Program: Superhuman *ON HOLD*

Chapter 10: Program: Superhuman

It was Uncle Forge.

My uncle wasted no time in walking straight to the front of the bookstore. He stopped next to Gale and I saw that she seemed puny compared to him, even if she was a few inches taller than me. Macy jumped off Caspar's desk and stared at us, as did the African-American.

"Willow, Arden..." my uncle said in a slightly regretful voice. "We've been expecting you."

I stared at him for a second before glancing back to my brother, who was gazing with wide eyes. My expression was clearly saying I told you so. When I looked back to my uncle and the rest of the people, though, I felt my heartbeat double. A glance to Caspar told me all I needed to know: he really was the Silhouette. But then... how was Uncle Forge mixed up in all of it? And how did Macy know? She wrote a blog about him!

"You have a lot of explaining to do," I said.

"I know," he responded. "We all do. But I think it would be best if we showed you first, and then told you."

My brow crinkled. "What do you mean? I already saw Caspar in the fire..."

My gaze reverted to Macy uncertainly. I had just admitted that I lied to her the day before. She, however, didn't seem that surprised.

"It's okay. Macy knows," Uncle Forge assured me. Still looking at me, he said, "Gale, go tell Timber we have company."

"Yes, sir," she said, rushing off. I watched her jog up the steps and disappear into the apartment upstairs. Then my gaze switched back to Uncle Forge.

"Come on," he said, half turning. "Let's go upstairs."

When he turned and started walking towards the back of the bookstore, Caspar also stood and began following. Macy offered me a small smile and motioned for me to do the same. I was suspicious of her, especially since she already knew Caspar was the Silhouette, but I went ahead and trailed behind my uncle and the African-American. Arden followed, and Macy walked behind him. They led us up the stairs and I gazed upon the living room/kitchen/dining room that belonged to my uncle. It had a single, worn couch and a wooden coffee table. An old TV sat in front of them. The kitchen consisted of counters framing the walls, with a fridge, a stove, an oven, and a sink. And, finally, a small table with four chairs sat behind the couch. I also noticed three doors along the walls, which I assumed led to his bedroom, a bathroom, and possibly a closet.

Uncle Forge walked to the far side of the wall, where there was a bookshelf holding antique vases, China tableware, and a few old books. My uncle grabbed one of the vases and lifted it off its spot. Then he pressed back on the wall behind it. To my surprise, a small section of the wall - in a square shape - was pushed back with his hand. When he replaced the vase, the bookshelf began moving to the right, along with the wall. It revealed an open doorway behind.

My curiosity rose. This just kept getting more and more mysterious.

Uncle Forge walked into the doorway, followed by Caspar, me, Arden, and finally Macy. It was an elevator. Okay... even weirder. This building was obviously only two stories - how could it go any higher?

I got my answer when Uncle Forge pressed a button. The bookshelf slid back into place. And we began descending.

"Where are we going?" I asked, trying to hide my alarm.

"You'll see," Uncle Forge answered.

Barely managing to contain my questions, I waited until the doors finally opened again. Stepping out, I couldn't help but stare.

The flooring was metal, as was the walling, and ceiling. On the opposite wall of the elevator, I saw a huge computer attached to the wall with a keyboard right below it, and a mouse next to it. Above it, and on either side, there were smaller monitors, but all were currently off. A black-cushioned, swivel chair sat in front of it.