48: Don’t give me that look

The ride to Al Bella Pizzeria was a short one, under ten minutes to be precise, and during those ten minutes, Michael pummeled Jack with knowledge. Though Jack tried to keep up—he really did—Michael spoke too fast about too many things. Jack never stood a chance.

“Now listen, bud. If she asks you if you’ve got a girlfriend, gauge the gal’s response before ya answer.”

Jack didn’t mind that Michael wanted to impart his knowledge onto him, but he did mind that Michael was looking at him and not at the road.

They trailed behind an enormous gray truck carrying three white gasoline-filled barrels. The truck stopped short a few dozen feet in front of the Camaro, the exhaust creating a foggy screen of toxic smoke. Jack pointed and attempted to scream, but rather than words, he released only raspy half-breaths. Michael, while still looking at Jack, slammed on the breaks and stopped an inch behind the truck. Then he continued to speak as if nothing had happened.

“Let’s say she starts talking about her past boyfriends. Now, if she’s into you, she ain’t gonna say nothing good, but if she talks about a guy she’s got a crush on, well, you’re as good as friend-zoned, buddy, and we gotta call the Heli back in H.Q for an extraction because mission failed.”

Michael hit the gas, and the car lurched forward, swerving around the truck and pressing Jack into his seat. He wasn’t absorbing any of the woman-hunting knowledge, and how could he? He was too concerned for his life.

Luckily, their destination wasn’t far from the park. From what Michael explained, Amanda’s team would deliver the boy to more capable hands in H.Q before being left to their own devices.

Jack looked out of the sunroof. The sun would be setting soon; a dark field orange stretched across the sky.

It sucks that I’ve gotta go to bed early tonight.

His mood soured, but only a little. Tomorrow he would be whisked off before dawn to answer the questions he’d avoided earlier in the day. He’d also have to file some report-type stuff. For a brief moment, he thought about Kazou and hoped his former team-member was doing well.

The car pulled into a crowded lot; Al Bella Pizzeria was a happening place. There was not an empty parking space in sight. Michel’s Camaro raced through the lot, the car shaking as he haphazardly drove around, knocking into speed bumps and traffic cones.

“Ah, there’s a spot!” Jack called. “Right over there, behind you—no, more to your left. No, no, no, not that one. It’s the one behind you.”

Michael looked in his mirror, nodding. A chubby elderly woman sat the driver’s seat of an old Ford Bronco while she applied her makeup and adjusted her seat, readying to depart. Michael glanced in the other direction. There was another car, and judging by grin on the eager-eyed driver, the guy had his heart set on the same spot.

“I hope he’s not gonna take our spot,” Jack said. “We were here first.”

“Like hell he is.” Michael squeezed his hands, and the vehicle’s front tires blew out, causing the car to veer into another parked vehicle off to the side. The resulting crash was nothing more than a fender-bender, but it would ruin the day of whoever owned the two vehicles. “Not a word to anyone about that,” Michael warned.

Jack filled with disappointment. He crossed his arms and curled his lower lip. “Michael, you can’t do stuff like that.”

“Don’t worry, don’t worry. I’m sure they’ve got good insurance. Well, I hope they do.” The woman pulled her car out, and Michael stormed the now vacant space like an invading army, parking lopsided and uneven. Jack thought about possibly taking a bus home, not wishing to risk his life on another commute.

Jack exited the car with Michael and the two strolled towards the pizzeria. Before Jack had taken a dozen steps, he felt a sudden tightness wrap around his legs, and he tripped over a nearby speed bump. He snarled when he heard Michael’s laughter behind him. “Gotcha!”

Jack muttered to himself—no one liked to be tripped.

Stupid Michael, thinking he’s so cool just ‘cause he caused a traffic accident.

“Watch your step, bud,” he said with a grin. “Come on, we’re gonna be—whoa!”

Jack launched his own counterattack at his overconfident Kinetic friend. He sent a playful burst at Michael. He was even willing to feel the disgusting draw of power in return for a little payback. Michael leapt out of the way, and Jack’s Kinetic forces collided with an SUV, rocking the vehicle and setting off the car alarm but otherwise leaving it undamaged.

