Page 26 of No Capes
While I was downstairs, Phil and Arielle Bridges made their arrival. Phil has taken his place as the center of attention, and it appears that Arielle has brought fresh peas.
“I didn’t realize you could harvest peas in October,” Brynn exclaims to Arielle, as we take our seats.
Arielle replies, “Of course you can. Besides, Madeline loves peas.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet of you to bring them for her,” says Brynn.
My dad snorts, but I don’t react. Arielle knows I hate peas.
Fox, Damian, Molly, and Jamie sit a few seats down from my dad and me. Damian and Molly seem to have stopped fighting, and Fox is back to being his easy-going, full-energy self, teasing his friends, laughing too loud, and never once looking at me.
The most interesting part of dinner happens when Molly asks Mayor Bridges what he thinks of “all this Dark Static business,”despite him talking about keeping Capital City safe during our assembly today.
The guests each give their undivided attention to Phil, who laps it all up. “As you all know, my priority as Mayor is the safety of every citizen,” he says, launching into the same speech he’d given hours earlier.
Arielle takes this as an opportunity to venture into the kitchen and check her lipstick. A white glare shines into the dining room as her makeup compact mirror catches the light. I’ve noticed that this is a pattern—Arielle ventures into another room and touches up her face whenever she gets bored with Phil’s performances.
“Shame what happened to Dr. Milligan’s house,” says Damian.
“Thank goodness Dark Static didn’t hurt anyone,” adds Molly.
“Definitely a shame,” says Phil. “Milligan’s mansion was an important part of Capital City’s history. It’s never good when Supers get out of control.”
My dad chuckles. “Is that a euphemism, Phil?”
“What do you mean?” asks Phil, a tremor in his voice.
“I mean one of the great and scary things about having Supers in this city is that no one can control them.”
“You’d be surprised,” the Mayor replies.
The room’s energy has shifted. It’s palpable enough that I stop watching the spots of light from Arielle’s mirror and study Phil. His confidence wavers, something darker taking its place. Bags puff under his eyes, and he hunches over his plate, as if this “Dark Static business” might push him past his limit. What does he know that we don’t? Or are we finally seeing the real mayor, who can no longer hide under the pressure?
“Tea, anyone?” Brynn slices through any awkwardness by assuming the role of the perfect hostess. It’s after dessert,traditionally when my dad and I head home, but instead of gathering his things, Dad waits for Phil. Phil accepts a mug from Brynn, who looks honored to have him there. Arielle returns from fixing her lipstick and gives Phil a comforting squeeze.
Phil sighs, then nods to Damian. “How’s the tennis team looking this year? You boys bringing home another trophy?”
My dad finally stands. We’re not getting anything else from our mayor. Others rise to call it a night too, as if the possibility of hearing Phil’s plan for Dark Static is the real reason that anyone came.
Nine
That night, I make a list of questions for Dark Static:
1. What does D.S. have against Capital City’s politics?
2. Why did he attack a former mayor and not the current one?
3. Of all the people who could investigate Aaron, why did D.S. pickme?
In order to ask Dark Static these questions, I have to complete the task he already gave me: crack Aaron Ryans, the enigmatic, speedy McSpeedster with two first names.
I find Aaron on Sunday in the first place I look: the pool.
Go figure.
Younger kids shriek as they splash and chase each other in the shallow end. A half-inch of water coats the entire deck. I typically avoid weekends at the pool, because they gross me out. Bacteria, extra spit, and wet bodies seem fine when they’re my friends’, strangers’ are harder for me to tolerate. Dark Static had better be impressed.
Two lap lanes spread the length of the pool. Aaron has them to himself, and I slide into the lane beside his. My legs scream in protest as the water envelopes me,No, Madeline, don’t make us swim again!I hadn’t realized how little rest I’ve had this week. My plan needs to maximize bonding with Aaron but minimize swimming.
