Spark - Book 1 (Paperback)

“Maddock! Maddock, open the door.”
It’s barely seven o’clock in the morning, and my kid sister, Heather, is pounding on my front door. I have a piece of toast in my mouth and a coffee in my hand as I fling the door open. I take a bite of the toast and wave it at her. “Jesus, Heather, what do you want?”
Pushing past me, she goes into the kitchen and picks up my other piece of toast. “Is that any way to talk to your favorite sister?”
“You’re my only sister, and that’s my breakfast.”
Heather smirks at me and takes a bite. I shake my head at her and take a sip of my coffee.
“Why are you here? Apart from eating my food?”
“Toast for breakfast is bad for you, anyway. It’s all carbs. You don’t want to get fat, do you?”
“Heather?”
“My car is making a stupid noise again. Could you look at it?”
“Love, I have a big meeting this morning at work. I can’t be late.”
“Fine, drop me to work then.”
I shake my head. “I can’t be late. You work in the opposite direction than me.”
Heather pouts at me.
“Fine. You can take my car, and I’ll take my bike. Okay?”
Heather smiles. “Driving the Mercedes. Woohoo, lucky me.”
“It’s a car, Heather.”
“Yes, a very expensive car. You know there’s a correlation between how much you pay for a car and how big your—”
“Enough! And it’s size, not price.”
Heather laughs, and it causes me to grin at her. She’s the youngest of all my siblings. Although she’s a twin, Heather came last, and as a result, she has all of us wound around her little finger.
I walk into my bedroom, grab my jacket and briefcase, and head for the front door.
The keys to my car are on the hall table, so I pick them up and find Heather waiting for me outside.
“No speeding,” I say as I jangle the keys in front of her.
“I’d never,” replies Heather, holding her hand to her chest.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean it, Heather. I’m not taking another ticket for you.”
“All right.” Heather sighs and smirks at me. “I know you look GQ and all, but are you really going to wear your Versace suit on a bike?”
“It’s Armani and yes. I have my leather jacket and helmet in the garage. Drive safely and have a good day. I’ll see you tonight.”
I pull her into me, kiss the top of her head, and walk toward the garage. Thankfully, I have my own office at work with a bathroom attached, so I can fix my hair when I get there. I need to look my best for the board meeting.
My car is parked in the driveway. I hear Heather open and close the door, and I turn to wave her goodbye. She’s smiling at me, and I grin back at her. The car turns over once and makes a strange noise, then I’m flying through the air. Heat and debris engulf me, and I’m slammed into an oak tree. I get up, something drips into my eyes. It stings. I rub at them, look at my hand, and see blood. I stand, take a step, and fall onto my knees.
Heather.
I have to get to Heather.
I stand again, staring at the place where my car was. There’s nothing there but a shell and flames.
I drop to my knees and scream, “Heather!”
Pushing up again, I take two steps, trip, and blackness engulfs me.