Superhero Brice: The Extraordinary Adventures of Brice Johnson, #3

By A.L. Conner

In the conclusion to the Extraordinary Adventures of Brice Johnson, Brice is happy to know that she has survived a deadly venom but is not happy that she's being detained by the good guys to have endless medical tests run on her. She just wants to go home, see her pets, and figure out what's going on between her and Greer.

 

She manages to escape the hospital and goes home, but something always gets in the way of living her normal boring life. Virus is desperate to get his hands on her. Not only does he have the super cancer that afflicts superheroes so does her best friend Noel. It's just Brice's luck that her blood has something in it that holds the cure.

 

Brice has no choice but to help Virus produce a cure and learns too late that Virus's ability to absorb the superpowers of other superheroes feeds into his quest to rule the world. Of course, it can't be an extraordinary adventure without all hell breaking loose in the middle of a wedding, no less.

 

Hang on for dear life as Brice and her friends try to save the world and Brice can go back to figuring out what's going on between her and Greer. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mindancer Press
• Release date: Feb 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224342105

Book preview

Prelude

THE LAST TIME we saw our not-very-dauntless heroine, Brice Johnson, she had abandoned her identity in an attempt to protect herself and her loved ones. Brice Johnson no longer bemoaned doing dishes in her home in the Tennessee mountains, as Linda Coleman had taken her place. Linda’s least favorite chore was vacuuming the thick shag carpet of her apartment, but she had solved that by buying a Roomba with her first paycheck at her new job.

However, you can’t run from your past forever. Especially if an assassin was hired to track you down and kill you. Kate, Linda’s best friend at work, turned out to be said assassin.

One tuning fork later, Linda no longer existed, and Brice was returned to herself. But before she got the chance to enjoy her new face, Kate injected her with a deadly venom and left her to die alone in the woods. In ways unknown to herself (but not to us), Brice survived the venom and was able to call her best friend Noel for help. This is where we now return.

Chapter One

I’M THREE MINUTES away. Don’t hang up, Noel ordered briskly.

Brice couldn’t stop smiling despite the burning pain in her ankle. It felt so good to hear Noel’s voice again. Wasn’t planning on it. But you should know there’s a nice gentleman here with me. He’s letting me use his phone until you get here.

Copy that. I’ll have to make up an excuse or slip him something. No witnesses.

The man in question was looking terribly confused at the moment. We’re in the middle of the trail, he said to Brice. How’s she going to get here?

Brice grinned. She’s a helicopter pilot and very protective of me. It wasn’t a lie.

The man looked up into the looming trees. I don’t think she’ll be able to land.

Within only a few minutes, the sound of a helicopter grew louder above them. The kind hiker, who had introduced himself as Miles, could only stare in shock as Noel set the auto hover feature on and came zipping down a line between the trees.

Thank you so much for helping her, Noel said, walking quickly toward him. Before he could reply, she swiftly jabbed a needle in his neck and pushed the syringe until it was empty, then turned to Brice, who was still on the ground, ignoring the hiker as he fell with a thud, unconscious.

That wasn’t very nice, Brice scolded, though she didn’t really care, the thrill of seeing her friend again encompassing everything else. They both did the other the courtesy of not pointing out the tears in each other’s eyes.

He’ll wake up in two minutes feeling refreshed. I don’t know whether to hit you or kiss you, Noel said.

How about a third option? Help me up? Brice asked, holding out her hand.

Noel reached down to pull her up and suddenly they found themselves in each other’s arms, holding on tightly.

Damn, I missed you, Noel whispered.

Brice hugged her tighter. I know. Me too.

You missed you? Noel pulled away with a laugh. Brice gave a thin smile.

Yes, actually. I hope I never look in the mirror and see anything but my own face again.

Noel gave a brief nod and turned her attention to Miles, who’d begun to stir, groaning softly. We’d better go before he wakes up. He won’t remember anything from the past thirty minutes.

One zipline ride later, they were sitting in the helicopter. Brice couldn’t take her eyes off of Noel.

Quit staring at me already. I know you’re in love with me but I’m happily taken, Noel said, easing the helicopter on a steady course home.

