The next morning, Peter arrived at his workplace. He stopped to talk to Betty Brant.

"How is Jameson handling this?" Peter asked.

"He seems very upset," Betty said. "He is denying the theory that his son has turned into a wolf. But I think that, deep down, he believes that it may be true. He is having a meeting with someone."

"Who?"

"Some guy named Mac."

In his office, J. Jonah Jameson sat at his desk. He held up a newspaper that was published by the New York Post. It contained the headline, "THE MAN-WOLF MENACE FROM SPACE." It contained a photo of Man-Wolf that was a bit blurred.

"Maybe my son has turned into this thing, or maybe he hadn't. Either way, I am hiring you, Mr. Gargan, because I have heard that you are one of the best private investigators."

Standing in front of his desk was a man named Mac Gargan. This was a private investigator Jameson believed he could trust with confidentiality.

"It seems dangerous," Gargan said. "I'm not sure if I can do it just for the money."

"Come on, Mac. This is my son. And aren't you people all about green? Money's not enough for you?"

"I'm just saying, I could get hurt during an investigation like this. Have you seen the videos on the news?"

"Of course I have! I am worried about my son! Why wouldn't I watch the news? I need some sign of his whereabouts. Look, maybe I can offer you more.

"Like what?"

"If you can bring my son to me, you will get the money. In addition, you will also get credit for a photo I happen to have of Spider-Man unmasked."

"Spider-Man unmasked? You're joking. Nobody has ever unmasked Spider-Man."

"I happen to know for a fact that Spider-Man works in my office."

"And you're blackmailing him?"

"I'm just waiting for the right moment to reveal his secret to the world, you know? When this newspaper really needs it. You can have the credit for the photo. I will say that I hired you to investigate who Spider-Man was."

"How long ago did you take the photo?"

"A year ago?"

"Won't people wonder why it took this long?"

"Just say that you misplaced it and then found it. I don't care!"

"Misplaced it?"

"You will get the credit and whatever money I make from the newspaper issue that reveals his identity. The fact that everyone will know his secret will be satisfying enough for me. What do you say? Will you find my son or not?"

Mac paused for a moment to think.

"I may have a lead."

"Very good. You're a private investigator. Go... investigate privately."

Mac Gargan opened the door of the office and exited. J. Jonah Jameson took a long look at Peter Parker. Peter looked back at him. Jameson gave him a smile and a wave.

"Why is he doing that?" Betty asked.

"I don't know," Peter replied. "But it's really creeping me out."

"You and me both," Betty said.