I do not own Marvel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, or any character affiliated with the franchise. There is a scene from the movie referenced in this chapter, it is merely needed to aid the plot and I do not make any profit for including it.
WARNING: This fic is rated M, not just for smut but also for adult situations, language, violence, and drug abuse. There is a scene depicting rape themes in this chapter– sorry if it offends.
"But, I don't understand," she stated, thoroughly confused, "Does he not want…of course he doesn't want me there." Hearing a frustrated sigh on the other end, Hayley clutched tightly at her cell phone.
"Look, I'm going to be frank; Harry wants you at court, heck, he needs you there," growled Manners impatiently, his irritation crystal clear through the receiver. "However, he does not fully understand the implications of your presence. We want to win this case."
Hayley bit her lip knowing exactly what the lawyer was implying. "I said I'd never leave him, he'll feel abandoned," she begged quietly.
"Harry will need you more after he is released. Only come when you are required to make a statement, otherwise, stay away."
"Ok."
"I know you mean well Miss Carmichael but it'll do more harm than good. Trust me, I'm a lawyer," said Manners curtly before abruptly hanging up, no doubt eager to get back to court.
Hayley put her cell back in her lab coat pocket and sighed heavily.
The early morning air was cool outside in the courtyard of Ravencroft institute. Having heard her phone ringing, Hayley had answered the call quickly, halting her from entering the work place. She had left Manners a voice mail late last night about whether or not to drop into court during her lunch break and after work. However, it was now obvious that it was a bad idea if she showed her face.
It was strange; Hayley had been treating Harry for five months and had become deeply involved in his affairs. Yet, she was still reluctant to admit to herself of the strong feelings she felt towards her patient. Hadn't she nearly utter the word "love" when he was broken before her?
All her time and energy was spent focused on rehabilitating him, working hard to make him well. And why? So that he would ultimately be released from Ravencroft. Hayley hadn't, until now, really thought about what that truly meant; Harry would no longer be at the institute. He would be free and she would no longer treat him. She would not only loose a patient but loose the most stable, if complicated, relationship she'd ever had with another person other than Gwen.
Harry's release would change everything. And Hayley wasn't sure if she would like that change, because then she would be alone once more. For, without need of a nurse or psychiatrist, Hayley was nothing to Harry.
Wasn't she?
The trial was a lengthy and boring affair, and if his freedom weren't on the line then Harry would probably not be paying close attention to the proceedings.
He was currently sitting in the Witness stand watching Manners and the District Attorney battle it out during their cross examination of him and the events of five months ago.
Harry had kept faithful to the story concocted by Manners; he explained about the loss of his father and the weight he felt on his shoulder of being the only heir of a company as big as OsCorp. He even spoke about his downward spiral of depression at not being worthy of the role of CEO. And that he had felt compelled to fight against Electro if it meant saving the work his father had spent a lifetime building. The venom, an untested strength enhancer being developed for the army, all lies of course, felt like his only solution. Because how could a young man fight against a monster like Electro?
When he had spoken about knowing Gwen Stacy and his failure to secure her safety at the destroyed power plant, Harry had acted so well that he nearly willed himself to shed a tear. Looking up from behind his bangs after an award winning speech, Harry saw Peter leave the courtroom. It pleased him greatly to watch his old friend unable to jump in and correct the lies that he was spinning.
It was hilarious because Parker had to attend court to take pictures for The Daily Bugle. How the tables had turned, from taking pictures of himself swinging around New York to now photographing his enemy. The Goblin was laughing inside.
Harry had even used the Osborn charm to surreptitiously flirt with the women jurors, trying to convey that he was only a twenty-year-old boy and was deeply sorry for his alleged crimes. To his surprise it seemed to be working. Though he had an inclination that Manners had already paid off some of the jury.
Whilst he attended court, Harry was permitted to wear civilian clothing. Manners had bought him a new Armani suit and a paisley scarf to cover his neck – appearance was everything. The scarf concealed a persistent wound from his Retroviral Hypoplasia that the medication had not seemed to remove. The Goblin was under control but alas his condition still remained.
Manners had managed to deliver on his promise at having the severity of Harry's initial charges dropped to the lesser of involuntary manslaughter and Second-degree murder. The charge of property damage was one that the lawyer knew would not change and had decided to remain ignorant to it since Harry had enough money to pay for repairs.
The lawyer had even snookered the District Attorney's circumstantial evidence by calling the coroner to the stand to have the man explain Miss Stacy's cause of death. The DA had neglected to reveal the discovery of webbing on Miss Stacy's body, that she had in fact experienced whiplash and a head injury, which had resulted from her body being pulled sharply just before she hit the ground. The coroner was adamant about his findings, not wanting his reputation tarnished and job security in question.
Manners had then questioned Harry again about the Spider-Man webbing, who confirmed that Gwen had been pulled off his glider and down into the clock tower by the use of webbing. Harry also explained that before he was knocked unconscious by Spider-Man, he saw Gwen falling and was unable to save her. Though he was unsure if the girl had already sustained her injuries and died after being snatched from his glider or from her final fall down the clock tower shaft.
"Thank you Mr Osborn, you may step down," ordered the judge. When Harry had taken his seat, the old man grabbed his gavel, "I think a short recess is in order -"
"Judge Morris, if I may, I'd like to call another witness to the stand," interrupted Manners.
The Judge leaned forward over his bench with his eyebrows raised in disbelief, "Do you mean to tell me that you have another witness to the murder of Gwendolyn Maxine Stacy?"
"Of course."
"Then by all means, take the floor Mr Manners."
The lawyer sauntered over to the witness stand, which was now empty, and placed his hand on the wooden box before turning to address the courtroom. He could feel all eyes trained on him and he took great pleasure at seeing the District Attorney's leafing through their papers, trying to discover whom he could be referring to.
