by S. J. Delos
“If you want, I’ll punch him out,” I said in my softest, most sincere voice.
Richard shook his head. “Not necessary. He’s already been served notice from my attorney that he is not allowed to speak to me, ask me any questions, or write about me without permission. Interestingly enough, the EAPF frowns upon the blackmail of superheroes.”
I nodded, then looked back at King, narrowing my eyes. If it bothered him, he didn’t show it. He remained right on his spot waiting until I was within a few feet of him.
“Kayo?” He said, holding up his hand. “Might I have a word?”
Richard looked from the sleazebag to me, arching a brow. I nodded and slipped my arm free from his.
“Go on in,” I told him. “This won’t take long.”
Richard gave the sleazy reporter another hard stare. Then he stepped over to say something to the girl representing Superhero Digest while I turned my attention back to King.
“So,” he said, slimy smile widening. “Decided to attend after all?”
“Is that a real question, Max? I mean, you can see I’m here, so it’s kind of rhetorical.”
He nodded. “Touché. Just trying to start a conversation.”
“No need to start one here. I agreed to give you an interview after I got back to Charlotte. Not a Red Carpet Exclusive.”
He shook his head. “I’m not here for me, Karen. I’m here for you.”
I tilted my head to stare at him, blocking out the noise behind me as best as I could. “I don’t follow you.”
“Well, I have recently uncovered some new information about your problems with the EAPF. Whoever it is that is attempting to discredit you is well-connected and high up in the establishment.”
I shook my head. “Tell me something I don’t already know.”
“They’re also affiliated with Doctor Maniac.”
“Huh?” I stepped closer, almost grabbing his arm before I caught myself and settled for pressing my palms against my thighs. “Are you saying that Doctor Maniac is the one trying to stir up trouble with the EAPF?”
Max shook his head. “Not directly. At least, that’s what my nose tells me. All I can say with certainty is that whoever it is knows your ex-boss personally.”
That wasn’t good news at all. Someone in the EAPF working for Doctor Maniac? While not exactly the way Martin did things from the way I remembered, I wouldn’t put it past him to have not planted spies in the organization.
After all, he found out about our daughter somehow.
“Okay,” I said after a moment. “Thanks. At least now I know the Doctor might be involved.”
“You’re welcome, Kayo. Have fun. I’ll contact you when you get back to Charlotte.” He smiled and, despite his seemingly altruistic purpose, I shuddered as if finishing caressing a slug. “Good night.” Then he walked back toward the crowd, leaving me standing there alone.
I drew in a breath, holding it for a second before I turned and walked toward the hotel entrance. The doorman gave me a professional smile as he pulled open the door so I could enter. I stepped into a lavish lobby where another formally dressed employee gestured toward the elevators.
I rode up with another couple. The man, a hero who’d been active when I was a young girl but whose name I couldn’t recall, kept his arm curled possessively around his date. As if to make sure she didn’t run away. Given the distracted look on her face, I thought that might be a distinct possibility.
When the doors of the elevator opened, the two of them exited the car first, strolling down the hallway away from the ballroom doors. I watched them for a moment, and then, already dreading it more than I could stand, walked toward the sound of the party. I pulled open one of the doors and went inside.
CHAPTER 30:
COCKTAIL HOUR
Going through the doors was like passing through a portal from the Real World into a cape fan’s wet dream.
Over a hundred of the world’s most famous superheroes mingled and socialized in a semi-normal setting. Everyone was in formal attire. Even the few who still clung to a “secret identity” and wore masks in addition to tuxedos and gowns. Service staff hustled around the room, offering trays of delicious-smelling hors d’oeuvres to the guests.
I recognized quite a few of the attendees, either through personal interaction or from various media sources. Given the heads that turned my way to stare, I was just as universally recognized. My hands reactively smoothed the front of the lavender dress as I concentrated on both keeping a smile on my face and being prepared for a plasma blast to the chest.
