The Villain Virus Page 17

  “Then I suggest the kids keep their powers to themselves.”

  “No upgrades,” the principal said. “Good idea, sir. I’ll have the kids enroll at Sugarland Academy.”

  “I’ll work with the Secret Service and the school’s police,” Savage said. “There is one other problem, Director. Sugarland is a sophisticated school. The students are mature and cultured.”

  “Sir?”

  “And your kids are not—especially the hyper one.”

  “Flinch. Don’t worry, sir. The team will rise to the occasion.”

  “And leave the crazy one at home.”

  The principal paused. Did the boss really think he would do something so dumb as send Heathcliff Hodges on a mission? If only there was somewhere to send him . . . Unfortunately, until the brains in the science department found a way to return his parents’ memories of him, Heathcliff had to stay in the Playground.

  “I don’t think I have to tell you this mission is your top priority,” Savage continued. “I know it’s not easy to fill Agent Brand’s shoes, but if you and the team succeed in keeping Tessa safe, no one will question your leadership.”

  “Is someone questioning my leadership?” the principal asked.

  But the screen had already gone black. The room’s technology was quickly replaced with the drab, battered furniture of his principal’s office.

  The principal was tempted to run to the file cabinet, snatch the spatula, and stuff it safely in the pocket of his suit jacket. It would make him feel better, but deep down he knew Randy and Barry were right. He was the boss now. He had to put the grill and the deep-fat fryer behind him.

  “Take me to the Playground,” he said out loud.

  A green light flashed and the floor beneath him opened. It was time to fight the bad guys, and he was heading toward a place where he could do just that.

  To be continued in Attack of the BULLIES …