Page 50 of Villainous Rise

“I had to make the call, and I did. But now I need your help.” His expression softened. “You’re not just my Keeper because you’re my kid, Annie. You’re my Keeper because you’re damn good at your job.”

The compliment caught me off guard. Havoc wasn’t one for empty praise.

“These deaths aren’t accidents,” I said, looking back at the list. “Too many, too similar.”

“Exactly.” Havoc nodded.

My mind raced through possibilities. “Heart attacks, aneurysms—those could be induced with the right technology. Or powers.”

“Or both,” Havoc added grimly.

I pulled up a new empty document on my tablet and started taking notes.

“Most of these deaths aren’t high-profile Supers,” Havoc continued. “They’re support staff, two retired Heroes, people connected to training facilities, mostly junior Heroes. The kinds of deaths that don’t make headlines individually, but collectively...”

“Do they have any leads?” I asked, feeling cold.

“Nothing concrete. But they’ve noticed something else. All of the deceased had connections to the same training group from about eight years ago.”

I scrolled through the list, my heart pounding harder with each name I recognized. Most were people I’d only heard of in passing, junior Heroes who never made it to the big leagues, support staff who worked behind the scenes. But then a familiar name caught my eye.

“Helios is on this list,” I said, looking up at Havoc. “William Evans. That’s Helios.”

Havoc nodded grimly. “He’s part of that training group. One of the few high-profile members still active.”

I studied the list again, trying to make connections beyond the training group. “What are they doing to protect them?”

“Increased security, medical monitoring.” Havoc ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t do much about the deaths from natural causes yet, I’m still waiting for the autopsy reports to be released. But I can do something about the malfunctioning technology. I want you to contact someone for me. Goes by the name Wraith.”

I frowned. “Wraith?”

“He’s a tech advisor, but unknown to the general public. Not affiliated with the Alliance or the League.” Havoc’s expression was unreadable. “He’s hard to get ahold of and even harder to work with, but he’s the best.”

“If he’s not with the Alliance or League, how do you know him?” I asked, curiosity piqued.

“I needed some help before and I was put in contact with him.” Havoc’s tone made it clear he wouldn’t elaborate further. “I need him to analyze the equipment that malfunctioned. If someone tampered with it, he’ll find evidence.”

“I’ll draft a message right away,” I said, making another note.

Havoc nodded. “I’ll send the contact info to you.”

Out of curiosity, I asked, “Why me? If he’s that important, wouldn’t you want to handle this personally?”

Havoc’s mouth quirked into something almost resembling a smile. “Two reasons. First, he’s notoriously difficult to reach. Might take a dozen attempts before he responds.”

Great. Another project to add to my overflowing plate.

“And second?”

“He’s impossible to work with.” Havoc leaned back in his chair. “Arrogant. Condescending. Brilliant but knows it. The man makes Valor look humble.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And that’s supposed to convince me?”

“You’re a professional at handling megalomaniac assholes,” he said wryly. “Considering that’s your day job.”

I snorted. “Fair point.”

“Wraith is the definition of difficult genius. But if anyone can manage him, it’s you.” Havoc’s expression softened. “You’ve got a gift for handling difficult personalities. Even mine.”