Nick The Sidekick

Nick the Sidekick is a story about a superhero assistant who wants to be a true superhero. Despite solving all the crimes, he never gets the recognition he deserves. One day, he overhears plans for a bank heist and tries to inform Super Fantastic Guy, but discovers his secret cave and a love for kittens. They eventually catch the criminals, but the mastermind escapes. Nick uses his hearing powers to rescue Super Fantastic Guy from a locked vault. Reading Rainbow presents Nick the Sidekick, written by Dave Whammond, narrated by Caleb Fox. Meet our hero, Nick. Who am I kidding? Okay, maybe not an actual superhero, but a superhero assistant or sidekick. Don't call me a sidekick. I hate that word. Now Nick is a superhero assistant to Super Fantastic Guy, whom we all know and love. Make that some of us. Nick was recruited by Super Fantastic Guy right out of school. Hmm, I need someone to solve crimes for me. That kid is smart and has great grades. Thanks. And you have super good hearing. How would you like to be a superhero? And he said this next word in his head, assistant. A superhero? Wow, I never thought, wow, really? I could use a guy like you, Rick. Let's do this. Oh, and it's Nick. The whole superhero thing didn't go exactly as Nick had hoped. Super Fantastic Guy loved the limelight. Look at me. Oh brother. And although Nick was a card carrying member of the National Superhero Society, he felt like he never got the respect he deserved. Hey, aren't you Super Fantastic Guy's sidekick? Don't call me a, ah, never mind. Nick was always there to help Super Fantastic Guy solve crimes. Well, okay, Nick solved all the crimes. After a particularly rough case, Nick deciphered something that Super Fantastic Guy had overlooked. I figured out where the criminal's hideout is. They're using a candy shop at the front for their operation. That's why the loot they stole smells like gummy bears. Of course. Why didn't I think of that? Don't worry, you will, Nick said under his breath. Later when the case had been solved, Super Fantastic Guy told the reporters how Nick had solved it and gave Nick none of the credit. Nick longed to be a true superhero. He wanted to rescue someone, anyone. He wanted to help others and fight crime. That night at his favorite diner, Nick was trying not to listen to every conversation as usual when he overheard a group of people sitting 17 tables away talking about the biggest heist in town history. Here's the plan, boys. He listened very carefully and then he ran back to Super Fantastic Guy's headquarters, but he wasn't prepared for what he found there. Super Fantastic Guy! Super Fantastic Guy! There's going to be a gigantic bank heist! Gah! I told you not to come into my secret cave of solitude! I'm your partner. What is so secret that I can't come in? What are you hiding? Um, kittens? Really? I wasn't prepared for this. Okay. I love cats. They're so cute and cuddly, but you can't tell anyone. It would ruin my super street cred. Please? Your secret's safe with me. Woo! Thanks! Say, do you know how a human can get rid of hairballs? I'm asking for a friend. Look, let's just get to the bank. We have to set up a stakeout. You're right. Let's roll. Hang on! I can't really fly yet! And so, Nick held on to Super Fantastic Guy's cape, grumbling that he didn't know how to fly yet. Then they arrived. Look! It's a criminal! And the master criminal, Tank Tankerton! The crime-fighting duo tore into the bank and found the criminals already inside the vault. Super Fantastic Guy sprang into action, knocking down criminals left and right inside the vault. Nick waited outside the vault. He was worried something wasn't right. And sure enough, master criminal Tank Tankerton sneaked out of the vault and slammed the vault door, not only on Super Fantastic Guy, but also on his own partners in crime. Mwahaha! The fools! Nick tried to stop him. It's just me and Tank. This is it. My chance to be a real hero! But Tank got away with a huge sack of money. Nick had to get Super Fantastic Guy out of the vault so he could chase after Tank Tankerton. But it was locked. Hang on! This is a perfect job for my hearing powers! He put one of his big ears to the vault and slowly turned the dial. Thank you for listening to the sample. If you'd like to read more, please pay the subscription of $19.99 or buy the book as a single for $10.99.