“I love it,” Quinn said excitedly, without thinking. “Did you…” he asked, pointing, but stopped.
She nodded. “Do you know what happened here yesterday?”
Quinn smiled and nodded, then pointed at the art. “That happened.”
“That is a reminder that the world has changed forever. Someone flew to help someone and revealed his powers to us. There’s no going back now.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Quinn responded. “Um, not to rain on your parade, but, uh, you misspelled specter.”
She didn’t flinch. “No, I didn’t. It’s more badass the way I spelled it, don’t you think?”
Quinn smiled and nodded. “Yeah, it is.” I like that…Blue Spekter.
The woman started walking across the bridge toward Maine. She turned back and shouted, “He’s the world’s first superhero, kid…it’s either a great time to be alive or it’s the worst.”
“Which do you think?” he called out.
“I’m an optimist,” she answered.
Quinn smiled. I hope everyone’s as awesome as you are about it.
❖
“Track after school?” Dad asked, pulling the car into the drop-off zone.
“You know it,” Quinn answered.
“All right, give us a hug and have a great day. I’m really proud of you for coming out to us and I hope Keegan will be understanding. It’s not your fault you couldn’t get to him in time.”
Quinn sighed. “Yeah, I hope so, too.”
“Love you, kiddo.”
“Bye.” He hugged his father and then headed off to meet his friends.
Throughout the day at school, student conversations were abuzz with the mysterious incident that happened yesterday. Quinn was desperate to sneak out and watch the police interview, but he didn’t have to. His peers in physics class easily convinced Mr. St. Germain to tune the classroom television to the news broadcast on grounds that it was potentially one of the most important historical occasions they would all be alive for.
Mr. St. Germain winked at Quinn and set the classroom television to News Nine, where reports still covered the story but had become littered with supposed expert speculation to cover for the lack of real information. Moments ticked by as the news anchors and their guests rambled on about who they thought painted the Blue Spekter graffiti; whether it was him, someone else, and what it meant for the City of Portsmouth and the world. Even the news ticker had adopted the new spelling of Spekter.
Several moments later, the police chief approached the media podium in front of the police station and the News Nine anchor handed the broadcast off to Camilla Brenhurst, who briefly introduced Chief of Police Tina Applegate to the viewers. Then, one of the more aggressive reporters fired the first question. “Chief, can you confirm that Blue Spekter is the world’s first superhero?”
The gathered reporters and pedestrians—and some of Quinn’s classmates—erupted in a calamity of conversation and argument. Chief Applegate raised a hand to silence the group, and Quinn took a deep breath as his classmates simmered down.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming out this morning. The event that took place yesterday afternoon remains under official police investigation. At this time, we must refrain from commenting on the unidentified phenomenon that many people believe they saw. With regard to the growing notion of a superhero, I must remind everyone that law enforcement must be left to the professionals. Individuals acting as free agents will not be tolerated as vigilantism is not an acceptable or civilized solution. All citizens without proper authorization should refrain from interfering with safety and emergency situations as unexpected accidents may happen.”
The reporters burst into a volley of unintelligible questions and Quinn’s heart sank. I saved that man…how can she say those things?
Finally, one voice rose above the din. “Chief, given your official investigation, how do you account for the multiple camera angles from the handful of YouTube videos that all recorded the same event in real-time that already have several thousand views in less than twenty-four hours? Isn’t it a good thing to have someone looking out for us when emergency services are unable to respond?”
The room fell silent as everyone waited for the Chief’s next words.
“To the person, man or woman, young or old, who interfered with the emergency situation yesterday and took matters into their own hands, please stop. Though we believe at this point in our investigation that your intentions were aligned with our police and emergency response, you are not trained to respond to crisis situations and you placed yourself, the bridge workmen, and the lives of our fine officers and medical personnel in unnecessary danger. That is all I have for now, thank you.”
