Page 34 of Fanning the Flames

Ward looked to Joan and Perry. “And you?”

Joan stared at Otis. “What’s this about?”

“Sit down,” Otis said, specifically to Perry.

Per crossed his arms and planted his feet by the door. “I’ll stand,” he ground between his teeth.

An odd something passed between them. “Then have your minions sit,” Otis said.

Perry didn’t budge. “They’re free to make their own decisions.”

Ooh, there was some serious bad blood between those two. Joan tapped Mark’s arm. Better to play along and get this over with.

They sat tentatively across from the Supers. It was like being in front of a jury or a parole hearing. Which was not entirely inaccurate.

Darlene cleared her throat. “We have another common enemy.”

“Enemies,” said Kade.

“The arrival of Ether, Squawk and Prowl has been frustrating for the citizens of this fine city.”

“And you,” Mark added.

“And us.” Joan gestured between them. “We’re done with that life.”

Otis and Darlene shared a look.

Ward delivered Mark’s coffee in a commemorative Vector City Superheroes mug. “Thanks,” Mark said. “Are your bosses being nice to you? Giving you days off and paid holidays?”

Ward chuckled. “Crime doesn’t take a day off.”

“Do they at least give you some of the free shit they’re always getting?” Mark directed his focus across the table. “Or did they stop taking so much free shit because it’s not cool and causes more hardship to the citizens of this fine city?”

Zee opened their mouth, then glanced at their cohorts and closed it.

Mark sipped his coffee, gagging when he swallowed. “Dude. What is this?”

“It’s a Sumatran blend of organic fair-trade coffee,” Ward said.

“It’s dirt water. I think I’ve been spoiled by the things Sadie makes. It’s not your fault, Ward. You have to work with the garbage your employers have for you to serve.”

Perry continued to seethe by the doorway.

Joan set a fist on the tabletop. “So we have another common set of enemies.”

“Yes.” Otis stood, taking command of the room. “The last time we joined forces, the outcome was a success. We need to do it again.”

“How?” Joan asked.

“We need you to pretend to still be Villains.”

Mark tilted his head. “I’m sorry, what?”

Kade cupped his hands around his mouth. “We need you to pretend?—”

“I’m operating under the assumption you know these Villains,” Otis said.

“Hardly,” Joan said.

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