“And that, my fellow champions, is where we come in,” said Savior. “Golden Joab is going to be performing at the Hawktail Casino this weekend. Malcolm, Tapestry, I’d like the two of you to infiltrate it ahead of time and force contact.”
“Force contact?” asked Malcolm. “That sounds kind of… rapey.”
Everyone in the room turned to stare at him, including Melanie, who had paused her game to turn and raise an eyebrow.
“What?” asked Malcolm. “It’s just an observation. Say it out loud again and tell me I’m wrong.”
“Moving on,” said Savior. “Your cover story will be two newlyweds enjoying their honeymoon.”
Tapestry let out an audible gasp.
“That seems unnecessary,” she said. “We can just be interested gamblers, stopping by to watch his show.”
“There’s a reason why we’ve been unable to contact Golden Joab in the past,” said Wax. “He’s paranoid. The two of you need a good cover, and it needs to be convincing. You could pass as newlyweds, but nobody is going to believe that you’re just there to gamble.”
“It could be fun…” said Malcolm. He smiled at Tapestry, and was surprised by the irritation in the expression she offered back.
“I don’t like it,” she said. “It makes me feel icky.”
“Tapestry,” said Savior. “You’re young, and I know this must be a confusing role to be placed into, but you must set your hormones and emotions aside. Be mature about this.”
Tapestry’s mouth fell open. She stared at Savior in shock, looking as though she was offended in several different ways. Malcolm couldn’t resist.
“Yeah, Tapestry,” he said. “Be mature about this.”
She stood up and let out a huff.
“Fine,” she said. “If anybody needs me, I’ll be in the kitchen, finishing breakfast.”
She stomped off, and Savior gave a shrug.
“Cutter, you will be taking on a big responsibility with this mission,” said Savior. “Do it well, and I’ll owe you a favor.”
He set a hand on Malcolm’s shoulder and looked at him seriously. The events of the previous night were still a little hazy, but Malcolm remembered at least one important conversation that they’d had.
I could ask him to pardon Rose. She’d be able to live safely, and we could be together.
“I’ll handle it,” said Malcolm. “So, after we’ve contacted Golden Joab…?”
“Bring him to me,” said Savior. “If he’s willing to go with you, that’s perfect. If he isn’t, well, find a way to do it that doesn’t cause too much harm to him.”
Malcolm nodded.
“Got it,” he said.
Conversation shifted to lighter topics for a couple of minutes, with Savior and Wax discussing the merits of smoking cigars vs cigarettes. Malcolm watched Melanie play PS4, teasing her a little each time her character died.
Tapestry brought out plates of pancakes and passed them around. They were light, fluffy, and delicious.
“Wax,” said Savior. “They’re going to need nicer clothes to pull this mission of.”
“I’m on it,” said Wax. “Tapestry, Malcolm, I’ll need to take your measurements.”
He pulled a small measuring tape out of his pocket casually, as though everyone carried one around, and began moving around Tapestry with the speed of a practiced tailor.
“And grab me some nylon briefs while you’re at it,” said Savior. “I wore cotton ones by mistake today, and you know how badly the area around my loins chafes.”
“Sure thing,” said Wax.
CHAPTER 10
Wax took all of Tapestry and Malcolm’s measurements, and then immediately left to do the necessary shopping, with Savior’s credit card in tow. Malcolm finished his breakfast, feeling slightly excited about the mission ahead.
“Before the two of you leave,” said Savior. “I’d like you both to check in with the other champions in the area.”
“Greenthumb and Morph?” asked Tapestry. “They’ve been lying low, just like we have. Morph was considering coming out to greet you along with us, but she’s been worried about the monsters finding Greenthumb in the hospital.”
“Let them both know that if they’re feeling up to it, I could use their help,” said Savior. “And send them my best wishes.”
“That seems like the kind of thing that would best be done in person,” said Malcolm.
Savior frowned at him.
