Just Cause: Revised & Expanded Edition by Ian Thomas Healy Read Free Book Online Page B

planning. Doctors, psychologists, and other psis had examined him, but ultimately all they determined was a portion of his mind was simply gone . He had taken the name Jay Road, after the place he had been found.
    Juice sat at the head of the table in his utilitarian gray costume with the triangular yellow high voltage warning graphic centered on his chest. He leaned back from the table and wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Well…” He cleared his throat. “Since we’re all in the same place at the same time, I think we’ll have a short staff meeting.”
    Muted groans sounded around the table, the loudest from Crackerjack.
    “Hush, you,” said Doublecharge, second-in-command of the team. Stacey Martin carried an aura of quiet competence. She remained content to let Juice lead conversation during the meal, except when she offered up a thoughtful and well-constructed opinion or comment. Her black and white costume was trimmed with stylized yellow lightning bolts, a graphical representation of her ability to project electricity.
    Juice glared at them. “Listen, we’ve got a new intern and I’d like to show her how we ought to operate. I promise to keep things short. After this latest masterpiece from Juan, I’m sure we’d all like to take some time to sleep it off. We’ll go around the table. When it gets back to me, we’re done, unless something comes up.”
    “Nobody bring anything up,” Crackerjack stage-whispered.
    “As far as old business goes,” said Juice, “a date has been set for Anchor’s trial.” Sally didn’t recognize the name, but knew as an attorney specializing in parahuman case law, Juice was often involved in courtroom proceedings.
    “How does it look for her?” Sondra asked.
    “I’d be lying if I said I was sure she’d walk free on a self-defense plea. It’s going to be a tough fight, given her background, which I’m sure the prosecution will make sure is brought forth in all its vivid glory.” Juice took a sip of coffee. “For new business, I’m altering the duty schedules to include Sally. Expect the changes posted by the end of this week. We’ll also have team training next Saturday from eight to five.” Crackerjack raised his hand as if to ask a question. “No.” Juice cut him off. “Everyone needs to be there, no exceptions. Whatever it is, you can reschedule it.”
    Jack sighed with exasperation, then grinned and winked at Sally.
    “Stacey, anything to add?”
    Doublecharge toyed with a fork and made sparks dance between the tines. “There was a confirmed sighting of Harlan Washington this morning in Guatemala.”
    Sally gasped. Harlan Washington was the man inside the Destroyer battlesuit.
    “Guatemala?” Forcestar looked baffled. “Strange place for a high-tech guy like him. Especially since he was in Chicago just a month ago. We sure it was him?”
    “The report came from the CIA, so it’s probably credible. We’re moving a recon satellite into position to try and learn more. I’m working to obtain permission from Homeland Security for us to go in if needed.”
    “Just Cause has a satellite?” Sally asked, but then wished she hadn’t; she sounded like such a rube.
    “Actually we have four, but it’s not public knowledge,” Doublecharge said. “I’ll update you all as I get more information. I don’t have any other business.”
    Juice nodded. “Jason?”
    Jason shook his head. “Nothing.” He smiled at Sally.
    “Oh, uh, I don’t have anything. Except I’d like to know what else you all know about Destroyer,” said Sally.
    “Destroyer’s been a thorn in the side of Just Cause and other hero organizations for years. We’ve got an extensive file on him, in fact,” said Stacey.
    Sally nodded. She knew she had to get into that file to see what information Just Cause possessed about the man who had killed her father.
    “Glimmer?” asked Juice.
    “I’d actually like to know a little more about our newest member,” said the psi with a nod