Chapter Twenty-One

The officers followed Ralph, Pam, Kevin and his friends into the house.

"Why don't you take your friends into your room, while I have a chat with the officers," Ralph instructed.

Ralph couldn't believe his eyes. Kevin in the suit! How did he get his hands on it? How could something like this possibly happen? And what was he going to tell the officers?

"Please have a seat, gentlemen," Pam said, clearing the pizza boxes and chips off the coffee table.

Ralph picked up the empty cups and bottle of soda the boys had left in the living room. "Be right with you," he said, excusing himself.

"Ralph, I know what you're thinking. Don't say anything until you get the story from the police officers. Find out what they know first. You can talk to Kevin after," Pam warned.

Ralph nodded.

"So, what is this all about officers?" Ralph asked, after he and Pam returned to the living room.

"We're responding to a call from your neighbor, Mrs. Jensen," Officer Parody explained, referring to his notes. "It says here, she observed four prowlers lurking about your property, peeping in windows and attempting to gain entry into your home."

The officer glanced up from his notes before continuing. "When we arrived on the scene, we met one Peter Scanlon standing on the front lawn of the property in question. He stated that he and 5 of his friends were mistakenly locked out of the house. He also stated that 2 of their friends had gone down to the convenience store to call for help."

"Officer Grady searched the area for property damage and signs of forced entry. He reported that there was no damage, however his search revealed evidence of a failed attempt to gain entry through a bathroom window," Officer Parody concluded.

"We haven't obtained any statements from the boys yet, and would appreciate you're allowing us to speak individually to each of the boys," Officer Parody requested.

"I'm sorry officer, I fail to see the necessity of interrogating the boys as there has been no crime committed here," Ralph replied, trying to remain calm and maintain a respectful tone.

"Fine," Officer Parody said, noting Ralph's objection in the file. "We can always follow up at a later date should it become necessary," he added.

"I don't think that will be necessary," Pam replied, moving closer to Ralph.

"Thank you for your time," Officer Grady said, as the two officers left.

Ralph and Pam watched through the window as both officers approached Mrs. Jensen's home.

"Don't worry, Ralph, they're just going to have her sign a statement of complaint to confirm that they followed up on her phone call," Pam said.

Chapter Twenty-Two

"What do you think is going on out there?" Kevin wondered, aloud.

"They're just talking and filling out a report," Joel answered.

"We didn't do anything wrong," Jim added.

"Did you see the way those policemen looked at me?" Kevin asked, "Superboy, he called me! Ugh! I feel like such a fool."

"Oh, I don't know, Kev. I think the outfit is really cool," Scott replied. "The officer was just being a jerk."

"I don't know." Kevin shook his head in disgust. "I guess I'm just not the superhero type. I can't wait to get out of this getup," he complained.

"Does that mean you're not going to wear this to the contest?" Scott asked.

"I don't even know if I'll be allowed to go to the contest after this. My dad didn't look too happy about all this," Kevin answered, dejectedly.

"Hey, if you're not going to wear it, then can I borrow it?" Scott begged.

"At this point, I don't care if I never see this suit again," Kevin answered.

"Can I see you a minute, Kevin?" Ralph asked, as he opened the door to Kevin's room.

"I'll be right back," Kevin said, to his friends as he approached his dad.

Kevin followed Ralph into the living room. He was glad that Pam made herself scarce. This was going to be difficult enough without the both of them giving him a hard time.

"Kevin, what happened tonight?" Ralph asked.

"Well, Dad," Kevin sighed. He REALLY didn't want to rehash it all. Why couldn't he just wake up now and have it all be a bad dream? "The guys brought this movie for us to watch and it got stuck in the VCR. We were looking for a ruler or something to try to get the tape out, and one of the guys thought you'd have something in your brief case that we could use and that's when we found the Halloween costume. I'm sorry, Dad, I tried to tell the guys that we shouldn't fool with your things, but …"

"How did you get locked out?"

Kevin shrugged, "The guys thought the suit was really cool and talked me into trying it on. We ended up outside to see if it was warm enough to wear to the contest without a coat and got locked out. I'm sorry for ruining your night out with Pam," Kevin apologized.

"Kevin, I'm not worried about a ruined evening. Pam and I can always go out another night," Ralph explained. "Getting locked out, was an act of carelessness, and it could happen to anyone. What does concern me is you and this suit."

"Dad, I know I should have put the suit back as soon as they took it out. I'm sorry I didn't wait for you to give it to me. What I don't understand is why you got me a 'superman' suit, I mean I'm a little old for superheroes. Why didn't you just take me with you to pick something out?"

