THE MAID OF STEEL # 28

“Wow, this is swank.” Mattie said approvingly. “Much different than his last party.”

Linda looked around at the surroundings. Phillip Decker had rented out a posh penthouse on the sixtieth floor of the Midway City Ambassador Hotel and it had been decorated exquisitely with gold and silver statues and brightly colored lights. Trendy music drifted from speakers throughout the room and waiters and waitresses dressed in suits carried drink trays around the room. There was a large expansive bar against one wall, and a table full of finger foods and other party fare.

“What was the last one like?” Linda asked, grabbing a glass of champagne from a waiter passing by.

“Much more loud and brash.” Mattie said, taking a glass of champagne for herself.

“The last one was better. He had an amazing metal band.” Cutter chimed in.

“There’s your awful boss Johnny Drew over there.” Mattie said.

“Cutter Sharp!” Johnny Drew said, coming over with a tall leggy blonde on his arm and several people. “What are you doing here?”

“My girlfriend Mattie Halcourt and our friend Linda Danvers met Phillip Decker a few weeks back and got us on the guest list.” Cutter said.

“Linda Danvers? Weren’t you in the news about a year ago? One of the last survivors of Leesburg after that intergalactic invastion?” Johnny Drew asked. Johnny Drew was an attractive man with light brown hair, blue eyes, a neatly trimmed mustache, and a bright smile.

“Yeah.” Linda replied, “Until Supergirl found Cutter, Mattie, and my parents I was the Last Survivor of Leesburg. I think that’s what you called me when I first moved to Midway City and your station did that horrible profile on me.”

“It’s just the news, babe.” Johnny Drew said with a shrug. “And no one really remembers any more. It was a year ago. I just remember because I kind of thought you were cute.”

“Johnny!” The blonde on his arm smacked his arm lightly.

“I just call ‘em like I see ‘em Tiffani.” Johnny shrugged.

“You’re lucky my friend works for you.” Linda said sweetly, “Or I’d call you like I see you.”

“What?!” Johnny Drew blinked.

“It was a pleasure to meet you finally.” Mattie said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’m sure we’ll see you around.” She took Linda by the arm and drug her away.

“You’re going to get me fired!” Cutter said, rushing up beside them. “What were your thinking Linda?”

“That he was a pig.” Linda quipped.

“I cannot believe you just embarrassed me like that.” Cutter said killing his glass of champagne. “I need another drink. I’ll be back.”

Cutter rushed over to a waitress with a platter of drinks and grabbed one.

“I’m going to go check on him.” Mattie said to Linda, “Behave while I’m gone.”

“Would it help if I said I was sorry?” Linda asked, watching after them.

“Linda Danvers. So, glad you could make it.”

Linda turned at the sound of the voice.

“Mr. Decker.” She said, looking into his blue eyes and handsome face. He looked to be in his thirties. There was something familiar about him that she couldn’t quite place. “Yeah, I was a bit indisposed for your last party.”

“Please, call me Phillip.” He said, smiling brightly.

“OK. Phillip.” Linda smiled back at him. For a minute she felt a little guilt as Dick entered her thoughts, but she quickly reminded herself that talking to a man she thought was attractive wasn’t being disloyal to Dick. “Thanks for inviting me again. It means an awful—“

“Mr. Decker!”

The voice caused Linda to grimace.

“Mrs. Rogers.” Phillip said evenly as Jocelyn Rogers, Linda’s former boss at the Midway City Museum came up to them. Craig Morris, Linda’s former co-worker and crush—who had traveled back in time with Supergirl, stood beside her.

“Hi Linda.” Craig said, giving her a little wave.

“Hi, Craig. Jocelyn.” Linda smiled.

Jocelyn ignored Linda.

“Oh, Phillip it’s so great to see you. Thank you for the invitation.” Jocelyn said brightly. Linda noted that she had put on way too much make-up and was wearing a slinky little dress that did not at all compliment her.

“No problem. Is this your husband?” Phillip asked, extending his hand to Craig Morris.

“No. God no.” Jocelyn said, not taking her eyes off of Phillip Decker. “Craig is just one of my employees. A friend. I’m single.”

Craig looked at Linda, “Any luck finding a job?”

“Not yet. But, I have an interview with Supergirl Enterprises next week.” Linda smiled amiably. She had nursed something of a crush on Craig back when she’d first moved to Midway City and started at the museum, but once Dick had returned, Linda had realized her feelings for Dick went much deeper than her feelings for Craig.

