The Dreams of Fire

By Lyle Markey

The Dreams of Fire is the second novel in The Toll of Valor series. Russ ‘Duke’ Marlin is now a scarred veteran serving on Watanka Fire Department. Duke begins this next epic adventure after a horrendous loss. Julie Goodin, Duke’s fiancée, broke his heart but not as one would expect.
A family of firefighters, Duty - Honor - Valor - Loyalty is the Marlin tradition, and those words transformed a boy into a heroic man. Even if Julie is no longer Duke’s girl, Deward Banksiana still has a fetish and a pentagram tattoo, and his eye is on the new girl in town.
In charge of a crew of courageous firefighters, Duke advances in rank. That comes with a price. Somebody has to pay, and the cost is devastating. However, someone can heal his wounds… if only Duke knew the truth. It’s complicated yet so simple, all he has to do is look beyond the obvious.
The carnage keeps pounding Duke, and the girl that he falls in love with is no help, or is she. One thing for sure, God never gives up.
Then on the night of her wedding day, Julie lies in the arms of her fairy-tale love, or is it just another dream …

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Feb 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781489728098

Lyle Markey

Lyle Markey holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Fort Hays State University. Responding to the need for dedicated emergency responders, Mr. Markey became a volunteer firefighter in 1986. Since then, he continues to serve with honor and distinction. Mr. Markey has woven some of his actual experiences into many adventures in The Toll of Valor, and now, The Dreams of Fire. His ongoing participation in emergency services, and his love of Jesus Christ, make Lyle Markey a must reader for the teen to adult fan of captivating adventure. Deputy Chief Markey was honored to be nominated for the Tom McGaughey Award of Merit, awarded by the state of Kansas. The City of Wamego, Kansas also recognized Mr. Markey for ‘Selfless and dedicated action in response to the Ferrellgas propane fire — August 26, 2000.’ Lyle and his wife, Kay, live near the Flint Hills of Kansas. They were married in May of 1982, and have two lovely daughters. Their home is shared with an adopted border collie, a red Doberman and two very spoiled cats. The Markeys are co-founders of Sparrow Specialty Coffee of Manhattan, Kansas—an outreach to the surrounding community in the name of Jesus Christ.

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Copyright © 2020 Lyle Markey.

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents,

organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products

of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2808-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2807-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2809-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020902983

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 02/15/2020

Contents

Prologue   From The Toll of Valor

Chapter 1   Two Years Later

Chapter 2   Watanka Community Church

Chapter 3

Chapter 4   Summer Motel – Watanka

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7   The Next Morning

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15   June 14th

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20   August 26th – Watanka Community Church

Chapter 21   The South Pacific

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24   Valentine’s Day

Chapter 25   March 20th

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33   May 29th – Vermillion River

To my

Lord and Savior for giving me life.

To my lovely wife, Kay.

To my children who have blessed me, Amber & Amanda.

To my hero, and, big brother, Russ.

To Mom & Dad who sacrificed for me.

Prologue

From The Toll of Valor

It was a dance of light and shadow… at our old swimming hole on the Vermillion River, my closest friends and I sat in the glow of a crackling campfire. That remote clearing was Len’s idea for my bachelor party. Gazing at the flames, I thought back to the carefree times with just us guys. And, those life-changing adventures with Julie Annette Goodin…

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En Gedi Restaurant

Don’t laugh, ladies. Someday, Russ will write a book about our life together. And there’s one scene I’ll insist that he include.

Christine ‘Chrissie’ Adams shrugged. "Like which one, JG? I wish I had as many shoes."

This romance will take your breath away.

Brenda Blake, another close friend, leaned forward, she said, "Julie, you must tell us."

Very well, I said. "The hero is a young prince… his courage is already evident, yet nobility must temper imprudent behavior with wisdom and honor. Hence, the boy is sent away to become a knight. Among a few possessions, he carries this strict order, ‘Pretend to be a pauper!’

"A harrowing journey, it was fraught with loss, but the lad arrives at his destination. An unlikely encounter finds this brash squire in mutual gaze with some forthright maiden. Julie-Annette is certainly quite plain, yet together, they grow in their love… overcoming many challenges and dangers along the way.

