It had all started so innocently with Mary Jane simply thinking of spending time with her surrogate nephew. There had been no scheme to uncover anything secrets and she had no conception of how things would turn out that day. Just a plan on dining with Normie to catch up after all the chaos in their lives. Both of them had been busy lately with work and family matters. He was visiting his step fathers' law firm more often to ensure everything was running smoothly in his latest ventures. Getting legal advise to be on the right side of the law every step of the way. It made her proud to see him finally in charge of his life.
"Sorry it took so long but I wanted to make sure everything was in order."
Normie gave Mary Jane a sheepish grin. It was one of the few traces left of the little boy he had once been now that he was a successful business man in his own right. Caught up in how much he had grown up she didn't hear the door to the office close or notice the figure that had walked out after him. The movement didn't go unseen by Normie however and he remembered his manners. "I don't believe you two have met? Or maybe you did at the party...?"
She turned her head with a warm smile ready to greet the stranger when her eyes fell on the young man. It was the same red head she had seen at Normie and Brendas' party before they wed, the one that bore an uncanny resemblance to Peter. He was adjusting his files when she glanced over before he looked up with a somewhat subdued but nevertheless friendly grin.
"No, I don't believe we have."
Turning to the young man Normie gestured to her. "I believe Merry introduced you to May Parker? This is her mother, Mary Jane Parker. Her and her husband have been friends of the familys' since before I was born. She's my aunt in everything except blood."
They shook hands as Normie motioned to the stranger. It might have been old fashion but a hand shake could tell you a lot about a person. In her experience most men were two extremes: limp gripped or trying to crush your hand. The former said they really weren't interested and the latter said they were trying to prove something. Neither impressed her and made her uncomfortable. The young man gave her a firm grip and after the appropriate amount of time release his hold. Mary Janes' smile widened at that detail. Even if he wasn't interested in the meeting (hard to say) he was at least polite.
"This is-" A yell went across the hall cutting Normie off.
"TYNE! Mr. Nelson needs you! One of the other interns messed up the files and he won't let anyone else touch them now!"
"Always nice to be popular." The red head sighed softly. "I'm afraid that's me."
"You better go before he starts freaking out." Normie pointed out with a knowing look.
"Yep. It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Parker." Tyne rushed over to the filing room much to the receptionist obvious relief.
"He's a nice guy. Actually helped Brenda and me a lot. I-whoops. Hold that thought." Pulling out his vibrating cell Normie flipped it open with a grin. "Hi May."
Seeing his mouth curl into a frown Mary Jane soon forgot all about the intern that had drawn her curiosity. Her concerns were for her family and she wouldn't dwell on the meeting with the young man for a week or so after. Lunch with Liz used to be a special get together for the girls. Years later Mary Jane shared it with mother and son. Somehow the women had lost touch and the tradition was broken. At least until Normie had asked if she wanted to start it up again. They tried to do it at least once a week, some times others were present like Peter, May, Phil or Brenda. After Fury had bombed his apartment with Brenda the couple stayed with Foggy until they found a new place. When Mary Jane arrived at it wasn't a surprise find Normie was on the phone dealing with business while Foggy was working at the dining room table. Papers were laid out over the surface marked with different colored post it notes. Next to a distressed Foggy was Tyne who was apparently organizing the mess into tidy piles.
"I could swear they were purposely sabotaging us. My filing system always gets like this after the Anderson twins have been around." The older man grumbled.
"Why were they by the files after last time?" Tyne asked with a note of exasperation.
"Who knows? I requested for them to be put on the go-for shifts." Foggy shook his head after a moment of fruitless searching. "I think the Cooper briefing is in the kitchen."
He rose from his seat and noticed Mary Jane. "Oh! I'm sorry. I got carried away and didn't see you there."
"It's okay, I know how it is. I'm just waiting for Normie." She sat on the far end of the table when he gestured to the chair. "Please don't mind me."
