Hunting Heroes: A Superhero Novel by Derek Pozel Page A

marked like you in many ways then. We both lost someone and we are both cursed. Is that what you want to hear?”
    “I assumed as much,” Sage scooted his large body forward in his chair. “It was a woman, I’m guessing.”
    Garrett stared at the superhero with a solemn expression across his hidden face.
    “It always is, isn’t it?” Sage said.
    Garrett did not respond, he did not need to.
    Sage raised his bushy right eyebrow. “Women have a way of making men do great good or great evil. You have chosen the latter path because of your loss. I wish you reconsidered. Are you ready to face the consequences of your actions?”
    Garrett directed his eyes to the fireplace. “Of course, or I wouldn’t be here. I know what I’m doing and why I’m doing it.”
    Sage straightened his back. “Good, make sure you are ready to face the full force of the Assembly if you choose to continue your quarrel with us.”
    “There is no turning back,” Garrett said.
    “I understand,” Sage paused for a second and his eyes lit up. “Patriot took her from you didn’t he? You mentioned to Granite you were coming for the boss. I assumed it would be him.”
    Garrett’s pulse began to race at the mention of Patriot. He dared not to budge his eyes from the fireplace.
    “The public perceives him to be the leader of the Assembly,” Sage said. “Out of the three founders, he is the only one with any accidental civilian deaths. Bloodhound and I are not as direct in our methods. Our abilities require a bit more finesse then punching things.”
    Garrett furrowed his brow and listened.
    “Fourteen accidental deaths in total to save thousands,” Sage said. “Those who were saved cannot be calculated exactly. It is quite bothersome for me. From a statistical standpoint his casualty to save ratio is extraordinary. It is better than extraordinary, it is almost perfect.”
    Garrett released a loud sigh. “Almost perfect still means innocent people died.” Garrett said in a low voice.
    Sage looked up to a picture on the mantle. “How many would have died if not for him? Elizabeth would agree with you on your assessment.”
    “Accidental deaths,” Garrett clenched both of his fists. “It’s ridiculous how you define those people who lost their lives because of him. This is why you all need to be taught a lesson.”
    Sage’s chair squeaked when he slid back. “What would you call it then?”
    “I’d call it murder,” Garrett said in a low voice.
    “I can tell one of the oldest and most archaic emotions drives you, revenge,” Sage said. “The courts always found him not guilty. They ruled they were accidental or placed blame on the other Afflicted. Patriot is the symbol of the United States. He represents the ideals we stand for. The city of Chicago has embraced Patriot as their protector. We founded the Assembly with the blessing of the United States government and the local government. A murderer could not do that.”
    Garrett swung his head around to face Sage. “Someone has to speak up for those people who were killed. They’re buried underneath a mountain of lies to protect him. The villain was held accountable and the hero walked away. That is coming to an end. I have the power to do it. No one stands up for the lost anymore, but damn it, I will.”
    Sage watched Garrett through the bottom of his glass. “Don’t use their memory for your own personal crusade against Patriot. You could care less about those people. You want revenge for the person who was taken from you. At least be honest with yourself.”
    Garrett lowered his eyes. “You don’t know me.”
    “Do you think taking the powers of people who actually protect this city is going to hurt Patriot?” Sage asked. “It hurts the people of Chicago, you’re taking protectors off the streets. Your selfish crusade is going to cost more lives. Are you going to step forward and take accountability for those losses then? What about when the other Afflicted start