Chapter 4: Temporary Quarters

"Thanks for the lift, chum!"

"No sweat."

Bruce and McGee exited the car and stepped out onto the side of the road. Before them was a sign that read as follows:

YOU ARE NOW ENTERING:

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NEW YORK

POPULATON: 9,870

"Well, it's a start."

"Welcome to the Horseman's Head. Now, what'll it be?"

"A pint of the local." McGee requested.

"Ice water."

The bartender looked at the new guests and poured their drinks, taking care to examine McGee's ID card.

"So, first time in Sleepy Hollow?"

"Yes, for both of us. We were wondering if there were any local attractions, discounting cemeteries, mansions, churches, and anything on the National Register of Historic Places." McGee answered.

"Well, that's pretty much everything. Unless you count the Xavier School, but that's about five miles from here-"

"Speak no more. I want to see it myself."

The spires and other architectural flourishes of the Xavier mansion loomed overhead as the two odd companions approached the gate.

"You go first, Mister McGee." Bruce offered.

McGee opened the old iron gate and approached the large oak slab that was the mansion's front door.

"Go on, see if anyone's home."

McGee balled his hand into a fist and knocked. Almost immediately, a redheaded woman opened the door.

"Go away. We don't take salesmen."

McGee stuck his foot in the door.

"I'm not a salesman!"

"Are you associated with the Friends of Humanity, the Brotherhood of Mutants, or any similar organizations?"

"No!"

"Are you a mutant?"

"No."

"Then you have no business here."

As if propelled by an unseen force, McGee went flying off the doorstep and into a nearby hedge.

"Plan B." he muttered as Banner walked over.

"But-"

"Do it already. Just don't leave too big a mess."

"But-"

"But what?"

"I'm not exactly in the mood to let the big guy out."

"Then do something, dammit!"

Bruce rolled his eyes, walked up to the door, and knocked. The door opened again, and this time a black woman in an alabaster-white jumpsuit and cape was behind it.

"Hello?"

"Hello to you, too."

"Why are you here?"

"My friend and I need somewhere to crash for a while, and we're running low on cash."

"And why did you choose here?"

"I've got some issues."

The door opened, and Bruce walked in. McGee followed.

"So you're the abnormally persistent visitors that Jean told me about."

McGee and Banner looked up at the bald man in a wheelchair before them.

"Yes, that would be us. And you are…"

The bald man extended his hand.

"Professor Charles Xavier."

"Bruce Banner."

"Jack McGee."

Xavier closed his eyes and concentrated.

"What's his deal?"

Xavier opened his eyes.

"I understand why doctor Banner seeks sanctuary here. But you, mister McGee, I do not."