Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was a misty dawn. A large mansion in the countryside was hidden away in the lush greenery as fog pooled around it. It was quite modern, being the headquarters of the Illuminati. The mansion was very elegant and somewhat Gothic, filled with antiques and artefacts from many years of travel and riches. The Illuminati. A collection of some of the richest, most famous and influential people in America. Inside the manor house, the housekeeper was doing his morning duties. Robbie Reyes was a Latin American middle-aged man. He had wavy, black hair with a white streak running through it and light brown skin. He was handsome, with a sharp jawline and very masculine features. He wore a black hoodie and a pair of grey denim pants, as he was gathering things from the kitchen on a tray. A cup of coffee, an omelette and some toast. He scurried through the hallways and made his way up the loud, creaky stairs (which also had a stairlift for Xavier, as all staircases did in the Illuminati manor). Robbie finally made it to the master bedroom, giving the door a knock before coming inside.

“Good morning, Mr Xavier.” He said, but when he looked inside, he saw that the bed was empty and unslept in with a robe thrown across it. Robbie just sighed, before going back into the landing and opening a ‘secret’ elevator’s doors. Xavier, the head of the Illuminati, insisted on having a secret elevator, even if everybody else knew about it. The doors were a segment of the wall. Robbie went up and stepped out, only to face another door, before knocking on it.

“Mr Xaiver? You in there? I’m coming in.” Robbie announced before opening the door to Xavier’s study. It was a small, quite cramped study where there were hundreds of shelves crammed with books and mementoes. But when Robbie came in, he found Professor Charles Xavier - the 85-year-old mutant, slung across the couch. His throat had been slit and blood had drenched his body and arm. Professor X was dead.

“Shit…” Robbie muttered, dropping the tray and it loudly crashed onto the floor.

“GrrrARRRGH!!!” Miles cried out that morning, jolting up in bed. Miles Morales is a 28-year-old man who still lives with his Mom and Dad. They were an immigrant family, mostly relying on Miles’ nursing job. He took care of his mother and went to med school and was always the brightest kid in the room when he was studying. His room was quite colourful, with posters of bands and TV shows decorating his walls. Miles took a moment to catch his breath, running a hand through his thick curls.

“Fuck…” Miles breathed, finally getting out of bed. He was only wearing a pair of black boxer briefs as he approached the window and peered through it. A tiny window in a cheap apartment. Miles was lean and had enough muscle definition to impress. A bit hairy in certain places and had some tattoos running up his forearm, which he designed himself (he’s a bit of an artist, too). As he looked through the window, he gave a depressed and anxious sigh. 

One week had passed since Charles Xavier’s death. 

Miles came into the kitchen, now dressed in a dark red gown as he sat down in front of a laptop. His Mom, Ria, was at the table with him, while his Dad, Jefferson, was watching TV on his iPad. Jefferson was a retired cop, now working as a mall cop, which wasn’t the most exciting career but it kept him safe. He often watched CSI on his iPad, living vicariously. But this morning, a man’s voice was talking about a murder in great detail. Miles miserably scrolled through job vacancies on a website, tired and looking through dead eyes. 

“Jeffrey, turn that off.” Ria told him.

“What? No, it’s almost over.”

“Then take it to the bedroom.”
“No, the wifi sucks in the bedroom, it won’t play in there.”

“Turn it off. Now.”
“There’s only two minutes left.”

“Jeffrey! Off.”

“They’re not saying anything that bad, it’s just normal TV!”
“They’re talking about murder and your son just had a friend he loves slit his throat open, he doesn’t need to be hearing this right now, be sensitive!!” 

“Okay, okay!” Jefferson gave in, turning it off. Miles groaned and put his head in his hands. 

“Dad, it’s okay. You can keep watching.” Miles said.

“No… No, your mother’s right. I guessed who did it anyway. I’m sorry, Miles.” Jefferson sighed. Miles’ phone started ringing suddenly. He checked to see who it was: 

“It’s Stark.” Miles sighed, before answering it. “Hi, Tony… Uh-huh? …” Miles’ face suddenly shifted to confusion. “Wait, what?”

Outside the Illuminati Estate, several cars, including a few police cars, were parked outside, accompanied by officers in uniform. Miles pulled up in his old, rustbucket of a car which looked very out of place against the luxurious mansion. When he got out of the car, he was immediately greeted by a pair of German shepherds, which belonged to Xavier. Miles gave them some pets before a policeman immediately called out to him.

“Excuse me, sir? Are you with the help?” He asked.

“His name’s MIles!” Harry Osborn snapped at the officer. Harry Osborn, a muscular college student and son of Norman Osborn. He was very handsome, with brown, swoopy hair and dazzling blue eyes. He wore a mauve cardigan over a grey shirt.

“He’s Xavier’s nurse, he’s with us. ‘The help?’” Harry said, offended for Miles.

“It’s okay, Harry.” Miles sighed before he and Harry gave each other a tight hug.
“How’re you doing?” Harry asked.

“Urr… Well, lots of crying and not knowing what to do next.” Miles shrugged, sadly.

“Anything you need, just let me know. You’re a part of this family, Miles.” Harry promised.

“Thanks.” Miles said, awkwardly. They both walked to the front door of the house and it quickly opened. Sue Storm, in her 60’s, stood there looking very stern. She was one of the scariest of the Illuminati members. She was well put together, wearing a blue pantsuit and glasses that always seemed to hide her eyes with reflections. Her hair was almost entirely white and styled in a bob.

“How’re you doing, sweetie?” Sue asked, giving Miles a brief hug.

“Hi, Sue. How are you?” Miles asked as he was let into the foyer. A gloomy room, where the walls were like dark oak.

“Eh. The funeral helped, I guess. I thought you should have been there, but… I was outvoted.” Sue sighed before her husband came in on the phone. He was about the same age as Sue, with salt and pepper hair. Reed Richards had wrinkles all over and wasn’t as slim as he used to be (at least when he wasn’t stretching). 

“I’m not the cop, I don’t know… Alright fine, don’t come, get arrested. Die buried in someone’s ass for all I care!” Reed said angrily into the phone before hanging up. He let out a sigh, before looking to his wife.

“He’s not coming.” Reed sighed, before turning to Miles. “Johnny’s not coming. Little shit. He missed the funeral.” He told him. A policeman entered the foyer. He looked to be in his 30s, with a very handsome face and an impressive body wrapped in a police uniform. His name was Matt Murdock. He was blind, but in a world full of superheroes, a blind cop doesn’t seem that strange. Matt wore red-tinted, circular glasses and walked like he could see. It was no secret his blindness only heightened his other senses. 

“Excuse me. We’re ready for you now.” Matt told them.

“Alright, I’ll go first.” Sue said. “I’m assuming this will all wrap up before the memorial tonight.” She said.

“We’ll do our best, ma’am.” Matt smiled, politely, leading Sue away.

They went into the library, where memorabilia from the Illuminati’s adventures was scattered along shelves, end tables and countertops. Sue sat in a very luxurious, comfy chair which had a display of prop knives behind it. She sat opposite Matt, along with another policeman called Foggy Nelson. Foggy was a bit chubby, with longish, blond hair and a round, sweet face. They both sat on the couch opposite Sue, with a recording device placed on the coffee table. Behind the cops though, a woman was sitting back in a rocking chair by the Illuminati’s grand piano. She almost blended into the background, wearing a grey pantsuit with a pale pink shirt. She was quite tall, with black, shoulder-length hair and soft features. She was silently watching.

“We’re going to reintroduce ourselves as a formality. I’m Detective Lieutenant Murdock and this is Trooper Nelson. We’re recording, just to make things easier.” Matt explained. “Alright, we’re with Susan Storm, one of Charles Xavier’s first members of the Illuminati, discussing the events that took place on the night of Xavier’s passing. One week ago, November 8th.” Matt narrated for the recorder.

“We’re sorry for your loss.” Foggy said.

“Thanks. That means a lot.” Sue said, sarcastically. Matt checked his notes.

“So we understand that night the family gathered to celebrate Xavier’s 85th birthday…?” Matt asked.

“Yes.”

“How was it?”
“The party? Pre Xaver’s death? Oh, it was a hoot.” Sue sighed.

“Could you tell us about the party?”

“Urr, let’s see… We were playing classical music, it’s Xavier’s favourite. There was food, there were drinks. Reed and I were mingling, nothing out of the ordinary.” Sue described.

“Was there anyone, besides the members of the Illuminati, that attended?” Matt asked.
“Um… Well, there was Robbie, the housekeeper. Oh, and Miles, Xavier’s nurse. He’s a good boy, a hard worker. Family’s from Ecuador. And Peggy, one of Xavier’s closest friends, was there.”  Sue answered. “She was usually at the snack table, wearing a dozen coats. She was eating chips and dip like her life depended on it.” 

“And how old is Peggy?” Matt asked.
“We have no idea.” Sue shrugged.

“Okay, what about your son, Johnny? Was he there as well?” Matt asked.

“Yeah, but he left early.” Sue nodded.

DING.

The woman by the piano pressed a piano key but remained silent. 

“Did all three of you show up at the same time?” Matt asked, continuing.

“Nno… No, Reed came early to help the caterers set up.” Sue answered, before trying to look over Matt’s shoulder towards the woman in the back. Sue was about to ask something, but Matt was quicker.

“Okay, so you and your husband Reed work for a superhero real estate firm in Manhattan?” Matt asked.

“It’s my company.” Sue said, sharply.

“Sorry. Right…” Matt nodded.

“I built my business from the ground up.” Sue told him.

“Just like Xavier? You two were very close?”
“We had our own way of communicating, you could say… You had to find that, with Xavier. You had to find a game to play with him and if you did that, and played by his rules…”

“Everyone idolises their boss, right?” Reed asked, now sat in the chair in the library. He was wearing a pastel-blue cardigan over a white shirt. He looked anxious, as he sat opposite the policemen.

“Do they?” Matt asked.

“Well… I guess not… I don’t know why I said that… But Susan does.” Reed told them. “Xavier started with a small band of misfits called the X-Men, and ended as the leader of the most influential superhero team in the world.” Reed said.

“Seems like this whole team is made up of self-made overachievers.” Foggy commented. Reed’s brow raised, as if to say ‘... suuuure.’

Tony Stark was now sitting in the chair. Tony Stark had black, stylish hair and a neatly groomed goatee. He wore a black suit, without a tie and his black shirt had a few buttons undone. He didn’t have an Arc Reactor, but instead a golden necklace. It was like every day was a modelling job for Tony. 

“For the record, I’m speaking to Tony Stark, Charles Xavier’s third appointed member.” Matt said to the recorder. “So… you run Xavier’s weapons division?” 

“Yeah. Xavier trusted me to run it, because how could he not? I’m one of the smartest inventors alive. There are like 30 superhero teams that have purchased 80 million designs. A real legacy.” Tony told them. “Are you guys fans?” 

“I don’t like guns…” Matt admitted.

“I’m a big fan.” Foggy blurted out. “Your designs are so advanced and clever… How do you come up with that stuff?” 

“Eh, scenarios just popped into Xavier’s head and he knew exactly the kind of weapon we needed.” Tony answered.

DING.

“You live in town, right? You guys probably arrived at around the same time?” Matt asked, referring back to the party.

“Uh… We all got here at around 8. I got there with my wife, Pepper. She’s my rock.” Tony smiled. “And my son, Flash.”

