Not Your Villain (Sidekick Squad #2)(29)

They talk about everything, and it feels as if a huge weight has been lifted from Bells’ shoulders. Despite the chaotic mess of today and the unknown that faces them tomorrow, Bells relaxes into a soft and easy sleep with Emma beside him.

The next morning, Genevieve is well-rested, but still anxious. She paces as they eat a quick breakfast of protein bars. “Disguising me as your friend is a good plan,” she says, nodding at them. “But you should save your energy. I don’t know how long we have to wait.”

Bells nods. Holding a shift for both Genevieve and himself might be a stretch. He doesn’t think he’s completely recovered from yesterday.

“Just drop me off at my home,” Genevieve says. “I need to see what we need to do to get these videos public and if Phillip’s contacted me.”

The nervousness is almost tangible as Emma drives them through Andover. Bells glances at the advertisements on the storefronts for Captain Orion’s EverSparkle products and wonders how much of that will change once everyone knows how evil she is.

“Thank you for everything,” Genevieve says. “I’m sure I’ll see you soon. Abby—”

“Is on her way back to town with Jess,” Bells says.

Genevieve nods.

Bells waits for the last moment to shift into the disguise when they get to Jess’ house. It’s never taken so long to recover from depleting his power; he must have really stretched his limits.

It’s not as uncomfortable as it usually is when he must take on a female form. Being Denise is part of the plan, it’s important for their cause, and no one in the League is telling him what to do. He wants to do it. For Jess, for everyone. It’s just a brief job. It’s not him. He can be Denise for a little while.

Victor Tran welcomes them with warm greetings for Emma and surprised recognition for Bells, in the form of Denise. “My wife will be back soon with Jess. She is picking her up from a writing conference in Crystal Springs, so you’re welcome to wait.”

“Oh, cool,” Emma says. “She told me about that.”

Mr. Tran tilts his head and raises his eyebrows. Bells nudges Emma with his foot. The “writing conference” is obviously something Victor just came up with to explain why Jess was gone for almost two days.

“Yeah, I thought it was at the end of the month,” Bells says casually. “I didn’t realize it was this weekend!”

“Oh, I didn’t realize you were interested in creative writing, Denise,” Mr. Tran says.

Bells has no idea what Denise likes and dislikes. He smiles, hoping this will work. “I have many interests.”

“Of course, of course.” Mr. Tran nods. “You’re still interested in robotics, right? Did you apply for that internship with Monroe Industries, the one Jess got?”

“Yeah, I still like robotics,” he says in Denise’s light tone. “Uh, I didn’t apply. I mean, I did, but I was rejected. Not good enough.”

Emma bites back a smile.

When they arrive, Jess and Abby look awful. They are covered in dirt and smell as if they’ve been sleeping in a trashcan.

Jess explains everything. Bells doesn’t get to enjoy Victor and Li Hua’s reactions to his Chameleon reveal before Abby is running her hands through her hair, frantic. “No, no, no… She won’t be strong enough now; they’ll just capture her again!”

They must get Genevieve before she goes back to the base. Shocker and Smashwave will fly, and Jess can take the four of them in the car.

Four. Including Emma. Bells wasn’t counting on that, but as soon as he suggested taking her home first because it’s too dangerous, Emma looked up, her eyes aglitter with determination. “If you all are going, I’m going.” Her jaw is set. Bells is struck by the ferocity of her gaze. He loves this about her: her stubbornness, her pride, her impulsive streak, that whatever, let’s go for it attitude.

It’ll be fine. They’ll catch Genevieve either at her house or on her way back to the base, and together they’ll figure it all out.

It is not fine.

Captain Orion crashes into the wall, wincing as it crumbles around her.

Genevieve is in her full Mistress Mischief regalia: purple and chrome bodysuit and matching mask. Power radiates from her as she uses her telekinesis to fling Orion onto the floor. The battle is all lightning and confrontation; the two women match each other in strength and ability. Orion flies directly at Genevieve and throws a punch.

Genevieve gestures again, and Orion is thrown to the floor.

Orion grimaces and then laughs, low and predatory, as lightning gathers in her hands. It sizzles in the air, narrowly missing Genevieve. Orion grabs mementos from the shelf and breaks them—books, holos of Abby and her parents, a clumsily made statue.

“Hey, I made that!” Abby yells, ready to jump in the fray. “Don’t touch my mother!”

“Stay out of this!” Genevieve yells.

It’s too late. Emma picks up pieces of shattered furniture and throws them at Orion. Orion, the most powerful meta-human in the Collective, turns and glares at Emma as if she was little more than an ant.

“No!” Orion flicks her wrist in that gesture familiar from comics and all the broadcasts of her battles. Ozone reeks as lightning sizzles toward Emma, and Bells’ heart leaps into his throat. He throws himself at her, and they tumble to the floor, barely safe.