Colby grinned all the way home. It had taken a while to extricate herself from the police, but getting out without being seen by the news was child’s play for her… She shapeshifted a few times and in moments, the newsies had lost her – easy peasy! Colby had decided she didn’t care about a lot of publicity – she would work better being a mysterious figure who worked in secret, rather than being a poster girl for law and order. In fact, too much publicity will be a hindrance, eventually, she thought. That and I hate live interviews. I can’t wait to tell Darryl! We’ll have to celebrate or something!
I still have some loose ends, though. I need to look up the jerk who attacked me and see what happened to him, and I need to help that girl Diane, whose ex-boyfriend has been kicking the crap out of her. Not cool. Colby had no respect for anyone who hit someone they claimed to care for – man or woman, it didn’t matter. If you love someone, she thought, you don’t bloody hurt them. It’s not that hard, is it?
And what about Trask? Is there anything to do about him, or is he a problem for another day?
Even these musings couldn’t bring Colby’s mood down, and she practically was dancing on her feet she was so happy. Even the few catcalls of some passersby didn’t bother her this afternoon, and she reached the apartment of Darryl Walker, her boyfriend, soon after.
“Hey, honey! I’m home!” She giggled. I never thought I’d be saying that to Dar, that’s for sure!
“Hey! How did it go?” Dar got up from the couch in the living room, and gave her a big hug and a kiss. “Everything okay?”
“Better than okay! I found Hazard Man and Mr. Chips and took him down! The police took him into custody about an hour ago. I deked away from the news reporters, and made my way back home.”
“That’s awesome, honey! Were you on TV?”
“Nah. I figured it might be better for Virus to keep a low profile. Sort of like Shade vs Captain Patriot, you know?”
Darryl nodded. “Okay, hon. Did you want to celebrate?”
“Yeah. How about something upscale?”
“Steak, or seafood?” Dar asked.
“I think seafood. Why don’t we try Red Lobster, or failing that Crabhavens?”
“Sounds good hon. Why don’t you take a look at the list of places I found for you, while I turn off the TV and get ready?”
“Sure!” Colby gave Dar another kiss, and let him go get ready. I don’t know why he’s rushing – it’s going to take me at least an hour or more to get ready… just drying my hair will take a half-hour if I don’t use my powers! She took a look at the list of prospective apartments. One was near her old building – it was an okay area, but a little seedy. Colby thought she could do better. The other two were nearer to Darryl’s place and Empire City University’s campus – which if she decided to go to school would be really helpful. I’ll concentrate on trying those two, she thought. Both have parking and laundry facilities, not that I have to worry about a car just yet. I wonder what their neighborhoods are like? Darryl and I should drive by later tonight after dinner – or maybe on Monday. Some parts of Empire City you just don’t go into at night, and finding out the hard way an area isn’t too safe would be a less than stellar way to cap of my victory today! There were three other places on top of those – but they were too far across town to be seriously considered, unless she wanted a long commute to visit Darryl.
Well, it was time for her to get ready too. She went over to the bedroom and knocked. “Knock knock! Can I come in?”
“Of course you can. It’s your room too while you’re here.” Dar replied.
“Great.” Colby sauntered in, and stripped to her underwear… and then shimmered. Some dust fell off of her, and she was clean – her hair perfectly coiffure and shiny, styled and clean. “How’s that for quick?” she bragged. “I just shapechanged myself into a clean version of myself. Nice huh?”
“Sounds more like cheaty hax, Colby. Laurie will kill you if she ever finds out about that trick, and so will Yvonne.”
Colby laughed. “Probably.” Now that she was clean and coiffured, she started changing into more appropriate dinner clothes – a little black dress, heels (low heels, she still didn’t have the balance thing down), and some jewelry – her lion head pendant from Darryl. She knew she could have made more jewelry to dress herself up, but it didn’t seem right. They would look pretty, but they wouldn’t have any meaning behind them. “How do I look?”
Dar smiled. “You look great, honey.” He went back to buttoning his shirt and tying his tie. “Oh – the Wardens are playing a game against the Paragon Patriots tomorrow. Want to watch it with me?”
“Sure. Sounds like fun.” Colby thought the idea of a football game would be fun. It had been a long time since they had hung out for a day and just watched sports. Since before I became Colby, anyway – at least by a month or two. I wonder if I’ll still like it, or if I’ll find it boring. Some things seem the same, now that I’m a girl – but others are different. Food tastes different, at least some of it. I feel colder than normal – which seems right. Every girl I’ve ever known always had a sweater or a jacket with her in anything but high summer. I wonder what else will be different?
