The Legend of Buddy Hero (The Defenders Saga) (14 page)

“I agree.  Why should Buddy have to be on messenger duty?” Maggie asked.

“Well, I could definitely go and talk to him.  You know, tinkerer to genius, or whatever,” Carl offered.

“Mr. Reed has obviously kept himself hidden for good reason.  I don't believe it will be as simple as having someone walk up to him and ask him kindly to rejoin the good fight.  Unfortunately, we don't have the necessary time to beat around the bush.  I believe it is in our best interest to start with our most convincing argument possible.  In this case, I believe that argument is Mr. Jackson himself.”

“But what do I even say to the guy?  I mean, I really have no clue who he is.”

“Well, if I remember good ol' Red, he's going to be extra careful who he talks to about all of this.  He's not going to let just anyone know he knows.”  Zero smiled while thinking about his old comrade.

“My thoughts precisely, Mr. Hamilton.  We will need to approach this very delicately.  He needs to feel as though he is talking to the Buddy Jackson he used to know.  He needs to feel comfortable enough around you to reveal to you he's still active.”

“But how am I supposed to pretend we're old pals if I don't remember anything about him?”

“Good point.  With that in mind, Mr. Hamilton, perhaps you should accompany Mr. Jackson.  With your memory still intact, you should be able to assist in the facade.  Make the preparations and let Ms. Rose handle the transportation.”

“Whatever you need, Artie.”  Alexa seemed tentative in her response.

“Wait a second, what about those agents?” Buddy asked.  “Kent and Parker.  Won't they be able to find us the second we're outside the door?”

“That is an excellent question, Mr. Jackson.  However, as you may remember, I said that there were other places outside of this building in which you would be safe.  It just so happens that Mr. Reed's home is one of those locations.”

“Oh, cool.  Seems pretty lucky.”

“Red is already prepared for this kind of stuff, chum.  It doesn't surprise me.”

“And with that, I believe we can consider this meeting adjourned for the time being.  You all know what to do.  Now, Ms. Jackson, I imagine you are still not feeling all that confident regarding this new information.  I would like to amend that.  If you would accompany me, I believe I can ease some of the concerns you might have.”  Maggie looked at Buddy, the look on her face saying a much more vulgar version of what she actually said next.

“You aren't really going to leave me with this mob boss guy, are you?” she whispered.

“Oh, Ms. Jackson, I assure you there is nothing to be concerned about.”

“Look, Mags.  I'll just be gone for a bit.  Relax.  Everything will be alright,” Buddy said, not believing a word of it.

“Please, Ms. Jackson.  I would so very much love to enlighten you on the exploits of Buddy Hero.”

“Buddy Hero?  You mean that
was
his nickname?  I saw it downstairs and thought it was too crazy to be true.”

“Oh yes Ms. Jackson, that is the moniker your brother used to be known by.  And I think you'll also enjoy seeing him in his spandex uniform.” 

“You're right.  This I've gotta see.”  Maggie walked to Arthur's side.

“Right this way, Ms. Jackson.”

“Please, call me Maggie.”  They exited the room.  Buddy looked at Zero.

“That's going to be trouble, right?”

“Chum, you have no idea.”

CHAPTER 17

Buddy was directed back to the grand foyer to a bank of telephones in order to contact Ryan.  He removed the business card from his pocket and dialed the number. 

The phone rang. 

And rang. 

It continued ringing. 

Buddy decided no one was going to answer and just as he moved to hang up, he heard the sound of the other end of the line being picked up.

“Yeah?” came a raspy voice on the other end of the line.

“Um, yeah.  Is this the number for Ryan Reed?”

“Yeah,” the voice responded, sounding as though it took all its energy to push out that word.

“Okay, great.  Can I talk to him?”

“Yeah, man, you've got him.”

“Oh, hey, are you sick or something?”

“No man, it's just early.  What time is it?”

“I don't know, around 10.”

“In the morning?”

“Um, yep.”

“Ugh.” A loud groan came from the other end of the phone.

“Sorry, is this a bad time?”

“No, no, it's fine.  Who is this?”

“This is Buddy Jackson.  We met the other day, you know, when you fell on me.”

“Dude, we just had that epic battle last night, of course I remember you.  Should've known it was you.  Sorry, I'm a little haggard from being out late last night for the battle's after party.” Ryan's voice began to regain the tone Buddy remembered as Ryan got more excited.

“After party?”

“Yeah dude, you know, after you do something awesome like that, you need to go out and party, right?  You should've been there.  It was off the hook.  So, anyways, what's up man?

“Well, look, I really need to meet with your father.  Is there any chance you could hook that up?”

“Well sure, man.  I can definitely hook you up.  You thinking about taking me up on that job offer?”

“Not exactly.  When do you think you could set it up?” 

“I dunno, man.  Probably in a couple of weeks or something.  He's a pretty busy guy and doesn't keep much for business hours.”

“What if I said I really needed to talk to him today?  Preferably as soon as possible.”

