Forty-one
Wally sat at the kitchen table smiling into Kali's bewildered face. He was clean-shaven, dressed in a fresh clean looking outfit, and smelled great, a refreshing mixture of Zest soap and Pierre Cardin after-shave.
Kali stared in amazement at Wally. "Did you… shower … and… dress… already?"
'Huh? Oh, yes," Wally said matter-of-factly.
Kali shook her head, as if to clear it. "Sorry… I guess it just hasn't sunk in yet," she explained, feeling embarrassed.
"You mean that I'm Flash or that I'm fast?" Wally asked curiously.
"Is there a difference?" Kali asked, slowly lowering herself into the seat beside him at the table.
"Well, actually yes, there is a difference. At least to me," Wally replied. "I mean, I am fast, or rather I can go fast, but that's not all there is to me. It is only a part of what I am and what I do," Wally answered.
"I understand that you are Flash and you have the blessing of speed. I just have to adjust to the idea that you are both Flash and Wally. It's just that I know you as two different people, there is sweet Wally West the mechanic and gregarious Flash the superhero. Now, I have to adjust to the fact that you are both. I guess I never saw Wally as a Superhero or Flash as a regular person. Right now, you look like Wally so when you behave as Flash, it throws me. Can you understand where I'm coming from?" Kali asked apprehensively.
"Yes Kali, it makes perfect sense. I'm sorry; I guess it was more of a shock than I thought. It's just that I am so happy that you know the truth that I want to share everything about myself with you. I don't want to hide anything from you. The most difficult part of being me is having to hide the Flash in me to pretend to be the 'normal' Wally West everyone expects. I hate it! That's why I try to spend as much time in my suit as possible. Being Flash is the closest thing to being me," he explained.
Kali was touched by his candor. "But Wally, even as Flash, you are still hiding a part of yourself. Think about it; just how free are you when you are wearing a super-hero's mask? Are you holding back all the things you are free to do as Wally? Can Flash cry in public or take a vacation?"
"I have to agree with you, except for one thing," Wally replied. "Flash may not have the liberty to take a vacation or cry in public. And for sure Wally can take a vacation. But, there is no way Wally would cry in public!
Aside from that, it is true that I don't have the freedom to do certain things as Wally, but it is far easier to be Flash than it is to be Wally. You see, using my speed is such an essential part of me that I would die if I couldn't use it. I guess I would have to say it is like breathing air, you can only hold your breath for so long before you gasp for air. Speed is my release for tension, joy and so much more. If I didn't need the money to live on, I don't think I'd ever be 'Wally' again," Wally added sadly.
"But Wally, doesn't it ever bother you that, as Flash, people only recognize you for your speed and heroism?" Kali asked.
"You mean like a musician who is only recognized for their one talent?" Wally asked.
"Yes, exactly!" Kali answered. "It's great being recognized for your talent, but when people think that's all you are, you become nothing more than an idol, an illusion of sorts really."
"I suppose that's true. I guess I never thought about it that way, but it doesn't really bother me; it's a part of me that I'm proud of. Plus, I like the attention," Wally said, pouring cereal into both small bowls on the table.
"Take Batman for example, because of his reputation for being stoic, he has created such an intimidating image in everyone's mind that he has ceased to exist to others as a human," Kali commented.
"He likes it that way," Wally said plainly.
A slow smile spread across Kali's face, "I suppose so," she said suppressing a giggle.
"We all hide some part of ourselves from the world," Wally explained. "In fact, you might say we all hide behind a mask of sorts; the only difference between us superheroes and the rest of the world is that our masks are visible."
"That is true," Kali agreed. "Don't worry Wally, you don't have to hide anything from me." She leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you, Kali," Wally said appreciatively, the light-hearted spark returning to his eyes.
"I'll bet you never would have guessed that Batman loves to eat pink cotton candy," Wally said teasingly.
Kali burst out laughing, "You're kidding!"
