Superheroes Inc.: President

By Rick Cave

Richard Cage's world as a super-hero is changed drastically when he is unexpectedly elected to the highest office in the land. He reluctantly accepts the new role and deals with his new duties as diplomat while receiving threats from a new adversary.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rick Cave
• Release date: Sep 22, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465970084

Rick Cave

Was born in Martinsburg, WV, 1 half a set of twins (sister)...Moved to Ohio and spent majority of my life there...will be moving to Indiana soon.

Book preview

SUPERHEROES INC.: PRESIDENT

Rick Cave

Published by Rick Cave at Smashwords

Copyright © 2011 by Rick Cave

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold

or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person,

please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did

not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to

Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work

of this author.

This book is dedicated to my parents,

Hubert and Wilma

Though you’re not here with me any longer,

Thank you for supporting me in whatever I chose to do in my life.

Also to my friends,

Dawn and Heather,

Who have also supported my writing over the years,

Thank you for your love and support,

And for being my friends. It has meant a lot.

AUTHOR’S NOTES

First of all, thank you to anyone who read my first outing, SUPERHEROES INC. I’ve had good reviews from those who have read it so far, and have been informed that they couldn’t wait for the sequel.

To those requests, comments and questions, here is the sequel, my second offering. I hope you will enjoy this story as much as you did its predecessor.

I’m adding a small set of notes to inform you of a couple of things mentioned in this story that may appear as conflicts or continuity mistakes.

During the course of writing this story, two things have occurred in world news: the death of Osama bin Laden and the U. S. trying to negotiate with the Taliban for peace.

Both Osama bin Laden and the Taliban are mentioned in this book, but neither present-day news occurrence is a part of this story. The Taliban are mentioned as a part in an event which must be dealt with, and while Osama bin Laden is mentioned, he is not a character in this book in any way.

With this in mind, then you must assume that this story takes place before the death of bin Laden and the negotiations with the Taliban. The notes to inform the reader of this was better than re-editing big blocks of this book and changing many things to fit other situations.

I hope you enjoy this second outing, and the continuing adventures of Richard Cage and the heroes of Superheroes Inc.

ONE

PRIMARY

OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!!

Tawny couldn't believe the speed in which she was traveling. The night had started off so well. She had arranged a date with Richard Cage, which was spent within the confines of his penthouse apartment atop the Superheroes Inc. building.

The night went along very well, and was very enjoyable. However, with two daughters waiting for her, it wasn't going to be an overnight affair, and she needed to get home.

Being a mother was almost a full-time job, but with the help of a sitter, she was able to get out of the house every once in a while. She still was able to perform her duties as a parent while having a job as a model and actress.

As Cage took her back to his sleek silver-colored sports car, named the Silver Streak, she imagined a leisurely drive through the streets of Los Angeles to her home, a romantic kiss goodnight at the door, and the longing thoughts regarding the next time she would see him.

What she ended up experiencing was a high-speed sojourn through those Los Angeles streets, complete with screeching hairpin turns and moving through traffic as if all other cars were standing still. Tawny was crouched down in the seat, one hand clutching the dashboard of the car, and the other one pushing against the window, as if steadying herself for an oncoming crash.

Cage himself saw nothing wrong in what was happening. Many times, he would find himself in high-speed pursuits or involve himself in a police chase, attempting to assist the men in blue. Whenever it seemed crime reared up, his instincts as a crime-fighter kicked in, and he was ready for action. To him, this was normal.

In this instance, as he drove Tawny home, a report came across his radio that the police were chasing a van that had broken into one of the high-priced shops downtown. The cops tried wrangling them into various blocks, but they were zig-zagging, turning unexpectedly down random streets in their attempt to escape.

Another thing that bothered Cage about this chase wasn't the chase itself, but the fact that it was taking place on the first Tuesday in May, during the primary election. He was hoping to get Tawny home so he could return to his apartment in time for the election results.

If something unforeseen happened, his faithful secretary Dawn Summers would contact him and let him know what happened at the polls. He knew he could always rely on Dawn for almost anything. His girl Friday, the one person he allowed to be closer to him than anyone in his life.

Of course, their closeness in business had always been misinterpreted by their co-workers as something more. Cage himself downplayed any such notions, but he never knew what Dawn would say, what she thought about the office talk, nor would he ever ask.

How are you doing over there, he asked his very spooked passenger.

Do you always drive like this, Tawny said frantically.

