Page 72 of Fanning the Flames

“I will when your cohorts subscribe to the same theory.”

Hmm. This was an area of contention between them. But really, how could it not be? Zee was part of a group with access to limitless funds while Mark had had to live by any means necessary.

Joan sidled up beside her. “So Gus, huh?”

Sadie scrunched her eyebrows together. “I’m all for unconventional relationships, but one thing’s confusing me. I see why they like each other, but why not want us to get to know her?”

“I guess it’s a way for them to compartmentalize their lives.”

“Perry is good at that,” Sadie murmured. Like how he frequented the art museum and took his secret vacations.

Mark and Zee continued whisper-sniping at each other. The other three muttered amongst themselves. Ward looked like he wasn’t sure whether to type or serve.

“Are these meetings usually this unproductive?” Sadie asked.

“Usually.”

“Gus does have a point. They should listen to the people more.”

“You can speak up,” Joan said.

“What am I going to say that you probably haven’t? Filing a claim is useless. People just want a sense of security. We want Heroes with our best interests at heart.”

“Good luck with that.”

It wasn’t that the Supers didn’t care. It just felt like Joan cared a little more. She’d spent time getting to know everyday people. She understood their struggles, their dreams and desires. She’d be a real asset if the Supers would listen to her instead of using her for her criminal background.

Joanie was the one who could turn this around.

* * *

Joan waited for Sadie and Ward in the doorway of a kitchen so nice, she wanted to cry. It was not a shit-tastic warehouse kitchenette, oh no. This was something that belonged in a fancy house with top-of-the-line appliances, gleaming white subway tiles, pale-gray granite countertops. She couldn’t even step foot in it, she was so jealous. Mark would probably throw himself on the white-tiled floor in ecstasy and declare he lived here now.

Sadie was being her adorable, charming self, thanking Ward for his help in getting filtered water from the fridge. He was supposed to be babysitting Joan, but whatever. She wanted to catch Gus alone to invite her to dinner. Maybe away from prying eyes, she’d be more receptive.

The kitchen was on the ground floor, so she made her way up the back staircase. Near the top, she heard Darlene saying, “I’ve carried the advice you gave me about fighting for justice no matter the personal cost.”

“Did I say that?” Gus replied.

“Yes. I assure you, I’ve lived my life to serve the citizens of Vector City.”

“You were a child.”

“It was my fifth birthday. The only thing I wanted was to meet you at the children’s museum. I told you I thought I had powers the way you did.” A pause, then Darlene continued, “You were the first person I shared that with.”

Joan peered around the corner to see that Darlene had waylaid Gus outside the bathroom.

Gus pursed her lips. “When you came on the scene, they said you were the next Amazing Woman. A young prodigy, like I had been.”

“Yes.” Darlene’s face lit up in a way Joan didn’t think was physically possible for her. “When I was introduced to the city as the newest Hero, I thanked you for that advice and said I would carry on your legacy.”

“You misunderstood me. It was a warning.”

“No, it was?—”

“It’s a losing battle,” Gus said. “The fact is, it doesn’t matter what you do. There will always be bad guys to fight. The hits keep coming.”

“We’re here to provide justice when they do,” Darlene said.

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