Page 124 of Fanning the Flames

“Ward!” Mark cheered. “I thought we agreed you were taking time off.”

“There’s so much to do this week,” Ward said.

“Not for us you don’t. We’re cool on our own.”

The overworked sidekick gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you, Mr. Ice.”

“Hi hi!” Padma sang. “Everything okay in here?”

“No,” Joan answered very seriously.

She laughed merrily. “We’re just about ready to get started. Now, we’re going to have the other Supers go out before you.” She consulted her tablet. “Flight will do a little light housekeeping. Give an update on Amazing Woman, assure our community of clean-up efforts, et cetera. Then he’ll formally announce you both, and we’re off to the races.”

Joan swore under her breath.

“Remember to smile and stay positive and on point. There will be some pushback. It happens all the time. Nothing to be concerned about. Just stick to the talking points we discussed.”

Talking points? Words? What were words? Joan jutted a thumb at Mark. “Ice is gonna do the talking.”

Padma tossed her luxurious ebony curls over one shoulder. “Did you get the chance to look over the benefits package? Remember to set up an appointment with me to go over health benefits and our retirement plan.”

“You bet,” Mark said. “Hey, is it true that psychiatric services are available?”

“Absolutely.” Their liaison grew serious. “We understand the unique stress of this job. All the Supers in the country work virtually with a wonderful therapist. Her information is included in the welcome binder.”

He elbowed Joan in the ribs. “There reallyisa shrink who specializes in superpowered issues.”

“What else, what else?” Padma referred to her tablet. “Oh, yes. I’m still waiting on the activation of your credit cards. Should be done by this evening. Since you’re technically not full Superheroes just yet, there’s a five-thousand-dollar monthly spending limit. If you have additional expenses like rent or car payments, let me know. I can get those approved.”

“We have money from running our food truck,” Mark was quick to defend.

“We pay our bills,” Joan added.

“Of course.” Padma smiled graciously. “You might find the transition a little strange. Just know that Vector City takes care of its Heroes.”

That sat uneasily in Joan’s gut. Years of griping about the Supers getting whatever they wanted, and here she was being offered just that.

Padma glanced at her smartwatch. “Oop. It’s time.” She touched the doorknob, then whirled around. “Did you have any more questions?”

“Is there more champagne?” Joan asked.

Padma giggled and shook her head. “You’re so funny. I already like working with you. Welcome to the team, Spark and Ice.”

She breezed out the doorway into the growing communal chatter.Welcome to the team.Ugh, so weird.

Ward clicked on his own tablet. “Did you get the fruit basket Blip sent to headquarters?”

“Yep,” Mark said. “That was nice of him.”

Ward nodded and clicked again.

“I didn’t see it,” Joan said.

Her brother finished off his champagne, then said, “Blip. Y’know, the Villain up in Canada who turned Hero?”

“Yes, I know. He sent a fruit basket?”

“The note said something like ‘Congrats from another queer former Villain. Life is sweeter on this side.’”

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