Chapter 21: Tony Stark
"Jonah, you saw it. Peter's photos already prove Spider-Man is a hero," Ben said.
"It's just a disguise," Jameson grumbled, stubborn as ever.
"Jonah, everyone witnessed Spider-Man saving people this time. If you keep smearing him, you'll damage the Bugle's credibility," Ben cautioned gently.
"I know. I'll report the rescue... but I'm also warning Spider-Man that I'll be watching him."
"I'll never understand why you hold such a grudge against him," Ben muttered.
Jameson glanced at Peter Parker standing off to the side. A bit earlier he'd picked up a piece of news that had been lingering in his mind.
"Peter, are you free tomorrow?"
"I am. I've got the whole day open."
"Good. Keep your phone on. I might have a major assignment for you."
Ben blinked in curiosity. "What are you onto now?"
Peter, equally curious, turned his attention to him.
Jameson checked the room. It was only the three of them.
"Peter, close the door," he instructed.
"Sure." Peter eased the office door shut.
"Tony Stark's been found. My contact in the military says he should be back in New York tomorrow."
"He's alive?" Ben said, surprised.
Tony Stark had gone missing in the desert for three months. Ben had assumed he'd met a grim end.
Peter wasn't as shocked. He knew the story of Iron Man better than anyone. He knew Stark would survive and return changed.
"Yeah... that miserable guy has ridiculous luck," Jameson growled.
Peter studied him, surprised to see such an unmistakable expression on Jameson's face for the first time.
"Tony Stark used to date Jonah's niece..." Ben explained to Peter, choosing his words carefully.
Even with the gentle phrasing, Peter understood right away.
"Who told you to share that with him?" Jameson snapped.
"It's not exactly a secret. Telling Peter won't hurt anything. Besides, you kept him here which means you trust him to keep quiet, right?" Ben replied with an innocent shrug.
"I won't tell anyone," Peter promised.
Jameson found himself speechless between the two of them.
"Peter, this is your lucky break. Tony Stark loves creating big headlines. If you can land this interview, you're a step away from becoming a full reporter. Jonah, I didn't expect you to have this much faith in him, giving him such a prime opportunity."
"The staff reporters are all booked. He's just the only intern available. I'm not giving it to him on purpose," Jameson retorted.
If anyone had a chance to interview Tony Stark, every reporter in the building would be fighting tooth and nail for it. How could Jonah claim they were too busy? Ben thought to himself.
"I'll cherish this opportunity," Peter said sincerely.
"Good. Go prepare properly. Don't embarrass the Daily Bugle."
"Yes, sir."
That night, once he got home, Peter sat at his desk and started drafting notes for the next day's interview.
"Mr. Stark, I'm a reporter from the Daily Bugle... No, that sounds way too stiff. He hates that kind of formality."
"Mr. Stark, can you tell us what happened to you during the three months you were missing...? Nope. That's too casual. He'd ignore me instantly."
Peter ran his hands through his hair in frustration. Tony Stark's temperament was unpredictable. The whole interview might hinge entirely on whichever mood Stark woke up in tomorrow.
He thought for a long while but still couldn't come up with the right opening.
The Tony Stark he knew was already a seasoned hero. The one he was about to meet was still a volatile "kid" at heart.
Peter honestly had no idea how he was supposed to handle someone with a personality like Stark's.
Thinking through it over and over, he eventually slumped onto the desk and drifted off. Once Peter fell asleep, a faint red pulse flashed briefly across the Iron Spider Armor resting nearby.
Night passed quickly. Morning sunlight spilled across Peter's face as he slowly stirred awake.
He grabbed his phone right away. Seeing no missed call from Jameson let him breathe easier.
He took the upcoming interview so seriously that it distracted him throughout the day.
Fortunately, it didn't interfere with his work as Spider-Man.
New York was calmer today compared to the past two days. He only intervened in two attempted thefts.
"If only the city could stay this peaceful every day," Spider-Man murmured.
His phone rang. Jameson.
"Peter, grab your press ID and your gear. Head to Stark Tower right now. Tony Stark's holding a press conference," Jameson's urgent voice blared through the receiver.
"I'm on my way."
Spider-Man veered mid-swing and raced toward Stark Tower.
Stark Tower stood in Manhattan, New York. Among the countless skyscrapers, the building was impossible to miss. The enormous glowing "STARK" letters crowning its top made it unmistakable.
On the seventy-second floor, Tony Stark was devouring a cheeseburger with enthusiasm.
"Pepper, I'm about to hold a press conference. Why did you agree to some exclusive interview with the Daily Bugle?" Tony grumbled.
"It's to ease the tension between Stark Industries and the Bugle. They keep running harsh reports about the destructive range of our weapons. They're painting you as a heartless arms dealer, and the public is starting to push back against the company," Pepper explained calmly. "I think it's time you smoothed things over with J. Jonah Jameson, or at least convinced the Bugle to stop directing every spotlight onto Stark Industries."
"You still shouldn't schedule my day without asking me first," Tony complained.
"I did ask you."
"When?" Tony shot her a puzzled look.
Pepper sighed. Of course he didn't remember.
"Last night. I asked whether you wanted to give the Daily Bugle a chance at an interview, and you told me it was entirely up to me."