Chapter 2 [News Bullpen—Two Floors Up, Five Minutes Earlier]
Bullpen buzzed at usual frenetic pace. Reporters pressed Sources. Deadline bore down on Entire Crew. Pressure built on one and all.
Betty hung phone up. Emotions clashed within her. On the one hand, Peter's pending break downstairs opened Opportunity's Door for Gwen and him. Robbie, despite Jameson's wishes to the contrary, advised Peter to expand Skill Set. He brought Mercado's assignment directly to Peter. On the other hand, however, Jameson did not like to be kept waiting. She wove through Busy Bullpen toward Boss' Office.
Jameson jumped out of his seat. He shook Robbie off. "MISS BRANT! THIS HAD BETTER BE GOOD!" His Teeth assaulted Suffering Stogie between them. Bristled Mustache stood on end. "WE HAD THAT MESS AT THE MET! WHERE'S PARKER? HE…"
"Settle down, Jonah." Robbie rolled his eyes. "Peter was already inside the Met. I'm sure he got something." I hope he did! He puffed on Pipe calming Cherry Tobacco. "Any news, Betty?"
She nodded. "Amber Sampson called me from downstairs. Peter's meeting with Ms. Mercado right now about the Renoir assignment. She wanted me to tell you that he did get pictures of Spider-Man and that other guy. In fact, Mercado said to hold the presses." She stiffened. Anticipation and Experience both knew Jameson's temper.
"WHAT? HE WENT THERE FIRST? HRUMPH! UNGRATEFUL KID! I SHOULD'VE KNOWN!" Jameson curled his lip. "I take care of Parker. I make sure he gets his big break! This is how he treats me?" He threw his hands up in the air.
"Jonah, he will be right up, I'm sure." Relief relaxed Robbie slightly. "Joy Mercado's a veteran reporter and editor. She wouldn't have told us to stop what we were doing for nothing. Look, Ulrich's on the write up. He's pulled some interviews from staff and customers. Still, we have nothing directly inside the meteor exhibit. Now, if Peter got something, it's worth our while to look. If he does have the pictures, it would be an exclusive. I'll bet that's why Mercado had her assistant call up here."
"Parker had better have something good!" Jameson stomped out into his domain proper. Squinty Eyes ran back and forth. Hands clenched into Fists at his side. Cigar puffed out Distress Signals from Abuse. He stood at Betty's desk and watched Elevator Door.
Doors opened allowing Peter to step into the line of fire. Spider Sense offered no warning due to Annoyance rather than Danger. Fist stifled Cough. He noted the usual beehive about himself. Euphoria still lightened Mood following Generous Voucher and Promised Assignment. Plans wove through his head for upcoming trip north and classes.
Besides, with the Dark Rider and Coven lurking at Fringes' edge, Jameson was little more than hot air.
"Hi, Jonah." Peter waved at Jameson. He never broke stride either. He noted Annoyance and Dread in Co-Workers' Eyes. Still, he didn't react either way. "Did Betty relay the message?"
Jameson's eyes narrowed to slits. Crimson darkened his face. "Yes, MISS BRANT told me! Listen good, Parker! I DO NOT WAIT IN MY OWN BUILDING! YOU GOT THAT?" He slammed his hand against Desk's surface.
"Considering that Ms. Mercado put me in place to get those pictures, you might give me a pass. Nobody else was there. I managed to hide from the guards and get my camera into position. Then, I got the shots. Of course, if you don't want them…" He turned and took a few steps toward the elevator.
"WHAT? Where do you think you're going? COME BACK HERE!" Jameson pursued Peter. With an extra step, he cut the younger man off. "I want those pictures!"
"Mmm….I want a fair rate for them." Peter cleared his throat. He knew Bushkin at the Globe would pay five times Jameson's rate. "We're talking exclusives here." He patted Envelope. "I want your word on that."
"My…? Why you….!" Jonah went nose to nose with Peter. "You ungrateful…!"