“Now look what ya did.” Michael quickened his step and Jack followed. “Man, it’s too dangerous to play around with you, bud, you know that? What was I thinking?” They both shared a laugh.

So this is what it means to have a fun night out.

“Ah, hold up a sec,” Michael said. “I forgot to take my tracker.” He ran back to the car and fetched the small device he’d used to locate and assist Amanda’s team. “You always want to keep these things around,” he said. “Case something really big happens.”

They walked to the pizzeria on the other end of the parking lot, and Jack was astounded by how crowded it was.

I guess they must make some awesome pizza.

There were three red waiting booths in the entrance, with a stout, gray-haired man waiting in front of a podium and calling names out loud. Jack wanted to sit down, but all three booths were occupied.

“Hey, bud, we’d like a table for four, please,” Michael said to the man.

“Your name, sir?”

“Michael Reed.”

“Ah, you’re Amanda’s friend, yes? She’s a regular here. Right this way, please. The lovely lady and her daughter have already been seated.” Jack and Michael followed the man.

This was no normal pizzeria, or at least compared to what Jack was used to. There were fancy-looking tables, large, single-page menus, and prices that seemed higher than the places Jack usually went to when he wanted to grab a slice.

Michael gave him a pat on the back as they followed the man as if noting Jack’s confusion. “This is an Italian restaurant,” he said. “It’s not just a normal pizza joint; in fact, most people come here for the other stuff. But you’re gonna love the food.”

Normally, Jack loved to eat, but his mind was too flooded with thoughts of Juliette to think of stuffing his face. She was sitting next to her mother, her face partially hidden behind a menu. The corner of a smile was visible on her cheeks.

Michael strutted over the table and cleared his throat. It had been less than half an hour since they’d last seen each other, but to Jack it was their first meeting all over again. Juliette lowered the menu and waved. With a start, Jack realized she’d applied lipstick and eyeliner. She was gorgeous.

Man, what is it with me lately? I’m like, falling in love with every girl I come across. This has gotta be Michael’s fault.

Jack pulled out a chair and sat next to Michael, forcing himself to set aside his fear and meet Juliette’s adoring gaze.

“What’s the matter?” she asked. “You look tense, Jack.”

“Dahhh, I, umm, you know. It’s nothing.” Jack hoped she’d let the issue rest; he was a terrible liar.

Michael gave him a warning glance, and Jack looked away. His friend definitely wanted to put the moves on Amanda, so he probably didn’t want Jack screwing this up for them.

Jack continued to meet eyes with Juliette, occasionally glancing down at the menu whenever his nerves won out against his courage.

“Are you sure everything’s okay?” she asked. “You really do seem troubled.”

Jack took a breath. What do I say? I know! I’ll tell her I’m nervous because I’m about to go against Sephiroth, and I’m all out of Phoenix downs.

“It’s nothing,” Jack began. “I’m just nervous because you’re so incredibly beautiful, and I know that I’ve got no chance with you.”

Jack nodded while he spoke. It wasn’t until after he’d said the words that he actually heard them. The moment his ears communicated to his brain what his mouth had just spat out, Jack trembled and his jaw fell open. Michael choked on the water he was drinking, and Juliette blushed.

A tidal wave of embarrassment washed over Jack, drowning him under a billion gallons of shame. He tried to move his mouth to form words, but nothing came out.

“I meant,” Jack clarified, “that, umm, what I wanted to say was …” He knew he was rambling. Amanda eyed him with amusement, which was eerily similar to the way his mother would react in the same situation.

Juliette surprised Jack. She leaned across the table and cupped his chin in her delicate hands. “Why do you think so low of yourself?”

Jack felt fire enter his cheeks. “I don’t know why I said that. I usually don’t, umm, I didn’t mean any disrespect.”

“Did you mean what you said?”

Jack gulped. “Yeah, I did.”

She kissed him on the forehead then sat back down on her chair. “I’m already glad I said yes to this date.”

Michael observed the situation wide eyed. Jack knew he’d just broken all of the rules, and it was somewhat amusing to see Michael look back and forth between he and Juliette with disbelief plain on his face.