“That’s awesome.” Craig said.

“You’re going to work for Supergirl?” Jocelyn grimaced, “She’s a menace and an alien from outer space.”

“Yeah. I would help answer fan mail and help with the merchandizing and requests for her to make public appearances. I’m pretty sure I’ll get it. I’m pretty good friends with Supergirl. And, she’s not from outer space. That’s just something the tabloids want you to think. She’s as much of an earthling as I am” Linda smiled pleasantly, not sure why she liked the way Jocelyn was turning an unsightly shade of purple.

“Well, let’s hope they can deal with you lousy attendance.” Jocelyn scoffed.

“Oh, my schedule will be pretty flexible. And my boss is really understanding.” Linda smiled brightly, “Unlike other bosses I’ve had.”

“I see some one I know over there.” Craig said, the tension in the air getting to him. “It was nice seeing you again Linda. And nice meeting your Mr. Decker.” Craig extended his hand.

“Call me Phillip.” The man said, shaking Craig’s hand firmly. “It was nice to meet you too Craig.”

Craig wandered off, leaving Jocelyn standing by Phillip and Linda.

“Well, it’s good to see you tonight Mrs. Rogers.” Phillip said, turning to Linda. “Would you like to join me out on the balcony Linda?”

“I would love to Phillip.” Linda smiled at Jocelyn, who’s face fell.

“Why that little tramp!” Jocelyn hissed. She watched after Linda and Phillip as they went out onto the balcony. She then looked around for Craig, unable to locate him in the crowd.

Jocelyn went over to the bar and ordered a strong drink, still fuming. She couldn’t believe that little tramp Linda Danvers. First she had stolen Craig’s attention and made Jocelyn’s work life miserable, and now she was hogging Phillip Decker’s attention. Now she was working for that awful Supergirl.

Jocelyn knew that she was a catch. She was successful, attractive, and came from a good family. She was responsible and dependable. She was the kind of person that a wealthy successful multi-billionaire businessman like Phillip Decker should be dating. Not an irresponsible girl like Linda Danvers who couldn’t even be bothered to make it to work on time.

And to make it worse, Craig was now nursing some unhealthy crush on Supergirl since that blonde twit had saved him from Chryseis. He had decorated his locker at the museum with pictures of Supergirl. Supergirl.

Jocelyn shook her head, killing her drink with one big swallow. She ordered another and turned around, watching Linda Danvers and Phillip Decker through the windows on the balcony.

Dick Malverne’s eyes ached from staring at the computer screen. Between his word document and the various screens he had been going over for research, he’d been in front of this computer for several hours. With a stretch and a yawn, he pushed away from the desk in the small private research room he’d reserved at the Midway City University Library.

It was time for a quick dinner.

Locking up behind him, Dick headed down the stairs toward the small café on the first floor of the library. They had a wide variety of sandwiches and plenty of coffee to help him finish up his project.

His mind, however, was not on his project as he headed down the four floors to the ground level. His mind was on Linda’s apartment. He had looked up 1313 Genoa Park Lane on the internet earlier during a study break—accessing the University’s vast database of scanned newspapers to get the full story on Linda’s apartment building.

He frowned, getting down to the third floor landing. It was grim nasty stuff. Twelve murders in twelve years. Most troubling was the fact that victim number seven was listed as one Cynthia Stanley. She was the spitting image of the girl who was always hanging around the apartment building.

Dick’s mind kept telling him there had to be some logical reason for all of this. Something that would explain it away. Linda couldn’t be living in an apartment house of horrors… but at the same time, his girlfriend was secretly Supergirl—a human girl merged with the protoplasmic creation of a scientist of another world and the essence of an earthborn angel. Anything was possible.

With all of this on his mind, it was for the reason that Dick Malverne paid no real attention to the sound of the door opening on the first floor landing and the fourth floor landing at once. Or of the sound of multiple feet pounding on the stairs, all converging—with him between them.

By the time Dick Malverne saw Baron Blitzkrieg standing in front of him, it was too late to do anything other than cave under the flashing light from the oddly shaped gun in the man’s hands.

“It is odd. I feel like I have met you before.” Phillip said, the evening air pleasant and cool. Spring was drawing to a close, and soon the months would be long hot and unbearable. But, for now, it was nice out. Phillip enjoyed the weather when it was like this. “You remind me of someone I knew in Bialya.”

“Are you from Bialya?” Linda asked. She knew so little about this man and his past. She had looked him up on the internet earlier in the day, but all she had found was about his business ventures and conquests. There had been no mention of his past.