“But Blue Spekter saved Hector Rodriguez and…” a reporter protested, but the rest of her argument was drowned out by the shouting cacophony of her fellow reporters.
Quinn sat back, surprised and hurt. I don’t believe this. I saved those people; this is the thanks I get?
❖
Blake
It was pouring rain when Blake’s shift ended at Kaffee VonSolln. He sighed as he wiped up the counters, not looking forward to his upcoming meeting with Victor at the park bench. He decided he would not ride his bike out to Peirce Island in the rain; it was bad enough he had to ride home in the nasty weather.
“Blake, if you want a ride home, we can throw your bike in the back of my SUV,” his boss said as she sorted through the day’s receipts.
He smiled at Marcie. “Thanks, I’m supposed to meet someone after work, but I don’t know if that’s still on. If it’s not, I’ll take you up on your offer.”
“Okay. Also, I spoke with some of my connections. If you’re still looking for more hours, I can’t legally do anything about that. However, one of my connections is looking for someone to clean her offices on the weekends. The schedule is flexible, and she said it could pay well if the job’s done well. I’m guessing it would take three to four hours to clean, but that all depends on how fast and efficient you are. You work well here, but I understand cleaning other people’s messes isn’t for everyone.”
“Thanks,” Blake said, rinsing a rag. “I’ll think about it tonight. Honestly, Marcie, I don’t know why I’m trying so hard to do what my dad wants. There’s no way we can pay off thirty grand. There has to be another way. He’s obsessed with paying it off right now…but like, can’t we sign up for a payment plan or something?”
“I’m sure you could, Blake,” Marcie said, her warm, reassuring smile meeting Blake’s saddened gaze. “Medical expenses are ridiculous these days and often unfair. Let me know what you decide about the cleaning gig and I’ll pass her information along.”
The shop door opened, and Marcie turned to greet the patron. “I’m sorry, sir, but we’re closed. I guess I forgot to lock the door.”
Blake turned around and saw Victor standing there in his usual black suit, shaking water off his umbrella in the doorway.
“It’s all right, ma’am, I’m here to pick up Blake,” he said, stepping into the shop. He closed the door behind him.
Marcie looked at Blake with confused eyes. “Do you know him?”
Blake nodded. “Yup. He’s my um, big brother of sorts.”
“Oh,” Marcy said, looking Victor up and down.
“Like the program, not a family member,” Victor commented, following through with Blake’s misdirection.
“Ah, I understand,” Marcie said, smiling.
“I’ll be ready in a few minutes, I just need to finish cleaning up.”
“Go ahead, Blake. I’ll finish up. Besides, you’re pretty much done,” Marcy said.
Blake sighed. He wanted a few extra minutes alone before spending time with Victor, especially after the man had lost his cool with him.
“You have your bike, I assume?”
“Yup.”
“Okay, let’s put it in the back of the truck.”
Several minutes later, Blake’s bike was tuck
ed into the cargo space of the black SUV. Blake and Victor climbed into the back seat of the car, unpleasantly wet from the pouring rain.
“Man, it’s terrible out there,” Victor said, squeegeeing the sleeve of his suit.
“Uh-huh.”
The SUV drove down Daniel Street and then turned right on Market Street. Moments later, it pulled into Portsmouth Trading. Workmen had already left for the day and the area seemed vacant. The driver, one of the usual two guards who accompanied Victor at their meetings, steered the SUV into the warehouse. Once parked, they all climbed out of the SUV. The guards made their way back to the garage door and closed it while Victor led Blake to a lunch table with four chairs. He wiped crumbs off the table and sat down, resting his elbows on the table and clasping his hands together. He leaned forward, attentive and ready to engage Blake in conversation.
Blake sat down and leaned back in his chair.
“So, I’m your big brother now?” Victor asked, smirking.
“Whatever keeps people from asking questions, that’s the deal, right?” Blake responded.
Victor nodded.
“What do you want with me, Victor? I didn’t sign up to get treated like shit. I get enough of that at home.”