"Judge Morris, jurors, esteemed public; my client has been questioned and cross examined by the DA, whose evidence not only have I rebuffed and disputed, but clarified in revealing to you the true cause of death as documented in the coroner's report," Manners projected slowly, letting everyone drink in his every word as he paused for effect. "There was one other who witnessed the murder of Gwendolyn Stacy, one who I deem fully responsible for her death, and should be held accountable for his crimes, not only against the Stacy family but in letting the blame lie with my client, Mr Osborn, an innocent and good Samaritan.
"I call to the stand non other than the masked vigilante himself; Spider-Man."
There was a pause with the spectators and jury looking at each other questioningly, thoroughly expecting the hero to swing down from the ceiling.
"You see," continued Manners, raising his voice to demand the room's attention once more, "The true crime here is allowing a citizen of New York to parade around in a costume and meddle in police affairs. No man is above the law, and that includes Spider-Man. Is he not a man? A man in a mask? A vigilante, yes, but still a citizen. His identity is unknown and that, ladies and gentleman, is why he is a menace! Will you allow for my client, Mr Osborn, to be wrongfully sentenced for a crime with evidence of Miss Stacy's demise pointing towards Spider-Man?
"By our laws, every criminal is guilty until proven innocent. So, Spider-Man, why don't you come to this courtroom and defend your innocence? Will you stand forward as a key eyewitness and give us your account of events, give us your evidence to prove that you are indeed not the guilty party?"
There was a disbelieving silence.
Manners walked back towards his table where even Harry looked shocked.
"No? Well, I think you'll all agree that Spider-Man is not our so-called friendly neighbourhood hero if he refuses to give up his precious anonymity, to corrupt and falsify the jury's final decision for this case. I accuse Spider-Man of the murder of Miss Stacy, and if he does not appear in court to defend his actions then, well, I guess actions speak louder than words don't they?" the lawyer finished, sitting beside his client in triumph.
The courtroom descended into deafening chaos.
"Mr Osborn."
"Ahhh, Mr Fiers," said Harry looking over his shoulder, "We must stop meeting like this."
"I sat in on yesterday's court hearing –"
"Mmm? Yes, I noticed."
"You must be pleased with how it is going. Your lawyer is very impressive, a true master of his domain," Fiers commented quietly, remaining in the shadows by the cell door.
"The best of the best money can buy," Harry said cheerfully, waggling his head like he'd repeated that phrase way too many times in his youth – rich boys could always afford the best.
"I've been down to Special Projects, seen the best money can buy. Your father had a talent in delegating his money wisely too."
Harry made no comment so Fiers continued.
"The mechanised Rhinoceros suit appears suitable for Project Sinister – "
"Sinister?" Harry grinned manically at himself in the mirror, "I like that."
"- the machine guns and battle armour will appeal to the Russian, Sytesevich."
"No doubt he will cause much damage and destruction," Harry smirked, the Goblin gleefully jumping for joy inside at the impending chaos. "Tell me Fiers, how will Sytesevich use the suit when he is locked up a few cells away from me?"
He watched in the mirror as Fiers knocked on the glass and Colin reopened the mechanised door for him, seemingly leaving without offering an answer.
Fiers peered over his shoulder, "Don't worry Mr Osborn, I'll take care of the Russian," he whispered, just enough for Harry to hear.
Turning back to the exit, Fiers nearly fell over, having bumped into a tiny figure with striking copper hair.
Hayley squeaked and eyed the shadowed man cautiously, suspicious vibes radiating off of him. She stepped back and allowed him leave the doorway, strolling quietly up the passageway. The weirdest thing about the stranger was that Hayley had been unable to see his face and thus couldn't get a read of his personality. Either way, she didn't trust him.
Walking into Room 136, Hayley asked with interest, "The Russian?"
"It's a drink doll, the White Russian. I need a stiff celebratory drink when I'm released," Harry said jauntily, turning in his chair and giving a mock toast whilst clutching an invisible glass.
"I guess I'll allow you one drink," she chastised fondly walking further into his room.
"You'll allow me?"
Blushing terribly, Hayley started to stammer, "I mean, well, you know, with the drugs you're on…erm…alcohol really isn't wise. Besides, you're underage!"
"Yes… I am aren't I?" Harry mused rubbing his chin, remembering suddenly that the girl before him was only a year older, though she looked so much younger. "I only need one Russian… just one. Promise," he purred with a devilish grin.
Manners was sitting in a sparse yet official looking room within the courthouse, waiting. He was thoroughly exhausted after a five hours session of questioning, cross-examining and taking statements from the workers of Ravencroft, OsCorp employees, and Hayley.
He was proud of the young nurse who had shown Harry true loyalty on the stand. She had read out her medical assessment of Harry, explained her role in their sessions and mentioned how he had improved and flourished during his time at Ravencroft. The girl hadn't forgotten any of the key points Manners had briefed her own that morning, even uncovering psychological explanations for Harry's "goblin-like" behaviour without revealing too much of his personal issues and affairs.
The three other psychiatrists that Manners had paid for also gave their medical opinion of Harry, certifying him as a sane and reformed individual.
Of course the DA had called Doctor Scott to the stand to give dangerous evidence against Miss Carmichael's intent in helping Mr Osborn. Manners hoped he had managed to objectify and use his powers of persuasion to squash the ridiculous claims of a sordid relationship between his client and the young nurse. Hayley herself had given a glowing and strong rebuff about the flaws behind the term "Erotic Transference". The other psychiatrists had also aided in supporting Hayley against the ridiculousness of the implied relationship.
Manners checked his Rolex impatiently before quickly smiling as Hayley knocked on the door and entered his makeshift office.