“Adopted son, right?” Matt asked.

“Yeah. He’s sixteen, very politically active.” 

“That boy is a literal Nazi.” Reed said.

“He’s a vicious, incel-dipshit.” Harry answered.

“Kids today, are amazing, with the internet.” Tony smiled, warmly. Matt nodded, unconvinced.

“So, the night went well?” Matt asked.

“Yeah. It was quite magical. We’re all gutted that he’s gone, but I’m glad we got that night with Charles. To be by his side, to think about our organisation and all we’ve accomplished with them, it’s like I can still feel his hand on my shoulder… Passing the torch.” Tony explained.

“So we are with Norman Osborn, Charles Xavier’s… ex- partner?” Matt said.
“Ex- business -partner.” Norman corrected. Norman Osborn was a very handsome, older man with greying, red hair and a very square face. He was very broad and muscular, dressed in a very expensive suit.

“I worked with him for some years, but then I lost my wife and had to step down from the position.” Norman explained.

“And you’ve remained close to the Illuminati?”

“Oh, they’re like family. I feel so freed by and supported by them, simultaneously. And that’s the key to happiness, which is what I try to instil in Oscorp.” Norman told them.

“Oscrop. And what does your business do, exactly?” Foggy asked.
“It’s a medical company. For skin care, alien diseases, robotic limbs - in the superhero business, there’s always a need for my company.” Norman answered. “I couldn’t have developed this company if not for Xavier. He got me and Harry through some tough times.” 

Harry was now sitting in the chair, fiddling with the end of his cardigan’s sleeve. 

“Xavier gives my Dad a yearly allowance and he’s never missed wiring a tuition payment to my schools. He’s a genuinely selfless man.” Harry told them.

“And you left his party early?” Matt asked.

“Yeah, I went to see some friends at Josie’s.” Harry nodded.

“I think Sue was upset that she left.” Norman admitted. “But Xavier understood.” 

DING.

“Right. You two arrived at the party at the same time, right?” Matt asked, but Norman was too distracted by the woman in the back.

“I’m sorry if I could pause and just ask, who is that woman? And why are we doing all of this again?” Norman questioned, growing impatient.

“Just some follow-up questions, just being thorough in order to determine the manner of death.” Matt answered.

“Manner of death?!” Tony laughed. “You mean if he was killed? You’re suspicious that one of us, his family, killed him?” He asked, amused.

“None of us think that this is just routine, all of it.” Matt assured him.

“Oh yeah? So who the fuck is that?” Reed asked, pointing back to the woman in the pantsuit, not buying it.

“That is Jennifer Walters. ” Matt sighed.

“Jennifer Walters?”

“Yes. Mrs. Walters is a private investigator. She’s renowned.” Foggy nodded.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa…” Norman said, remembering. “I read a New Yorker article about you… You solved that case with the Winter Soldier assassination, you’re famous.” 

“Mrs. Walters is not with the police department, she is not officially involved with the case, but she has offered to consult. I happily obliged and I can vouch for her.” Matt told him.

“Mrs. Walters, I know who you are.” Sue said. “I read your New Yorker profile. It was quite delightful. But I just buried my 85-year-old boss who committed suicide. Why are you here?” She questioned. Matt and Foggy turned to Walters, who leaned forward in her rocking chair.

“I am here on behalf of a client.” Jennifer said.

“Who?”
“I cannot say. But let me assure you this, my presence will be barely noticeable.” Jennifer answered. “I’m just a respectful, quiet observer of the truth.” She said with a small smile.

“Fine. Are we getting there?” Reed asked.

“Nearly. Xavier’s nurse, Morales. Was he at the party in a professional capacity?” Jennifer asked, idly playing with a silver dollar.

“Miles? I guess. Xavier hired him to be around, to take care of whatever medical needs popped up, but he’s really a part of this team.” Reed explained. “He’s a good kid and a great friend to Xavier. His family’s from Paraguay. Sue really likes his work ethic. ‘Immigrants… we get the job done!’” He smiled, earning strange looks from Jennifer and the policemen. “It’s from Hamilton.”

“Ah…” Matt said, awkwardly.

“I saw it at the public.” 

“May I just say, and then I’ll step back, but as a self-made woman myself, I have to express my adoration for how you’ve followed in your boss’ footsteps.” Jennifer complimented Sue.

“Thank you.” 

“It’s just wonderful. The whole team, too. Osborn with his company, Tony with his weapons empire.” Jennifer continued.

“Well…” Sue frowned. Jennifer paused. She didn’t push, she just waited a moment.

“Sure. Tony… yeah. He’s done well with what Xavier’s given him. Tony… not that it matters, but he was sort of adrift. Xavier gave him the job, but really Xavier hands him a design twice a year and Tony builds it. I mean… It’s just not the same.” Sue explained.

“But surely Tony runs the sales, the technicalities and the rights…” Jennifer reasoned. Sue’s eyes squinted, narrowing her eyes on Jennifer.

“Are you baiting me, Detective? You know he doesn’t, and if you think I’m dumb enough to be baited into talking family business, into shit-talking my brother in front of a police detective and a state trooper-”

“Tony doesn’t run shit!” Reed said, unsuspectingly. “There are no rights and Xavier’s never allowed Tony to sell to anyone without his permission.”

“No way!” Jennifer said, sitting on the couch in front of him, leaning in and encouraging the genius to spill the tea.

“Yeah! It drives Tony nuts, cause he knows he could be making so much more money. When he gets a little Irish courage in him, he’ll get into it with Xavier.” Reed explained.

“Did he ‘get into it’ at the party?” Jennifer asked.

“Oh my God, did he? He wouldn’t leave him alone, the poor guy. Eventually, Xavier dragged Tony into the corner and I guess whatever he said shook that intolerable ego. I didn’t hear what he said, but Tony was like a wounded puppy for the rest of the night.” Reed explained.

“Reed said what?” Tony asked, in the chair. “No, we didn’t get ‘into it’.” 

“I’m just trying to get an accurate understanding. So Xavier took you aside at the party, and when you returned, you were quiet. What did Charles say to you?” Jennifer questioned.

November 8th.

A drunk Tony was being dragged into the shadows of the party by Charles. While most people were mingling, drinking champagne or taking bites out of cake Reed noticed Tony being led away by Professor X. Tony was wearing a satin, maroon shirt with far too many buttons undone and a pair of black pants. Charles was wearing a pale blue dress shirt and a pair of grey pants.

“Don’t you understand, Charles? The Brotherhood guys sent over an offer, hard numbers this time, and I think this is a window. Have you looked at the numbers? Our funding isn’t going to last unless you-”
“Tony…”
“Charles, you put me in charge of our weapons so let me be in charge. Let me do this.” Tony reasoned.

“They’re not our weapons, Stark. They’re my designs. And this is not how I wanted to have this conversation, but… you’re right. It’s unfair of me to keep you tethered to something that isn’t yours to control.” Xavier sighed.

“Wait… what?”
“I’ve done you a grave disservice all these years, I’ve kept you from building something of your own, that’s yours. You’re not going to run the weapons manufacturing business anymore. I’m freeing you of it.” Xavier decided.

“W-What!? Are you firing me?”

“We’ll talk about the details tomorrow. But my mind’s made up.” Xavier nodded, before turning his chair around and returning to the party.

Present Day.

Tony’s face was hesitating as he tried to think of what to say to Jennifer. The moments that passed were brief, but they felt like hours.

“We talked, we had a discussion about the business. Y’know, less about weapons and more about transporters and things. If you want to talk about an argument, hell, Johnny had one helluva argument with Charles.” Tony deflected.

“Johnny, Sue’s brother?” Jennifer remembered.

“Look, we love Johnny, he’s a good guy deep down…”

“... but?” 

“But he’s always been the black sheep of the team, and I’m not… I keep stuff like this in the Illuminati, but with Johnny, he’s never had a job, never part of the team. But Charles always supported him, for some reason. They’ve got this love-hate bond. They fight a lot, but that night, God… They had a verbal brawl.” Tony explained.

“About what?” Jennifer asked.

“We couldn’t make it out, but it was huge. And it was strange, they went into another room to do it. They usually love putting on a show in front of the whole team.” Tony told her.

“Speaking of ‘getting into it’, you were at the house early to help the caterer set up.” Jennifer said as Reed was sitting in the hot seat. “Did you speak with Xavier at that time?”

“He was there, we must have spoken.” Reed shrugged.

“In his study?” Jennifer pushed.

“I don’t think so…”
“That’s odd. Because when I spoke to the caterer this morning, she didn’t see you helping her staff, but she did hear Xavier in a screaming match with someone that afternoon. In his study.” Jennifer told him.

“I don’t- a screaming match? No… No… Norman was there too, maybe ask him?” 

“It was your voice.” Jennifer insisted. “Xavier shouted the phrase…” She said, before checking her notepad. “... ‘you tell her or I will.’ Ringing any bells?” Jennifer asked.

November 8th.

Inside Xavier’s study, he was showing Reed images on a laptop. Long lens photos of Reed kissing a woman who is not Susan. The colour in Reed’s face had faded as he glared at the pictures, while Charles was fondling an old baseball in his hand.

“That’s none of your business, Charles. Stay out of my marriage.” Reed told him. Xavier held up a sealed, small, seafoam-green envelope with the letter ‘S’ written on the front.

“I know Susan. She’d want to know. I’ve put it all in this letter to her. Tomorrow, she gets it.” Xavier warned him.

“I’m warning you, Xavier. Don’t do this!” Reed told him,

“She deserves to know! You’re going to tell her!” Xavier said, before slamming the baseball down on his desk. “You tell her or I will!” 

Present Day.

“Oh, yes. I know, ha. So… Xavier decided to finally put Peggy into a nursing home, which Sue opposed. And I was going to wait till we were back home in Boston to tell her, so there wouldn’t be a whole scene, but Xavier wanted me to tell her then. That was it. Sorry, I forgot.” Reed lied.

“The house?” Norman frowned, sitting in the hot seat.

“Early. Reed said you were there.” Jennifer nodded.

“I was. At the house early.” 

“To see Xavier?”

“To see Xavier, yes.”

“What were you seeing Xavier about?” 

“It was just a mix-up with the payment for Harry’s tuition.” Norman answered. 

“I’m sorry to press, but what kind of mix-up?” Jennifer asked.

November 8th.

Xavier was sitting at his desk, still toying with the same baseball. Norman was standing with his arms crossed. He looked angry.

“The school hasn’t got the check yet. I don’t know why Alan didn’t mail it.” He said.

“Alan didn’t mail it because he caught a discrepancy. Alan’s office has been wiring tuition directly to the school, as per your request. But Phyllis’ office which handles the yearly allowance has been wiring the tuition money directly to you as well, as per your request. You’ve been double-dipping Harry’s tuition. A hundred thousand dollars a year - you’ve been stealing from me. For the past four years.” Xavier accused, before showing Norman the letter from his business manager.

“Charles, clearly there’s been a mix-up. I don’t know how this happened, but-”

“I’m writing this tuition check, then that will be the last money you or Harry will get from me.” Xavier decided.

“No. Please, you don’t understand…”
“I know it’ll hurt but it’s for the best. My mind’s made up.”

Present Day.

Back in the library, Norman was shaking his head.

