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Dad’s eyes widened. “No, Nick.No.It’s not like that. It’s… think of it as checks and balances. I’ll be workingwithSeth, if he decides to continue with being Pyro Storm. He’s—I’ve gone back. Through the files. He was always trying to help. It was—”

“Owen,” Nick said bitterly. “It was Owen that was causing all the trouble. He tried to take credit for everything. And we all fell for it.” He shook his head. “But it wasn’t all his fault. His dad hurt him. Made him do things. And Simon Burke is getting away with it.”

“But you figured it out,” Dad said lightly. “You saw the truth. And I have to believe it wasn’t always that way for Owen. That had someone been there to guide him, he could have ended up differently. I don’t want that to happen to anyone else. And it’ll be my job to make sure it doesn’t. Simon Burke won’t get away with this. Not for long. I promise.”

It was a cold comfort, but Nick let it go. “You’ll be doing this by yourself?”

Dad shook his head. “No. I’ll have officers under me. I’ve already asked Cap to give me Officer Rookie. He agreed, though we haven’t told the rook yet.”

“Oh man, I bet he hates that you call him that.”

“I blame it all on you. He understands.”

Nick chewed the inside of his cheek. “You’ll have to talk to Seth,” he said finally. “I don’t know what he wants to do. He’s… This took a lot out of him.”

“I know. And I already did.”

“What? When?”

“Thursday.”

Nick could barely contain his outrage. “You said you had a doctor’s appointment. Youliar.”

“I did. It didn’t take very long. I went to the Gray house after.”

Of all the deceitful— “You could have taken me. Maybe I would’ve liked to go too.”

“I know. But I needed them to see I was doing this on my own.It’s not every day you tell a teenager and his guardians you’re aware he can create fire out of nothing, and you want to help.”

Okay. Now Nick was impressed. “Whoa. Badass.”

“Language.”

“Itis.”

Dad looked pleased. “It was, wasn’t it?”

“What happened?”

“His voice got really high-pitched, and he squeaked a lot.”

“Yeah,” Nick said dreamily. “He’s just the best.”

“Oh boy. Not gonna touch that one.” Dad shook his head. “They listened to me. I told them I would keep Seth’s secret, as long as he doesn’t do anything to force my hand. He asked if he could think about it. He didn’t know if he wanted to be Pyro Storm anymore.”

“I can’t believe he didn’t tell me any of this,” Nick muttered.

“I asked him not to. I wanted you to hear it from me. It’s… important, Nicky.” His smile faded. “This work. What it would mean. The people we could help. And I’m not going to lie, it scares the hell out of me to think of you getting in harm’s way because of who Seth is.” His hands curled into fists. “I’ve—we’vealready lost a lot. I can’t lose anyone anymore. I know I can’t keep you from Seth, and I don’t want to. But at least this will put me in a position to make sure you’re never taken from me again.”

Nick didn’t hesitate. He stood from his chair and rounded the table. He reached down and put an arm around his father’s shoulder. Dad laid his head against Nick’s chest, just above his heart. “I’m not going anywhere,” Nick said quietly. “I promise. You and me, okay? That’s how it’s gonna be. It’s easier to stand together than it is to struggle apart. And I know I’m getting older, but if you think that means I won’t need you as much, you’re wrong. You’re my dad. No matter where I go or who I’m with, that’s not going to change.”

Dad chuckled hoarsely. “That so?”

“Yeah. I mean, you break it, you buy it. You’re pretty much stuck with me forever.”

“I’m okay with that.” Then, “She’d be proud of you, you know.”

Nick’s breath caught in his chest.