He winked at Jack while simultaneously biting the lower-right portion of his lip. Jack understood the meaning. “How in the hell did that just work?” he thought at Jack, using their odd form of communication.

Jack took a deep breath, and coughed, nodding his head twice. “Don’t know, but it definitely did!” he thought back.

Michael leaned forward in his chair, blinking twice and folding his napkin. “Do ya think it’s a case of ‘like mother like daughter’?”

Jack tilted his elbow to the side, resting his chin on it. He blinked four times in succession, followed by a yawn. “I don’t know, but it might be worth a try. Also, did you see the new episode of Walking Dead?”

Michael stretched, returning a yawn of his own. “Now’s not the time for that, idiot!”

Michael turned to face Amanda. Now, his lips were quivering and worry was in his eyes, which fluttered around the restaurant. His hands trembled, and he let out a dramatic, audible gulp.

Amanda chuckled. “All right, I’ll bite.” She raised her voice, speaking in an equally dramatic tone. “Oh, poor Michael, is something wrong?”

Michael sighed. “It’s just that I’m so nervous, doll. You’re so beautiful, and it’s not every day I see another Kinetic with such a lovely smile. But oh … drat! I’ve got no chance!”

“Why, thank you. Why do you think so low of yourself?”

Michael pouted. “What, no kiss?” Amanda leaned over the table and kissed Michael on the forehead.

Juliette frowned. “They’re mocking us.”

The four of them shared a laugh, and all of Jack’s worries and concerns faded over the course of the meal. Michael ordered for them. Jack ended up having his pizza, but he was also treated to different types of chicken and pasta. They made conversation while they ate, chatting about their team members and exchanging funny stories.

“He thought no one was around,” Michael said, choking on his own laughter. “Paro was walking down the steps at H.Q for a cup of coffee. He was working late and all, ‘cause he had some stuff to do or something, right? So get this. He totally slips on his shoelaces and falls down a full flight of steps! He looked so mad. I swear I ain’t making this up. He kicked the steps outta anger and hurt his foot. I almost had to smother myself to keep from being overheard. I thought I’d die from laughing.”

Jack imagined Paro tumbling down a flight of steps, and he felt guilty at the uncontrollable laugh that stemmed from his mental image. It wasn’t something he’d normally find funny, but when Paro was the one doing the falling, it somehow made it hilarious.

The food was delicious. Jack worked up the courage to ask Juliette if she’d like to share, and when she agreed, it made it all taste better.

“So, are you excited about leaving for camp on Friday?” she asked.

Jack, biting down on a mouthful of ziti, came close to choking at the question. He swallowed it in one big gulp and tried to remain calm. “You’re going too? And how did you know I was going?”

“Well, of course I’m going,” she said. “I might have gotten an early start to being on a Psych team, but I still need to go to the camp, no?” Jack had no idea what she was talking about, but he was far too worried about her safety to think too deeply on it.

She’s going to be in danger! She has no idea what that place is.

“Listen, Juliette, you really don’t wanna go there. I’m not supposed to say anything, but—”

“So!” Michael interrupted, much to the annoyance of Jack. “Who wants dessert?” Jack tried to speak again, but each time he tried, Michael interrupted him.

I need to warn her. I know it’s supposed to be a secret, but she needs to know how dangerous it is. There’s like, bad-guy Psychs and stuff over there!

“Listen, Juliette,” Jack tried again. Michael grabbed his shoulder and forced him to look at the dessert items, pointing out his favorites. Jack tried repeatedly to get a word in, but each time, Michael beat him to it. Finally, Amanda intervened.

“Michael, I think Jack is trying to say something.”

Jack grinned. Michael wouldn’t do anything to make himself look bad in front of his date. He looked disappointed, but when Jack began speaking, he remained quiet.

“Listen,” Jack began, “because this is really important. That training camp, it’s—”

Before Jack heard the sound, he saw the flash of light. He was cut off as a deafening crackle hit his ears, a sound he’d heard several times since meeting Paro; the sound of gunfire. At once, screams filled the air. People panicked and began shouting. They hopped out of their tables and ran for their lives. More gunshots rang off. Plates were smashed, falling to the floor as people fled towards the exit. Chefs in white aprons and tall hats scrambled out of the kitchen, dashing for the exit.