“Sort of. I was born there. My mother’s family are Bialyan. My father was German. We lived there until I was two, then we moved to England so my father could work. When I was a teenager we moved to the U.S. I went to college at Yale, then moved to Europe to work for an international finance company. The rest as they say is history.” Phillip smiled brightly. “What about you?”

“My dad is from Metropolis. My mom is from New York City. They met when he was a cop in Metropolis and she was studying at Metropolis University. After they married they moved to Leesburg, which is just outside of Metropolis, which is where my dad’s parents grew up.” Linda replied, mesmerized by the children running around sixty floors below. The people looked like ants as they scurried about. It was odd. As Supergirl she flew miles above people. But, standing here on a balcony she marveled at how small the people looked. “Then Leesburg was destroyed during Mongul’s Cold Armageddon war and we moved to Midway City.”

“So you’ve never been to Bialya?”

“Never.” Linda laughed lightly, “Why do you ask that?”

“You remind me of a girl I met there once. In fact you look at lot like her. But, of course you couldn’t be her. It was several years back and she was about the age you are now.” Phillip replied, his expression distant.

“Definitely not me. The closest I’ve been to leaving the country was a trip to a Texas border town.” Linda was telling the truth. Linda Lee Danvers had never left the United States. Supergirl was a different matter. But, there was no way she was going to mention that to Phillip Decker.

“I love this city.” Phillip Decker said quietly, “It’s a nice metropolitan area, but it doesn’t feel like one the same way New York or Chicago do.”

“I enjoy it as well. I spent a little time in Metropolis. I didn’t care much for it. Metropolis is just so big.”

“But they have Superman.”

“We have Supergirl here.” Linda remarked quietly.

“Are you a fan of super-heroes?” Phillip asked pleasantly.

“I like them. They have saved us from world destruction a million times. And, Supergirl saved me from a dangerous cult that wanted to kill me, and then saved my family from the destruction of Leesburg. Not to mention all the times she’d done good deeds around this city.” Linda said watching the sky. One of Linda’s favorite things about Midway City was that the stars were visible from the heart of the city on clear nights.

“Is she your favorite super-hero?”

“Yeah. She is. I’ve always looked up to her. Since she first appeared back in Metropolis.” Linda said quietly.

“My favorite hero is an old World War II hero.” Phillip said.

“Really? A bit before your time isn’t it?” Linda said, sipping champagne.

“You’d think.” Phillip said, his voice odd. “But, not really.”

“Who is your favorite hero?”

“Glory. She was Miss America’s sidekick.” Phillip said.

Linda did a good job of covering her surprise.

“Glory? Never heard of her.” Linda said pleasantly. “I’ve heard of Miss America. Wasn’t she a Freedom Fighter?”

“For a while. Then she was in the JSA for awhile.” Phillip replied, “But, Glory was never officially a member of the JSA or the Freedom Fighters. She was active for only six months during the later half of World War II. She was one of the heroes who helped liberate Bialya from Nazi occupation.”

“I didn’t realize.” Linda said, “Odd she was only active such a short time. Perhaps she was killed during battle. That happens during war a lot of time.”

“No. I don’t think so.” Phillip shook his head. “Do you know that you look just like her?”

Linda blinked. “Do I? What an odd coincidence.”

This was all beginning to feel very odd and she beginning to realize that something was wrong here. There was a look in Phillip Decker’s eyes that sent warning signals flashing brightly in her head.

“I’d say.” Phillip said quietly. “The odds of looking exactly like her, especially close up, are astronomical. Even if you were related to her, the chances would be incredibly slim. If you were her daughter, for instance, you wouldn’t look just like her. You might look very similar—sharing a resemblance. But, you wouldn’t look just like her. You wouldn’t share, for instance, a small mole right there next to your left ear lobe. One so small it’s barely noticeable. What do you think the odds of that would be… Linda?”

“I’d say slim to none.” Linda said quietly, “But obviously there is that slight odd. Since I’m here and I apparently look just like her. Since, I’m quite obviously not in my sixties.”

“You would be in your seventies.” Phillip said quietly. “I’m not sure how it’s possible. But, it is. Did you know that Miss America and her husband still appear to be in their forties? She should be in her eighties and he should be in his nineties. And, they are on paper. But, in person they’re still young.”

“I didn’t.” Linda replied. She hadn’t seen Miss America since World War II. She wondered why she hadn’t bothered to look the woman up since she’d come back to the present.

