I descended the van's steps and emerged into the early evening light to find Brad standing about fifteen feet away, flanked by his two constant companions—Billy and Kyle. All three were fully dressed in what looked like preparation for travel or activity, wearing jackets and carrying packs meaning they'd geared up for some purpose.
Don't tell me…
The moment Brad's eyes met mine, his smirk widened into something nastier. "Well, well, if it isn't our self-appointed hero," he drawled with contempt. "All geared up and ready for action, thinking you're some kind of monster hunter or post-apocalyptic knight?" His tone dripped with mockery. "Too bad for you, I'm not one of the brainless morons who buys into your bullshit superpowers. Never have been, never will be."
Before I could formulate a response to his provocative opening, Christopher descended the van steps behind me.
