Secrets of a D-List Supervillain (25 page)

He laughs. “The world blames me for the premature release of my bioengineered insects. In their eyes, I am guilty of genocide on the levels that make the likes of Pol Pot and Hitler look like rank amateurs. I know I will never go to prison. There is either death or the number of people I must destroy on my path to domination. Shall we see if I am up to the challenge?”

“I will have them put that speech on your tombstone.”

“How considerate,” the Overlord says, spreading his transparent hands wide. “Since you’ve squandered your first move, it is black’s turn now. Pawn to Queen four.”

The house is engulfed in a fierce, upward blast of plasma energy as the self-destruct mechanism activates. Megasuit’s shields take it, and I ride the wave while trying to figure out his stupid chess metaphor.

Working the jetpack and stabilizers, I get the suit under control and see that it knocked the shields down to eighty-five percent—more powerful than expected, but still lame! Unfortunately, I know this is just the beginning... the best he could come up with at a moment’s notice. He’s already planning the next encounter.

Two can play at that game!

“Is the suit okay, Cal?” Stacy asks over our private channel, as her suit races up next to me. “How about you?”

“Yeah, we’re both good.”

“I’m going to personally kick his ass for that Scarecrow comment!”

Laughing, we rejoin the others while continuing our private conversation, “You’ll get your chance. If it helps, I know you have a brain. Want to know why?”

“Let’s hear it,” the Olympian replies.

“Simple, you’re with me.”

“Some would argue differently,” she says with a chuckle of her own.

“Before it gets crazy, I want to tell you something Stacy,” I say, marshalling more courage than I needed to walk in and speak with the Overlord. I would be face to face with her much sooner.

“What’s that?” she asks, with just a hint of quaver in her voice.

“It’s easy for me to say I am in love with you, and I am, but you have heard that from virtually every guy you’ve ever given the time of day to, and I’m willing to bet a few women along the way. I want you to know beyond that, I respect you and I trust you.”

She’s quiet for a good five seconds and it is cause for a little concern. “Sorry, you caught me speechless for a moment. I’ve said those words before to men I didn’t feel half as much of what I feel for you, Cal. I love you, too.”

“The Overlord and others are going to try and stop our happily ever after.”

I can almost hear the smile on her face. “Let them try!”

If I had empathy to spare, I’d feel sorry for our enemies.

But, I’m Cal Stringel, the original D-List Supervillain, so don’t expect any pity or quarter from me. My origin is common knowledge. My confessions are a matter of public record. My secrets are shared with those I trust. Now, it’s time for me to rise to the challenges ahead. Get in my way and you’ll end up as roadkill on the yellow brick road. Consider yourself warned.

• • •

Cal Stringel and the New Renegades will return in Rise of a D-List Supervillain.

• • •

About the Author

Jim Bernheimer is the author of several novels and the publisher and editor of three anthologies. He lives in Chesapeake, Virginia with his wife and two daughters while writing whatever four out of the five voices in his head agree on. Visit his website at
www.jimbernheimer.com

Other Books by the Author

Horror, Humor, and Heroes Volume I

Horror, Humor, and Heroes Volume II

Horror, Humor, and Heroes Volume III

Dead Eye: Pennies for the Ferryman

Dead Eye 2: The Skinwalker Conspiracies

Spirals of Destiny Book One: Rider

Spirals of Destiny Book Two: Sorceress

Prime Suspects: A Clone Detective Mystery

Origins of a D-List Supervillain

and

Confessions of a D-List Supervillain

The best is yet to come!