Each member of the Fearless Five took turns sitting in the underground library and monitoring SNN and the local police scanners in case an ubervillain decided to wreak havoc or some natural disaster tore through Bigtime. The rest of us were equipped with cell phones, ready to respond in case bad stuff went down. With Carmen and Sam gone on their honeymoon, the chief, Henry, and I would be pulling double duty for the next month.

“How are things at the manor? Any sign of Siren and Intelligal yet?”

“Not a trace of them so far. Everything’s quiet. Henry and Lulu are working on tracking them down. Carmen and Sam called earlier. They’re having a wonderful time in London, although Carmen’s still worried about the ubervillains.”

I was surprised the happy couple had found time to call or to actually see any of London. You’d think they would have spent all day in bed, given their propensity for doing so at Sublime. Their happiness was so annoying sometimes. My father paused. “Have fun on your date tonight. Make sure he treats you right.”

I rolled my eyes. “How many times have I asked you not to peer into my mind?”

“I’m your father, Fiona. I’ll be doing it until the end of time.”

“Just because you’re psychic doesn’t give you the right to use your powers on others whenever you want. Remember that lecture? You used to give it to me whenever I’d singe one of the bullies in my class with a fireball or pick them up and spin them around until they screamed for me to stop.”

I’d gotten more than a few of those talks. The chief chuckled. “I remember you spent more time in the principal’s office than a classroom full of kids.” His voice grew serious. “You should go out, Fiona. Travis would want you to get on with your life.”

H o t M a m a

63

I looked at the ring on my finger. “I know he would. But it’s easier said than done.”

“Get out. Have fun. Be your usual charming self.”

I sniffed. “I’m always that.”

“I know. Now, I need to go. Henry wanted me to look over some new computer program he’s invented to track Siren and Intelligal’s crimes.”

Henry and his computer programs. Sometimes, I wondered if the man was even human or just a robot in disguise. If he was a robot, though, you’d think his designer would have given him some fashion sense. Polka-dot bow ties and sweater vests were not the stuff women’s dreams were made of. Except maybe Lulu’s.

“Well, you two be careful tonight. Call me if you need me. I love you.” I always ended our conversations like this now. I’d learned the hard way that just because we were superheroes didn’t mean we were invincible. Quite the opposite, unfortunately.

“I love you too,” the chief rumbled.

I hung up. For a moment, I stared at my engagement ring. Then, my eyes went to the mirror. I smoothed my dress down and turned sideways. I did look good tonight. Damn good. Self-esteem was another area where I didn’t have a lot of problems.