"Finally, the time has come for Prince Marlin to depart. The scholars genuflect in approval. To the scarred veterans, the young prince has proven his courage—earned his place to command fierce warriors. Indeed, a priest anoints him… Prince Marlin has learned his lessons well.

"Which brings me to the scene: Prince Marlin must be utterly sure of his beloved’s true heart. He plans an extraordinary test. The event cost his last coin, but he arranges a most romantic evening in some quaint village. By candlelight, they dine among shimmering fountains. He surprises her with a horse-drawn carriage ride ‘round the charming town square.

"Julie-Annette doesn’t know; all the shops belong to King Marlin. Therefore, the ‘pauper’ feigns sadness. He says, ‘Julie, these lights, and fountains—all the people all dressed up, I wish I could give you all this on a platter.’

"The unsuspecting maiden has never held jewels, aside from a common cross necklace Prince Marlin once gave for her birthday.

"As the carriage is drawn slowly along; carefully, Julie-Annette examines the crowded stores and bustling shops as if shopping for something. Yet with shelves full, none offer true love.

"Julie-Annette doesn’t smile, but her heart is ablaze. She embraces her hero’s strong arm and says, ‘This isn’t real. It may be fun to dress-up, and make-believe we have the world on a string…

"‘Yes, someday, you’ll write a love story, and we’ll be rich and famous…

"‘Until then, the only thing I truly want is a… ring.’

The noble prince wipes liquid ‘dust’ from his eyes and rubs those tears into his trousers. He says, ‘Croakers, Julie, you’re a poet and didn’t know it.’

I passed a glance among my friends. "Dry those eyes, girls. Russ Marlin is going to write a love story."

Our waitress—she looked older than her years, shredded the check, she said, Honey, I’ve heard a lot of tales. But, that’s the first to give me goosebumps.

Then, my friends and I purchased tickets for the Re-run Theatre. We sat through much of Gone with the Wind crying our eyes out.

I absorbed my tears with a soggy napkin as Scarlett said, "‘Tara! Home. I’ll go home, and I’ll think of some way to get him back! After all, tomorrow is another day!’"

As Scarlett stood alone by a gnarled tree, the house lights came on. Christine flopped back in her seat and sighed. Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara have nothing on Russ Marlin and Julie Goodin.

I giggled. "True, but it’s late, and I need to sleep… tonight."

Nevertheless, as I slipped into bed, my heart throbbed with the anticipation of giving myself to Duke.

Suddenly, I felt strangely vulnerable without my Hero picture watching over me. Lost probably… packed away in some misplaced box. My alarm clock swept away the final minute until midnight and I held ‘Teddy’ a bit closer.

I once said I kept my ‘Hero’ by my bed. After we say, I do, I would wake up with the real man. I’d done that. Or, had I?

What if, I thought, it’s the afternoon before my 9th Birthday? As I drifted off to sleep, I was praying, ‘Dear Jesus, I don’t know why those boys at school, William Damon and Gus Carlson, are so mean to me. But, please, Lord… all that I want is a hero to save me.’ I woke from my nap saying, ‘Someday, I shall tell my friends… Tomorrow, I will marry my hero.’

Of course, then it made sense. Duke gave me that cross necklace, the one from so long ago. As my finger followed its form, aloud I thought, This is no dream. This is an answered prayer.

I counted the last seconds, "Fifty-eight, fifty-nine…" Serenity washed over me. "After midnight—after all these years—‘tomorrow’ is today…"

However, at dawn, I stirred to the sound of a storm…

Chapter 1

Two Years Later

… I see her but I don’t. A perfect smile, the sparkle in her blue eyes, how she fills a dress—those and all things I love about Sonay pass in a flash before my eyes. Then, I yank the noose with all my might.

Fiery breath, enraged by capture, the dragon screeches like metal grating metal—eyes piercing the darkness with pulses of emerald light. Escape is hopeless, but I am not afraid of death. I only dread what will happen if I die too soon.

I sprint for a ravine, pulling the monster by his neck. Behind me, I hear his steel-like claws grinding the asphalt. Flames scorch my heels—powers my legs to unknown speed, yards seem to shrink to inches. Hope rises in my soul, I think, I’ll dive to safety—just a few more strides.

I venture a glance, and suddenly, his eyes pulse yellow… yellow… yell—ka-boom!