“I’m not going to be around for longer than necessary,” he said. “I want the two of you, and Wax, as well, to get used to operating on your own. Build ties with your fellow champions, and you’ll stand strong. Like a Jenga tower!”
Like a… Jenga tower?
“We will,” said Tapestry. “It’s no problem.”
“What will you be doing in the mean time?” asked Malcolm.
Savior smiled.
“Arranging for you to have a new base built,” he said. “It will be in the exact same place as the old one! Sends a strong message to those who would think to attack and destroy the property of the Champion Authority.”
“It also means that our enemies will never have trouble finding us,” muttered Malcolm.
Tapestry elbowed him in the ribs.
“We appreciate everything you’ve done for us, Savior,” she said. “Thank you. We’ll check in with Morph and Greenthumb, and then meet up with Wax.”
“How long do you think you’ll be gone for?” asked Melanie. “The whole weekend, or just the first half? I’m only asking because, uh, I’ll miss you so much. But definitely for Friday night and Saturday morning at the least, right? That’s a definite?”
“Melanie,” said Tapestry, in a quiet voice. “If I come home and find evidence of there having been a party thrown in my house…”
Melanie paused the game and shot a look at her great-grandmother that was actually rather convincing.
“I’ll just be… playing video games all weekend,” she said. “Relax.”
Malcolm grinned at her. He almost wished he could be around for it.
They drove Tapestry’s BMW, unable to avoid the risk of exposing themselves with it any longer, now that they had places to go outside of the bus’s routes. There was an odd tension in the car, and Malcolm could only take a minute of it or so before the silence grew to be unbearable.
“What do you think of all this?” he asked. “The plan, Savior, the fact that we’re heading to a casino to, uh, possibly kidnap a magician?”
Tapestry shrugged.
“I’m not a fan of this plan,” she said. “But Savior knows what he’s doing, even if he is a bit daft sometimes.”
“He’s smarter than he seems,” said Malcolm. “He has an… interesting approach to conflict.”
Tapestry glanced at him. Malcolm thought back to the previous night, suddenly remembering something important. He briefly debated if it was something he should share.
Tapestry appreciates it when I’m honest with her.
“I absorbed his power,” said Malcolm. “Using my power mimicry.”
Tapestry stiffened. She looked over at him, her mouth forming a tiny o.
“You… what?”
“It was an accident,” said Malcolm. “He was sloshing drunk, and we were both flying. He slammed into me and I grabbed his wrist, and it just happened.”
“Malcolm.” Tapestry shook her head and tightened her hands on the wheel. “No… That’s not okay. Here, take mine instead.”
Malcolm frowned.
“What? Why?”
“You can’t have Savior’s powers, Malcolm!” she said. “Think about how many different ways this could end horribly. What happens if you accidently use them and… blow up a building with an energy blast, or something?
“Tapestry, I can’t even make his powers work,” he said. “It doesn’t feel like it normally does. Like, there’s nothing new, nothing beyond what I could do before.”
“It doesn’t matter,” she said, voice firm. “Her
e, go ahead.”
She reached her hand over to him. Malcolm shook his head.
“You’re worrying over nothing,” he said. “It will be fine.”
Tapestry slowed the car, putting on her blinker and pulling into a spot on the street. She put it in park and turned her full attention onto him.
“Malcolm,” she said. “This isn’t me giving you advice. Take my power instead of Savior’s, right now, or I’m telling him everything.”
“Tapestry, you’re being ridiculous!”
“Maybe so…” she said. “But it’s an issue of trust. The reason I let your power mimicry slide in the first place was because I thought you were going to be a responsible adult with it.”
Malcolm scowled and shook his head.
“Maybe me keeping Savior’s powers is the responsible thing to do,” he suggested.
Tapestry reached her hand out again.
She’s serious. And she isn’t going to change her mind.
“Fine.” Malcolm took her hand into his, and was a bit surprised by how soft it felt. He looked into Tapestry’s eyes, feeling the familiar tingle of absorbing a power after a couple of seconds. He kept staring at her afterward, feeling the tension between them build. Tapestry’s cheeks reddened slightly.