"I can at least bring you a drink. I'm thinking of getting one myself."
Tucking her purse into her lap she gave him a patented Mary Jane award winning grin. "Thank you kind sir, I am feeling ever so parched."
He laughed at her theatrics as she mocked fanned herself. Turning Foggy glanced at his intern. "What about you? Want a brew?"
Tyne shook his head. "Nope. Maybe a soda or iced tea if you have it."
"Hey I may be the boss but you won't get in trouble drinking if I'm the one offering. That's not something I normally do but you're one of the few at the firm I'd actually trust to handle a belt." He received a shake of the head in reply which led to an explanation when Foggy frowned in confusion.
"I'm not really a drinker." The red head answered with a shrug.
"That serious about your studies? That's great but you're in college. Beer is practically a byline of the student charter." It was said as a joke and Mary Jane couldn't help but join in the teasing.
"It's true. Part of being the rebellious youth and all that. You have to do something free spirited to get the full college experience." Her voice was in what Gwen had affectionately referred to as Mary Janes' "hippy tone." Tyne offered a tiny grin before glancing back down at his work.
"I guess I'll have to rebel against the norm in a different manner then."
She found his dry delivery and wry smile very endearing. Chuckling she gave him a nod of approval, "I think you did by not giving into peer pressure."
"And that's one of the reasons why he's my most reliable intern." Foggy said with a note of pride before turning to leave.
Mary Jane regarded the young man at the table as silence filled the room. In her experience there was no such things as coincidences where he husband was concerned. Finding someone that bared a striking resemblance to Peter had caught her attention. Tyne didn't seem like a villain or some plot set up to get their attention. Not that Peter would have noticed if he was. She briefly considered the possibility that he was a child her husband had with another woman prior to their relationship. Only she wasn't sure of the age nor if that was possible. Asking would certainly be awkward at best...
"What college do you go to?"
Tyne looked up from his work clearly surprised she still wanted to talk to him now that Foggy was out of the room. "ESU."
"I went there with my husband and Normies' parents, Harry and Liz. It's a good school." It was a weak topic but it was all she had for an opener.
"I enjoy it." After a beat when she had nothing to add he glanced back at the papers.
"You do remind me of someone." Mary Jane noticed his shoulders tense and wondered if she was onto something. Then again she might have made him uncomfortable or he just wanted to get back to work. Still she decided to press on hoping to find a clue. "Maybe I know your parents?"
It was a good line of questioning because she didn't know anyone with Tyne as their last name. If this could be explained by finding out his mothers' name...
"I never knew my parents." He looked sad then and she regretted bringing it up.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure they'd be very proud of you." It was sincere, she knew she'd be proud of her child going to college and working at a law firm.
"I'd like to think so."
Reentering the dining room Foggy handled Mary Jane a fruity blend drink that Liz and her used to have on their get visits. It made her sad to think of the friend she had lost. The fact her husband remembered was sweet and spoke of his own loss more loudly than anything else she had witnessed during her visits. "And they say chivalry is dead. Many thanks."
Placing a tray and file on the table he picked up a glass. "For the guy that constantly saves me from my more helpless interns."
"Thanks." Tyne slid over a pile of papers to Foggy before taking a slip.
"Auntie M?" Normie peered out of the study beckoning her forward. "I'm ready to go. Sorry for taking so long. I seem to make a habit out of that lately."
"I know you're a busy, Normie. You bear the burden of the family business very well." Far better than his grandfather or father. She finished her drink as he retrieved his jacket. "Brenda said she won't be able to make it since her appointment will keep her busy for a few hours."
"I had hoped she would cancel," he sighed regretfully. "We haven't been able to organize our time better and have hardly seen each other for the last couple of weeks. Well we'll have to plan for the three of us to go out some other time. I guess it's just us today."
"I'm sorry that I can't come either but sorting through this mess is going to take awhile." Foggy turned to his intern. "I could order Chinese food."
"Fine by me, just not that place two blocks down."