Wally nodded, "Actually, I am kidding. I'm really the one who's addicted to the stuff. But you have to admit, the very idea of our Dark Knight devouring pink cotton candy on a paper cone doesn't exactly fill you with fear and trepidation, does it?"
"Somehow, I don't have as hard a time picturing you eating pink cotton candy!" Kali teased, pouring milk into the two cereal bowls.
"Do you want some? I can zip down to the store and pick some up. It'll take just a second," He asked.
Kali was not sure he was serious, but she had no doubt he could do it in that amount of time. "Thanks for the offer, but I'm really not much for cotton candy first thing in the morning," she answered, turning her attention to the bowl of cereal in front of her.
She picked up her spoon and began to eat her cereal. Glancing up at Wally, she realized his bowl was already empty and he was sitting there intently watching her. The contented expression on his face made her melt. His incredible green eyes sparkled back at her sending a wave of excitement through her body. He is so strikingly handsome, she thought to herself.
"You are so beautiful, Kali," Wally murmured dreamily gazing into her eyes.
Kali blushed, "Want some more cereal?" she asked uneasily. She was not sure he had meant for her to hear him, and his comment only served to heighten her feelings of attraction for him.
"Hmm?... more?" Wally asked seemingly snapping out of his trance. "Oh, no thanks I've already had five bowlfuls." He straightened up in his chair, stretching.
"Five bowlfuls?" she asked, staring into his face. She looked for any sign as to whether he was joking again or had indeed consumed five bowlfuls of cereal without her noticing? She shook the cereal box and found it was nearly empty. I must really be blind, she thought.
"Sorry, I didn't think you'd mind if I ate my cereal at super-speed," Wally commented with regret in his voice.
"Oh, no… that's okay. I … uh… do you normally eat five bowls of cereal each morning?" Kali asked in amazement.
Wally shook his head no. "I normally eat three… but I use a large mixing bowl instead of these smaller bowls," he replied. "I have such a fast metabolism that I need to eat much more food than a normal person my size," he explained.
"And you can fit all that in your stomach in one time?" she asked in fascination. She still couldn't believe anyone could eat that much food on a constant basis and not gain an obscene amount of weight.
"Well, in one word… yes. You see, my digestion system works just as fast.
"Do you do everything fast?" Kali wondered aloud. She really had not meant to ask, but she found this whole thing was very intriguing.
Wally laughed. "No, not everything. I mean I can do most things at super-speed… shower, shave, dress, clean, eat, exercise, stuff like that. I usually use super-speed for unpleasant chores or things I do not care to spend time doing, such as scrubbing the tub, for example.
However, there are things that are much more enjoyable at a slower speed," he said gently helping Kali to her feet. "Some things are not meant to be rushed," he pulled her to him and wrapped his arms tightly around her. "I love you so much, Kali," he said breathlessly. He leaned in slowly and tenderly pressed his lips to hers.
As he held her close, the scent of his after-shave wafted toward her. Her mind reeled from the familiar intoxicating smell and the passion building within her. Did he just tell her that he loved her? or was it her imagination. Was this all a dream? she wondered. If it is, I hope I never wake up, she thought, her arms tightening around him.
Forty-two
Wally West lives in your apartment building?" Vern asked in disbelief.
"Yeah… like I said, his apartment is directly beneath the O'Malley place. Why?" C.J. asked.
"Has he been out of town on vacation or something?" Vern asked, ignoring C.J.'s question.
"No… the guy never takes a vacation. Why? You know him?" C.J. asked again, his curiosity growing.
"Well, I know him from the police department. We've been looking for him, that's all," Vern replied tensely.
"Oh yeah, of course you know him, he works for the police department!" C.J. said. "You want him to work on your car? He is a whiz with cars. Truly unbelievable, Vern, I have never seen anything like it. Not only does he do fantastic repair work, he can do it in a fraction of the time it takes anyone else. He did a brake job on my truck for me last Friday, took it to work, and had it fixed in 20 minutes. My regular mechanic told me that because it was a 2-3 hour job he could not even get to it for another week! Want me to talk to him for you?"
