Into the Fire

Five opening lines:

The rain assaulted the trees, the gutters, hard and cold, leaving even the midday seeming like the darkness of evening. (The Fixer)

Now he wondered why he thought this would be a good idea as he stepped onto the first of five stairs that led up to the front door. (Destination)

Faith Daniels looked up as the tiny bell over the door tinkled quietly. He was the first customer of the morning, the darkness remaining outside as he walked in and closed the door. (Wounds and Healings)

Claudia Madelyn Rutheford hated her name. (Sweet Release)

It was hard to say what witnesses noticed first — the shrill piercing screams or the nearly naked young woman uttering them. (Race)

Father, you give life to words. You give words to live by. You give life to stories. You give words to writers. Thank you for them all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.