Heart of Fire

By Marty Reynolds

John and Deanna are a very bright and attractive young couple who dated casually while they attended college. After graduation, the two of them went back home to their separate lives. Deanna decided to leave the family Hotel business
and take a job in John's home town. Unable to find a place to live, she became John's roommate. Their passion for each other re-ignited into marriage, and a family. As the family grew, the economy slumped. As a result, John was forced to change careers. Unknowingly, the longer John stayed in his new career, the more drawn to his mysterious past he became. Not even John is aware of this dark secret that is only held in his parent's confidentiality. As
this darkness begins to rule over John's life, it begins to destroy the love of his live, Deanna. John become's driven by his inner self.
Deanna, fearing the changes in John and the effects on her family has to decide what is safe for her and her two young sons. With nowhere else to turn but to go back home, she moves herself and her son's to her father's hotel
in Florida. The longer she stayed in Florida, the stranger John became. After John became unbearable to be involved with, Deanna meets with his parents and tells them everything her and John are going through. Deanna then
learns of the deep dark secret the now rules over John. Is Deanna strong enough to overcome John's past and keep the family together? Will John ever know what darkness rules him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marty Reynolds
• Release date: Dec 11, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456598365

Book preview

Heart of Fire!

Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction. Names characters, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locations is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2011 Marty Reynolds

All rights reserved. Published by Marty Reynolds

Dedications

To my wife Pam, for all of your encouragement and support. You make me who I am. Thank you for being there through this writing.

To my children, Mary, Michael, and Alicia, just for being who you are.

Chapter 1

I can’t believe this day has finally come, Betty said to Harry. Our son is finally graduating college and will soon start his own career path in life. Betty said, Soon he will meet a girl, get married, have children, and a new home. Harry replied to Betty, Now slow down Betty. John just got is Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering today. He hasn’t even walked off of the stage yet and here you are marrying him off, turning him into a father and moving him out.

Betty exclaimed, Just look around Harry, an outdoor ceremony at such a beautiful college, this is so exciting! (While not really listening to Harry) There are thousands of people here; it is a beautiful spring day, not a cloud in the sky Betty continued. Harry said, Besides Betty, if I remember correctly John is already pretty fond of that girl from Florida, Deanna I believe is her name. Betty said, Well yes that is true Harry, but after graduation they are going their separate ways to different parts of the country, besides you remember when we were in college. If you had followed your college sweetheart we would have never become one nor have John in our lives today.

Harry emphasized, While this is true, you have to remember you were my first love, you were the HIGH SCHOOL sweet heart. John didn’t really have a high school sweetheart; he was too active in sports trying to achieve this scholarship. We may have struggled over the decision whether or not to have John, but I can’t remember a time that he wasn’t always concerned about his financial burden towards us.

Betty replied, Why Harry, you do still have some sentiment left in that old heart And, that’s true Harry. John has always been a very conscientious person. Harry, look, there he is, just look at how handsome he is. He is tall, dark haired, fair complexion ….oh, oh, Harry look, there are girls swarming all over him. He can’t even make it over here to greet us without being made over. Harry said, Betty, that is two girls, one is Deanna and the other one is Deanna’s sister. You know, the girl I told you he has dated a couple of times. You can’t really call that a swarm when he already knows both of them Betty said, Oh, Harry, anyway here he comes.

Betty exclaimed, John, John congratulations son, you did it, you graduated from college, and with honors. John exclaimed Mom, Dad, thank you, thank you so much. You really stood by me and got me through college, can you believe it! Harry said, Congratulations son. John said, Mom, Dad, you remember Deanna, and this is her sister Andrea. Betty said Oh sure, sure, so nice to see you again girls, oh and congratulations to the both of you as well.

Harry said Hi girls, we were just talking about you. Deanna replied for the both of them Oh, really. Harry replied Yes, we were just remembering the times that you and John went out, and how much fun you two always had together. Deanna said Awwhh, we are sure going to miss those times.

