Page 60 of Infamous Heart

I couldn’t demand Sebastian become a hero without taking my own advice. It was time I stopped doubting my worth. I might not be able to fly, or throw cars like skipping stones, but it was time. I needed to be the hero of my own story.

“What can I do?” Misty took me by the arm, guiding me away from the asinine questions of the other two reporters. “I’ve always wanted to be a sidekick.”

I laughed at the irony.

25

“Sidekicks: The New Hero.”

Mr. Bossman hemmed and hawed at his computer monitor. He had taken off his jacket, loosened his tie, preparing to end his workday and leave the office. I shouldn’t have been able to walk into his office, but it paid being nice to security. Janet had handed off her keycard, and Sofia buzzed me in with a knowing smile. Misty said I had allies, but it wasn’t until I saw them standing up in their cubicles, nodding their approval, that I finally believed the reporter.

“Forty-eight hours ago, I nearly died helping Hyperion save the city,” I began. “Our newest hero is the reason the Beacon is still standing. Without him, your employees would be dead and your building, a pile of rubble.”

“I’m not a fan of our writers going rogue and posting to the website without approval.”

Misty had put her job on the line. I tried to convince her to play it safe, but she had been adamant. Not wanting to wait for the print publication, she posted the article to the Beacon’s website without Bossman’s approval. When she clicked the publish button, I thought I would die.

“It’s a policy that should be reconsidered.”

“Mr. Smith—“

“This article, in less than a day, has doubled the traffic to the Beacon. It has the highest engagement rating we’ve seen in years.”

“We?”

Before I could respond, the door burst open. I didn’t need to turn around to know Vincent had barged into the room. Janet had played her role perfectly, informing the rat I was meeting with Bossman. I flinched as the door slammed behind him. He was quick to move beside Mr. Bossman, taking up his role as the court jester.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know security let him in the building.” Vincent fixed his tie, straightening out his suit so that he looked far more formal than the relaxed big boss. I wondered if the collar of his shirt hid a bruise from being pinned to the wall.

“I’ll call the cops and report him for trespassing,” he continued.

“Quiet.” The single word from Mr. Bossman silenced Vincent, though he looked as if he had plenty to say. I couldn’t hide the grin, the satisfaction that the bootlicker had been put in his place.

“What are your terms?”

“Mr. Boss—” Vincent started.

“I want a job.”

“Already jumping ship at Revelations?” He leaned forward on his desk, resting on his elbows. He might not look his usual formal self, but the magazine’s owner never surrendered control of the room.

“I prefer to see the good in our heroes.”

“I see.”

Vincent pointed at me, sputtering as he sorted through the list of insults he had prepared. “He’s trying to ransom his way back onto the magazine. This is a coup!”

“Your former positionisstill available,” Mr. Bossman said.

I could swear the man’s lip curled at the offer. I was prepared to accept, wiping my sweaty hand on my pants in anticipation of shaking on the deal.

“Or, are you still interested in the Art Director position?”

“Mr. Bossman! I refuse to work with this talentless hack!” Vincent sputtered.

Nobody spoke, the silence hanging in the air. I wanted to throw Vincent to the floor, maybe drive my fist into his eye. I had to remind myself to take the high road. A week ago, I would have knuckled under or doubted myself until I shook from anxiety. After staring down Wraith and emerging victorious, the Art Director hardly moved my needle.

“Good,” Mr. Bossman started, “Sofia sent me security footage of the attack.”

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