Victor’s face became serious. “Blake, I wish to apologize for losing my temper the other day. That was unprofessional and very rude of me.”
“Yeah, it was,” Blake responded dryly.
“Yesterday, the Blue Spekter, that was Quinn, wasn’t it?”
Blake narrowed his eyes and regarded Victor. He nodded. Always to the point, aren’t you?
“Why didn’t you tell me Quinn had powers as well?”
Blake leaned forward. “You didn’t exactly let me get a word in edgewise when you threw your little temper tantrum in the park, asshole.”
Victor swallowed, not breaking his gaze. “I deserved that. You’re right and I apologize again for lashing out. I’m sorry.”
“Fine,” Blake said, folding his arms across his chest. Sometimes apologies are just words.
“So, let’s start again, but this time, no secrets?” Victor asked.
“You’re always going to have secrets, Victor, until the day you decide to come clean about whoever or whatever it is you work for.”
The man slowly nodded. “Yes, that is an unfortunate reality, but as you are welcomed into the organization, that will change. Soon you will understand why the clandestine nature of the organization is imperative.”
Blake stared at him and didn’t say anything.
Victor chuckled and continued. “The mission of our organization, as I said before, is to take care of the individuals or groups who operate outside the justice system. The facility you and Quinn discovered is the oldest Orgonon Reactor Core in existence, built from the research of Dr. Wilhelm Reich, posthumously, of course. I need to stop here, though, because I’d like to have this conversation with both of you at the same time.”
Blake’s right eyebrow went up. “Both of us? You want to invite Quinn?”
“Yes,” Victor answered. “The difference between you two, Blake, is that Quinn is not the vindictive type, but after the rumors I’ve heard, you are. Am I correct?”
“Rumors like…?” Blake asked, shifting in his seat. What rumors?
“The police are aware of two separate instances where a man with glowing orange eyes took care of business. The first on Four Tree Island, the second in Hislop Park. Coincidence? I think not, especially after you showed me your orange eyes the other day.”
How do you even know about that? Blake swallowed. “Why didn’t the police say anything during their news conference?” he asked softly.
Victor smiled and raised his hands, gesturing surrender. “I’m not sure, but know that I am not judging you, Blake. You saved three women and struck terror into their assailants. You did a very good thing, twice.”
Blake sat back and smiled. “It felt good, too.”
“I’m sure it did,” Victor responded, smiling sinisterly. “Now, think about doing what you did, but on a grander scale—but in the shadows, figuratively, seeing as your glowing characteristics would make that rather difficult.” Victor finished his invitation with a smile.
Blake chuckled. “All right, fine. I’ll convince Quinn to meet with you…in exchange for all of the information you have about why we are the way we are…like why I glow orange and he glows blue, and why he can fly, and I can do other things.”
“Will you show us?” Victor asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Maybe,” Blake answered, smiling.
“Fair enough. Also, we need to expect Quinn will be highly suspicious and mistrusting, as I’m sure you still hold reservations about me, and I accept that. Just realize how important this is; we are working with one of the most profound moments in history.”
Blake rolled his eyes. “Yeah, well, this profound moment in history doesn’t have a whole lot of time anymore. I have to pick up a second job in order to pay off the hospital bill from my vacation at Rangeley Medical.”
“How much?” Victor asked.
“Thirty grand, so far.”
“I think I can do something about that, for both of you. Consider it a sign of good will and an investment in our future together.”
Blake’s eyes lit up. “You can zero-out the bill?”
Victor smiled. “I can do a lot of things, Blake. Helping you guys out would be my pleasure.”
Blake sat back and smiled. “Thanks, I really appreciate it.”
“Of course,” Victor said. “That’s what friends do.”
6 | Normal is Abnormal
Quinn
QUINN TOOK A DEEP BREATH and walked into the library, his eyes searching for Keegan. A moment later, he found him sitting alone at a table. He swallowed nervously and walked toward him, eyes focused on the back of Keegan’s wavy locks of dirty-blonde hair. The lights flickered above him as he walked across the library.
