CHAPTER TWELVE

Night Flight

“Wheel me outside, Peter,” Grandpa said, motioning to the door. “Hurry! We don’t have all night!” Grandpa was planning something, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. Holding on to Ben, I pushed Grandpa’s wheelchair outside.

“I don’t know if this is a good time for a spin around the block, Grandpa,” I said. “Maybe we should wait for Mom and Dad—”

“C’mon, boy! This is a life-or-death situation!” he commanded. Life or death? I wish he hadn’t said that. But okay, I thought, Grandpa knows best. I pushed him out to the front lawn.

“Now help me stand up.” Grandpa took a moment to get his balance. His legs were pretty shaky, since he doesn’t walk a lot these days. He took a deep breath and held it until his face turned bright red. I was worried his head might pop off!

Instead, something amazing happened: A pair of giant wings burst out of Grandpa’s back. They must have been ten feet long. EACH! I couldn’t believe it. I knew Grandpa used to have superpowers, but this was more awesome than I could ever have imagined.

“Grandpa, you’ve got wings!” I said, amazed.

“WHAT?! WHERE?! GET ’EM OFF!!” he shouted, shaking his body all around like he was doing the hokey pokey. “HA-HA! I’m only playing with you. Of course I’ve got wings! I used to be a superhero back in the day. We’re going to save your sister and brother, Peter. Secure Ben and hold tight. Things can get pretty windy up there.”

I put on the baby harness and strapped Ben into it as tightly as I could. Visible or not, he wasn’t getting loose again—that much I knew for sure.

Then I hopped on Grandpa’s back and held on. He flapped his wings and took off like a hawk. I didn’t know if I was scared or amazed—actually, I think I was a little of both.

“You can see the whole town from up here,” I said.

“When I was your age, I rarely had my feet on the ground. I always loved to soar above the clouds. Nowadays, my wings wear me out, so I don’t use them much,” he said, reminiscing. “Makes me miss your grandma, but she’s with us in spirit. She might even be up here with us right now.”

Grandpa didn’t talk about Grandma much, but every time he did, it made him smile bigger than ever.

“Geeeeeeee!” Ben giggled, the wind blowing his baby slobber all over my face. (Being a big brother means getting lots of gross things on your face.)

“We’re almost there, Peter. Prepare yourself for landing!” Grandpa wheezed. He was out of breath. The ride was over before it had barely begun. That was quick.

We landed safely behind the Capital Bank. But as soon as our feet were on the ground, Grandpa lay down. “Whew! That took it out of me,” he said. “I’m not used to this much action.”

“Are you going to be okay?” I asked, worried.

“Kid, I used to battle robots as big as buildings. A little flight across town ain’t gonna do me in. Now, give me your brother. I’ll watch Ben while you become the hero you’re meant to be.”

“Grandpa, I’m not sure if you heard, but my superpowers aren’t exactly super.”

“Listen up. It isn’t what you have, it’s what’s in your heart. Now, you go in there and don’t back down. You are a hero, Gavin. Use your clone power and show that bad guy you’re the boss!”

“Grandpa, it’s me, Peter,” I reminded him.

“Who?” Grandpa asked. His memory can be a little spotty sometimes.

“I’M PETER POWERS! I HAVE THE POWER TO CREATE ICE CUBES!” I said loudly enough for the whole town to hear. Grandpa started giggling that mischievous little giggle of his. Then he gave me a serious look.

“I know who you are, Peter. I just wanted you to hear yourself say it out loud, and with pride. Now get in there and be a superhero!”

I rolled up my sleeves, put on my homemade mask, pulled my hood over my head, and stormed toward the bank.

There was no turning back now.