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Firestone
Firestone
Firestone
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Firestone

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Ending a curse and saving the fairy world is fun, but at some point you have to do the laundry. For Jill, that means returning to the Castle to have her twins — Tanner and Michael. Blane begins bone marrow transplant which will end his ongoing health issues or kill him. Tink, Charlie and Ivy must relive their personal experiences with the gang rapes for the strangers on the Grand Jury. Sandy comes face to face with the detective who killed her mother only to discover a secret gift from her mother. With the help of an ancient sword and meddling fairies, Heather gets a chance to live the rest of her life. In the middle of it all, a young boy arrives from Atlanta to change Tanesha and Jeraine’s lives forever.

In Firestone, our beloved Denver Cereal characters face difficult life challenges with their usual grace, laughter, and loving support for each other.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateAug 22, 2014
ISBN9781938057250
Firestone
Author

Claudia Hall Christian

Claudia Hall Christian writes stories about good people caught in difficult situations. Her stories are addictive, heart pounding, and intense. She is the author of the Alex the Fey thriller series, the Queen of Cool, the Seth and Ava Mysteries, Suffer a Witch, Abee Normal Paranormal Investigations, and the longest consecutive serial fiction ever written, Denver Cereal. She lives in Denver where she keeps bees, gardens, hangs out with her Plott Hounds, and husband

Read more from Claudia Hall Christian

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    Firestone - Claudia Hall Christian

    Denver Cereal is an addicting, sweet and crunchy serial fiction filled with the tension, drama, and love of urban life.

    The Denver Cereal

    In the Denver Cereal, we meet Jillian Roper when she pulls on her thigh high leather boots and crashes her abusive ex-husband Trevor’s engagement party. At the party, she meets her dream man, Jacob Marlowe. Jill and Jacob begin a crash course through grave injury and illness, to find love. Along the way, we meet Jacob’s movie star sister, Valerie, and learn of her struggles to have her own dreams and share her life with her husband Mike. Jill’s best friends — Sandy, Heather, and Tanesha — begin new courses in their life that take them to confront their greatest fears and deepest longings.

    Celia’s Puppies

    Jacob and Valerie’s mother, Celia, helped lost people, who she called Celia’s Puppies. In this second volume of the Denver Cereal, Celia’s puppies come to the forefront. We meet Jacob’s noble stepsister, Honey, and get to know Jacob’s ‘cousin’ Blane. While on Oprah, Valerie learns of Mike’s terrifying time away. Trevor and his fiancé attempt to kidnap Jill’s daughter Katy and her best friend Paddie at a holiday party. The fiancé all but kills Honey. She is saved by her childhood sweetheart, MJ, and they reorient their lives toward love. Jill and Jacob marry in the Castle Chapel in the end.

    Cascade

    Peace comes to Denver Cereal, but demons from the past refuse to stay in the past. We learn of Sandy’s horrific childhood and her boyfriend Aden responds with violence. His violent act ends with Sandy getting shot by her pedophile father and Aden lands in jail. Jill, her mother, and father tell the story that was never to be told and her family begins to heal. With the help of Heather, now his wife, Blane confronts his past loves and battles Hepatitis C. Beloved Delphie must confront a demon from her past. When he arrives to kill her and everyone else, he meets what he could never expect. Delphie’s family battles for her. In the end, Delphie survives a life

    Cimarron

    In Cimarron, everyone grapples with the consequences of their actions to restart their lives. Aden continues his jail sentence. Delphie comes to terms with almost dying. Valerie launches herself as a movie actress while Mike’s painting career flourishes. Jill and Jacob face their first relationship challenge. Sandy becomes gravely ill and her child, Rachel, is born two months early. They fight their way through the problems to come together as a family. And just in time! Six pairs of human remains are found and a murder mystery begins.

    Black Forest

    The story takes off into the wild, action packed pursuit of the child killer, Saint Jude. Danger lurks and evil’s host threatens to destroy the lives of those we live. Friends are murdered and even with Jacob and Delphie’s abilities, Saint Jude continues to rampage against the children of the city and even tries to steal Rachel. When all hope is lost, the women and children triumph over the serial killer and the evil that drives him.

