Chapter 4

He had just crossed the Maine state line when his phone rang. For a brief second, he took his eyes off the road and scanned the caller ID. Peter. It sounded again. Harry picked it up and held it, considering on whether or not to answer. Not now, he decided, and hit the ignore button. It was silent once again. He drove like that for the next few miles before turning on the radio, absently tuning in to whatever station had music playing. A guitar riff whining along with the beat of some fast drums caught his attention. He listened with interest as the lead singer belted:

Can't escape this hell

So many times I've tried

But I'm still caged inside

Somebody get me through this nightmare

I can't control myself…

Harry turned the volume up and the car filled with the pulsating music.

So what if you can see

The darkest side of me

No one would ever change this animal I have become

Help me believe, It's not the real me

Somebody help me tame this animal...

"Kids and their music these days." Norman laughed beside him.

"It fits though." Harry nodded his agreement. The song went through a brief break before returning, with even more emotion and intensity.

Can't escape myself

So many times I've lied

But there's still rage inside

Somebody get me through this nightmare

I can't control myself!

After a few more refrains the tune ended and Harry flicked off the radio. Again it was quiet. Norman was still there, staring straight ahead. He looked alive enough. Shadows from the coming evening swept over him as his son stared at him from the corner of his eye. Harry jumped when he finally spoke, his voice human sounding, like his real father.

"Why are you going Harry? You think this doctor can actually help you?"

"I'm hoping." He responded softly, glad for this fleeting moment of sanity.

"But what about Peter?."

"What about him?" Harry gripped the wheel hard and glanced over.

"If you have any chance of defeating him, you're going to have to use that strength of yours."

"The one you cursed me with? I don't think I can ever be sane again! Every time I think about Spider-Man I feel like I want to kill! And I did."

Immense guilt washed over him like a tidal wave. Norman replied quickly.

"His death was insignificant. A message was sent: The Goblin is back and out for blood!"

He laughed crazily and faded away, leaving Harry blissfully alone.

By the time he reached the stony gates of Whipstaff it was close to eight. Last dregs of the day lingered around the horizon behind the massive structure. It was all stained glass intertwined with steel and wood in fantastic shapes that melted into the sky. Several towers jutted out from the building added to the surreal environment. He had to crane his neck upwards to see the whole mansion. Dr. Harvey had welcomed him for a stay or two in the house, and he accepted. Harry was glad he did. It wasn't everyday you had a chance to spend a night in a castle by the sea. As he drove through the open gates one thing nagged him. There were reports of deaths in the home, of murders and ghosts. At first he had waved it off, the media had overblown the story. But with the activities that had been going on lately at his apartment, he shuddered at the thought of meeting another spirit.

Harry parked the car near the front steps. Salty air stung his nose as he exited the vehicle and collected his bags. He reached the front door, but before he had a chance to knock it opened wide and a figure stepped out.

She was talking to someone as she bumped into him.

"I'll be back in a min-Oh! I'm sorry!" She apologized as her forehead connected to his shoulder. "My fault." They repeated at the same time. She gasped as she looked up at him, blushing and growing pale at the same time.

"Mr. Osborn, right?" She asked meekly.

He smiled, "Harry." He corrected.

"Ok, well, uh. Come in, I'll tell my dad you're here." She opened the door wider and moved away so he could enter. The inside was even more detailed than the outside, if that was possible. The floor gleamed with a dizzying swirling pattern. A gigantic chandelier loomed overhead, curlicues tapered off it and grew like vines to the wall. Dim lights hung from Greek goddess's lamps and various niches, giving the home a cozy feel.

"My name's Kat, by the way." She flashed him a nervous grin.

He returned it as he studied her features. Her long, russet hair was straight as an arrow and floated out behind her when she moved. The same chestnut color applied her eyes as well, which lit up along with her warm smile. She was pretty, he had to admit. Kat led him into a roomy two storied study with an opened balcony and twisting metal stairs. Massive windows looked out to a porch and the ocean beyond.

"Dad, Harry's here." She called to a man getting up from a desk.

"Sorry I didn't let you know I was earlier than expected, Dr. Harvey." Harry said as they shook hands.

"That's alright." James assured him with a smile that mirrored Kat's.

They sat and talked briskly about Harry's experiences, what the sessions would cover and the like. Kat stood out in the hall to listen, suddenly struck with shyness. She could argue with any nasty supernatural being any day and win. But her tongue tied in front of guys, especially ones as attractive as Harry.

"Is ten tomorrow morning ok?" She heard her father ask.

"That's fine." The younger man responded.

"Have you eaten anything by the way? You can help yourself in the kitchen."

"I already have, but thanks for the offer."

"I'll show you to a room then."

With the squeaking of chairs, the two stood up. Kat skittered out of the way as they came into the foyer. She piped up without thinking:

"I'll show him the room!"

James looked at his daughter curiously.

"I thought that since you had a lot of work to do…" She let the sentence dangle.

"Ok." He answered back, a little wariness in his voice. He then retreated back to his study with the shout of, "Bright and early at ten Harry!"

"Will do."

Kat waited patiently on the stairs for him and together they walked. Harry was used to living in opulent surroundings, but he just couldn't help but stare at the dozens of artifacts he passed. At the top of the stair they turned left, facing an open doorway to a room.

"That's my room." She explained as they passed it went to the one next door.

"And this one is yours."

She opened a teal shaded door and Harry went in. The whole room was decorated in various shades of blue, from the bedspread, to the walls and the lush carpet. Weighty curtains were held back to uncover a scene not unlike the one from the study.

"This is great." Harry complemented.

"The bathroom's over there." She pointed to a door off to the left. Even that was fancily engraved.

He set his stuff down and began to unpack, but Kat gently put a hand on his arm.

She talked in a low tone. "Harry, if you see anything…unusual, just let me know alright?"

"Such as what?"

"Well, there is this one, uh, ghost, that isn't particularly happy that you're here. If he tries anything funny you let me know."

"So there are ghosts here?" Harry shivered as his fears were confirmed.

Kat gave a barely perceptible nod. "But its fine, he's not at all mean."

Only when he's jealous, she mentally added.

She gave his arm a comforting squeeze and went to the door. "Good night."

"Good night Kat."

The door closed behind her. He continued to unpack, although a little bit more hurried than before.

--Song by Three Days Grace: Animal I've Become--