. “They found this when they were clearing this section.” [Read more…] about Persuasion

Traitor, Traitor

by Leave a Comment

traitor traitor

This is a continuation of ‘The Knives are Out‘

Outside the prime minister’s residence, Michael removed the handcuffs from Findlay’s wrists. “Do you understand what you have to do? And the consequences if you don’t?”

“Yes,” Findlay said weakly.

“Because as we speak, my colleague is on the way to your mother’s house.”

“My mother isn’t involved in this!” Findlay barked.

“Maybe. Maybe not.” Michael shoved Findlay towards the driver’s side door to the armoured black Mercedes. “You call Neuman as planned. We’ll be monitoring the channel. Any hint of a warning, and your mother —”

“I’ll do what you want,” Findlay interrupted. “Just, please, don’t hurt my mother. She’s all I have in this world.” [Read more…] about Traitor, Traitor

The Knives are Out

by 3 Comments

the knives are out

This is a continuation of ‘Target in Sight‘

“Tell me about Excelsior,” Michael said flatly.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” the prime minister said with an air of defeat and leaned back in his chair. “It was my first time leading a covert op as a Major-General, and making the decision to engage from a war room. Everything about Excelsior, then, seemed so necessary given what was happening in the world.”

“Angelique Romero is out for revenge,” Michael said bluntly. “More than that, actually.”

“God, I haven’t heard that name in years.” The prime minister ran his hand across his wet mouth. “When I gave the order to take out her father, I didn’t know she was standing four feet away from him. It wasn’t until I read the report…” He drew in a breath. “I can’t even imagine what that must have been like for her.”

“I need you to focus, Prime Minister.” Michael glanced at the door when he thought he heard a noise. Nothing. Then he slid to the edge of his chair and trained his gaze back at his ‘boss.’ “We know that Angelique has someone working on your security detail, but we’ve yet to identify him. We believe he’s somewhere on the premises now. Two of my associates are outside the front gate. I could use their help to find and neutralize him.” [Read more…] about The Knives are Out