Red Masked Heroine Read online

  I’ve got no clue what to say. How to react. She doesn’t seem to either, and we just sit there, me with my chest heaving and her with her eyebrows furrowed.

  Finally I ask, “Who are these people?”

  She shakes her head like she’s got no idea.

  “Are they the ones who took Kaylee? Did your…did your mom take her?”

  “I don’t know. I can’t imagine her doing something like that.”

  I fist my hand. “We need to get those documents.”

  “I couldn’t find them. Believe me, I looked.”

  I can’t believe this. “How could your mom experiment on her own kid?”

  “I don’t even know if she’s my mom.”

  My eyes widen as a thought hits me. “If she’s not your mom, that means you were adopted. I was adopted, too. Maybe.” I swallow. “Maybe we were…created.”

  Her eyebrow lifts. “What?”

  “Like in a lab. Maybe we weren’t born the normal way. What if we were made?”

  “You watch too many movies.”

  “I’m serious.”

  She’s quiet as she thinks it over. “Can’t be. I have tons and tons of baby pictures at home. Unless my mom adopted me when I was a baby...”

  I nod vehemently. “Exactly. We were created in a lab and your mom took you home. That’s why we’re not normal. It’s why we have these powers.”

  “What about you? Your dad found you when you were four. Where were you beforehand?”

  I twist my mouth. “Maybe one of those scientists didn’t want me anymore.”

  “But why? Why would someone toss away a superbaby?”

  I scratch the side of my head. “I don’t know. Unless…”

  “What?”

  I get up. “What if we were failures? What if we weren’t the superbabies they were expecting? I didn’t get my powers until I turned fifteen. You were twelve. Before that we were just regular kids.”

  She stands, too. “So you’re saying they threw us aside because they thought we were failed experiments.”

  “Exactly.”

  She frowns. “Then why did my mom keep me?”

  I gently pinch her cheek. “Because you’re such a cutie.”

  She rolls her eyes. “Shut up.”

  “Say thank you.”

  “Thank you.”

  I plop down on the bed and try to make sense of my thoughts. A few seconds later, Maddie plops down next to me.

  “Why do you think she never told me?” Maddie asks.

  “Your mom? Probably because she figured you were a normal kid and didn’t want to worry you or involve you in all that stuff.”

  “I always went back and forth about telling her or not. Do you think I should? I mean, can I trust her? She’s not my biological mom, but she’s still my mom. I know she loves me.”

  I look at her, not sure what to tell her. She looks at me with her eyes so blue and pretty. I take her hands and give them a squeeze. “I don’t know. What do you feel?”

  “That we should keep this to ourselves. What if something bad happens? What if…” Her voice trails off.

  “What if what?”

  “What if she hates me?”

  “Mads—”

  She pulls her hands away. “It doesn’t feel right, Nick. She knows about you. The whole world does. What if she’s still with those people? What if she wants to harm you?”

  I haven’t thought about that. There was a woman at that place where I was captured. Could she have been Maddie’s mom?

  I grab her hands. “You should definitely not tell her. As long as she doesn’t know, you’ll be safe.”

  Maddie slowly nods. “You’re right.”

  Again we sit in silence, each busy with our own thoughts. Maddie’s hands are still in mine, trembling a bit. No matter how many times I rub and squeeze them, it doesn’t ease her nerves. I’m a mess, too, but I guess it’s worse for her because her mom’s involved.

  “We need to find those documents,” Maddie says. “We need to know exactly who these people are and what they did to us.”

  I nod. “You think there are others like us?”

  She raises her hands helplessly. “We wouldn’t even know where to look. They could be anywhere.”

  I think about this for a second. “Wouldn’t some try to contact me? I mean, I’ve gone public. Shouldn’t others come forward? At least to me?”

  “You have a point.”

  “Or maybe we’re the only ones?”

  Her eyebrows knit. “I don’t think so.”

  I stand again and walk from one end of my room to the other. “Or maybe we’re the only survivors.”

