Chapter 9
*The usual disclaimer – most characters aren't mine they belong to marvel. (Hell they can own my generic characters if they want.)*
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Peter went upstairs after having dinner with Aunt May and flipped on his radio to listen to while he did some of his work.
"We've just had one of the most brutal murders ever in New York history, when Tony Castanza was killed earlier this evening," a female news reporter was saying, "Police are not allowing cameras anywhere near the crime scene due to the gruesomeness of the corpse. We have with us right now however the busboy who discovered the body. What can you tell us?"
"It was disgusting," the teenaged busboy was saying, "I was taking out the garbage and on the other side of the alley was Tony but his arms were dismembered and his head had been squashed like a Watermelon."
"Any sign of weapons being used?" the reporter asked.
"I dunno," the busboy replied, "The sight made me lurch and I went right back in and spent the next few minutes throwing up."
The busboy made a slight gagging noise as though he were going to throw up again.
"Someone help this kid to a bathroom," the reporter said, "Anyway this Summer McAndrews reporting live from The Nova restaurant."
The radio cut to a commercial for soap.
"The Nova?" Peter muttered, "That sounds familiar."
He looked over at his radio and saw his picture of M.J., "That's where M.J. works!" he exclaimed.
He ran downstairs, "I'm going to The Nova, Aunt May," he called out as he was leaving.
"But Peter!" Aunt May said, "We just ate."
"I know!" Peter said as he fought with his shoe having neglected to untie the laces, "But M.J. works there and someone was just murdered near there."
Aunt May's eyes opened wide with fear, "Oh Dear," she said, "I hope Mary Jane is alright."
"I'm sure she can handle it," Peter said, "She a lot tougher then we give her credit for."
But just how much tougher? Peter thought to himself.
About 30 minutes later Peter showed up at The Nova. The street in front of the place was now crawling with reporters and police officers. Peter managed to fight his way forward through to the front of the restaurant and went inside. Inside he saw Alyn one of the waiter's he knew.
"Hi Peter," Alyn said, "You here to get pictures?"
"No," Peter replied, "I hear they're not letting anyone get pictures."
"They're not," Alyn said, "I took a look out the back door before the police go here though, it's pretty gruesome. Even someone with a cast iron stomach will get ill."
"Is Mary Jane around?" Peter asked trying to change the topic.
"I don't think so," Alyn said, "We've closed down so none of us are working right now. I think she left, I don't blame her. It's really frustrating being here and not knowing what's going on outside."
Peter nodded, "I hate being out of the loop. So why haven't you left?"
"The police are keeping me here for questioning." Alyn said.
"Why didn't they keep the whole staff?" Peter asked, "Aren't they all suspects?"
"No," Alyn said, "Apparently none of the staff is a suspect. I'm pretty certain none of us waiter's did it but two of the busboys really hated Tony, I kinda think they did it."
"Hmm," Peter said, "Do you have any idea where M.J. went?"
"No not really," Alyn replied, "Home I guess, but she could have gone anywhere really. I didn't see her leave though I was talking to Howard a lot."
"Thanks a lot Alyn," Peter said, "I guess I'll stop by M.J.'s apartment see if she's home. If not I'll call her tomorrow."
Alyn smiled, "You're a lucky guy Pete," he said, "I wish I had a girl a great as M.J."
Sometimes I wonder if it really is that great, Peter thought to himself as he waved a good-bye.