“Well?” she asked. “Did you do it yet?”
“Like thirty seconds ago,” said Malcolm. “You just had a really cute expression on your face.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Let’s keep moving, then,” she said. “Greenthumb and Morph will be glad to see us.”
CHAPTER 11
Vanderbrook General Hospital was a better equipped facility than the town really deserved. Malcolm and Tapestry walked through a clean, white hallway, past nurses and doctors pushing patients and carrying clipboards.
They spotted Anna before they’d made it all the way to Greenthumb’s room. She was sitting in a chair in the hallway outside of it, reading a book with a bare-chested man on the front cover. She didn’t notice them approaching, and Malcolm poked her in the shoulder to say hello.
“Wind Runner,” said Anna. “And Tapestry. About time.”
“Savior’s arrived safe and sound,” said Tapestry.
“I know, I saw on the news,” said Anna. “What’s the plan?”
“He just wants you to report in,” said Tapestry. “I’m not sure if he has anything specific.”
“I bet he does,” said Malcolm. “Even if it’s just to have Anna provide entertainment in bird form.”
“Hey!” snapped Anna.
“The joke is on him, not you,” said Malcolm. “He’s a little eccentric.”
To put it mildly.
“Anyway, how is Greenthumb holding up?” asked Tapestry.
Anna furrowed her brow. She looked worried, but not overly so.
“He’s recovering,” she said. “He suffered a pretty severe concussion, along with a punctured lung and some internal bleeding. And he had a seizure after they checked him into the hospital.”
“Ouch,” said Malcolm. “Not fun. Hey, why are you out here, and not waiting with him in his room?”
Anna cleared her throat, looking a little uncomfortable.
“Ben’s girlfriend isn’t overly fond of me,” she said, in a careful tone. “I usually give them privacy whenever she stops by.”
“You’ve been guarding him nonstop?” asked Tapestry.
“Only during the day,” said Anna. “It’s boring, but necessary. I dip out to fly around the area every hour or so, not that I’d be able to spot monsters approaching unless they were obvious about it.”
“You’re pretty dedicated,” said Malcolm.
Anna blushed.
“I’d… do the same for any injured champion on our team,” she said. “Even though technically Ben worked in the field, and not just in Vanderbrook. Still the same, though.”
“Right,” said Malcolm. “Nothing to read into there.”
Tapestry rolled her eyes at him.
“Morph, you should probably head to my place to report in with Wax and Savior,” she said. “Greenthumb will be alright on his own. If Rain Dancer’s faction was going to make a move against him, they would have already done it.”
“You’re probably right,” said Anna. She hesitated for a second. “Just… tell Ben that I’ll be back soon, okay?”
“Sure,” said Malcolm, smiling.
Anna headed down the hallway, toward the elevator. The door to Greenthumb’s hospital room was closed, and the shades were drawn over the windows on either side. Malcolm knocked, and heard a familiar male voice invite them in.
Greenthumb was wearing a hospital gown, and had a clean bandage wrapped around his head. He looked tired and thin, which was a little worrying, given his usually hardy appearance. A woman with brown hair and a baby in her arms sat in a chair next to his bed, frowning.
“Wind Runner…” said Greenthumb. “And Tapestry. Good to see the two of you.”
“Good to see you, too, Ben,” said Tapestry. “How are you doing?”
“Fine,” said Greenthumb. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m ready to get back into the field.”
The woman glared at Greenthumb.
“No, you aren’t,” she said, her voice sharp. “Ben, we talked about this.”
“Carol…” Greenthumb sighed. “I’m not retiring. I know you want me to, but it just isn’t happening.”
“You aren’t in your twenties anymore, Ben!” said the woman. “And really… think about what you’re doing? Think about what your job involves. Why would you want to keep doing that?”
“Because I’m good at it,” said Greenthumb. “And because I enjoy it.”
“You enjoy killing innocent people?” asked Carol.