Strangely, I look down on my shredded corpse just as the knees buckle. Amidst the searing flames, an angel extends her hand, she says, "Russ David Marlin, come with me…"

… Abruptly, I open my eyes. My back twitches with a muscle cramp and my heart pounds from the dream of my death. Caleb ‘Fizz’ Flanary snores like a moose, but that is not what shook the ground. The thought crosses my mind, That same freakin’ dream again. But who is ‘Sonay’?

Overhead, the lush canopy of oak, walnut and cottonwoods sway. An occasional gap among the branches reveals a dark, turbulent squall line. Soft morning light filters through the storm and casts this clearing with a fuzzy, ethereal green hue. A few feet from my head, swirls of smoke rise from the remains of our campfire and drift over me like some acrid apparition.

Am I gettin’ married today? I ask.

Matthew ‘Bobcat’ Black Feather checks his wristwatch. "No, Duke, you’re best man at Flanary’s, remember? Hey, maybe you’ll meet the girl. After all, chicks dig weddings."

It’s too soon— I drop my head back onto a rolled Army blanket. The adrenaline rush fades, but the stitch I felt in my gut all day yesterday, if anything, seems worse this morning. What is goin’ on? I hear myself ask.

A drop of rain splatters on my forehead—another hits an ember with a spizz. Not on Flanary’s big day, I groan.

Flanary stirs as I crawl out from my bag. An onrush of wind bends the treetops, and I think, Well, that ain’t good. I bounce a walnut off Flanary’s head. "Fizz—Fizz, saddle-up. We’re in for a soaker."

Flanary growls, "Get lost, Marlin, I was about ta give Rhonda a doozy." Lightning—flash, thunder—cracka-booom! Flanary sits straight up. Oh, crud… I left my windows down.

Len, my kid brother yawns, scratches his armpit. He says, I thought that one was gonna climb in the sack with me. So, what’s for breakfast?

Black Feather tosses a tin to Len—Help yourself to that can of Spam. Boys, see y’all at the church. At that, Black Feather gathers his bedroll into a wad, muttering, "Coffee, coffeee."

Rain patters on the leaves above—gaining intensity by the second. James Des Moines Stewart hurriedly cinches the strap on his sleeping bag. He says, Fellas, I’ll see ya in a few. He looks up the trail, shouts, "Hey, Matthew, wait up!"

Len glances between Flanary and me. Those guys are nothin’ but Girl Scouts. Anybody for a swim? he asks, pulling off his socks.

Then cold raindrops fall, each impact chilling my skin. Surely, Flanary feels it too, but he peels his T-shirt, saying, May as well. Either way, I’m gonna get wet—very wet.

Eah, what the hay— I doff my pants. Last one in’s a rotten egg!

Len launches himself off the bluff in a forward flip. I just dive in and start splashing around in the midst of this late-May gully washer. With a laugh, Len asks, Whose dumb idea was this anyway?

Flanary shouts, "Gangway, here come da groom!" With a running jump, he adds altitude to the 10-foot drop and hits the creek tucked into a cannonball—creates an impact geyser the size of some World War II depth charge. He pops up coughing and gagging, but manages, Did I kill any fish?

I shout, That was awesome, Fizz! You gave me a concussion!

With a laugh, Len shouts, Yeah, that bent the Richter scale, but next time remember ta hold your breath—no sense drowning!

Nah, Flanary says, "nobody’s dyin’ today… hey, there’s a turtle."

I cast a wary eye toward the sky. Nice, but what if you’re wrong about dyin’ today?

Flanary opens his mouth—flash-flash—cracka-cra-booom! Thunder shakes the surface into tremulous waves.

My kid brother looks at us all goggle-eyed, he says, Okay, I’m gettin’ out.

Flanary dog paddles toward the climbing rope. Without looking back, he says, Stay if ya want, boys, but I’m gonna find a Girl Scout—buy Len and me some lemon cookies…

Several miles and minutes later: Barefoot and dripping wet, I say in a near shout, Hey, somebody’s turnin’ into a prune out here!

From somewhere out of sight—probably the laundry room, Mom, Laura Marlin, calls out, Don’t move! I’ll be there in a jiffy! She walks around the corner and at first glance shakes her head in disbelief. "You need a towel, what an understatement. Russ David Marlin, I am afraid to ask, but what did you do?"

