by Adam Oster
“Sorry, sir. You’re going to have to wait outside.”
“I demand to know what is happening to my wife!” he yelled as they tried closing the door in front of him. He held onto the door and struggled to keep it open until he felt a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
“Reverend,” the man connected to the hand said calmly. “There’s nothing you can do now.”
*******
“You alright there, Buddy?” Maggie asked, looking up from her book and noticing her brother was still staring at the same wall he had been looking at the last time she turned the page. “I know we said we’d have a relaxing night at home, but I didn’t expect you to shut down quite so hard.”
“I was just thinking about something.”
“Damon?”
“It’s not that. Well, not exactly. I don’t know. It’s nothing.”
“Are you having more of those memories?” Maggie asked, putting her book down on the coffee table in front of her and sliding down the couch closer to the chair Buddy was sitting on. Buddy was silent. “What’s happening in them now?”
“I don’t even want to think about it,” Buddy said solemnly.
“I’m sorry, Buddy. It can’t be easy to relive the life of a man as crazy as that. Especially considering how he feels about you.”
“It’s not that. At least, not exactly.”
“You want to talk about it?”
“I don’t know.”
“Okay,” Maggie said as she sat back in the couch. “But, if you ever want to talk, you know I’m here, right?”
“I know.”
“Have you told anyone else about it? Alexa maybe?”
“I haven’t even told any of them what happened between me and Damon, much less that I’m currently living his life in fast forward.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. Just never seemed like the right time. I mean, how do you tell someone that you currently have the memories of one of the scariest men that have ever walked this earth rolling around in your brain? I’m pretty sure I know how I’d react, and it wouldn’t be very accepting.”
“I don’t think you give your friends enough credit.”
“Maybe not.”
“It’s alright to be scared, you know.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re scared that you’re starting to become Damon. Aren’t you? I know I would be.”
“I don’t know. Maybe. There’s really only one thing I know for sure.”
“What’s that?”
“I want him out.”
Maggie got up from the couch and sat down on the armrest to the chair Buddy was currently perched on. “Can we agree for a second that I know you better than anyone? That, if there was anyone who knew what was going on in your head better than you, it would be me?”
“Sure. I guess so.”
“So, if I were to say that I’m not worried, would that make you feel any better? I mean, you haven’t given me any reason to believe that you’re anyone other than the same old dumb brother you’ve always been.”
“Yeah, but--”
“You can still separate the pieces that belong to him and the pieces that belong to you, can't you?”
“Yeah, I guess, it's just that--”
“Right, so, as long as you know who you are, there's nothing Damon can do to change that, whether or not he's hanging out inside your head.”
“You're probably right.”
“Of course I am,” Maggie laughed. “And now you know a lot more about what made him who he is, meaning that if he ever does pop back into our lives, you’ll have a better idea of how to deal with him.”
“Maybe I am just getting myself all worked up over nothing.”
“I know you are.”
“I mean, I already don’t really know who I am, because of that stupid Mind Wipe thing. I question which memories are real as it is.”
“I wish I could tell you that I know how it feels.”
“I know.”
“How about this?” Maggie grinned. “If you ever get to the point where you don’t think you can handle it anymore, you let me know. I’ll take care of it.”
“Perfect,” Buddy laughed. “Great to know I’ve always got my big sister to back me up.”
“And don’t you forget it. Now, why don’t you get to bed, you could probably use the rest before work tomorrow.”
“Yeah, about that. I had been meaning to tell you.”
“Oh, no, Buddy. Not again.”
“Yeah. Turns out working as a moving guy isn’t quite as easy as we had thought it would be.”
“Who caused the trouble this time, you or Zero?”
“Well,” Buddy stumbled over his words.
“Buddy…”
“Look, we got a little over-ambitious. No one was around, so we decided we could probably get things done faster if we, well, you know.”
“What happened?”
“Let’s just say that super strength does not always mesh well with priceless pieces of art.”
“Buddy!”
“I know, I’m sorry. It was completely my fault.”
“That’s the fifth job you guys have lost together now. You need to find some steady work.”
“I know, sis. I’ll get out and find something first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Actually, I might have something for you,” Maggie said as she sat back down on the couch.
“Yeah?”
“Ever heard of SuperCon?”
“Sounds familiar. One of those nerd conventions, right?”
“Yeah. It’s actually the world's largest comic book convention and it’s located right here in Sun City. Now that I'm the sister of the world-famous Buddy Hero, I've managed to make Maggie's the official caterer for the event.”
“World-famous?”
“Okay, sure, maybe no one actually knows you exist, but still, it seemed like a good enough excuse to go after the contract, not that I need any excuses with finances being the way they are. It’s a pretty big deal. I even had to hire on three more people just to handle the crowds.”
“Cool,” Buddy said as his mind trailed off to other things.
“Anyways, I could definitely use another pair of hands on the line and since you said you’re free tomorrow--”
“What?” Buddy snapped back into focus. “Oh, no, I just remembered. I promised Ryan I'd help him test. . . something.”
“You could have just said no, you know,” Maggie frowned as she stood. “You don’t have to lie to me.”