How is Lesedi? Brice asked, thinking back to what Kate had said about Noel’s school teacher fiancée. Could Lesedi really have been one of the world’s most deadly assassins?

Lesedi’s doing fine. So is everyone else for that matter, Noel said, then added with a sly grin, Well, Greer just broke up with Michael, but both seem to be doing alright.

Wait, really? Brice asked, trying not to show too much interest in the newfound information.

Yes, really, Noel said, rolling her eyes. And I swear, you two are finally gonna sit down and figure out what the hell’s been going on between you guys. Seriously, we’re not having any of that crap from the last two years happening again. You are going to sit down and talk. And now that you’re home, Lesedi and I are getting married. And I don’t want any complications with planning the table settings, got it?

Brice grinned. So you two are finally tying the knot?

Noel shrugged, trying to look casual. We figured time is a precious thing to waste.

Something in Noel’s voice caught Brice’s attention. She focused on her again. She’d been so happy to see Noel that she hadn’t noticed the small ways she had changed.

You’ve lost weight, Brice declared. And you look tired. Pale. Exhausted, even. Are you not sleeping?

Noel tried to brush it off. I had a long night working out at the gym. Gotta look good on my wedding day.

Fuck that. What’s wrong, Noel? Brice demanded.

Brice, leave it.

Brice sighed and rubbed her hand over her face. I’m sorry. I’ve had a rough day. The only friend I had since I went away turned out to be an assassin who tried to kill me and somehow failed. I was drugged to sleep and I didn’t expect to ever wake up. I think she tried to make it look like a venomous snake or something. Honestly, I don’t know how I’m still alive.

Noel grasped Brice’s arm and gave it a brief squeeze. But you are, and that’s all that matters. We’ll go get you checked out at a hospital to make sure there are no lingering side-effects, and I promise to tell you what’s up with me when things settle down, alright?

Deal, Brice agreed.

The helicopter’s communications system lit up on the dash and a voice crackled over the speakers. Calling Papa Juliet Seven—

Noel flipped a switch beside her. I hear you already. No need to draw this out. Who is this?

This is Fort McKinley. You have a subject of interest aboard and we are requesting you bring her in to us immediately.

"Request denied. We’re going to see Mamma Mia tonight."

Noel reached for the switch to cut off communication as another voice came on, deeper and harsher. Noel, this is General Brien Carrey. You will bring Brice Johnson to our base at once and that’s an order. We have an aerial escort inbound. ETA is two minutes.

I don’t take orders from you, Noel snapped. So you can suck my—

A beeping sounded ’as a large green radar appeared on the screen. A squadron of jet fighters were heading straight toward them.

I don’t think that’s the General’s welcoming committee, Brice said, her stomach dropping. While she hadn’t flown a bus in almost a year, she still remembered how to read a radar. It’s Virus. He’s coming after us.

Yeah, Noel growled in agreement. We definitely need to find a vaccine for that son of a bitch. Moving quickly, she pressed buttons and typed commands into the computer.

That would make you the granddaughter of a bitch, Brice quipped, making sure her seat belt was fastened tight.

Noel hit the radio. General, we accept your order and we’re coming in. Fair warning, we have bogeys on our tail.

Backup is on the way, the General replied. Get flying, girl.

You heard the man. Get flying, girl, Brice ordered.

"Do you want to fly?" Noel snapped.

Yes!

Well, tough titties. Now hold on. This is going to get tricky.

––––––––

WHERE ARE THEY? Greer asked for the hundredth time.

Lesedi, working diligently on her computer, answered as patiently as she could for the hundredth time as well. I’m still working on it.

They should have been back already, Marge added. Like Greer, she was beyond impatient for Brice’s return. Both had come racing to Lesedi and Noel’s house the moment they received Noel’s text message.

Okay, said Lesedi said, sitting upright. I have the helicopter’s GPS pulled up. It looks like they’re at . . . She paused, zooming in on the location. Fort McKinley.

Let’s go, Marge said, shooting to her feet. I don’t know why they’re there but I have strings I can pull if need be.

So do I, Lesedi agreed, and they headed for the door. Greer followed closely at their heels. She didn’t have any strings she could pull, but she’d be damned if anyone was going to keep her from Brice any longer.