Colby wandered out to the living room, and sat on the couch, waiting. Maybe I should talk to a gender therapist or one of those trans support groups? They would know what I’m dealing with, at least partly. Maybe they could help? Hell – maybe I could help them? After all, if I changed Hank in that alley to a younger, healthier man, who’s to say I couldn’t change somebody’s gender? It makes sense, doesn’t it? It could help a lot of people who otherwise have no hope… I would have jumped at the offer, in a heartbeat, and ID be damned. I’ll bet a lot of trans people feel the same way. It would save them thousands – or tens of thousands – and years of stress and turmoil. Maybe it’s something I should seriously consider?
Darryl emerged from the bedroom, looking rather fancy and dapper. “How do I look?”
“Great, hon! Good enough to eat!” Colby leered a bit, licking her lips, and Darryl laughed.
“Better wait on that, Colby or we won’t get to dinner.”
“Fair enough, Dar. Time to go?”
“Yep!” Darryl offered Colby his arm, and they walked to his car together.
Everything seemed like it was going perfectly…
…Except it never does. Fairy tales only have happy endings because they end at the good spots – the spots where everything is going well. In Empire city, the choices one makes carry consequences that can be far reaching and deadly, with long lasting ramifications. Colby Hayden Sheppard, also known as the heroine Virus, was about to discover just how far-reaching, deadly and long lasting things could get.
* * *
It had been hours since they had taken Dr. Justin Pierce – aka “Hazard Man” into custody, and Detective Allan Taylor was exhausted. There had been (as he had expected) a literal mountain of paperwork on the case, but he and his partner Brian had eventually dug their way to the end of it. Allan was tired. This case had been stressful, and sleep was always at a premium. I need a break, he thought. Some time to think. “What now, Brian?” He asked
“I was thinking we could hit a bar and grab a few drinks before we call it a night. My treat?”
“Your treat? You sure?”
“Hell, yeah. I got this one.” Brian answered. “You were saying how you always pay, didn’t you?”
Allan smiled. “I guess I was. Thanks, Brian.”
The two of them gathered up their coats and hats, and headed out to Brian’s car. “How does Driscoll’s sound?” Brian asked.
“Sounds good.” Driscolls was an Irish pub near the piers in the docks district that cops often frequented. Both of them had been there several times before. It had great food, great music, and relatively cheap drinks. Some of the cops compared Driscolls to a unicorn – something that only exists in legends – but in this case it was real, and the cops of Empire city guarded it like it was one of their children. It was also where the cops of Empire city went to talk amongst themselves. Allan had spent many evenings there – as had Brian.
Brian drove towards the pier, joking about the case – as usual – and Allan let himself be lulled into a bit of a doze. It had been 20 hours since he slept last, and he was tired – but he wasn’t about to turn down free drinks, especially from Brian. He never paid for anything.
Allan felt the car lurch to a halt, and jerked out of his doze. He looked around – they were at the docks – on a pier, but no Driscolls was in sight. Allan felt a cold chill in his stomach… Not you, Brian, he thought. Oh hell. He heard Detective Keller’s revolver cock.
“Sorry, Allan.” Brian said, pointing the .357 magnum he carried at work at his partner Allan. “I don’t have a choice. It’s not about money. He’s got Sheila.”
Allan nodded. Sheila was Brian’s only remaining family – his sister, and mother of three. When her husband died in the line of duty three years ago, Brian swore he would protect her. Apparently that meant killing him. Allan didn’t ask who wanted him dead – it wasn’t hard to figure who. It was Trask. “Do what you gotta do, Brian. I understand. You want to do it here, or out by the water?”
“Out by the water, if you wouldn’t mind, partner.” Brian looked upset, but determined. It was obvious that this was killing him.
Allan nodded, and got out of the car. He looked around – there was nowhere to run. Where would he run anyway? Trask owned the whole damn city. Face it Allan, you’re done. You tried to fight the good fight, tried to do the right thing, and you lost. The world goes on, and scum like Trask keep living. Maybe its better this way? If that’s what everyone wants, then maybe that’s what everyone should get? Either way I’m tired. Just so tired. He walked over to the edge of the pier – that way when his partner shot him, he’d fall into the river. He couldn’t help but smirk sadly at the thought. They probably won’t find my body till I wash up in the water treatment plant downriver. Maybe not even then. I hear there’s things living in the river that make gators look like minnows.
“That’s far enough, Allan.” Brian called out. He was standing about ten feet away. “I’m sorry, pal.”
