Crystal laughed. It was a genuine laugh like she hadn’t done in far too long. The stack of files had all of the information on every super that joined the Visionaries. Cassandra kept detailed notes on everyone within the ranks, in case she needed to deal with them. And now she was handing it over to Crystal. The files also contained everything that Sight and the Visionaries knew about the heroes and their abilities. Again, it was always useful to know what information the bad guys had on you.
“I couldn’t find much, but I added a file on Armageddon,” Cassandra said. “I don’t have the resources I once had at the Watchtower, so it may not be anything that your tech guy, Broadband, may have found.”
“I’m sure they’ll be able to use it. I’ll drop it off in the morning before anyone gets there.”
“Are you really striking out on your own?” Cassandra asked. “I don’t think your crew has what it takes to win this battle without you.”
Crystal leaned back in her chair. “Why does everyone feel that way? What does a little running speed add to the mix that will tip the scales either way?”
“It’s more than your speed,” Cassandra said. “You, Patrick and Graham are the lynchpins of that team. You three were always our primary targets when I sent anyone out on a mission against you.”
Crystal chewed on her lip. “What about you? Are you really going to turn yourself in?”
“That’s the plan. I did a lot of reflecting, and I realized I have to pay for my crimes. Maybe this can do some good, though.” She placed her hand on the stack of files.
“Black Lake isn’t in any condition to start taking masks in again,” Crystal said. “Why don’t you wait to turn yourself in. Just for a little while anyway. I could always use someone to back me up if I need help.”
“Tempting.” Cassandra pulled some cash out of her purse and left a tip on the table. “Keep my number handy, just in case.”
Crystal was perusing the files as she left.
“Keep Graham safe, ok?” Cassandra was smiling now. “I used to hate that man, and his runaway mouth, but I think I like him now. I’m glad he’s ok.”
“Sometimes he’s hard to hate.” Crystal smiled. “Most of the time it’s pretty easy, though.”
Cassandra chuckled. “Just remember what I said. Don’t take the decision to leave so lightly.”
Crystal nodded, looking down at the files stacked on the table. I’m not so sure if I’m the one that made the decision anymore.
Thank you for reading!
If you liked this story, and would like to find out about more, sign up and stay up to date on the progress of ALL of my future books. You will receive a link to download FREE stories, as well as notifications keeping you up to date on all new releases. You’ll also receive special offers, intended only for subscribers.
www.EvilTwinBrian.com/join
DID YOU LIKE THIS BOOK?
We need your help…
Without reviews, it is very difficult for us to get our books in front of readers, like you. Indie authors, like myself, benefit greatly from word of mouth, and honest reviews.
It only takes a minute to leave a review, and you don’t have to write an in-depth analysis of the story. Just a sentence or two, with an honest reaction to the book, telling other readers why they might also enjoy it. It would help us keep writing more of the stories that you love.
Too few readers leave reviews of books they’ve enjoyed, but it helps the author out so much.
Thank you in advance!
Brian Manning
Brian Manning is an author, artist, podcaster, and a proud geek (or nerd…they’re the same, people). He is a lifelong fan of comic books, tabletop role-playing games, martial arts, and action movies. After blogging for years, writing half a dozen short stories, and a non-fiction book, he decided to buckle down and tackle the mighty trilogy.
Visit his website, EvilTwinBrian.com for more information about his books and artwork. You can also find Brian on Twitter at @EvilTwinBrian, and you can see his artwork (and cat pictures) on Instagram at instagram.com/eviltwinbrian.
Allen Manning is…just read Brian’s bio and replace the names.
You can find Allen on Twitter at @EvilTwinAllen, and check out his Instagram feed at instagram.com/AllenDManning.
Notes from the authors
As I said at the end of the first book, I love comic books. One of my other childhood loves makes appears in this book as well: Professional Wrestling. As a kid, my brothers and I discovered pro wrestling in 1985 during the build up of the first Wrestlemania. The first superstar I remember seeing on TV was Hulk Hogan. From there we were hooked.
We would scour the channels for any wrestling broadcasts, flipping through UHF stations until we accidentally found some of the smaller promotions. Every month various issues of professional wrestling magazines would come out, and all the kids in the neighborhood would flip through the pages looking at black and white photos and checking the top ten lists for each organization. An unofficial wrestling organization sprouted up on our block, with each of us "claiming" a wrestler that we could pretend to be, while wrestling each other various front yards, or in the park.
It just made sense to mix comics and wrestling. It's something my brother and I have done since we were kids. The two main antagonists in this book, Armageddon, are characters we created over 20 years ago for a supers role-playing game. They're obviously modeled after our favorite tag team of all time, the Road Warriors. The "promos" that Armageddon cut in the book draws inspiration from classic ringside interviews by Hawk and Animal. Even Sight's lines pull in a bit of Precious Paul Ellering's voice in the end.
As with the cover of the first book, Delivering Justice, Spilled Milk continues the pattern of paying homage to an iconic comic book cover. This time we chose Spider-main #151, and John Romita's dynamic and powerful depiction of the wall-crawler in a flooded sewer. Although Patrick Akiyama and Peter Parker have different powers (and power levels), I feel like they are a lot alike when I'm writing these stories.
Table of Contents
Contents
Copyright
Get Book 1
ISSUE ONE
CHAPTER - 1
CHAPTER - 2
CHAPTER - 3
CHAPTER - 4
CHAPTER - 5
CHAPTER - 6
CHAPTER - 7
CHAPTER - 8
CHAPTER - 9
CHAPTER - 10
CHAPTER - 11
CHAPTER - 12
ISSUE TWO
CHAPTER - 13
CHAPTER - 14
CHAPTER - 15
CHAPTER - 16
CHAPTER - 17
CHAPTER - 18
CHAPTER - 19
CHAPTER - 20
CHAPTER - 21
CHAPTER - 22
CHAPTER - 23
CHAPTER - 24
ISSUE THREE
CHAPTER - 25
CHAPTER - 26
CHAPTER - 27
CHAPTER - 28
CHAPTER - 29
CHAPTER - 30
CHAPTER - 31
CHAPTER - 32
CHAPTER - 33
CHAPTER - 34
CHAPTER - 35
CHAPTER - 36
CHAPTER - 37
EPILOGUE
FREE STUFF
Did You Like This Book?
About the Author
Author's Notes
Two Percent Power (Book 2): Spilled Milk Page 25