“No, seriously sis, I'd love to help, but--”
“Forget it.”
“I’m being honest here. Ryan asked if I could help him test this new upgrade he’s been working on, something that he thinks could be useful in, well, something. I don’t remember exactly. I think it had something to do with mirrors.”
“After all those years of watching you drink yourself stupid, I’m happy to see you finally found something that makes you happy, so, don’t misunderstand me. But, you need to find a job. There’s no easier way to say this. We need the money.”
“Well, you know, it would be pretty easy to rob a bank, knowing that--”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. Why don't we just put that idea under Plan B. Just promise me that if something comes up where you could be getting paid to traipse around in those tights of yours, you'll jump at the opportunity, okay? Our house is starting to feel a little cramped with you, me, Alexa, and Zero all sitting around the same dinner table. And the food bills aren’t getting any cheaper, either.”
“You know me, sis. The second someone gives me the opportunity to sell out, I'm there.”
“Perfect. Well, I have to be at the convention before the sun comes up tomorrow morning if I hope to have a chance to find a place to park and unload all my stuff. You gonna be up for a bit?”
“Yeah, probably. I was thinking about going out on patrol again to try and clear my mind. You got any clue where Alexa's gotten
off to? Thought she might like to join me.”
“She hasn't been home at all today. I just assumed she was off doing something with Zero.”
“Those two? Together? Alone? Don't bet on it. Besides, I think Zero said he was heading off to the library to play some catchup on world history.”
“Great,” Maggie groaned. “Just what I need. Another week filled with him spouting off random bits of celebrity gossip from ten years ago.”
“It could be worse,” Buddy smiled. “Remember when he found out about 9-11? I’d take talking about who is cheating on who over that discussion any day.”
“Did you try calling her?”
“I texted her. That’s usually more than enough.”
“I can check my room and see if she left her phone.”
“Her? Without her phone? I don't think so.”
“Okay, well I’m going to sleep. If you find Alexa, tell her I need her to be ready to go by 4am.”
“For what?”
“For SuperCon, dummy.”
“I'm serious, Maggie, Ryan asked me if I would--”
“G'night.”
“Good night.”
Maggie walked out of the room and Buddy was left alone. He sat in place for a moment, eyes returning to the blank wall before he finally stood and walked to the door.
CHAPTER 4
The offer from Damon Memphis/Dennis Murphy returned to Buddy’s mind as he walked to the bus stop. Perhaps his sister was right. There was more he could be doing to help balance the family budget. And if Murphy really was willing to pay them to do the types of stuff they were already doing, would that really be so bad? It’s not like they’re really going to be able to allow Flores to do whatever he’s doing without looking into it, right?
What really helped clinch the deal with Buddy was that Maggie had decided to take a catering job. She hated catering. And there was no way she would ever consider catering to a bunch of comic book nerds as the exclusion to that fact.
The more Buddy thought about it, the more he realized it all made sense. Zero had been keeping them all on a tight regimen of nightly patrols, daily patrols, training, and strength exercises. Between all of this, there was barely any time left to sleep, much less actually stay awake for a normal job. The offer from Damon would technically fall under the heading of ‘actual superhero duties’, meaning not only would it be a whole lot more fun than processing insurance claims, it might mean Zero would loosen up on all the other stuff he was having them do on a daily basis.
Although working for the man who used to be Dominion should be the stupidest idea the world had ever known, Buddy found himself coming to the conclusion that it might also be the one that made the most sense.
The bus arrived and Buddy stepped on. He fished three quarters out of his pocket to place into the money slot. He nodded at the driver, who closed the door and drove away as Buddy walked down the aisle to find a seat.
As always, Buddy tried to look no higher than a person’s knees. Making eye contact was a surefire way to ensure the trip would be filled with inane conversation with an absolute lunatic. Not that Buddy thought everyone who rode the bus was crazy, just the ones who would inevitably lock eyes with you if you made the mistake of looking anywhere near eye level.
He sat down in the first open bench available and pulled out his phone to try texting Alexa once again as someone plopped down onto the seat beside him.
“Hey! It's you!”
Buddy kept his eyes on his phone, not daring to show the person who was now next to him that he had any interest in continuing this conversation. He cautiously mumbled, “Hi.”
“Pretty crazy, huh? Running into each other like this?” he asked. Buddy noticed, out of the corner of his eye, the man’s arm moving in a circular motion, presumably in an attempt to get Buddy to make the mistake of looking up.
“Yep,” Buddy growled, continuing in his attempt to write four words on his phone.
“You don’t remember me, do you?” the man’s voice sounded sad.
“Nope,” Buddy grumbled, focusing his attention on finding the button that would make one of those smiley faces, because he knew Alexa liked to see those as a way to show he wasn’t mad.
The kid dug around in his pocket and after some difficulty, fished out a pair of yellow goggles, which he placed over his eyes as he leaned forward, directly into Buddy’s line of sight. He looked up at Buddy, smiled an obnoxious smile, and then rushed to shove the goggles back into his jeans pocket. “I didn't think the mask thing made such a difference,” he whispered.