    Fairplay

    Why is life so unfair? Charlie’s question permeates the story as his mother rejects her children to embrace her greed; Seth’s greatest love falls to her death; Jill fights to protect Katy; Blane’s health deteriorates; and a true love, broken by betrayal, reignites for Tanesha. Through their individual losses, the friends and family embrace the wealth and power available within their circle. In the end, Charlie’s pursuit of life’s fairness carries the Denver Cereal back into the grace and bounty of present life

    Gold Hill

    Tanesha’s plans are shaken when true love returns with a truck load of baggage in the form of Jeraine Wilson. The sparks from their struggle ignites a firestorm that illuminates their private pain. Tanesha’s beautiful mother, Yvonne, breaks free from her life as a sex slave and return to Tanesha’s father, Rodney. A powerful love story unfolds and an unbroken vow is reforged. In the end, the past is swept away to reveal the truth that love is more precious than gold.

    Silt

    Charlie lands right in the middle of a ring of high school rapists brutalizing his school and into an interrogation room at the Denver Police. Charlie uses his past as a street kid to take on the rape ring. The pressure heats up when Jacob discovers deep fissures under the site of their first big project, and Lipson Construction transitions to employee ownership. In the dramatic conclusion, Jacob steps up to take on the rapists with the help of a few friends, including a dragon. His experience gives him the resolve to head Lipson Construction through their most troubling times.

    Larkspur

    A massive earthquake upends their old construction site, and Jacob and the Lipson Construction crews take the lead in the rescue operation. When Jill begins the early stages of labor, mysterious creatures appear around the Castle, and Jacob and Sam are whisked to the Isle of Man to break the curse on the Marlowe males which dooms Jill’s twins. While Jacob struggles to come to terms with a demanding Fairy Queen, conspirators attack Jill and her friends in order to steal her sons. One by one, the family is called to fight the curse until they are all assembled on a battlefield facing down an ancient enemy. Through their efforts, the Fairy Queen is reunited with her King, a battle that’s been waged for a millennium ends, and a child’s betrayal is set right. In the nick of time, the vicarious warriors are returned to the Castle where Jill gives birth to two baby boys with unknown abilities.

    Confused? Download the Denver Cereal, Volume 1 from everywhere you purchase books. You’ll find all Denver Cereal books in every electronic format and paperback.

    Chapter Two Hundred and Seventy-eight

    New Family

    Jeraine looked up when two strangers entered the room. The man had dark skin and long dread locks. Even in an expensive tailored suit, the man looked powerful and strong. In his heart of hearts, Jeraine had always hoped to be like that man – powerful, virile, and attractive. Except, of course, he didn’t want to be so dark. Embarrassed at his own prejudice, he glanced at the guitar he was playing.

    The woman brushed past him and he looked up. She was gorgeous, beyond beautiful. Her skin was light, not quite white, but not quite black. She glowed with a kind of inner radiance. The only other woman Jeraine had seen do this was Tanesha’s mother, Yvonne. When Jeraine looked up, the woman smiled at him.

    It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jeraine, the woman said. Jeraine’s brain felt fuzzy and warm. He smiled at her. I’m Fand. Your music is very popular in our land.

    She smiled at Jeraine again and he felt as if he was in the presence of royalty. Instinctively, he reached for her hand and kissed it.

    Ma’am, he said.

    She gave him a sweet smile. In his fuzzy state, he beamed, but his logical mind, the one who went to AA meetings, told him that something was not quite right. He needed to stay on his game.

    Manannán? Jill’s father walked toward the strangers. No, it can’t be.

    Perses! Manannán said. My old friend.

    I can’t believe my eyes! Perses said. It’s been an age! How . . .?

    The men hugged each other.

    Where have you been? Perses asked.

    Where have you been? Manannán laughed. You remember Fand.