"No, this isn't about my car. I was just looking for him, that's all," Vern said flatly.
"Why were you looking for him then?" C.J. asked. C.J. knew that if Vern were 'looking' for someone, it would be best for them if Vern did not find them.
C.J. liked Wally and didn't want to see him hurt. "Listen Vern, Wally's no problem. He's just a grease monkey, a good kid who wouldn't hurt a fly. He keeps a very low profile, leaves for work before dawn and he is never around.
In fact, I think he spends all his time at some girlfriend's apartment. You should see his place, it is as neat as a pin, and the guy has like no food in his cabinets or refrigerator! Come on! a single guy living alone with no food and a clean place." C.J. knew he was rambling, but he REALLY didn't want to see the kid get involved with Vern.
"Did I say he was a problem? I only said we've been looking for him. That's all. Period," Vern insisted.
"Vern, I've been working with you long enough to know that if you're looking for Wally West, there is a problem. What is it?" C.J. demanded. "Vern, what is this all about?"
"Okay, C.J. you want to know what's up with West? I'll tell you," Vern said in a deep threatening voice. "Here's the thing," he began, leaning forward and lowering his voice. "Flash is a personal friend of West. He hangs out at West's apartment. The place is some kind of home base, pit stop or something… who knows. But, the point is, that's where he's vulnerable."
"Flash is a friend of Wally's? How could that be? I've never seen Flash anywhere near the apartment house," C.J. said, wondering how Vern could know this. Did Superheroes even have friends? "Why would you think he is a personal friend of Flash's?" he asked.
"Because I traced Flash to West's apartment. That's where he we grabbed him!" Vern answered.
"You traced him to Wally's apartment?" C.J. was amazed. I guess it is true, he thought. Why didn't he ever see Flash around the apartment house? he wondered.
"How can you possibly trace Flash?" C.J. questioned. "You'd have to get close enough to plant a tracer on him. Not only would you have to find him, but you would also have to get him to sit still long enough to plant one on him. Flash is too fast to catch; how could anyone possibly get him to stand still long enough to plant a bug on him?"
"Trust me. It can be done. I did it. That's why I'm in here," Vern grumbled.
"What? I thought you were in here for kidnapping and attempted murder charges," C.J. argued.
"Who do you think I kidnapped?" Vern said dryly.
"You kidnapped Flash?" C.J. asked; his mouth dropped open. Vern kidnapped Flash? How is that possible? he wondered. He just could not resist asking, "How did you find him?"
"Let's just say, he likes to eat at the pizza place Sarah works for and he left with more than a full tummy," Vern snickered. "He never knew she planted a tracer on his back with each kiss to his cheek. Very ironic, don't you think?" he asked with a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
"So you're the one that brought my sister into this!" C.J. asked irritated.
"Don't worry, C.J.. She doesn't know anything. They have nothing on her but a bunch of trumped up charges; they're trying to scare me. Don't worry; I will take care of everything. I'll have her out of jail and back home before the sun sets," Vern said confidently.
C.J. looked skeptical. "I don't know Vern… she scares pretty easy. Are you sure she doesn't know anything about what's going on?"
"Yes, I'm positive," Vern insisted. "All she knows is that I want to bring the Justice League down. She completely agrees that their behavior is way out of hand. In fact, I let her believe it was her idea. Get this," Vern leaned forward and lowered his voice, "She even wrote this nasty letter to the editor of the paper about the injustices Flash and the League get away with," he chuckled gleefully.
C.J. shook his head, "I don't know, Vern…"
"I'm telling you its okay. All she did was plant a few tracers on Flash when he came by the restaurant, followed him, tried to take a few pictures. She thinks this is all about bringing the Justice League down," Vern explained. "I repeat; she knows nothing about the drug operation."
"I don't like this," C.J. shot back.