“I'm not sure it does,” Buddy whispered back, hoping the kid hadn’t noticed that Buddy had, in fact, seen the whites of his eyes.
“So, I had meant to ask you last night. You heading out to the Con tomorrow? The RLSH is supposed to have a whole big section dedicated to the movement. I heard they were going to be taking over about a quarter of the west wing. Even supposed to have a few big exhibitions going on, including, or so I’ve heard, a parade!”
“I’m sorry,” Buddy said, finally looking up from his phone, dangerously making eye contact in the hopes that what he said next might be able to do what his lack of visual engagement had failed. “I really have no clue who you are.”
“Wow!” the man smiled larger. “I didn’t realize how much my costume hid my looks. I guess a pair of glasses really could work as a disguise, huh?”
Buddy stared blankly at the young man, disappointed that his final attempt had also managed to fail.
“I'm the,” the young man began, then leaned in and spoke in a hushed tone, “bumblebee!”
“Oh, Bumblebee!” Buddy exclaimed loudly. Bumblebee quickly brought a finger to his own lips and made a loud shushing noise, looking around rapidly in every direction to see if anyone had noticed. Buddy looked around as well, seeing that absolutely no one was paying any attention to them. They all appeared to know about the rule of avoiding eye contact at all costs.
“We've got to keep that on the down-low, man. My enemies could be anywhere.”
“Riiight,” Buddy responded, a smile now appearing on his face.
“So, what about it, you heading to the Con? I didn't see you at the prep meeting this morning.”
“Oh, um, yeah, that SuperCon thing, right? Not this year, kid.”
“But it's the RLSH event of the year. It's the best time to network and get to meet new people for team-ups and everything. Heck, supers from all over the world will be here.”
“Yeah? You don't say,” Buddy said quietly, not sure how to respond to such an exuberant excitement for something Buddy considered to be so far beneath him.
“I suppose you're not too worried about networking and all that, what with you already having a team and everything, huh?”
“Yeah, that's it. Too many friends already.”
“I wish I had that problem.”
“Um,” Buddy muttered, not sure whether he even wanted to reassure this kid and give him the wrong idea. “I, um, don’t believe that for a second. A, er, cool guy like you? You’ve gotta be beating them off with a stick, right?”
“That’s what my mom always says!”
“Sounds like a smart lady.”
“She sure is! Anyways, since you've already seen me out of uniform, I guess it doesn't do any harm to formally introduce myself. I'm Talmadge Jones.” He extended a hand to Buddy.
Buddy reluctantly took the hand. “Buddy Jackson.”
“It's great to get to officially meet you Buddy. Maybe I'll see you around sometime.”
“Yeah, maybe. . . “
“And seriously, you should reconsider going to the Con. It's a lot of fun.”
“Maybe next year.”
“Well, if for some reason you do manage to find yourself there, make sure to stop by my booth and say hey. All members are supposed to be set up in the main RLSH section, but since this is my first year, I thought I’d spend a few extra bucks and get my own space in the exhibitor’s section, you know to s
ign autographs and whatever.”
“Sure, sure,” Buddy said, looking out the window. “Oh, looks like this is my stop.” Buddy pulled the bell cord, hearing the familiar ding come from the front of the vehicle.
“Barber Street, huh? I haven't been down here in ages. You work here?”
“Something like that.”
“Cool. Maybe I'll have to stop by sometime and say hello.” The bus slowed to a stop, brakes screeching to a halt. “Where do you work?”
Buddy stood and squeezed his way in front of Talmadge into the aisle. “Um, well, I guess you could say I work all over.” Buddy winked. “You know us RLH whatevers.”
“Oh, I get it.”
“I'm sure you do. See ya.” Buddy walked down the aisle to the door.
“Bye, Buddy!” Talmadge yelled after him.
CHAPTER 5
As Buddy approached the diner, he noticed a figure silhouetted on the rooftop. He walked around the corner and jumped to the fire escape. He made it to the top with only a moderate amount of difficulty and found Alexa oblivious to his noisy arrival, still standing on the far side of the building and staring off into space.
“Doing a solo patrol tonight?” Alexa jumped at the sound of Buddy's voice.
“Oh, Buddy, you scared me.” She turned her face away from him again, looking off into the distance.
“Are you alright?” Buddy asked as he neared her. “I’ve been texting you all day.”
“Oh,” she responded flatly, “yeah, I must have had my phone turned off or something.”
“You with your phone turned off? Something must really be up.”
Alexa turned to him, tears in her eyes. “Buddy,” she began, but was unable to continue.
Buddy ran to her side and wrapped his arms around her. “What's up, Lex?” He asked as he held her tightly against himself.
After a brief moment, she pulled away and turned from him. She took a deep breath before finally speaking again. “I’m sorry, Buddy. I—“ she cut herself off.
“Hey,” Buddy said, pulling her into himself once again, “hey, don’t worry. I’m here. Is this about seeing Damon yesterday? I should have told you earlier but--”
“No, it’s not that. Well, I mean, that’s definitely not helping, but--”