    Ma’am, Perses dropped to one knee. She held a hand out to him which he kissed. She nodded to him and he stood. You are as lovely as always. Please come meet my princess, Anjelika. She’s here with her father. We are waiting for our youngest to have her children.

    Jill is your child? Fand asked. Actually . . . she has your strength and clarity of sight. Of course, she is your child, of course.

    She looks like her mother, Perses said. Anjelika is of the healers, East Slav, from Rus.

    Our son is her mate, Manannán said.

    Husband, Perses corrected. Manannán nodded. Now that you say it, he does carry your look.

    Manannán smiled at Jill’s father as if they were old friends.

    It’s wonderful to see someone from the old days, Manannán said.

    The men hugged again.

    Come, let’s get caught up, Perses said. Queen Fand? Will you honor me by meeting my wife?

    Of course, Fand said. But you need not call me Queen. This is a free land.

    Perses smiled at her, and she beamed.

    I like being Fand, she said. It’s refreshing.

    Perses glanced at the two lovely young attendants following the queen. He smiled at her pretense and they all went into the alcove where Jill’s mother and grandfather were sitting.

    Ok, that was weird, Mike said as he sat down next to Jeraine.

    Did you look these guys up? Jeraine asked in a low tone.

    After Val told me about them, Mike said. He nodded to where Valerie was nursing Jackie and chatting with Tink. Queen Fand is the queen of the fairies.

    And Manannán? Jeraine asked in a low tone.

    He’s a God, Mike said. He’s supposed to be the first ruler of the Isle of Man, but most Irish and Scottish stories say he’s a God.

    A burst of laughter came from the alcove where Jill’s parents were sitting.

    Your dad greeted him as a . . . Jeraine nodded to finish the sentence.

    Friend, Mike said. I know.

    What’s that make your dad? Jeraine asked.

    Mike shook his head. They both looked over at the alcove for a moment.

    Ah shit, Jeraine said, under his breath. What’s that guy doing here?

    Mike looked around to see what Jeraine was talking about. Jeraine gestured to his right. A tall, medium dark skinned man came into the room. The man looked like a male model. He had a small waist and broad muscular shoulders. He moved with the ease of a dancer. He wore his hair clipped tight to his head. Looking around the room, he smiled at Yvonne’s friend Abi and Tanesha’s father Rodney. Abi gestured him over to talk to them.

    Who is that? Mike said under his breath.

    Tanesha’s lab partner, Jeraine said.

    Shit, Mike said. "I want to fuck him."

    I know, Jeraine said. She says there’s nothing going on but . . .

    They turned to look at him. Sam came over to shake his hand. As if they were old friends, the lab partner put his arm around Sam. The lab partner looked at Jeraine and smiled. He glanced at Yvonne and nodded. Holding his hand out, he walked over to Jeraine.

    You’re Tanesha’s man, the lab partner said.

    Husband, Jeraine said. "She’s my wife."

    The handsome man’s amber-colored eyes seemed to laugh at Jeraine’s claim. Jeraine stopped playing long enough to shake the intruder’s hand and went back to his guitar strings.

    I’m Finegal, the lab partner said. Most people call me Fin.

    Jeraine nodded.

    Tanesha wanted to study today, Fin said. But I see there’s more going on.

    You know Yvonne? Jeraine asked.

    Abi and I have been friends for . . ., Fin smiled,  . . . a long time.

    Jeraine scowled at him, and Fin smiled.

    Fin? Jacob asked, when he came out of the room. Jacob hugged the lab partner. I barely recognize you. You’re so… tall and… gorgeous.

    It’s the altitude, Fin said.

    Jacob laughed.

    Glad you could make it, Jacob said. Jill asked me to get her some ice chips, so I …

    How do you know Tanesha’s lab partner? Jeraine asked.

    "You’re Tanesha’s lab partner? Jacob laughed. Fin nodded. Jeraine, this is my brother. We met him on our recent travels."

    How is Jill? Fin asked.

    Ice chips, Jacob jumped into action and Fin laughed. Jacob got some ice chips and went back into the room where Jill was in labor.