The room itself was spacious, with a high arched ceiling adorned with recessed lighting. It was divided into two sections: a plush carpeted area filled with a dozen round tables with place settings, and a section of hardwood floor leading to a raised stage decorated with a podium. The lectern bore the EAPF’s official seal on the front.
Personally, I always considered the eagle wearing a mask and cape motif to be a bit strange for a government agency. Now, seeing it hanging there, and suspecting what I did, I considered it to be outright stupid.
There were two bars, situated on opposite sides of the cavernous room, each with a line several heroes deep. Most of the attendees not waiting to get their hands on something alcoholic were already imbibing as they mingled. I smirked as I wondered how long before a discussion turned into a disagreement and the powers came out.
There was a reason Enhanced-Only bars never stayed in business for very long.
I spotted Richard off to one side, entertaining a trio of females. When he noticed me enter the room, he excused himself from their company to head in my direction. Thunder-Girl, Golden Leopard, and Weatherette all turned cold, hard stares at me, and I doubted that any of them would bat an eyelash in concern if I were to drop dead at that moment.
He stopped beside me and I nodded my head in the direction of the trio watching us. “I don’t think your fans appreciated being left behind. Not using your powers of persuasion inappropriately, are you?” I asked with some humor injected in my voice, but made sure he saw my eyes were narrowed in suspicion.
“The only power making those three circle me like a pack of sharks is my bank account. Each one of them made sure to mention that they would not be opposed to being hired for The Good Guys.” He laughed. “I think they believe I pay you guys a big salary.”
“If we are, then I think my paycheck must have gotten lost in the mail for the past six months.”
He put his hand over his heart, trying to look hurt. “Hey now. I provide top-notch accommodations, supplies, and equipment. Not to mention the high limit credit cards.”
I shrugged, turning away with my nose upturned. “Yes, but see, the Justice Brigade has their own chef crew to prepare all their meals. No microwave ramen noodles for them.”
“To be fair, you and Alexis eat that stuff while you’re glued to the television.”
“Touché,” I said. I glanced around the room. “It’s a lot more… crowded than I imagined it would be.”
“It’s a big event,” he replied. He nudged me with his arm, nodding at the stage at the far end of the room. “Just think, in about an hour, you’re going to be up there getting recognized for all the good you’ve done. After tonight, nobody is going to remember that you were Crushette. All that is going to matter is Kayo.”
I didn’t need a mirror to see that my face had gone red.
“Careful,” I warned him, trying to shift the focus off myself. “Darla would be beside herself to hear you complimenting me like that.”
He grinned. “Darla has more respect for you than she lets on. I think it’s because you keep her on her toes and don’t act like she’s a perfect little snowflake who can’t take an insult, or a hit, now and then.”
“Her words, I assume?”
“Of course.” He smiled. “Greg and I are both proud of your dedication to being a hero, Karen. Really.”
The heat in my face picked up again, and I cast a silent p
rayer for a super-villain to crash the festivities. I preferred punching some bad guy to feeling like an out of place debutante right before her cotillion.
“Okay, Richard,” Henry said, as he walked over to us. “You already have all the time with Miss Hero of the Year you could want on a daily basis. How about sharing a little with those of us who’ve just gotten to know her?” Something in his voice suggested that he wasn’t going to take “no” for an answer.
Richard arched a brow at the other hero, glanced over at me for a moment, then nodded. “Of course,” he said, giving us both a smile. “Just be sure to return her.” Captain Awesome’s gaze then moved onto me for a moment before drifting up over my shoulder at someone across the room.
“Well then, if you two will excuse me, I think Strato-Fire needs some Awesome attention.” He wiggled his eyebrows, then sauntered off, snagging two glasses of champagne from the tray of a passing server.
Henry laughed, turning to watch him depart before looking back at me. “I swear, that guy never changes.”
But he did, I thought, forcing my cheeks into an agreeing smile. He’s changed a lot, and his excuse for leaving was a little over the top. Even for the old Richard.