Harry asked John while he is rubbing his hands together, Well, we have some pretty big plans for you son that is if you are ready to go? John asked Um, Mom, Dad, are you in a really big hurry to leave, what I mean is, Deanna and her family are not leaving town until in the morning. It is a lot further to Florida than it is to upstate New York and they would like for me to meet them at their hotel to say our goodbyes, which is if it is ok with you all?

Deanna asked Or, if you guys would like, I am sure my parents would love to meet you. They have heard so much about you through John, I am sure they would love to meet you all as well. What do you say? Andrea nodded agreeing. Betty looking to Harry for approval said well, sure, if you are sure they won’t mind. Andrea interjected, I will just text them at let them know we are all coming over right now. Harry gruffly asked Text, your parents’ text? Betty sharply replied to Harry Now Harry, parents today do anything they can to stay in touch with their kids. Just knowing they are ok sometimes is enough to get you through another day when they are so far away from home

Deanna asked Are you guys planning to stay the night in town or were you thinking of driving back this evening? Betty replied Well, we really had not considered staying over; it is only a couple of hours for us to drive home. Deanna exclaimed Oh please stay, you’ll love my parents. I am sure you guys will enjoy embarrassing us by exchanging childhood stories about each other!. Harry interjected Oh, no, no. We have things to do tomorrow, early.

Betty said, Now Harry, there is not one thing we have to do tomorrow that can’t be put off to another day. Only I don’t know that you girl’s parents would like us well enough to want us to stay over with them, having never met and all. That would be a big burden.. John interjected Mom, Mom hold on. I don’t think they meant stay with them, in the same room. You girls must forgive my mother; she came from a very small and loving family. They were always inviting neighbors and some strangers into their home without giving it a thought. John defended.

Somewhat relieved, Deanna said oh, that’s fine, but yes they are somewhat crowded. Unfortunately you would need to find a place to stay for the night. Betty replied I am so sorry girls, oh look now, I have embarrassed you. Anyway, do you think we can get a room tonight? This is college graduation day; there may be a lot of other parents wanting to stay over too. Andrea interjected, Let me check it out on my phone. Harry leaned into Betty’s ear and whispered why is she going to call around to these motels, I would rather drive to them. That way you can check them out while you are there. You never know what kind of crack house it is by phone.

Betty whispered back to Harry Harry, she is not calling. Her phone has internet service on it. She can search for the best price, the motel rating, and what amenities the motel has before she calls. Meanwhile John just looked towards the sky, rolling his eyes with embarrassment at the lack of modern savvy of his father. Deanna’s eyes met John’s as they were rolling and she gave him an approving smile while reaching out and touching his forearm with her hand. John just disgustingly shook his head. I found one, at the same hotel we are at! Andrea exclaimed. I am calling them now.

Harry just looked away in disgust. Betty grabbed him by the arm and growled under her breath to keep the others from noticing, Look Harry, these are John’s friends until tomorrow. He has spent the last four years of his life with them. The least we can do is respect that and enjoy this time. Harry snapped back to Betty They’re just pushy. Young ladies don’t make hotel reservations for strangers; we are perfectly able to do for ourselves. Betty sharply responded back to Harry while glaring at him Now you stop being so independent. In today’s time it is ok for whoever has the most efficient technology to do for someone else. It has nothing to do with one’s capabilities or the lack there of.

Andrea spun around to meet Betty and said I got you a suite for one night for the regular price of a room. Andrea leaned into Betty and whispered And I think it might be a honeymoon suite, it has a hot tub. Betty pleasingly responded as she turned to Harry making sure he could hear her Well Andrea, I need you to be my purchaser more often. We don’t get deals like that on our own. Harry responded It sounds great. First floor I do assume? Andrea said I am sorry, I didn’t ask. I didn’t realize it would matter. Harry responded Oh, I have just heard your chances of surviving a fire are far less with each floor that you go up on.