"Please sit down Miss Carmichael," said the lawyer, pointing to a comfy chair opposite him. He began shifting through papers on the desk in front of him.
"You look exhausted Manners," Hayley commented kindly.
"So do you," he retorted, noticing the dark shadows under her red and bloodshot eyes, "You did well in court, very well indeed, so don't cry over your performance."
"Was… was I ok?" she sniffed disbelievingly, "I didn't ruin the case did I? I tried to remember everything you told me to say, and I didn't look at Harry like you told me to. I tried to stay calm, really I did, but then after Doctor Scott said those things and I just –"
Manners held up his hand to stop her, "Miss Carmichael. Hayley. You couldn't have done any better. No one in that room believed that pompous twat, he sounded like a raving lunatic to be honest." He grinned sympathetically at her worries, "Now, I asked you here not to talking about today, but because you have some papers to sign."
Hayley smiled back at the lawyer in response, thankful to not have her actions in court judged further. "Oh, right, ok."
The lawyer pointed to three pieces of paper already laid out in front of her on the desk; the documents were on top of each other, though layered so that all three signature strips were on display.
Picking up an expensive fountain pen, Hayley looked across the table questioningly, "What am I signing?" She had skim read the first page and had no idea what it meant due to all the legal jargon.
"It's just a declaration that the evidence you presented today was true and that the reports you provided from Ravencroft have not been falsified or altered."
"Ok."
Hayley began writing out her short cursive signature on the first and then the second paper, trusting Manners' explanation.
"You'd do anything to ensure his freedom, wouldn't you Hayley?" he asked pointedly, staring as he watched the girl sign the last document.
Hayley looked up from her final signature and passed the papers back to Manners before nodding in agreement.
"Good," said the lawyer, locking the papers inside his briefcase. "Just making sure."
It was a week after Hayley had appeared in court and it would be another week until the final court hearing. Her experience in court had caused the atmosphere between herself and Doctor Scott to only worsen, with Hayley staying firmly in her wing and the Nurse's station. She had poured all her energy into her work, hoping and praying that the doctor would not fire her.
Money was tight again; her funds were drying out and with another rent due in just less than two weeks, Hayley desperately needed extra cash. Late night shifts at Ravencroft paid double and Hayley was determined not to be behind on her rent again. Which is why she found herself still at work at 1am with a growling and empty stomach, having forgone breakfast, lunch and dinner.
She took a sip from her fifth black coffee, shuddering at the bitter taste. The caffeine was not really working and Hayley felt her eyes fluttering closed.
An earth-shattering explosion ripped through the building.
Hayley fell from her chair, cold coffee spilling all over her desk and clothing. She remained on the floor until another blast brought her to her senses as the ground trembled beneath her.
Cheryl and Becca suddenly appeared at the door looking panicked and frightened. They rushed to their own desks and grabbed their expensive purses before heading out to leave.
Reaching for Cheryl's arm, Hayley stopped her and asked urgently, "What's happening? What's going on?"
The blonde had tears in her eyes and was as white as a sheet. "People…men…the army, I don't know!" she shrieked hysterically.
"We were in the West wing and then a bomb or something went off and there were guns like shooting people like dead, so we ran!" Becca babbled, trying to pull Cheryl away and out the exit.
"The West wing?"
"Yes Haley! Freaky men in suits were looking for someone or something. Who cares anyway, let's go!" explained Becca, before another tremendous boom rocked the walls around them, causing her and Cheryl to scream and flee the room.
Hayley stayed were she was, thoughts dashing through her mind. Strange men were looking for someone in the West wing…
"Oh my god, Harry!" she spoke aloud.
What if they were after him? Or, what if he tried to escape? What if this was an escape attempt? She had to stop him. Hayley had been truthful when saying to Manners that she was prepared to do anything to ensure Harry's freedom. If that meant preventing him from ruining all their hard work in court by stopping a criminal act, then so be it.
Running as fast as she could, Hayley dodged falling debris as she raced through the labyrinthine corridors. Staff and inmates alike were bolting this way and that whilst guards were trying to control the chaotic situation. The air was laced with fear with everyone making his or her way to the nearest exit. But not Hayley.
She was determined to find Harry.
There was a lot of smoke surrounding the West wing; dust and brick littered the ground, the strip lights flickered with uncertainty, and the deafening wail of the Ravencroft alert alarms hurt her ears. The once recognisable and familiar corridor was in a state of disarray. And although the alarms were ear-splittingly loud, the wing was eerily quiet. All Hayley could really hear was her heart thumping in her chest and her unsteady breathing. Something was not right.
Where was everyone? She wondered.
It looked like this wing was hit the worst and it appeared devoid of any human life, bar the timid redhead. Prisoners and guards were seemingly nowhere to be seen.
Hayley noticed that, like the other wings she had passed, all the cell door locks had been released. A corridor of open doors awaited her and Hayley had no idea if all the prisoners had vacated the area already. She only hoped that she could catch Harry before he escaped.
In the distance, the entrance to Room 136 had its door swung wide open like the others. Hayley was relieved to see that other than Harry's cell door, the end of the corridor was virtually untouched. The passage was a straight line; all she had to do was run.
"Please be there please be there," Hayley prayed under her breath.
She darted down the passageway, jumping over rubble and weaving around the open doors. Cell 125 was blown open, a gaping hole where the wall and door had previously been. In shock she stopped to inspect the damage, completely in awe of the violent destruction – there was nothing recognisable left.
"They must have wanted Aleksei Sytesevich," Hayley whispered – she had no idea who "they" was but someone had planned this.
A small scraping sound of approaching footsteps on dirt caused Hayley to turn sharply. Behind the way she had just came was a shadowy figure parting the smoky dust like a divine being.
"H…Harry?" called out Hayley nervously, "Is that you?"
