Marcus Lopés

LGTBQIA2S+ Author, Blogger, Runner

thriller

Time to Change the Rules

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Time to Change the Rules

A continuation of ‘Where Do We Go from Here?‘

Michael pulled the trigger repeatedly until he’d emptied the magazine, reloaded, then, crouching, rushed to Brian. “Where are you hit?”

“My shoulder.” Brian grunted. “I’ll be fine.”

“Come on.” Michael helped Brian to his feet, then they made it to the hallway. It was the one space where their attackers couldn’t see them through night vision goggles. He crawled on his knees to the stove, grabbed the dish towel hanging on the oven door, then hustled back to Brian. “Hold this over the wound. Apply as much pressure —”

“I love you, Michael,” Brian said. “I want you to know that in case I don’t —” [Read more…] about Time to Change the Rules

Where Do We Go from Here?

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where do we go

A continuation of ‘An Unexpected Alliance‘

“Are you at least going to say goodbye?” Michael asked as he exited the house. His gaze landed on Brian, who was pacing the walk. “I mean, a little courtesy —”

“Courtesy?” Brian shoved his hands in his pockets. “Did you read what was in that file?”

Michael nodded. “I did.”

“So, ‘courtesy’ is turning someone’s life upside-down? My life?” Brian yanked his hands out of his pockets and, heading towards the vehicle, called out, “Let’s go.”

Michael, standing just outside the front door, glanced back inside. James and Julia stood in the middle of the foyer, Julia offering a look of understanding, James more so disappointment. “We’ll be in touch.” Then he strode to the Range Rover and settled in behind the steering wheel. Tried to catch Brian’s eye, but it was no use. Brian wouldn’t look at him, and during their seven years of marriage, Michael had learned when to push and when to hold back. He had to give Brian time to process and stew and brood. [Read more…] about Where Do We Go from Here?

Are You Ready for the Truth?

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are you ready for the truthA continuation of “The Game Changer”

“I don’t…” Brian swallowed hard. “I don’t understand what’s going on here.”

“Adam Clarke isn’t your real father,” Julia said ruefully. “Your mother had you a year before she met Adam. When they married, he adopted you and changed your name. But your mother never told him who your real father was.”

Michael placed his hand on Brian’s thigh. “What does this have to do with Excelsior?”

“It has more to do with the people involved with Excelsior.” Julia sipped her wine. “In Brian’s case, one person. James Coburg. You’ve heard of him, right?” [Read more…] about Are You Ready for the Truth?

The Game Changer

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the game changer

A continuation of “Follow the Rules.”

“Take this.” Michael held out the silver device. When Brian didn’t take it, he cut in front of him and forced it into his hand. “Is there a problem?”

“What do you expect me to do with it?” Brian asked.

Michael threw Brian a knowing look, then continued southward along Elgin Street. They were three blocks away from Agency HQ. When he stopped at the next intersection and waited for the light to change, this time Brian blocked his path. “What?”

“I’m not a mind reader,” Brian snapped. “You haven’t exactly been forthcoming with your plan. If you want me to do something, tell me.”

“You know I can’t go inside the Agency,” Michael said, restrained. “That means you have to insert the USB key I gave you into your father’s computers. The one in his office at headquarters, and the other one in his den at home.”

“Wait a minute…” Brian placed his hand to Michael’s chest to stop his from moving. “How am I supposed to do that?” [Read more…] about The Game Changer

Follow the Rules

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follow the rules

A continuation of “Is It Too Late for Us?“

“Are you clear on the rules?” Michael asked after setting his suitcase on the floor by the bed.

“Yes. But, Michael —”

Michael raised a hand. “My bedroom is off limits. You’ll stay in the guest bedroom until this is sorted out.” He pulled on a light blue jacket. “I’m going to find out who set you up. Pretty good chance they’re going to come after you again. And me. So, this time around, we’re doing things my way.”

“What do you want me to do?” Brian asked from the doorway.

Michael threw him a knowing look. “Stay out of my way.” [Read more…] about Follow the Rules