Broderick: “You shouldn’t scowl. It will cause wrinkles.”
Riley: “Just like that?”
Broderick: “Did you want it to be more climatic? Because I can call Ego back and—”
Riley: “No, I just don’t understand why you let Alyssa go.”
Broderick: “She was of no value to me anymore and was becoming a liability. Besides, I am sure that Jordan is incentive enough to get you to behave.”
That is where you are wrong. Even if it broke my heart, I would do the right thing, but for now, I would go along with the status quo. I needed time to see if I could potentially save Jordan along with the others who were unfortunately linked to Broderick.
Jordan: “Did you tell her?”
I quickly spun around to see Jordan, who was now standing before me, wearing new clothing. He also looked like he’d taken a shower and shaved. It was magic what a good thirty minutes could do to that man, but he could be wearing a potato sack and still look amazing.
Riley: “So, aliens?”
Jordan: “I take that as a yes.”
Riley: “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Broderick: “Yeah, why didn’t you tell her?
Jordan: “Fuck off.”
Broderick: “That will cost you.”
Riley: “Broderick, I am helping you, please play nice.”
Broderick: “Fine, you get one reprieve, Jordan. Now, are we both ready to go?”
Riley: “Actually, I want fifteen minutes with Alyssa.”
Broderick: “Oh, for fuck’s sake, we are wasting time.”
Riley: “I am time. There is no rush. Besides, if we modify things as you wish, the Alyssa I have worked so very hard at getting back will be no more.”
Broderick: “It’s your funeral.”
Riley: “What does that even mean?”
Broderick: “At first I just wanted a simple life and when the aliens came, I was willing to accept whatever fate had in store. But now, I want to be part of the solution and I think I know how to do it.”
Riley: “Really? Because it seemed that you just didn’t like the idea of being a parolee in a studio apartment.”
Broderick: “Well, you’re right, my comfort does come first. But if you don’t believe me, have your friend Mackson research the Bernstein-Black project. I have faith he will be able to locate these lost files. There is even a video showing Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Black successfully opening a door to another dimension. Yes, there are other dimensions, just like other worlds with people and creatures that aren’t always friendly. It’s only a matter of time before our world is a target. They have technology and we have sheep. It is imperative that more advanced people are created.”
Riley: “Okay …”
Broderick: “You don’t believe me.”
Riley: “I’m not ruling out anything quite yet.”
Broderick: “Just go see your niece and then we will travel back eight years. I believe I’ve found the solution to all our problems so that mankind will survive the extraterrestrial attack.”
Jordan grabbed my arm and we teleported away, which was a good thing as I was starting to get a headache, probably from listening to too much of Broderick’s bullshit. Anyway, as I looked around, we were standing in the middle of a cornfield and not any place where Arcadia and Mac would take Alyssa. Where the freak had Jordan taken me?
Jordan: “Alyssa isn’t here. I need to talk to you real quick before we pop over to the Security Safe House, which is where I am sure the good guys took her. Yes, I know where their hideout is, but if they don’t come to mine, I don’t go to theirs. But I will make an exception today.”
Riley: “What is it that you have to say?”
Jordan: “I am not sure what Broderick is up to, but if it comes down to it, do what you must to keep our world safe. It was one thing to undo New York. It’s a whole other story with whatever he has cooked up. I’m not denying the Bernstein-Black project as I’ve seen the video, which opened a door to a dark, dark world, but I’m not sure how much danger Earth actually is in. I am sure Broderick is privy to a lot more than I am. To my knowledge, there is no enhanced human on this planet that can make the ink that decorates my arm. If there was, Broderick would have tattooed a lot more people.”
Riley: “How much ink is left?”
Jordan: “There was enough for two more people.”
Riley: “There was?”
Jordan: “I got rid of it, but don’t tell Broderick that. He seems to think the heroes disposed of it. Even if Broderick does find out it was me, I would do it again because no one should be a slave. The poison that races through my body, which makes me ill when Broderick is hurt, is no feeling that anyone should endure. When someone shanked him in prison, I couldn’t get out of bed for over two weeks.”
Riley: “He was shanked?”
Jordan: “It was right after Broderick was released from isolation, almost a year ago now. It was a real rough go for a while, and it took some time for Broderick to recover, but as soon he was better, back to isolation he went. Don’t think I wanted to break Broderick out of prison, but he has a lot of enemies and that place is far from safe for him or any of us who have the unfortunate of being attached to him.”
Riley: “I see.”
Jordan: “Yes, and I hope you understand that I am not proud of what I have done and all the future things I am bound to do, but it’s not just my life on the line; there are nine other men along with their families.”
Riley: “But?”
Jordan: “The more time we spend together, the more human I feel. I want to do the right thing. As I said, do what you need to. A few lives are meaningless against millions or even billions.”
Riley: “I will find a way to save you.”
Jordan: “I am sure you will try, but enough about me; we have to see Alyssa.”
Before I could comment on his statement, we were teleporting once more to just outside the Security Safe House. Not waiting for the invite, I walked over to the door and pounded on it. A machine rose up from the sandy ground and began to scan before suddenly sounding an alarm.
