Free Hazards on the Hardwood (Hazards and Hijinks) by Patty A. Gammons

much noise other than an occasional cry when she needed something. Most of the time she either cooed or smiled. Sophie lovingly put her in the crib and turned on the Noah’s Ark mobile above her head. She wound it good and tight so “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep” would play for a longer time. It always soothed Zoe and she usually fell asleep pretty quickly. Her mother adored her.
     
     
     
     

 
     
    16
     
    Edward received a call that evening that his compound was prepared and ready for him to pick it up. Anticipation made his heart race. “I will wreak havoc on that contest like never before in dance competition history!” He was pretty satisfied with his sabotage.
    He waited for Sparky to return home from teaching a small swimming class and possibly another quick shopping spree. He had to have everything perfectly set up. Sparky would play her part, as well. She was still as beautiful as she was the day he married her. His heart nearly beat out of his chest when he thought of her.
    Sparky had plans of her own not known to her adoring husband. She was trying to figure out a way to get free of him. He had been a dark hearted plotting husband and it worried her. She wasn’t sure what she could do, but deep inside her, Sparky knew she hadn’t signed up for all this horrible trouble he was about to unleash on innocent people. Edward’s mind was a reservoir of malicious twists and turns. It worried Sparky but she never said much to him. Her conscience alerted her to his sinful streak however because she was his wife she thought she was supposed to support him in every way. “It’s what we women do.” She mused.
    “But he’s gone too far. All of this evil could get him thrown in jail.” She grew more worried as her mind worked these thoughts out.
    Edward could have done other bad things before this current scheme that Sparky had no knowledge of. She was unaware of any previous dark deeds. What was Edward like before she’d met him?
    Sparky started thinking about how Edward was when she met him. They had bumped into each other at Macy’s on a brisk winter day right before Christmas in 2004. They were in the luggage department. She would never forget his handsome face as they both checked out a piece of Louis Vuitton. Their eyes met and the chemistry was immediately obvious. His and her hand felt the electricity as they touched the same label. The attraction was apparent.
    “Excuse me miss, I’m sorry.” Edward said with a gleam in his eye.
    “Oh it’s okay. I am just looking,” said Sparky rather timidly.
    “You are absolutely stunning.” What a line this guy had, Sparky thought at the time.
    “Thanks for those kind words. I’m late for an appointment. Have a wonderful day.” She said hurriedly. She turned to move away and he gently touched her wrist.
    She recalled that after he’d touched her wrist she became putty in his hands. “I really must go. Please let go of my hand!” She insisted.
    “I’m sorry Miss…I didn’t get your name.” That was one of the oldest tricks in the books for a man to try. She snickered and again started to move away.
    “May I take you out for a cup of coffee?”
    “Boy, this guy doesn’t give up.” Sparky giggled inwardly.
    “Sir we’ve never met before. That usually equates itself with a big fat ‘NO’ at least in my book it does!”
    “This chick has spunk.” He thought. He had to know her now. She was simply irresistible. She also wasn’t an easy target.
    “Look I know I’m being very forward but I find you simply fascinating. And do I detect a slightly British accent?” He was pushing now.
    “Yes I am certainly British. I come from Surrey.” Oh boy, she’d given him more information than she had intended. This guy was slick, no doubt.
    Edward noticed not only the accent but also that she was a bit on the muscular side; possibly from a gymnastic background. He had to dig deeper.
    “I promise just one cup of coffee and if I don’t meet with your