Final Crisis

Chapter 22

Reese’s eye twitched as he watched the footage.

This can’t be…

He slammed his fist on the desk and angrily dialed up Lane.

She picked up in an instant.

“Yes?”

“Hi Lane!” Reese said, his voice nearly quivering.

“Hi. What’s up? Did something happen?”

“I will need you to come back, very quickly. Now.”

“...Why? I just left.”

“Look, it is urgent,” He breathed out in exasperation.

“What’s wrong? You sound worried. Are you okay?”

“Yes, I am fine.”

“Okay. I’m on my way back. Prepare us some peaches—maybe it’ll cheer you up.”

He laughed. “You and your peaches…”

She laughed too.

“I’ve told you. It helps cheer me up. Think it could work for you too.”

“Well…I will talk to you soon. Also, would you happen to know where Roxy is? I do not know where she ran off to.”

“She left? I thought she stayed back to rest.”

“I do not know. Maybe she had to let off some steam,” Reese turned his head up, thinking of what to do. “Alright, I will talk to you later. Love you.”

He hung up before she could say anything back, and he rose to his feet.

I need to set things straight…

He exited his office and made his way down to Meiser’s, waving at and greeting people along the way.

A child came up to him, who was no older than ten from what Reese could tell.

“Thank you sir, for keeping us safe from the monsters!” He beamed. “You’re my hero!”

Reese gave a meek smile in return. “Well, why do you think I wear this cape?”

The child walked away over to his older brother, and the whole time he stared at Reese in awe as if he was witnessing his favorite celebrity.

He continued onward, finally reaching Meiser’s office. Roxy was in there, plopped down on a chair and talking to Meiser, who was writing in a notepad. He looked as if he couldn’t care less about what she had to say.

“Ah, just the two people I needed,” Reese sighed, putting his arm on the wall and propping himself up. “What are you two talking about?”

“She’s telling me about her trip to Miami before the outbreak hit,” Meiser answered before Roxy could open her mouth, “It’s really interesting, to be honest. I figured Frenesda would be the only big city to have a scandal involving alligators roaming the streets.”

“I almost rode one when it happened!” Roxy guffawed, then gave a bitter sigh. “Almost.”

“I see. So are you two…okay now?” Reese said.

“...Huh? Oh…uh…” She craned her head and hid her face.

Meiser shrugged his shoulders. “I suppose so. But we are just friends after all. Why stay upset and awkward with each other—there’s no point. And I do enjoy talking to you.”

She looked away, putting her hand on her chest and giving an exaggerated stooopp…

“Well, I was going to ask if you two could come along with me. I figured it would be a good idea if we go and clear out a small shop together—to find some clothes. Some of the families here need some.”