I was not in the mood for games. I knew her. But I could not place her. She was causing all my internal alarms to sound with jarring klaxons. “Everything has a price.” I spoke soft enough that only she and the ever attentive bartender would hear. I spoke firmly enough that she understood I was not being flippant.

“Yes. It does.” Her smile bloomed and I felt trapped. “A kiss, then. Nothing binding by it. Just lips to lips. None may approach you without my consent. You be on your best behavior, which you are displaying now. Write your notes in peace.”

2,177 words.

I’ve been tasked to auction off an artifact. But I have no idea on whose behalf. Only that if the auction fails for any reason, to keep the artifact with me. I received it this morning from a Courier. It was entertaining to see someone else as messenger. Once upon a time, that would have been me. Still not sure if the change in jobs is a promotion, a demotion, or a punishment. It’s anything but boring, that’s for sure.

The bag was nondescript. Could be a shopping bag from any big chain. Sturdy enough to withstand weight, plain enough to avoid suspicion, anything could be in it. It is good that the bag does not attract attention. The contents certainly would.

3,323 words.

What are “Tumbled Dreams”? These are the posts I made to my tumblr during the week because I felt they did not warrant a separate post on this blog. However, these “interstitials” often explain some of the backstory to the larger dream posts. For those readers that only read Three Different Ways, they may help explain some of the characters and sudden changes in plot and direction.

7,180 words.