“The monsters aren’t innocent!” snapped Greenthumb.
The baby started crying. Greenthumb’s girlfriend shot him a look, and slowly coaxed the child back to silence.
“Ben…” she said. “There’s a reason why protests are happening, all around the country. You… might be on the wrong side of history.”
She shot Malcolm and Tapestry an apologetic look.
I feel like now would be a good time for us to leave…
“We’ve talked about this before, Carol,” said Greenthumb. “You know I’m not going to change my mind. Let’s just let it drop for now.”
Greenthumb’s girlfriend sighed and focused her attention down on the child in her arms.
“Anyway,” said Greenthumb. “Let Savior know that I’ll check in with him as soon as the doctors clear me for duty. It shouldn’t be more than a few days, if not later this afternoon.”
“I will,” said Tapestry. She nodded to both Greenthumb and his girlfriend, and left the hospital room.
“Wind Runner,” said Greenthumb. “Hold on a sec.”
Malcolm stopped short of the door. Greenthumb looked him in the eyes, his face growing very serious.
“Let me know if you hear anything about Melt,” he said.
Melt had been Greenthumb’s former partner, a champion who’d turned into a demon during a fight with Rose. Malcolm had been there too, and had in a real sense been at least slightly culpable in Melt’s transformation, having fought to break the battle up instead of fighting against his friend.
“I will,” said Malcolm. “I… I’m sorry. For what happened.”
“It wasn’t your fault,” said Greenthumb. He held Malcolm’s gaze, and there was something vaguely intrusive about the way his eyes bored into him. “Don’t hesitate, if you go up against him. Fight with everything you have. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll kill you or any other champion that tries to show him mercy.”
“Ben!” snapped Carol. “That’s your partner that you’re talking about! How can you say that?”
Greenthumb cleared his throat.
“You should go catch up with Tapestry,” he said, to Malcolm.
“Right,” he said. “Take care.”
He left the hospital room, f
eeling a bit shaken.
CHAPTER 12
Tapestry was waiting in the parking lot, leaning against her BMW with her phone. She glanced up at Malcolm as he walked toward her, the wind blowing a few strands of blonde hair across her face.
“Wax says we need to drop by the house to pick up the clothes he bought for us,” she said. “We’ll head out to the casino as soon as we do.”
“Sounds good.” Malcolm climbed into the passenger seat. “Know anything about our target? Golden Joab… it’s hard to guess at much from his name.”
“A couple of news reports, here and there,” said Tapestry, sounding a little discouraged. “I’m surprised Savior is sending us after him. The only reason why there’s buzz around him potentially being gifted is because nobody has figured how he does his tricks.”
Malcolm considered it for a moment.
“That would probably be the easiest approach for us to take, you know,” he said. “If we could catch him using his powers in action, in the middle of a show, he wouldn’t be able to ignore the Champion Authority’s attention any longer.”
Tapestry shrugged.
“Maybe,” she said. “It’s funny, the reason why he can still make a living off his magic is because nobody can prove that he’s gifted. People don’t like watching people that have proven superpowers doing that kind of show. It’s as though it ruins the mystery of it.”
“People are weird,” said Malcolm. “News at 11.”
Tapestry smirked at him.
Wax had several bags already packed for them back at Tapestry’s house. Tapestry spoke with Melanie for a couple of minutes, reiterating her message about parties being off limits.
“I’m serious, Melanie,” she said. “It isn’t about me not wanting you to have fun. It would draw too much attention to the house, which is currently serving as our temporary headquarters.”
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re bad at trusting people?” asked Melanie.
Malcolm chuckled.
“We should get moving,” he said. “Wax, is there anything else we should know?”
Wax ran a hand over his smooth, bald head.
“I suspect that Rain Dancer might also make a move on Golden Joab soon,” said Wax. “Possibly at the same time as the two of you. Be on guard. This could end up being a much more dangerous assignment than it sounds.”
Wind Runner: The Complete Collection Page 40