The older man grimaced."Yeah, they weren't that great."
Bidding them goodbye Mary Jane left with Normie to dine at a high end Italian place Brenda had raved about. Although the price was more than a little intimating he had insisted it was the least he could do after all her family did for him. The topics of the discussion started off on the usual, the Parker family. From there it was married life and the struggles Normie was sure to go through. When the drinks came Mary Jane was reminded of her talk with Foggy and the young man with the red hair.
"Your step father seems very taken with Tyne. I can't recall seeing him that relaxed around an employee in years." Foggy Nelson was a social man who was very friendly in general, it was just surprising to see him so close to someone just starting out in the firm.
"Yeah, I noticed that too. Ever since I was little I remember him complaining on how many interns and new lawyers are in it just for the money with few that actually have any passion for the work. Seeing someone with a real drive for law caught his eye. Although their pretty professional it's obvious dad has a favorite."
Digging into her salad Mary Jane quirked an eyebrow wondering if she accidently touched a nerve. Normie didn't seem jealous but in the past he was annoyed that Foggy might have wanted him to follow in his footsteps. Having someone else fill that spot might have upset him. "What do you think of, Tyne?"
Normie shrugged. "I like him. We get along alright, he actually cared about our cases and treated us like people. I've dealt with people that haven't had much sympathy for an ex-supervillain. Brenda appreciated his efforts too. Of course I don't really know much about him beyond that. We mainly meet to discuss business, legal matters or whenever he's with dad on some project."
Pleased to see there was no ill will Mary Jane smiled. "That's good to hear."
"Why the interest? Did you two talk much?"
Waiting until she finished chewing Mary Jane wiped her mouth before replying. "We talked a little. From what I've seen I do agree he seems like a nice young man although my interest goes back a little further back than our recent meeting."
"Oh?" He reclined against the plush leather seats obviously interested.
"Yes. I first saw him at your party although we didn't speak until you introduced us. I tried to bring this up with Peter but he had no idea what I was talking about." She rolled her eyes at the memory of her husbands' lack of reaction. "I just find it very odd that Tyne looks so much like Peter."
"YES! Exactly! Thank you!" Normie jumped up from his seat with his arms extended. He seemed to have forgotten where they were and drew the attention of several eyes. "May didn't notice it either! I explained it to her and she still didn't see it!"
"Finally, someone else knows what I'm talking about!" It wasn't too shocking that Peter had been oblivious (or May really), some things just slipped his notice. When no one else commented on Tynes' appearance Mary Jane hadn't known if they were all blind or if she was seeing things. "This can't be a coincidence."
Normies' smile disappeared and he lowered his voice to a whisper. "So what are you saying? That he's some criminal mastermind?"
"I don't know what to believe, I just feel that there's something more going on with him."
"Maybe there is, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious, but I don't think he's a bad guy. Dad is usually a pretty good judge of character and doesn't let just anyone get so close to him. He's been great with Brenda and me. He didn't even get scared off when Brendas' ex sent Nobody after him to send a message."
Mary Jane hadn't heard that one and it backed up her first impression of the mans' dedication. "I don't want to think the worst of him either but I'd feel better if we had some explanation. After Furys' last trick on the family I rather not take any chances."
"Gwen Reilly" was a cruel deception even if no one had bought her story. What made it worse was losing April shortly after that and Mary Jane wouldn't stand for anyone messing with her family. Not again.
"If he was some plant he'd have to be playing a long game since he's hardly interacted with any of you. I don't think he's even met Uncle Pete." It didn't seem likely as Peter didn't spend that much time with Foggy or even Normie unless it was an event.
"We have to find out the truth." She spoke with such conviction he dropped his fork in surprise and stared at her determined gaze. "I'm not going to be caught unaware again."
