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

livid. Sparky hated hearing small tidbits of the conversation. She clearly didn’t know the entire situation. All she heard was Edward’s side on the phone. Clearing her mind of the sleepy feeling she continued to listen to what was happening.
    “Max that compound better be correct and ready to be picked up. Do I make myself clear? Things could get mighty ugly if you fail me on this!” Oh the venom that was coming from Edward’s tone of voice struck fear in Sparky’s heart. She knew she was definitely on the right track by forming a getaway plan. He knew people that could make it very difficult for her to exist.
    First, a cup of coffee so she could function and then she’d call Landon. He would help; he was the only one that could. She loved her brother and had confidence in his capabilities. He had friends in high places. She had remembered that early on.
    She put on her Oscar de la Renta robe, swished her hair back, rinsed out her mouth and headed down the staircase to the kitchen. The study door was open slightly and she could see Edward wiping his forehead. He had worked up a sweat with his earlier conversation. His face told it all. He was furious and didn’t want to be disturbed.
    She poured her coffee and heated up a scone in the microwave. She had to get some nourishment before going to the pool. She would grab a protein bar to take with her for later. Making sure she had her phone in her purse, she felt a bit of comfort as her fingers touched the smooth surface. Landon would help. She kept repeating it over and over in her mind.
    Edward suddenly appeared in the kitchen looking disheveled. “What was he thinking?” she thought as she sipped her coffee.
    “Sparky darling. I need you to do me a favor this morning.” His voice sounded artificial as he tried to sound congenial. “I would like for you to go to the address on this piece of paper and talk to a man named Max Levy. He will give you a package. I want you to bring it back to me as soon as you can. Understand?” His voice had a tone of command to it that bothered Sparky.
    “Sweetie have you forgotten I have to teach a class at ten?” She tried to sound confident but realized the tone was rather shaky.
    “Well I need you to cancel it at once. This is a very important errand. You must promise me you’ll do this for me.” His voice commanded her obedience.
    “I’ll call the school and see if they can line up a substitute.” She said hesitantly.
    “Good.” With that he walked out of the room and back into his study.
    “This is not good; how can I possibly help him in his crime?” She didn’t know exactly how to handle this.
    She phoned the swimming facility. Waiting for a staff member to answer, she tried to think of a good last minute excuse for missing her class.
    “This is Courtney how may I help you?” The familiar voice came on the other end of the phone. She would believe anything Sparky said without a doubt.
    “Courtney, this is Sparky Haversham. I’m afraid a family emergency has come up and I will have to miss my session today. Do you think one of the other instructors could come through today and substitute the class for me?” Sparky tried not to sound too anxious.
    “Let me take a look in the log and see.” There was a delay of a few moments and silence as Courtney checked the register.
    “Yes, Ellen Miller has a free couple of hours today. I will put her down for the times and call her. I’m sure she won’t mind. She can use the extra money, too.”
    “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”
    “Sparky I hope everything is alright at home. Please let me know if there’s something you want me to do to help.”
    Sparky answered her considerately and quickly, “I will Courtney. If I think of anything I will call you. And I should be back to my regular schedule by Monday.”
    Ending the call, Sparky put her phone back in her purse. She then went to the computer to pull up the address on a map site to get directions to the