I’ve got to get that under control. Well, here goes all my hopes and dreams…I hope he can forgive me…
“Hey, Keegan,” Quinn said, walking around the wooden table, his voice pitchy and nervous. He cleared his throat.
Keegan looked up and smiled. “Oh hey, I’m really sorry about not texting you yesterday afternoon.”
What? Quinn blinked at him with shock. “Uh, okay?”
“Yeah, my phone’s battery died, and my mom needed me to come home and help her with dinner; it was my grandmother’s birthday and I completely spaced it. Later, we got into a big fight about how I shouldn’t be making after-school plans—especially dates—without permission even though I’m sixteen. So, it hasn’t been a great twenty-four hours in the Miller household. I figured I’d see you around, but, yeah, I’m sorry. I can be a space cadet and get stuck in my head at times. I should have responded. That was dumb of me.”
Wide-eyed only for a moment longer, Quinn smiled. “Oh, wow. I was just about to apologize to you…I never made it to the park. I got stuck in all that Blue Spekter commotion and couldn’t get through and I thought I left you high and dry. I even got us hot chocolates. When you didn’t text me back, I thought I had messed…”
Keegan shook his head. “You didn’t mess anything up. I did, and I’m sorry. I just learned an important lesson, and I won’t make that mistake again. I hope the hot chocolates didn’t go to waste.”
Actually, I have no idea what happened to the hot chocolates, come to think of it…
“Hey, wasn’t that Blue Spekter thing cool? Did you see it?”
Quinn shook his head and went with the change of subject. “I wasn’t paying attention and I couldn’t really see the bridge, I only saw it on the news. What did you think about it?”
“I saw it on YouTube when some people texted about it after dinner. I’ve never seen anything like it, have you?”
“A flying person who glows with blue light? Of course not!” Quinn quipped, grinning. “I just wish the police weren’t so opposed to the idea of someone tryi
ng to help out.”
Keegan shrugged. “If it’s a good guy or gal they’ll prove themselves to us and the police will relax. But that’s the alarming thing; no one knows anything about this flying person.”
“I think he’s the world’s first superhero.” Quinn said, the words escaping his lips before he could stop them.
Keegan smiled and laughed. “Sure, whatever, but time will tell. Nobody knows whether this person has other powers and how they’ll use those powers—for good or for evil. I’m honestly surprised people aren’t freaking out more. The world’s just changed and no one seems to realize it.”
Quinn nodded and thought back to the last words of the graffiti artist he met that morning: “He’s the world’s first superhero, kid…it’s either a great time to be alive or it’s the worst.”
Keegan shifted in his chair. “So um, can we schedule a rain date? I promise not to let my battery die again and I’ll check with the mother unit about the schedule. I’m still looking forward to our first date. I know it doesn’t seem it from my mood but I’m serious.”
“I’d like that,” Quinn said, unable to wipe the silly grin from his face. Above him, a light flickered.
Whoops, easy does it…
“I’m working after school today, but I could hang out tomorrow after track.”
“Hang out?” Keegan asked, chuckling.
“I mean, I propose a repeat attempt at our first date tomorrow, say around four o’clock?”
Keegan looked at nothing for a moment. Then he looked back at Quinn, smiling. “Pending the mother unit’s permission, I can do that. Maybe I’ll watch you run at track.”
Quinn smiled. “It could be boring for you if the coach sends us out on the roads, but you’ve been warned. I’ll be ready to go after I shower up. I’ll ask my dads if I can have the car that day so I don’t have to pedal to Prescott Park.”
“Sounds like a date,” Keegan said, smiling.
“Okay, talk to you later. Thanks.” Quinn turned and walked out of the library. Thanks? Why did I thank him?
Unidentified Phenomenon Page 5