"Jonah, Peter's making a fair request. Let's see what he's got." Robbie held out his hand. Nod offered Tacit Agreement. Eyes shook Jameson off. Consideration studied Photos. He sifted through each one. Details and Angles received due note. "I have to say. These are some of your best." He took Pipe from his mouth.
"WHAT?" Jonah snatched them away. He rifled through Prized Photos. Impatience rasped through Clenched Teeth. He shook his head. "FINE! Pay the man, Robbie! I gotta get these downstairs!" He stormed toward Elevators beyond. Despite Rant's Abuse of Surrounding Ears, Glee akin to a Child's on Christmas Day warmed him. Of course, he'd never admit such things to Peter himself.
Robbie beckoned Peter to follow him. "Have to say, Peter, Mercado giving you that assignment paid off." He led them into his office. "Did you get into the gallery?"
"Ms. Mercado's got her Renoir shots. She's really happy. She even offered Gwen and me another assignment." Peter shut the door behind himself.
"Really? You mean another article about Wabash?" Robbie nodded. "Take a seat. I'd like to hear more." He'd heard Jameson rant on about Previous Spring's Trip North. "What would be the focus this time?"
"The Rensselaer County Fair for starters. Then, there might be something about apple picking. The residents asked for a photo workshop up there. That'd be a good public service deal for the Bugle. I didn't get to do the whole Underground Railroad angle on my last trip." Peter leaned back in his seat.
"Yes, I was disappointed at the time. It was unfortunate that the expert was called away at the time." Robbie took his voucher pad out. "Once classes are back in session that shouldn't be a problem. There are other experts as well." He mulled over Photos' value and scribbled an amount. "You deserve more than Jonah would give you for those shots." He tore Yellow Sheet off and handed it to Peter. "Put some away. Maybe treat Gwen to something?"
"I try that and she gives me the 'you don't have to buy my love' speech, Robbie." Surprise widened Peter's eyes at Voucher's amount. "Thanks, Robbie! If we were further along…."
Twinkle appeared in Robbie's eyes. "Peter, I know you struggle at times. Save a little for a rainy day. Besides, how long have Gwen and you been together?" He set Pipe in Ashtray. "Maybe there is something you can buy?"
"Something I…?" Realization dawned on Peter. "Oh that!" Gwen definitely put the spark in his life. When Mood sank Down in the Dumps, she'd kickstart him again. Dependability and Amor wanted her at his side. Their hearts beat in sync. Culinary Masterpieces and Caring somehow found their way into the bigger picture no matter how much homework lay in front of them. "We've been going together for four years. There's no one else. Aunt May and she get along. Mr. Stacy's a great man."
"Captain Stacy always speaks well of you, Peter. I'd say he's waiting to have a conversation. Maybe you should?" Robbie gulped down Coffee's mouthful. "Just keep that in mind. By the way, there's another expert you should speak with. Jennifer Dubois' at Randolph College in the Village. Why don't you talk with her as well?"
"Dubois? Any relation?" Peter scribbled down a few notes on his pad.
"You might ask her about that. I don't know her personally. She seems to know a lot about that area though. It would offer another academic point of view besides the Eagle Plain Professor. That's just something for you to consider. Besides, it would give you a running head start before the trip." Robbie put his pipe back in his mouth again. Match lit it.
"I'll do that. Thanks, Robbie. Sorry but speaking of Gwen, dinner's waiting." Peter collected himself.
"Especially with that voucher and I imagine Joy Mercado's as well. You earned them both, I'm sure. Nice work. I'm glad you're diversifying yourself. And, Peter, let me know what you find out about that workshop. I'll talk to Jonah. It's a good idea. Give my best to the Stacys and your aunt. All right?" Affirmation spread the smile across his face.
Peter nodded. He hustled toward Elevators. Assignments, Checks and Rings chimed through his mind. Life's Priorities were catching up it seemed….