The mysterious man walked forward into the light, his nail bitten hands jittering frustratingly by his sides.
"No. But I could be," smirked Kinsey, rolling is tongue slowly across his top lip in an overly suggestive manner.
His breathing was erratic and loud like he'd just run a marathon. But Kinsey didn't look exhausted. If any thing, he looked alarmingly alive, a predatory glare in his wide perverted eyes.
Suddenly afraid, Hayley gulped, "Now, Kinsey, I think maybe you should go…go wait in your cell for –"
"Oh but where's the fun in that?" the criminal pouted with pretend sadness cloaking his features.
"I'm going to count to three and I want you to be back in you cell," Hayley said clearing the hesitance from her voice. "One…"
Kinsey exaggerated his pout.
"Two…" she continued, standing her ground.
Still, no movement.
Hayley looked the man right in the eye, "Th-"
"THREE!" Kinsey yelled his voice echoing in the dim hallway.
He didn't move.
She didn't move.
Taking a step forward, Kinsey raised his arms in the air expectantly, "Ready or not. Here. I. Come!"
It had been quiet since the initial thunderous boom. The violent and unnatural sound informed Harry that his and Fiers' plan had blasted into motion.
When the high-tech door to his cell opened of its own accord, Harry had been rather surprised. Fiers and Manners had decided to disclose only the bare minimum of information regarding the extraction of the Russian criminal, Sytesevich. That way, Harry could react naturally if the techs they'd employed for this mission failed to neutralise the security cameras – the less Harry new about the assault the better. Nothing could be traced back to the Osborn or to OsCorp if the future of Project Sinister was ultimately to succeed. Harry's freedom had to be done by the book, secured through the American justice system.
So when the option of freedom by other means was presented, Harry just laughed manically and sat back on his bed.
That was some thirty minutes ago and all he could hear was that irritating Ravencroft alarm. He felt like his ears were bleeding it was so piercing.
"I bet its pure chaos out there! Let's go have a look, have some fun, ay Harry?" the Goblin suggested, thoroughly sick of their inactivity over the past months.
"Fun comes later. We'll let Fiers' team handle whatever's out there," Harry said dismissively, deciding it was time for a nap.
Then he heard a familiar scream.
She was cornered in Room 130.
After dashing away from the chilling criminal, Hayley had been caught easily; her measly stick like limbs no match for an aggressive well-built madman.
"I've been waiting a long, long, long, long, time for this MJ," Kinsey growled, yanking the girl towards him violently, trying to force a kiss upon her lips.
Hayley shrieked in terror before slapping at her attacker, clipping him fully across the face.
"You stupid BITCH!"
Kinsey smacked her and threw Hayley to the ground with such force that white-hot pain bloomed on her head. He snarled and shoved the girl further onto the ground as he put one knee upon her back to prevent her from moving.
"HARRY!"
"Did you hear that?" Harry asked, sitting bolt upright.
A chill had crept into his skin when he heard the initial scream and the feeling only intensified upon hearing his name.
"You're seriously loosing it! Hearing things again? This insane act is pissing me-"
"HARRY!"
"Is that Ginge?" the Goblin asked incredulously, a hint of panic in his gruff voice.
"HAR-"
The disembodied scream was cut short.
Deciding to investigate, Harry left the safety of his cell, knowing deep down that something was wrong. He carefully walked up the corridor, looking in each empty cell as he went. With no more noise other than the blasted screeching alarm, Harry almost turned back around to return to his room.
Almost.
A heart-wrenching sob echoed two cells away, Room 130, and Harry quickened his pace.
The scene he walked in on ignited a fiery green anger deep inside.
Hayley was lying face down on the concrete, her tears staining the ground as she let out inaudible sobs through shallow shaky breaths. A disgusting meaty hand held her face firm against the dirty floor. Her once bright eyes were now glassy, hollow and empty; she looked straight through Harry as if he were invisible.
That scummy brute, Kinsey, was leaning his body over the redhead, sniffing at her dishevelled hair whilst scrambling franticly with the buttons and fly of his prison jumpsuit.
Her face had had lost its brightness; Hayley looked defeated and broken. She was barely moving, her earlier attempts of freedom evident on her face. Along with the tears, an ugly red hand shaped mark glowed on her cheek, fresh blood dripped down her forehead from a cut concealed by her hair. She may have seemed willing or compliant in her stillness but Harry knew the girl was screaming inside. Hayley's knuckles had turned bone white in silent resistance as her nails dug into the stone beneath her.
At least Harry found a small sense of relief to see that his nurse was still fully clothed.
Kinsey was too busy focusing on undoing his fly to even notice Harry's appearance until he felt a smashing blow to his face. The criminal stumbled back, falling to the floor, away from Hayley.
"What the fu-"
Harry kicked the bumbling idiot in the face, delighted to see blood spurt and shattered teeth decorate the grey cell. As Kinsey clutched at his messed up jaw, Harry decided to kick the bastard where he knew it would hurt. The criminal yelped and reached down to his pained groin.
"NEVER. TOUCH. WHAT. IS. MINE!" the Goblin snarled, whilst connecting his foot with any part of the creep's body between in each word to emphasise their importance.
Pure rage filled Harry's mind and he began to feel a sick amount of pleasure at beating the grubby criminal to a pulp. He kept kicking and kicking and kicking, until he heard a rib bone snap. Harry ignored the cries coming from his victim. The bastard had this coming.
The Goblin decided to end this.
Hauling Kinsey up by the shoulder, Harry bashed him against the nearest wall, holding up the exhausted and bloodied man. Harry kneed him in the balls again before grabbing his bloody face and smacking the man's head backwards. A sickening crack resonated above the heavy breathing.
"Harry?" came a soft broken voice.
Still holding the semi-conscious inmate, Harry turned to see his girl standing on unsteady feet, trembling, holding onto the wall for support.