I gave Hank an odd look. “Why do I get the feeling you have something to say to me but didn’t want Richard to hear it.”
He nodded, a tinge of red showing up on his cheeks. “As a matter of fact, I do.” He paused, cleared his throat, then looked me right in the eyes. “I want you to join the Justice Brigade.”
There it is, I thought. “Oh?” I feigned surprise. “Just like that? After only three days?”
“I would be lying if I denied that we have been considering it for a while now. In fact, your name came up as a possible recruit about a week after the incident with Power Brain.” He gave a little shrug. “I’ll admit that I was one of the most skeptical of your change in nature. Doctor Maniac is no fool. So it was hard for me to believe anyone so close to him would actually turn into a hero.”
I frowned, crossing my arms over my chest. I really shouldn’t have been surprised Major Freedom hadn’t immediately taken my conversion to heart. Hell, there were others out there, heroes I had fought beside over the past few months, who still didn’t fully believe it.
Hank touched me lightly on the shoulder. “What I’m trying to tell you is that you have more than overcome my initial reservations. I would be honored if you would at least consider my offer. I know you’ve got close ties with The Good Guys. As well as a certain EAPF agent, if the rumors are to be believed.”
I nodded, feeling a burning coal form in the pit of my stomach. I barely allowed his suggestion more than a cursory consideration, but already guilt was eating at me. While I was sure that Greg, Darla, and Sonya would probably understand if I accepted the offer, I knew that Alexis would be devastated. Probably Zip as well.
Then there was the issue with Kurt. Sure, I could fly between Chicago and Charlotte in less than an hour, but did I really want to do that every single day? What if we were on a date and Major Freedom called for my assistance. Not only could that hour flight time mean the difference between life and death, it was possible I would be more tired than I would be simply flying across the city.
“I don’t know,” I said. “My personal relationship has weathered a bit of a storm recently, too much distance might put unwanted strain on it.”
He nodded. “Of course. However, it might be possible to get Detective Braddock transferred to this area as well.”
“How?”
He smiled. “I might know someone who could make that transfer happen without a hitch.”
I gave him a doubtful look. He smiled at me in return, as his eyes flicked up to just over my shoulder. His grin widened.
“Henry,” said someone standing right behind me. “So good to see you again.”
The hairs on the back of my neck leapt into a standing position, and a tiny shudder traipsed down my spine. The voice was eerily familiar. I’d heard it somewhere before, but for the life of me couldn’t place exactly where.
All I knew for certain was the unattainable memory was giving me the heebie-jeebies.
I turned around slowly to see a distinguished-looking older man with jet black hair that was beginning to go silver at the temples. Steel blue eyes shifted from looking at the Justice Brigade’s leader to me, and the smile that formed on his face almost made me worried that he was going to try to take a bite out of me.
Henry, however, seemed to have no issue at all with the speaker. “Simon,” he said, stepping forward to shake the man’s hand. “It’s good to see you, too. It’s been too long.” He gestured at me, puffing his chest up a bit as if showing off a new acquisition. “Do you know Kayo?”
“We’ve never been formally introduced,” the man said, extending his hand to me. “However, I am familiar with her many exploits and accomplishments.” When I put my hand into his, he placed his other on top of mine, holding firmly. “It is so nice to finally be face to face with you, Kayo. Or may I call you Karen?”
The more he talked, the more I swore that we’d met before. The more I considered it, not only didn’t want him holding my hand, I didn’t want him anywhere near me. I swallowed, leaving my mouth dry and cottony. “Karen is fine. And you are?”
“Oh!” Major Freedom exclaimed. “I’m so sorry, Karen. I thought you knew. This is Senator Simon Gordon. He’s the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Enhanced Affairs and a good friend.” He leaned closer. “He’s the someone I mentioned.”
The senator nodded, keeping hold of my hand. “Horrible business with the Harbingers, Henry. Hopefully, you’ll be able to track them down and bring them to justice.”