    So you’re Jake’s brother? Mike’s voice betrayed his suspicion. On his mother’s side? Or . . .?

    You are a Titan’s son, Michael Roper, Fin said. Surely you understand what’s going on here.

    Mike squinted at the man. He smiled. Mike felt compelled to nod. He gave the man a deep scowl.

    Tanesha? Fin turned back to Jeraine.

    She’s in with her girl, Jill, Jeraine said. She is not going to do a damned thing until her girl doesn’t need her, so you may as well leave. It’s going to be a while. I can have her call you.

    Fin sat down next to Jeraine.

    This gives us a chance to get to know each other, Fin said.

    So you can take Tanesha from me? The words popped out of Jeraine’s mouth before he thought of them. Even Mike looked surprised at his honesty.

    If you’re so worried, maybe you should be a better partner, Fin’s voice was mild.

    I’m trying! Jeraine said through his teeth.

    Then you have nothing to worry about, Fin said. Anyway, I’m no threat to your union.

    Why’s that? Jeraine asked.

    It’s hard to explain, Fin said. Now tell me this. How can you speak and play at the same time?

    Even though Jeraine knew he was being manipulated, the man’s attention was soothing to Jeraine’s jangled nerves. His usual headache eased and he answered Fin’s question. In a few moments, they were talking and laughing like old friends.

    From across the room, Abi smiled.

    Is that your man? Yvonne whispered.

    Abi turned to look at her. Abi’s eyes seemed to assess Yvonne, as if she was wondering what Yvonne could understand or hear.

    I think Yvie deserves to hear the truth, Rodney said.

    Abi looked at Rodney for a moment, before turning to Yvonne.

    Prince Fin belongs to no woman, Abi said. But yes, he is, as you say, the love of my life. We have a child together.

    You have a child? Yvonne asked. Why, you can’t be more than eighteen years old!

    Looks are deceiving, Yvie, Rodney said. She’s a fairy.

    Yvonne looked like she was going to laugh, but looking into Rodney’s face, she saw that he was dead serious.

    Um, Yvonne said. She looked at Abi again. I guess, you can’t be eighteen since we’ve been such good friends for such a long time. Um. When do I get to meet your child?

    Abi looked at Yvonne, glanced at Rodney, and then looked across the room at Fin.

    You already have, Abi turned to smile at Yvonne. Her name was Ne Ne.

    Yvonne’s mouth dropped open.

    My Ne Ne? Yvonne asked. Rodney did you . . .?

    Abi told me, Rodney said.

    But Tannie said Ne Ne died, Yvonne said. Fairies can’t die!

    Fairies can die, Abi said. We just live a much longer life than you.

    But Ne Ne . . . Yvonne started.

    She’s a librarian where I come from, Abi said. She had to . . . retire from life here.

    Yvonne’s brow furrowed as she thought through what Abi was saying.

    But Tannie said . . . Yvonne started again.

    Tanesha doesn’t know, Abi said. Did you ever notice that Ne Ne never seemed to age?

    Yvonne nodded.

    That you never seem to age? Abi kept her voice soothing with an edge of kindness.

    I can’t remember what I look like one day to the next, Yvonne smiled.

    Abi looked at Rodney.

    You haven’t aged a day since we were twenty, Rodney said. Yvonne turned in her seat to look at him. He placed his hand over her heart. Here, in your heart, but not in your face or body.

    You are a sweet, sweet man, Yvonne said. You always know how to say just the right . . .

    He’s telling you a truth, Abi said.

    Oh, Yvonne said. But how can that be? Ne Ne might have been your child, but I’m . . .

    Her daughter, Abi said.

    No, Yvonne shook her head vehemently. As much as I’d like that to be true, my mother is . . .

    Ne Ne, Abi said. There was another child, a girl, born from a rape of the woman who claims to be your mother, Tanesha’s gran. The child didn’t survive and it broke the woman’s mind in two. Ne Ne was with child at the same time. She chose to pass her child off as her friend’s child in an effort to help her friend.