"I don't know how to tell you this son," Ralph said, placing his hand on his son shoulder, "but, the suit is really mine."

Just as Ralph spoke, their clothes switched. Ralph, was now wearing the complete super-suit and Kevin was fully dressed in what Ralph had been wearing that evening.

"Uh-oh" Ralph said, frantically.

"Dad!" Kevin said, in awe.

"Ralph!" Pam said, entering the room.

"Pam, it just happened. All I said was, 'this suit is really mine'," Ralph explained.

"Ralph, you can't let Kevin's friends see you in that!" Pam warned. "Change it back. Quick!"

Ralph placed his hand on Kevin's shoulder again, "This suit is really yours," he announced. Instantly their clothes switched back and they were dressed as they were before.

"Listen Kevin, you gotta take that suit off. Your friend's parents will be arriving soon to pick them up."

"Okay, Dad," Kevin replied, returning to his bedroom to get changed.

"What did your dad say?" Jim asked, as Kevin returned to his room.

"Not much, he was pretty cool, actually," Kevin answered. "Listen, I gotta get out of this suit! Why don't you guys wait for me in the living room?"

Kevin was relieved to finally get out of that costume and into his regular clothes. All he could think about was his dad wearing the suit. How did he switch their clothes? Where did his dad get these powers? Was Dad really an alien from another planet, like Superman?"

Kevin neatly folded the suit and placed the outfit on the dresser in his room, before joining the others in the living room.

Everyone, including Pam and Ralph, were seated facing the television.

"What's going on?" Kevin asked.

"We're gonna watch "It Came From Below," Jim replied, stuffing a handful of popcorn in his mouth. "Want some?" he offered, pointing to the large bowl in front of them on the coffee table.

"Really?" Kevin asked, looking at his dad's smiling face.

"Sure, Kev. Sit down." Ralph nodded and pointed to an empty spot on the couch.

"It was a dark and stormy night…little did they know what was about to happen…" the movie narrator began.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Tony leaned against the counter at police station. "I'm with the FBI; I'd like to get some information on any recent reports of vandalism, property damage or suspicious behavior," Tony demanded, flashing his badge.

"Yes, sir," the desk clerk, replied. "The information you want can be obtained at the Records office," he said, pointing across the hall.

The Records office consisted of 4 small desks lined in a row against the far wall and a computer terminal at the end. The desks, although unoccupied, were piled with assorted files and stacks of papers. A modestly dressed middle-aged woman sat busily typing at a computer terminal.

Tony walked to the woman at the far end of the room.

"Excuse me, I'm Special Agent Tony Villicana. I'm with the FBI," he said flashing his badge. "I'd like some information please."

"Yes, how may I help you?" the woman asked.

Tony noticed she wore an identification badge bearing a photo ID. "Miss Greenfield?" he said, reading her badge.

"MRS. Greenfield," she corrected.

"So sorry," Tony apologized.

Mrs. Greenfield smiled, appreciative for Tony's respectful demeanor.

"I'm looking for any recent reports on file of vandalism, break-ins, and suspicious behavior."

"Let me see what I can find," she said, clearing her screen and entering information to begin a search through the computer system.

Two police officers entered the room, chatting amicably. "And the kids said they had accidentally locked themselves out, but that's not what the lady next door said. She was convinced they were felons trying to break into the house for drug money. Personally, I think they were up to no good. I just don't get the kid in the red spandex. He looked like he was trying to play superman or something. Imagine a 15 year old kid dressing up like superman."

Tony's ears perked up. Red spandex? Superman? This was too good to be true, Tony thought.

"Excuse me gentlemen," Tony called to the two police officers.

"Yes?" the first officer bearing a badge that identified him as Officer Parody.

"I'm Special Agent Tony Villicana with the FBI, did I hear you right? Are you referring to someone wearing a red outfit that looks like a superman suit? A red suit with black cape?"

"Yes. That mean something to you?" Officer Parody asked.

"It may. Do you happen to have the information on that incident?" Tony requested.

"Uh, yes. I have it right here. Would you like a copy?" the officer offered.

"Thank you, I'd appreciate it," Tony said, politely. "Did the man happen to have blue eyes and blonde curly hair?" he asked.

"Well, yes, but it was a boy, not a man. I mean he was 15, so I suppose he could be mistaken for an adult."

"Are you familiar with any other incidents that this boy may have been involved in?" Tony inquired.

"We ran a check on him. The kid is clean; No priors."

"Agent Villicana? I have the information you requested, would you like me to print out the detailed reports on these files?" Mrs. Greenfield asked.

"Can you do a detailed search for reports of a man wearing a red super-suit?" Tony asked, curiously.