“Yeah. And, there is no physical reason for it. After many tests and much analysis of their DNA and cellular structure, there is no reason the scientists can find for why they are so young.” Phillip Decker said.

“You’re creeping me out, Mr. Decker.” Linda said quietly.

“Phillip. Call me Phillip.” He replied, his expression taking on a wolfish appearance.

“If it’s all the same, I’ll stick to Mr. Decker. And, I think I’m going to go in there and find my friends. I think I’m starting to get a headache.” Linda said softly.

Phillip Decker seized her by the arm, “Oh, I don’t think so. You aren’t going anywhere. Not yet.”

Mattie Harcourt touched up her lipstick while looking in the mirror.

Putting her lipstick back in her purse, she gave her reflection one last look before turning to leave and head back to the party. She was across the bathroom, her heels clicking loudly on the tile when the door swung open.

“Good evening Fraulein. Are you enjoying the party?”

Mattie’s breath caught in her throat and she took several steps back. Instantly her mind began whirling as she took in the details. There was a tall man in gold armor with a bright red swastika on his chest. A long flowing cape danced out behind him. On either side of him were two guards dressed in black. Mattie noted that each of the two guards were carrying small rifles.

“I was.” Mattie replied evenly. Her mind quickly went thru the contents of her purse. There was a small canister of mace. But, all the men in front of her were wearing masks. The men in black had gas masks and the gold armored Nazi had a full face mask with glass lenses over his eyes. There was nothing else. She had briefly toyed with getting a tazer when they’d first moved to Midway City. But, it had seemed pointless. It wasn’t like Gotham City… Right now, however, she wished she had let her paranoia get the better of her.

“We can do this two different ways.” Baron Blitzkrieg said, “You can run and be loud. And, then we might have to kill people. Or you can come quietly.”

“You know, I’m not stupid.” Mattie said evenly, “I know what men wearing symbols like that—“ she gestured toward the swastika on his chest, “Do to girls like me.”

“You have no idea what this is all about Ms. Harcourt.” Baron Blitzkrieg said, “If you did, you would realize that it’s in your best interest to come with us quietly.”

“How do you know my name?” Mattie asked softly.

“You should ask your friend Ms. Danvers. Maybe she could clue you in.” The Baron said, pulling the trigger.

Mattie blanched, throwing her hands in front of her face and turning quickly in anticipation of a bullet, missing the flash of light from the gun.

When she realized that it wasn’t a gun, her felt hope blossom in her.

However, she was surrounded by the men in black before the hope could grow too strong. Still, Mattie fought. She lunged, tearing at them with her fingernails and kicking.

“She is full of spirit.” Baron Blitzkrieg laughed robustly, crossing the bathroom.

“LET ME GO!” Mattie screamed, her foot connecting with the groin of one of the men. The other held fast, evading Mattie’s every kick.

“Hold her.” The Baron said, pointing the gun directly in Mattie’s face.

“This is going to hurt this close up.” The Baron seemed to purr through his metal mask and helmet.

The Baron snapped the trigger and light exploded in Mattie’ eyes. She was unable to look away this time. Mattie slumped unconscious in the arms of the man holding her.

Linda Danvers looked at Phillip Decker’s hand gripping her arm, feeling the steel grip with which he clutched her. She looked into his clear blue eyes and again was filled with the gnawing knowledge that this man was no stranger. She just couldn’t place his face.

“You need to let go.” Linda said, her voice very firm and dark. “You’re going to leave a bruise. And, I am ready to leave.”

“What are you going to do about it? What can little Linda Danvers do? Glory could easily shake free with her super-strength.” Phillip Decker’s eyes were cruel and taunting.

Linda looked around to see if there was anyone who might be able to help. However, they were alone on the balcony. Inside the hotel, people swarmed around the bar and milled about laughing and drinking—enjoying party foods. No one was looking in her direction. She searched for Mattie and Cutter. She saw Cutter over talking to his boss Johnny Drew and Craig Morris. His back was to the balcony.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m no super-heroine from the 1940’s.” Linda struggled. She knew that she could easily break free. But, if she exerted any super-strength, he would only think it was proof that she was Glory.

“I know that you were the super-heroine Glory, Linda.” Phillip said, his voice sounding different all of the sudden. There was a trace of an accent she hadn’t heard before. It sounded… German.

“Mr. Decker.” Linda said carefully, looking at the odd light glowing in his eyes. “I’m only in my early twenties. How could I be from the 1940’s? It doesn’t make any sense.”

