Free The Galilee Falls Trilogy (Book 3): Fall of Heroes by Jennifer Harlow Page B

true reason she came by has revealed itself. Concern for my welfare had nothing to do with it. She just wanted something from me. Why am I so surprised? I roll my eyes. “Fuck you.”
    “What now?”
    “You actually had me thinking you came here out of the kindness of your heart. That you gave two shits about me.”
    “I-I do!” she snaps, mouth agape in disbelief.
    “No, you just wanted an excuse to come over to get something from me.”
    “Fuck you! Don’t you dare question my integrity and loyalty, not after all these years. I’m not stupid, Jo. I knew Jem was Lord Nightingale, and I know he’s probably Captain Moonlight, and did I say anything? Print a damn word? No, because I wouldn’t do that to you. Because I love you.” She puts her hands on her hips. “I came here because no one had heard from you in a week. I came because we’re all shit scared for you. And with good reason. You’re losing it. I just thought taking down the mayor with me might be a good distraction. That’s it. My only ulterior motive.” Her cell phone begins ringing, and V rolls her eyes. “Fuck! Just…fuck. I have to take this.” She removes her phone from her pants. “Veronica Lilley.” She listens. “Now isn’t a good time, sir. I—” Her mouth snaps shut for a few seconds. “Can’t you send Mason? I’m—” She rolls her eyes again. “Fine. Fine . I’ll get down there. I’m ten minutes away. Bye.” She hangs up and groans. “Your ex is beating the shit out of Gearhead at the Tech Expo.” My stomach clenches. Gearhead can control machines. Jem could be facing an entire army of super robots or something. “I have to get down there.”
    I keep my face neutral. “Whatever.”
    She picks up her purse from the floor. “But we’re not done here. I’m coming back. At least once a day.”
    “Don’t bother.”
    “Still doing it. Don’t make me sic Mom on you.” V frowns at me. “Go to a damn meeting, Jo. Get out of this place. Do something . Because this isn’t you.” She tries to smile, but only makes it half-mast. “I love you.”
    I don’t reply. V shakes her head and hustles off to play girl reporter. I plop on the beige couch with a sigh. That was uncalled for. I’ve known V all my life. She’s always been straight with me, always had my back. Like the big sister I never had. Damn my temper. Thankfully she doesn’t hold a grudge like the rest of us Irish. I’ll apologize. Find a way to make this up to her somehow. She has been sitting on the story of the year. For me.
    She knew about Jem. Can’t say I’m shocked. I’m actually surprised more people haven’t put it together. Before he became Moonlight we talked about that eventuality. A hero with similar powers, similar build just appearing in Galilee months after Lord Nightingale “died?” Could happen. We saw the way people studied him. As if he would lift off the ground and fly around the room. Then he’d open his mouth or trip on his own feet, and that would be that. No one who meets him socially or professionally would ever think the gangly, unkempt, monosyllabic researcher is the man currently beating up a supervillain.
    Gearhead. He hasn’t been active in a while. Not since before the Triumvirate arrived. That time Olympia and Geronimo teamed up to stop him, and then Geronimo wasn’t seen for two months after. He’s right up there on the deadly scale with Bruiser and Giagantor. Dozens dead. Always gets away. And Jem’s never faced him before, let alone whatever nasties he’s recruited at the Expo. Who the hell knows what they’re unveiling there. A robot army with nukes? One thought and Gearhead has them doing his biding. Maybe Olympia’s there too. Maybe—
    Shit.
    Doris Jr is on the kitchen counter already booted up. In my more sober or drunk periods I combed the Independence news stories researching Lucy and anyone named Joe associated with her. Fuck all so far on a “Joe,” but a ton on White Knight, the super-strong,