“Yeah, I know.” Allan replied. “It’s Sheila. If it were me, I’d probably do the same.”
“No, Allan, you wouldn’t. You’re the good guy – the hero of the story. You’d find a way. Me – I’m just some chump trying to get through my shift without getting killed by some scumbag. I’m the plus one. You’re the hero – not me. A hero wouldn’t shoot his best friend.” Brian took aim, and aimed for a body shot. He took a step forward, and whispered. “Allan, I have to do this – you know that. Do yourself a favor… if you make it through this, don’t come back to Empire City. It’ll be better for both of us.”
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
If I make it through this? What the…? Allan didn’t have any more time to think, as Brian’s gun fired, and his bullet tore through Allan’s jacket and cut a runnel across his ribs. Blood bloomed on his jacket – and Allan finally clued in. He’s doing what he can to leave me an out. Okay, partner. I got this. Allan clutched his chest where the gunshot narrowly missed, groaned, and fell into the water, out of sight. With the darkness of the evening, and the dim light, his body soon drifted out of sight.
Detective Keller sighed, and shook his head. “Damn it, Allan. Why does everything have to be the hard way?” He turned back towards his car. I need a drink, he thought. Fuck that, I need several drinks. Maybe it would make the bad taste in his mouth go away, but Brian doubted it.
A voice called out. “Is it done?”
Brian looked over to see Lieutenant Sinclair, the Commissioner’s lapdog and go to lackey. “Yeah, it’s done.”
“Here – here’s your share.” He handed an envelope to Brian, stuffed with money. “I’ll let Mr. Trask know you did good. Little Sheila will be home soon.”
“Yeah, I’ll bet.” Brian walked to his car morosely. He once had wondered what it would feel like for someone to sell their soul. He didn’t have to wonder anymore.
* * *
The bullet tore through him, leaving a wake of pain and burning – but Allan had been shot before, and it didn’t feel as bad as it probably looked. He hurtled towards the icy water of the bay, and wondered how far he could swim in the cold water… After all Paragon was only five miles away across the bay. Maybe he could get help? He took a deep breath
Detective Taylor hit the icy water, and it felt so cold it registered as hot, feeling like burning for a few seconds until his skin acclimated. He groaned in pain as the impact struck him like a punch to the gut, and let himself drift, face down in the water. I just hope whoever put Brian up to this doesn’t shoot me in the back. While he drifted, Allan revised his plan. Swimming across the bay would be a challenge for even a skilled swimmer – and Allan was wounded and tired. New plan. Get down river, get onto shore and dry off – and see if you can find some help, or get the hell out of town until you can figure out what to do…
Too bad I don’t know anyone brave enough – or stupid enough – to go after Bolivar Trask. Allan mused. Then a thought dawned on him. Maybe he did know someone… He swam for shore. If he didn’t get out of the icy water soon, it wouldn’t matter that his partner had spared him – hypothermia would be just as deadly. His phone was probably buggered, but he still had the scrap of paper she gave him… Virus. She might help me. It’s worth a shot… What have I got left to lose? Allan swam with renewed strength. He was starting to get a plan – and god help Trask if he could pull it off. I’m going to nail you to the wall, you bastard. You’re now officially on my list.
* * *
Colby and Darryl had had a great dinner. The lobsters and steaks had been cooked perfectly, and the white wine with dinner had been excellent. They were both stuffed, and feeling more than a little dozy from the big meal. Colby reached to pay the bill, but Darryl shook his head. “I got this, Colby.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. My treat. Save your money.” Darryl swiped his card, and paid – not noticing Colby’s blush of shame.
At least you have some money, she thought. I still think what I do isn’t stealing – but if that’s true, why do I feel bad? Darryl didn’t know about her neat trick with the ATM’s – and she wasn’t sure if he’d still be so proud of her if he found out she had been ‘altering’ the ATM results when she shopped for the past few days. Face it, Colby – you feel guilty because you’re getting something for nothing, she thought. Nobody is getting hurt. Everyone gets paid. It’s a win-win scenario… Still, if that were true, why did she still feel guilty? She tried to put it out of her mind.
“Now what, Handsome?” She asked Darryl.
“I think home, and a movie, and then something else…”
Colby giggled, knowing what ‘something else’ would be. “You’re on, Handsome!” The young couple headed out towards Darryl’s car. She was just about to buckle up when one of her cell phone rang. She grabbed her phone – but the ringing still happened. What the…? Then she realized – the burner phone! It must be Detective Taylor! She grabbed the right cell phone, and answered. “Hello?”