"Go to my cell and wait for me there," Harry said firmly.
Hayley nodded and shuffled towards the exit, its door still wide open.
Before leaving the room, she stopped by her saviour and placed an uncertain hand on his shoulder. Her eyes were blank and her was voice cold as she whispered, "Make it hurt."
Grinning widely at having the redhead's permission, the Goblin responded, "It will Ginge, have no doubt about that."
His blue eyes clouded vibrantly green, and they followed Hayley as she exited the cell, turning right towards the safety of his room. The Goblin twisted back to focus on his victim, smashing the bastard's head against brick until there was nothing left but mush.
She was resting on his bed, curled into a protective ball, staring blankly at the wall opposite trying desperately not to blink. If she closed her eyes then his disgusting face would be bearing down on her. Maybe, just maybe, if Hayley counted the bricks opposite then her lids would stay open. There was no way for her to kid herself that this was all a dream. It was as real as the blood drying on her forehead. It was as real as the pain in her throat from screaming.
It was all real.
But Harry was also real and he was standing before her now, strong and stoic. His hair was matted with a mixture of blood and sweat which made him look dangerous and sinister. Hayley knew he was anything but; in this instant he was her protector, he was her everything.
Without taking her eyes off the bricks she was fixatedly counting, Hayley tentatively reached out her quivering hand towards Harry's blood-stained one. She laced her fingers between his, trying hard to ignore the clotted stickiness that coated them. Her breathing began to ease and her eyes closed for a split second, comforted by his presence. She wasn't alone in this; he was here for her.
"Is he dead?" she asked blankly.
"He can never hurt you again," the Goblin murmured softly.
"Good."
"Are you hurt?"
She squeezed his hand in response.
Gently, Harry used his free hand to coax the girl from being curled into sitting up right on his bed. He checked the red mark on her cheek that was slowly fading. His fingertips softly brushed aside her auburn hair to inspect the shallow gash. The bleeding had stopped and it thankfully wouldn't need stitches. Harry wished he could take away the pain he couldn't see, fix the invisible wounds that no doubt had already infected her mind.
The hand that held hers never let go.
When he tenderly brushed away the tears from her lashes, Hayley flinched, suddenly scared to be close to a man.
"Hush doll, it's me," Harry whispered soothingly.
"He…he tried to…I tried but…he was just so…I didn't know what to do…" Hayley babbled, words incoherent from the fresh tears that threatened to fall.
"You did the right thing Hayley."
"I did?"
"You called for me, didn't you? Because you knew I would protect you."
Hayley nodded. She felt slightly ashamed to have screamed his name aloud, knowing that it probably revealed her feelings for him on a psychological level. But there was no one else.
There was only Harry.
"I will always protect what's mine. My hope deserves to stay pure," Harry said kindly with a genuine smile, "And golden." He plucked a soft strand of her hair between his fingers and stroked it fondly, "You should go, before anyone catches you in here with me."
Fear clouded her eyes again, "I don't think I can, I'm scared, I –"
"I want you to go to a supply closet and get me a clean jumpsuit – destroy my dirty one. Then you will go to a bathroom, clean you face and head, and go find your way to safety. No one will need to know what happened tonight - it will be our little secret. Right?"
Another silent nod.
"That's my girl, hmmm?" murmured the Goblin softly, brushing his thumb over her plump bottom lip possessively. "Now go."
Standing unsteadily, Hayley slowly walked away from Harry, still holding his hand. She was fearful to break contact until the last possible second.
Then, she did as she was told, following Harry's instructions to the letter.
The trial had been on a two-week hold since the break out of Aleksei Sytesevich and Ravencroft's security breech. Various rumours had surfaced, not only in the institute but also outside its tall walls, among the citizens of New York. The Daily Bugle reported non-stop about the unknown dangers hidden deep inside the institute. Not only had Sytesevich escaped but also ten other criminals during the daring and explosive raid. The death of the redhead rapist, Kinsey, had made the papers, though became quickly buried beneath heated debates and criminal propaganda.
The media dubbed the explosive event as "The Ravencroft Raid".
The criminal act had even knocked the Osborn trial off The Daily Bugle's front page. With the police commissioner refusing to release the names of the newly freed criminals, the media was feeding its readers a public service by reporting everything they knew. Every lead, every speculation, every fear was written in black and white.
Many articles focused on the absence of Spider-Man – where was New York's masked hero? Although petty crime and street attacks had increased since the vigilante's disappearance, the raid was the biggest criminal event to happen since Electro and the Goblin appeared five months ago. News reporters and the public were divided on their love for Spider-Man.
Their hero had not returned.
Consequently, on the same night as 'The Ravencroft Raid', OsCorp had been broken into as well. Numerous weapons and specialist military grade equipment had been stolen, though none of this information was released to the public. Only the mayor, police commissioner and the army had been notified of what had been taken – OsCorp was good at keeping their business secret. This subsequent break in meant that the newspapers did not even speculate whether or not the Goblin, Harry Osborn, may have been involved with either criminal act. Why would a billionaire break into their own company? Besides, it was reported that the Osborn boy hadn't even attempted to escape from Ravencroft that night.
Ignoring the many report controversies, the Ravencroft institute was trying to carry on as normal; armed security and dog patrols were doubled, no prisoner was allowed to go anywhere without at least two guards, the US army had supplied a specialist task force team, and maximum security inmates were confined to their rooms, their privileges stripped for safety reasons. The only high security prisoner who retained their canteen meal freedom was Harry Osborn. His lack of an escape attempt during the breakout had not gone unnoticed.
Manners had reported this good behaviour to the court judge who had allowed Harry to keep his privileges. The lawyer was extremely happy that these criminal events would work in their favour at court.
Hayley was on canteen duty again.