“There was just a money wiring issue. With the office at the school. So I had to ask Xavier to cut a check for this semester. No big deal.” Norman explained.

“Why don’t we take a breather?” Matt suggested and Norman immediately stood up and stormed out of the library. He returned to the foyer, feeling rattled. But he pulled himself together when Sue Storm came down the stairs.

“Ah, Norman. I don’t suppose you’ve seen Reed, have you?” Sue asked.

“No, I was just in the-” But Sue had already walked away before Norman could finish.

Reed was alone, waiting for Sue’s footsteps to walk away, as he hid in Xavier’s ground-floor office. When she was gone, he quickly started rifling through Xavier’s drawers, finding various, ridiculous little memorabilia (such as a robot’s hand or some metal marbles courtesy of Magneto). Reed found a drawer that was locked, but he was Mr. Fantastic. All he had to do was use his stretching ability to push his fingers through the lock, taking the shape of the key, and unlock it with ease. He pulled out the drawer, finding the green envelope inside. He hurriedly ripped it open and pulled out the letter inside. It was blank. Reed almost laughed, both relieved and angry at the games Charles had been playing.

“Bastard…” Reed muttered, taking the baseball on Xavier’s desk and throwing it out of the window. 

Jennifer, Matt and Foggy were strolling through the wide stretch of lawn beside the house, each thinking about the case. 

“I don’t get it, Jen. This feels like an open and shut case of suicide.” Matt sighed. Jennifer noticed the baseball nestled in the blades of grass and picked it up. 

“C’mon, Matt. I know you’re smelling something fishy. Just think about the throat-slit method… it’s not exactly typical for a suicide.” Jennifer pointed out.

“It’s dramatic.” Matt shrugged.

“Look around us. This guy lived on a Clue board.” Foggy said, gesturing to the huge, gothic house.

Back in a conservatory of the house, Miles was sitting alone. He sat across from a portrait of Charles Xavier, which used to feel comforting but now only unsettled Miles. He heard muffled voices from the patio - specifically Jen, Matt and Foggy’s. Curious, Miles crept over and placed his ear against the mosaic window to hear what the detectives had to say.

“You asked me to drag all these people back for questioning, go over it all again… I don’t get it. This is just another toxic superhero team but there are no real motives for murder.” Foggy explained. Matt suddenly heard/felt Miles’ presence. 

“W-Where’re you going?” Foggy frowned before Matt’s face peered through the window next to Miles’ ear.

“Blargh!” Miles gasped, jumping back in surprise. Matt opened the door, where Miles stood sheepishly. 

“Sorry…” Miles blushed.

“It’s okay. Come out with us.” Jennifer said, gesturing for him to come out onto the patio. There were a couple of armchairs and a bench outside. 

“You’re Charles’ nurse, right? Miles…” 

“Morales.” 

“Yes. Miles Morales. I’ve been doing a little poking around and you were hired on a part-time basis as a registered nurse, yes?” Jennifer asked.

“Yeah. I don’t work for a VNA. Xavier hired me directly.” Miles nodded.

“You’re paid a flat rate of how many hours a week?” 

“I started at 15, but slowly he… needed more help.” Miles answered.

“Medical help?”
“No… He needed a friend. ” Miles clarified. Jennifer smiled, genuinely touched.

“Does having a kind heart make you a talented nurse?” Jennifer asked.

“Jennifer.” Matt said, trying to keep the detective focused.

“Right, sorry. Miles, we were just discussing the possible motives in the family. I suspect Xavier told you everything and anything about each of them. And um… A little bird told me you have a… regurgitive reaction to lying?” Jennifer questioned. Miles’ eyes widened.

“Who told you that?” Miles gasped.

“Is it true?” Matt asked, surprised.

“Yes. It’s something I’ve had since I was a kid. The thought of lying triggers my anxiety, which triggers… yeah, it makes me puke.” Miles sighed, embarrassed.

“Fascinating…” Jennifer said, intrigued. “Okay, so I must ask… is Reed having an affair?” She asked. Miles gulped.

Some time ago…

Miles and Charles were each on that same patio - it was raining but the roof over their heads kept them dry. They were each just enjoying the rainfall, but Charles was upset. Miles could tell, too. Whilst Miles had been filling in crossword puzzles, Xavier was on his laptop.

“Are you okay, X?” Miles asked.

“Why do men insist on having what they can’t have when what they have is so important?” Charles sighed.

“Huh?” Miles frowned. Xavier spun the laptop around, showing the pictures of Reed kissing a random, young woman.

Present Day.

Jennifer, Matt and Foggy were waiting for Miles to answer. Was Reed having an affair?

“Reed? Aha, um…”

“A yes or no will suffice.” Jennifer smiled, patiently. Miles clenched his jaw, trying to hold back his gag reflex.

“...no.” Miles croaked. His entire body immediately heaved and he quickly leaned towards a planter.

“Huueeerrraaggh!!” Miles blurted out, puking into the planter.

“Holy shit!” Foggy exclaimed.

“Wow…” Matt said, trying not to gag on the very strong scent of vomit.

“Shit, Miles, I’m sorry. I… I thought you were speaking figuratively.” Jennifer said, concerned, handing Miles a napkin while Foggy gave her his glass of water. Miles took a sip.

“That is… That’s quite some reaction you have there. But the important thing is, I was right. Reed is having an affair and Xavier confronted him about it. ‘You tell her, or I will.’” Jennifer pointed out.

“Are you okay?” Matt asked Miles, concerned. He gave a weak thumbs up.

“Even if you’re right, protecting his marriage is weak sauce as a motive.” Foggy said.

“Well… Then there is Norman.” Matt said.

“Norman?” Foggy said, almost laughing in response. “Lifestyle, healthcare guru Norman? Nah. Xavier was supporting him and his son, he had the opposite of a motive.” He reasoned.

“And what if that support was threatened?” Jennifer asked, just as Miles was about to slip back into the house. “Um, Mr. Morales, one more moment please. Was Xavier planning on cutting off Norman’s allowance?” She asked. Miles had an ‘oh no’ face.

Some other time ago.

Miles was in Xavier’s ground-floor office. Charles was reading through his letter from his business manager, while Miles was reading a history book. He was so invested in the pages, he didn’t even notice the grim look on Xavier’s face, until-

“Oh, Norman…” The Professor sighed.

“What’s up?” Miles asked, looking up. Xavier handed Miles the letter…

Present Day.

“I… *gag*...”
“Please don’t answer that if you’re gonna puke again.” Matt told him, but Jennifer was insistent.

“Harry said Norman pays the school directly, but Norman says he sends the money to him. Both were true, so he was pocketing the double payment. I’d bet Xavier found out and cut him off without a cent. Yes?” Jennifer deduced, before looking to Miles for confirmation. He wanted to shake his head no in response, but just that was enough to make his throat convulse. He nodded instead.

“Yeah, but c’mon Jen. There’s no way Norman would bump him off for the inheritance. She has a business.” Matt pointed out.

“More weak sauce.” Foggy sighed.

“True. But she did lie. To me. All three of them did.” Jennifer pointed out.

“Three?” Foggy frowned.

“Stark.” Matt nodded, knowingly.

“Xavier had turned Tony down before regarding sales and rights, but that night something Charles said shook him. And if we look at the pattern, Xavier was cleaning house. Hmm… I wonder… did he plan to fire Tony?” Jennifer asked Miles.

“Can I wait inside? I feel like I shouldn’t be here.” Miles asked, anxiously.

“Yes, please, just wait inside but stay close.” Matt told him. Grateful, Miles disappeared back into the house.

“I’m sorry, Matt. You’ve been very patient with me and you’re right, Foggy. None of these weak alibis and domestic shenanigans answer your question: why is Jennifer Walters here? I’m here because this morning someone dodged one very important question.” Jennifer told them.

“Who?” Foggy frowned.

“Me. Sue asked who hired me.” Jennifer answered, simply.

“So who did hire you?” Matt asked, curiously.

“I have no fucking clue.” Jennifer said with a shrug. “An envelope of cash showed up at my apartment yesterday with the news clipping of Xavier’s death.” 

“An envelope. That worked?” Foggy asked, surprised.

“The envelope of cash worked.” Jennifer corrected. “Somebody suspects foul play but goes through this over-the-top, theatrical method of hiring me. Why stay anonymous? It makes no fucking sense. But it’s exciting.” She admitted. “Do me a favour and walk me through everyone’s whereabouts at the time of death. Foggy sighed before getting out his notepad.

“We know the party broke up at 11:30. Miles took Charles upstairs to give him his meds, and the Storms and Norman went right to bed. Now we do have this: the stairs leading up to Xavier’s bedroom and his attic office creak horribly. And his stairlift is even louder.” Foggy explained. Jennifer just nodded in response. Foggy continued.

“Susan is a light sleeper, so we know every time someone took the stairs that night. The first was when Norman heard - and I’m quoting him here - a ka-thunk from somewhere above her in the house. Concerned about Xavier, he went to investigate, waking Susan by going up the stairs. Turns out, Xavier was in his attic office with Miles. He explained that they had just knocked the chessboard over, they play it every night. Anyway, Xavier was fine, told Norman to go to bed, so he did.” Foggy described. “Ten minutes later, Susan is woken a second time, by Miles leaving. Stark was smoking a cigar on the porch with his son, Flash. He saw Miles leave and drive off, and noted the time: midnight.” Foggy said. “Fifteen minutes later, Susan is woken for the third and final time, by someone coming down the stairlift. It was Xavier. He had come down for a midnight snack, but Tony told him to go back to bed, which he did. Based on this, the medical examiner determined the time of death to be between 12:15 and 2am. As Stark was finishing his cigar, at about 12:30, Harry came home. He went straight to bed. Stark and Flash turned in shortly after that. Sometime later that night, undetermined but possibly near 3am, Harry woke up because the dogs were barking outside. He used the bathroom and went back to bed. Aaaand that’s it.” Foggy said, shutting his notepad again. “Everyone’s stories match up, every movement is accounted for.” 

“Are we sure there isn’t another staircase up to Xavier’s room? Or secret elevator?” Jennifer asked.

“Yes. We’re sure. Just the creaky staircase.” Matt nodded.

“Hmmm…” Jennifer said, contemplating.

“So I guess we can rule out Johnny Storm, he wasn’t there. And Miles, Xavier was alive after he left. But Harry got home during the time of the death window.” Matt pointed out.

“Except it was a suicide.” Foggy said. “Xavier hit both carotids, we saw from the blood splat patterns that they were uninterrupted. Meaning, it’s almost impossible for anyone to have been around him at the time. He’s the one who cut his own throat. I don’t know why we keep going over this.” Foggy complained.

“Listen, Fog, physical evidence can tell a story, but it doesn’t mean it’s the true story.” Jennifer told him. “As we’ve seen this morning, everyone can lie… Well… Almost everyone.”

Miles was in the hot seat this time. He was shifting uncomfortably as the policemen and Jennifer watched him. There was an awkward tension in the room - partially because Matt and Foggy were bracing for Miles to puke again.

“Mr. Morales, we’ve kept you waiting all afternoon because I wanted to hear from you last.” Jennifer told him. “I wanted to have the entire picture of the evening in my head. Your piece of it is as its very centre. So please, take your time. You took Professor Xavier upstairs at 11:30. And left at midnight. Think very carefully. And with as much detail as possible, tell us what happened in that half hour.” Jennifer told Miles. The nurse was very still and took a deep gulp and the private investigator flipped her silver dollar into the air.