“I’m not sure. You’re actually twenty-two.” Phillip said quietly, “According to your birth records you were born in Leesburg twenty-two years ago. However, most of the original records were destroyed when Leesburg was wiped off the map. And, according to what I’ve discovered, you were believed to be dead at the hands of a cult several years ago—before miraculously being rescued by Supergirl. And Joan Dale-Trevor and her husband Derek Trevor only appear to be in their forties.”

“Who are they?” Linda asked, even though she knew Miss America and her husband’s real names. She remembered when she’d been lost in time, stuck in the 1940’s…when she’d decided to fight injustice as Glory, she’d decided against wearing a mask or being in Supergirl mode because her reasoning had been, No one will recognize me in the future when I get home. And, if they do, who would consider the fact that I could have been this young in World War II? Her reasoning had seemed pretty pat at the time, but now it looked like a bad idea coming back to bite her in the backside.

“Don’t toy with me. Miss America revealed her identity publicly many years ago when her adopted daughter Lyta publicly unmasked as the super-heroine Fury.” Phillip said quietly, drawing close to Linda.

Linda looked into the party just as Craig Morris walked away from Cutter Sharp and Johnny Drew. He reached the bar and ordered a drink. From the crowds swarming around, enjoying the party, two men in dark suits materialized and came up beside Craig Morris. One of them leaned in, whispering something in Craig’s ear.

I wish I had super-hearing, Linda thought, watching the expression on Craig’s face and how the color drained from his face. The men both took an arm and lead Craig Morris away quietly.

Linda looked back at Phillip Decker, her expression going from confusion and fear to anger.

“What is going on here? Who are those men who just took Craig Morris away?” Linda asked quietly, carefully measuring her voice.

“Those are the same men who grabbed your friend Mattie a few minutes ago. The same men who took your mother and father earlier today.” Phillip said, his hot breath on her face. “The very same men who took Joan and Derek Trevor from their home in New Athens, Virginia several days ago. The same men who grabbed Dick Malverne at MCSU earlier, and are waiting for your friend Cutter Sharp to break away from his little group to grab him.”

“I hope you are joking.” Linda said, her voice deadly. “If you have harmed my friends and family, or the Trevors…”

“What?”

“I’ll make you pay.” Linda said quietly.

“But, if you aren’t Glory, how could you make me pay?” Phillip said.

“You’ll see.” Linda said. “I’m not sure what is going on here, and what your damage is but…” Linda paused, her eyes widening in shock.

“Phillip.” She said quietly.

“Yes?” He asked, getting right up in her face.

“Philip Dietlehelm.” Linda whispered.

“You remember. I’m impressed Glory.” Phillip Decker purred, his voice suddenly very much accented with German.

“You’re that Nazi kid that Glory saved and took to the Justice Society for help.” Linda said, suddenly reconciling the youthful man and the man in his mid-thirties standing here on the balcony with her.

“Surely you can drop the illusion. You know my real face, I know your real face. Why the continued charade Glory?” Phillip said.

“You should be in your eighties.” Linda whispered.

“I’m assuming like you, I got better.” Phillip replied. “Unlike my family. Do you remember my family Glory? They were being held captive by Dr. Murder? He was the Nazi doctor performing all those horrible medical experiments in his castle.”

“There were many atrocities committed during World War II. Glory told me all about Dr. Murder.” Linda said, “I’m friends with her you know.”

“Really? With a woman who looks just like you and has the same beauty mark?” Phillip hissed, spittle flying as he got up in her face.

“Really. She’s not the only super-hero I’m friends with you know.” Linda whispered, her eyes taking on a fire. “And, if you have hurt my friends and family, then you will pay.”

“I doubt it.” Phillip said, jerking her by the arm.

“Do you?” Linda asked as Phillip led her toward the glass doors. “We’re going to go into my party. And, you’re going to be very good or I’ll hurt your friends. If you cry for help, I’ll hurt them.”

“I’m not going in there with you.” Linda said. Phillip’s grip was tight and felt like it was a little more reinforced than the average person’s grip. It felt like there might be a slight hint of something super-human in there. However, it wasn’t Supergirl-level strength.

“You are. You are going to cooperate with me Miss Danvers. I have waited for my revenge for almost sixty years. And, you will witness it. You will suffer. As I have suffered. You will pay, as I have. You will understand the devastation to me and my family. And you will feel it. You will pay for what you did to us Glory.”

“What Glory did to you?” Linda felt her temperature rising along with her temper. “As I understand it, she brought you back to JSA headquarters despite her team mates protests so you could recover from a bullet wound.”

