Daddy's Girl: Cape High Book Five Read Online Free Page B

strategist, and extremely good with dealing with people.  A leader doesn't have to be the toughest of the group, not in capes or humans.  You realize that, though."
    Did I?  "Ward is stronger than I am," I have to point out.  "He's only fourteen, but he's a lot stronger.  I mean, most of them could kick my butt if they really wanted to.  All they'd have to do is avoid being touched--"
    "True," he says.  "But have any of them challenged you for your job?"
    "Why would they want it?" I ask.  "I mean, my job consists of making sure Carla doesn't burst out in tears, or that the television doesn't get fought over, or that everyone brushes their teeth--they call me a leader, right?  What I really am is a glorified mom, or something.  It's hard," I admit, finally letting it out.  "I spend all my time making sure that everyone's happy, healthy, and then Justin gets in my face about how Ward isn't stable--NONE of us are stable!  We're all just trying to live our lives and get used to our powers.  It's hard enough being teenage supers, you know?  Well add in the whole ordeal with the Collector and being stuck in that place, not knowing if you'd ever get out, or if you'd even WANT out--" I take a deep, ragged breath, trying to calm myself down.  "It's... hard," I finish lamely.
    He nods, looking thoughtful for a moment before saying, "so what would you like to know about me?"
    Wow.  That totally caught me off guard.  I know he said I would be doing the asking, but I didn't think he really meant it once he started asking questions!  I thought it was one of those stupid ploys to get me to talk--even if it did work.  "Um..." I say, trying to come up with something.  Wait, I know.  "Why did you adopt Jack?  He's obviously a bad guy!"
    "Well, he's going to be a super villain, sure, but I wouldn't call him a bad guy," he says thoughtfully.  "It's more of an occupational choice than a lifestyle, you know?  But as for adopting him..."  He leans back in the chair, looking as if he's taking cares in picking his words.  "I know that your group has gone through a lot.  For a long time you were pulled away from your families and stuck in that place, but for Jack... well, he never had a family to begin with.  Everyone needs that support, especially the would-be super villains."
    I stare at him blankly until he lets out a laugh.  "Oh, that look," he says with a grin.  "Let me put it like this," he goes on, leaning forward.  "In our world there are two types of super villains.  There's the ones like Max, who put on a show for the norms to follow, lose gracefully at the end and come back later with an even more entertaining show.  They follow the set rules of our society, the ones you're taught about in school.  Then there's the ones like Star Born--or Shadowman.  They don't care who gets hurt in the process, they don't follow the rules, and they wind up where Star Born is now."
    "Where is she?" I ask.
    "The Cape Cells," he says.  "But you realize the difference between the two types, don't you?"
    I feel like the blood has left my face.  I shake my head because he clearly expects some sort of response, but can't come up with words.
    "Those like Max have support and checks to keep them from taking their job too seriously.  Those like Star Born don't.  They honestly put themselves and their goals above others at all costs.  That's pretty hard to do when your adopted family loves you enough to try and keep you from going down that road.  That, Morgan, is why we adopted Jack."
    "It doesn't work," I hear myself whisper.  "If that worked then--then Dad would--"  I barely stop myself.
    "Your dad?" he asks.  "Morgan--"
    "Even if you think you can save him, you can't," I burst out.  "You just stand there and watch, and Mom leaves and--"
    He reaches out and touches my hand but I stand abruptly, sending the big chair I've been sitting in clattering backwards.  "You're stupid!  Your entire family is stupid!  You're just