John leaned into Deanna and whispered That is really strange. My father has never commented about a hotel fire in all the years we have traveled. I don’t know why he would say that now. Deanna assured John Well if it doesn’t suit, we will try to get it changed when everyone goes out. That way Andrea doesn’t have to know and your parents are comfortable with their stay. Andrea said It is set, the Downtown Hotel on Main, reserved under your names, and we will all meet in the lobby in about an hour. Everyone can freshen up just a little before we meet. Everyone agreeing smiled to each other and parted ways.

As they walked away Andrea asked Deanna do you think that offended John’s parents to get them to stay over and make their arrangement. Deanna replied Well Andrea, sometimes you do come on pretty strong. Not everyone likes people to do things for them. Especially the older generation you know. Andrea asked I guess to tell them the hotel is family owned and their credit card will never actually be charged would be completely out of line then, you think? Deanna answered Let’s just try to make sure that doesn’t come up before the parents meet, ok?

Harry grabbed John around the neck and pulled him into him as they turned away to walk to the car and said Son, you have no idea how proud we are of you. There were so many hurdles, but you overcame all of them. You know your mother didn’t think you would adjust well away from home. John replied Really. Harry exclaimed Oh yeah. She said you couldn’t make it without her meatloaf for that long. John asked Oh Dad, please tell me she hasn’t made you eat her meatloaf the whole time I have been gone? Harry exclaimed Oh no, she said she couldn’t bear to make it knowing you weren’t there to eat as well. I have been able to duck that paste for four years now! They both chuckled as they walked towards the parking lot. Betty, catching up to them cried out boys you have no idea how gratifying it is to see your two most favorite men in the world together again and so happy.

Harry said Oh Betty stop being so sentimental, there’ll be plenty of time for all of that. Betty exclaimed Well, for all of these years I thought you boys liked my meatloaf. You always managed to clean your plates when I fixed it! With each of them embarrassed and astonished, John interjected well, Mom, we just.. Betty interrupted honey you don’t have to explain, I couldn’t figure out why you ate it any way, I tried to feed it to the dog once and he turned his nose up at it too. As they all hugged and returned towards the parking lot John’s eye caught a bright red late model American made sports car.

Harry said, Boy, what a guy your age would give to have one of those huh son? Still mesmerized, John said yeah, yeah that would be nice…..someday. as he came back to reality. Harry reached into his pocket and threw John a set of keys, Go ahead son, it’s yours. John just froze with disbelieve in his eyes while holding the keys at his stomach where he had caught them. Um, are you sure, that car had to cost…..um Betty interrupted You better jump in that hot rod son; your mother wants a ride. John babbled But how, it was so hard for you to put me through college, and the business was so slow.

Harry interjected Look son, all of your life you too made sacrifices to make sure you got scholarships. You hardly dated in high school to play sports; you were studying every hour after that to get higher grades. Now go on, you earned that car son. John ran over towards the car, unlocked the doors, and let his mother in the front while his father got in the back seat behind her. Harry said We wanted to meet you somewhere and introduce it a little different, but the girls……… Betty interrupted Harry, stop complaining, don’t you see how happy John is. It made no difference how the car was given to him, he appreciates just as much. Harry defended his self Well it’s just that we had a plan. John said Really Dad, there is no possible way I could have been any happier. Harry asked Well I sure hope not. Now where is this place we are staying at?

John said Actually Dad, there is an interstate loop around the metropolis I would like to take, you know, just to get acquainted with her while I drive. Harry said Absolutely, this is your day John. Where ever and whatever you would like to do. Harry asked What do you think Betty, does this bring back memories? Betty replied while her window was down with her hair blowing in the wind Well, it may be a newer model, but your father actually courted me in car similar to this one. John said Oh, you two love birds are really scaring me. Harry exclaimed as they drove off onto the highway Hey, we weren’t born old son, we knew what life was about as well!"

Harry asked How far is it to the room John, I would like to clean up before we meet anyone? John said Well, look over to your right, that tallest tower in the downtown is the hotel. Now getting from here to………… Harry yelled out What!!, I am sorry but I am not believing that a college girl using some internet cell phone can pull that kind of strings, first get us a room in a college town on graduation day, but then get it at a reduced rate. There is a lot more to this story than they are telling! Betty responded harshly Harry, why can’t you just indulge in the moment? You don’t work for the undercover police anymore, just relax and stop being such an investigator! As instructed, Harry sat back in the seat.

