SPIDER-MAN: ALL ALONE (CHAPTER 15)
Note: Looking forward to 2023, everyone. Happy new year.
13th PRECINCT POLICE STATION, MANHATTAN…
"Step into the booth." The voice from the intercom said.
Adrian then did as told walking into the surveillance chamber with a newly donned white prison outfit and cuffed up. Turning around, he stared blankly into the window in front of him with the police officers in front of him.
"Well, well… Looking frailer than before." Commissioner Philip DeWolff said, "Been quite some time to see an old-timer like him show up. Especially one whose deeds are so characteristic."
"That rounds up everyone in his crew save for a few minor suspects that we still haven't caught." The accompanying lieutenant said.
"This is the birdman himself, right?" Phillip asked, "Adrian Toomes. The one who started stealing after he killed his old business partner?"
"Well, actually…Mr. Bestman and his family survived the attack on his house." The lieutenant said, "Mr. Bestman died from a heart attack a couple months later."
Adrian gave a little scowl in front of his interrogators at the thought of how Gregory did not die by his hands but by a natural cause. His hatred overwhelmed every ounce of guilt he had in burning his house down.
"Doesn't absolve arson; property damage and attempted murder all at once. Those are the first few crimes followed he committed by his activities of theft and looting." Phillip replied.
"So? Is it back to Ryker's for him or does he deserve something more?" The lieutenant asked.
Phillip scratched his chin before following up with his own question.
"The archivist mentioned he had some kind of health problem?" Phillip asked.
The lieutenant motioned a nearby secretary to open up a stacked folder of health records. When it came to Adrian's page, the secretary described the issue.
"We have CT scans that he had done which show concerning signs that he's suffering… Spinal cancer. In addition to some gastrointestinal problems." The secretary described, "That's more reason to watch over."
"Oh, then Ryker's won't have what he needs. The Raft is our better bet but even then, we don't have the kind of place for him to be looked after… Yet." Phillip summarised.
"So, how are we gonna deal with him?" The lieutenant asked.
"He'll remain here for detention. Make sure we get some help from Metro Hospital so we pay attention to this man's health." Phillip instructed, "We'll be looking after him for sure."
Peering closer to the glass, Adrian looked at Phillip briefly before looking down and nodding his head subtly.
STACY RESIDENCE…
The fight against Vulture was over and all Gwen wanted was a good night rest. She changed out from her wet Spider suit and wore hoodie outfit. As she approached her home door, she thought about the prospect on whether her mother, Helen was asleep or not. Opening the lock would be the normal thing to do but may alert Helen thanks to the noise while using her phasing abilities would freak her out if she is there.
"Let's check the window first." Gwen said to herself.
But before she could walk, the door opened up for her and to Gwen's surprise, her mother was in front of her.
"Hi mum…I didn't know you were waiting." Gwen exclaimed.
"I don't know how you keep breaking your curfews, young lady. Hurry up and get inside." Helen insisted.
Gwen let out of a sigh before being let in. She was certain that she was going to tell her all about part-time job again whilst hiding her vigilante secret. But she was also getting tired of telling her mother the same half-truths and lies all over and decided with Vulture out of the picture; she could settle down a little.
"Mum…I think I have to tell you why I keep up so late." Gwen said.
"What is it, dear? Is it more to do with your delivery job? Gwen… You could do more than just that." Helen said closing the door as they headed to the kitchen room, "Or is this something to do with Peter?"
"You already heard those excuses. I think you can hear a new one." Gwen said finding herself a seat.
"Alright, tell me." Helen said.
Gwen swallowed the air before she said her words out.
"I-I don't think I'm over dad's death." Gwen confessed, "I feel this part of life is…Wrong."
Helen patted her daughter upon hearing those words before she listened for more.
"I can't forgive myself or something. I can't keep my life steady; I dropped my studies out of trauma. I haven't been in tune with my music and I'm delivering parcels just to support myself." Gwen said, "And then there's that void from dad and me wanting to live up to your expectations."
"Gwen…" Helen said in return.
"It's just not fair now. I'm sorry to keep neglecting my family duties and not taking responsibility but…" Gwen continued.
"Gwen, I let you down as well. I want to be the best mother for both you and Simon. To help you stand on your own and I want you to be happy as an individual." Helen said, "But…I also want to keep you safe. We can't have a Stacy on the street without the thought of being targeted. We both know the legacy your father brings."