"What are you suggesting Auntie M? He hadn't done anything wrong-just look like Uncle Pete. What do you want to do, go up to him and ask? He won't tell you if something IS up and if it isn't he'll think you're crazy. "
That had occurred to her but she had other ideas in mind. "Actually I was thinking that we could get Phil to run his prints. Maybe get some DNA if we can get a hair."
Normies' eyes budged, his mouth mimicking a fish gasping for breathe at her boldness. "Uh...disregarding the fact I'm pretty certain that's illegal...how can we do that without him getting suspicious? Getting a hair would be awkward enough with someone with longer hair."
"I'm sure we can think of something."
...
Reilly wasn't sure what to make of Mary Jane Parkers' constant appearances as of late. The first couple times were surprises that he had nevertheless enjoyed. Now it seemed like he saw her nearly everyday which instantly drew his suspicion. He was positive that Normie said his lunches with the woman were once a week not everyday. The fact that they met around him so frequently was another odd occurrence. Only business brought Reilly near them so seeing Normie showing up daily at the firm was another eye raiser. Brenda and him stayed at his step fathers' home it making office visits rather moot. The excuses varied and usually Normie would be away for awhile leaving Mrs. Parker waiting with Reilly usually stuck keeping her company. She was a nice enough woman but Reilly never knew what to say to her. Normally he'd be worried about someone discovering his secret but how would they know? There wasn't a trail of evidence linking him to his father. Even if they tracked down his birth certificate his mother had made up a false name in place of Bens'. The man had never legally existed but he still had enemies.
Mrs. Parker made small talk with him but never broached anything personal since she asked about his parents. He hadn't lied just avoided mentioning all the details. What started to weird him out was when she touched the label of his jacket to ask where he got it. Reilly had slightly more expensive suits than he used to get as Matt had encouraged him to spend more for longer wear and to make better impressions. The discomfort didn't stem from the cost but rather her getting in his personal space. They weren't that well acquainted with each other and the gesture was a little too friendly for his liking.
"I worked in fashion you know. I'm always trying to find something for my husband that will fit his tastes. I doubt he'd get anything this nice." She released her hold although her nails scrapped the fabric as she did.
"A friend recommended a place to me." Resisting the urge to step back he shrugged instead to pretend he wasn't freaked out. Besides his aunt unknowingly touching him the idea of exchanging fashion tips was just bizarre. (In truth he tried to only go with a few colors just because his hair limited his choices.)
When Normie returned he had Mr. Nelson with him talking animatedly. Usually this meant he was off the hook and she'd be leaving. This time was different as his boss beamed directly at him. "I think it's time we celebrated all the hard work you've done around here. Why don't you join us for lunch. My treat."
"I appreciate the offer but-"
"No buts, I know you've been overworked lately. Don't want me to feel like a slave driver, right? What do you say, Reilly?" Mr. Nelson had been down more often than not after his wifes' death and trouble with Normie. He couldn't really deny him when he had given him so much and the idea of spending time together seemed to make him happy. Honestly Reilly truly liked the man and saw why he was Matts' best friend.
"Well when you put it like that I guess I can't say no." Reilly glanced over to Mrs. Parker to see her eyes widen as she quietly breathed "Reilly?" as if she saw a ghost.
"That's the spirit! Come on, I'll drive." Throwing an arm over his step son Mr. Nelson walked with a spring in his step. It was a nice sight.
"Your name is Reilly?" Mrs. Parker asked quietly, no more than a whisper.
He frowned wondering how that hadn't come up before. Granted they never spoke in great detail but surely she would have heard it from someone else by then. "Reilly Tyne. I guess we did get cut off when we were introduced. I just assumed you knew."
Whatever her reply was it was lost over the chatter of Mr. Nelson and Normie. The ride to the diner was just the two of them talking excitedly over future plans. When Reilly first arrived at the firm he assumed his boss had a taste for the finer things in life despite what he heard from Matt. As it turned out Franklin "Foggy" Nelson still liked the simpler things like the old fashion diners he would go to before making it big. He respected the man and liked him as a person for being so down to earth. Were they close? Reilly didn't know how to define their relationship outside employer and employee. They were friendly but Mr. Nelson didn't really know him. No one outside Matt and Kaine really did. It was a sad truth that he tried not to dwell on because really how could he explain his life to anyone?