I throw on my ‘Hollywood Indian’, "Me—camping, Len say… swim."

She huffs. Incredulous is thy middle name. Just dry off before you catch pneumonia.

"What? It’s not ‘David’? Um, you just took this baby out of the dryer."

Listen… Caleb and Rhonda are to be married at 14-hundred. Is it too much for you to stay clean and dry until then?

Hades nor ‘high water’ will keep me from this afternoon. I toss the towel. So, Dad said ta stop by—said it’s urgent.

Oh, I just wanted to see you and I have your list. Don’t move.

I call out, Yeah, thanks for asking—I’m fine—glad I didn’t want any breakfast! Visible through the living room window, a distant lightning bolt draws my attention. I begin counting seconds until the thunder, One-Mississippi… two-Mississippi………Eleven-Mississippi—

Ahem, Mom clears her throat—I flinch. Mister Marlin, I want you to read this in front of me. She hands me a folded piece of floral stationery. You know what happens if you botch this. I shudder to think about what the wedding will be like.

Yeah, we all know about wedding disasters, don’t we?

Put… Mom has to swallow a surge of grief. Put it out of your mind—read the note.

Done. Hey, wait… is this the scented paper that makes Dad drool? Mother, they should deliver this in a brown paper bag. The neighbors will talk.

Russ, I’m not smiling.

Croakers, Mom, I don’t need a list… pick up our uniforms, show Rhonda’s parents around Firehouse 1 and— The sound of distant thunder yanks my attention to the living room window.

Russ, look at me.

I can listen and while observing.

Fine, she says, "but you must read this—every word."

"Fine, how many times can I save the day?" I unfold the stationery. Mom had written:

Duke, above all else, avoid the things that terrify most men. Please-please-please, leave Grog in the bathtub. Do not be late, no T-rex imitations, and do not forget… I am praying for you.

Your dad and I love you!

Mom

I glance up, and she asks, Can you handle that?

"Whal, Mother Dear, if it’ll make ya happy—I promise. But save your prayers. I plant a peck on Mom’s cheek. Then as I turn to leave, I ask, Hey, before I go… do we know a blonde fox named Sonay?"

Mom is great with names, but she says, ‘Sonay’ doesn’t ring a bell…

Chapter 2

Watanka Community Church

I finish a 5th of whiskey down to the last shot. Stewart walks up from the parking lot—our class ‘A’s fresh from the cleaners slung over his shoulder. He says, Man, I got home and took a nap. How about you? After all the booze you slammed down, you still tossed like some carp on a riverbank.

Dude, you would not believe the dream I had. Ever wake up exhausted?

Well, thank goodness, I wasn’t sure if you’d ever wake up.

Did I mention anything about wantin’ ta wake up?

Hey, nobody’s jumpin’ your case. I can’t even imagine what today must be doin’ to ya.

"It’s like, everyone says I’ll get over it. But, tell me how, Jimmy. Reminders of Julie are everywhere, even in my dreams. Until that dream last night."

Well good. Julie wants you to find love and have a family.

I’m surprised she told you. I didn’t think anyone was around.

Look, Julie truly loved you. It makes sense that she wouldn’t want you to go on being lonely. I have a wife now, and you could too. Tell me that Christine hasn’t waited for you for most of her life. Not to mention Denise and Brenda.

"I care about Chrissie too much to hurt her. Honestly, I see her more as a sister—definitely Tall Bear’s girl. I could ask out Denise, but I’d jus’ end up as a notch on her bedpost. Brenda… yeah, now there’s thought. So okay, I admit it… I could think about actively seeking my ‘soul mate’. Except that until they find Julie’s body, you’ll notice that I won’t mention anything about commitment."

Give it up, Duke, JG’s in a far better place.

You got that address—I’ll buy a ticket.

Well, for sure, your soulmate’s not in Spotted Owl’s Bar. And don’t be so… geez, uncivilized when you get approached by a girlfriend candidate.

"Mr. Happy Thoughts, can we talk about something else?"

Sorry, I think I was about to ask about your dream. You said something about, ‘until last night.’

Oh, yeah…doozy, Bro.

I’m waiting.