November 8th.

Miles was bringing a slightly tipsy Xavier up the stairs. Up the stairlift and then Miles was going to bring Xavier into his bedroom, but instead, he was heading for his secret elevator to his office.

“No, no, no, X. Not tonight. C’mon, straight to bed.” Miles told him, but he ignored her and opened the elevator doors. Exasperated, Miles snatched the medical bag from Charles’ bedroom before joining the mutant in the elevator. They went into the study and Xavier was already setting up the chessboard.

“X, it’s late. We’ve both had too much champagne-”
“It’s my birthday, Miles. We are. And you only had one glass. We’re not breaking tradition on my birthday.” Xavier insisted. Miles sighed before placing two vials and a pill box on the chessboard, then pulled out two plastic-wrapped hypodermics. 

“Just take your medicine and go to bed.” Miles said, stifling a yawn. He was wearing a black jumper over a white dress shirt and a pair of black pants.

“Who’s the old timer now?” Charles chuckled. “If you’re going to put that vile shit in me, you will have to earn it. On my birthday. 85th.” He reasoned, before starting to lift his hands and purposefully tremble. “I’m so old, so old. So ollddddd…” He pretended.

“Alright, X. You ready?” Miles smirked, confidently. The two of them started moving the white and black, sculpted pieces on the board, with satisfying clacking sounds with each placement.

“If I had my powers back, I’d beat you at this game.”

“No, you wouldn’t. I’m not even playing to beat you, I’m just playing to build a pretty pattern.” Miles teased.

“Har har, that’s elder abuse. I’m calling the AARP.”

“Are you even trying?” 

“It’s basically over. My only hope is that an earthquake will strike. But what are the chances-?” Xavier asked before he started shaking the table with his knee. He looked around, pretending to be startled, while Miles watched unimpressed.

“Get under a door frame!” Xavier said, before tipping the whole table, making the chessboard, the pieces, the vials, the syringe and the med kit fall to the soft rug. Things spill out of the kit, making a mess on the floor.

“You’re such a sore loser.” Miles chuckled. “Meds, then bed.” He told him, retrieving the vials and filling the syringe with one of them. Charles reluctantly rolled up his sleeve, revealing a pre-inserted catheter. He noticed smoke drifting past his window and rolled his eyes before shutting the curtain.

“Stark’s still smoking those god-awful cigars.” Charles complained.

“How was tonight?” Miles asked, curiously as he hooked up the syringe to the catheter and slowly injected him, bit by bit while they talked.

“Tonight was… fine…” Charles said with a shrug.

“I know you weren’t looking forward to it.” Miles nodded.

“No. But I did it. Cut the line on all four of them. It wasn’t easy. This goddamn fortune. This goddamn organisation. Sometimes I think, everything we’ve done for this team-  I’ve done, maybe without knowing it, to keep them beneath me? I should have… I don’t know… If I had my telekinesis, maybe I could’ve seen all this coming. If I had known my age would’ve affected my powers, I’d have made the most of them even more.” Charles explained, sadly. “Anyway, I encouraged Stark to make his own designs, and start his own company. I should’ve been a father, not a provider for Norman, too. Should’ve been kinder to Susan and Johnny…” Charles continued, reflecting. He looked over to see a carved, ornamental dagger on a display mount and picked it up.

“Jesus, I see so much of me in that Torch. Confident, stupid, arrogant… I dunno… Always guarded, playing life like a game without consequence, till you can’t tell the difference between a stage prop and a real knife.” Xavier sighed, before stabbing the knife into the desk. A very sharp and a very real knife. He leaves it there, wedged in the desk.

“I don’t fear death, but God… I’d like to fix some of this before I go. Close the book with a flourish. But… I guess we’ll see.” Xavier explained. 

“You will, as much as you can. But you’re not responsible for all of their outcomes.” Miles reasoned. “You’ve had a long day, X. Wanna do some drugs?” He asked with a cheeky smile, holding up the second vial.

“You mean the good stuff?” Xavier said, eyes lighting up.

“Yeah, haha, just a tiny bit.” Miles chuckled.

“Send me to la la land, baby.” Xavier smiled, laughing. “Why did I wait till my mid-80s to become a morphine user? What a dumbass.” He joked, meanwhile, Miles had frozen. He had pulled the needle from the second vial and saw the label. He blinked at it, hoping he had somehow forgotten to read for a moment there. But no… Miles snatched up the first vial that he had injected Xavier with in the first place and compared the label with the one he had just picked up. They’re similar but not the same.

“Oh fuck…” Miles whispered, trembling.

“Is there a problem?” Xavier asked, raising a brow.

“This is what I just gave you 100 milligrams of… But I messed up.” Miles muttered, before quickly grabbing the emergency kit from a nearby shelf. He tried to remain calm as he quickly rifled through its contents.

“What’s the good stuff dosage supposed to be?” Xavier asked.

“Let’s not call it that right now… Three milligrams.” Miles told him, getting increasingly more scared as he continued to search through the bag.

“Oh… That’s much less… So what happens?” Xavier asked.

“I give you an emergency shot of Naloxone so that you don’t die in ten minutes.” Miles said, breathing heavily.

“Well, no pressure. You know that’s an interesting and efficient method of murder. We should take note of that, in case it ever comes up.” Xavier said, going to reach for a notebook and started scribbling it down. Meanwhile, Miles was checking and rechecking the bag with increasing urgency.

“So if someone switched the meds on purpose I’d be dead in ten minutes? Like stone cold dead?” Xavier asked, intrigued.

“You’ll feel symptoms in five. Sweats, disorientation. Then yeah, that big a dose, injected within your respiratory- your- yes. Ten minutes.” Miles said, sweating as he kept searching through the bag, feeling like he had gone blind because WHERE WAS THE NALOXONE?! 

“From the time of injection, so eightish now. And even if the victim called an ambulance when he first felt symptoms, if he was at a country home like this one… where the ambulance takes fifteen minutes to arrive, it would be too late. If the victim didn’t have this emergency Naxocrap.” Xavier said, watching Miles as he started digging around the carpet. He looked under the couch and the desk. Not there. Miles dumped the entire contents of the bag onto the floor and started rifling through it all. It just wasn’t there. How could it not be there?! 

“Miles. Do you have the Naxocrap?” Charles asked, sounding resigned.

“Yes! Naloxone comes with the emergency kit - it should be here, it’s… fuck… FUCK!” Miles said, scared. “No, X. No, it’s not here… It’s not… Oh my God…” Miles said, eyes full of tears. They looked at each other for a second. Panicked, Miles shot up to his feet and rushed to the landline. He quickly picked it up and dialled 911 with shaky hands. Before it could even ring, the line went dead. Miles looked down, to see Charles’ finger on the cradle. He was serious and certain. 

“Charles? W-What’re you doing?” Miles gasped.

“Miles, listen to me.”

“Xavier, we need to- are you crazy? We need to call- they need to get here, I need to-”

“Stop. Stop, stop, Miles and listen to me. There isn’t time, stop now. Stop-” Miles went to run for the door, but Xavier stopped him by pushing a chair out and making Miles trip over it. He fell with a KA-THUNK! 

“X! Have you gone nuts?! ” Miles hissed, definitely earning a bruise on his knee. 

“Miles, it’s too late. It’s over. I’m dead, I need you to LISTEN. ” Charles told him, sternly. “If what you said is true, I am gone, there’s no saving me. We have six minutes. There is one last thing I need to do in this world, only you can help me do it. But you need to trust me and do everything I say.” Xavier said, quickly.

“What do you want?” Miles asked, standing back up.

“To get you out of this. Think of your Mom - please trust me, we have to make this look like it can’t have been your fault.” Xavier said.

“My Mom…?” Miles repeated, lost before they heard a creak on the stairs.

“Face away.” Charles told him before there was a knock on the door. Miles hid his teary face, pretending to be looking in his medical bag when the door opened. It was Norman Osborn.

“Charles? Miles? Everything alright?” Norman asked with a cheery tone. He was wearing a white tank top and a pair of blue pyjama pants. Miles felt dazed like the world was spinning around. He could barely hear the words Xavier and Norman were saying - he just told her that the ka-thunk was the chessboard. Norman soon left and Xavier shut the door before he and Miles turned to face each other again.

“Pay attention now, Miles. Your Mom is still undocumented, if this is your fault she’ll be found out and at best deported. Your family will be broken.” Xavier explained, making Miles’ breathing only quicken. New anxiety unlocked. 

“Oh fuck.” Miles squeaked.

“But we’re not going to let that happen, okay? I have a plan. It’s not going to be easy but you have to do exactly what I tell you. Will you do this, Miles? This last thing for me and your family?” Xavier asked him. Miles was terrified, but he nodded.

“What do I have to do?” Miles whispered.

“Go downstairs as noisily as you can, say goodbye loudly.” Xavier told him.

Miles went down the stairs, tears wiped away, purposely taking each step heavier so they’d creak louder. He went down to the bottom floor and out through the porch, where Tony was smoking his cigar with Flash sitting and scrolling on his phone. 

“Goodnight, Starks!” Miles waved.

“Call attention to the time if you can.” 

“God, it’s midnight already.” Miles commented, making Tony check his watch. Miles got in his car and started driving out the guard gate and down the private road.

“Drive out the gate, then to avoid security cameras, pull off the road BEFORE the carved X.”

Up ahead was the weathered, wood-carved X statue. But horror struck Miles. He couldn’t remember.

“Wait was it before or after..?” He asked himself.

“AFTER the carved X.”

“No, he said… before? Didn’t he?” Miles muttered as he approached the statue.

“BEAFTERFORE the carved X.” 

“Shit…” Miles groaned, before pulling off before the statue. He parked the car in the woods, then trudged away from the parked car, catching tree branches in his fro. 

“Park and come back on foot up to the house. Take the side yard path, through that little gate.”

Miles made his way to the Estate’s side gate - a waist-high stone wall with a little pedestrian gate. The house was just up ahead, over a bit of a hill. Miles went through the gate and up towards the house. The dogs ran across the grass towards Miles, greeting him affectionately.

“The dogs know you, they won’t bark.” 

Miles continued over the hill and looked up the side of the looming, scary mansion. A sturdy trellis on the wall stretched up above to a third-story window. 

“You’ve got to get up to the third floor without being seen, and the only way is to climb the side trellis and come in through the trick hall window.” 

“If only I could climb walls…” Miles groaned to himself before he started climbing the trellis. It’s easier than he expected, at least it was until a piece snapped under her foot. He swung for a second with just one hand but regained his footing and grasp. 

“And for godsakes, don’t make any noise.”

It made a loud snap. Miles prayed nobody heard. Miles came to the trick window and pushed it open, then stepped into the hallway, where the secret door to the elevator was. Miles closed the window behind him, which from the inside just looked like a painting at the end of a hallway. 

“Once you’re inside, this is the tricky part.”

“ This is the tricky part?”

“Get my robe and cap from my bedroom and put them on.” 

Miles went into Xavier’s bedroom and did as the oldtimer said. He put on the robe and put it over his head, along with the cap which helped contain his afro. Then he turned to Xavier’s wheelchair and paused. A moment of doubt…

“Xavier this is… I… this is crazy. ” Miles said, nervously.

