Marcus Lopés

LGTBQIA2S+ Author, Blogger, Runner

creative writing

Target in Sight

by 1 Comment

target in sight

This is a continuation of ‘I Don’t Play Politics‘

Back at James Coburg’s estate near Alexandria, Michael entered the study and stopped just inside the door. His gaze zeroed in on James and Josh, who were in deep conversation near the French doors that opened onto the backyard. Their voices hushed, Michael strained to make out what they were saying. He caught an “It’s complicated” and “Keep me informed” without really knowing what was being discussed. Then he saw Josh subtly flick his eyebrows and the two men fell silent. When James pivoted to face him, he closed the distance between them. “Alex said you wanted to see me.”

“Yes.” James gestured towards the brown leather sofa. “We need to talk about your plan. I don’t like it.”

Michael, standing by the sofa, glanced at Josh before addressing James. “Admittedly, it’s not perfect. But with the PM giving his keynote speech tonight at his party’s convention, it’s the perfect opportunity for Angelique to strike. And hopefully draw her out.”

“Angelique would never put herself at risk like that,” James countered. “No one would. But if you’re right, your plan puts the PM’s life in greater jeopardy.” [Read more…] about Target in Sight

I Don’t Play Politics

by Leave a Comment

i don't play politics

This is a continuation of ‘Who Do You Trust…?‘

The door to Lauren Platt’s office flew up, Brian busting into the room.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Platt.” Todd Manfield, out of breath and standing next to Brian, lowered his eyes. “I tried to stop him.”

“It’s fine,” Lauren said almost motherly. “Let’s make it a party. Please get James and have him join us.”

Todd bowed slightly and backed out of the room, leaving the door open.

Michael glared at Brian. “I told you to leave.”

“I wasn’t leaving you alone in here,” Brian snapped. “Not knowing if —” [Read more…] about I Don’t Play Politics

Who Do You Trust…?

by 3 Comments

who do you trust

This is a continuation of ‘The Standoff‘

“Brian, you’re not giving me much of a choice.” Michael took another step forward. “Put down your weapon. You’re angry. I get that. But killing Clarke right now —”

A shot rang out.

Michael’s eyes widened as Adam Clarke’s head flung backwards, and his body slid off the bench and crashed onto the cement floor. Blood and bits of brain, skin and hair created a Jackson Pollock-esque painting on the wall. Then Michael pivoted hard to his left to see Josh lowering his gun.

“He needed to be put down,” Josh said unapologetically.

“He was our only goddamn lead!” Michael barked.

“He was a pawn,” Brian chimed in.

Michael swung his head back in Brian’s direction. “What do you mean?” [Read more…] about Who Do You Trust…?

I’m Coming for You

by Leave a Comment

I'm coming for you

This is a continuation of ‘Advantage: Team Michael‘

Michael veered the BMW onto a narrow road that was lined with trees on both sides and no streetlights to guide the way, just the car’s headlights. He eased his foot off the accelerator, navigating the slow bending turn, and then his gaze immediately focused on the bright lights in the distance.

“Jesus, Michael!” Brian grunted. “You think that’s going to help?”

Michael didn’t respond as they entered the parking lot and passed the half-dozen news vans. Reporters stood about ten metres back from the brown-brick building, camera lights shining on them. Michael parked the car at the far end of the lot, got out, and moved straight to the trunk. He pulled out a bulletproof vest and put it on, then handed one to Cole and Brian.

“You’re crazy,” Brian said through gritted teeth. “You gave up the location of a black site? To Sam?”

“Cole was right. We lost the element of surprise when I told Winchester I was coming for him. Right now…” Michael nodded towards the reporters. “They’re the only leverage we have.” He looked at Cole. “When we get your nephew, you get him out of here. Leave the rest to Brian and me.”

“So, you do have a plan,” Brian said askance. “Care to share?”

Michael closed the trunk. “We walk in through the front door.” [Read more…] about I’m Coming for You

Advantage: Team Michael

by 1 Comment

advantage team michael

This is a continuation of ‘The Mole‘

“Everything all right?” Michael asked as he walked into the den.

Sam, seated on the brown leather sofa and staring blankly at his laptop, didn’t look up. He ran his hand through his hair, then said, “My editor won’t run the story. Doesn’t like my anonymous source, and is also pulling that national security BS excuse.”

Watching Sam glide his hand through his thick black hair took Michael back to the nights they’d spent together. How many times had he run his hand through that greasy hair, played with a few locks as they held each other? Moments when their intense stares asked, ‘Why does this feel so right when we hardly know each other?’ And that had him asking himself another question: What about Brian? He cut off his mental visit to the past with, Focus, Michael. Stay focused! He crossed to the sofa and eased himself onto it, just a few inches separating them. “What about posting the article on Facebook? You have a decent following, and that would get it out in the public domain. That’s what I need.”

“Right. Because it’s all about you.” Sam looked at Michael. “I don’t even know why I should trust you, or if anything you’ve told me is even true. What if you’re the bad guy?” [Read more…] about Advantage: Team Michael