"You don't have to," Vern stated evenly. "Besides, I won't need to involve her any more now that we know where we can find Flash. As long as he thinks he's safe… heh heh heh." Vern leaned back in his chair smiling contentedly. "I caught him once, I can do it again," he muttered.
"So tell me, how did you capture Flash?" C.J. was on the edge of his seat. He knew Vern was secretly dying to spill all the gory details that he was just as anxious to hear. "You captured the fastest man alive and don't want to talk about it?" he asked incredulously.
Vern remained quiet a moment before speaking. "Well, I suppose I've got nothing better to do," Vern consented, smiling proudly.
C.J. listened carefully to every detail of Vern's story as Vern retold the events leading up to his arrest. He could not believe that Vern drugged, kidnapped, and threatened Flash. It was an amazing story and he would not have believed one word of it had he not heard it directly from Vern's mouth. C.J. knew very well how much Vern despised Flash and the rest of the Justice League. He also knew that Vern did not give up on anything easily. What did Vern have in mind now? C.J. wondered.
"Now that you know everything, I can depend on you to keep your yap shut, right? If I go down, you go with me," Vern said warning him.
"Okay! Okay!" C.J. said, holding up his hands defensively. "I didn't know he was friends with Flash, okay? What do we do? Do you want to call the deal off? I don't want to take any chances, Vern. I can't go back to the slammer… I won't go back there!" he said vehemently.
"Hold on, calm down!" Vern said calmly. "There's no need to cancel anything because we're going to take care of this before it becomes a problem. Just do what I say and no one is going to prison."
"So says the man in handcuffs and chains," C.J. said doubtfully. He knew that Vern had connections, but how could he possibly get kidnapping and attempted murder charges dismissed?"
"I told you, the lawyer is going to get me out of here by tonight," Vern retorted angrily.
Vern was quiet for a moment; he was clearly devising some sort of new plan.
After a brief moment of silence, Vern spoke up. "I have a little job for you to do. I want you to go to West's apartment and plant some camera equipment and listening devices. You know the kind of stuff I'm talking about, right?"
C.J. nodded his head. "You want top of the line stuff? It'll cost a pretty penny," he said.
"I don't care what it costs, it will be worth every cent," Vern answered, wearing an evil grin on his face. You can set the receiving equipment up in the O'Malley apartment. I want to know everything that is said and done in that apartment. We're gonna get to the bottom of who Flash really is, and we're gonna do it by taking advantage of his friendship with Wally."
"Got it," C.J. replied with assurance. He rose up out of his chair and pressed the buzzer to leave.
"See ya later," Vern said as the young female guard unlocked the door and escorted C.J. out.
As they exited the room, another officer came for Vern. "Are you ready to go, Monocello?" Vern didn't answer.
The guard helped Vern to his feet and escorted him out of the room. As they passed the front desk, the guard nodded, "Officer Tyler, Monocello's visit is over, the room is available again."
"Thanks," he said, gently rolling his chair over to the controls on the computer console that operated the visitation room's video equipment. Officer Tyler leaned forward and spoke into the microphone. "This is Officer Tyler," he announced, "I am confirming the end of Vernon Monocello's visit with Carl Jensen." He flipped the audio switch to 'off' and pressed the reset button.
The guard at the metal detector across the room walked over to Officer Tyler, "How's the new video equipment working?" he asked.
"Perfectly, the audio is incredible; you can even hear a pin drop!" Tyler replied. "And the video images are the sharpest I've ever seen. Do you know that the video equipment comes built right into ceiling panels now? What they can't do with technology these days. You would never suspect that the ceiling doubled as recording equipment.
"When are they coming to take the old camera out?" the guard asked.
"I don't think they're going to bother," Tyler answered, pressing more buttons on console.
"Funny, they spend a fortune on technology and can't afford to buy a decent coffee maker," the guard complained, holding up a Styrofoam cup of coffee.
"Maybe that's why they can't afford it!" Tyler joked.