She was happy to be in a large crowd and not alone patrolling dark corridors with strange shadows that made her think that Kinsey was lurking around every corner. The redhead was constantly on edge and had been since that night. Even her medication would not allow Hayley to sleep undisturbed by nightmares. Being alone in her tiny apartment no longer felt safe and she had been spending more time at Ravencroft, regardless of whether she was paid for working extra shifts or not. She hadn't even ventured to see Harry, because going down that corridor meant walking past Kinsey's old cell. The only time Hayley dared to seek out Harry was at meal times, when she would sneak sideways glances at him. He never looked at her, not even once. This made her sad but it was a comfort just to have him close by, to know that he was there.
It was well into the lunchtime shift at Ravencroft and Hayley was leaning against a wall, staring into space.
"…live on Park Avenue and 56th Street where it is complete chaos.… sort of mechanised armoured suit is wreaking havoc on Midtown…"
The lively lunchroom became deathly silent.
No one moved, other than to turn and direct their full attention to the forty-inch TV screen that usually provided background noise throughout the day. A prisoner nearest the remote turned up the volume.
On the screen was a bleak picture of Park Avenue, half destroyed, with a strange metallic silver thing dominating the street. A small opening appeared in the metal monstrosity, revealing the grinning dirty mug of former prisoner and escapee Aleksei Sytesevich.
"I am the RHINO!" boomed the television speakers, broadcasting the recognisable voice with its strange Russian lilt. Large titanium machine gun arms raised in triumph before bullets tore into the surrounding cop cars.
A murmur spread through the prisoners. Some voiced quiet cheers, rejoicing to see one of their own free to cause untold damage. It made Hayley quickly feel sick to be surrounded by such barbaric people. It was easy to forget that her patients' were hardened criminals when they complied with Ravencroft's rules. She had no doubt that were any one of them back on the streets then they'd be shooting at the cops too.
The bullets made the televised vehicles look like Swiss cheese, their attack causing explosions. Hayley put her hands over her ears as the noise caused flashes of the raid and Kinsey to appear before her eyes.
She searched for Harry's face in the room, hoping that his familiar confident demeanor would calm her. The Osborn boy was sat slanted away from the screen with an air of great disinterest. He was even casually playing with a fork, twisting it between his fingers like a drummer performing a trick with their drumstick. To anyone else, Harry seemed greatly bored in comparison to the other inmates. However, Hayley wasn't so fooled. She noticed his eyes flicking towards the screen whenever a fresh explosion echoed, one of his eyebrows raised in interest rather than unconcerned boredom.
"Look New York, Spider-Man is back," mocked the metal Rhinoceros.
At the Russian's statement, Harry turned sharply, the vein on his eyebrow pulsing wildly as his hand instantly clenched around his fork. Upon seeing a small child in a costume run forward into the carnage, he smiled and rolled his eyes before turning back to mastering fork twirling. A small chuckle released from his upturned lips and his body visibly relaxed.
"…Aleksei scare you little boy?" the speakers boomed.
Tears tumbled down Hayley's cheeks – she did not want to watch a child die. That dear boy was so brave! How old was he? He looked younger than ten. Such courage. Something she'd never had…
He was tiny on the TV screen, an innocent, looking almost alien standing amongst destroyed cars and shattered glass. Every one was hiding, the cops unsteady with their authority and handguns, knowing that they were no match for the colossal metal beast.
New York needed Spider-Man to save them. And here was a child in their hero's mask; a symbol of unwavering hope.
Everyone waited on baited breath, uncertain how the scene would unfold.
Cheers unexpectedly erupted from the televised crowd as a lithe figure in red and blue spandex, the real Spider-Man, swung down and took his place at the brave boy's side. Chants of "Spidey. Spidey," were joyous and full of renewed faith as New York's hero had finally returned after five long months of absence.
Even some of the prisoners looked a little reassured. Though many were put in Ravencroft by Spider-Man, there was a strict honour among criminals when it came to harming children. Many of the convicts who were child murderers and molesters had to be kept separate from the others for their own safety.
"You fight me? You fight me now?" exclaimed the Rhino.
Picking up a megaphone, Spider-Man addressed the criminal, "On behalf of the fine people of New York and real rhinos everywhere, I ask you to put your mechanised paws in the air."
Hayley let out a small audible cry of relief; she had never been so happy to see another human being in her life. Except for when Harry had saved her...
She shook those thoughts quickly from her mind, clocking eyes with Colin across the room who grinned back at her in response to Spider-Man's return. The guard's eye was black from the fights that had occurred when Sytesevich had escaped.
"Never! I crush you! I kill you! I destroy you!" Sytesevich bellowed in response.
The canteen was still relatively quiet as everyone watched the Rhino racing towards Spider-Man, firing missiles and bullets as the two engaged in a raging battle. With attention still on the TV, only Hayley noticed when the small clang of a fork hitting the ground provided a change in sound compared to the booming speakers. The fork's owner stalked angrily towards the double door exit, demanding to be taken back to his cell.
With Harry no longer in the room, Hayley felt vulnerable again. Her mind kept flashing back to rough grubby arms grabbing at her waist, a filthy hand suffocating her, then the all-consuming darkness.
Trying to stay calm and control herself from hyperventilating, Hayley decided to go to the bathroom and splash cool water on her face.
She passed a group of shady prisoners on her way out who were in deep conversation.
"Ya reckon it was the mafia that broke 'im out?" whispered a skinhead with missing front teeth.
The man beside him, who had had part of his ear bitten off in a prisoner fight during the raid, replied, "Russian mafia?"
"Yeah, 'cause Sytesevich is Russian in' 'e?" probed the skinhead.
"Mafia's good but not that good! Ya see that suit? Not their style," concurred the one-eared prisoner.
