Chapter 124 [Next Day—Daily Planet Bullpen]
The Planet's bullpen buzzed much like a hive full of bees. Staffers raced in all directions. Reporters called and texted sources. Fingers raced across keyboards. Their strokes spun precious copy for the next edition. Compositions came together now on a computer screen instead of the old giant sheets.
Peter stepped off of the elevator. From the Bugle, he'd seen this type of feeding frenzy on a daily basis. Even with new faces and a different location, the same rules applied to this jungle as to his former one. He hefted the borrowed briefcase. He looked over his suit to make sure not a wrinkle marred it. He turned right and walked down the hallway.
Just off to the right, a slender guy in a dark vest and white shirt typed away on something.
This is it! Peter sucked in a deep breath. He walked up to the desk. "Good morning."
The desk guy looked at him out the top of his thick rims. "Can I help you?"
"Uh…yes. My name's Peter Parker. I have an 11 o' clock with Ms. Travers." Peter relaxed ever so slightly.
"Yes of course! She's expecting you." He got on his phone. "Ms. Travers, Mr. Parker is here. Are you ready for him? All right." He hung up. "Mr. Parker, she's waiting for you. May I get you some water or a coffee?"
"No thanks. I appreciate it though." Peter nodded. He walked through the door to find a slender blonde haired woman with glasses and a beige blazer waiting beside her desk. He remembered her sitting in the back at the previous day's workshop. "Good morning, Ms. Travers."
"Good morning, Mr. Parker. I appreciate you coming in this morning. Once again congratulations on your wedding. I also wanted to compliment you on your workshop yesterday. You know perspective and detail as well as anyone I have ever heard talk on the subject. In that regard, you answered all of my questions back in Smallville. So thank you." Travers extended her hand.
He shook it. "You're welcome. Anything to help out. We help someone and we get better."
"Indeed." She rubbed her chin. "Did you bring what we discussed?"
"I sure did." He opened the briefcase. From it, he took out two manila files and a flash drive. "I wanted to get these right for you."
"What do we have here?" Her finger tapped Anticipation's code on the desk's polished surface. She opened the folder. "The all important article." She held her hand out toward the waiting chair. "Take a seat. I want to read this."
"Sure. Thanks." He sat down. Nerves ate at his stomach. He glanced toward the window at the Metropolis skyline beyond the glass. He could envision himself swinging on his web line above the city. He wondered about the people down there. He mused over what villains and crime waited for the Wall Crawler. He turned to see her setting the hard copy down. He gave her his rapt attention.
"I like it. Once again, I am amazed that Jameson never gave you a chance at writing. Your writing needs a bit of polish. Still, for someone with little training to compose, research and write this way, I am impressed. The pictures are yours?" She plugged the flash drive in. After the perfunctory scan took place, she transferred the article onto her drive. Then she handed it back to him. "Congratulations, Mr. Parker. You're going to be in the Sunday edition."
"Just like that?" He blinked.
"Yes. Just like that." Exasperation ground her teeth. "What did that shark do to you? My word! No wonder Miss Sullivan said what she did! I expect big things from you, Mr. Parker. Big things." She stood once again. "I saw you looking out the window earlier."
"I was visualizing the next story." He stood as well. "I think about the city. What is everyone doing? What kinds of activities drive it? Where is its heart? What businesses drive it? What are people's concerns? That's how we connect to them. You connect, you sell papers."
She stared at him. She nodded.
"What? Did I insult you?" He stiffened. He hoped he hadn't blown the interview with that observation.
"Insult me? Hell no you didn't! On the contrary, you impressed me once again. You just put your finger right on the bullseye." She pointed right at his chest. "Now I know I want you here. Your instincts are top notch. I want you to keep working with Donnelly at Smallville High on your writing. Maybe you can give a few more workshops on photography out there? I'd like one here. If you don't mind, I'll let Sullivan write it up. Most people, I'd worry about integrity. I think she'll be fine."
"I talked with my wife and aunt. We have to figure some things out in New York. I can be ready to start here whenever you need me." He exhaled a relieved breath.
"Donnelly says she has another Journalism class at Granville Community College first summer session. I want you in her class. She'll give you some more pointers on composition. As for this piece, I don't shortchange people. These photos are clean and crisp. The research is top notch. I'll give you a thousand dollars for this piece. Five hundred for the article. Five hundred for the photos." She logged into her computer and typed a few key strokes. "There! It should be in your account shortly."
