before, and the NCPD is working with the attorney general’s office in order to decide how best to proceed.
“In addition, there has been no sighting of Pyro Storm—the vigilante who is reportedly being hailed by some as the hero of Nova City—since the battle at McManus Bridge. His identity, at least for now, remains a secret. However, there is at least one person to whom his identity is potentially known. Nicholas Bell, the son of NCPD officer Aaron Bell, is a central figure to the ongoing mystery. Nicholas, who is a minor, was seen by numerous witnesses kissing Pyro Storm before he disappeared. Our Action News team was in a helicopter above the battle and recorded the footage of when he practically mauled the Extraordinary after Shadow Star had been subdued. We didn’t have a live feed at the time, and our recordings were quickly subpoenaed as part of the ongoing investigation. We have submitted a Freedom of Information Act request in order to have copies of the footage returned to us. Attorneys for Action News tell me that they expect a response within the next few months.
“Our attempts to reach Nicholas Bell through his father have been unsuccessful. It does beg the question of what the NCPD knows about Shadow Star and Pyro Storm and their relationship with Nicholas Bell. Burke was a student at Centennial High School alongside Bell. The Nova City school district put out a statement, saying they are fully cooperating with authorities, but they do not comment on individual students due to privacy laws. However, we have been able to independently verify that Nicholas Bell is also known through his online moniker, ShadowStar744, and has written what can only be described as a lengthy manifesto thinly disguised as fanfiction. What did Bell know about Shadow Star and his plans for the city? We will bring you updates on the matter once further details are revealed.
“Only time will tell if we will discover who Pyro Storm is, and what will become of him, and other Extraordinaries like him. I’m Rebecca Firestone, Action News. Back to you, Steve.”
* * *
Nicholas Bell found out having your shoulder shoved back into place hurt like the burning of a thousand suns filled with molten glass. He absolutely was not a fan.
* * *
He was in the hospital for two days. It would have been longer, except he was fortunate enough to share a room with his father, and if there was one thing the Bell men did not like, it was being cooped up in one place for long.
“Becky!” Nick whined. “Can we please go home?”
“Becky!” Dad barked. “Get the doctor in here now before I walk out of here again and take my son with me. And this time, I won’t come back!”
Becky sighed and muttered something under her breath about how men were such babies.
They were discharged a couple of hours later.
* * *
Nick switched off the television, not wanting to see Steve Davis and his smug grin. Dad was in the kitchen, fixing dinner. Nick could hear him moving around, pots and pans clanging together. Nick grimaced, fiddling with the sling on his arm. He had to wear it for at least four more weeks, and already he hated everything about it. Sure, it was a badge of honor, a symbol for how he’d pretty much saved the entire city from complete and total annihilation at the hands of his supervillain ex-boyfriend, but he was done with it. It wasn’t even something cool like a cast that could be signed.
His phone buzzed in his lap. Hey.
He grinned. Hey urself.
Saw Firestone’s report. She unmasked u.
I HATE HER SO MUCH. MANIFESTO?!?!
Right???? Wtf
Nick shook his head. WTF indeed. She sucks
It’ll be ok. U ready 2 go back 2 school 2morrow?
Ugh. Don’t remind me.
Homework 2 catch up on. Lots & lots of homework.
I hate u.
No u don’t.
He really, really didn’t. In fact: I miss u.
I know. Me 2. But it’s for the best. Aunt and Uncle want me 2 lay low.
Probably a good idea. I’ll still see u tomorrow, right?
Bright & early.
Kk. Gotta go. Dinner. Text you after?
Yes please. <3
Nick smiled quietly, feeling his face grow hot.
He sent back: <3
* * *
Mashed potatoes. Gravy. Hot, buttery rolls. Pot roast. Not a green vegetable in sight.
Nick was immediately suspicious. “All right. What did you do?”
Dad rolled his eyes, motioning for Nick to sit at the table. “I made dinner.”
“Yeah, except you made all my favorite things. The only time you do that