Page 35 of No Capes
I jolt, the realization hitting me.
Officer Kyle could have questioned both of us at a more convenient time—not after a long day and swim meet. No. He specifically came during my meet to question my dad.
I’ve seen a true crime documentary or two. In homicides, the perp is almostalwaysthe husband, the boyfriend, or the secret boyfriend.
Oh no.My dad’s a suspect.
On top of everyone else, I can’t lose my dad. He was with me during the time of the crash; his alibi is solid. Do the police think he rigged the minivan beforehand? What could they have on him?
I’m only answered by the creak of the floorboards overhead as Dad gets ready for his night.
~
I fix myself a peanut butter sandwich, chug a bottle of water, and head upstairs. I’m used to being home alone, but it feels especially quiet tonight. Maybe Ms. Pellingham took the dobermans inside.
As soon as I enter my room, a cocky voice confronts me, “Okay, what’s wrong?”
I jump back, catching my balance on my heels just before I trip. I flick the light switch, and Dark Static radiates into view, perched against my windowsill. Peter Pan style.
“Can you not?” I ask.
“So, how was your day?” Unlike me, he’s totally relaxed.
“I did your favor,” I say. “Dude, I have homework.” I cannot deal with his antics right now.
“Right…” he starts, “about that…”
My phone buzzes, and an alert from theCapital Chroniclecomes up.
“That can’t be good,” says D.S.
Funny choice of words, because the headline reads,“Bomb Found in CEO’s Car. Dark Static Strikes Again.”
No freaking way.
I glare at him. “Why are you doing this? Why are you hurting people? I know you have some kind of problem with good behavior, but this is too far.”
D.S. doesn’t move from his perch across the room. “Got that out of your system?”
I raise my voice, not worrying if it alerts Ms. Pellingham next door. The article calls himThe Most Dangerous Supervillain of Our Time.So maybe I should feel scared that he’s in my room. Instead, hot anger pools in my chest.
“Go,” I shout. “I’m not doing whateverthisis.”
As if on cue, a clap of thunder erupts outside. “Roberts. There’s something you should know.”
Fourteen
“Here are the facts,” Dark Static begins, continuing his supercilious lounging on the windowsill. “Your mom and two other journalists were killed on their way to Mayor Bridges’ campaign launch, and your sister married him a few months later.”
“Fact: you put a bomb in a CEO’s car. Fact: you burned down an innocent former mayor’s house.”
D.S. holds up a gloved finger. “No one said innocent.”
I’m learning that gesture is his favorite way to patronize me.Not today, Jerkface.“And what did Dr. Milligan do?Allegedly.”
“It’s my belief that Dr. Milligan was party to your mother’s death. Among other doings that can only be described as ‘pure evil.’ I’ve spent a lot of time on this.” Even disguised, his voice sounds charged with energy.
“Well. That is some A+ conjecture. I really love your use of supporting details.”