Forty-three
Wally reluctantly broke the kiss, pulling back and looking down at Kali, he said, "I've got to go to work now. I wish I could stay here with you, but I'm already late."
"Seems like I've heard that before," Kali answered teasingly, refusing to release him from her arms. "The last time you said that you were out all night and I had to come after you!"
Wally chuckled. "Yes, but I had a good excuse. I got tied up and couldn't tear myself away," he joked. "I'll try not to let that happen again," he said kiddingly.
"See that you don't," she said teasing back. "I don't want to have to come after you again." She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him down toward her ready lips for another kiss.
"Mmmm," Wally groaned with pleasure. "You make it hard for me to go!" he complained, his voice full with desire. He wanted nothing more than to spend the day with her. "Why don't you wait here for me while I super-speed through the repairs at work and zip back?" he suggested.
"Very tempting…" Kali said considering his suggestion. "But, I do have a Psychology class this morning that I shouldn't miss. Maybe we can hook up again for lunch. I can meet you back here at 1:00 pm, if you like," she murmured into his left hear, planting kisses along his neck.
"Anything you say," he whispered breathlessly into her ear. "I gotta run," Wally said slowly releasing her. "Need a lift to class? I can drop you off on the way to work," he offered.
"No, that's okay. My class doesn't start until 8:30. I think I'll hop in the shower before I go, if that's okay with you."
"My place is your place," Wally said, snatching his car keys off the coffee table. "I'll see you back here at 1:00, then?"
"Yes, don't be late, Flash!" she shot back, winking an eye at him.
Wally's face lit up, "Who me? the fastest man alive?" he said with an innocent look on his face. "Never!"
Kali watched the apartment door close. She wished she didn't have to go to class today, she thought, feeling tired from lack of sleep. They had gotten in so late last night that she only had a few hours sleep. I think I will just take a quick nap before I shower, she thought, I don't want to fall asleep in class.
As she stretched out in Wally's bed, she could still smell the lingering scent of his after-shave on her shirt. She allowed her mind to fill with images of Wally as she drifted into a peaceful state of slumber.
Forty-four
Wally had been so preoccupied with thoughts of Kali, that the sight of the approaching Police Station caught him by surprise. I must have been driving on autopilot, heconcluded.
As Wally neared the entrance to the Maintenance Division of the Police Department, he spied two patrol officers looking his way and laughing. Suddenly he felt very self-conscious. He glanced down to check his zipper was not open. There was nothing wrong as far as he could tell, he thought. Puzzled, he smiled and nodded a hello to the two officers and continued on his way.
He entered the building and punched in on the time clock. Behind him, he heard more snickering. Turning around, he saw fellow mechanic Mike Turner. "Hey Wally, you dog!" he called.
Wally had no idea what Mike was talking about. "Hey Mike, sorry I'm late. Is Stetson upset?"
"Heh heh, you dog, you!" Mike repeated.
"What's going on?" Wally said suspiciously.
"I didn't know you had it in you, old boy!" Mike chuckled.
"Mike, you're going to have to fill me in on this one. I have no idea what you're snickering about."
"So, it's true, isn't it?" Mike asked with interest. "You and Monocello's wife, I mean."
"What?" Wally said trying to make some sense out of all this.
"Personally I never believed the rumors that Monocello wanted some kind of revenge on you. I mean I KNOW you didn't get him fired, but I never dreamed that you had a thing with his wife! Man, you got balls!" Mike put his arm around Wally, "What happened, you try to break up with her or something?"
"Huh? What do you mean?" Wally asked, still taking this all in.
"You know, the crazed woman breaks into your apartment and ties you to the bed? She obviously wants you to herself. Some guys find that rather kinky, but I guess if you're not into her anymore…" Mike rambled on.