Only for emergencies. I'm used to getting into chases like this when necessary. Looking over at his worried guest, he said. Come on. When did you ever have this kind of excitement on a date?

You call a heart attack having excitement?

If experienced correctly. Cage knew he was being somewhat of a smart ass, but he was hoping a little humor would relax her. It wasn't working. Don't worry, Tawny. This car is made to withstand any impact should we crash, and I don't intend to do that.

Intend?? Sweat beginning to appear on her forehead, Tawny believed Cage really didn't care whether he crashed or not. She questioned whether or not he had a death wish.

As she looked over at him, she noted how much he concentrated on his driving. Cage didn't appear nervous or distracted. He wasn't clutching the wheel like her solid death grip on the dashboard and door. He appeared very calm, as if this was an every day occurrence. His complete concentration was to maneuver through the streets of the city he protected with such strength and determination.

Cage reached down and grabbed a microphone that connected him with the Los Angeles Police Department. This is Superhuman, he spoke into the mic. Where are the suspects now?

Superhuman, replied a pursuing officer. We're in West Hollywood, just passing the Sunset Tower Hotel.

Cage formulated something in his mind before responding. I'm in the vicinity. Can you direct them onto South Doheny? I'll block one end of the street with my car.

We can give it a shot. I'll get in touch with the other cars.

After hearing that, Cage gunned the accelerator to his automobile and sped for South Doheny Drive. He knew that the street wouldn't be as busy so late in the evening, so if the suspect's van could be directed toward him, he had a good chance of helping to end the pursuit.

The police cars that gave chase did their best in shutting off access to any streets other than South Doheny. Using their cars, they cut off the streets, forcing the criminals toward the awaiting Superhuman.

The Silver Streak came to a stop at the intersection of West Olympic Boulevard and South Doheny, its tires screeching as the car turned and blocked off access.

Cage unsnapped his seat belt and looked at the very frightened Tawny. You may want to stay in the car, he instructed her. This might be dangerous. With that, the caped hero exited his vehicle.

Tawny's mind was racing. More dangerous than the harrowing automobile ride she just went through, she asked herself. She watched Cage making a leisurely stroll up South Doheny as police cars began to sound in the distance. He appeared to be in no hurry in making his way up the street.

Inside the van, two very adrenaline-pumped criminals move through the streets of Los Angeles. Their quest to avoid police was their complete focus. The job they were asked to do was simple, but they were hired for their skill to escape pursuing law enforcement.

Bert Moss sat behind the driver's wheel. He kept his eyes on the road ahead. Watching everything in front of them, they weaved through traffic on the streets. He knew these streets so well, knowing how and where each connected. Being thirty years of age, he lived in Los Angeles most of his life.

In the passenger seat sat Dewayne Everett. A black man in his early twenties, he seemed more nervous about the situation than his partner. His main fear was being caught, but he was nervous since he scared to be involved in a high-speed crash.

Can't you go a bit slower, he asked Bert, his voice cracking from fear.

Sorry, Bert replied. Slower means caught to me. I'm not about to let the cops get me for any reason. Why are you so scared, anyway? The boss told you how I drive, and that we might end up in a chase.

I was kinda hoping he was just kidding about that. Didn't think we were actually going to get chased.

Relax. Never been in a crash yet, despite the vehicle I'm driving, and I’ve never been caught. With that, he shifted the van into a higher speed. Try to relax. We're near Doheny now. There are several streets down it to confuse even the cops and we can escape.

Sitting inside the supposed safety of the Silver Streak, Tawny watched Cage as he stood mid-way on South Doheny, in the middle of the street. His cape moved in the light breeze outside, as did his shoulder-length brown hair.

As he looked around the area in which he stood, Cage was making mental notes of his surroundings. He was also hoping nothing unforeseen would happen with what he was planning. There were hardly any other vehicles in the area where he stood.

With the sound of the vehicles approaching his position, he flexed his fists, completely ready for what he was about to attempt. Moving slightly, he set himself flat-footed as if rooting his feet to the ground. He had fought many battles in which his opponents couldn't knock him back when he had set himself.

Suddenly, headlights began to slowly light up the end of the street, as did the flashing red lights from the pursuing police vehicles. Within moments, the van leading the chase screeched its tires as it hit the corner and turned onto Doheny Drive. Several feet behind them, police cars also made the sharp turn onto the street, trying not to lose their prey.