John looked to his mother for approval, Betty said Don’t you worry sweetie, your father appreciates what your friends have done for us. It is just hard for him to adjust to retirement after so many years of having to be suspicious of everything. Sometimes, I will even place the newspaper in a different spot on the table just to make him question it! John said That’s pretty cruel mom, funny, but cruel!

As they drove around the highway loop making their way closer to the hotel tower, everyone just looked in awe at the sights of the big college town. There were big buildings, bright lights and plenty of traffic. Finally, Harry broke the silence and said why would anyone want to intentionally live in a city this big? John answered first, Well, there is anything that your heart could desire to do here. There is the night life, restaurants that a chef could only dream of working at, night clubs, the whole works. Harry responded Well there’s one thing they don’t have. Betty asked What’s that? Harry exclaimed Solitude, there is nowhere to go and be alone around here. There are people everywhere! Not everybody likes a crowd!

Betty said John, I am sorry but your father just likes the simple life. Where we live everyone in the neighborhood knows each other. John responded Oh, that’s ok. Deanna and Andrea’s hometown in Florida is a lot like that. All of this is just exciting to me. John said You see Andrea and Deanna are almost opposites; Andrea would be just as happy on a twelve acre spread as Deanna would be on a small lot in a subdivision. Betty asked What about you John, you haven’t said much? John responded Well honestly I haven’t really thought it through just yet Mom.

John said assuring to his parents Ok, here is where we get off. Just a few more blocks and we all be in a luxurious hotel room and getting ready for a night out to dinner with some new found friends. As they began pulling into the shadow of the building everyone was just gazing at the beauty of the hotel, the detailed architecture, and majestic size towering above them. When they approached the covered lobby entrance, a bellhop attempted to open Harry’s door. Resisting the assistance Harry hurriedly opened the door himself. The sophisticated voice of the bellhop asked May I get your baggage? Betty quickly replied Oh don’t mind him, here come this way to the trunk and I will show to the luggage.

Everyone exited the car while the luggage was being cared for by the hotel staff. John, still in total disbelief just stepped back and continued to stare at his new car. As if he were guarding it, he stepped closer to the car while the luggage was being unloaded onto the hotel cart. With all of the luggage now safely loaded and headed to the lobby the valet held out his hand for the keys. John first looked at him, then the car, and then begrudgingly handed over the keys. John trustingly told the valet It’s new. Nice the valet responded back while getting in and speeding off.

As they approached the lobby, Andrea and Deanna had arrived just moments before and greeted them. They reconvened and all headed to the receptionist. Andrea rushed in first to the front to confirm all of the reservations. As the receptionist started to greet her by name she quickly and secretively shushed the receptionist. She quickly interjected I, my little sister and her friend just graduated college and his parents are in town. We want to show them around……since they don’t know anyone here. While leaning in towards the receptionist as to not draw attention to her and not giving away hers or Deanna’s identifications.

The receptionist just played along and greeted everyone as if she knew not who they were. As the rooms were arranged she handed the keys over to Harry. Harry said Why didn’t you girls get keys, where are you staying? Andrea quickly interjected Oh, I arrived a little earlier and made our reservations. We are all checked in. Harry just sharply responded Huh.. They all went to the elevator where the bellhop was waiting with the luggage and headed to the rooms. Harry watched closely as the floor numbers clicked off on the elevator, when it went by the 20th floor he `just rolled his eyes towards Betty. Meantime John’s eyes are gleaming, he said. You are going to love the great view

Harry complained It’s been a long day. Can’t we just eat in and do the meet and greet tomorrow? Betty responded Now Harry that is no way to be. The girls just got us great reservations to make us comfortable, the least we can do is go freshen up, met their parents and have a nice dinner together. Harry said Fine.. Finally the bell rang at the 22nd floor and the elevator car stopped. The doors opened into a plush hall leading to a penthouse suite. Harry exclaimed This has got to be outrageous! Betty leaned over to Andrea and asked Harry’s right, I am not sure we can afford this. How much did they say it would cost?