Unfortunately, however, it turned out she would be damned.

––––––––

HOW LONG IS this going to take? Noel snapped impatiently. You can’t keep her here forever.

General Carrey eyed her. Noel, you and I both know people need to be debriefed after long-term undercover ops. Not to mention Brice also stated she was recently poisoned. We’re just going to run some tests. The orders came straight from your boss, as a matter of fact.

Scowling, Noel snatched the file out of his hand and read it over. The General leaned back in his chair, making the bars and stars adorning his uniform glimmer brightly at her. Actually, it was your boss’s boss, but you get the idea. We’ll keep Brice as long as it’s necessary.

I’m sitting right here, Brice snapped from across the table. A medic had been glued to her side since they had arrived at the fort, just barely escaping Virus’s determined henchmen. She glared at the medic, who had yet to stop filling vials of blood from her arm. Would you get this damn needle out of me before I shove it down your throat? You have a gallon of it already.

The medic opened his mouth to protest but General Carrey said, I think that’s enough for now. Get that blood to the labs right away.

This is fucking ridiculous, Noel said, tossing the file back at him. Her DNA hasn’t changed since she left. I don’t trust your doctors or you for that matter.

Well, that’s a shame because she can’t leave until we’ve cleared her, General Carrey stated, sitting back once more with a smug smile. Brice felt even his four decorative stars looked smug. You, however, are free to leave.

Noel just scowled again.

You can go if you want, Brice offered, although her eyes begged Noel not to leave her.

Thankfully, Noel fiercely shook her head. I’m not going anywhere without Brice.

Fine, Carrey said. But know that while you’re here, you are accountable for your actions and I will throw you into the brig without a second thought.

Noel gave him a salute with her middle finger.

––––––––

THEY WON’T LET her out. They won’t let her see anybody either, Noel said. She was on one side of a thick panel of glass while Lesedi, Marge, and Greer were huddled in a room on the other side. Choosing to stay with Brice meant she wouldn’t be allowed any physical contact with anyone not already stationed on the base.

You don’t look well, Lesedi said, frowning’. You should sit down.

I’m fine, Noel grumbled. Any luck on your side?

Marge shook her head and threw up her hands. This is beyond frustrating. All my contacts are coming up empty. Whoever is pulling the strings has a lot of power. All I want is to be with my daughter.

As the others talked and argued, Greer stood silently in the background with her arms tightly crossed, a sinking feeling in her gut. She didn’t like where this was going.

A hiss behind Noel signified the door opening. General Carrey strode into the room. Noel didn’t attempt to hide her sneer.

The General opened his arms in greeting. Majesta, it’s a pleasure to have you visit our base. I know you are concerned for the safety of your daughter, but I promise she’s in the best of hands.

I want to see her, Marge demanded. Now.

General Carrey shook his head. I’m afraid I can’t do that. She’s undergoing a number of medical tests right now and seeing a therapist for any trauma she may have experienced on the outside.

But Brice hates therapists, Greer muttered to the others.

Marge placed her hand on the glass wall between them, glaring menacingly at the General. If you don’t let me see my daughter right now, I will smash through this glass and find her myself.

General Carrey shook his head, clucking his tongue against his teeth. Now, now. We can’t let you do that. If you try to come in through force, we’ll be forced to turn on the Ununseptium lights and you won’t get very far at all.

Marge’s outstretched hand trembled and closed into a fist as she reddened with anger. Seeing her despair, Greer decided it was time to play the only card she had: the mass public. She pulled out her phone and tapped on the Twitter app. She quickly typed out a new message and then stepped forward, catching the General’s attention.

General, I would let Marge see Brice or you’ll regret the consequences.

General Carrey snorted. And what are you going to do to me, little girl? Boys might melt over you in tights but that’s not real power.

Actually, Greer said with a growing smile. It is. You see, I have over a million followers on Twitter and I just wrote a new tweet. It says ‘The officers at Fort McKinley won’t let Majesta see her daughter! It’s outrageous and cruel!’ I also tagged Majesta so all of her two million followers will see it as well. Even if you could take it down, once it’s on the internet, it will live on forever.

General Carrey paled as the women’s smiles grew. Now he was bright red in fury.

