Electric Storm

Chapter 31: The Ferry Incident

'And you're sure you don't know how the elevator blew up?'

'No.' I lie to my frowning father as I gather the rest of my school things. 'Besides, I wasn't in it.'

'Mhm.' Dad's eyes narrow. 

'And even if I knew, which I don't, Ross would have taken me then and there.' I shudder after last night's long telephone conversation. I honestly thought by the way he spoke to me, he had an armed squadron outside ready to arrest me. 'So it's probably best I keep that information to myself before he comes for you too.'

Dad's lips curl into a smile. 'Never allow me to send you to Washington again. Or anywhere else for that matter.'

'Ok, dad.' I laugh, hugging him tightly. 'I'll see you later.'

'Wait, Katy-' He calls before I leave, 'the illegal weapons that have been going around, the FBI have found hints of a deal going on today. They'll be checking it out, so just-'

'Stay out of the way, I will. I love you dad.' 

'I love you too.'

...

'Hey Peter, how are you feeling after that amazing save this weekend?' I nudge him playfully as we walk to school.

'Pretty good.' He blushes and fumbles awkwardly with his hands. 'Listen, Katy, there's some I wanted to ask before Ned shows up.'

My stomach instantly flips. What could it be? What does he want to say? Good? Bad? Is it about me? Liz? 

'When the police showed up, they pointed their guns at me. They looked like they might have actually fired. Why? I'm the good guy.'

I sigh deeply. 'Partly because of the accords but, mainly, because they're scared.'

'Scared?'

'They don't understand people like us.' 

Parker looks at me, confused. 

'The same thing happened to me in the CIA Headquarters. Disaster struck and their guns were immediately on me... that's why I helped Bucky. If they thought I was a monster anyway, what did it matter? I might as well do what I felt was right. But now, when I say I can't help Peter, I really can't. They won't hesitate to pull the trigger. I'd either have to live the rest of my days in the raft or... run.'

'I'm sorry.' Peter apologises. 'I didn't mean to push you.' 

We smile softly at each other. 

'Guys, did you hear the news?' Ned exclaims as he rushes towards us. 'The school is going crazy.'

He's right. As soon as we step foot inside, I instantly pick up on the buzz of gossip and, of course, it stems from the morning announcements.

'This past weekend the Academic Decathlon team defeated the country's best to win the national championship. Later that same day they also defeated death.'

I roll my eyes as each student's story becomes more animated than the last. Peter smiles to himself, secretly happy with the recognition.

'Dude, what's it like being famous when no one knows it's you?' Ned excitedly asks. 

Peter grins. 'Pretty crazy.'

'Welcome to my life.' I roll my eyes playfully. 'Come on, we need to get to class.' 

Peter stops walking. 'I'm not going to class.'

My feet stop as my head snaps around.

'You're already in so much trouble for ditching the decathlon.' Ned exclaims.