“But hasn’t this guy done some good in the city?”
“I suppose…” Aiden finished his eggs. “But does a few good deeds make him a hero? And what about the powers?”
“I don’t want to rain on your parade…” Yes, Xander Bennett came in like a storm. “But it reads kind of like a one-sided slant piece. It sounds like you’re missing the other side of the story.”
I should have kept my mouth shut. It was bad enough to drop the energy as I reflected on his words. But no, I had to say the one thing that would cut through the news and kick him in the heart. Without saying it, I called his pursuit of the truth into question.
I could see the hurt on his face. “Oh, I… uh… thought you’d be happy.”
“I am!” I reached out, covered his hand with mine. “But it sounds like William pushed you into slandering a hero. Shouldn’t you have talked to Blaze or find somebody close to him?”
“Cause he’s been great about talking to the press.”
Is that why the heroes stayed around after defeating the bad guy? I assumed they wanted to see if they could land the front page of the paper. But was there a chance what I believed to be narcissism allowed the press to give a well-rounded portrayal? I couldn’t fathom the number of apologies I’d have to give Griffin when this was over.
“I know one of the public relations team for the Centurions. Maybe he can get a hold of Blaze for you.”
“The magazine is at the presses. I don’t know why you’re poking at this. I’ve been trying to get my break forever. Least you could do is be happy for me.”
Aiden didn’t deserve to be in the middle of my drama between me and… well, me. I forced a smile onto my face. “What if I take you out tonight? Like a good ol’ fashioned date. Movie and dinner?”
The damage had been done. “I can’t. The magazine is doing its launch party tonight. I’m getting invited because my article is going on the front cover. Another time?”
At least he suggested another date. That meant I hadn’t ruined things beyond repair. I didn’t know what else to say. He was absolutely writing a piece meant to discredit Blaze. But Blaze hadn’t upheld his end of a social contract withthe people. Even with this, my alter ego had to sit through all of them.
“I should head out.”
He grabbed his sneakers from the corner and started sliding them on, too stubborn to untie the laces. I jumped to my feet, trying to force the words, “I’m Blaze,” from my mouth. With two words, I could put an end to this charade and give him theactualstory.
“Congratulations.” It should have been a celebration, but I could barely muster enthusiasm. Aiden believed I was a menace, and worse yet, a killer. These were relationship issues I hadn’t encountered before.
“Thanks.” With a quick peck on the lips, he turned and left. I stared at the door, hoping he’d return. It’d be a movie ending where we admitted we couldn’t be mad with another one, and after a tearful embrace, I’d admit the truth.
“I’m Blaze,” I whispered. But the door never opened.
18
“You’re serious?You’re kidding, right? No? Please.”
When Hellcat called my personal phone, I expected her to parade me in front of a jury of vigilantes. Reluctant wasn’t the right word for my arrival. I came ready to fight, to plead my case and prove to these pompous jerks that I wasn’t a killer. What I didn’t expect was this badass woman discussing my public image like I was a corporate brand.
“Your fans on the HeroApp™ are defending you. But there are just as many that are convinced you’re a villain parading as a hero.”
“I have fans?” I criticized heroes for having groupies, but knowing there were people rooting for me—I didn’t hate the idea.
“You’re the only hero with powers. This city is falling apart and we’re losing. The vigilantes can’t keep up. Weneed Supers, and right now…” She gave me the once over. “You’re what we’ve got.”
“You really know how to make a guy feel loved.”
We remained perched on the Bastille Vanguard City had been built around. Standing in the bell tower, the old structure at the epicenter of a modern city created a beautiful juxtaposition. As the sun set, the steeples of the church cast shadows stretching across the plaza. I had seen every corner of this city, but now seeing it with a new elevation, it reminded me of just how much I loved Vanguard.
“Xander.” We had never broken from our superhero personas. “The city needs hope. Until we figure out what robbed the heroes of their abilities, we need to rally.”
“I’m your rally point.” It wasn’t enough that my relationship was crumbling around me because of the mask, but now a group of people who barely trusted me were relying on me to right the wrongs of the city. Even with super strength, the burden pushing down on my shoulders was almost crippling.
She nodded.
“I’m not the hero you need.”