Jordan: “What the fuck?”
Riley: “More like what the who?”
Suddenly, heroes from all corners of the island appeared with weapons drawn and the look of confusion on Jordan’s face was priceless. Most of these heroes I did not recognize, and the extent of their power I was not sure of, but I knew that Mac was really pushing for new recruits. Perhaps I was not scared because I knew Arcadia, would save the day or that most of the newbie heroes couldn’t hit a bullseye if they tried.
Jordan: “Who are these people?”
A laser abruptly fired from one of the nearby trees and probably would have hit Jordan in the shoulder had I not blocked the assault. Arcadia and Mac really needed to work on the newbies’ aim, I thought as I covered Jordan in a protective time shield. Sure, I could have easily taken out my attackers but since they were good guys I decided to just step inside the shield myself and wait for Arcadia, who was taking her sweet ass time, to come outside.
Riley: “To answer your question, these are your rejects. Broderick’s serum was injected into these people just as was done with me, but the difference is that they were cut loose when their powers showed to be less than stellar. I suppose it was the more humane thing, rather than a bullet to the head.”
Jordan: “Well, I will be. Arcadia and Mackson were creating a team to take me down.”
Riley: “You don’t even seem to be fazed by the fact that these people’s lives were altered.”
Jordan: “So were ours. Besides, just look at how strong they have become.”
Riley: “You sound like Broderick, right now.”
Jordan: “Did you forget that I am linked to him? I had no choice but to grow Broderick’s empire even as he was rotting away in a cell. So I chose runaways, orphans, and the sick because they would not be missed. If those aliens ever come, this will be our first line of defense so maybe one day I wil
l go down in history as the man who saved the world.”
Riley: “I hope that was a joke.”
Jordan shrugged his shoulders just as two heroes began to attack the time force field. One was using some kind of boomerang to pound on the force field while the other was spitting some kind of horrible-smelling liquid. A few seconds later, Arcadia came walking out of the Security Safe House and at that point, the two that were beating on the time protective field ran behind her.
Now, I knew Arcadia was pregnant, but she sure had taken her sweet time to see what all the fuss was about. These newbies also needed to learn to not rely on Arcadia, as she might not always be here, but that was a lesson for another day as I did not want to waste any more precious minutes. Without further ado, I stepped out of the protective energy and began to make my way over to her.
Arcadia: “Stand down!”
The shooter in the tree apparently didn’t hear what Arcadia said. Another laser fired but, due to poor aim, he hit probably ten feet away from me. Annoyed, I sent low-level time to knock the shooter out of the tree.
Arcadia: “And that would be Monk Man who you knocked out.”
Riley: “If you are going to fire at someone then you have to be willing to take a hit. Now, where is—”
Alyssa came dashing out of the Security Safe House with Miracle the dog by her side and ran right into my arms. The dog playful barked as I picked Alyssa up and spun her around before placing her back down on the ground. Then I saw the perplexed look on Alyssa’s face so I turned around to see Jordan waving at her from inside the protective time field. Not really sure what had happened when she was kidnapped, or if Alyssa even wanted to talk to Jordan, I decide to let Jordan out so that they could interact.
Arcadia: “I can’t believe you revealed our location to him.”
Jordan: “Actually, I already knew where you lived and by the way, I don’t think we have been properly introduced. My name is Jordan Jacobs.”
Arcadia: “I would say that it’s nice to meet you, but that would be a lie.”
Jordan: “Ouch.”
I wasn’t really focused too much on the exchange between Arcadia and Jordan. My eyes were more transfixed on Alyssa, who was making her way to where Jordan stood and when she finally reached him—slap! No “Hi, how are you?” Just a slap in the face.
Alyssa: “You promised you wouldn’t leave until Riley returned but then I had to stay with that weird guy and those not-so-nice nannies. You’re just like my dad, always leaving. I hate you.”
Alyssa ran off, heading towards the other side of the island. I was about to go after her but Arcadia stopped me. Almost out of character, Arcadia suggested that Jordan go talk to Alyssa and perhaps clear the air between us.
Riley: “Do you think she will be okay?”
Arcadia: “You remember what it was like to be a ten-year-old girl.”
Riley: “Yeah, but for her it’s worse. Alyssa’s parents and sister are gone. I am an absentee aunt and the only positive paternal figure is linked to a psycho.”
Arcadia: “Alyssa is stronger than she looks.”
Riley: “I know, but it’s my job as her aunt to worry about her. If I had the ability to take her away from this life, I would, but she is safer with us than placed with another family. If anyone discovered her connection, it would be the Ego thing all over again.”
Arcadia: “That is why I think it’s time that you move into one of the Security Safe Houses. You don’t even have to fight on the front line. We need teachers, as you can desperately see. The new recruits are having a hard time controlling their powers.”
Riley: “Maybe when I get back.”
Arcadia: “Where are you going?”
Riley: “I made a deal with Broderick.”
Arcadia: “Break it.”
Riley: “I can’t.”
Arcadia: “What do you mean you can’t?”
Riley: “If I send him back to prison or kill the jerk-off, ten other men’s lives are ruined.”
Arcadia: “Explain.”
