Chapter 34 [ Daily Bugle—An Hour Later]
Peter leaned back against the elevator car's back wall. His eyes tracked the floors' lights blink on and off. He'd done so thousands of times of course. Routine had proceeded in such manner for the previous five years. He fought a villain or rounded up a gang. Pictures developed in the dark room. He brought them up to New York's least favorite Skin Flint. Maybe a quarter to a third of value received. Rinse and repeat….
…Wait…Now not so much….
Jonah and Robbie aren't going to believe this. Captain Stacy and Gwendy have the right idea. Maybe we can get a new start in Metropolis? If nothing else, this will give me a chance to look around. I don't have to decide yet. Right? He shook his head.
"Calm yourself, my Friend. It will be all right." Jasmine took in a composing breath. "You have reasons. Let Mr. Jameson worry about his own issues." She straightened her headdress. "You focus on Gwen, her father and your aunt. They are important. Your friends here? Of course. You will have other matters in the months ahead." The doors opened. "Let us see what is there. No?"
He bowed for appearances if nothing else. "After you, Princess."
"Peter, thank you. It's just Jasmine. We are not at my father's palace. You have earned my respect. Take that into consideration." Jasmine strode into the bullpen. Her eyes surveyed the area and activity. "So, this is the Daily Bugle? It is everything I imagined." She turned back toward Peter. "Who do we see?"
"I have to check in with Betty. She's Jonah's assistant and a friend. This way." He led Jasmine through the hubbub toward Betty's desk. He kept his eyes straight ahead. He never broke stride either. He noticed Ulrich's empty desk out of the corner of his eye.
Betty glanced up from her conversation. A smile spread across her face. "Yes, Mr. Taylor. I'll definitely take that message for you." She scribbled a note for Jameson. "Absolutely. I'll see that he gets it. Thank you. Have a great day." She hung up. "Peter? Good grief! We've been so worried! I can't believe you're standing much less walking!" She narrowed her eyes.
"Gwen and her Dad are fine. Lex Luthor and Lieutenant deWolff got them out of their house before it blew up. I was lucky, Betty. Spider-Man pulled me out of there just before the building blew up. I'm dealing with some things. Overall, I'm all right. Is Jonah available? We need to talk with Robbie and him." Peter turned to Jasmine. "By the way, Betty Brant, this is Princess Jasmine-A 'isha of Javalastan. Hope I got that right."
"You did, Peter. Thank you. Miss Brant, greetings. As he indicated, we would like to speak with Mr. Jameson please." Jasmine nodded to Betty.
"Just a minute." Betty braced herself. She picked up the phone's receiver.
"MISS BRANT! I TOLD YOU I WASN'T TO BE DISTURBED!" Jameson's voice bellowed from the speaker.
Betty winced. "I know. Peter Parker's here. He and a Princess want to see Robbie and you. I know Mr. Osborn was asking about him earlier too."
"FINE!" He hung up the phone.
"Does he always yell like that?" A most unpleasant frown curled Jasmine's mouth. "I am sorry, Betty, for that distress."
"That's how he is every day." Peter rubbed his forehead. "He's really going to…"
The office door slammed open. Jameson stalked out into the bullpen. His teeth worked the cigar in his mouth. Distress signals puffed into the air. His eyes narrowed. "Well! Look who the cat dragged in! GET IN HERE, PARKER! She the Princess? Whatever!"
"Did you just…?" Jasmine's eyes narrowed. Disgust and outrage stiffened her. " Do not address me in that manner or tone, Mr. Jameson! I merit your respect not your disdain. Peter and I need to speak with you. If Mr. Robertson and Mr. Osborn are in there, I wish to speak with them as well."
"Jameson, stop!" Osborn stood in the doorway. "You are causing an incident!" Sweat beaded from his face. Shakes twitched his hands. "Princess…Peter…" He bowed to Jasmine. His eyes, however, narrowed at Peter. His tone lowered.
Jasmine kept a straight face. Intuition and Sensitivity noted Osborn's differences. She shot Peter a curious look. Then she cleared her throat. "Thank you, Mr. Osborn. I appreciate that. I am sorry to hear about your building."
"Yes. That. Neither of you are to blame. I have a theory. That person and I will be in touch soon. After that mess at the Coffee Bean earlier? I am glad Harry isn't here. He is relocating. A scholarship came open in Metropolis of all places. Their biochemistry department was very interested in Gwen and you both, Peter. You should consider a change."
"No way, Osborn! Parker's my man! Why! I've been taking care of him since he was in sweater vests and glasses! He wouldn't think of leaving!" Jameson tried to move closer to Peter. "His aunt is here and everything!"
"Actually, Jonah…" Peter coughed. "That's…why…I'm here. Mr. Osborn, that's what Gwen and I are thinking. We want to transfer to Metropolis University. Since your building and Mr. Stacy's house just exploded, there is my aunt's house. We've been invited to look around out there. Lex Luthor agrees with you."
"Yes…I'm sure." Mania flashed briefly in Osborn's eyes. Then they returned to normal. "It's a win-win then. I believe you should. One never knows when opportunity might swing in." His eyebrow arched.