  Maddie motions for me to sit down. “We can speculate all we want, but we’ll never get the answers unless we find those papers.”

  “Or I can talk to your mom.”

  Her eyes get big. “No way. That’s too dangerous.”

  I shrug. “She already knows I’m the Blue Masked Hero—”

  “What if she takes you right to the kidnappers?”

  I guess I hadn’t thought about that. If Maddie’s mom is part of that group, then I’m pretty much a dead man. “What if she comes after me now? Or after my family? Maddie, we need to do something to protect them.”

  She nods. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. We need to put tracking devices on them.”

  “Tracking devices? Like spying on them?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Mads—”

  “It’s for their own good.”

  I’m about to say something, but she goes on. “It won’t be like we’re spying on them. We’ll put tracking devices on them, but they’ll only be enabled once we need to find them. For example, as soon as we realized Kaylee was missing, I would have turned her tracking device on and we would have found her.”

  I frown. “Either way those guys had her in that other building…wait a minute. How did you know where to find me? I turned off the communication and GPS on my mask.”

  She shifts from one foot to the other. “Can’t we go back to discussing the tracking thing?”

  “It’s important, I know, but so is this. I need to know how you found me. Did you track my phone?”

  Her eyes roam around my room.

  “You did,” I say. “You tracked my phone.”

  She looks apologetic. “I hacked your phone and saw the texts.”

  My mouth drops open. “Seriously?” That’s so cool that she can do something like that, but it’s not cool that she did it to me.

  She rests her hand on my arm. “I was worried about you. I climbed the tree and peeked into your room, but you weren’t there. I figured you went out to fly. I tried contacting you, but you didn’t pick up. Then I saw the letters you wrote to your parents and me, and I knew something happened. That you weren’t just flying around looking for Kaylee. So I hacked your phone and saw the texts. Then I saw those guys shoot something at you and load you into a van. I followed you there.”

  “Why didn’t you save me then?”

  “Because I knew they had Kaylee and I needed to know where they were keeping her.”

  “Oh.”

  Quiet.

  “Then what?”

  “I spied on them. Hacked into their phones and communication devices. I knew where they were keeping your sister and I…” She takes a deep breath. “I rescued her, then burned the place down. Then I quickly rushed to where you were and saved you. I knew I only had minutes before they would have possibly hurt you.” She bites her lip and looks away.

  I take hold of her chin and force her eyes to meet mine. “Thank you. You’ve got no clue how much that means to me.”

  “Your family is like my second family and I love your little sister. And you. Of course I had to save you guys.”

  I lean forward and give her a quick kiss. “Thanks the same.”

  “I’d do anything for you, Nick. You know that.”

  “And I for you.”

  She smiles a small smile. “Back to
the tracking devices…”

  Chapter Three

  Maddie and I talk about the whole tracking thing throughout the evening. I don’t really like the idea of tracking my family, but I’ve got no other choice. I can’t watch Mom, Dad, Matt, and Kaylee all day. Those guys—whoever they are—are going to be back for me. There’s no doubt about it. I need to do whatever I can to keep my family safe.

  We discuss it more and Maddie says she’ll start working on it as soon as possible. I know I’ve said it before, but I really love this girl. The fact that her mom is involved with those guys makes me real nervous. I don’t want anything to happen to her. To anyone.

  “Maddie,” I say, “you need to be careful around your mom. I know you said you’ve got your powers under control, but maybe she’ll be paying extra attention now. I mean, those guys know about this person who throws flames. She’d have to suspect you, wouldn’t she?”

  Maddie waves her hand. “She’d never suspect me.”

  “Why?”

  She holds up one finger. “First of all, they probably think I’m a guy.”

  I open my mouth to respond, but she says, “Didn’t you think I was a guy?”

  “Well…yeah.”

  She holds up another finger. “Second, in her eyes, I’m her sweet little Madeline. She’d never think I was that crazy fire person.”

  “Maddie, you’re not crazy.”

  “I killed people like a madwoman.”

