Not Your Villain (Sidekick Squad #2)(26)

“Come on, we’re almost out of here. We just need to get in a car, and I can drop…” Bells trails off.

Jess gave him an escape route, and they’ve made it out, but how do they get home?

Genevieve turns to him with a hopeful smile. “You can shift inanimate objects, right?”

“Yeah, clothes—”

“Ever try anything else?”

Every time he’s tried shifting inanimate objects, it’s utterly depleted him. He’s at the end of his power range and changing something unattached to a person would be challenging even if he was at full strength.

Bells is exhausted, and the desert sun is relentless. He can shift a locking mechanism, surely. He puts his hands on the closest car door, a modest sedan.

“No, no, we won’t be able to activate these cars. An unauthorized DED turning it on will automatically alert the owner. What we need is a manual-driving car. Someone has to have one.”

And indeed, someone does: a flashy red convertible with a steering wheel. Bells gestures toward the car. “Can you drive? Because I can’t.”

Genevieve nods. “Yeah, just unlock it.”

He touches the car door and concentrates. Why didn’t I think of this before? It could be so useful. Could I shift food, and, if I could, would it taste right?

Genevieve opens the door, and they climb in. Soon the car is trundling down the desert road toward the shining silhouette of Andover beyond the canyons.





Ch. 5...





Genevieve Monroe is an avid storyteller and keeps Bells from falling asleep on the drive back. Bells asks questions, and she tells him all about the history of the Meta-Human Training program, how she was marked for the villain track as soon as she started dating Phillip—Master Mischief.

He’s spent a lot of energy today. Bells has never known how it feels to be tapped out completely, but he’s exhausted all his strength. “This has enough electric charge to get us back to Andover,” Genevieve says. “Thank you so much—you and Jess and Abby. You saved me.”

“Thank me when we get safe.” Bells says, drumming his fingers on the windowsill. “It’s not over yet.”

“Well, I’m thanking you now,” Genevieve says gently. “You’re an incredibly strong and talented young man. Don’t be too hard on yourself. I’ve never met another meta-human who could have done what you did today. You’re stronger than you think are; I hope you know that.” Through the fog of exhaustion, a glimmer of pride courses through him. He knows he’s capable of many things, but on a day like today, that means a lot. “Thanks.”

They turn on the radio and listen to jaunty pop tunes until an emergency announcement cuts in.

“This just in!” Wilton Lysander’s face appears on the car’s dashboard display. Lysander is the over-the-top host of news segments about heroes. His usual chirpy demeanor is replaced by a grim smile. The first few notes of his theme play, but, instead of the vibrant fanfare that introduces his interviews and features, these notes are ominous.

Lysander’s voice is cold, devoid of humor and playfulness. “Chameleon has gone rogue and teamed up with the Villain’s Guild. The Heroes’ League of Heroes has issued an official warning to the general public, especially in Andover, that Chameleon is on the run and dangerous after an attack on a secure NAC facility.”

Bells clenches and unclenches his hands. He knew things were going to change; he just didn’t think they would change this fast. He thought about calling Harris, whom he always thought was tough but fair. Surely not everyone in the League was corrupt. And Genevieve and the other adults would have a plan.

There’s a cold churning in his gut. Lysander, who treated him like a rock star and had always been in awe of him, who said, “Kiddo, you’re gonna go far,” is now glaring at him through the dashboard, as if he knows this message is reaching him.

Lysander steeples his fingers. “Be aware. Chameleon can disguise himself as any person. Report any suspicious behavior to the local authorities and verify the identity of your companions with security questions.”

Lysander’s image flickers, and a series of photos of Bells-as-Barry are projected onto the display in a quick montage: Barry grimacing and pummeling a punching bag; Barry sparring with Coach Barbara; Barry lifting weights; a quick demonstration of Barry shifting into each of the trainers, lightning-quick.

“This is a public service announcement. Again, Chameleon is at large and dangerous. He is fully charged and can maintain a disguise for at least ten minutes before recharging.”

Genevieve turns to look at Bells. “Well, looks as though they’re on to us.”

A high-pitched laugh escapes Bells. “At least ten minutes. Well, it’s a good thing I never told them how powerful I really am.”

Genevieve nods. “This does change our plans if they’re all looking for you. You hang on to Abby’s DED with the video we need to upload; keep it safe. Officials will be on the way to your house, so that’s out. I’d take you back to my home, but I don’t want to risk Captain Orion coming for you there. Do you have somewhere you can hide? With someone you trust?”

“It’s okay. They’re looking for a guy who doesn’t exist. I registered as Barry Carmichael. They’re not gonna be able to pick him out of a crowd.”