Just like that? JJJ never would have done that. He nodded.
"As for when you start, Gilbert McMichaels is set to retire in late August. I'll have staff funds to put you on the payroll August 1st. Then your partner and you can do your thing. I'll expect writing and photos from you, Mr. Parker. If you have any issues with relocating, please let me know. I'd be happy to direct you to a great relator." She slid a folder of her own across the counter. "There's the job offer. Look it over. If everything's all right, please sign it."
He read the offer over. He liked what he saw there. The salary, benefits and other perks really stood out. Gwen can really devote herself to school with this. "I'm ready to sign."
"Excellent." She handed him a pen.
He scribbled his signature on the offer. Then he closed the file and slid it across to her. "Thank you."
"My pleasure, Mr. Parker. You have a great deal of potential as a writer. Your photos speak for themselves. I can tell you that we're excited to have you here at the Daily Planet. I'll email Miss Sullivan with that assignment. Are there any questions?" She looked him over once again.
"You've covered everything, Ms. Travers. Thanks. I can't wait to meet everyone. If you need a photographer in the meantime, I'm available for the most part. Other than moving everyone here that is," he offered.
She nodded. "Make sure you're not spreading yourself out too thin. Don't be surprised if I take you up on that. I'm one who appreciates good talent and doesn't like to waste it. I also value quality and quantity. Thanks again for coming in so promptly, Mr. Parker. I am sorry about what happened at the Daily Bugle. This will be a new beginning." She shook his hand. "I'll lead you out." She walked with him out to the desk. "I'll email you around the beginning of July just to check in. If you have any concerns, you can let me know. Can you follow me? There's someone else I need to introduce you to." She closed her door. "Gerald, we'll be right back. I need to take Mr. Parker to meet Mr. Taylor."
"Yes, Ms. Travers. I'll take care of that." The assistant nodded. He pressed the button and took another call.
"Follow me. You can see our bullpen all around us. Someone's always working on something." She pressed a key on the elevator. "So did you drive in by yourself or…?"
"Mr. Luthor's with my wife and aunt at Metropolis University. Gwen would transfer her credits from Empire State after I start here." He followed her into the elevator car.
"She could have that tuition discount by the spring semester. We have that vesting period per HR policy." She led him out of the car and down the hall to a desk where a slender Asian woman with dark hair read a computer screen. "Ming Sa?"
"Yes? Good morning, Ms. Travers! Is this Mr. Parker?" Ming Sa stood. "Welcome, Mr. Parker. Mr. Taylor is expecting you both." She knocked on the door.
"Yes?" a gruff voice called through the door.
She opened the door. "Mr. Parker and Ms. Travers for you, Sir."
"Good! Come in!" A heavy set man with white hair lumbered across the room. His scalp glistened in the sunlight. "Mr. Parker! Good morning, Boy! Good morning!" His eyes studied Peter. "Ms. Travers, what do you think?"
"I'm convinced. Mr. Parker could use some polish on his writing. He working with Donnelly in Smallville. He'll take her class this summer for more follow up. He starts here August 1st. Meantime, he's moving from New York with his wife and aunt." She handed him the two files. "Top one's the Talon article."
"Good enough to print. Is it?" Taylor opened the folder. He narrowed his eyes. He skimmed several paragraphs. "Mmm…yes. If you want practice, Mr. Parker, that's fine. This reads fine as is."
"It's going to the Sunday Edition, Mr. Taylor. By the way, Mr. Parker volunteered to do some photo assignments for us this summer if we need him." She straightened her glasses and glanced at Peter.
"Is that so?" Taylor squinted at him.
"I want to be useful. If I can help with my photography then I'll do that. I can freelance this summer. I need to wrap things up in Smallville and New York." Peter cleared his throat. "Sorry. Excuse me."
"Don't apologize for enthusiasm and being a go getter, my Boy! Never! I like that! Jameson can rave about Spider-Man and ignore the news." Taylor held the Bugle with the Spidey-Octavius article on its front page. "He lost this opportunity! Well his loss is our gain." He sighed. "Joe Robertson raves about you. I can see why." He sighed. "There's someone else that young lady and you should work with in Smallville." He took off his glasses.
"And who's that?" Peter scratched his head.
"You're living right down the hall from him right now. I remember David Dubois' piece on your host and his parents back from when we were both in high school." Taylor closed the door. "Ms. Travers, this is between us unless I say otherwise. Clear?"