“We need to make this so airtight your average cop will entirely dismiss you as a suspect. This seems ridiculous, but it will work.” 

Miles hopped into the wheelchair and then went down the stair lift. Then down another stairlift and onto the bottom floor. 

“Stark and Flash are smoking outside. They’ll see someone in a wheelchair in my clothes through a glazed window and think it's me.” 

Miles reached the bottom floor and sure enough, Stark looked through the glazed window and thought he saw Xavier.

“Charles, go to bed!” Tony shouted to him. Miles did a 180 and went back up the stairlifts.

“You were seen leaving, the security cameras show you driving off, and 20 minutes later I am seen alive and well by my son. You’ve gone from suspect number one to an impossibility. ” 

Miles goes back out the trick window and climbs back down the trellis.

“Leave the way you came. And don’t. Be. Seen.”  

Miles landed on his feet, then froze with horror in his face. Looking at him through the window was Peggy Carter - a retired member of the Illuminati. So old her wrinkles had wrinkles. Grey wavy hair cascaded down her back and wore glasses so thick her eyes looked like basketballs. Peggy wore a fur coat and other layers that seemed to mould into one confusing tapestry of fabrics. She held a fancy, steel cane. They both stared at each other, frozen. After what felt like forever, Peggy finally spoke…

“Johnny? Are you back again already?” She croaked. Miles gave a sigh of relief. Her mind wasn’t what it used to be, which actually gave Miles an advantage. 

“Drive home. Sometime in the next few days, the police will question you.” 

“But X, I can’t lie.” Miles told Charles, back in the office while the ten minutes were hastily ticking by. “I’ll puke.” He reminded his accidental murder victim.

“Don’t lie. Tell fragments of the truth. In this exact order…” 

Present Day.

The silver dollar was snatched back up in Jennifer’s hand, as she waited for Miles to answer. Matt and Foggy were waiting, expectantly. Only brief moments had passed since Jennifer first asked Miles to recount the events of his time with X in the office.

“I took him upstairs. We played our nightly game of chess, and at some point, he knocked the board over. Norman came up to check on us. Then I gave him pain medication - he pulled his shoulder last week, and I left him in his study. At midnight. Said goodbye to Walt, went home.” Miles explained.

“What medication did he get?” Matt asked. Miles chose his next words very carefully.

“Since his injury, I’ve been giving him a 100 milligram IV push of Toradol, a non-narcotic analgesic. And to help him sleep, 3 milligrams of morphine.” Miles answered.

“Anything unusual about his demeanour?” Matt asked. Miles was sweating.

“No.” The nurse responded. The cops and the detective nod and for a moment, Jennifer and Miles look into each other’s eyes.

“Well, that sounds about right. Thank you, Mr. Morales.” Jennifer smiled.

Miles left the interview room/library and quickly walked into a restroom in a hallway not far away. He quickly went inside, locked the door behind him, turned a faucet on then immediately puked into the toilet.

Meanwhile, up in Susan’s bedroom, she was reading letters by the window. Tears trickled down her face as she read letters that had come from seafoam-green envelopes, identical to the one Xavier had shown Reed, although these were filled with writing - full of sweet notes about her missions and training progress. Xavier had really become Susan’s father figure - losing him felt like a real loss in the family.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Reed appeared at Susan’s door. “People are going to start getting here for the memorial pretty soon. Are you… Are you alright?” He asked, sounding genuinely concerned. Susan wiped away some tears, before gesturing to the notes. For a moment, Reed was worried, before-

“I was just thinking about Xavier’s games. This all feels like one, doesn’t it? Like some kind of team-building exercise, but not something he’d actually do. I just… I keep waiting for the big reveal, where it all makes sense.” Susan explained, holding back more tears. Reed went over and wrapped his arms around his wife, holding her close.

“I know, dear… I know.” 

The memorial was in full swing. The house was busy with superheroes and some friends, as well as the staff that worked there. Miles was anxiously standing in the lounge, trying to avoid making eye contact with any of the paintings of Xavier. He wore a white dress shirt and a pair of grey pants. There were tables of food, everyone was wearing dark clothing and the music was playing classical tunes from Xavier’s collection. Meanwhile, Robbie was chatting with Miles in the corner, quite emotional. He may not have been as close to Xavier as Miles, but he was quite fond of the man - especially compared to his family.

“I just don’t think he killed himself. I don’t. Y’know, I read a story about a wife who got poisoned by her husband bit by bit so she thinks she’s going crazy and she ends up… y’know… offing himself. And my little brother Gabe, y’know, he works as a receptionist at the medical examiners office, he said that kind of stuff isn’t even 3% as crazy as some of the stuff he’s seen come through.” Robbie was telling Miles, although Miles was only half listening. His mind was too busy, replaying a scene from the night of the party…

November 8th.

Xavier was bringing Johnny away from the party, going past Miles on the way into the old man’s ground-floor office. Meanwhile, the rest of the team was having a heated conversation in the living room about politics - because 

“I don’t like Keller, no, he’s an asshole but maybe an asshole’s what we needed!” Norman was saying. He was wearing a green suit with a dark, orange tie.

“Oh God, yeah, an asshole’s what Germany needed in the 1940’s.” Reed rolled his eyes. He wore a blue, pinstripe suit.

“Oh, uh huh, here we go.” Norman complained. Miles kept to the outskirts, with Robbie.

“Jesus, I’m gonna disappear until they talk about reruns of Friends again. You want some champagne?” Robbie sighed, bored.

“No, I’m technically working. Thanks, though.” Miles chuckled before Robbie wandered away. Meanwhile, Pepper (wearing a rose-gold dress), who’s had a few, was tearing into the family fight. She was a pretty woman, but very high-strung and intense. She had orange hair and a very slim body.

“I just think we’re losing our way of life and our culture. There are millions of Mutants overshadowing real hardworking- and don’t make this a race thing, Sue-”
“Oh God, yeah, cos it’s definitely not a race thing.” Susan rolled her eyes. She was wearing a white pantsuit.

“I’d say the same thing if they were Atlanteans! We allow them in and they think they’re better than us!”

“Jesus, Pepper, they’re putting Mutant children in cages! There are camps!” Susan shouted, getting angrier - meanwhile, Pepper looked like she was about to throw her martini glass in rage.

“Nobody’s saying that isn’t bad!” Norman complained. “But I blame the parents.”

“For wanting a better life for their kids? Isn’t that what America’s-”

“For breaking the law! You’re going to hate hearing this but it's true, America is for Americans. Miles, c’mere.” Norman said, gesturing for Miles to come over. Miles shook his head, he wanted nothing to do with this. 

“Oh God, don’t.” Susan sighed, but Miles reluctantly went over as the gestures wouldn’t stop.

“No, come on. Miles, your family came from Uruguay but you did it right. He did it legally, is all I’m saying. Now, if the Mutants want to live here, they have to work hard and earn their share from the ground up, just like we did. Miles, I bet you agree with me, right?” Norman said with a sickening smile.

“Leave the poor girl alone.” Reed tutted.

“No, Miles, do you agree? I’d like you to answer - because if you wanna become an American, there are legal ways to do it, but if you break the law it doesn’t matter if you have a good heart, you gotta face the consequences.” Norman insisted. But at that moment, before Miles could respond, loud bursts of shouting erupted from Xavier’s office. Johnny Storm burst out of the office and stormed out the front door, allowing Miles to slip away into the hallway to get away from the squabbling.

Present Day.

Miles was now beginning to breathe heavily in front of Robbie. Anxiety was creeping into his mind, about his family, about the team, about his cover-up, about his-

“Oh my God, Miles, are you okay?” Robbie asked, finally noticing and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
“I… I-I don’t know…” Miles stammered, leaning against a wall as he was hyperventilating. Harry came rushing over. He was wearing an autumnal-brown sweater and a pair of black pants.

“Whoa, whoa what’s going on? Miles are you okay? Do you need some water? Hey, breathe, Miles. Just breathe.” Harry cooed. “Robbie, do you still have your stash?” He asked the caretaker.

The three of them went into the drawing room. It was a small room with nobody in it, but there was still a fireplace burning. Above the fireplace though, there was an ornate mantle clock. Robbie used a small key to unlock one of the tiny drawers built into the clock and pulled the drawer out, revealing a handful of joints.

“Here.” Robbie said, passing it to Harry. “Take ‘em whenever you need them. They’re just drying out since you gave me that Juul.” He scoffed.

“Thanks, Rob.” Harry said before Robbie left them alone.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry-”

“Stop saying you’re sorry, Miles. Jesus.” Harry said, lighting up the joint.

“I’m sorry, God my heart, it just won’t stop… I can’t, it’s just everything’s so…” Miles rambled as Harry was offering the joint. “No. Thank you.” Miles shook his head, as his mind caught up with his eyes. “Wait, that’s where Robbie keeps his stash?” 

“Who’s going to open a clock.” Harry shrugged.

When Miles regained his composure, Harry brought Miles back out into the living room and then Harry went over to Mr. Stark on his own. Tony was wearing a black suit.

“Tony? Did you tell Miles yet? What we talked about?” Harry asked.

“Hmm? No, not yet. Is now a good time?” Tony asked, surprised.

“Yes, a very good time. Right now.” Harry nodded. So the two of them went over to Miles, who was still anxiously looking around like a scared mouse in a cage of lions.

“Miles. We’ve talked it over, and… we want to take care of you.” Tony smiled, softly. Miles wasn’t sure what to make of it.

“What do you mean?” Miles asked.

“We all think you deserve something.” Harry said.

“Financially, we want to help you out. You were never anything but good to X. Because of that, you can count on us.” Tony told him, before pulling him into a hug. This was the last thing Miles’ conscience needed to hear.

“Thank you, Tony.” Miles said, quietly.

“I thought you should’ve been at the funeral, by the way. I was outvoted.” Tony smiled, sadly.

Miles needed to escape the madness of the Illuminati. He stepped out into the night and onto the side porch. He felt  a chill, but he didn’t care. Anywhere was better than in there. At least, that’s what he thought. He heard a sudden creak and then let out a yelp of surprise. His head turned and spotted Jennifer Walters sitting in the dark on a wicker chair.

“Jesus… Detective… Christ, you can’t just… Fuck…” Miles breathed, heavily, trying to regain his cool.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare ya.” Jennifer laughed, getting up.

“Y-You’re still here?” Miles stammered.

“Yep.” Jennifer nodded, coming over and still wearing her pale pink pantsuit. Miles looked at her for a moment and a realisation dawned on him.

“You knew X, didn’t you?” Miles asked.

“My cousin used to work for him, years ago. He respected Xavier, a lot.” Jennifer told him.

“So is that why you’re here?” 

“Not really. Now right now. I stayed hoping to speak with you a little more.” Jennifer smiled.

“You did?” Miles asked, wishing this night would just end.

“Something is fishy about this whole affair. I know it, and I think you know it too.” Jennifer mentioned.

“So you’re… going to keep digging…” Miles muttered.

“Dig? No, detectives like Jessica Jones dig. She rifles and roots like she’s looking for fossils. No, I just wait until the truth lands at my feet. It always does. If you just observe long enough, listen hard enough and can connect a few dots, the truth always comes out.” Jennifer explained, only making Miles more anxious. “The medical examiner was ready to rule this a suicide, but Matt agreed to keep it pending for 48 hours. Tomorrow morning, I’m searching the grounds and the house to begin my investigation. I want you to be there with me for it.” Jennifer told him.

