August 26, 2005
Week 17 - Impossible Dreams 4
Episode 5
Powell stares at him. "Uh... Join you? What... what do you mean?"
"I mean," Lamont says, "that I invite you to become my partner... my sidekick, if you will. You can adopt a costumed identity, just as I have, and together we can patrol the streets and keep the innocent safe from evil!"
Powell stares at him in amazement. "I'm... I'm just a writer..."
"You are much more than that, Mr. Powell... You have already proven your mettle by slaughtering the minion of the Arachnid Queen."
Powell looks at Lucy. "Maybe... maybe I should go..." he says to her. "This is... this is more than I bargained for..."
Lucy bites her lip. "Wait just one moment..." She turns toward her father. "Daddy... May I speak with Mr. Powell alone? He... he shouldn't make so... so momentous a decision with you standing there watching him... he might feel pressured because he doesn't want to let Coyote Man down..."
Lamont nods. "Yes... Yes, you're right Lucille." He extends his hand to Powell, who takes it. "I shall retire, young friend... My offer stands. But feel no obligation! The life of a superhero is difficult and lonely. We are rarely thanked for our efforts and often misunderstood. Our only satisfaction is the knowledge that we do what is right for no reason but that it is right." He releases Powell's hand and steps toward the doorway. "Whatever your choice know that you have a friend in Coyote Man!" He leaves.
Powell shakes his head. "I'm... I'm sorry I came here," he says to Lucy. "You were right... I have no business hounding you. Your father needs help..."
Lucy stares at him.
"Um..." Powell continues. "I'll... I'll try to convince my publisher to drop the story..."
Lucy still says nothing.
"I... I guess I'll be going now... I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble." He turns and steps toward the hall.
"Mr. Powell, wait!" Lucy calls.
"Uh... yes?"
She smiles grimly. "I think you should take my father up on his offer..."