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Stories from the Verse
Multiverser: The Thirteenth Story
Chapter 11: Takano 160
Table of Contents
Previous chapter: Beam 199
Hearing a knock at her door, Tommy left her supper on the table to answer it. It was Mister Keller.
Keller was one of those unusual people in her life. Known to the world as wealthy businessman William Keller, he was also secretly the superhero William Tell Junior, with whom she had worked a couple times including in fighting Doctor Mordenslice. He, meanwhile, knew that Tommy was Truth, as he had known that Brian was Mister Justice. They had probably saved each other’s lives fighting against Lady Nightmare and the Blackmask Gang. As soon as the door opened, he said, “I got your message; can I come in?”
She shrugged and stepped back from the door. As he entered, he was joined by an elegant lady about his age, which was perhaps low to mid thirties.
I don’t know if you’ve met my wife, Belle? Belle, this is Tomiko–” He hesitated, apparently struggling for her Japanese surname. She provided it.
“Takano. Call me Tommy, that’s easier. So, you’re Belle Tell?”
“Well, yes, but usually I’m called Belle Keller. And I gather you’re secretly Truth?”
Tommy nodded.
“So,” Keller continued, “have you eaten?”
“Oh. I was just sitting down to supper. I’d offer you some, but I didn’t really make much. Why?”
“Well, I was thinking we could take you out to dinner and discuss this tip you’ve received. But not if you’ve eaten; we can eat later.”
Although she really didn’t want to impose on the grace of her wealthy friend, he generally took them to excellent (and expensive) restaurants when he wanted to discuss crime fighting with them, and from all reports he could afford it. “Um,” she began, looking at the attire on her guests, “give me a couple minutes to stick my food in the fridge and change into something appropriate for dining out. Here, the living room is comfortable." She showed them the furnished room, and dashed to the kitchen, then after putting her plate in the refrigerator launched herself up the stairs to her bedroom.
She didn’t often wear the party dress and sandals, but that was the most formal outfit she had, so that’s what she wore. She took a moment to wash her face, and was downstairs within five minutes. Keller turned toward her, seeming a bit surprised.
“That was quick,” he said.
She smiled teasingly. “Superheroine practice.”
He nodded. “Well, then, let’s go get dinner.”
“Indeed,” Belle said. “I’m starved.”
There is a behind-the-writings look at the thoughts, influences, and ideas of this chapter, along with ten other sequential chapters of this novel, in mark Joseph "young" web log entry #538: New Adventures. Given a moment, this link should take you directly to the section relevant to this chapter. It may contain spoilers of upcoming chapters.
As to the old stories that have long been here:
