Stories of Tie Up Games

Dear LunaDog , although I do claim a little artistic license here and there, a real NYPD detective told me that the case files in their system are being monitored, albeit automatically, to assure that confidential information doesn't get leaked - especially to the press. Downloads and screenshots ...

Erica unlocks the car, slides in, and shuts the door behind her like closing a vault.
The city buzzes outside.
Her phone vibrates.
The info on the screen identifies the caller: Detective Sandra Ruiz.

She answers immediately.
“Erica Sinclair.”

“Sandra Ruiz.” Her voice is gravel, urgent. “Check ...

Dear @LunaDog, thank you. Your compliment means so much to me.
Let's see how today's part of the story does for you...

Dear @Caesar73, thank you sooo much for your kind comment. I'm glad you like this story.
Of course, I can't reveal anything in ahead, but I can assure you that the title "All or Nothing" was chosen for a reason.

The car hums beneath them as Erica steers one-handed through traffic.
The city outside is a blur of steel and grime, honking horns and scaffolding shadows.

Inside the Volvo, it’s quiet.
Too quiet.
At a red light, Erica breaks the silence.
“So. Tell me about Giovanna.”

Lucy shifts in her seat ...

Dear @LunaDog, wow, now I really hope that I will not disappoint you.
This story runs almost in real time, but I can tell you that there's much more to come.

Judge Glickman looks up from his notes.
“Thank you, Ms. Sinclair.”

His decision comes without delay.
“Bail will be set at one hundred thousand dollars, in cash or bond. The defendant holds no passport. She will wear an ankle monitor and report twice weekly to Pretrial Services. Any violations of ...

Dear @LunaDog, Erica doesn't try to tug at Judge Glickman's heartstrings. Let's be honest: Lucy Arden is not a cartel lieutenant. She's a store clerk and with the limited resources she has, can't just jump on the next plane to Somewhere. Tomorrow, we'll see what the judge has to say.

Erica stands, smoothing the front of her blazer.

In her full-blown offensive, Calloway painted Lucy as a villain who murdered Gary Loudon without a motive.
Now, Erica must level the playing field to secure bail.
Her voice is calm but resonant as she positions herself between Lucy and ADA Calloway ...

Dear @Caesar73, dear @LunaDog, first blood has been drawn. Tomorrow, we will see if Erica has something to fight back with.

Inside the imposing building, the hallway is cool and dimly lit, the muffled shuffle of shoes on marble echoing just ahead.

Courtroom 3B is open, the clerk already setting up for the hearing.

Erica slides onto the empty floor.
In the last row of the gallery, she notices Greg Eastman, her bail ...

Dear @LunaDog, are we ready for the bail hearing?

Dear @LunaDog, with Erica in her corner, at least Lucy has a fighting chance.

Dear @Caesar73, what a kick-off to the new adventure. I'm still speechless.

Erica knows that just because she has Lucy Arden to take care of, there are still a lot of other things waiting for her attention at Sinclair & Associates. But Monday evening belongs to her - and the kittens.
She needs the time to recharge.
A warm dinner, a half-glass of wine, and a little furball ...

Dear @LunaDog, we will see if Erica's tactics can get Lucy out on bail.

The elevator doors slide open into the dim hush of the underground parking garage, and Erica Sinclair steps out, the rhythmic click of her heels punctuates the cavernous silence. She adjusts the strap of her handbag over her shoulder, her eyes already fixed on the sleek silhouette of her black Volvo ...

Dear @LunaDog, we will see how deeply entrenched everyone is.

After dispatching Claire with her assignment, Erica turns toward her personal office.
The door clicks softly shut behind her, muffling the low hum of the waking firm.
She crosses to her desk - the leather chair creaking softly as she sinks into it - and grabs her phone in a smooth, practiced motion ...

Dear @LunaDog, dear @Caesar73, even if Erica has no clear picture yet which powers are arranged against her client, she is ready to stand with Lucy Arden.

Dear @Caesar73, do I sense the prey turning into the hunter? I'm excited to find out.

Two minutes before the alarm is set to buzz, Erica's eyes snap open.
The city beyond her window is still swathed in blue-grey dawn, 72nd Street a deserted stage where only the blinking traffic lights perform.
A rare, trembling stillness.

Most mornings, she beats the alarm. Her body is conditioned ...

Dear @LunaDog, you bet. It's Sunday now. The bail hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, but there's still work to do.

Sunday bleeds gold over the northern hills, the sun casting long, syrupy shadows across the damp earth.
The scent of wet grass, warming hay, and turned soil clings to the breeze, thick with the slow breath of spring.

At Ironwood Pastures near Bedford, Erica stands in the shadowed aisle of the ...

Dear @Caesar73, thank you so much for your kind comment.
I just noticed that this story is #1 under the hashtag #fightforjustice over on Wattpad.
Good gravy, I never thought this possible.