“Whoa, I dunno man.  I mean, it's already, like, 10, right?  The old man's probably at work or something.”

“What if I said it had to do with the man you helped me out with last night?”

“Oh, yeah, Dominion.  Figures.  I see what you're getting at.  Sorry, dude, but I don't think he's gonna be interested.”

“This is very important, Ryan.  I need to speak to your father as soon as possible.”

“Look, dude.  You can head on over to my house, he's been working from home a lot lately so he's probably there.  But he's not going to be too happy to see you, especially if you're talking about Dominion.”

“What does that mean?”

“Never mind.  Look, head on over to the pad and I'll see what I can do to help you out, alright?”

“Okay, where's that?”

“Number 1 Reed Place.  It's pretty hard to miss.”

Buddy hung up the phone and turned around to see Zero walking toward him from the elevator.  He was wearing a purple spandex suit with a long floor length cape.  On his head was a large black hat with a flat top and a brim, like a Spanish gaucho hat.  The brim hid his eyes.  Buddy looked at him and chuckled.

“What?”  Zero asked.

“What are you wearing?  You look like you're going to try out for a Mexican TV show or something.”

“This is my uniform.  If we want to convince Red to return to the team, we must do so effectively.” 

“In that?  You really want to wear that out in public?”

“I used to always wear this out in public.”

“Hey, man, look, I'm sorry.  I'm know I'm not used to the spandex and capes and whatever else, but don't you think that's a little much?  I mean, I thought we were supposed to keep a low profile, especially with those feds looking for us.”

“Ah, yes, you're right.  I had forgotten about that.  Too bad, I was looking especially good in this today.”

Buddy held back another chortle.  “Yeah.”

Zero changed his outfit into something more suitable for the task and they immediately departed for their destination.  When they arrived, they found themselves in front of a castle.  Buddy exited the rickshaw, stared at the massive structure in front of him, and came to the conclusion he was not properly prepared.  Zero stepped out of the vehicle and walked up the stairs to the front door.  Alexa looked at the doors anxiously.

“Hey, Zero, you're sure you know this guy, right?”

“Sure thing, Buddy.  This is definitely Red's place.  It looks exactly like something he would have designed.”

“Now that's pretty freaking epic.  Buddy Hero and Kid Zero are really back together again?  It makes me feel like a kid.”  A figure spoke as he walked up the paved driveway, nearing the parked rickshaw.  Alexa jumped and turned around to look.

“Holy crap, Ryan!  You scared me.  Where did you come from?”

“Wait, you two know each other?” Buddy asked.

“Really?  Your friends need a favor from Dad and you don't even tell them?” Ryan mocked.

“Tell us what?” Zero asked.

“She's Oscar Reed's daughter, dude.”

“You're Red's daughter?” Zero asked.  “I was at your christening!”

“But, isn't your last name Rose?” Buddy asked.

“Yeah, well, I kinda changed it when...” Alexa trailed off.

“Why didn't you say something?  This should be a whole lot easier than I thought!” Buddy felt relieved knowing he would not have to be the focal point of the meeting.

“Well, guys, it's not exactly as simple as you might think,” Alexa said sheepishly.

“What's not simple, sis?  The fact you and Dad haven't talked in years, or the fact that you know he's going to flip out when he sees you?”

“Look, Ryan, will you get them in to see Dad or not?”

“Well, now that I know you're involved I think I'm going to have to be a lot less willing to cooperate.  I'm already in enough trouble with Dad as it is.”

“Ah, the sweet sounds of sibling rivalry.  It doesn't get any sweeter than that,” Zero laughed.  “Unfortunately, now is not the time.  We must speak with your father.”

“Why do you always have to be such a freak about everything, Ryan?” Alexa exclaimed.  “Come on, guys.  I didn't want to have to do this, but if my stupid little brother is going to keep acting like a jerk, I'll take you inside.”  Alexa walked up the stairs.

“You're wasting your time, dudes.”  Ryan ran up the stairs and stood between them and the door.

“Why don't we give him the chance to make his own decision,” Buddy asked, taking charge of the situation.  Alexa opened the front doors and gestured for the group to enter.  Ryan followed, grumbling as he shut the doors behind him.

Buddy's jaw dropped as he entered the foyer.  The first thing that caught his eye was an enormous chandelier hanging from the ceiling covered in glittering glass.  The room was littered with the extravagant excesses of fortune.  Buddy was overwhelmed by the gold encrusted marvels filling this homage to wealth.  Yet, Buddy was more amazed by the size of the room than he was by anything else.  Each footstep he took echoed through the cavernous entryway.  He was awakened from his shock by an elderly gentleman walking into the room.  He looked annoyed at the presence of guests.

“Ah, Master Ryan, I see you are awake much earlier than usual again today.”

“Hey, Bosley, what's happening?”

“What important task do you have for me, sir?”  The sardonic tone of his voice dripped with contempt for the young man.

