John Sneeden > Quotes

“The Oracle waved him over to the leather seats. Zane rubbed his leg dramatically as they moved toward them. “You know, it’s funny, but I never seem to get any comp time or pay no matter what happens to me out in the field. I’d like to speak to HR before I leave.” The Oracle shook his head. “Comp pay? Aren’t you the man who owns two personal airplanes? And besides, I am HR, so you can just talk to me.”
― John Sneeden, The Portal

“gained speed. Zane listened for clues as to their whereabouts, but the only thing he was able to determine was that they were in an area of fairly heavy traffic. Vehicles moved past them in both directions, and on two different occasions, horns were blown. But where were they going? The German had indicated there would be a meeting but with whom? And for what purpose? He still wondered why he hadn’t been killed. Maybe they wanted to interrogate him in order to find out what organization he worked for. Unless they had been able to salvage something from his phone—which he doubted—for all they knew, he could be working for a competitor, for the United States government, or for the family of the deceased. Other than that, he couldn’t think of any reason for an interrogation. After an hour of driving at speed, the vehicle began to slow.”
― John Sneeden, The Signal

“He looked at Mei and raised an eyebrow. “I’m done,” she said. Parsons looked at the server. “I believe that will be it.” The man bowed slightly then placed the check on the table. “Very well. I’ll just leave this with you.” Parsons quickly pulled out a credit card in the name of Peter O’Donnell, placed it in the holder, and handed it back. “Here, you can just take it now. We’re in a bit of a hurry.”
― John Sneeden, The Portal

“said, sitting up. “What’s this about Tuesday? When Ross told me to set up the meeting this afternoon, I assumed I was flying out tonight.” “Unfortunately, they were booked solid. When you fly commercial you’re at”
― John Sneeden, The Signal

“the system tonight,” said Nigel. “Changing subjects, how was the girl?” “Amanda? Impressive. Open, honest, smart… and seems pretty tough. She even requested traveling with me to Vienna. Seems determined to contribute to finding her father’s”
― John Sneeden, The Signal

“After the server left the ticket, Ian stood, put on his coat, and dropped a few bills on the table. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” “You’d better.” Ian smiled and gave his friend a nod. “I will.”
― John Sneeden, The Signal

“attendance at the gala a hint that she was sympathetic to the West? Did she have her eye on the bigger art scenes of New York and LA? The agency couldn’t be sure, but they were sure of one thing: they’d never know if they didn’t ask. The job of “wooing Wu,” as one low-level Langley technician described it, fell naturally into the hands of Taiwan-based field agent David Parsons. Not only was Parsons a veteran of covert affairs, but he was also markedly handsome. And while the glamorous side of intelligence was often overplayed in espionage films, it certainly didn’t hurt when trying to build rapport and gather information. “Come on.” Parsons pushed the bowl toward her with a finger. Remember, it has to be her decision to leave. “I know you can do better than that.” “I guess I’m just a little too excited,” Mei confessed. His pulse quickened. Was that the green light he’d been looking for? They had already planned to return to his flat after dinner, but he needed to make sure he didn’t push too hard.”
― John Sneeden, The Portal

“His skin was chalky white, and his arms rolled around like freshly boiled rigatoni.”
― John Sneeden, The Signal

“ancient times. An ancient evil, if you will.”
― John Sneeden, The Signal

“red”
― John Sneeden, The Signal

“about you? The last time I checked, you were the daughter of a diplomat.” “Yes. But you know that’s just a title.” She looked over at a couple speaking loudly at the table next to them then turned back to him. “My father is a simple man, and we’re a simple family. Remember, I spent most of my life in the country, far away from here.” She waved her hand at the restaurant’s opulent decor. “This has not always been my life.” He nodded in feigned agreement. Her father was anything but a simple man. “I do remember that. And it’s one of the things I like about you. In America we’d say you’re down to earth.” Mei’s brow furrowed. “Down to earth?” “It means you’re practical, sensible, easy to talk to.” He smiled. “It’s a compliment.” As Mei opened her mouth”
― John Sneeden, The Portal

“Obviously, we can’t be certain about what’s going to happen tonight, but I do have a theory. In fact, we discussed it on a conference call with Ross. Remember, the CERN physicists have said that their work might one day open up another universe or lead us to another dimension. It’s the very thing VanGelder was going to speak on tonight.”
― John Sneeden, The Signal

“Yes. But you know that’s just a title.” She looked over at a couple speaking loudly at the table next to them then turned back to him. “My father is a simple man, and we’re a simple family. Remember, I spent most of my life in the country, far away from here.” She waved her hand at the restaurant’s opulent decor. “This has not always been my life.”
― John Sneeden, The Portal

“Philippe’s workspace was lit with an assortment of white votive candles. The shadows of the flames danced around on the stone walls,”
― John Sneeden, The Signal

“Okay, here’s one. Two years ago we interviewed a man from a small town in Vermont. Great reputation in his community. Owns a chain of highly successful hardware stores in the eastern part of the state.”
― John Sneeden, The Portal

“embodied in critical articles and reviews. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Cover design by Damonza Formatting by Polgarus Studio ISBN-13: 978-”
― John Sneeden, The Portal