Chapter 27 [Daily Bugle]
Betty typed the last few letters on Jameson's latest document. She looked it over and set it in her Outbox. Her hand stifled another cough. This flu's insane. She bit her lip. At least, Weekend allowed some solace and an opportunity to rest at home. Sickness had ravaged the bullpen before Peter walked in. At least, he had that coverage.
Someone needed to remind Jameson of that….
It's not like Peter's the only one sick around here these days! She drank from her cup. "I hope Peter's okay. I…."
Just then, the phone rang.
"Good afternoon. Daily Bugle, this is Betty."
"Hi, Betty. This is Peter. Is Robbie there? I wanted to check in." Peter kept watch on the passage. He watched Blake led Gwen's gurney down the hall toward the elevator. Just get good news, Gwendy! Love you. Still, for some reason, Ill At Ease unsettled him. It's okay. She's in good hands. Everything's all right.
"You bet he is! I'll get you transferred in just a minute. How are you doing? How's Gwen? Where are you?" Betty bit her lip. She saw Robbie emerge from his office. She caught his attention and motioned him over to her desk.
"I'm over the flu as of this morning. Some folks caught me just before I got into the crowd by the bridge. They took me to a quarantine facility. I spoke with Gwen's doctor there. Right now, she's heading toward Radiology for x-rays. The doctor doesn't have anything solid yet. I spent the morning between here, my apartment and Gwen's apartment. I should be settled this afternoon. I just wanted to let you know that," Peter reported.
"I appreciate that. Thanks for letting us know. Here's Robbie. You take care of yourself, Peter." Betty wiped the receiver off and handed it to Robbie.
Robbie mouthed 'thanks' to her. "Peter? Good to hear from you. Everything all right?"
"I'm okay now. I was just telling Betty that I'm staying at Gwen's apartment. Harry and I have a hole where our window used to be. I'm getting my clothes and toothbrush over there. Gwen's down in Radiology getting x-rays." Peter rubbed the back of his neck. "Robbie, the Green Goblin slammed into her lower back with that flying bat whatsis of his. The doctor's being really careful with her. We're probably looking at surgery and rehabilitation. I don't know how we'll do it but…."
Robbie nodded. "Peter, worry about that later. Right now, just worry about getting her well. Norman Osborn has the money. He could be institutionalized for a long time. Still, his money won't be. We'll get the right lawyer. Between his son and Gwen, he's done enough damage." He saw Jameson coming out of his office. "You might keep a low profile around here for a little while. Jonah's not happy. He's blaming you for more people calling out sick. In addition, the Globe insinuated that Jonah supported Norman Osborn on his Goblin role."
"What?" Peter coughed. "Are they serious? Look, Robbie. JJJ's a lot of things. He's not going to support the Green Goblin. I've seen Osborn around Harry. Okay? The side that Jonah knows is the regular side of him. The Goblin's a whole other personality. He's been going since Harry's overdose. According to Spider-Man, Harry's overdoses led to his father's breakdowns."
Consideration guided Robbie point by point through Peter's argument. First of all, as much as he and Jameson fought over things, they did care about each other (although get them to admit it). Second, Peter was Harry Osborn's roommate and Norman's tenant. Consequently, he'd know about Norman's issues. The split personality would get the Bugle off the hook. "I'll definitely run it by Jonah. You know how he is though. That could get us sued if we run it and aren't careful. I have to say that I am impressed though. That's some mighty fine examination. Maybe there might be some writing in your future?"
Peter smiled. "Thanks, Robbie. I've just been around Mr. Osborn a lot. I've also watched the Green Goblin fight Spider-Man. Observation comes in handy. Right now, I just want to get Gwen right as rain again."
"You bet, Pete. Tell her I said hello. We're all pulling for her. Sorry but I have to be getting back to my office. You take care." Robbie hung up. He rubbed his chin.
"Great idea?" She turned away from the typewriter again. Hope and Optimism warmed her heart. She always knew Peter had potential. She just wished it hadn't involved a certain Wall Crawler.
Robbie took a deep breath. Strategies worked through his mind. "Peter just surprised me. He just offered me a theory about Norman Osborn's issues. I don't want to say anything else before I talk to Jonah about it."