“We’re doing our best, sir,” Hank said. For a moment, I thought he was actually going to salute. “I’ve got my people working with yours to see if we can find out where they went to ground.”
I extracted my hand from the politician’s grip, then gave him a curious look. “Your people?” I asked.
“The EAPF reports directly to the Committee, Karen,” Hank explained. “So, technically, the entire agency is under Simon’s watchful eye.”
The warning bells already chiming in my skull jumped into overdrive. Common sense screamed for me to politely excuse myself from this conversation so I could go hide out in the ladies’ room until the banquet was over.
Instead, I did what I always did. I poked the bear.
“Oh? Then maybe you can tell me why there’ve been issues lately between the EAPF and The Good Guys?”
Hank’s jaw dropped, but the senator’s smug grin only widened. “I wasn’t aware that there was an issue, Karen,” he said, not taking his eyes off mine. “But by all means, if you have a complaint to lodge, feel free to stop by my offices anytime, and get it off your chest.”
“Karen,” Hank said, putting his hand on my arm. “I’m not sure what you’re getting—”
“I might just do that,” I said, pulling my arm from the unwanted touch. “After all, it’s hard enough keeping the citizens safe even with the help of the EAPF. Having to do it while watching our backs at the same time is nearly impossible.”
The look on Hank’s face couldn’t have been more shocked and embarrassed if I had pulled up my dress to flash the senator my naked crotch. His eyes grew comically round, and his jaw continued to hang as if unhinged. It took him a few seconds to regain his power of speech.
“Karen!” he whispered harshly. “That’s completely out of line.”
I almost whirled around to tell Hank that, since I wasn’t a member of the Justice Brigade, he wasn’t the boss of me.
Senator Gordon held up his hand. “That’s quite alright, Henry. I’m not offended that your young associate thinks my organization is being untrustworthy. It’s to be expected, actually.” His eyes turned back to me, full of amused condescension. “If I was the one who spent several years in the company of someone like Doctor Maniac, I might be a little paranoid about authority figures as well
.”
One of my hands formed a fist all by itself. I didn’t like being talked down to, but I hated being talked down to as if I weren’t standing there. The balls on this guy to act like I was some disturbed nut job tilting at windmills. I might have slugged him right there in the middle of the ballroom if he hadn’t shrugged disinterestedly before turning back to Major Freedom.
“The prettiest roses hide the sharpest thorns,” he said. “Be careful with this one. She’s a spitfire.” Then he clapped Hank on the shoulder and moved off to join another group of attendees hovering near the bar.
Major Freedom turned back to me. I didn’t face him, however, in favor of continuing to stare at the man across the room who’d easily taken control of the conversation he’d interrupted, holding the rapt attention of the other four. Two of them were heroes from the California Crew. The other pair I didn’t recognize.
Hank moved around to block my view. “Karen, that was one of the most unprofessional displays of disrespect I have ever witnessed,” he said “Senator Gordon is not only an upstanding man who has helped and protected the Enhanced for over a decade, he is also a close, personal friend of mine. Your behavior was completely off the mark.”
I watched the senator for another couple of seconds before focusing on Hank. His cheeks were flushed, and the stare in his eyes couldn’t have been harder if he were facing off against Doctor Destructor. He obviously considered my interaction with Simon as a personal attack.
“He’s a bad guy,” I said as plainly as I could. The absurdity of that revelation was beyond measure. Hell, even I wasn’t a hundred percent ready to accept what I suspected. I shook my head, glancing back over at the Senator. “I can’t believe the dude in charge of the Enhanced police is a super-villain.”
Henry crossed his arms over his chest, not an easy task in a buttoned tuxedo jacket. “Do what?”
I nodded in the direction of the Senator, who had left the group near the bar and was now schmoozing with a couple of female heroes I recognized as being members of the Knights of the United Kingdom. They both looked like they were hanging on his every word.