Chapter 4

Search pressed on. NYPD cruisers and foot patrols scoured the city. They alerted Port Authority, Grand Central and Penn Station to Peter's looks and status. They guarded his usual haunts.

The net tightened. Pity (or perhaps a good thing), they didn't look right under their feet….

[Sewers Under Manhattan—A Few Hours Later]

Water dripped from streets above. It flowed down central cisterns toward the East River and Long Island Sound beyond. A few rats scurried along concrete ledges along that path. Breeze carried Stench in its wake.

Work areas allowed respite however….

Peter glanced up at the overhead grate. He couldn't see the sky or any buildings. Trash disguised it. He frowned. He'd managed to evade the police for the most part. He found a restaurant close by with discarded food out back.

Hunger was kept at bay for the moment.

Too bad Worry wasn't…

Dirt and Filth smeared his tuxedo and shirt. Sweat dried all over himself. The jacket lay rolled up in a pillow-like bundle to his right. Cuts stung on his arms.

Still none of that mattered. On that morning, Gwen and he should've woken up in each other's arms. They would've checked on Aunt May. Perhaps they'd have spent time with the other members of the wedding party or checked in with Harry and MJ.

Thanks to JJJ, all of that had gone by the boards. He and Commissioner DeWolff made sure that Peter couldn't show his face anywhere in the tristate area. They'd confiscated his Spidey costumes and gear. By now, they'd frozen his bank account. Patrolmen guarded the hospital and his former apartment. He couldn't even contact Gwen or ask about Aunt May.

I can't even take care of the ladies. What would Captain Stacy think of this? Uncle Ben would be beside himself! Peter stuffed a piece of bread into his mouth. While he didn't care to eat in such surroundings, beggars couldn't be choosers.

Spider-Man…Spider-Man…Can you hear me?

Peter stiffened. He knew the voice almost immediately. "Doc?" His eyes narrowed. He sprang to his feet. Suspicion blossomed in his mind. "Now I'm hearing things." He rubbed his forehead.

A bright flash lit up the entire area.

"Great. Spidey Sense, why didn't you warn me?" Peter rubbed his eyes. Flashes danced before them. He imagined a NYPD flare or a flash bomb.

"Perhaps because I am not a threat, my Friend?" Dr. Strange glanced around. "A place such as this does not suit you."

"Doc, you've probably been in some other dimension. The Green Goblin and J. Jonah Jameson exposed me. The NYPD has a warrant out for my arrest. I'm kind of doing the evasion thing." Peter hissed a pained sigh through his teeth. "I should know better than to ask this but how did you find me?"

Strange coughed. "You are very good at evading normal pursuit. Your aura stands out to those skilled in the mystic arts. I had but to use the Eye of Agamotto." He pointed toward the amulet on his upper chest. "Come with me. I offer sanctuary."

"Doc, I can't get you into this mess with me. You're my friend." Peter could imagine the trouble his situation would bring down on Strange's head. "I'll figure out a way to get out of town."

"You are my friend. As such, I would not leave you in this state. Do you think you are the first such ally I have sheltered?" Strange shook his head. "Besides you have helped me in the past. I believe I can do so now." He waved his hands once more. Spell muttered across his lips.

Another flash of light swept them both away….

[Strange's Sanctum—Greenwich Village]

Due to their previous shared adventures, Peter expected the disorientation and spacey feelings. After all, Strange had recruited him into more than his share of otherworldly and outer dimensional experiences. This spell, however, returned them to Strange's chamber.

"Wait! We're at your place?" Peter glanced around at his surroundings. Recognition gleaned the Orb of Agamotto and the tomes on their shelves. Surprise raised an eyebrow.

"I granted you sanctuary, Peter. You are quite safe. I can assure you." Strange walked to the door. "I believe Wong awaits us."

"Sure, Doc. He and you on that hidden byway or something?" Peter grimaced at his attempted quip.

"Wong recalled your preferences, my Friend. Oolong tea I believe?" Strange opened the door. There he found a slender bald Asian man in an emerald outfit. "Ah! Impeccable timing as always!"

"I live to serve, Master." Wong bowed slightly at the waist. He carried a tray with two steaming cups on it. He offered a steaming cup to Strange. "Your jasmine tea, Master."

"Thank you. I needed this." Jasmine eased Strange's tension. He took several deep breaths. "Perhaps we might prepare something for our guest to eat as well?"

"Of course! I know just the meal." Wong handed Peter the other cup. Your oolong tea. I tried to fix it as you had it on your last visit. I shall make you something to eat." He bowed once again and departed the area.

Peter drank from the hot tea. "Is it okay if I sit down? I'd like something beside that concrete…."

"Please do." Strange motioned toward a padded mahogany chair. "I will have Wong draw you a bath as well. He can launder your clothes. You are our guest, Peter. We will take care of your needs."

"I kind of expected to be in some side dimension somewhere, Doc. I know you have this place disguised but…" Peter took a draught of tea. Heat soothed his throat.

"The police will never find you here." Patience modulated Strange's tone. He pointed to the other end of the room. "Nor did they have opportunity to examine your possessions either. I believe those are yours."

Shock widened Peter's eyes. He got up and walked over to the chair across from himself. There he found his costumes, belt and web shooters. "I should know better than to ask, Doc. My apartment was swarming with the boys in blue. I'd sure love to know how you pulled this one off." His fingers ran the costume's fabric between them. His eyes alighted on the familiar red and blue webbed pattern.

"It was a simple matter of observation. They brought your effects to their evidence room. I waited for them to leave. Then I retrieved your costume and possessions. I have cast an illusion spell to make it seem like they are still there." Strange finished his tea. "I shall now see what I can do at Roosevelt Hospital."

"Roosevelt...? Aunt May?" Peter turned to his host. "Do you know how she is?"

"Not yet. I shall have to see. Please do not try to leave. It is not safe." Strange nodded to Wong. "Thank you. I shall return." He waved his hands. Chant muttered across his lips. A bright flash enveloped him. Then he was gone.

Wong set a covered plate on the table. He lifted the cover to reveal a soup bowl. Steam escaped from it. "Would you like more tea?"

"Yeah sure….thanks." Peter finished the cup and handed it back to him.

"I will return." Wong relaxed. He normally did not care for their guest's quips and irreverence. Still, he understood the other's ordeal. "Dr. Strange will not fail you, Mr. Parker." He left the area.

The Doc isn't the one I'm worried about, Wong. I failed everyone—me included. Peter mixed the soup with his spoon. The first spoonful eased his raspy throat. Bits of chicken and vegetables took on Hunger's effect in his stomach.

Now if everyone else would be safe….