Superheroes Suck

Chapter 36: The M is for Mystery

Murphy popped out of the nearest alleyway. Penn looked more than a little confused to find him there, shooting the latter a look, but Murphy ignored him. He stopped at my side and looked me over before turning his attention back to Penn.

Before Penn could question Murphy's appearance, Murphy spoke, "Penn, why don't you head home? I can bring Nova with me."

Penn looked between us, obviously sensing there was something going on, "Where did you-"

Leaving no room for argument, Murphy steered him over the the car and didn't leave his side until Penn was set in the car, "We will see you later. Bye."

After slamming the door not so gently, Murphy returned to my side, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I couldn't help but laugh despite the situation, "And I thought Ray's attempt to get me to kiss her was going to be the worst part of my night."

All of the seriousness drained from his face, "Ray tried to kiss you? The very Ray that Penn dated? Do I even want to know?"

"Not now, it's the kind of story that can wait," I glanced around, "I assume you didn't come by car?"

"You assume right, I heard there was a commotion so I flew over here. I barely made it in time to see them unravel the sign." He brushed a little dirt off his shoulder, "When I noticed the two of you, I ducked into the alleyway and changed as quick as I could. My suit is still there so when there's no one around, I'll run back in to change."

"Where are we going? Home," The corner of his lip quirked up at the mention of 'home' which was a pleasant sight, "or the Batcave...I mean the Hideout."

"Yeah, I imagine your mother has been made aware of the display and she knows that the Hideout is the best place for us to meet. Do you have any idea what 'night' it was talking about?"

"Not a clue," I answered honestly, "I don't even know which part of my mom it's talking about, it could be some disgruntled patient or...you know. Hopefully, she has some idea of what's going on."

Murphy checked our surroundings, as did I. The street had all but cleared out, and those still hanging around were on the opposite side of the street paying us no attention. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially when you're a superhero.

As he blended back into the shadows, Murphy sent a final wink my way. I heard a little rustled behind me but ignored it, keeping watch to make sure no one entered the alleyway Murphy was changing in. There wasn't much of a threat, but my phone had died and I had little else to do otherwise.

A small group of guys, maybe a few years older than me were walking my way, talking and laughing. They seemed completely unaware of my presence, a fact I appreciated greatly. Even with Murphy just a few steps away, it's always unnerving being a female alone in the city after the sun has set for the day.

They seemed headed right for me, so I took a few steps to the street to let them by. This seemed to get their attention as the laughter died down and their eyes found me. The guy in the front, a tall stocky guy who one could only assume was the de facto leader, raked his eyes up and down me. A shiver shot down my spine, especially after he looked around us for other people.

He stopped just short of me and the rest of his friends followed suit, "Hello."

I breathlessly looked around us, hoping for another person, hoping he was talking to someone else. I wasn't sure if Murphy had changed yet and it would be bad if he rushed out half suited up or something. I just had to keep them distracted, I just had to put them off long enough for Murphy to be ready.

Taking a deep breath, I managed to get out an even, "Hi."

"I'm Lyle," He stuck his hand out so I hesitantly took it, ready to rip my hand out of his and run to Murphy if necessary, "and these are my friends. Who are you?"