"Dad was great at what he does." Gwen said with a smile.
"I think he's already proud of you." Helen assured.
As mother and daughter reconciled for a bit; Gwen was holding onto a future in which her family and herself will find its footing again.
BEDFORD APARTMENTS…
Peter came back to his block from the laundromat exhausted after having to wash his Spider-suit manually. Additionally, he held King in one arm to keep him alive with May not being around the house due to circumstances.
"There you go, King of the jungle." Peter said letting the cat down, "Promise you won't make a mess here."
Peter was uncertain since he knew the cat is probably going to scratch a couple of things and may bring the ire of the landlord. But like anyone close to him, he wanted to keep them safe and have some form of a close connection.
"Man, if only there's a way to afford Ned's ticket ride home." Peter lamented as he sat down on the sofa.
Turning on the TV, he decided to look through the programs and movies in front of him. He was uninterested with what was offered but settled with Avatar; a movie he swore he seen so many times but at least it will give the place some visual flair.
"Not even 4K HD…" Peter yawned as he stretched and went into a curved position to sleep.
As this happened, Peter tried to sleep. At least two hours might have passed before his phone ran causing him to open up his eyes whilst King could be heard possibly chasing his own tail. Peter looked at the phone screen and saw it was Curt calling.
"Dr. Connors?" Peter asked rubbing his eyes as he put the phone near his ear.
"Peter, sorry for calling up this late but…Uh…I have to warn you that's there been some difficult news." Curt informed, "Our lab…You know what? Wanna wait till morning?"
"Absolutely." Peter agreed before yawning.
CONNORS LABORATORY…
Peter entered the place looking around for Curt and asking for his name.
"Doctor Connors?" Peter called out.
He then spotted Curt near the table sitting and looking grumpy with a letter in front of him.
"Bad news, I take it." Peter said taking a seat near him.
"Yep and from my doing." Curt muttered.
"Wait, what?" Peter asked in surprise.
"My experimentation with the lizards; the university science board considers it a breach in violation of 'animal ethics'." Curt said, "Goddamn, morality. How easy is it get some answers without making people squeamish?"
"Whoa, easy. Can't we take this up to the board and get this revoked. I'm sure this wasn't meant intentional." Peter said while checking on the letter himself.
"You mean hurt the lizards? I got them killed." Curt said with an upset tone, "And for such a far-fetched goal that I should have known was far from reach."
"Come on, doc. I'm with you." Peter assured.
"Peter, I want you to understand. ESU takes scientific precautions quite seriously; there are so many breakthroughs yet so many incidents. They're also weary of the next Miller Warren, that crazed half-man, half-Grinch hybrid." Curt said, "They're not second chancing."
"Well, you're not that." Peter said, "You think there's nothing that can be done?"
Curt sighed before saying something that seemed a little off-topic.
"You know after seeing your work on the arm… I actually was inspired to do the 'impossible'." Curt admitted, "And when I say you are one of my best students; I don't just mean that simply. You are a man with a gifted mind and I found myself learning more than I could possibly teach."
"Doctor; I'm sorry if I made…" Peter said before being stopped.
"No, don't apologise. I simply let my ambitions get the hold of me." Curt said while looking at his missing arm.
At this point, Peter felt glum about what happened; all his work could be under scrutiny and his studies might be ruined. But even if his studies were unaffected, it would be Curt who would lose out the most.
"I do think there's a way in which the work may be saved." Curt added.
"You do?" Peter questioned.
"Yes, hear me out…" Curt said, "If you've been following Oscorp news, there's been a recent development in which the company wants to cooperate with the city in areas such as security and this includes the safeguard of scientific development. It means science in New York is regulated by Oscorp. And when that happens, it can do things that even include override decisions made by the board."
"This could save the projects?" Peter wondered.
"It's the best shot for a 'reset' and frankly, I think it be wonderful. Just once, Oscorp could do something of mutual benefit." Curt said hopefully.
Peter thought hard about the idea of Oscorp being the ones calling the shots. On one hand, he knew Norman very well but on the other hand, this would mean little for the project and could limit their control. The solution may as well be described as a double-edged sword that is close to swinging.
"I don't know, doc. Maybe if we don't rush things…" Peter replied.
TO BE CONTINUED…