Page 68 of Fanning the Flames

“Destine? The city that broke itself with robots?”

“The other cities are, uh, dealing with their own issues.”

Gus pursed her lips. “Nice to see things haven’t changed. If you want the glory, you let someone else take the brunt of the assault.”

Ward inched his way toward her. “Ms. Amazing Woman, I’m such a big fan. I’m Ward. May I offer you?—”

“Are you the sidekick?”

“I am, ma’am.”

“Then I’m sorry for you. I’m sure your life is taxing, always being at their beck and call. We went through dozens of you in my time.”

Ward’s eyes widened behind his glasses. “Dozens?”

Gus focused her attention on Sadie. “Who are you?”

Her heart skipped a beat. Gus was fairly petite, but her commanding presence was a little intimidating. “I’m Sadie.”

“What do you do?”

She held up the Brazilian blend. “I brought the coffee.”

“Sadie’s here with me,” Joan said.

Gus snorted. “You’re the girlfriend.” To Otis, she said, “You’ll let anyone in here these days.”

Uhh…Sadie just stood there. She lowered the coffee, looking to Perry. This was the woman he was protecting? She didn’t need protection from anyone or anything.

Joan stepped closer. “Sadie’s been involved since some Villains kidnapped her.”

“Oh, yes. I heard about that.” Gus walked to the conference table. “Sidekick?”

“Ward,” Ward prompted.

“I need a Diet Zap Cola and a large pad of paper.”

Ward exchanged a horrified glance with Otis. “I told you to get Diet Zap,” Otis gritted through his teeth.

“They don’t make it anymore,” Ward said. “I’m so sorry, ma’am. They stopped manufacturing all Zap Cola some time ago.”

Sitting in one of the rolling chairs, Gus said, “Is that so? Well then, iced tea will do.”

Perry sent the twins anI told you solook and deliberately took a seat several away from Gus. She was, uh, definitely opinionated. Like Sadie’s grandma, finding fault in nitpicky ways.

“When did they stop making Diet Zap?” Gus asked no one in particular.

“About ten years ago, ma’am,” Ward said, snagging a bottle of black tea. “It caused several young people to have seizures.”

“Ah. Caffeine has no effect on me. Nor alcohol. Nor anything.”

Sadie smiled and offered, “I’m about to make a fresh pot of coffee. It’s a Brazilian blend.”

“I didn’t come here for teatime,” Gus said. “Tell me what’s been happening.”

Apparently, she only likes Brazilian men.

Otis filled her in on the situation while everyone else sat and Sadie started to?—

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