“What? Why? What for?” Miles frowned.

“Because I trust you. And you had nothing to gain from Xavier’s death.” Jennifer answered, simply. 

“Walters, if you really want my insight into this family… None of them are murderers. That’s my insight.” Miles told him.

“And yet, the truth must still find its way to me.” Jennifer shrugged, before beginning to walk away. “Tomorrow at 8.” 

Miles eventually went home. He was exhausted, tired and felt like he had been put through the wringer. He came through the front door and saw his Mom on the couch wearing a cleaner’s uniform. 

“Hey, sweetie. How was today?” Ria asked, concerned as Miles went over and sat next to her. The TV was playing in front of them, some sitcom from the 80’s. 

“Shit, Mom. Real shit.” Miles sighed, leaning into his mother as they both watched the TV, zoning out.

November 8th.

“I know I missed something… There’s going to be something I missed.” Xavier was saying, in the office with just minutes left to live. Miles was barely keeping it together, feeling nauseous and numb at the same time as the man he was supposed to be looking after was giving him instructions on how to get away with murder.

“But I know you can beat it, Miles. You can beat it, without losing your soul. You have to do this and win. ” Xavier told him.

“I… I can’t…” Miles stammered.

“You can and you have to. For me. Right now.” Xavier said, pushing Miles towards the door. The nurse quickly stepped outside the door and shut it behind him. He stood there, frozen, looking at the secret elevator’s doors. He was hyperventilating. He could hear Tony and Flash’s voices softly float from downstairs. It was too much. Miles turned around and pushed open the study door again.

“Xavier, we can’t do this-” But Miles’ voice went dry when he saw Xavier lying on the couch, holding an ornate dagger against his throat. Miles’ eyes widened.

“Do what I say, Miles. Everything’s going to be okay. I promise.” Xavier whispered, before- SLIIIKKKTT! The knife sliced across Xavier’s throat, blood sprayed. Before he could see too much though, Miles zipped out the door, hand over mouth. He felt like he was going to be sick all over the elevator doors. He hunched over, then crouched, trembling and on the verge of sobbing uncontrollably. But he couldn’t. He didn’t have time to. Eventually, his brain took over. He wiped his tears and pushed the elevator button.

Present Day.

Miles sat there, bouncing his knee nervously as he watched the TV with his Mom. Ria noticed her anxious son and placed a caring hand on his shoulder.

“Everything’s going to be okay, sweetie.” She said, concerned.

“I know, Mom… I know…” Miles sighed. His leg finally calmed down as Miles took some quiet, deep breaths. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts, that he failed to notice a single drop of blood on his grey sneaker, just hidden on the outside of his foot.

The next morning, Miles drove back to the Illuminati Estate, parking just outside the small guard house next to the gate, where Jennifer, Matt and Foggy were waiting. Miles stepped out of the car and awkwardly waved to Jennifer. He was wearing an olive-green raincoat over a red zip-up, with a grey t-shirt underneath. He also wore a pair of dark blue, baggy jeans and the very same pair of grey sneakers.

“Hi, Walters.” Miles said, coming over nervously. Jennifer was wearing a pale blue button-up shirt and a pair of grey pants, meanwhile Matt and Foggy were in their usual uniforms.

“Morning Miles.” Jen smiled. “Sleep well?”

“Not really.” Miles said, unable to lie.

“Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble.” Jennifer assured him. “C’mon, let’s start snooping.” She said before leading him and the cops to the guard house.

“45 years I worked this estate.” Nick Fury told them as he brought them inside. He gestured to a fridge, which had old photos of the house, stuck to the door with brightly coloured, fruit magnets. Nick was a retired soldier from the war, and had been working at the guardhouse through all the different residents (and teams) that had lived in the Estate. Fury was a black man, wearing a red beanie and had a frizzy, wild beard as well as a glass eye. He was dressed in baggy clothes that looked like they hadn’t been washed in weeks.

“You know, security back then meant making rounds with a 94, keeping your ears open. Before all this modern technology.” Fury explained, before showing them his CCTV monitors. Nothing in the room was newer than 1988. An 8-inch CRT monitor showed a blown-out, live feed of the road outside the gate and a top-loaded VHS VCR sat next to it.

“Well, the video’s here. I saved the tape from that night - usually, I erase them with one of them magnets.” Fury told them. That’s when Miles noticed the video feed showing the road outside - at the top corner, he could just barely see the carved X that marks the gardener’s utility road. He realised Xavier said-

“... to avoid the security cameras, pull off the road AFTER the carved X.” 

Miles did his best to keep his poker face, but… Shit, he was in trouble.

“Can we see the tape?” Matt asked.

“Oh, sure. Pop it in.” Fury said, passing the tape to Miles, for him to put in the machine. Miles couldn’t believe he was about to play the tape that incriminated him. He put the tape in and a grainy, smeared night vision view of the road outside the gate displayed. Time stamped at 10:20pm.

“Anything interesting?” Matt asked, being the only blind person in the room.

“It looks like a horror movie.” Foggy grimaced.

“I record it SSLP, gets eight hours per tape. 9pm-5am.” Fury said, proudly.

“Can we scan forward?” Jennifer asked.

“Can we?” Miles asked Fury.

“Yeah, hold the play button down and press fast forward down halfway till you feel it grind.” Fury nodded. Miles did as he was told and started fast-forwarding. As it grew closer and closer to midnight, Miles knew he had to do something. So, with his body blocking his hands, he pressed the eject button whilst it was fast-forwarding. 

“What the-? Why is it-?” Miles said as the machine opened up and made horrible noises. The machine smoked slightly as Miles took the tape out.

“Can you guys digitize it so we can scan it properly?” Jennifer sighed.

“I’m sure we can.” Foggy nodded.

The four of them left the guard house and trudged their way through the overgrown gardener’s path. The roots were upturned and the undergrowth was stretching out onto the path. There were different statues, each modelled after a famous mission that the Illuminati had gone on. Such as a monstrous symbiote and the famous Magneto.

“Did you guys know that Alicia Masters sculpted these?” Miles asked, trying to keep the investigators thinking about other things.

“Cool.” Matt said, simply. “Jen, do you see anything?” He asked, not interested in the statues.

“Not yet. Unlikely I will, but there may be traces of someone coming this way to break into the house.” Jennifer answered.

“And you think- oh. I’ll take that, Morales.” Foggy said, seeing Miles still had the tape from the guardhouse.

“Oh. Sure.” Miles nodded, handing it over just as he discreetly placed a fruity magnet into his pocket. The small group continued walking out of the woods and towards the side yard, where the low wall and small gate that Miles had come through on the 8th was. Miles was making sure he had been out front, so he would be the first to notice something - something like the mud around the gate was soft and bare. His footprints were in the mud, as clear as day - the same footprints as the ones he was making right now. 

“Any luck with urr… whatshisname? Torchy?” Matt asked as he and the others were a few yards back behind Miles.

“Johnny? No. But we have an address.” Foggy answered.

“It’s a shame he turned out to be an ass. I thought he was so dreamy as a- HOLD IT! Has it rained the past week?” Jennifer blurted out, freezing in the mud. “Nobody move! Freeze! Everyone! These prints can’t be- MIles!” Jennifer called out. But Miles had already walked through the gate and up onto the lawn, stepping in his pre-existing prints. Miles turned around, pretending to be clueless.

“What?” Miles asked.

“Don’t- stop, I- don’t-!” Jennifer couldn’t get the words out fast enough as Miles walked back the way he came.

“I don’t understand, what is it?” He asked, stepping along his returning prints.

“No, no, no, no, arrrrgh… It’s fine. Okay, it’s fine. It’s alright.” Jennifer groaned, trying to remain polite.

“Did I do something wrong?” Miles asked, concerned.

“Just keep off the mud.” Jennifer told him, sidestepping towards the gate without stepping foot in the mud.

“Alright, Foggy. Let’s get the boys on it, check the prints, and tape off the area. Keep it clear.” Matt told Foggy. But then, as if the prints couldn’t get more contaminated, the dogs came sprinting towards the gate and over the mud, before coming to Miles. 

“Hey, hey, boys. Easy, easy. That’s it.” Miles cooed, crouching down and petting them.

“I always found that dogs are the best judge of character.” Jennifer smiled before the dogs raced back towards the house. They left Foggy behind to take care of the prints, while the rest walked into the yard and towards the house, they saw that the dogs were barking their way towards a luxurious SUV parking in the driveway. Reed and Susan Storm stepped out.

“They’re doing the will reading at ten, the whole family will be here.” Matt mentioned, before heading towards the house, while Jennifer was still meandering along the lawn with Miles.

“I’ve never been to a will reading before.” Miles admitted.

“You’d think it was like a game show, but honestly? It’s just some stuffy old white dude reading off a page.” Jennifer scoffed, making Miles chuckle dryly. They approached the side of the house, where Jennifer studied the layout. Meanwhile, Miles was getting sweaty at the thought of Jen noticing the trellis he climbed - where he had broken a piece of it- oh shit. That’s when Miles spotted the white trellis piece nestled in the grass not far from his feet.

“Holy shit!” Jennifer gasped out. Miles’ eyes darted up, expecting the detective to be looking at the same clue. But no, instead she had come face to face with Peggy in the window, who was staring at Jennifer like an old crow. 

“Excuse me, Miss Carter. Thank you for your service.” Jennifer said, awkwardly. While Jennifer was distracted, Miles threw the trellis piece into some of the thick bushes at the base of the Estate.

“Do you think you could handle the study?” Jennifer asked, finally looking back over to Miles.

Jennifer, Matt and Miles each stood in the study - the very room where Xavier had slit his throat. The blood stain was now only a subtle dark stain - but other than that, the room remained intact from the night of the party.

“Where’s your medical bag?” Jennifer asked, curiously.

“I… I don’t know. I left it here, I always leave it with X at night.” Miles shrugged.

“They must have taken it in as evidence. I’ll check on it.” Matt said. Jennifer looked around some more, before eyeing up the chessboard on the desk.

“How’d the chessboard get knocked over?” She asked.

“He was goofing around. What’re you thinking?” Miles asked, unable to stand the anxiety churning in his stomach. Jennifer just sighed, before tipping the board over and letting it land onto the floor. It didn’t make a ka-thunk sound. Just a gentle thud. Jennifer’s eyes narrowed on it. But her concentration was broken by the sound of aggressive barking from outside. Both Jen and Miles curiously peered through the window to see the dashing, handsome Johnny Storm stepping out of a vintage sportscar. The dogs are going nuts, biting at his pant legs.

“Ahhh, Johnny Storm… In the flesh.” Jennifer sighed, disappointedly.

Johnny was kicking the dogs away as he swore at the canines and made his way towards the house. He was wearing a large, brown coat that bellowed like a cape behind him. He also wore an orange scarf and a pastel-blue sweater. He also wore a pair of neat, posh jeans and brown shoes. Johnny was a beautiful man - muscular, lean with handsome and charming features and blond hair so fluffy your fingers would get lost in it.

“Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch?” Foggy asked on the porch.

“Just call me Johnny. Nobody calls me the Human Torch around here except for the help.” Johnny rolled his eyes.

“Okay, well, I’m Lieutenant Nelson, we’d like to ask a few questions about the night of-”
“Uh huh.” Johnny said, dismissively, going straight into the house. Foggy followed him in, stunned at the superhero’s blatant disregard to his uniform.