"Fine, Sir." She squinted at their superior.
"Mr. Parker, Mr. Dubois and I were at an awards banquet in Boston in '80. It was a pretty good night. I took the Best News Article. Dubois took Best Feature and Story of the Year with that article. Then things got real cold in that room. A ghostly woman in a shift taunted him. The spot where he was standing burned. She threatened him. To make a long story short, his newspaper advisor, Candy Colavitto, had burns and chills. She developed a nasty black tumor on her neck. Within a year, she died. That's why Dubois doesn't want that part of the truth told." He shook his head. "I almost had an accident myself on Route 93 that night. Saw the weirdest thing in the sky."
"A flying horse with a big man dressed in a cloak and a Pilgrim hat?" Peter supposed. "That guy's been lurking around Smallville since we arrived. Spider-Man told me about it. That one's a wizard called the Dark Rider. He faced it back in Salem some time ago and barely survived."
"Yes. Robertson mentioned your arrangement with him. I'm fine with that. Good reporters have their sources. Just don't compromise your ethics, Son." Taylor informed Peter. "Those are the matters tied to the Talon back in Smallville as well."
"Sir? Really? Ghost stories?" Doubt raised an eyebrow. She knew Taylor to be a no-nonsense newspaper man (usually). Peter's file was top notch. Yet they were talking ghost stories?
"The Rider was spotted three nights ago in Smallville, Ms. Travers. Mr. Dubois faced it and drove it away. That's off the record. I don't want to mess up his interview." Peter shook his head.
"Of course, Mr. Parker. Where is he interviewing?" Taylor rubbed his fingers together.
"Metropolis University. There's some medievalist position?" Peter informed them. Trepidation lingered. He didn't want to set Lex's friend up for failure with his big chance.
"Yes the one from Daphne Yates' retirement." Taylor picked up the phone. "Ming Sa, get me President Gatchell at Metropolis University. I'll hold. Thank you." He put the phone down.
Less than two minutes later, the phone buzzed.
Taylor picked it up. "Yes, Bob. Good morning, this is George Taylor. How are you?"
"I've got a few things on my desk, George. What can I do for you?" Gatchell looked over his papers. "I have a candidate to interview in five minutes."
"That wouldn't happen to be David Dubois. Would it?" Taylor presumed.
"Why yes! What's your take on him? I love his cv but there is his background." Gatchell perused the application materials.
"I've known David Dubois for 35 years. The man knows his field. Granted he's been out of academia for ten years. I think you'd benefit from his experience. I support him. Perhaps you will give him my regards to his wife and him?"
"Wife?" Gatchell raised an eyebrow.
"His wife's Dr. Angela Blackwell Dubois. Look her up on Medline. She was a stellar oncologist in her own right. Didn't you tell me last week that your medical center looking for someone like that as well?" Taylor clarified.
"Yes we are." Gatchell looked at the cv again. Then he accessed his computer and did the search. He stared at the list of results scrolling across her screen. "My word!"
"Perhaps you might want to call her before someone else snatches her up? Never say I don't have your back, Bob."
"Thanks, George. Dubois' here. I'll see you later."
"Have a good interview with him. Take care." Taylor hung up. "There now! You see? I helped Met U in two ways. The Duboises get in the door. Their own credentials and records will get them the positions. I did not make any promises or bribes. I just told President Gatchell the truth."
"She's a great doctor. I can say that much." Peter agreed. "And Mr. Dubois' research workshops are really in-depth. He's also a librarian."
"Yes there is that. It's like with you, Mr. Parker. People with multiple skill sets are an asset. Mr. Dubois is not a perfect person. Still, he is a good person with a large rock on his back. Same with Dr. Dubois. You know she wrote for her school paper too? Just think about that." Taylor shrugged. "Thank you again for coming in, Mr. Parker. You're already benefiting Metropolis. Have a good trip back to Smallville. If there's anything you need, you let Ms. Travers know."
"I will, Sir. Thank you." Peter shook his hand. Disbelief numbed his mind as to everything that had just happened. "I appreciate it."
Taylor nodded and sat back down behind his desk. "I look forward to seeing what you make of yourself, Son." With that, he went back to reviewing the Talon piece.
"Follow me, Mr. Parker." She led him out and toward the elevator. "Can we call you a cab to your hotel or is someone meeting you?"
Peter checked his cell phone. "My ride's already downstairs. Hopefully my wife and aunt liked what they saw."