“I'm sensing some attitude Bozers.  Look man, I just need you to go get my dad cause these two want to chat him up.  You think you can handle that?”

“Of course, sir.  I would love to do nothing more than to pull your father away from the important business of saving the world so he can talk to the couple of vagabonds you have brought in from the street.”

“Who are you calling vagabonds?” Zero asked. 

“My deepest apologies.  Upon further inspection, I can see you are most definitely not vagrants, but some sort of wealthy individuals who have merely come across a string of bad luck and have arrived to beg for their dinner.”

“Seriously Boz, just get my dad, the whole butler with an attitude thing has been overplayed.”

“Of course, sir.  I would not wish to become a stereotype.”  Bosley left on a spiral staircase at the other end of the room. 

“That butler of yours, old family friend?”  Buddy asked jokingly.

“No clue where my dad found him but he absolutely hates me.  Look, my dad's not going to be too keen on seeing you guys, so I'm gonna jet for a bit and let you all get re-acquainted.  You three just hang out down here and I'm sure he'll be out soon.”  Ryan started toward the stairs.

“Actually, if it's alright, I'm going to wait outside.  Now's probably not the best time for a reunion with my Dad, you know, if you want to talk to him or whatever.”  Alexa went back to the front door and quickly exited the room.

Buddy and Zero walked deeper and inspected the paintings on the walls.  The paintings all contained apocalyptic imagery.  Angels and demons and fire all melded into a blur of catastrophe. 

They came across a painting with a figure in the middle of the chaos resembling Damon.  He was standing on a mountain of skulls burning in flames.  Flaming stones fell from the sky all around him and he was surrounded by little demons.  The sound of footsteps came from the top of the stairs.

“Gentlemen, it doesn't matter what you have in mind to discuss,  without an appointment, I really--”  Oscar Reed stopped as he saw the two men who had been waiting for him.  He was dressed in a lab coat, wearing a pair of safety goggles on his forehead.  This man was a tall, but lanky individual.  He had short red hair and on the tip of his nose sat a pair of eyeglasses.  His pause was short but noticeable.  He quickly regained his composure and continued where he left off.  “--can't stay long.  I keep a rather busy schedule, as I'm sure you can imagine.”

“Red, mi amigo.  Long time no see.”  Zero said, moving quickly towards the stairs Oscar was descending.  Buddy grabbed his arm.

“Zero, we're supposed to take it easy on the familiarity,” Buddy whispered.

“But the picture.  Red must know,” Zero whispered back.  He continued toward the stairs.

“I'm sorry.  I'm quite certain you have me mistaken for someone else,” Oscar said as he reached the landing at the end of the stairs.

Bosley reappeared.  “Excuse me, sir, would you like me to escort these gentlemen out of the building?”

“No, Bosley, I'll take care of these two myself.  You can return to whatever you were doing.”  Oscar watched as Bosley left the room.  “Now, gentlemen, if you would follow me, I'll show you the back exit of the building.  I would prefer any arriving guests not see you as you exit the premises.”  Oscar walked toward a door housed underneath the staircase he had descended.  Buddy and Zero followed, with Buddy pleading his case.

“Mr. Reed, I apologize for coming unannounced and all, but we really need to talk to you.”  Oscar led them through the door and they entered a lounging area with leather recliners and a full bar.  Oscar shut the door behind them before speaking.

“Buddy Jackson.  Since when do you grovel?” Oscar asked, laughing and patting Buddy on the back.

“See I told you he remembered!” Zero exclaimed.

“Glad to have you back on planet Earth, Zero, old chum, although I fear for what that means.  Sorry for the display back there.  Bosley is a government spy, here to make sure I am not still an active member of the meta-human world.  The government began to question my knowledge of the erased history after some of the side effects of our drugs came to light.”

“No worries, chum.  We have had plenty of our own dealings with the feds in the past, right Buddy?”

“Uh, yeah, sure.”

“Buddy, you can drop the act.  There's no need to feel uncomfortable around me, not with our history.  C'mon, give an old friend a hug.”  Oscar moved in to give Buddy a hug.

“Yeah, sorry, it's just , umm. . . I'm not used to seeing you out of uniform, you know.”

“What are you talking about?  We used to play golf together every weekend.  You've probably seen more of me in my street clothes.”

“Yeah, Buddy, what's wrong with you?” Zero asked, nudging Buddy in the shoulder.

“Oh, yeah, well, what I meant was--”

“Don't worry about it, brother.  Why don't we have a drink while we catch up.”   Oscar reached behind the bar and grabbed three glasses and an unlabeled bottle of brown liquid.

“Well, Mr. Reed,” Buddy said.

“Oh, don't call me that.  I don't think you've ever called me that.  Call me Oscar, or Red, or anything, but not that.  You boys drink scotch, right?”

“Anything you've got is fine by me, Red,” Zero responded.

“Oscar, we're not really here to catch up.  We've got a favor to ask you.”