“Excuse me, I’m an officer of the law!” He complained.

“What? Are you gonna run me in? I don’t feel like talking, I’m distraught.” Johnny scoffed, before going into the kitchen. Jennifer, Miles and Matt arrived at the foot of the stairs to find Foggy’s offended face. Johnny soon returned, holding a packet of Biscoff cookies and eating them one at a time.

“Jen, anything you need to ask him?” Matt asked.

“When the hell is this arrangement?” Johnny asked, impatiently, not paying attention.

“Mr. Storm.” Jennifer said, coming face to face with the blond stud.

“Sher broad Holmes?” Johnny scoffed, condescendingly, before going into the living room.

Johnny came inside and pretty much everybody was inside, already. There was Tony, Pepper and Flash, each sitting around. Flash Thompson looked quite similar to Johnny, except his hair was dyed black and he wore a suit just like his Father. Tony was wearing a rusty-brown suit while Flash was wearing a black one. Pepper was wearing a white jumper and a pair of black pants. Reed and Sue were standing in the room too. Reed was wearing a blue cardigan over a white shirt and a pair of grey pants, while Sue was wearing a grey pantsuit.

“Hey, Robster, how about you get me some milk for these cookies?” Johnny told the caretaker, once he spotted him in the corner, just as Norman and Harry came inside too.

“Hey, asshole. Not his name, not his job.” Harry rolled his eyes. Robbie walked off, giving Johnny a blazing glare on his way out.

“Hey, Harry. How’s your social justice warrior degree coming along?” Johnny scoffed, eating another cookie.

“Urgh, arrogant prick.” Harry rolled his eyes. Harry was wearing a coffee-brown and white sweater and a pair of black pants.
“Alright, guys. Calm down.” Norman sighed. He was wearing a dark green suit again. Before things could get more heated, a man walked into the living room. The family’s attorney, Augustus Pugliese, came in accompanied by his assistant, Mallory Book. Augustus was a good-looking, older man with greying hair and a slightly chubby, but also fit body. He wore a navy suit. He was a decent attorney, but everyone knew Mallory was the real brains. Mallory Book was a beautiful woman with black hair, dark skin and a muscular body, although you wouldn’t guess it while she was dressed in her black pantsuit.

“Hello everyone.” Augustus smiled. “I’m just going to set up in the other room, be ready in ten minutes.” He told the family, before leaving and going to the library. The family was free to resume their tense conversation.

“Funny, Johnny. You skipped the funeral but you’re early for the will reading.” Tony mentioned.

“Okay, come on. People grieve in different ways.” Susan reasoned.

“It’s funny you’re here at all. Why are you even bothering, that’s what I want to know?” Tony scoffed.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Reed frowned.

“He knows what it means.” Tony sighed.

“Wait, what?” Sue asked.

“Flash was in the bathroom, the night of the party.” Tony told them.

“ That’s where you were all night?” Norman cringed.

“Nothing.” Flash blushed.

“Probably trolling Syrian refugees.” Harry guessed.

“No.”
“Alt-right troll.”

“Liberal snowflake!” 

“I don’t know what any of this means.” Tony said, cluelessly.

“It means your son’s a little shit.” Reed rolled his eyes.

“Oh, he’s the creep?” Tony laughed, looking over at Reed’s brother-in-law.

“Guys, guys, guys! Flash was in the bathroom?” Norman asked, trying to return to the story.

“Jacking off to inbred porn.” Reed commented under his breath.

“Okay, you wanna fucking go Richards?!” Tony said, standing up and standing in a fighting stance.

“Oh, please Stark. It would make my day!” Reed said, stretching out his limbs, intimidatingly.

“We should do this more often.” Johnny smirked.

“Enough!” Susan barked. “Flash, for God’s sake, you were in the bathroom next to Xavier’s office, where he had a big fight with my brother. Spill it.” She commanded him.

“I only heard two things.” Flash said. “I could hear yelling through the vent above the toilet. At first, two words drifted through. ‘My will.’ And then there was more shouting, but I also heard Johnny say… ‘I’m warning you.’” Flash explained. Tony lifted his arms, triumphantly.

“Johnny? What’s he talking about?” Susan asked. Johnny just continued eating his cookies.

“It means Xavier finally came to his senses and cut this worthless, lazy sack of shit out of the will.” Tony revealed. “And you better sell your little hot rod and you better give your notice at that orgy club and kick whatever fashion drugs you’re on cause if you think after all the bridges you’ve burned and the shit you’ve said and what you’ve put this family through for the past ten years that any of us are going to support you- or how Charles used to say, a SINGLE BRONZE PENNY, you’re NUTS! ” Tony said, getting increasingly more angry and loud. Johnny looked around the room, amused. 

“Wow.” He mouthed.

“Johnny…” Susan sighed.

“Sister.” 

“Did Xavier tell you he was cutting you out of the will?” Susan asked, concerned.

“Yep.” Johnny nodded, with emphasis on the ‘p.’ 

“Then he’s done what we weren’t strong enough to do. Maybe this will finally make you grow up.” Reed said, pissing Johnny off although the blond wouldn’t let it show.

“I think it could be the best thing that could happen to you.” Susan agreed.

“Thanks, sis.” Johnny said, sarcastically.

“It won’t be easy for you, but it’ll be good. Nothing good is ever easy.” Norman sighed.

“Up your ass, Osborn. Your teeth have been sucking on this team’s tit so hard-”

“Oh, ‘up your ass’? Very nice, you privileged asswipe.” Harry said.

“Y’know what, as a matter of fact: Eat shit.” Johnny said, pointing to Norman. “Eat shit.” He pointed to Harry. “How’s that? In fact, eat shit, eat shit, eat shit. Definitely eat shit. Eat all the shit.” Johnny said, his finger darting from Illuminati member to Illuminati member. The whole spiralled into people shouting at each other, getting increasingly angrier and angrier. Miles and Jennifer watched from outside the room until Walters had heard enough.

Miles followed Jennifer out onto the front porch, where they could still hear the shouting, though it was much more muffled and indistinct.

“What was that about will readings being boring?” Miles scoffed.

“I stand corrected.” Jennifer chuckled. Robbie suddenly burst out onto the porch as well. He was mumbling under his breath ‘asshole’ as he stormed away.

“Rob? You okay?” Miles called after him, but the caretaker ignored him and just walked away. Jennifer raised her brow, surprised. Then thought back to what the family was discussing:

“‘I’m warning you,’ Johnny said.” Jenny pondered.

“You heard Johnny in there, he always says shit like that.” Miles shrugged. One of the German shepherds came bounding over, going straight to Jennifer with the piece of trellis in its mouth. Miles froze,

“What’s that he’s got there?” Miles asked, nervously. “He’s always bringing junk into the house.” Miles said, hoping to disparage any idea that was forming in Jen’s head, but it was too late. She knew exactly where it had come from. Jennifer replaced the trellis piece with the baseball she still had in her pocket. Miles followed her to the side of the house and Jennifer held it up against the trellis, examining it.

“See this? It’s a fresh break.” Jennifer told Miles. She followed the trellis up to the trick window. 

“I don’t understand… Where’s that window?” She asked the nurse. While the family were having their screaming match, Miles and Jennifer started heading up the stairs, spotted by Nelson and Murdock on their way. The cops followed them up the stairs and onto the third-floor landing, where the secret elevator door was.

“Show me, but don’t step on the carpet.” Jennifer told Miles, keeping to the edges of the hallway and avoiding the inner rug. Miles delicately stepped on the wooden siding, before swinging open the wall with the painting, revealing the hidden window.

“Holy shit.” Foggy muttered in surprise. Jennifer went down to the floor, inspecting the carpet. 

“Traces of dried mud. Probably going the length of the hallway.” Jen mumbled, still holding the piece of trellis.

“Footprints?” Miles asked, trying to sound interested and not worried.

“No. Just traces.” Jennifer said.

“Depending on when it was last cleaned, it could be from any time.” Foggy pointed out.

“But that wouldn’t explain this.” Matt said, pointing able to smell the fresh mud on the window sill - pulling open the trick window sent enough particles into the air to alert the blind man. Miles wanted the ground to swallow him up. Jennifer threw the trellis to Foggy.

“Analyse this mud. It will match these traces, and you will find similar samples leading up the trellis on the side of the house.” Jennifer instructed. “On the night of the party, somebody went to an awful amount of trouble to not be heard climbing up the steps and broke into Xavier’s rooms.” 

The Will Reading.

Minutes later, the team was assembled in the library. Miles stood at the back with Jennifer, Matt and Foggy while Augustus was sitting at a table with the papers in front of him. Mallory stood beside him.

“Well… Thank you all for getting together like this, it isn’t legally necessary, but I thought because you’re all in town and some of you are leaving, it would be best-”

“Excuse me, Mr. Pugliese. If I may, ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to gently request that you all remain in town until the investigation is complete. Shouldn’t be more than two days.” Jennifer told them.

“She may be gently requesting, but I’m ordering. Nobody moves until we figure this out.” Matt told them. Everybody looked perturbed.

“What?” Sue said.

“Can we ask why? Did something change?” Norman questioned.

“No.”
“No it hasn’t changed or no we can’t ask?” 

“Mr. Pugliese, please continue.” Jennifer told him.

“Right. Well, the other reason I thought this gathering would be, urr, beneficial is that as I told Stark, Xavier altered his will one week ago. He sealed it and asked me not to submit it to the courts for probate until after his death. So in case there’s any confusion about anything we’re all together and we can talk. I can’t imagine any of it will be that complicated.” Augustus told them. “Charles’ assets include, um…”
“The house.” Mallory said, pointing to the line on the document.

“Right, the house which he owned outright. Um…”

“60 million.” Mallory said again.

“Right, in various cash accounts and investments, yes and of course the real assets are sole designs of his um…” 

“Weapons manufacturing division.” Mallory sighed. Augustus nodded. Tony placed a hand on his wife’s knee, gave it a squeeze and smiled tensely.

“Um, he did write up a statement when he made the recent changes. He wanted it read first, so…:

‘Some of you may be surprised by the choice I’ve made here. No pleasure was taken in the exclusion, and its purpose was not to sow greater discord in the team, quite the opposite. Please accept it with grace and without bitterness. But do accept it. It’s for the best.’” Pugliese read out. Condescending eyes drifted over to Johnny, who was sitting in a corner with anticipation. Mallory handed Augustus a single sheet of paper with one short typed paragraph.

“Okay, wow. Yeah, not complex at all. This’ll be quick.” August said, surprised. “‘I Charles Xavier, being of sound mind and body, blah blah blah, my assets both liquid and otherwise I leave in their entirety to Miles Morales. ’” He read out. It was like the entire room was flipped upside down and the carpet had turned into quicksand. Miles’ eyes widened and his jaw dropped as the sea of Illuminati members stared at him in shock. But August kept going…

“‘My entire ownership of the weapons manufacturing division I leave in its entirety to Miles Morales. The copyright and designs likewise I leave in its entirety to Miles Morales.” August kept going. It was like the air around Miles’ head had disappeared. The room was spinning, he wasn’t sure where to look. Jennifer looked at him, stunned, as did the rest of the family. 

“No.” Tony said, leaping out of his chair.