One of the officers in the lead car suddenly grabbed his radio microphone. Okay, everybody, he quickly announced. Hold back. The cape's got it. He looked at his partner, who was driving the car. Stop here. We don't want to be too close for this.

His partner, a young female officer, brought the car to a stop. She had just experienced her first high-speed chase, and despite the adrenaline rush, she wasn't sure if she wanted to experience it again.

In the van, Bert looked down the street. Was he actually seeing a caped figure in the middle of the road, blocking their path? As his headlights shone down the street, he saw the figure more clearly. The caped uniform, as well as the shoulder-length brown hair gave away exactly who was challenging them now.

Lookee here, he said, confidence in his voice. There's that Superhuman character. What a bonus. The boss said he might show up one of these nights.

Dewayne continued feeling his fear deeply. What are you planning to do, he asked the driver.

What do you think I'm gonna do? I'm gonna run his ass over, and show the city that their Superhuman isn't so super. Bert gunned the engine and began to bear down on the unwavering hero.

Tawny watched in horror, believing her date for the evening was a raving madman to be standing directly in the path of a van which was speeding toward his location in the center of the street. As much as she learned that she liked Cage, there was an edge to him that seemed to border on maniacal behavior. Playing chicken with a vehicle seemed to fall into that category.

Cage smirked and shook his head. Sometimes it amazed him how unintimidated people who confront him were. It made sense to not want the confrontation to happen, but some criminals always believed themselves more intelligent than him, let alone law enforcement in general.

He also knew that as quickly as the van approached--he heard the engine rev up shortly after turning onto Doheny--the van would reach a point of no return. A spot in which they wouldn't be able to counter or react to what he was about to do.

Tawny wanted to scream out at Cage to move, but she knew his distance from the car, as well as the sound of the speeding van’s engine, would make it impossible for him to hear her. Despite being frightened by the super-speed car ride, and the post-date situation she found herself in, she realized she cared very much about this person who put his life on the line many times in the name of justice.

Cage stood in defiance of the van barreling down on him. He gritted his teeth and continued flexing his fists, appearing ready to punch the huge vehicle.

Bert was determined to run down the caped hero, while Dewayne clutched at the dashboard, scared of what had transpired to this point.

The officers at the end of Doheny watched intently, not sure what the result of this confrontation was going to be.

Tawny's eyes widened as the van came within feet of Cage's position.

Cage sidestepped to his left slightly and crouched a little, as if preparing to pick something out of the street. He stood upright quickly and jerked his right arm upward.

Somehow, he managed to grab the front fender of the speeding van and pulled it off its wheels. With the jerking motion of his arm, the van flipped onto its side and slid down the street several feet, grinding metal being heard. Sparks flashed from beneath the vehicle. After many tense moments, the van came to a stop near another parked car sitting alongside the curb.

Tawny sat with tears in her eyes, her hand up to her mouth. She trembled in frightened anticipation as she watched what her date had done with so little effort.

The stunned officers on the other end of Doheny Drive were amazed to see what had happened. It took several moments before they regained their composure enough to proceed toward the location of the sudden end to the chase.

Looking at the van, Cage began to slowly walk toward the disabled vehicle. Inspecting the van from his vantage point, he noticed a small amount of smoke rolling out from underneath, but no apparent fire. He could see the front windshield of the van.

Inside, Bert appeared to be unconscious. The van had flipped onto the driver's side. Still, there was movement inside as Dewayne tried to escape the disabled vehicle. In his fear and anxiety, he wasn't sure what would happen next, especially since he had already been fearful of an accident inside the van.

Unable to open the passenger side door, he quickly rolled down the window and climbed upward to escape. As he emerged, he saw Richard Cage climbing onto the van, prepared to inspect for injured people.

Uh, Dewayne said. Hi.

Cage looked at him with concern. Are you okay?

Yeah, I think so.

Good. Suddenly, Cage's face became instantly angry. He fired a right fist into Dewayne’s face, listening to the passenger of the chase grunt.

Knocked unconscious by the unexpected blow, Dewayne fell back into the van, on top of his already out cold partner.

Cage hopped back onto the street. Looking to his left, he saw a few police cars carefully approaching his location. The hero also heard the light yet unmistakable sound of the passenger door of the Silver Streak opening behind him.

Stepping out of the lead car, Louis Munter and Kim Klastrup approached Cage, who stood as if expecting their eventual arrival.

Munter was the older of the two officers, despite only being thirty years of age. He already had ten years of experience under his belt, and really wasn't expecting to be placed with a partner after being a loner during most of his time as an officer of the law.

