Fan Fiction: Crossovers
Can't Get You Outta My Head
Chapter 7 (Pt. 2)
"Stephen, this call was made less than two hours ago. I intercepted it." He started the tape.
"Hello Kingpin." said the Diane's voice on the tape. "You may remember me, I used to work for you. Diane Burke."
"Ah yes, miss Burke, I remember."
"Well, Mr Fisk. I want my job with you back."
"Oh? Why would I give you your job back?"
"Because I have information that you want to hear." Diane said confidently. "I know who the Shadow is."
"Really? I would be VERY interested in this information. Who is he?"
"Now, I will tell you, if I have your word. I want my job back, and your guarantee that I will be safe."
"Of course dear woman." Answered the Kingpin's voice.
"The Shadow is Stephen Cranston."
"Of course! How else could he get all those scoops on The Shadow's activities? He does it himself, and then writes about it the next day. It makes so much sense."
"We have a deal then?" asked Diane.
"Indeed. Where are you? I will have to send a car for you."
"I am, in fact at Cranston manor." Diane said.
"Okay then. It will be difficult to secure a discreet exit for you there. I will work on getting you here; you just act casual. Is he aware of your knowledge?"
"No. It's far too easy to fool him. I really can't believe he's- I have to go!"
Victor stopped the tape.
Stephen's face had grown noticeably harder, and he sat just a bit straighter. Finally, he spoke. "You know what? She's right. I am such an idiot."
"Well," Victor said uncomfortably. "She never called you an idiot."
The Shadow's hollow laugh rang out. "No she said: 'it's far too easy to fool him. I really can't believe he's-' Uncle, is there a GOOD ending to that sentence?"
Victor said nothing.
"Home, Shrevvy." Stephen ordered.
"What are you going to do?" asked Victor as the cab pulled into the traffic.
"I don't know yet." Stephen whispered finally.
At that time at Cranston manor, Peter was answering the phone. "Hello?"
"So tell me Spider-Man, did you like my re-modelling job on the sanctum?"
Peter started; it was Khan's voice. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Khan laughed heartily. "Please. If your partner couldn't keep his identity a secret, what chance do you think you have? Do not feel bad. Your mind is so pathetically weak, that it is hardly a challenge to read your deepest thoughts."
Peter growled. "Now I see why he hates you so much. Where I come from, them's fightin' words. I dares ya' to come over here and say that to my face."
"In time. I have a message for Ying Ko. He has now seen what I am willing to do to reach my own aims. Tell him to stay out of my business, or there will be further consequences still."
"I'm not his secretary."
"Deliver my message, and make sure he understands, or you may have to look for another partner soon."
Khan hung up. Peter looked at the phone for a moment, and then heard Stephen and Victor pulling up outside.
Peter came out, trying to decide about telling Stephen about Khan's message. One look at his face told him to leave it for later.
Diane came out to meet them. "Hey guys. Where you been?"
Stephen plastered a smile on his face, but it did not touch his eyes. "Oh the life of a reporter is a busy one. The life of a millionaire even more so. How about you Diane? What have you been doing with your day?"
"Looking around mostly. The library here has had some new additions."
Silence.
Peter decided to do something before he suffocated on the tension between the three other people. "Well, I think I'll go see how Russell is coming along with dinner. He says that tonight's meal is Duck á l'orange."
"I LOVE Duck á l'orange" gushed Diane, and she followed
Peter into the mansion.
Peter could practically hear Stephen's eyes roll.
He could just barely hear Victor say, "And to think she does it all without Prozac."
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