“That you did. And, my being alive here only proves that. However, you also promised me that you would save my family from Dr. Murder’s laboratories. And, you didn’t. You disappeared without a trace. And, my family paid the price. I wish you had let me die in Bialya. Then I would have never had to know the pain of what that butcher did to my family.” Phillip hissed.

“Is that what this is?” Linda said, “You blame Glory for what happened to your family?”

“Yes. And, now your family will pay as mine did.” Phillip hissed.

“Oh, F*@# YOU!” Linda screamed, ripping her arm free. “You are really trying to hurt innocent people because Glory disappeared during World War II? As though she had any control! You are going to pay for this Herr Deitlehelm.”

“Stop the act! I KNOW YOU ARE GLORY!” Phillip Decker spat.

“Not anymore.” Linda smiled, a touch of wickedness lifting her lips. “I am no longer Glory. I haven’t been for a while.” She backed away from Phillip Decker/Philip Dietlehelm, pressing her back against the railing of the balcony on the 60th floor.

“Then all the better. You can suffer like a regular human.” Phillip laughed.

“SUPERGIRL!” Linda screamed to the sky, “HELP ME!”

“She can’t help you.” Phillip said.

“I disagree.” Linda laughed. “See you on the flipside Mr. Decker.”

Linda threw herself over the railing of the balcony.

“NO!” Phillip screamed, running toward the balcony. “LINDA !”

His mind reeled in horror as he realized that Linda Danvers was going to escape his carefully planned revenge, the one he had looked to for all these years—even during the years where he believed she must have been dead and beyond his reach. He had lost all hope of ever fulfilling his revenge, of settling the score. Then when he ran into her that day by accident at the Midway City Museum he had realized that destiny had smiled down upon him and was giving him the opportunity to fulfill his mad burning desire.

“Linda’s a bit unavailable.” Supergirl said, flying into view in the same spot that Linda had jumped. “But, she told me to give you this.”

Supergirl hauled off, punching Phillip Decker, knocking the tall blonde man through the glass doors into the penthouse suite where the party was going full steam.

She flew in after him.

People were screaming, running in all directions, some heading for the doors, others cowering behind furniture and pressing themselves against the walls.

Supergirl landed, towering above Phillip Decker as he rolled over onto his back.

“I understand you have Linda’s friends and family somewhere?” Supergirl said, fire blazing from her eyes as her angel powers exploded around her. Her back was alive with giant wings of roaring flame.

“OH MY GOD!” Someone screamed, “WHAT IS SHE?!”

“I’m not pleased. That’s what I am.” Supergirl lifted Phillip Decker up, the man’s blue eyes wide in horror and fear. “Linda is a good friend of mine. Her family and friends are my family friends. If you hurt her, you hurt me. Now, Mr. Decker I need to know where they are. And, how they are. And, if you have harmed one hair on any of their heads, then you will pay.”

“Not even you will deny my revenge Supergirl.” Phillip said. He brought his fist up, clipping the side of Supergirl’s face.

Supergirl felt the punch, dropping Phillip.

“Not bad Mr. Decker.” Supergirl said, her hand going to where his blow had struck. “That stung. A little. I can imagine that would have hurt Linda. But, I’m Supergirl. I stomp guys like you for breakfast.”

Supergirl lunged for Phillip Decker. The man jerked away, moving out of the way in a blur.

“Nice. You appear to have above human strength and are faster than the average man.” Supergirl said, landing.

More people were still escaping the room.

“S-Girl?” Cutter called from behind a couch. “What’s going on? You’re attacking Phillip Decker. One of the richest philanthropists in the world?”

“And former Nazi.” Supergirl replied, “Apparently Mr. Decker has some insane vendetta against Linda Danvers. He thinks she’s a super-hero from the 1940’s. And he has a grudge against her. He has Linda’s friends and family somewhere. He told her that he has Mattie.”

“Mattie?!” Cutter gasped, looking around, realizing for the first time that he hadn’t seen her for nearly twenty minutes since she’d gone to the bathroom. He’d got caught up in a conversation with Johnny Drew and Craig Morris about the Midway City Hawks football team.

“You will find I’m full of surprises.” Phillip Decker said; he took a cell phone from his pocket. “I want you here, NOW!”

The doors to the room burst open, splintering flying everywhere, sending people who were trying to escape flying.

Baron Blitzkrieg marched in, eight darkly garbed soldiers with him.

