Hart to Hart

Hart's Rising

Chapter One

Summary: Mother Nature decides to give the California area a storm that they will never forget. Can the Harts survive this or have they finally met their match.


The sun blistered down over the California area as the last day of a two week heat wave finally came to an end. Yet even through all the humidity a breeze managed to lightly welcome runners, walkers and late to work pedestrians as they continued on to where they needed to go.

Jennifer Hart had made it to the park; she wanted to get in a few laps before heading back home to work on her new novel. With Jonathan at work and Max at the grocery store with Freeway, she didn't want to bother them. So she continued around the park for another lap when she felt something wet touch her cheek.

Stopping mid run she looked up to the sky, she noticed that it's once clear blue state seemed to be full of white clouds with a few dark ones as well.

"Strange I don't remember rain being in the forecast today." Jennifer said.

Shaking her head Jennifer continued on with her run but she couldn't let go of a strange feeling that something wasn't right.

At Hart Industries work went on as normal. Jonathan Hart found himself in back to back meetings discussing new policies and procedures. He had wished for an urgent phone call or anything but alas he had no such luck.

Noon finally came, while everyone wandered off to have lunch Jonathan finally had some time to himself. Back in his office Jonathan drained his second cup of coffee while standing by the window. His eyes wandered over to the sky; he noticed how more of the white clouds were growing darker as if they were being infected. This alone sent Jonathan's senses into overdrive.

"...Something is coming." Jonathan said to himself.

While everyone continued on with their lunch break Jonathan's eyes were glued to the window for he was unsure what Mother nature had in store for them.

Strolling around the grocery store with Freeway nestled in the cart Max wondered what else he should get for dinner tonight. With the house fully stocked he wanted to make something special for everyone. Freeway sat there patiently at first until out of the blue he started barking. Max immediately scratched the pup behind the ears hoping it would calm him but it was no use.

Max saw Freeway's nose pointing to the window. As he turned to the window his eyes narrowed when he saw that the once clear blue sky was now a dark gray. His ears even picked up a low rumble that lightly shook the store. Soon others were looking out the window as well. Just then a flash of lightning cut through the sky which caused a few on lookers to jump a bit.

Max and Freeway continued to look on for a few more moments, but soon he and many others decided to head to the cashier who was now swamp with agitated and frighten customers.

Standing in a long line Max looked to the huge window by the exit doors. By this time the rumbles were more frequent and the lightning was getting closer. He knew that no amount of rushing would help anyone out run this storm.

"Your right pup we're in for some bad weather." Max replied.

"It's strange the weatherman didn't mention any rain in the news cast today." A female shopper said.

"I've come to know one thing about weathermen... they aren't always right." Max replied.

Before any other words could be said the lights in the whole store went out. Like it not this storm was gearing up to be a bad one.