Much to his dismay Normie shifted gears from apartment hunting with his wife to getting to know Reilly better, stating that they never really learned much about him. That was intentional on his part because he disliked lying and tried to avoid it when he could. "I'm not sure where to start."
"Well, er, I guess your folks. How you grew up and decided to pursue law?" The way he said it made it sound like Normie didn't want to press for details but had to because someone twisted his arm. Tucking that detail away for later he took a sip of water to delay himself for a moment.
"I never knew my parents. I was in foster care for awhile." Brief, to the point, and entirely honest.
"I think you said you had an aunt and uncle that raised you?" Mr. Nelson cut in reminding Reilly of his "official" story of half-truths and lies. "Good people right?"
"They changed the way I saw the world." Not a lie just not what they'd assume he meant.
"Really? Maybe their the ones you remind me of." Mrs. Parker added looking downright invested in his story.
"I don't think that's possible. Their...their not with me anymore." That was a half-lie since it made it sound like they were dead. A mislead as they weren't in his life anymore after social services took him away. Yes, he'd make a fine career as a lawyer.
"Oh, I'm sorry. It seems like I keep saying the wrong thing." She did look regretful and that alone made him feel guilty.
"You didn't know. It's alright."
"You know it's funny that Mary Jane thinks you remind her of someone. Normie asked me the same thing about you. Although he seems to think it's her husband, Peter Parker." Alarmed Reilly glanced at Normie who purposely avoided eye contact.
"I'll have to take his word for it I guess. I've never been introduced to Mr. Parker." It was impressive how steady his voice could sound when his heart was hammering in his chest. Mr. Nelson went on like it was just an amusing story to tell over drinks.
"Actually you remind me of someone else."
All eyes turned to his boss in surprise and Reilly found himself curious. "I do?"
"Yeah. I mean it's just little things like your passion for law. You take every case seriously and well, I guess the red hair too. Sometimes you remind me of my partner Matt."
Reilly tried to compose himself because getting emotional over this wouldn't make sense to any of them. While Matt was with him in the spiritual sense he was never in control. All anyone ever saw was Reilly no matter what face he used. Sometimes the temper of the vengeance demon side got to him but he was the one in the drivers' seat. Hearing that he could be like his mentor, even in the smallest of ways, was inspiring. It was like a balm after hearing all the cruel things Parker said about him making a mockery of Matts' legacy.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Mr. Nelson gave an approving nod as he absently wiped his eye. "Good. It was meant as one."
After a moment of silence Mrs. Parker got the ball rolling again and by prompting him to finish answering Normies' questions. The last one was why he decided to pursue law.
"A lot of reason I suppose. Foster care is a flawed system and I saw things that need to be improved." That was a little more honest than he intended. "Later on I had a mentor that showed me how the law could and should be used to help those in need as well as put the worst offenders away. This will sound cliché but I don't know how else to phrase it. I just want to make a difference."
...Omitting the fact that he also felt the need to find a way to free his mother that was pretty truthful. The focus never left Reilly throughout the meal leaving him feeling vaguely out of sorts. He wasn't used to being the center of attention outside dealing with the court but those were always on the behalf of someone else. Mrs. Parker and Normie seemed to be tag teaming him to get information. Why he didn't know, Reilly was sure he didn't leave any clues out in the open for them to pick up on. Perhaps like Normie his aunt thought he looked like Peter. She had been stating he reminded her of someone and judging by the look on her face she knew who that was. They were trying to get something but didn't know how to achieve their goal. He'd seen it before and knew how the game was planned. They'd play innocent while searching for any weakness they could exploit to find out what they needed. Only Reilly was used to hiding the truth and would only work harder now that he was leery of their intent.