Michael and Jack stood in unison, as did Juliette and Amanda. There was still much Jack didn’t know about Psychs, but he did know one thing; four Telekinetics had nothing to fear from bullets.

Alarm and confusion hit Jack at the same time. He looked around the room, trying to understand what was happening. People were scrambling everywhere, but none appeared to be injured. Another gunshot rang out in the restaurant, and Jack saw a flash above his eyes. Whoever was doing the shooting was clearly aiming at the ceiling, trying to empty the place out. Dust fell from the parts of ceiling that were shot, while people shoved each other in their mad dash to the exit.

One woman tripped and fell to the floor. Her husband yanked her by the arm, dragging her out of the restaurant.

“Stay calm!” Michael said. “I reckon you three are just as confused as me, but nobody use any power until this place is cleared out. I think we’ve just stumbled into a robbery.”

Amanda nodded, and so did Juliette. Jack agreed as well, preparing himself. He drew on that disgusting source of power, that vile pit of misery that creaked and tore through his veins. It filled him, and he held it. It was only a drop, but a drop was usually enough.

It took a while to see who was causing all of the chaos; throngs of people obscured Jack’s vision. Finally, when enough people had fled, Jack felt his chest tighten, and he gritted his teeth. He recognized the shooters. Though there forms were still hard to make out through the swarm of frightened diners, Jack was sure of it.

“Michael, it’s them!” he shouted. “The ones from earlier.”

“It’s who?”

Jack pointed, and Michael pulled back his lips and snarled. “Dammit! Seriously, twice in one day? How the hell does this happen to us?”

“What’s going on?” Amanda asked. “You know the people responsible for this?”

“Yeah,” Michael spat. “There’s no report on file yet, but they’re agents of 90-B. They attacked us earlier today and escaped. They must be out of their minds to come back.”

Jack didn’t know much about 90-B, but he did know that the name was enough to send shivers down the spines of most Psychs. Yet, Amanda didn’t look frightened; if anything, she seemed determined. Her posture straightened, and her voice hardened.

“Sorry to have to do this during our date, but as the highest ranking Psych here, I’m going to have to assume command.”

Michael nodded. “Yeah, I getcha’. Damn, they’re coming straight towards us.”

“So, it’s a revenge thing, then?” Amanda asked.

“Seems like it.”

Juliette walked around the table and stood next to Jack. There was no doubt about it; the two people that entered were clearly there for Jack and Michael. The dust falling from the ceiling obscured their vision, but the nagging chortle from Clair was the only indication Jack needed. Michael was right: twice in one day. This was like divine punishment.

“You!” Jack shouted. “Why are you here?”

Earlier in the day, the chortling girl had been wearing a bloodstained wedding dress. Now, she wore a widower’s outfit, complete with a black veil that obscured part of her face. It was as if the girl was constantly participating in some kind of crazy-contest and losing was not an option.

The other one was Davie, if Jack remembered his name correctly. He twirled the pistol in his hand, blowing on it like a cowboy. He was dressed as one, too. A hat similar to Michael’s rested on top of his head.

“Last time we played delivery man,” he said. “Now we’re playing cowboy. Though, when I find your Japanese friend I’m still making him sign the death-delivery.” Davie nodded at Michael. “Yo, cowboy. Nice hat, but mine’s better.”

Michael ran a hand along the hat on his head, his expression blank. Clair chortled, as Jack expected she would. She covered her mouth with her white-gloved hand and let out her another agonizing laugh. Jack wondered if she had her own professional makeup artist, because her resemblance to a dead body was movie quality. She looked ridiculous while she stood there chortling with a gun in her hand. As if sensing his thoughts, she tossed the weapon to the floor.

“You two,” Amanda said. “My name is Amanda Pierce, team-leader of Investigative team seven-B. I offer you the chance to surrender. I promise you your lives will be spared.”

“That doesn’t work with these nutcases,” Michael said. “Don’t even bother talking to them.”

“I don’t doubt that,” Amanda said. “But protocol is protocol.”