“Nazis?” Supergirl asked with a raised eyebrown. “My Mr. Decker, perhaps Glory’s faith in you during World War II was unfounded.”

Three of the darkly garbed soldiers stomped across the room, toward Cutter Sharp. Cutter ran, scrambling behind the bar.

Baron Blitzkrieg turned his attention toward Supergirl as Phillip Decker slid back toward a wall from where he had landed on the floor.

“Supergirl.” Baron Blitzkrieg growled through his golden helmet.

“Nazi trash.” Supergirl replied, “I thought you were dead. I heard you died horribly right after World War II.”

“One should never believe gossip.” The Baron replied.

“Really?” Supergirl asked, the flames from her eyes flaring and dancing madly. “You don’t sound all that German, Baron. In fact, you sound fairly American. The original Baron Blitzkrieg’s command of the English language was so accented I heard that Wonder Woman could barely understand what he was saying half the time. Not that he had anything worthwhile to say.”

“I’m the new and improved Baron Blitzkrieg.” The man replied. Around his visor red arcs began to glow.

A powerful destructive bolt of red heat energy shot toward Supergirl, striking against her chest. It knocked Supergirl from her feet, sending her flying backward, slamming into the wall. Her fiery wings burned down into the plaster wall, instantly scorching and tearing through the expensive silk wallpaper.

In the distance, Supergirl could hear sirens as the police approached.

“That hurt.” Supergirl hissed, pulling herself to her feet.

The soldiers in black had surrounded Cutter Sharp at the bar.

“STAY AWAY!” He shouted, throwing bottles of alcohol at them.

“Give up.” One of the soldiers told Cutter. “You won’t get away.”

With a solid toss, a heavy bottle of whiskey slammed into one of the soldier’s face. He blacked out, crumpling to the ground with a grunt.

“I won’t be so easily defeated.” The other soldier said, drawing a gun. “You won’t be able to defeat this with a bottle of whiskey. The bullet will tear through glass.”

“If you kill me, you are gonna leave S-girl highly peeved.” Cutter replied, “If you look at the hell blazing in her eyes right now, I am sure that is something you don’t want. She could wipe this entire room out with a single blast of angel fire.”

“But, that wouldn’t make you any less dead.” The soldier said, his voice almost gleeful. “I am supposed to take you alive Mr. Sharp. But, if an accident happens… Well, I won’t loose any sleep.”

Supergirl flew through the air, slamming both fists into Baron Blitzkrieg’s chest. She heard his armor crack, as she knocked him over.

Supergirl reached down and jerked the Baron to his feet; she swung her fist, slamming it into the side of his face. There was another cracking sound as his gold helmet shattered. Small pieces of gold metal from the helmet flew in a dozen directions, revealing the face beneath.

With a gasp, Supergirl got a full look at the face beneath the mask.

“They don’t make Nazis like they used to.” Supergirl said.

Beneath the gold helmet, was an African-American man, his dark brown eyes glaring back at Supergirl.

“The New Reich isn’t what the Third Reich was.” Baron Blitzkrieg replied quietly. “The Third Reich was founded on Aryan supremacy. The New Reich is founded on the supremacy of the best humanity has to offer. Regardless of race, Supergirl.”

“It’s still racism and founded on hate and stupidity.” Supergirl replied, punching Baron Blitzkrieg squarely in the nose. The man flew across the room, slamming into the wall and sliding down and landing on the ground.

Supergirl spun toward Phillip Decker, the flames from her eyes danced madly.

“Your super-villain leaves something to be desired.” Supergirl hissed, “He wasn’t all that tough.”

Before Phillip could reply, the second darkly garbed soldier stepped into sight, Cutter Sharp held tightly with the barrel of a gun against his temple.

“Supergirl…” Cutter looked at her, fear filling his eyes.

Supergirl flashed back to the dream she’d had of all of her friends and loved ones right after the destruction of Leesburg—when she thought she’d lost them forever. In it her friends and loved ones had accused her of not caring, or not doing enough, of being responsible for their demises. The look on Cutter’s face in that dream was the same expression on his face right now.

“I would recommend you surrender. And, go get Miss Danvers.” Phillip Decker said, as more of the soldiers surrounded Cutter. “There is no way, even you with your super-speed could get across the room before a bullet tears through Mr. Sharp’s brain and splatters it on the wall over there.”

“Supergirl?” Cutter asked, his face covered with rage.

“He has the Danvers, Mattie, Craig, Dick, Miss America and her husband.”