  I take her hands. “You were protecting me. I owe you my life. And Kaylee. Seriously. I don’t think we’d be here if not for you.”

  Her face is still filled with guilt. She doesn’t say anything for a bit, then, “Did they say what they wanted from you?”

  “Said I needed to work for them because I belong to them.”

  “Which further proves we were…our genes were manipulated.”

  I stare at her. “So they want me to be what? An assassin or something?”

  She lifts her hands like she’s got no clue.

  “No way am I being an assassin. Mads, we need to find those papers. We can’t just—”

  The door to my room opens and Mom walks in. As soon as she sees Maddie, she steps back, her eyes a little wide. “Oh, I didn’t know you were in here this late, Maddie.”

  Maddie looks at me and I look at her. Then we both turn to my mother. Maddie stands up. “Nick told me that Kaylee came home and I ran over to tell him—to tell all of you—how happy and relieved I am.”

  Mom smiles. She heads over to Maddie and pulls her into her arms, squishing her so tight I’m sure Maddie’s about to pop. “Thank you so much for caring about us, Maddie.” She draws back with an even wider smile. “Do you want to see Kaylee? She’s in bed, but I know she’d love you see you.”

  “Of course, Mrs. McGuire.”

  Mom’s smile drops as her gaze moves from Maddie to me. “You know I don’t like you having girls in your room, Nick.”

  “But she’s not just any girl. She’s Maddie. You’ve known her since forever and you know we’d never—”

  Mom’s hands go to her hips. “Maddie, your girlfriend, which makes it worse.”

  My mouth shuts. “Oh, yeah, I guess…uh…”

  Maddie’s face is a little red. She hardly blushes. This must embarrass her more than it’s embarrassing me.

  She says, “I’ll leave, then.” She faces me. “I’ll call you.”

  Mom smiles in this polite way, kind of like she’s happy that Maddie’s here and in our lives, but also wary because she’s my girlfriend. “I’ll take you to see Kaylee, Maddie. Nick, get ready for bed. You have school tomorrow.”

  “School? But…”

  Mom shrugs. “There’s no reason not to go. Life continues.”

  “Is Kaylee going to school?”

  “Not tomorrow. Probably the day after.”

  Maddie and Mom leave my room. I go to my computer and search for Melissa Randall, Maddie’s mom. If she’s part of that organization or whatever they are, there has to be something about it online.

  There are a ton of Melissa Randalls. I narrow it down to Brooklyn, but still can’t find anything. It’s too bad Maddie forgot the name of the group. We seriously need to get those documents.

  “Hey.” Maddie’s back at the door. “What are you doing?”

  I lean back. “Research.”

  She makes a move like she wants to come in, but stays back. I bet Mom warned her not to come into my room. Maddie’s not one to take threats, but she doesn’t want my mom to be upset with her. And with our relationship, I guess.

  “On what?” she asks.

  “Those scientists. Your mom.”

  She nods. “I already tried that many times. Couldn’t find anything.”

  “Yeah.”

  Quiet.

  “You’re not mad I lied to you, are you?”

  I shake my head. “I told you I get it. Nothing’s changed between us. I swear. I feel like we’re even closer, you know?”

  “Wish I could come in there and kiss you.”

  That makes my stomach flip. I get to my feet and take a step toward her. “Well, maybe you can’t come in, but I can leave.”

  Maddie looks around the hallway with a teasing smile on her face. “Your mom didn’t say anything about making out in the hallway.”

  “Exactly.”

  She laughs. “Then get over here, loser.”

  I guess I suddenly get a new power of speed because I’m at her side in less than a second. (I don’t really have that power, just feels like it.) With our lips touching, Maddie’s hands go to my hair while my fingers rest on the side of her neck. I don’t know how long we stay like this before someone clears his throat. I jump back, my mind panicking. But it’s only Matt.

  His lip curls up. “Wow. I never thought this day would come. Who knew you had it in you, little bro?” He punches my back, causing me to cough. Damn he’s strong. I really need to work out more. Though I can always use my telekinesis…nah.

