“We leak it strategically so it just gets to them,” Joan said. “We don’t want the public to freak out.”
“How are you going to do that?” Otis asked.
“Can you leak something false just to the Villains?” Darlene said.
Joan and Mark shared a grin. “Remember the supposed armored car robbery a few years back?” Mark said.
“Or the warehouse allegedly filled with stolen art?” Joan added. “Or the break-in at the botanic garden that ended up being a false alarm?”
Mark sent the Supers a knowing look. “We know how to fake a news story for our enemies.”
Otis and Darlene clearly didn’t know how to react, and Kade was obviously confused.
Zee, however, burst out laughing. “You assholes,” they said.
Mark chuckled in return. “Yeah, well, these assholes are gonna save your assholes.”
This was a good plan. Joan adjusted in her seat, ready for action. She could have Greta spread the word among the criminal element?—
Nope, that wasn’t an option.
Gus set her pen down. “Big Quake knows how secure this building is. We can’t get him here unless there’s something he wants more than destruction.”
Perry raised his eyebrows. “Revenge.”
She nodded at him. “He wants me. I’ll come forward as being back in Vector City.”
“No. You don’t have to?—”
“Yes, I do. I’ll appear on video first for confirmation. That’s how you young people communicate these days. Then we’ll pretend to schedule a press conference in front of this building. A fake one you can leak to…” She waved a hand. “Whomever.”
“You could get hurt,” Kade said. “Your powers will be turned off.”
“We won’t let that happen,” Darlene stated.
This was a brave-as-shit move from a ninety-year-old woman. Literally putting herself out there. Probably why she’d come back—she was Quake’s ultimate target.
“A press conference feels a little too on-the-nose,” Joan said. “It sounds like a trap.”
“Then think of something else,” said Gus. “We’ll work out the details.”
“Are you sure?” Perry asked, worry coloring his voice.
“I’ve been living in seclusion so he can’t find me. This is what Big Quake wants more than anything.”
Oh.Oh.That was what all the secrecy was really about. Damn.
Mark released a long breath. “Wow, Gus. I’m sorry.”
“It wasn’t the only reason,” Gus said. “I was quite done with a life in the spotlight. But it was certainly something I considered when relocating.”
“We can think of an alternative,” Darlene said. “You shouldn’t have to?—”
“Kiddo, my work isn’t done.”
That made Darlene smile. “You will get justice this time. For everything. I promise you.”
Gus pushed back from the table. “Less promising, more doing. Where’s my Super suit?”