Soon the press will have a hold of it and reporters will be knocking on your door, Greer continued. Not to mention all of Majesta’s superhero friends, who will feel an injustice is being done to one of their own. So what shall we do, General? Do I press send, or will you let Marge see her daughter?

After a long, grueling moment of silence General Carrey cleared his throat and grated out, Marge can see Brice, but only because she’s family. Then he stormed from the room.

Marge rounded on Greer as she tucked her phone away and snatched her up in a firm hug. Thank you, Greer, she said in her ear. I’ll tell Brice what you did and tell her hello for you.

Thanks, Greer replied, aching to see Brice again.

Marge was soon escorted away by guards. Lesedi turned her attention back to Noel. Now go find somewhere to lie down. Get some rest.

Yes, ma’am. Noel tried to smile and laid a hand on the glass before turning to leave the room.

––––––––

BRICE ENTERED A nondescript room with a glass barrier at the center. Marge was on the other side of the glass.

Ma, Brice cried out, rushing forward. She placed her hands on the glass between them and Marge did the same.

Oh, let me look at you, Marge said, tears in her eyes.

Brice felt her throat go tight, unable to look away from her mother. She’d missed her so much. Marge had more gray hairs and wrinkles than the last time she had seen her.

If you break the glass, Majesta, we’ll turn on the ununseptium lights, a soldier warned behind her.

Go fuck yourself, Marge growled at him.

He ’took a step back.

You are grounded for the rest of your life, Marge said to Brice, wiping tears from her eyes and sniffling hard. I mean it. I’m not going to let you leave my side for a year. Do you know how much your father and I missed you?

Brice sighed. I know, Ma. I’m sorry I left without saying goodbye. At the time it seemed like the best solution.

It’s the past. We can deal with it later, Marge promised. How are you? What happened? You look thin. Were you eating? Where were you?

As quickly as she could, Brice told her mother the short version of everything that had happened while she was gone. Upon hearing an assassin had tried to poison her only daughter, Marge went red with rage.

I’ll find her and bring her to justice, she snarled. No one poisons my little girl and gets away with it.

Brice smiled, scraping her fingers across the glass, wishing she could hug her mother again. I’m sure you’ll get her, Ma. How are you? How’s Dad?

Marge’s rage washed out and tears sprung to her eyes again. We’ve all missed you terribly, Brice. Dad will be here soon. He was in flight when I called him on the way here. They’ll let him in if they know what’s good for them. You know, he won the neighborhood Christmas award again.

Brice beamed proudly. That’s good.

Your brother’s doing well, too. He’s working full time as a superhero while living on the beach.

That’s good, too. Brice hesitated. Ma?

Yes, darling?

Do you know what’s wrong with Noel? she asked, afraid of the answer. She’s out in the hall back here, lying down. She doesn’t look good. I’m worried.

Marge gave a sad smile. That’s not for me to tell. She’ll tell you soon, though, I’m sure.

They chatted until they heard a commotion outside the door. The door finally opened and Mark walked in. Brice nearly came to tears again, seeing him. They talked for as long as the soldier would let them.

Eventually, the guard stepped forward. Visiting hours are over.

Marge looked ready to smash him through the wall, but Mark placed a restraining hand on her shoulder. We’ll be back tomorrow. Love you, Brice.

Love you too, Dad, Brice said earnestly, meaning it with all her heart. I love you too, Ma.

We’ll be here first thing tomorrow, Marge promised. And you’ll be home not long after that. Okay?

Okay, Brice said. She waited for her parents to leave before turning and exiting the room herself. She found Noel in the hallway, still lying on the cot someone had placed there for her. Brice knelt by her and gently shook her. Wake up, sleeping beauty.

Noel turned over and grumbled something that sounded like ‘five more minutes.‘ Normally, Brice would have shaken her again and insisted that Noel get up, but Noel didn’t look well, her face tight and drawn, skin gone gray and clammy.

So instead, she asked a passing guard to bring her a chair, and then sat beside her, watching over her until she woke.

Chapter Two

IT TOOK FIVE days of wheeling and dealing before Brice was allowed to communicate outside of the base. Every day, her parents came to