As Mike chattered on about the dangers of sleeping with a married woman, Wally pieced it all together. The guys all think that Sarah and I had a thing, that she broke into my apartment, tied me up out of some kind of jealous rage, and Flash miraculously came by and saved me… Wally groaned. What am I going to do now? What can I tell Mike? Wally wondered. There is no rational explanation that I can give him. I just wish this would all go away!
"Wally, there you are!" called Sergeant Stetson. "I've been looking for you."
Wally shot Mike an annoyed look, warning him to quit the kidding. "I just got in, sir. Sorry, I overslept this morning."
"No problem, Wally. Perfectly understandable, happens to the best of us," the sergeant replied. "Got a minute? I'd like to see you in my office."
"Uh… sure. I'll be right back, Mike," Wally said as he followed Stetson into his office.
Forty-five
Kali's eyes shot open, realizing that she had slept far too long. What time is it? she worried. Did I miss my 8:30 psychology class?
The alarm clock beside the bed read 7:12 AM. Good, she thought, I have enough time to hop in the shower and change into some clean clothes. Suddenly it occurred to her that her suitcases were at Marty and Margo's house and she did not have any clean clothes to change into. She supposed she could stop at the house for a quick shower and change, but there wouldn't be enough time for her to make it to class on time. Wally's apartment was much closer to the school and as it was, it looked like she didn't have much time to get ready at that.
I know! she thought, jumping to her feet. I can run to my apartment upstairs and grab a fresh set of clothes for today. I am sure C.J. would not mind if I … she suddenly remembered how adamant C.J. had been about her not returning to the apartment before the renovations were done. I've got to get out of these sticky clothes, she thought in disgust. Maybe if the workers aren't there yet, I can slip in and out before anyone notices, she decided.
She threw on her socks and shoes and ran out of Wally's apartment to the elevator. Please let no one be there! she prayed.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, she raced to her apartment door. She pressed her ear to the door expecting to hear sounds of movement within her apartment, but there were none.
She hastily unlocked her door and stepped inside, closing the door quietly behind her. Surprised by the mess she saw before her, she stopped in her tracks. What is all this? Where is all her stuff? she wondered. Her living room was void of all her furniture and personal belongings. There were stacks of cardboard boxes were piled everywhere, making her apartment look more like a warehouse. She walked over to a box that was not yet sealed and peeked inside. What is this? she thought, removing a clear plastic bag filled with a white powdery substance. The box was packed full of this stuff, she observed.
"Watch what your doing, Vince!" Kali recognized C.J.'s voice just outside her apartment door.
Not wanting C.J. to catch her, she ducked into her bedroom and slipped into her closet. She nearly tripped over the boxes of shoes she had stored on the closet's floor.
The apartment door creaked open.
"Just put the stuff over there," C.J. instructed. "And listen Vince, don't break anything. This stuff is expensive!"
"I got it…. What does Vern want with all this video and recording equipment?" Vince asked.
"Never mind that, just help me get this stuff set up here. I have to get the bugs and hidden cameras set up downstairs before Wally gets back from work. His shift started at 6:30 this morning so he should be getting off work around 3:00 this afternoon."
"It's not even 7:30 yet he won't be home for hours; what's the rush, C.J.?"
"Vince, we've got to get this set up downstairs and test it before he gets back. It is going to take some time, and I don't want to take any chances that he'll finish work early."
"Want me to call and have Doris give us a ring when he leaves?" Vince offered.
"That's a good idea. I forgot your wife works at the movie theatre next door. Ask her to try and stall him if he leaves before 3:00, okay?" C.J. suggested.
"Okay, be right back," Vince replied.
Kali heard Vince's footsteps and muffled voice. She suspected he had moved to a more private area of her apartment to make the call his wife.
Curious what C.J. was doing, Kali cracked the door open to peer out of the closet. The view to the living room through the bedroom wasn't very good, but she could see C.J.'s back. It looked like he was unpacking the video equipment.
Kali held onto the door watching C.J.. Suddenly, she felt an insect running along the back of her neck. She squealed and hurriedly brushed the bug away.