Chapter 1

The voice of Eartha Kitt crooned "Santa Baby" over the speakers as Peter Parker stepped out from the store, giving a slight shiver as the wintery breeze rushed at him. Looking around as he listened to the strains of the Christmas classic, able to listen to it still as Peter stepped to the side and held open the door for two giggling schoolgirls to enter the store.

Finally, the door closed shut with a crash as the song faded away just as quickly and Peter was now focused on trudging down the sidewalk toward his car. The snowflakes fell and the harsh winter wind assaulted his face as he blinked a bit, but he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief as he thought of the presents he held in his grip. This afternoon he had finished getting the final presents for MJ, Aunt May and a handful of other people - even a present for his boss, J. Jonah Jameson. Finally, he was finished with shopping for the year.

Bundled up tightly in the coat that MJ had given to him last Christmas, Peter peered through the snow as he saw his car in the distance. Eager to get home for some hot chocolate, he walked past store after store proclaiming deals and bargains for the Christmas holiday. His ears caught snatches of conversation from the crowd around him, a myriad of Christmas songs from various store speakers and then suddenly the unmistakable sound of police sirens. His Spider Sense gave a slight buzz as Peter reacted instinctively, looking to see the source of the sirens and whether Spiderman would be needed.

The sirens were actually as close as they sounded. Turning around, he saw the squad car pull up to the sidewalk next to him rather than speeding after some criminal, as two police officers emerged from the vehicle. His Spider-sense was buzzing now wildly as Peter looked around, examining the faces of the crowd now as they all stared curiously at the police officers, who began walking forward away from the squad car. Peter's eyes flickered around the crowd, but spying no one who looked dangerous or who appeared guilty.

"Peter Parker?" the police officer said, though it seemed like more of a statement than a question.

"Why are they saying Peter Parker?" Peter thought, "That's my name. Why are they saying my name?"

Confused, Peter nodded and he stepped forward, eyes warily observing the police officers as they got closer, Peter surprising himself by saying, "Yes – that's me. I'm Peter Parker"

As Peter confirmed his identity for the officers, his mind raced with possibilities for why the officers would be here – such as something tragic had happenned to Aunt May or Mary Jane. None of the circumstances he considered were good but unfortunately, one of them was right.

Without warning, the police officers lunged forward and grabbed his arms, Spider sense buzzing too late as they slammed him into the wall, groaning as he listened to the officers, whose words pierced the air with precision as the officers announced aloud the formal charge in order to arrest him.

"You are under arrest for the murder of Mary Jane Watson." the first police officer said with a distinguised New York accent. At hearing these words, Peter went numb, shouting in shock and rage but going limp in the grip of the police officers against the hard brick wall. Aware, but hardly listening to the litany of the Miranda rights being read to him as the crowd watched in shock, hearing the muted whispers vaguely as Peter tried to absorb the idea that Mary Jane might have been murdered but unable to accept it.

Blinking back a few tears, Peter came to a sudden start as he heard the jingle of handcuffs behind him, "No – it's not true!" shouted Peter in fury. Summoning his Spider strength, Peter pushed away from the wall, sending both police officers backpedaling and reeling away from him.

Using his newfound freedom, Peter found his footing immediately and took advantage of their surprise to dash away, hearing the shouts of bewilderment and astonishment. With a burst of speed, he barreled his way through the crowd unopposed, lunging into the nearest alley as he officially become a fugitive from the law. Behind him, he could hear the police officers giving pursuit while simultaneously calling for backup in apprehending Peter Benjamin Parker, photographer for the Daily Bugle, and murder suspect.

Above it all, Peter could only remember the words of the police officer pounding in his head like a drum solo as he refused to accept them – "You are under arrest for the murder of Mary Jane Watson."….