  Maddie laughs awkwardly. “I’ll call you, Nick. Bye, Matt.”

  He waves and she walks away. I stare after her. She’s really such an awesome person. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

  Bro turns to me. I expect him to say something annoyingly stupid, something to piss me off or make me feel like a loser, but he doesn’t. He smiles. Not the condescending type, but a real genuine one. “Kaylee’s back,” he says.

  I remember how her disappearance changed his attitude. He didn’t want to be a bully anymore. I wonder if he still feels the same. Looks like it, but I can’t be sure.

  “Yeah,” I say. “I can’t believe it. Kinda feels like a dream.”

  He nods. “But who took her?”

  I sigh. “Isn’t that the million dollar question?”

  He stares off in the distance like he’s deep in thought. “I want to be a better brother to her.” He shakes his head. “We could have lost her. I also want to be a better brother to you.”

  “Thanks, that’s great.”

  He nods slowly. “I’m going to go off to college in a few months and I want to make her proud of me. To make Mom, Dad, and you proud of me.”

  “You know Mom and Dad are proud of you, especially Dad. Heck, you’re gonna get a football scholarship probably.” He’s the son he always wanted. I’m, well, adopted. But even if I wasn’t, Dad has always wanted me to get into sports. I know he loves me, but growing up, I always felt like he wanted more from me.

  “No,” Matt says. “I know they’re proud, but I want them to be proud for other reasons, not just sports and football.”

  I clap him on the back, wish him good night, then enter my room. I should be happy and relieved that things are okay, but they’re not. Yeah, Kaylee’s home, but we can’t ignore the fact that she was taken. Until Maddie and I find those papers and discover who’s responsible, I don’t think I’ll ever be at peace.

  Chapter Four

  Something hard yet light jumps on me. My eyes spring open and I cat
ch Kaylee on top of me. She’s got this huge smile on her face. I’m really glad she doesn’t remember what happened to her. The poor kid would have had to go to therapy, and that’s never fun. Not that I have experience with that, I just watch TV.

  “You and Maddie are finally making kissy face!”

  I peer at the clock. Six in the morning. Aw, man. I have another whole hour to sleep. “You’re up early, kid.”

  “So? Mommy says I don’t have to go to school today!”

  “Lucky,” I mumble, my eyes getting heavy with sleep. I want to tell her she has the chance to sleep in and she should take advantage of it, but my mouth is too tired to move.

  Kaylee bounces. “Gimme a ride.”

  I groan.

  “Please, Nick?” She tugs on my arm. “Please, please!”

  “You’re gonna kill me, kid.”

  She tugs harder. Any more and she’s going to scream. I slowly sit up. “Okay, okay.” I lift my hand and she floats in the air.

  “Yay!” She cheers as I raise her toward the ceiling. How does she have enough energy for this? “Make me fly, Nick!”

  I sweep my hand from left to right, and laugh at how she giggles and cheers. The sleep leaves my body and I’m having fun watching my little sister wave her hands around and yell like she’s on a roller coaster.

  “Fun! Faster.”

  I do as she says, but not too fast because my strength isn’t at a hundred percent and I don’t want to hurt her.

  “What’s all this—?” Mom walks in and stops talking when she sees what’s going on. “Nick, put your sister down.”

  I obey and Mom gathers Kaylee in her arms. Kaylee thrashes around. “Nick was giving me a ride, Mommy.”

  Mom squeezes Kaylee to her chest. Kaylee thrashes some more. The poor kid doesn’t understand how close we were to losing her. Hell, my parents don’t know how close we were. If not for Maddie, my parents could have lost both kids last night. Like I said before, she’s awesome.

  “Mommy,” Kaylee’s muffled voice says. “I want Nick to make me fly again.”

  Mom pulls free and looks into my sister’s eyes. “No. No more of this.”

  Kaylee’s green eyes get big. Soon they’re going to fill with tears and her lower lip will tremble.