Let’s see… most things were the same, as usual. Always fire and ghouls and death and… only then it’s different. I meet this fine thing—blonde with glasses, but I can’t remember much more, except for her name. It was Sonay… something like Reed.

Lemme guess, you and Sonay led a fairy tale life of love and happiness.

We did until there was that freaky train wreck again… that fire too—there was that dragon, can’t forget him. It was so real, and everything about Sonay that made her special passed before my eyes. Just after that, that bomb went off. I felt the shrapnel tearin’ me apart.

"Zooks, man… that part still gives me the crawlers."

"At least that angel still took me to heaven. I just wish I could remember what the chick looked like… I didn’t get a complete picture, only that somehow, I knew that she was Julie."

Well, maybe it was more than a dream?

You think so? God knows I hope it was. Except, if I find her, I don’t wanna die.

No kidding, that’d put the suck in Suckville.

On second thought, I would die for just one night of what I had with Julie.

Have faith—right? And if we ever work a freaky train wreck, don’t stand too close.

Tell ya this… if it’s for real, Jimmy, you’re my best stooge. I mean, best usher—best usher man.

"That’s my buddy, ever loyal. So, you’re thinking that maybe, possibly… put Julie behind you? It’s been way past the acceptable time for mourning a spouse, let alone—"

"Jus’ shut-up alright?" I pull the bottle from my back pocket—spin off the cap. "You want some of this? They don’t call this rot Loud Mouth for nothin’."

Hey, com’on, Duke, let’s get Fizz married off and then you can get smashed.

Nah, I might die before the wedding. I take a big gulp and toss the empty into the bushes.

I walk into the church wiping the whiskey from my lips. Stewart gives a nudge to my ribs. He says, I think that’s her—from your dream. Over there by the guest book. You see her?

"Yes, I do. I guess if I’m gonna find a nag, now’s the time… hold my whiskey—oh, wait I tossed it."

Careful, Russ, she’s on holy ground. Better try ta be more like Len—he didn’t give up his faith.

"Yeah, but who’s got that John Wayne swagger? More important, I’m the only one here without a hot squaw."

Maybe she’s the stand-in chaplain’s daughter. Wanna bet a ‘Lincoln’?

Nope, but I’m about ta find out. Stay here, I’m gonna sign the guest book.

Just remember, try to be civilized.

I saunter across the foyer to where the blonde with her cutesy short hair-do rifles through a shopping bag, looking for what—probably a pearl from her necklace. She doesn’t notice me so I give her a loud, Ahem.

She pulls out black-rim glasses, slides them on and sets the bag aside. With a smile that seems quite familiar, she says, Sorry, I must have lost the guest book pen.

That’s okay. I’m not here ta sign in. I’m the best man… in more ways than one.

Her smile quickly morphs to a blank expression. So, why bother me?

I’m not. I jus’ wanna invite ya to see all Watanka has ta offer… especially under the stars.

I need a pen, not a date. She walks away.

Exactly the response I’m after… but, it seems like I’ve been here before. I glance up from the swing of her hips. "Sorry, jus’ wait a second. I think I know where there might be a feather pen. I’ll behave, promise."

She turns around and walks back to me in what must be a designer dress, a form-flattering white thing with vertical black stripes. At conversation range, she stops and reaches into her purse—pulls out a Lifesaver, says, Oh, I already regret this but… take it, your breath peeled my nail polish.

"Hm, wintergreen’s my favorite. Com’on, we’ll go this way. I lead from the foyer and take the back route. I flip on a light and start down some creaky narrow steps to the basement storage room. I look back over my shoulder—Oh, by the way, thanks for the Lifesaver."

She cringes at the cobwebs, says, Trick-or-treat left-overs. Are you their custodian?

Well, that’s destiny for ya, and no, I’m not. So watch that last step, and… here we are.

The basement is original limestone block and redbrick floor. Since the last time I was down here they’ve added more junk, most with greenish brass memorial plaques. For a moment, she and I stand side-by-side taking it all in.

She says, Something about this place… the smell of undisturbed age. I find it soothing, in a way.

Whatever. I can do without the reminders, but— I point to the storage cabinet in a far corner. —if it’s there, the one from my wedding should still be in the box.

"Oh, so… your ‘wife’ will