Chapter 1 [WTVC Studios—Rockefeller Center, New York—A Day after the Events in What If ?24]

[A/N: The studio and scenario are drawn from Amazing Spider-Man #82.]

Tensionand Anticipationbuzzed through the studio. The Daily Bugle's headline held the audience's rapt attention. The people in those seats wondered about the article's context. Vitriol and Attack spun print and over the air media outlets….

…and all surrounding a certain Wall Crawler/Graduate Student….

Interviews on the street dug up the issue's pros and cons. Some spat on Spider-Man's printed picture. Vigilante calls rang through the air. Others praised his efforts to deal with super villains and mobsters. So-called "experts" spoke up on the newscasts.

Consequently, the audience reserved their spots. Families sat in their living rooms. Others sat in restaurants and businesses. The studio audience watched the stage, the lengthy table and the five chairs on it….

…and that wasn't counting the vibe backstage either….

[Backstage]

Gwen Stacy Parker leaned back against the wall. Her mind raced in so many directions. She wondered about Aunt May's situation back at Roosevelt Hospital. She pointedly ignored the people outside and on the street. The patrolmen, several of whom she'd known all of her life, surrounded the studio. Like Shadow, they hovered just on the edge of sight. She twisted the diamond ring on her forefinger.

Peter…

She bit her lip. Where are you? Are you all right? She bowed her head. Pain elicited a sigh from her tired mouth. Her bloodshot eyes and salty cheeks had cried themselves out. She knew why he ran from the church. Aunt May needed care. His friends and she remained in the crosshairs. Dad would've been outraged. He'd serve the warrant afterwards. How could Mr. Jameson do that?

"Gwen?"

She coughed. "I'm trying, Mr. Robertson. I really am. I'm thinking of my Dad right now. He'd be beside himself."

Robbie nodded. "He'd never have staged a scene like that. I appreciate that you're here. I know it isn't easy."

"I love Peter. I still can't believe it." She sucked in a calming breath. Then she noticed two men walking toward them. She couldn't mistake Captain America's distinctive appearance and shield. A slender red headed blind man strode without missing a step. His cane tapped out the path in front of them.

"Captain America? And aren't you Matthew Murdock, the attorney?" Robbie shook Cap's hand. Then he did the same for Murdock.

Murdock nodded. His enhanced hearing picked up on Robbie's tone. "Yes, Mr. Robertson. I'm here to speak with Mrs. Parker. We can speak later about my services."

"Your…services? Mr. Murdock, Peter and I don't have any money. The bank froze our accounts. We…" Disbeliefraised an eyebrow.

Murdock shook his head. "I'm willing to take this on pro bono. I'm tired of Mr. Jameson's slander against Peter."

"Some of us didn't agree with his methods, Mrs. Parker. Your husband doesn't deserve this treatment either." Cap offered his hand. "I'm sorry about your wedding."

Awe widened her eyes. Her jaw dropped. "I can't believe it. You know Peter? My father would be…" She slowly extended her hand.

"I know him as Spider-Man. We've seen action together. And your father?" Cap shook her hand. He puzzled through her response.

"Captain George Stacy of the NYPD. He saved a little boy during a fight between Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus last year. The boy made it. He didn't. Apparently he gave Peter his blessing for…us." She twisted the ring on her finger. "Anyhow he fought in World War II before coming here. He was your biggest fan, Captain. You were his hero."

Cap smiled. "People like your father and husband are the heroes, Mrs. Parker. I've spent my life standing up to bullies in this city. I'll do it again tonight. That's how I pay back the sacrifices. It may not seem like it now. You aren't alone."

"Thanks, Cap." Robbie put his hand out. "Joe Robertson, former City Editor for The Daily Bugle. I couldn't work for Jonah any more after yesterday's events. I appreciate you being here."

"We'll see what we can do." Cap shook Robbie's hand.

A twenty-something blonde with a ponytail rushed over. "They're ready for you."

Gwen slowly rose to her feet. "Guess this is it." She sucked in a big calming breath. She smoothed her dress. "My Dad would never believe this." Peter, this is for you! She led the others toward the doorway and the stage beyond.

The others followed without many words. Their thoughts turned to the verbal confrontation on the stage beyond….