For the Love of Fire

Chapter 1 Dani

I wonder how it feels to burn alive. Does it hurt as much as people think? How long does it take you to die when you're burned alive? It can't be quick.

I hope it isn't.

I watch as I see the fire grow bigger and bigger. I stand there in my blue dress with white polka dots and feel the tears not falling down my face. I am past tears, I am past the upset. I am right at anger.

To the point of burning a whole house down.

Everyone tells me I am the fire of the family. The uncontrollable and quick tempered one. I have a mean streak. I can hold a grudge and get even, no matter the price. No matter the person. I guess that is what makes me good at my job.

I guess this is my calling card.

I turn back to my car as the fire reaches the second floor and pull my phone out. Hitting two on my speed dial. I wait for two rings " Dani?"

" Got a fire. Better get the team out here." I say calmly. Still watching the flames and smoke billowing from the windows and chimney. I smirk watching the black ash rolling out the windows.

" Where?" Dawson asks confused

I startup my car and say nothing for a minute just taking in my handiwork. " Dawson......purple roses."

" Ten-four Dani" he says before hanging up and most likely giving me two minutes to leave. Before calling it in and sending the whole squad out.

Purple roses means cover it up. No questions. It's a code system my father put together to make sure everyone knows what to do at all times. The truth is he knew where I was and what I did as soon as I called him. My brothers are intuitive and knew I was a loose cannon.

Our family is a big one and probably the most hated. Also, most people want to be like us. I am the only daughter to Frederick Mckillip, a real estate tycoon that has made millions over a very long and corrupt life. I took over the company a few years ago and I am doing a very good job of keeping our name known.

Everyone knows not everything we do is legal but most of the time I think they are too scared to say it outloud. Just in case they lose a loved one or even have their own house fire.

I have five brothers and they are all very well known as well. There is Dawson who is a firefighter. Desmond is twin and is an attorney. Dalton is a police officer and then Derrick is a bar owner and also has a tattoo shop. My younger brother is Deacon who is in politics and wants to be Mayor one day in our city.

Our great city of lies, deceit and anger. It's all so beautiful. So seductive.

I drove fifteen minutes back to the city from my ex's house, well ashes. I didn't want to live out here. I am meant for the city. I should have listened to my dad. He knew Maddox and I wouldn't work out.

It's dusk now and the stars are shining in the sky beckoning me back to the city. I need a drink. I need sleep. The last twenty four hours have been fast and very eventful. Emotional and also freeing.

Hours ago I decided to stop in and see Maddox. I walked into the house. The noises from the bedroom were loud and known by all on what was exactly going on. I walk slowly in the doorway and see my fiance in our bed with someone's legs around his waist. I leaned against the door frame, crossed my arms and watched until they saw me standing there. Maddax jumped up and the look he gave me was terror. Ripping through me is shock and sadness. I felt a tear fall down my cheek. I hear the blonde tramp say something. My ears had shut off though.

I was not in my body. I tilt my head up and close my eyes. Running through every outcome that could happen. If I shoot him I will be dead by tomorrow. If I shot her I would feel better for a second. He has a lot of money and he will have a whole new whore by monday.