At twenty-five, Kim didn't think she would qualify for police work. She excelled in school at track and field, so she was fast on her feet, which helped her during her training at the academy. When she graduated, and she was assigned to Los Angeles, she was very nervous.

She had heard about the high crime rate within the city, but there were also stories about a heroic crime-fighter who helped the police with their work, despite many of the city's residents believing him to be a costumed vigilante.

Now she was facing the very person she had heard so many stories about. He seemed to exude confidence in his appearance, acting as if nothing around him bothered him to any degree. Despite the feat he had just achieved, Kim saw no signs of injury or wariness from physically lifting a speeding van.

Cage kicked out the front windshield of the now stationary vehicle. There you go, he told the officers. Stopped.

Wow, said Kim, in awe of the individual in front of her. I've never seen anything like that before.

Hearing the voice, Cage looked at the female. I don't know you. He looked at Louis Munter. New recruit?

Just started a couple of weeks ago, Louis replied. Department decided I needed a partner.

It's hell being a lone wolf sometimes, Cage said, joking without smiling.

Clearly enamored, Kim stepped up and extended her hand. Hi, I'm Kim Klastrup.

Looking down at the younger officer's hand, Cage extended his own hand and shook it. Polite, too, he remarked to Louis before turning his attention back to Kim. Richard Cage.

Wow, was all Kim could manage to say at that moment. She was very excited in meeting the caped hero that she had only heard stories about to that point.

Cage turned his attention to the van again. I take it these are those high-speed thieves that have been making all the rush robberies around town? He reached in through the broken windshield and removed the two unconscious criminals, placing them on the ground.

Louis walked up and used his handcuffs on one of the men. Yeah. We've been after these guys for several weeks now. They've been able to elude us because they've been able to use the side streets to escape.

After a check of his cuff carrier on his belt, Louis realized he wasn't carrying a second pair of handcuffs. He looked up at his partner, who couldn't take her eyes off Cage. Kim? He realized she was paying no attention to him at all. KIM!

Without taking her eyes off the hero, she replied, Yeah?

Your cuffs, please?

Oh, sure. Without looking, Kim reached behind her body, pulled her handcuffs from her belt, and tossed them in Louis' direction, nearly hitting him in the face as he quickly snatched them.

Brother. Louis said, snapping the cuffs on the final prisoner. Looks like you have another fan, Cage. Boy, wish you would tell me how you do it.

Even if I could, Cage stated. You probably wouldn't believe it. Looking down the street, Cage saw Julie standing next to the Silver Streak, looking more frightened than she did during the speedy way in which they arrived on the scene, if that were indeed possible.

Excuse me, Cage said. This pursuit came in the middle of me getting someone home. I believe I should be getting back to that.

Do you have to? Kim sounded a little disappointed that the hero was about to leave.

It's pretty important at this point. I want to get home for the election results after that. I'm sure you can mop up the mess here. Cage turned toward the other end of the street and began walking toward his car.

The closer Cage came to his auto, the more Tawny felt more relieved to see and realize he was unharmed, despite the feat he had performed to stop the speeding van. Her heart was racing, and her mind went blank as she witnessed the end of the pursuit.

Despite what he had done to end the chase, and anything else she saw, her mind was completely focused on Cage the entire time. It was almost as if she had blanked everything else around her out, and noticed one man only. Even the initial fear she experienced in the journey to her destination was gone.

As Cage got within ten feet of the car, Tawny ran to him, throwing her arms around him and holding him tightly.

Hey, Cage said. Though a bit surprised at the sudden show of affection, he wasn't against it. What's this for?

I was really worried about you, Tawny said. I thought you were going to be killed.

No need to worry. He tried his best to reassure her as he held her. This is something I do practically every day. Believe me, I've dealt with worse than this.

Cage wasn't far off the mark with the comment. It had been only a few weeks since he and the other heroes of Superheroes Inc. ended the threat of the Adaptoids, androids created by a villain calling himself The Illusionary.

The Adaptoids were being used to search for Brandy Westfall, a woman who was married to an industrialist. Her husband wanted her out of his life and wiped from existence. Thanks to Cage's intervention, Bart Westfall was on his way to federal prison, and Brandy now worked in the Superheroes Inc. secretarial pool.

While dealing with the android threat, he learned that his dead fiancée. Lisa Drummond, had been carrying twin girls he knew nothing about. Once he realized the identity of