"I hope so as well. As I said, we'll be in touch. Thank you for your enthusiasm. You see what your instincts and being a go-getter does? Good work already." She smiled. "Follow me. You can take this down to the lobby." She motioned to the elevator. She shook his hand again. "Safe travels. We're all looking forward to seeing what you bring to this."
"Thank you. Have a good day." Peter got on the elevator. He watched the doors close between them. Then the car descended to the ground floor. I can't believe that happened. She was really there yesterday. I guess she wanted to see me doing things. And that guy really knows the Duboises? He's seen the weird stuff? Unreal! He got off the elevator and headed for the street. There he saw Lex's four door sedan parked right out in front. He waved to him. "Lex!"
Lex sized Peter's mood up. He nodded. "You seem in a really good mood, Peter. When I saw Travers at your workshop yesterday, I knew you were in good shape."
"I start August 1st. They want me to take Ms. Donnelly's class at Granville Community College this summer. I might be able to get some freelance work this summer as well." Peter sized up those demands with moving as well.
Lex nodded. "Now that is a reason to celebrate. How did the article go over?" He saw Peter roll his eyes. "Oh I can't wait for this."
"They took it as is. It'll be in the Sunday Edition. I can't believe it!" Peter shook his head. "And they paid me full price for it!"
"Well of course they did. Not everyone's Jameson." Sarcasm raised Lex's eyebrow. "If you don't mind me asking, how much?"
"A thousand. Five hundred for the article. Five hundred for the photos. Lex, I can pay you back for the ring now." Peter thought of that and his other obligations.
"Peter, the ring's paid for. Loan's canceled for services rendered and being a great friend. You'll need that money at some point. Felicity Travers isn't an easy woman to impress. You made a great impression." Lex saw Peter furrow his brow.
"She took me to meet Mr. Taylor, the Editor in Chief." Peter rubbed the back of his neck. "He was even more impressed. He called President Gatchell at the university."
"Gatchell?" Lex raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Dubois is meeting with him right now. What happened? Please don't tell me Taylor's on an anti-ghost deal."
"I can't say. He supported Mr. Dubois and told him about Dr. Dubois. Met U's going to be calling her about a position." Peter shook his head.
"And you doubt that the ring's paid off?" Lex rolled his eyes. "You see, Peter? Just you being in the room and prompting such things pays dividends for everyone. Parker Luck indeed. And you impressed George Taylor on top of that. I think we'll need to celebrate." He felt his phone buzz. "Hold on. Lex Luthor."
"Hi, Lex. This is Angie Dubois. I just a call from Regina Phelps at Met U's medical center. I've been nominated for an Oncology position?" Angie asked.
"Peter told the Daily Planet's Editor in Chief about Dave's interview today. Taylor got on the phone, backed Dave and nominated you in the process. Peter got the job by the way too. Get your cv together, Angie. This is bigger than Granville Med." Pride and Satisfaction swelled Lex's heart and ego a bit.
"Lex, we're talking about a faculty position!" Angie protested.
"And you have a cv that most would die for. You'll pick up right where you left off. You're a great doctor, Angie. I know you keep up in your field like Dave does in his. Take the interview. If you get the offer, take it. Dave and you can be together here instead of him doing the long commute back and forth every night. Grace can have a good place to go to school too. It's a win win," Lex pressed his point.
"It's the top oncology department. Please thank Peter for Dave and me. We really appreciate this chance." She rubbed the tears from her eyes. Frankly she couldn't believe this turn of events.
"Did Dave know a George Taylor at Amherst High? Newspaper stuff?" Lex looked at Peter. "He knows Dave. Peter just talked to him."
"Yes! I haven't heard that name in years! Dave and he were like friendly rivals. George was the editor-in-chief for Revere High School's paper when Dave did the same in Amherst. Wait! He's the Daily Planet's editor in chief? Really?" She marveled at Coincidence seeming to align things yet again.
"He is. Well we have to meet Dave, Gwen and Mrs. Parker at Met U. I made sure we had plenty of room even if I had to drive a tamer car than usual and drive slower." Lex shrugged. "See you soon, Angie. Take care." He put the phone back in his pocket.
"She got the interview?" Peter glanced back up at the Planet building.
"She sure did." Lex rubbed Peter's shoulder. "As I said. One down, one ongoing and two to go. Come on, Peter. You're got an application fee to pay for."
Peter nodded. A bill like that he definitely did not mind….