Very cautiously, Deanna responded into Betty’s ear There is no charge. A very close relative owns this hotel and he lets us stay whenever we need to. Betty responded looking over to Harry to make sure he heard her Oh, well we can afford that. They approached the door; Harry slowly inserted the key into the lock, took a deep breath and opened the door. As he gazed around the room he could tell it was fit for a king. There was a kitchen, a dining area, a very elaborate bath, a living area with the finest of television, a very large picture window with a priceless view of the college town, and art that would be pleasing to a museum.

Betty asked Harry, aren’t you going to let us in? In total amazement Harry said Sure, sure come on in. as he stood back and held the door for the entire group. They all went to the living area gazing around. The bellhop arranged the luggage, asked if there were anything else he could do, left his contact information and let himself out. Harry went straight for the window and fell in love with the view. He just scanned the entire horizon in amazement. He had never seen anything like this before. Deanna said Our room is just down the hall so we are really close by if you should need us.John said Okay, we will be ready soon to go to dinner. Give us about thirty minutes.

John headed straight to his room and found it too had a private bath. He began refreshing for his dinner date. Betty approached Harry and said Harry, are you okay? Harry said, Oh yes, I have never seen anything like this before. So, how much did Andrea say this was again? Harry asked. Betty said, Well Harry that is the beauty of it. She said a close relative owns the hotel, she can stay anytime she needs to. Harry sharply responded No, we are not staying here for free. We can afford one night, we don’t need anyone’s charity. Betty replied Oh just relax Harry. We will worry about it tomorrow. Right now it is important to John for us to go meet these girls’ parents and enjoy ourselves. Before you know it we will be back home and all of this will be nothing but a wonderful memory.

Harry said I sure hope you are right. I am very uncomfortable with all of this high fluting stuff. But you are right. This is John’s day. I will make the best of it. Harry said as he turned back into the window staring over the horizon. Harry said Just look at that view will you, I have never seen anything like this. The sun is setting over the city and all of the lights are beginning to glow, magnificent.. Betty assured him That’s it Harry, just take in the moment and enjoy it. But while you are doing that you should be getting ready, pull yourself away from the view long enough to get cleaned up and let’s get going. Harry walked off into their room and began preparing for the night out.

There he was met by elegant furniture, raised ceilings and more fantastic art work hanging on the walls. Once again he just stepped back to absorb all of the amazing things he was exposed to. Betty also joined him in freshening up and changing into proper meeting and dinner clothes. With everyone prepared they all met in the living area once again. Harry said John, you may want to go see if your friends are ready. We don’t want to keep the parents waiting. John answered Sure thing Dad. John left the room and headed off to meet up with the sisters. Harry asked So what do you make of all of this Betty? Betty answered, Remember Harry, there is more going on here than just you being suspicious over a hotel.

Harry said You’re right Betty. So what if they own a hotel, we’ve provided very well for John over the years. Betty disappointedly exclaimed HARRY! Why would you ever compare yourself to someone else? Of course we have provided well. John is very proud of his parents and wouldn’t change a thing in his life. Betty defended.

Harry said I am sorry Betty; I guess I always wanted to do……. John interrupted as he, Deanna, and Andrea came through the door. Okay we are all ready John said Oh, I didn’t mean to interrupt. Harry said Not at all, we were just commenting what a beautiful place this is but we really must not keep your parents waiting girls, shall we go now? Everyone left the room for the elevator and boarded. Harry asked as the elevator heads toward the lobby floor Are your parents close by? Deanna said Yes, they are actually in the restaurant now. Harry asked Here, in this hotel. We are going to eat here?