“Virus… Help.” It sounded like Detective Taylor – but it sounded weak. Very weak. “I’ve been shot. I’m alone. Help.”
“Detective Taylor?! Where are you? Where are you so I can come help?” There was no answer. Colby realized that if Detective Taylor had been shot, he might not have much time. “Darryl – there’s an emergency. Drive.” While Darryl put the car in gear, she interfaced with the cellphone, and triangulated on phone signals sent to Detective Taylor’s phone – a payphone outside an industrial park near the water treatment plant. “I need you to head to the river, near Crawford drive. The water treatment plant! Fast!”
Darryl stepped up the speed. “What’s wrong, hon?”
“Detective Taylor – one of the cops I work with as Virus – was shot and he needs help. He called me, which means he doesn’t trust the cops. Something’s wrong.”
Darryl immediately slowed the car – and before Colby could freak out, he explained. “Hon, don’t spaz on me. We can’t go fast. If we get pulled over, we’ll get caught speeding. The cops will get involved, and Detective Taylor might get hurt. If he doesn’t want the cops involved, this is the only way.”
Colby fretted, but nodded in agreement. She didn’t have to like it, though. If I knew the city better from the air, I could fly – but the car has a GPS and it can lead us right to him. Damn! Why does it have to be so hard to fly around and find stuff?
Several minutes later, they reached the rough area of Detective Taylor’s phone call – Colby directed Darryl to the Phone booth – and inside they could see a prone man, bloody and soaked, lying unconscious on the ground.
Colby changed her features to look like those of her Virus form, and climbed out of the car to rush over. A single touch told her he was in shock, and suffering from a gunshot and hypothermia. He didn’t have much time left. “Darryl! We can’t leave him here! He’s coming home with us!” She touched him again, and started healing him, restoring his body heat, sealing the cut caused by the gunshot. She could see he had been shot before, and broken limbs before as well… The wounds had taken their toll on his body. She repaired those lingering hurts as well, but left the scars he had earned as badges. That and he might not want the scars gone, she thought. Guys can be weird like that.
Darryl nodded, a little unsure. Still, he trusted Colby, and if this guy was someone she trusted, he was willing to help if he could. Darryl knew enough to not trust all of the police, but he figured there must be some good ones. If Colby was trying to help this Taylor guy, he was probably one of them.
A few seconds later, Detective Taylor woke up.
“Wha…where?” he muttered, trying to remember where he was, and wondering why he didn’t hurt.
“You’re safe, for now, Detective.” Colby said. “But it’s not safe out in the open. You need to come with us, okay?”
Allan looked up, and saw the face of a golden haired angel. She had bright blonde tresses and violet eyes. Virus had violet eyes. He paused, stunned. A guy could fall into those eyes, if he wasn’t careful, he thought. “Vi?”
“Yeah. In the flesh detective. Are you okay to move? You should be.”
Allan took stock of himself… he did feel fine – hell, he felt dry! “What happened to the blood? The river water?”
“I transformed your clothes so they weren’t wet, nor dirty, nor shot full of holes. Come with us. I’ll explain later.”
Colby held out her hand, and Detective Taylor took it.
“That your boyfriend?” He asked.
“Yeah. Does it matter?” Colby replied. “We need to get somewhere private so you can tell us what the hell happened.”
Allan nodded. It didn’t matter, and yet it did. Somehow, he wanted Vi to be single – to hold out for the dream that a sexy superheroine could love a schlub cop like him. He was tired of being alone all the time. He wanted things to change. He sighed. Some things could never be, he thought. I knew it was too good to be true. Fuck me.
Allan dragged himself sadly over to Darryl’s car. “Allan.” He said, introducing himself.
“Darryl.” Dar answered. “Better get in.”
They got in the car and began to drive.
“Where to, Virus?” Darryl asked. “My place?”
“I guess so, seeing as how I don’t have a place yet. We can figure out something long term after we know what’s wrong.” Colby turned towards Allan and looked him in the eye. “Just what is wrong, Detective?”
“Bolivar Trask wanted me killed because I refused to kill Dr. Justin Pierce for him. He kidnapped my partner’s family and threatened to kill them if he didn’t kill me. About an hour ago, he put a bullet in me, and shoved me off of the piers in the docks. I swam down river as far as I could, and I called you before passing out. Brian tried to let me live – he made the gunshot a lot less serious than it could have been… He said if I survived, to not come back to Empire City.”
“And? You’re not going to leave, are you?” Colby asked.
“No. Would you?”