“Miss America? The beauty queen?”

“No. The super-heroine from the 40’s.” Supergirl replied. She looked at Phillip Decker/Philip Dietlehelm. She’d let her temper get the better of her. The smart thing to do would have been to let him take her captive and then have him take her to wherever her loved ones were. Now, she’d created an impossible situation she didn’t know the way out of.

“Go get Miss Danvers. And, then you need to go away, Supergirl. You have nothing to do with any of this.” Phillip Decker said pleasantly, straightening his tie and his hair. It had all gotten mussed in the scuffle. Several small cuts on his face from being thrown through the balcony doors had already dried.

“Before that, everyone needs to be evacuated from this room. All your party goers.” Supergirl said, meeting Phillip Decker’s eyes. “Then, I’ll go and get Linda for you.”

“That’s acceptable.” Phillip said after several moments. He turned to the people in the room, the ones who hadn’t already fled, “Please men and women, if you could flee. It looks as though there is some kind of super-hero/super-villain grudge match here. We seem to be caught in the middle. I’m sure Supergirl must have been given bad information about my supposed involvement.”

“I’m sure.” Supergirl replied, seething with rage.

As the remaining people left, Baron Blitzkrieg pulled himself to his feet. He wiped blood from his shattered nose, walking over to where Phillip Decker stood.

Supergirl could barely contain her anger. She was feeling more and more like she was going to lose her temper and just start pounding Phillip Decker until he was dead. A dead man couldn’t hurt her friends, she thought. But then she reminded herself that she didn’t know what state or where her friends were. It was possible if Decker died, then the same fate would befall her friends and family.

The people left the room, until only Decker, his Nazis, Baron Blitzkrieg, and Cutter remained.

“It’s just us now, Supergirl. Now, go get Linda Danvers.” Phillip Decker said.

“If you insist.” Supergirl shrugged. The decision only took a moment and while she was conflicted about it, there was no other choice.

The transformation between Linda and Supergirl only took a second.

“Mein Gott!” Phillip whispered, taking a step back. “Supergirl?”

Linda looked over at Cutter.

“It’s OK, Lin. Mattie and I already knew.” Cutter said, “We figured it out months ago. We were just waiting for you to tell us.”

Linda smiled at him, even as tears started welling up in her eyes.

“Yes. Linda Danvers is Supergirl.” Linda said quietly, meeting Phillip Decker’s eyes. Her eyes raged.

“This cannot be! I don’t believe it!” Phillip Decker shouted, “This is some trick! I know that you have the ability to shape-shift Supergirl! This is a noble act to protect your friend, but it’s not going to work! Go get Linda Danvers now! NOW!”

“I am Supergirl Mr. Decker. And, during a battle with a super-villain I was lost in time, and ended up in World War II, where I went under the name Glory so as to not damage the space-time continuum. And during the course of our battle in Bialya, I was shot through space where I landed on Krypton. Which is why I never came back to save your family.” Linda said, the Supergirl costume was loose on her. She had left her clothes on the top of the building when she’d thrown herself off the top of the building and transformed.

“A poor excuse.” Phillip said, “Go get Linda Danvers.”

“You are an idiot.” Linda said, “I’m Supergirl. And during World War II, I was Glory. Now, take me to my family.”

“You are a fool. And, I will not abide a fool.” Phillip hissed, “GO GET HER!”

“I am her.” Linda shouted back.

“Baron? Supergirl is being difficult. Please bring your weapon.” Phillip Decker said.

“That’s not going to hurt me.” Linda said as Baron Blitzkrieg pointed his gun at her. “I’m Supergirl. I’m bulletproof.”

“Perhaps, but it doesn’t shoot bullets.” Phillip purred, “When you wake up, go get Linda Danvers. I want her at my headquarters outside the city by dawn.”

“I AM LINDA DANVERS!” Linda screamed at him.

Baron Blitzkrieg pulled the trigger, and a flash of bright light flared in Linda’s eyes. She felt weak, and within seconds was passed out, laying in a pile on the floor.

Phillip Decker turned to the Baron and his men, who still clutched Cutter Sharp tightly.

“She is Linda Danvers you moron!” Cutter shouted, struggling despite the gun at his temple.

“Shut him up.” Phillip told the Baron.

The Baron snapped the trigger again; Cutter slumped down, his struggling ceasing immediately.

“Let’s go.” Phillip Decker said.

He and the Baron and his men left the penthouse, leaving Linda Danvers laying unconscious on the floor.

TO BE CONTINUED