Clair twitched her shoulders and wiggled her hips, dancing to an inaudible melody. “Yah, the cowboy is right,” she said. “Cyrus wants you boys dead. But once again, our list has grown. Now we gotta kill you two, the two girls, the rest of your team, and our original prey, of course. Please don’t add to our list. This is getting harder and harder to manage.”

“It’s four on two,” Amanda said. “We’ve got this.”

Amanda tried to take a step forward, but Michael grabbed her by the shoulder. “No,” he said. “Don’t assume they’re alone. There were four of them last time. I don’t reckon they’d bring less along this time round.”

“How astute,” Clair chortled. She snapped her fingers. “Boys!”

There was a scream, and Jack spun around. The two missing Psychs from earlier exited the kitchen, steam trailing in through the open door. The man that resembled a lion, and the who’d called himself Robby, strolled into the room. Each held the corpse of a dead chef under an arm.

More death, Jack thought, trying to contain his anger. Once again, there’s more death.

Now Amanda showed fear. She shifted to position herself in front of Jack and her daughter. “How powerful are they?”

“Very,” Michael said. His features darkened. “That girl there’s a Manipulator, and we ain’t got a Path. The one dressed like a cowboy, he’s a Kinetic. Davie, I reckon his name was. I think the man behind us is his brother, a Kinetic too. Not sure what Simba over there is.”

The man resembling a lion trembled. He pointed a finger at Michael. “I am not a lion!” he snapped. “My name is Paul, not Simba. Your name is freaking Simba!”

Jack gasped and turned to Michael. “What! Your name is Simba? I thought it was Michael. Ahhh! What’s going on here?”

Clair chortled, and Michael elbowed Jack. “Now ain’t the time for your stupidity, bud.”

Amanda reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. She began shouting into it. “Yes! This is Amanda, I—”

Davie gestured, and the phone was ripped from her fingers and launched into a nearby wall, shattering the device.

“Kill ‘em quick, Clair,” he said. “They’ve got no Path.”

“I’ll start with the boy.” Clair’s eyes took on a sadistic glee, and she extended a hand to Jack. Juliette, Amanda, and Michael, reacted in an instant, followed by Davie and Robby. Five Telekinetics were a force to be reckoned with, and with all the power of a natural disaster, the inside of the restaurant quickly changed to mimic the scene a category five hurricane.

Everything in the place was lifted and flung around, spiraling in the air. “What are you idiots doing?” Clair yelled. Jack could barely hear her voice over the growing chaos. “If I can’t see anything, I can’t kill anyone!”

So that’s what Michael and the girls are doing, Jack realized. If they can’t see us, they can’t kill us.

Tables, chairs, and even loose floorboard—anything and everything was lifted off the floor, smashing into each other, and colliding into different parts of the room. Crash after crash resounded in the pizzeria. The sound of wood, metal, and plastic, came from every direction. Jack had no idea what he was supposed to do. He wondered why nothing had slammed into and killed them yet. He focused on the power he’d drawn, and at once, he understood.

Every time a table or chair came close, Michael, Amanda, or Juliette would grab at it and then throw it away, only to have the same done to them in return. It looked exhausting. The booms and bangs of objects being destroyed and smashed gave no indication of slowing down. Jack was frightened. What was he supposed to do? How could he help?

He leaped out of the way as a table was sent flying at him. He dodged just in time. A second later, and he’d have been crushed. The table crashed into the wall behind him, splitting its legs and ending up in pieces. Something was odd about it, though; it was spinning as if thrown by human hands as opposed to the more direct path of kinetic energy.

Simba, or Paul, or whoever he was, had an arm over his head and another table cocked and ready to throw.

He’s a Reinforcer!

“Michael,” Jack called, “he’s a—”

“We know!” Michael shouted back. “For the love of God, help us out here, buddy.” Sweat trickled down his face, and Jack could see the toll the nonstop use of power was taking on him. Juliette was panting as well, but her face was tight in concentration.

The man threw the table at a blinding speed, soaring directly at Juliette. Jack still wasn’t good at grabbing objects, but there was one thing he’d perfected. Using the power he’d drawn earlier, he sent out a burst at the incoming table, sending it right back at the Reinforcer.