    Why? Yvonne asked.

    Can you think of no reason? Abi asked.

    That woman hates me, Yvonne said. Ne Ne loved me so much and . . .

    Yvonne’s eyes well with tears.

    Might I see her again? Yvonne asked.

    Abi smiled.

    Who is my father? Yvonne asked.

    Someone she loved very much, Abi said. She’s yet to love another.

    Am I a fairy too?

    Yes, Abi lied. You and Ne Ne, you are Fin’s only living family. His family was killed . . .

    Abi smiled.

    That’s a horrible story for another day, Abi said. Not today, when we are welcoming new members to our family, our fairy tribe.

    Yvonne smiled. She held her hand out to Rodney and he took it. They looked over to where Jeraine and Fin were talking.

    Does he love you? Yvonne asked in a low tone. Treat you well?

    Yes, Abi smiled. He’s allowed me to spend all this time with you.

    You’re my grandmother, Yvonne said.

    Abi smiled.

    Will I get fairy powers? Yvonne asked.

    More than you already have? Abi asked. Would you really like that?

    No. Shaking her head, Yvonne laughed.

    Abi smiled at Yvonne.

    Why did all of that . . . happen? Yvonne whispered.

    He wanted your fairy power, Abi said. I’m sorry. It’s my fault really. It never occurred to me. I discounted the human need to own and destroy what is precious.

    I met you right after, Yvonne nodded.

    Yes, Abi said. I came as soon as we knew. There was little I could do but . . . help.

    Yvonne smiled at her.

    Everything is fine now, Yvonne said. Is your man my Tannie’s lab partner? She said he was handsome.

    He is, Abi smiled. And Tanesha? She is magnificent.

    She is, Yvonne said.

    There was a sound of a baby wailing and the waiting room broke into cheers. A few moments later, another baby cried and they cheered again. Jill and Jacob’s boys had arrived.

    ~~~~~~~~

    Jillian Roper Marlowe

    and

    Jacob Lipson Marlowe

    announce the birth of their twins

    Tanner Handy Roper Marlowe

    and

    Michael Bladen Roper Marlowe

    Chapter Two Hundred and Seventy-nine

    Wishes

    Saturday morning — 10:12 A.M.

    Jill felt someone sit down on the bed and she opened her eyes to stare at the white ceiling above. Her first thought was about the boys, her second about Katy. Of course, the boys disappeared with Megan a half hour or so ago. Katy was at Paddie’s house. Jacob was out at the earthquake site with Aden, Blane, and Sam.

    And she was . . . She wasn’t sure.

    She looked around. She was in a comfortable bedroom just off the medical offices. She was looking around at the lovely room when she saw the person sitting on her bed. With a groan, she started to sit up.

    Please, don’t get up, Liban said.

    Jill squinted.

    Yes, I dare come into your room, Liban said after reading her look.

    I . . .

    Please, Liban said. If I may, I’d like to talk for a moment. I have a few things to say. If you ask me to leave, I will go immediately. But please, hear me out.

    Jill was too tired to argue. She gestured for Liban to speak her piece.

    Thank you, Liban said.

    Jill lifted her lips in a guarded smile.

    The boys are beautiful, Liban said.

    Thank you. Jill squinted and wondered what Liban was buttering her up for.

    I know that you don’t trust me, Liban said.

    "If you’re here to talk me into letting your fairy take care of the boys, Jake and I have already decided that we do not need help from fairies, Jill said. You . . . people . . . don’t seem to hold the concept of children in the same way human’s do. I’d rather allow my children to be children, and not pawns in some political games."

    You’re angry, Liban said.

    Angry? Jill asked. Disgusted.

    I understand, Liban said. I assure you, the situation with Prince Kirk was unique. In fact, all of Fand’s children’s situations were unique.

    Fin was raised by Manannán’s human wives, Jill said.

    He told you?

    He told Tanesha, Jill said. He said that his sisters were raised by fairies and that Kirk was in the care of one of Manannán’s great-grandchildren when he was taken and she was killed.