Jasmine arched her eyebrow at Peter. Does he…?
He's in villain mode. I'll tell you outside. "Then you'd be a reference for me?"
Osborn sniffed. Situation's benefits piled atop one another. Peter's presence in Metropolis offered Harry a friend there. OsCorp, LuthorCorp, Metropolis University lined up as potential places for study or employment. And there were bonuses for their respective alter egos as well. "Certainly! I'll speak with Lex this afternoon. He and I will be meeting in a few days out there. He is a good friend to have. Will you be out in Smallville?"
"Maybe." Peter shrugged. "Mr. Luthor promised a visit with some friends and good cooking. I heard something about a coffee shop he's part of?"
"Ah yes! That would be the Talon Café. He and a local girl renovated an old theater. That place is quite a story in itself. You should ask Lex about it. He and his father were quite involved in a standoff out there. That café should be here never mind in a small town like that. Just be careful around Lionel Luthor with that. That episode tarnished him. Anyhow, I'm sure ESU will be sorry to see you go. If you decide to transfer to Met U, just have them call me." He extended his hand.
"Thanks, Mr. Osborn. I'll definitely get a hold of Harry. Gwen and her Dad will be happy to hear about that." Peter shook the offered hand. As he did so, Norman's superhuman grip startled him. The other's raised eyebrow and Dare's stare from his eyes elicited Spider Sense's tingle.
"I'm happy for you, Pete. Sorry you're leaving. At least you're getting some direction. That's good." Robbie lit his pipe. "Metropolis University is first rate biochemistry from what I understand."
"Now look! Parker can't…He…." Jameson hissed through clenched teeth. "You'll find another apartment! Mercado likes your work! She…" He rubbed Peter's shoulder. " Peter, you'll find another apartment. What's your aunt going to do? She's alone and…"
"Robbie, I have to think of Gwen, her Dad and Aunt May. Right?" Peter shrugged. Somehow, he restrained himself from a Lex-level Smirk.
"Mrs. Parker has excellent care. She is in very good hands." Jasmine glanced at her phone. "Forgive me, Peter. We should go. Gwen and the others are waiting."
"Robbie, Jonah, I'll be in touch. Thanks." Peter shook Robbie's hand. "Best to Randy. All right?"
"He'll appreciate that. Thank you. Let us know if we can do anything for you as well." Robbie motioned to Jameson.
Jameson grumbled to himself. He hated to lose his best freelancer. "Yeah. You watch out for them, Parker. Work hard. Remember us if you come back." He glared at Jasmine. Then, he turned and stalked back into his office. The door slammed shut.
"Guess that says it all." Peter rubbed the back of his neck. "Betty, give my best to everyone. Aunt May's okay." He hugged her. "Hope Ned and you are happy. Gwen and I will let you know when we get settled."
"You both take care!" Betty embraced Peter. "I know you two will do great! Stay in touch. If you're ever back this way, you let us know." Despite Relationship's Failure years earlier, Lament lingered over that situation. She and Ned were happy. Still, Questions had remained.
"You know it!" Peter returned the embrace. "Sorry. Apparently, Ms. Mercado isn't here today. Can you all let her know I said goodbye and thanks?"
"I sure will, Peter." Robbie glanced back at the office doors. "If you need a reference, just have whoever call me. Princess, thank you for helping him."
"It is my pleasure, Mr. Robertson. Thank you for your courtesy," Jasmine nodded. "The Sultan sends his regards, Mr. Osborn."
"Same to him of course, Princess. Do be careful, Peter. One never knows…" Norman's eyes narrowed again. Then he followed Jameson back to the office.
"Got to go." Peter led Jasmine back toward the elevator. "Be alert. I don't like that look in Mr. Osborn's eyes. He's in the other mode."
"Other mode?" Jasmine resisted a look back over her shoulder. "What would that be?" Her finger pressed the down button.
"Mr. Osborn has a split personality. There's him. We were just talking to his other side. Ever hear of the Green Goblin?" Peter's throat cleared. "That's him."
"The…? Are you serious? By the Prophet!" Jasmine gasped. She composed herself. "That is why he seems different." She guided him into the car. The doors closed.
"The scenes yesterday and this morning caused him to flip out." Peter shook his head. "I know he'll help with Met U. He wants me out of town. He…The Goblin…wants to take over the city's crime."
"Now I feel better about Alex's offer. I believe you can do a great deal of good. Besides…." Jasmine patted her pocket. "You left your camera at the Coffee Bean. I believe you have photos to sell. They will help you." She guided him out of the elevator and across the lobby toward the front door.
"I never…" Peter opened the door for her. Then, he took his seat. "What do you mean?"
"I beg to differ." Jasmine held up his camera. "Louise sends her regards. She took it with her from the apartment. I will add my reference to the others for Miss Gwen and you, Peter. You have helped Javalastan. We can help you as well. My father will not mind." She handed him the camera.
"Thanks." He stared at her. Disbelief and Gratitude worked across his face.
"That is what friends do for one another." Jasmine sat back as the car drove north toward the airport.
Transitions beginning….