Table met fist, and the Reinforcer split it in half, the tablecloth wrapping around his outstretched arm. He wasted no time. He charged at them, pulling back his fist as he ran as if ready to clobber something.

Well, it’s like they always say. You gotta fight fire with fire.

Jack moaned at the disgusting sensation of drawing power. He knew this man was strong, but he wouldn’t allow himself to risk drawing too much. He waited until the last possible moment, drawing power for a millisecond longer than usual. Any longer, and he’d risk being able to “shut” the door. Reinforcement was something Jack knew little about. In other words, it was like everything else that had to do with Psychs, school, or how to tell time on a clock that wasn’t digital. Yet, Jack had somewhat perfected strengthening his legs.

He tried to apply it to his body, reaching for that familiar trigger, that familiar feeling. He grabbed at it. Then he inhaled a deep breath as the feeling of power entered his body. The man looked on in surprise as Jack dashed off his foot to meet him halfway. Jack wasn’t very bright, but he knew the reason for the man’s shock. He’d seen Jack use Telekinesis, which for normal Psychs would make Jack’s actions suicidal. A Telekinetic would not meet a Reinforcer head on.

Their two fists collided. There was a crackle as bone hit bone, and Jack grunted, refusing to yield even an inch. Jack pulled back his other arm for an attack aimed at the man’s face. The Reinforcer dodged, ducking swiftly under Jack’s punch and then returning with one of his own.

Jack leapt back, but not fast enough. The man’s fist crashed into his stomach, and he felt an explosion of pain. “Gah!”

He followed in with another attack, and Jack forced himself to ignore the ache in his stomach. The man twisted as he swung, attempting to hammer Jack’s side. Jack jumped into the air, his legs strengthened by the power of Reinforcement. The man’s fist passed harmlessly underfoot, and Jack swung up his leg as he rose. Jack’s foot connected with the man’s jaw, knocking him back.

“Whoa, I hit him!” Jack looked over his shoulder, and yelled, “Michael, I hit—”

Jack tasted blood as the man struck him in his jaw, knocking him off his feet. He landed with a thud on the restaurant floor, his back sending out waves of pain as he crashed into it. It hurt too much to move.

Paul hovered over him, ready to end Jack’s life. “W-wait!” Jack cried. “W-w-w-wait!”

“Ya surprised me,” he said. “I didn’t expect to find an Unrestricted among you bunch of losers. I’m gonna enjoy this.”

He raised his fist to strike, and Jack squirmed and tried to move. His body ignored him, and he looked up into the face of the man who would kill him. What started as a fun night out was going to end in his death. Jack tried to draw power, but his mind was fuzzy, still rattled from the brutal hit to the jaw. The Reinforcer attacked, bringing his fist down on Jack. This was it.

There was movement in the corner of Jack’s eyes. An instant before the man’s fist ended Jack’s life, The Reinforcer was tackled like a quarterback, rolling around on the floor with someone. She was unmistakable. “Melissa!”

“Twice in one day,” Melissa growled, separating from the Reinforcer and standing up to her feet. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”

“Why are you here?” Jack asked.

She looked over to him, and Jack felt it. It was like a candle being relit, or a furnace being ignited. I love her, Jack thought. She’s the one I want.

“I heard you and Michael were hanging out, and I wanted to come surprise you. He keeps a tracker on him to find freelance work. But damn, I didn’t expect this.”

A stray table soared at Melissa, an unintentional attack from one of the battling Kinetics. “Melissa, behind you!”

Melissa shrugged, and without turning around she lifted up her arm and swung her fist backward, shattering the table while continuing to gaze at the Reinforcer.

“You tried to take him on, Jack?”

“Yeah, but I didn’t know what I was doing. I was sure I had enough power.”

“It’s not about power,” Melissa said. “It’s about technique. Watch, I’ll show you. It’s been a while since I’ve knocked out some teeth.”

Jack tried again to stand to his feet, but his back screamed in protest. Somehow he had a feeling he was about to witness Melissa in her most violent state. What was odd was that she grinned, seeming to enjoy it.