"Fuck me, I need one of those!" murmured a scrawny newbie in awe.
"God damn that lucky Russian bastard..."
Hayley stopped dead in her tracks, a seed of doubt blooming inside her. She felt uneasy, sick deep down in her stomach with clammy chills running through her body. Her mind went back to the conversation she'd had with Harry previously;
"I only need one Russian… just one. Promise."
The sinking sensation inside her only began to worsen. Was this purely coincidence or was Harry's choice of alcohol beverage a smooth lie about the subsequent breakout of Aleksei Sytesevich? She hadn't meant to over hear what he and the stranger were talking about. What if they had planned the break in?
The more she dared to connect the two events, the more Hayley became certain that something was amiss. The Rhino's armoured suit looked like something only OsCorp could build – it held similarities to the technology used for Harry's Goblin suit.
Hayley really didn't like where this train of thought was leading her, but she knew that only one person held the answers and she was going to demand them.
Now.
"Why would I have anything to do with raid the other week?" Harry responded as Hayley stood opposite him in his cell, her hands on her hips and a suspicious accusing look in her eyes.
"Well, did you?"
"I've been either locked in this cell or shackled in court. How could I possibly have been the one to orchestrate all this? Why would I steal from my own company or risk being linked to an out of control criminal like Sytesevich? It's really not my style doll. I've been a good boy. I didn't even try to break free last week when I had every reason to escape. No. I stayed in my cell and only left because I heard your screams. Imagine what would have happened had I not been there, hmm?"
Hayley looked away, trying not to think about what might have happened.
"The fact that you would even suggest any of this truly troubles me Hayley," said Harry angrily, walking towards the girl, needing to stop her doubt in him.
"Besides, who would believe you?" sneered the Goblin grabbing her chin and squeezing it menacingly between his fingers so that she could only stare into his green tinged eyes.
"That little boy could have been killed," Hayley countered, "His blood would be on your hands. If you feel nothing for your actions then you truly are a monster!"
With a guttural snarl the Goblin shoved the nurse with his hand that gripped her chin, causing Hayley to fall backwards onto her bum. Before she could even cry out in pain, Harry reached forward and hauled her up so that her back as firmly placed against his chest.
"A monster? A monster! Kinsey was the monster!" Harry spat, all the while keeping Hayley's struggles under control with his inhuman strength. "To think he touched what is rightfully mine. Are you not grateful? Did you want me to let that monster rape you?"
"You know I didn't want that. Please, Harry, let me go!"
"If I were a monster, I would have stood and watched," the Goblin whispered.
Hayley let out a strangled cry, memories of her almost rape flooding back into her mind.
"Hush," Harry comforted, stroking the crown of her red head as her sobs began to die down. "You're emotional and I'm sure you didn't mean to call me a monster, did you?"
Harry's hand splayed out over her head, forcing Hayley to shake it in silent answer.
"Anyway, only a real monster would kill their own parents," he whispered.
Hayley froze.
Leaning even closer, if that were possible, Harry hissed into her ear, "I know your deepest, darkest, fiery secret Hayley."
Hayley began to visibly shake but remained frozen in place. How did he know?
Taking the opportunity, Harry pulled away from her so that he could circle round her quivering form. He was delighted when she stayed in place, smirking widely because the girl was too emotionally unhinged to notice that he had removed her baggy white lab coat. The piece of clothing now lay in a heap on the floor behind her. Harry noticed how tiny she was in a long sleeved black jersey top that clung to her scrawny body.
"How does a girl as young as ten survive the fire that killed her parents? Especially by hiding in a closet. Surely any one of that age would know to leave the house in those circumstances?" Harry commented aloud whilst circling the scared redhead, "Why hide in the closet, unless you wanted to die? A child with a death wish must have done something truly horrific."
"How…?" Hayley spluttered in disbelief.
How did he know about the fire? She thought, her heart racing. Had it finally happened? Had someone discovered her dark secret?
"Manners. Besides, I'm an Osborn; I can get whatever information I want," Harry said smugly. "The cops may not have included it in their report but I have no doubt of your secret. I know all about you."
"You know nothing about me, Osborn," Hayley seethed angrily, rage igniting behind her eyes. She met Harry's gaze steadily, holding up her chin defiantly, standing her ground.
Then Harry did something completely unexpected.
His face visibly softened. He flipped his boyish bangs out of his now blue eyes and walked slowly towards her. Just as Harry began to invade her personal space, he held out his arms, encasing Hayley in a tight embrace.
With her arms pinned to her sides, Hayley was unsure how to react; the angry part of her was screaming to be away from him. However, the psychiatrist reasoned that this show of normal emotion and affection was incredible rare for Harry. So she decided to let go of the tension in her body and crumple against him. Besides, they could both do with a hug.
Just as Hayley began to close her eyes in ease, the hands that held her waist tightly, started to feel incredibly painful.
"Ha-"
"Shhhhh," whispered Harry firmly. Moving his head so that he could look into those wide innocent eyes of hers, Harry continued, "I know what it's like to want to kill your family. My father was incredibly cruel and I wished many times that he would die. Now his death has only brought out my inner darkness. You hide your dark side well, Hayley, but like me, you bare the physical scars."
Realising his intent, Hayley began trying to flee, panic filling her veins, "No! No, please, don't! DON"T!"
Readjusting one of his arms so that it now fell across the girl's shoulder blades effectively restraining her, Harry used his other hand to slowly slip underneath the hem her top at the base of her back. Her cool milky skin felt wondrous on his fingertips.
Although his caress was gentle, Hayley was too terrified to even notice. Every instinct was screaming for her to run.
Harry grunted at her nails digging into his shoulders as she scrambled for freedom. As delicately as he could his searching fingers slowly ascended.
