Supervillains in 1935? Why not? This is an excerpt from one of my works-in-progress, a Mindfire prequel called Unto Dust. It's a Christian fiction superhero time travel novel. The antagonist will be causing problems for the heroes, Crusader and The Cat. This scene is a lead-in to that situation.


*excerpt begins*

MCCLURE, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 1935

Bill DeFarr had made it into this little town around twilight with its pretty Main Street. McClure seemed pleasant enough, like a good place to raise a family. He had begged a few coins off a nice-looking couple and used that to buy a sandwich. All he needed was a good spot to sleep.

Then he saw her. Or was it her? She looked like Susan, his wife of so many years ago, with her long brown hair tied up in a bun. But who was that man she was with?

Bill bustled forward towards the man who was wearing a black and white suit. The woman wore a long green dress.

“Hey! You two!” Bill cried out.

The couple froze and the man narrowed his gaze. He stood directly between Bill and the woman in a protective stance. “Hey buddy, we don’t want any trouble!” the man said. The woman held her hand near her mouth and looked frightened.

“Susan, is that you?” Bill asked, ignoring the man.

“Who’s Susan?” the man interjected, regaining Bill’s attention. “My wife’s name is Mary.”

“Don’t tell him that!” she whispered at her husband.

“If it’ll get him to leave, I will!” he said at full volume, not hiding his irritation.

“You look like Susan, my wife…or she was my wife,” Bill declared to Mary. “Where’s Billy?”

“Billy?” the other man asked in an agitated voice. “Who on Earth is Billy?”

“Our son. We have a son named Billy.”

The other man, who was a few years younger and stronger-looking, grabbed Bill by the shoulders angrily. “Look pal, I think we’ve listened to you long enough. You’re scarin’ my wife and you stink! Get outta here before I paste ya one!”

Bill was not easily intimidated. His mouth curled into a smile as he lifted his right hand to his side. He extended his fingers and caused flames to encircle them. “I’ve taken shots from bigger guys than you,” he boasted. “And you’re in my way.”

*excerpt ends*