Riley: “This is going to sound crazy, but aliens.”
Arcadia: “Aliens?”
Riley: “Apparently, alien tattoo ink gives Broderick control over the lives of ten men that he branded, including Jordan.”
Arcadia: “So this is about Jordan.”
Riley: “Yes, and I just need a bit of time to try and break this curse.”
Arcadia: “Are you sure this is real?”
Riley: “I am not sure if it’s alien, but Broderick has control over those ten lives and if there is a chance I can save them, good guys or not, I should try.”
Arcadia: “So what does he want you to do?”
Riley: “He wants to go back eight years, but of course, that won’t be real.”
Arcadia: “Wait, what happened to saving New York?”
Riley: “Broderick got tired of that fantasy when he realized that you and Mackson lived happily ever after even without super powers.”
Arcadia: “You will have to fill me in on further details about what happened in this alternate reality.”
Riley: “For sure. But I have to be going, any minute now. Can you quickly think of anything of importance that happened eight years ago?”
Arcadia: “Not that—sonofabitch.”
Riley “What?”
Arcadia: “When eight years ago?”
Riley: “He didn’t say.”
Arcadia: “We were married eight years prior.”
Riley: “Maybe he wants to stop the wedding.”
Arcadia: “By all means, let that happen.”
We both chuckled.
Riley: “I know, right? Not sure what he has to gain by being a runaway groom.”
Arcadia: “Who knows? Nothing Broderick ever did made sense to me. When he was in prison, they diagnosed him with bipolar. I personally think he has narcissistic personality disorder, but I am not a trained therapist. All I know is that he is off his medication, so be careful.”
I began to ponder if Broderick’s medication affected any of the men he was linked to. Then I began thinking about everything that Broderick might experience and how it would affect Jordan. Suddenly not feeling like talking anymore, I excused myself to use the bathroom inside the infamous Security Safe House. I had only been in the building once, so it was easy for me to get lost. I ended up wandering around until I stopped in front of a painting. It was not a special work of art, by any means, but it allowed me to stop contemplating the seriousness that was outside.
Riley: “Arms are hugging me. Whose arms are bear hugging me from behind?”
Mac: “I am so glad you are okay, Riley.”
I turned to see my friend, Mac.
Riley: “Not out of the woods yet, but I missed ya too, buddy.”
Mac: “What you mean? Alyssa is safe, and you’re here—”
Almost on cue, Alyssa came running down the hall.
Riley: “What’s the matter?”
Alyssa: “Jordan. We were talking and he’s hurt!”
I didn’t need to hear anymore. I dashed for the front door and made my way outside only to discover Jordan doubled over in pain.
Riley: “Jordan!”
Jordan: “We need to get back.”
Alyssa: “What is wrong?”
Glancing over to Alyssa, I could see she was visibly upset. I didn’t know how to explain to a ten-year-old what was wrong with Jordan. With all the trauma that she had been through recently, I had to choose my words delicately.
Riley: “Honey, Jordan is sick but he will get help.”
Alyssa: “Superheroes don’t get sick.”
Jordan: “’Lys, I am one of the bad guys. I can get sick.”
Ugh. Jordan shouldn’t have said that as tears began to stream down Alyssa’s face. Even though Jordan had only been in Alyssa’s life for a short while, he’d made quite an impression on her; so much, in fact, that she would bring him up even three years later. I think that was why, when she saw him on the
beach, she lashed out and ran off. Discovering that Jordan was a villain, knowing Alyssa, probably broke her heart. I had tried my best to shield her from the truth for the past few years, and maybe that was wrong. Not knowing what to say, I just hugged Alyssa and let her cry.
Riley: “It will be okay, but Jordan and I really have to go as he needs his medicine or he will get extremely sick.”
Alyssa: “Don’t leave!”
Riley: “I will be back, I promise.”
Alyssa: “Jordan and Riley, I love you!”
Riley: “Love you too.”
Jordan: “Same, ‘Lys. We wish we could stay.”
I quickly moved over to Jordan who was now sitting on the ground from pain. Gently, I put my hand on his shoulder and with the last of his strength, he teleported us to Broderick. Not even a minute later, Jordan passed out on the ground and an amused Broderick looked on, who, might I add, was sitting on top of a throne of car parts that he had somehow had erected while I Jordan and I were at the Security Safe House.
Riley: “You seem very uninjured.”
Broderick: “Just because I didn’t take a punch doesn’t mean I am not suffering emotionally.”
Riley: “So your emotional stress caused Jordan to pass out but your tantrum when you found out that you were living in Brooklyn and Mackson was Mr. Money Bags didn’t affect him?”
Broderick: “Mental stress only affects my followers if I want it to, and Jordan wasn’t behaving.”
Riley: “So all ten of them suffer if you get mad.”
Broderick: “Now you’re getting it!”
Broderick’s hands suddenly caressed my cheek and I quickly jumped away. He had no right to touch me and in any other situation I would have said something, but Broderick was a mass murderer who controlled Jordan’s fate. I would just have to grin and bear his bullshit a little while longer until I untangled Jordan from being tied to that scum of the human race.
Then There Was New York Page 10