"Please… stop!" Hayley whined quietly, the inevitability that someone would touch the most fragile part of her soul suddenly making her exhausted.
She stopped fighting – it was going to happen and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
Taking her stillness as compliance, Harry moved his hand faster, the rough pads of his fingers finding their desire. He had expected her burn scars to be callous and rough like his own skin lesions. Instead, Harry found that although the flesh was distorted it was as smooth as glass. It didn't feel like skin at all but like fragile wings; although Harry only touched a small part of the scar, he had read that it covered the whole of her back.
Definitely not the skin of a monster.
He wanted to explore more. To touch this beautiful and delicate girl that was covered in her own destruction. The Goblin was egging him on but Harry stayed firm in his decision to not take things further. There'd be time for further glorious exploration when he was free.
Harry removed his inquisitive hand and held the girl with both hands on her shoulders before pushing her away from his body. She looked numb, shell shocked, though still engaged enough for Harry to deliver the final blow;
"There are monsters inside us all, doll. You know mine. And now, I know yours."
The courtroom was silent as every occupant waited nervously for the jury to return with a verdict.
Hayley was standing at the back with Peter Parker who had his camera poised in readiness for the perfect shot to use on The Daily Bugle's front page. He had been in a foul mood ever since hearing about Harry's defence lawyer starting a smear campaign against Spider-Man in court. He had no doubt that Harry enjoyed it. After hearing him lie about caring for Gwen, Peter had had to leave the room.
Deep down, the guilt for his part in Gwen's death still festered.
He needed to hold on to his good memories of Gwen, remember her hope, and keep New York's hope in him alive, just like she wanted. This thing with Harry was more than Gwen. He had to rise above his suffering and be the hope that everyone needed him to be. Spider-Man still had a duty, still had a purpose to New York's citizens, and he couldn't let his pain dominate him any longer.
So Peter would become hope; he would keep fighting and failing and living… for Gwen.
When he had saved the young boy, Jorge, and battled the Rhino, the public and police force had cheered and supported him. It would take more than some big shot lawyer to ruin Spider-Man's reputation. Peter could only hope that the jury would punish Harry for his crimes as the Goblin and not be swayed by the enigmatic lawyer.
The door of the jury room opened with the chosen jury silently filed back to their box and took their seats. The Foreman remained standing.
"For the charge of property negligence to the state of New York, we the jury find the defendant… Guilty," spoke the Foreman, everyone hanging onto his every word. "We sentence Mr Osborn to a year of community service in the form of charity and fundraising to repair the buildings and property that he destroyed during his battle with Spider-Man."
There were a few confused mutters.
"For the charges of involuntary manslaughter and Second-degree murder against the deceased, Gwendolyn Maxine Stacy, we find the defendant… Not guilty."
The courtroom erupted into an uncontrollable frenzy.
"ORDER! ORDER!" bellowed the Judge, "Will the jury please explain to the court the terms of Mr Osborn's release."
"With Mr Osborn's plea of insanity and incarceration at the Ravencroft institute, he has already fulfilled themandatory clinical treatment and has now been declared sane, thus no longer posing a threat to himself or to the public," explained the Foreman.
The man licked his lips nervously before continuing, "However, we propose for Mr Osborn to undertake two month compulsory house arrest with his health monitored daily by an already appointed outpatient physician. This physician has an extensive knowledge in the case and has the trust and compliance of Mr Osborn, who has graciously offered to pay for further training if required to aid in his healthcare."
"Is the jury willing to release this physician's name?" exclaimed one too eager reporter in the spectator's front row.
"Has the physician signed all the papers?" asked the Foreman, directing his question to Manners who nodded in response. "The chosen personal physician is one of Ravencroft's finest employees. She holds a duel medical license to practice as a nurse and a psychiatrist, achieving a First class degree in Psychiatry, a Miss Hayley Carmichael."
Reporters hurriedly scribbled the name on their notepads.
Hayley felt her blood run cold and Peter stared at her incredulously.
"This doesn't make sense Peter," Hayley hurriedly whispered, "I didn't agree to any of this, I didn't sign anyth - " She stopped in horror at remembering the papers that Manners asked her to sign.
"You make me sick," Peter hissed before leaving the courtroom.
Sinking back into her seat, Hayley felt numb. She stared down at her hands in her lap, realising that she was just a pawn in all of this.
How could she have been so naive?
Hayley was lost in her thoughts that she hadn't realised that with the verdict given, everyone had vacated the courtroom. The judge had even left his seat and retired to his chambers – she was the only one left. The only one left, except for two smartly dressed men.
Harry grinned happily as he walked towards the redhead.
He was a free man once more... and Hayley was his.
Bet you thought I was referring to Harry when I mentioned 'rape' in the warning!
I love you guys, like honestly! I know I made you wait for this one (evil me), but I just needed this chapter to be amazing and perfect for you! And I'm sorry the court stuff wasn't really in depth – I know nothing of Law, especially American Law, so I wrote as much as I could, and I hope I didn't disappoint!
The scene where Harry and Hayley have a confrontation and he touches her scars was taken from a dream I had right after I saw the film. That dream sparked this whole fanfic and I'm so happy to finally unveil that scene for you to read.
To my lovely guest who said Peter's misunderstanding attitude pisses them off – good! That's how I want him to seem, so I'm really happy you feel that way (no offence taken :D ). Peter is all sorts of messed up bless him, especially since, in my mind, he is partially responsible for Gwen's death in the film, and the guilt must be killing him. Guilt that's not properly dealt with can come out as anger and resentment – his development will be included in this fic too.
Everyone who has read, reviewed, favourited, followed, you are all amazing. I thank you for joining me on this journey, literally did not think anyone would read this, so I am truly thankful to ALL of you. Cannot wait to upload more chapters and keep you all on your toes! XXX LOVE