"I knew he had it in him." She saw the dreaded door open. "He's coming out now." She got up. "Mr. Jameson wanted this sent out today. I just need a minute."
"That works." Robbie followed her over to Jameson. He saw eyes turning toward Betty and him. Still, he kept his eyes forward.
Jameson slammed his office door. Frustration burned for several reasons. He noted the bullpen's (still empty) chairs. Some reporters watched Robbie and Betty instead of their own work. He wanted to roast Peter alive for the mini-epidemic. He tried to figure out how Osborn could be the Green Goblin. "Miss Brant? Robertson? What is it? I've got an appointment."
She bit her lip. "Sorry, Mr. Jameson. This is that letter you wanted sent out." She handed him the typed document. "I'll take messages for the rest of the day?"
"I'm going to be a while, Miss Brant." Jameson reviewed the letter. "Yeah. This will do." He scribbled his signature across the bottom. "See that gets mailed in the next hour! I'll see you in the morning." He shoved the letter back at her. After she started for her desk, he turned to Robbie. "What is it, Robertson? Tell me that you found how Spider-Man framed Norman Osborn!"
Robbie sucked in a deep breath. "Are you serious, Jonah? Gwen Stacy's lying in a hospital bed. She may be paralyzed! Osborn revealed himself to her! I'll bet Spider-Man wanted to kill himself because he was a hair away from getting thrown off that bridge too!"
"It was all rigged, Robertson. Spider-Man brought in those other super-powered nuisances! He knew he was going to get saved! What did he care? Stacy should've taught his daughter better!" Disdainful snort punctuated Diatribe's acidity. "I'm going to see my friend at Bellevue! We'll get him off!"
The bullpen careened to a dead stop. Shock halted the activity therein. Eyes all turned toward the publisher.
"WHAT? GET BACK TO WORK! WE'VE GOT A PAPER TO GET OUT!" Jameson barked at them. His eyes narrowed. Teeth glinted in Sol's late afternoon light.
Betty pulled her coat on. Perhaps, things hadn't worked out between Peter and her. Still, they'd rebuilt their friendship. She could read the pain in his voice. She could well imagine if Ned had come back hurt or worse in a coffin from a foreign assignment. "I'll mail this before I go to lunch. Excuse me, Mr. Robertson." She hustled for the door.
Robbie bowed his head. Restraint kept him from giving his notice right there on the spot. "I can't believe you just said that. I know Osborn and you are friends. Still, there's got to be accountability! He covered up his son's latest attack. He attacked an innocent young woman. There is no getting him off. He's dangerous."
"So's Spider-Man, Robertson! Who's bringing that menace to justice? That girl's father was murdered by him! So put a sock in it!" Jameson got right up in Robbie's face. "Don't push me!" He pushed past Robbie and stalked toward the exit.
Robbie shook his head. How can a man like that survive in this business? He took several close breaths. Then, he noticed Ulrich pulling his coat on. "Ben? What is it? Please tell me you got something!"
Ulrich nodded. "I just got a call from Police Headquarters downtown. Commissioner DeWolff is about to give a press conference. If Parker was here, I'd have him go with me. According to my source, it's about Stacy and Spider-Man."
Robbie rolled his eyes. If it's what I think it's about, Jameson will hit the roof. Still, it is news. "Get moving. I want something for the morning edition. Thanks for letting me know, Ben."
"You got it, Robbie. Be back soon." Ulrich ran for the door. If he hurried, he'd just make the press conference.
Robbie looked around the area. "YOU HEARD JAMESON! BACK TO WORK, PEOPLE! YOU SAW BEN ULRICH! THERE ARE LEADS AND STORIES OUT THERE! LET'S SEE WHAT WE COME UP WITH!" He marched past a slender African-American lady. "Glory, can you watch the phones? Betty just went to lunch. She may need a little while."
"I'm on it, Mr. R. Betty knows I've got her. Hope everything's all right with Peter Parker and his girlfriend," Glory assured him.
"Me too. Thank you, Glory. I'll be in my office if anyone needs me." Robbie marched back into the office and shut the door.
Some days were just long…really long….