"Sure, I can sort the reports based on any keywords," she replied, entering the new search criteria.

"Thanks, I think that will be very helpful," Tony responded. "Very helpful."

Chapter Twenty-Four

The last of Kevin's friends had just left and Kevin was in his room getting ready for bed, as Ralph had asked.

"Pam, what am I going to tell Kevin about the suit?" Ralph whispered.

"Ralph, I don't know that you have much of a choice. After all, you did manage to 'magically' swap clothes with him."

"I think he can handle it if I tell him the truth," Ralph reasoned aloud. "He's a good kid, smart too. I'll just tell him the truth; that …."

"…You were given the red suit by a spaceship of aliens," Pam finished.

"It does sound like I'm off my rocker!" Ralph said, running his fingers through his hair.

"But, you know what Ralph, he'll believe you."

"Pam, I'm not so sure. I mean, I still have a hard time believing it myself. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't pinch myself to see if I'm dreaming."

"I know, Ralph, but he's a kid, and they're more willing to accept the unbelievable."

"So you think Kevin will believe me if I say, 'Kevin, your dad was given a super-suit by aliens from another planet'."

"Why don't you ask him yourself?" Pam said.

Ralph turned around to see Kevin standing directly behind him with his mouth open.

"Is that really true?" Kevin asked, staring at his dad. "Did aliens from another planet really give you the suit?"

Chapter Twenty-Five

Tony got up to stretch his legs, glancing back at the papers strewn across his dining room table. He had been poring over these papers and sorting out facts for hours now. He knew he was onto something. He just wasn't sure what.

Bent antennas, downed clothes lines, busted walls, roofs and windows, just weren't your typical vandalism complaints, Tony reasoned. Bent TV antennas and downed clothes lines, seemed to be more accidental in nature than intentional. Even that broken window at the Palmdale Hotel didn't sound right. After all, the report says the offender apologized and walked right out of the room. But if it were an accident, how in the world did he get in through a window on the seventh floor? and why bother? He didn't steal anything. Wouldn't he have gotten hurt? Who crashes through a window and walks away unharmed? Tony reasoned.

Tony searched through the papers on the table. Where are those insurance photos of Room 714?

Ah, there they are! Tony said, snatching the papers from the pile.

The photos portrayed the broken window from several different angles. Photographs taken outside the building confirmed that the broken window was indeed located on the 7th floor. There were no trees or other structures near enough for anyone to use to access that room from the outside. Photographs of the broken window, taken from inside the room, showed broken shards of window glass spread along the carpet all the way across the room. This clearly confirmed that the window was shattered from the outside-in not vice versa. The hotel guests could not have broken this window, Tony realized.

Tony looked closer at the carpeting in the photographs. The carpeting was a light shade of beige. Any sign of blood would have been evident on this carpet. Not only wasn't there blood on the carpet; but there was no sign of blood on any of the pieces of broken glass either.

The whole thing seemed impossible, Tony thought. A man dressed in a red suit, flying, crashes into a window and walks out unharmed.

Suddenly Tony remembered something. Quickly searching through the papers, he grabbed the file on the incident Carlisle had reported. Tony flipped through the papers until he found the page he was looking for. 'Carlisle reports that a man dressed in a red, super-hero suit with black cape burst into the department demanding a case file. Carlisle shot the man and the bullet bounced off the offender's chest.'

Was there actually a man who could be invulnerable to injury, perhaps a man wearing a red super-hero costume?

Tony walked around the table, thinking. The reports of vandalism and suspicious behavior from both the Bureau and the local police were primarily focused on the actual complaints and crimes committed and therefore, not much was said about any man wearing a superman costume. As Tony recalled, in most cases, the occasional comment was made by the men who were arrested.

Tony reached for an FBI file. This case was a kidnapping case. The two men arrested swore they had seen a man in a red superman suit 'do amazing things'. According to the report, the men said they 'saw the man fly, bend steel and lift a car with his own hands.'

The notes in the file say the two men were committed to the Psychiatric Ward for further evaluation.

Tony turned back to Carlisle's file. It said he had been treated for 'stress' by a Psychiatrist after he had reported seeing the man in the red suit.

Tony knew Maxwell believed that there was no man in a red suit. In fact, it looked like anyone who said that there was, ended up in a rubber room. There was no talking to Maxwell, and since he wasn't ready to give up, he decided he'd better be careful who he talked to and what he said. He'd probably have dismissed the whole thing too if he hadn't run into those two officers at the station tonight. They had seen someone in a red suit. This was a fresh lead that could prove the existence of this 'super' man.