Page 93 of No Capes

My dad coughs, and my entire body softens. We don’t have time to search for the mayor’s lair.

“I’ve looked here before,” says Dark Static. “Phil keeps his files somewhere else.”

“No,” coughs my dad. “They’re here.”

“Right now,” D.S. says, “the best thing to be is alive. If we get another chance to solve all these mysteries, great, but it’s too risky right now, and we don’t have time.”

A loud creak echoes through the house, and Golden Ace and Arielle suddenly appear in the library. Arielle looks as upset as I do when I fly, though still stylish with her classy boots and set, wavy hair.

“It didn’t work,” she breathes.

Golden Ace flicks something wet off his shoulder. “We convinced reporters of Phil’s villainy, but Capital City still believes in him.”

“What?”Oh no.

“He was ready. He had a scapegoat,” says Arielle. “Someone to fault for corrupting the mayor and, in fact, the entire city.”

Dark Static.

We knew that would happen. We just thought we’d be able to get to Capital City residents first.

“How did he know you were coming?” I ask.

Arielle sways as if suddenly dizzy, as shocked as the rest of us that she underestimated her husband. Our main advantage was the surprise and leaking the voicemail before Phil could defend it.

D.S. sets his jaw. “How long before they come after me?”

“Minutes, probably,” says Golden Ace. “Maybe ten.”

“Before who comes after you?” I ask.

“The other Supers,” Golden Ace says, tapping his temple. “I know it’s hard to remember, but I’m not the only hero in this city. Phil’s still on track to turn Capital City against Supers; he’s convinced our allies that I’m staging a coup with Static. They’re all headed here now.”

“Can you call yourself a hero if you’re defending an outlaw?” D.S. cracks a small grin, still able to make a joke.

“The only way to be a hero is to stand by what’s right,” says my dad, through gulps of air. “Which I think makes each of you heroes.” Arielle’s lip trembles as she takes my place under our dad’s shoulder, helping him stand.

Dark Static brainstorms. “If Madeline and I combine our powers, wecouldmake a force-field around the mansion and hold off the Supers. Arielle, see what evidence you can send the press. Gold, get Mr. Roberts’ vitals back to normal, and quickly. Then we need help to get the Supers on our side. It’ll include some fighting, but hopefully not a lot. We’ll buy as much time as we can.”

Arielle tugs on Golden Ace’s arm. “I’ll show you where we keep the first aid. Also, we need to find Phil’s secret office.”

Golden Ace nods. “Do you have a robotics lab?”

“I have a garage.” She and Golden Ace move to escort my dad, their words fading as they leave D.S. and me alone in the library.

“You alright?” he asks. “You’re being awfully quiet.”

“I want my dad to be okay.” My voice breaks.

“He will be.” D.S. lifts my chin, and we stare at each other, mask to mask. Behind his mask is Fox Levine, strong and unblinking. Behind mine is a mystery. Only for a moment, because there isn’t much time, I let Dark Static pull me into a hug. I rest my head on his shoulder. My heartbeat paces the seconds we’re losing, but his soothing warmth feels lets me pretend everything is okay.

A loud beep comes from his watch. He quiets it, catching me before I can pull completely away. He holds his wrist in the space between us, showing me how green dots rush on the screen. “Eight minutes,” he says. “Before the other Supers are here and things are the opposite of splash-tastic.”

“Got it,” I say, straightening. I’ve got it. “Can we portal outside?”

He nods and takes my hand. Darkness envelops us, whooshing, until we’re out on the grounds, in the shadow of the mansion. A low blanket of clouds hides the stars, and I will the clouds to open. I give them my energy, making them heavy until there’s a drizzle and pulse in the air. D.S. winces under the rain, but it helps me feel more alive.

“Nimbostratus, perfect. If we combine our powers,” says D.S., “we can make a rain vortex.”