    Jill sniffed.

    Just gross, Jill said.

    I see what you see, Liban said. I understand why you say it, and I would tell you that my sister’s children and their situation is unique. My sister . . . Well, as you saw, she’s not much of a mother. She was born a queen, born to bear a queen’s responsibilities. Her fairies take all of her time, energy, and thought. I’m not sure she was intended to fall in love. As you know, some things just happen. She is no mother. She couldn’t understand a child if she tried.

    Why is she so interested in Katy then? Jill asked.

    She believes Katy to be similar to herself, and thus in need of special teaching and care, Liban shrugged. You have impressed Fand, though. You are Katy’s mother, just as I was mother to my children. You know that Ne Ne raised Yvonne.

    Jill scowled.

    You’re angry about Kirk, Liban said.

    Jill crossed her arms and furrowed her brow.

    I understand, Liban said. Would it help to know that he no longer remembers what happened to him?

    What about the scars? Jill asked.

    The wounds healed the moment he arrived in this world, Liban said. His body shows that he’s suffered but his mind remembers none of it. He can remember it, though.

    How?

    If you remind him, Liban said.

    Where is he? Jill asked.

    Your friend, Heather? Liban asked. Didn’t she leave to speak with her social worker? Something about . . .

    Emergency placement, Jill’s voice was filled with awe.

    Of course, the Oracle has agreed to raise him, Liban said. But he needs a place tonight. Tomorrow his . . .

    Aunt . . . Jill whispered.

    So you do know, Liban said.

    Heather called when she found out, Jill said. She’s taking a boy for a few days . . . Keenan . . .

    Keenan means ancient one, Liban smiled.

    And his mother? Jill asked. Queen Fand?

    She and the Oracle agree that she will be in his life, but he will grow up human, Liban said. Like his brother, Fin.

    Like Fin, Jill’s voice was vague, as she thought through what Liban was saying. Fin and Abi?

    Liban gave Jill a broad smile.

    Love is unusual for us fairies, Liban said. "We don’t usually mate for life. If we find love, it is strong, overpowering even, but fades. We rarely love another fairy unless, like Gilfand, we draw a mortal into our world. That takes the kind of power only available to the ancient, like Gilfand or myself.

    But Fin and Abi . . . Liban smiled. "She’s supposed to be his mate. He is a fairy ruler, a prince, thus she should be a lady of court. She should not be on the fairy corps. And yet . . ."

    They are both here, Jill said.

    As I said, love is unusual for us, Liban said. But then again, my nephew is half-Manannán.

    Jill looked at the wall to think it through. There was a large picture of Katy sitting on the table along the wall. Jill smiled at her baby-girl.

    I like that you ask me about the boy before you ask me about what you get, Liban said.

    What I get? Jill asked. What do you mean?

    As your gift for making our family, our entire community whole, Liban said.

    My gift? Jill asked. I don’t really want anything from you.

    Yes, Liban said. That’s refreshing.

    Liban smiled.

    But? Jill asked.

    You are given a wish for every single person involved in this adventure, Liban asked.

    A wish? Jill asked.

    For your friends, Jacob, Sam, Valerie, James, the Oracle, your family, and your friends who valiantly fought the men who wanted to take your babies, the people at the earthquake site . . ., Liban said. You can wish for anything you want.

    You mean you could heal Honey’s back so she can walk again? Jill asked.

    No, Liban said. I cannot heal an old injury. A newer injury, sure, but Honey has healed and . . . I’m sorry. Honey is wonderful. Older injuries are . . . tricky. There’s a good chance I would make it a lot worse.

    So you could heal Tink’s seizures? Jill asked.

    Would you like that? Liban asked.

    Yes, Jill said.

    What about her memories? Liban asked. I can take them . . .

    No, Jill said. She needs them for the trial so she can testify. But could you help her not feel so bad about them, or scared, or . . .

    Liban nodded.

    While you’re at it, Jill said. "Can you help sort out that whole thing – the boys responsible and the boys who were just there and the boys

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