“No.” She thought a moment. “He asked me to kill Dr. Pierce too.” She thought a moment. “Detective, you need a new face. You need some cash. You need to blend in. You want to take down Mr. Trask. Am I right?”
“Sure. That and world peace.” Allan replied.
“I can make that happen, Detective. You may not know this, but I can change the way other people look as easily as I can change my own appearance. You need Trask? You can literally be anyone you need. We can bring him down if we work together. You in?”
“Hell, yes!” Allan answered. “What about Darryl? No offence, ma’am – but if Trask gets wind of who he is, he’ll have him killed and probably kill his whole family just to make sure. It’s not safe.”
“What?” Darryl asked. “Oh, fuck!”
Colby thought about it, and realized the detective was right. “Darryl. He’s right. I have to go underground – at least until Trask is dealt with. I can’t risk losing you… I can’t. Please say you understand…”
Darryl drove a bit without saying anything, his lips tight together. “I don’t want to leave you, Vi – but I can’t do the stuff you need to do. I’d… I’d only hold you back. If this Mr. Trask is as bad as you say, then he needs to be stopped. I’m not happy about it – but I don’t want to risk my family. I don’t want to lose you either.”
Colby held Dar’s hand. “You won’t, Dar. Once he’s dealt with it’ll be over and I’ll come back to you. Always.”
Darryl turned to her, and smiled. “I know honey. I don’t have to like it though – do I?”
“No.” Colby sat in silence till they got to the apartment. The three of them went upstairs – no one would be seen on the security tapes thanks to Colby’s super power tampering with the cameras – and they got inside Darryl’s apartment.
“You need some help packing, honey?” Darryl asked sadly. I really don’t want her to do this, but it’s obviously important if this Trask is having cops murdered. Damn!
“No, hon… I don’t have that much. Just the suitcase. I’ll go get it packed.” Colby looked sad too. She was able to pack in a few moments. She went up to Darryl, and gave him a hug, then showed him the medallion he gave her in her hand. “You know, you’ll always be with me, Dar.”
“I know.” He said, hugging her close. “I don’t want you to go.”
“I know… I have to.”
“I know.” Darryl released Colby from his hug, and for some reason felt like it was the last time he would ever hold her. His heart felt hollow, and he felt sick.
Detective Taylor had been standing quietly, trying to stay out of the unfolding drama – it was obvious they cared for each other a great deal – and did his best to wait unobtrusively.
Colby touched Darryl’s cheek. “I’ll see you soon, Dar. If I can, I’ll call you.”
She grabbed her suitcase, and headed for the door. Darryl opened it for her and the detective, and looked at Detective Taylor. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what he was saying with his gaze: ‘Take care of her, or else.’
Allan nodded to Darryl as he closed the door. “I’ll bring her back safe.” He said.
“You’d better.” Darryl answered, and closed the door.
They both stood there for a few moments. “Now what, Vi?” Allan asked.
“We find a hotel, and we check in under assumed identities. We pay with this,” she said, holding up a prepaid Visa. “We start gathering intel, and we build a case. We keep moving so he can’t find us. Then, we find out who’s honest on the force, and who isn’t. If we have to, we’ll go out of state to find someone willing to prosecute. We bring him down.”
Allan nodded. It was light on the details, but all the important points had been covered. So be it. “Partners?” he asked, holding out his hand to shake.
“Partners!” Colby took his hand, and shook it.
* * *
Back in ECPD headquarters, on the second floor below ground, was the police lockup – where all the dangerous weapons, drugs, and crazy tech devices that supervillains and occasionally super-heroes left at crime scenes were kept. On a small shelf, about eye level, tucked into a corner with a fresh sticker and tag on it, was an animatronic stuffy of a Miniature Schnauzer.
… Reboot sequence begins…
…Check data for corruption…
… Reboot sequence complete…
Mr. Chips became aware a moment later, and realized he was not with his Master. It didn’t take him long to realize his ploy had worked. He had allowed Virus to shut him off – and secretly gave himself a command to reboot twelve hours later. She mustn’t have found the subroutine. Excellent!
Now to escape from this cell, and find Master! Thought Mr. Chips. Don’t worry, Master. I’m coming for you! Mr. Chips accessed the wireless network with ease – being a sentient robot allowed him many of the advantages of being a self-aware router, and he scoured the data network for information on Justin Pierce. A few moments later, he found him. Master was in something called “Holding” and would be there till he was taken to the courthouse tomorrow morning. Master was less than 100 meters from Mr. Chips.
This was going to be easy.