Page 120 of Fanning the Flames

Sadie leaned into Joan’s side, telling her no matter the outcome, she’d be there for her.

“And I want Gus to paint my portrait,” Mark said.

Otis tilted his chin down. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You assisted well with this latest Villain apprehension. You could contribute to society in a positive manner. However…”

“Come on, Otis,” Zee said. “They have a perspective we don’t. And they’ve proved they care. Give them probationary status or something.”

“Is that a thing?” Mark said.

“It could be.” Zee swung their gaze to the senior Super.

Otis stared at the twins. “It isn’t easy. Villains get to pick and choose their battles. We do not.”

“I know,” Joan said.

“We wouldn’t be in it for the fame or the glory or the free shit,” Mark said.

Joan nodded in agreement. If anything, she was in it for people to not be afraid of her anymore.

“Gus?” Perry rushed out.

Gus’s head rolled side to side. She smacked her lips and her eyelids fluttered.

“Doctor!” Perry called. “I think she’s waking up.”

He murmured close to her ear as Justin rejoined them. “Ms. Abernathy? Can you hear me?”

Gus coughed and struggled, but eventually said, “Did we get him?”

“We got him,” Perry said.

She nodded faintly, then closed her eyes. “Asshole.”

“Ms. Abernathy, I’m Dr. Devers,” Justin said. “Can you tell me what day it is?”

“The day we beat that asshole.”

“She’s fine,” Mark laughed.

Gus tried to sit up. Perry got all awkward like he wasn’t sure if he should help or prevent her from moving too much. “I’m thirsty,” she rasped. “Tired. So tired.”

“Just rest,” Perry said. “Sherrelle, hand me?—”

Sherrelle passed him the plastic cup filled with water. Gus took a few drags from the straw.

“You need to stay hydrated,” Justin said. “I’m not able to administer IV fluids.”

“I break needles. I know that.”

It was nice to see her grouchy because grumpy Gus meant healthy Gus.

After another sip, she said, “I assume since you’re all here, we got all of them.”

“We did,” Darlene said. “I’m sorry you had to take the brunt of the assault again.”

“I did my part. You got your justice, kiddo.”

Darlene broke into a soft smile.

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