meet him in two hours at the Lakefront Trail to do the exchange. Will you come with me, Charles? I’m too scared to go alone.”
He exhales slowly. “I don’t know if I can.”
“Charles, please. I have no one else to turn to. Claire…she’s your biggest fan.” My friend flinches beside me and I squeeze her hand in solidarity. I know she hates this, and I do too, but the only way we’ll get through it is together. “We can’t let anything happen to her, but I don’t want to get kidnapped too. Please.”
There’s a long delay as Charles contemplates his options. I can almost hear him struggling, caught between his two larger-than-life personas. There’s still a part of me that can’t believe this is happening, like any minute I’m going to wake up from the worst, most twisted dream. C’mon, Blue Streak, I think, hoping he still has a shred of humanity intact. Do what’s right.
Finally, he replies. “All right, I’ll meet you. Send me the coordinates.”
“Oh, thank you, you have no idea how relieved I am,” I say, telling the truth for the first time on this call.
“But, Bridgette?” he adds. “This is the last favor I can do for you.”
“Understood. I know you’re putting yourself at risk.”
He hesitates before signing off with “See you soon.”
“Great job, Bridgette,” Roy says once I hang up the phone. He gives me a pat on the shoulder, and one for Claire too. “Now, does everyone understand what’s happening next?”
“I’m going to the meeting spot, pretending to be alone,” I begin, recounting the plan Claire helped us formulate only moments ago. “The Warrior Nation backup unit will be circling the area in full disguise. Once Charles arrives at the scene, they’ll apprehend him.”
“And you’re sure you can handle this?” Roy asks nervously. “I don’t want to put either of you in danger.”
Can I handle this? I’m honestly not sure. I’ve unwillingly been bait in many a villain’s scheme, but I’ve never had any control over those situations, helplessly flailing until Vaporizer swooped in to save the day. Now that I’m an active participant in the plan, can I pull it off? I’m terrified, to be sure, but the thought of bringing Matt and the others home safely propels me, pushing me past any rumbling doubt.
I’m not sure Claire can say the same. Her complexion is completely green.
“This plan is the best shot we’ve had so far to bring Siege down,” Roy says to her. “Your insight has been invaluable to this mission. As the mastermind of this operation, it’s up to you whether you want to join in person or monitor our progress from HQ. Either way, I’ll ensure you are protected.”
She looks up at me, eyes wide, like a toddler waiting for guidance. I’m not going to tell her what to do, especially since neither option sounds appealing. We’ve been by each other’s side since the heroes were lost, and while selfishly I want us together until the end, I’m not going to force my friend through a traumatic experience.
“I’ll go,” Claire says quietly. “I’m not letting Bridgette go through this alone.” I smile, mouthing a silent “thank you” her way.
*
The summer sun beats down on me, causing tidal waves of back sweat that I’m sure would be there regardless of the temperature. Lake Michigan’s shores are usually teeming with runners, cyclists, and carefree families all enjoying the outdoors, but with the city under high alert, there are few people stepping foot outside their homes. Claire thought picking a public meeting place, rather than some darkened alley, would be best, as Charles hopefully wouldn’t choose to inflict pain on innocent bystanders.
But who knows what he’s thinking at this point.
The few people around are actually the Warrior Nation backup unit, undercover hiding high-tech weaponry, to which not even Blue Streak is immune, beneath the casual athletic wear. They completely surround me, pretending to picnic, bike ride, and fly kites while keeping a watchful eye out for Siege. Claire is fully out of sight, yards away behind a restroom. Even though my team is everywhere, I stand alone by the water, a tasty worm wiggling on a hook.
I really hope I can pull this off.
Every second feels like a decade, my heart pounding with such intensity it’s a wonder it doesn’t explode. I keep searching the crowd for Charles’s familiar face, hoping an incognito Warrior spots him before I do. I look out at the gently lapping lake, wishing I could exude the same