Deanna asked Yes sir, is that okay? While Harry is pondering this thought Andrea interrupted and said Listen, we haven’t been completely honest with you and it is pretty apparent that you suspect something anyway. You see, our parents own this hotel. Harry asked But I thought you said you lived in Florida. Andrea answered, We do, when I say hotel, I mean the chain, that is…well all of the hotels under this chain. We just thought that might make you all a little uncomfortable and that is the last thing we would ever want. You see, we don’t get to make many friends because they think we are snobs. In fact our parents are just normal folks. They were just blessed with the success of the hotel chain.

Harry exclaimed I knew it! I knew you couldn’t just arrange all of this on your little online tele- whatever that thing is. Andrea said, I really hope you are not upset with us. I am really sorry we tried to deceive you. I hope that you would understand. Please, just trust us; meet our parents before you judge us or them. Really, we are just as normal as the people that work here. Harry said I don’t know, deceive and trust, that’s two words that are pretty hard to use in the same conversation. John chimed in You won’t be sorry Dad. They are really great folks. Just then the elevator car bell rang for the lobby floor and everyone departed.

As they rounded the way to the restaurant, it too was very elegant. There was an open air dining area, an inside water fall, and at the same time, kind of a tiki hut look to it. There were indoor plants and vines properly displayed in the dining area as well. Deanna cried out There they are, over there. They are at the table next to the water fall by the pond. The group of them walked up to the table and began to greet each other. In the meantime Harry has begun to size them up. He stood back a little more as to have more time to evaluate them before it was his turn to greet. Immediately he noticed their age, they seemed somewhat old to have daughters just out of college.

Andrea spoke first, Mom, Dad, these are John’s parents. They are in town for the graduation as well. You all had to leave the ceremony early and they were unable to meet you. This is John’s Mom, Mrs. Betty interrupted and said Please, I am Betty and this is John’s Father Harry. As she turned to pull him forward by his arm. Pleased to meet the both of you, I am Fred and this is my wife Alice, and we are Deanna and Andrea’s parents. Fred pulled Alice into him, as if she were frail and needed assistance standing. Fred asked Harry I do hope you will be staying over while you are here? Harry replied Well actually, we had planned to drive back today; it is really not that far home for us. However, you have some very persuasive young daughters who would not hear of that so they arranged a room for us here at your hotel. As Fred looked around to Andrea for assurance that he heard Harry correctly That’s just great, you won’t be sorry. Andrea signaled back with a nod, Fred asked Is everyone hungry, we have some of the best chefs in the area?

John spoke up, Great, I am starving. Then turning to his parents and asking I hope you guys are hungry, this place is terrific. We have eaten here a couple of times after college games. Harry, now feeling a little more relaxed with the introductions being over said, It looks like a great place John. How about you order for us since you have been here before? John replied Okay Dad, I will. Fred directed everyone to the water fall table and asked Is this table okay, it is the most requested in the house, I really had to pull some strings to get it? Harry just gazed off as the all of the ladies chuckled.

Betty, correcting Harry, pulled him towards the table. She leaned into Harry’s ear and said You heard him; they had to pull strings to get this table, and now what is wrong with that? Harry snapped back Don’t you get it, they own the joint and all of the others under this name, and you don’t pull strings at the place own. Betty replied "Well either way they

Reviews for Heart of Fire

[madison_fairbanks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Heart of Fire by Kristen PainterAn engaging story of connections, love and sorcery. I liked the heroines naivety and her perceptiveness at the same time. I admire how she befriended everyone she met and made them feel better or richer having crossed paths with her. And on a deeper level, the cross race acceptance was commendable.A romance where good triumphs over evil and love conquers all. And magic can be used for good. Lovely.I listened to the audible version which was enthralling and entertaining.

[fireformed · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. I personally feel the characters of Jessalyn and Ertemis were well developed (there were a couple of exceptions) and I really liked the direction of the plot. I do however feel that this book needed to be longer. There were some characters introduced that needed more development and the end felt rushed. I would have loved this story to have expanded a bit to have rounded out. That being said I really loved that it was a happy ending (I'm a sucker for those!) and I lved both Jessalyn and Ertemis, they went really well together!