“No, no, no…” Sue said, also getting out of her chair.

“No… No, what?! That can’t be- that can’t be right.” Tony told the attorney.

“What the FUCK?! ” Reed blurted out, unable to find any other words.

“That can’t be right.” Tony repeated himself.

“It’s right.” Augustus said. Pepper was beginning to hyperventilate. 

“No, no, no, no, Pugliese. This can’t be legal, we’re his team. Basically his family. ” Susan told him.

“She’s right, we’re his family, Pug. He obviously wasn’t- I don’t know, something wasn’t right here.” Tony reasoned.

“Are there safeguards against this?” Reed added. Meanwhile, at the back of the room, slowly rising behind the confusion and cursing, was Johnny Storm. Who was laughing? Loud and with sincerity. 

“Pugliese, there’s been a mistake.” Norman said, joining the others.

“Dad, if it’s what Xavier wanted-”
“No, this is a mistake. It was supposed to be ours.” Norman insisted.

“Pug, take that piece of paper and shove it up your ass! ” Susan barked, getting hysterical. “And you cops, OUT!”

“Susan-”

“No, we need to talk and we need to fight this thing and we’re not going anywhere!” Susan cut Reed off. “GET OUT! We’re still the Illuminati goddammit! This is still our base!!” She continued shouting. Then there was a moment of silence as all the eyes were drawn back to Augustus. He looked down at the will and Mallory pointed once again.

“Oh, right. ‘Likewise, the Estate and all belongings therein I leave to Miles Morales.’” He read out. Susan’s head snapped towards Miles, her face filled with rage.

“You little bitch. Did you know about this? Did you make him do this? Were you two- were you screwing our boss?!” Susan accused, making Miles recoil.

“Susan!” Harry gasped, incredulously whilst Reed held Susan back.

“Anchor baby!” Flash shouted at Miles.

“Susan, get a hold of yourself!” Norman snapped, before turning to Miles. “But you really need to tell us, though.” 

“Yes, Miles, did Xavier discuss it with you?” Tony asked.
“You need to tell us everything you know about this and we need to talk about this.” Norman said.

“This isn’t what Xavier wanted, this isn’t fair but we can work this out.” Tony tried to persuade Miles.

“Jesus, don’t mob the girl.” Reed told them. But the whole Illuminati team was coming at Miles like a herd of zombies, each asking or accusing Miles of something. Matt grabbed Miles’ arm and started dragging him out of the room and towards the front door.

“I think we need to let their heads cool off a little. In the meantime, I’d run.” Matt told him.

Miles stumbled out of the house and onto the driveway, in a bit of a daze. It was all too much. Behind him, the entirety of the team came spilling out of the house, shouting after him. Miles did his best to speak.

“I- I have no idea why he- I just need to think- I’ll call you or have him call me or something, I don’t know…” Miles was panicking, taking the keys out and getting into his car. He slammed the door shut behind him and locked it, before turning the car on. Rap music immediately started playing, which only added to the chaos and confusion. The team were tapping at the windows, knocking on the doors, desperate to get Miles to stay. The nurse tried turning the ignition, but…

“Shit.” Miles muttered as the car wouldn’t start. Miles looked from window to window, feeling like he was in a horror movie. Jennifer, Matt and Foggy were trying to get the team to back off but they wouldn’t shift. Miles put his head in his hands - now he was hyperventilating. 

HONK HONK!!

Miles looked over to see Johnny, on the other side of distressed Illuminati members, waving ‘get in’ to Miles. Without any other choice, Miles pushed his way out of the car, through the family, before jumping into the posh, retro hotrod. Johnny immediately floored it and sped away, before shouting out the window…

“I think this could be the best thing to happen to all of you!” Johnny cheered before they disappeared through the front gates. Jennifer watched them leave, concerned. Ding! She checked her phone and her expression darkened… 

Miles and Johnny arrived at a little roadside family restaurant. They were sitting in a dark corner, silent and tense. Miles was biting his nails, whilst Johnny just looked amused by the whole thing. A waitress came over and set a plate of sausages and beans in front of Miles.

“Could we get an extra bowl, please?” Johnny asked her. She nodded and walked away. Then Johnny returned his gaze to the anxious Morales.

“You look like you’re gonna pass out. Have you eaten at all today? Eat.” Johnny told him. Reluctantly, Miles started stuffing his food - he hadn’t eaten at all today.

“This is a fucking nightmare.” Miles mumbled,

“Uh huh. So why?” Johnny asked.

“Hmm?”

“Why? This is everything. There has to be a bigger reason why and you know it.” The blond reasoned.

“I think it had more to do with you guys than with me.” Miles mentioned.

“Yeah. Yeah, you’re probably right.” Johnny sighed, surprising Miles. The waitress breezed by, placing the empty bowl on the table.

“Did he tell you this was going to happen?” Miles realised.

“Nah. Just that I wasn’t getting a cent.” Johnny told him.

“He wanted you to build something from the ground up. Like your sister and brother-in-law.” Miles told him, quietly.

“Yeah, yeah. Bullshit. My sister built her superhero real estate firm business from the ground up with a million-dollar loan from Xavier. And Reed owns none of it - Sue made him sign a prenup. He lives in fear.” Johnny argued - Miles couldn’t help but agree. “I know that’s what Xavier wanted to protect me from by doing this, and God, I know I shouldn’t say this out loud, but when he told me, fuck, I coulda killed him.” Johnny admitted, surprising Miles. “After I left the party, though… I was driving nowhere, fast. Just driving through the night. And I got this weird… epiphany. That from here on I was going to have to do for myself. And that felt… good. The old bastard.” Johnny explained. Then he looked at Miles, more seriously.

“Miles, I know three things: One: I know he didn’t commit suicide.” He said.

“What makes you think that?”

“I don’t think it. I know it. ‘Cause I knew my ex-boss. So you’re not going to bullshit me because two: I know lying makes you puke. Cause of that mafia game last fourth of July.” Johnny continued - Miles sank back into his chair, nervously.

“And three: I know that you just ate a full plate of sausage and baked beans.” Johnny said with a cocky smirk. He pushed the large, empty bowl in front of Miles.

“You bastard…” Miles whispered.

“Look me in the eye and tell me what happened to X.” Johnny instructed him. Miles’ lip quivered.

Dusk was just settling that evening at the Illuminati Estate. Inside, the team was still struggling with the news. Augustus was tired, sitting on a couch by the fireplace while the Illuminati members were pacing around. Mallory was bored and frustrated by the constant questions being fired at them.

“If Xavier was of sound mind when he made the changes, and we’ve all confirmed he was…” Mallory was saying.

“Would a sound person do this?! Sound how?” Reed reasoned.

“The very action speaks to unsoundness.” Susan complained.

“Not legally, no.” Mallory rolled her eyes. “You not liking what they did does not speak to testamentary capacity.” 

“What about Undue Influence?” Flash asked, looking up from his phone.

“Did you just Google that?” Augustus asked, tiredly.

“If Miles was manipulating Xavier, somehow, if we found out that he had-”
“Gotten his meat-hooks into him…” Susan grimaced.

“You need a strong case for that. You’ve got nothing. ‘He endeared himself to him through hard work, care and friendship’ won’t cut the check.” Mallory told them.

“What about the Slayer Rule?” Norman asked, also looking at his phone. “I did just Google that.” 

“The Slayer Rule obviously doesn’t apply here.” Mallory frowned.

“What the fuck is the Slayer Rule?” Reed asked.

“It’s if someone is convicted of killing the person they can’t get their inheritance.” Norman explained.

“Not even convicted. Even if they’re held responsible for their death in civil court.” Mallory said.

“Like OJ?” Tony asked.

“Yes. Like OJ.” Mallory rolled her eyes. “But Xavier committed suicide. ” She reminded them. But all of the teammates’ eyes travelled across the room, to where Jennifer was sitting in the hallway, just outside the door.

“Detective Walters?” Norman said. “You said that the investigation is continuing. You made a point of that. Do you suspect foul play?” He asked.

“Yes. I suspect foul play.” Jennifer admitted.

“Marta?” Reed asked.

“I have eliminated no suspects.” She shrugged.

“Oh, you’re full of shit. I don’t trust this girl in the pantsuit.” Reed complained.

“Woman.” Jennifer hissed, but Reed had already disregarded her and turned to Augustus and Mallory.

“Pug, god bless you, you’re useless.” Reed told him.

“Thank God.” Augustus said before he and Mallory took their excuse to leave.

“Why don’t we just get her to renounce the inheritance?” Reed pointed out.

“He knows it’s the right thing to do.” Tony nodded.

“Yes, I agree.” Sue nodded. Harry, meanwhile, took his Father by the arm and pulled him aside.

“Dad. If Xavier wanted Miles to have everything, that’s what he wanted.” Harry reasoned.

“No, this was not him. He loved us, he wanted to take care of us. He wanted you to have an education. Harry, do you think I can pay for your school?” Norman reasoned, which struck a chord in Harry.

Back in the restaurant as the sun was setting, Miles and Johnny were still sitting opposite each other. Johnny had collected a line of beer bottles and was staring into space after Miles had told him just about everything. It wasn’t like he had a choice. It actually felt quite nice to get it off his chest though, even if he was doomed now.

“Heh.” Johnny gave the slightest laugh as he processed everything.

“I know. Just saying it all sounds insane but it’s all true. I think Walters has been on to me from the start - I don’t even care If I got to jail, but my mom… my sister, we can’t…” Miles said before trailing off. The silence from Johnny was so distracting.

“Would you please say something?” Miles complained.

“I always thought I was the only one who could beat Charles at chess. I always thought that meant something.” Johnny sighed.

“I know you did.” Miles said, uninterested.

“At the party, that night, my last conversation with him, our last fight, that’s what he told me about you. That you beat him nearly every time. More than me. And I thought… what a strange thing to tell me. But I think I get it now. I think it did mean something.” Johnny explained. There was a moment. Then…

“I’m not telling my teammates shit.” Johnny revealed. “You’re not going to jail. That detective isn’t going to catch you. And you’re not going to give up Xavier’s fortune. Think about what Xavier did to see this through, this was what he wanted not just for you but for his team, and for him. And yes, for you. You’ve come this far. Let me help you go all the way.” Johnny told Miles. The nurse frowned, confused.

“What’s going on, Johnny? This isn’t you. You could turn me in right now and get your cut of the inheritance. Why?” Miles questioned.

“Because fuck my family. They don’t deserve any of this. I can help you and we can fool them all and get away with it… and then you will give me my cut of the inheritance. Win, win. Deal?” Johnny proposed. Before Miles could respond, his phone started ringing. Miles looked down to see it was Harry. Hesitantly, Miles answered the call and turned away from Johnny’s eyes and looked out the window.

“Miles? Are you okay? Holy shit, that was crazy.” Harry said.

“I know… I’m okay, are you?” 

“I’m fine, yeah. I mean, everyone’s going nuts- they’ve completely lost it. No one knows I’m calling you, I just wanted to… I wanted to say sorry for how everyone treated you.” Harry told him.

“Oh…”
“And… I guess I wanted to ask… what are you going to do?” Harry asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, the… with the will? What are you going to do?” Harry clarified. Miles nervously looked over to Johnny. 

“What do you think I should do?” Miles asked.

“You should do what you think is right. I think… I think you should give it back to us. Xavier always took care of us, we’re his team. I know you were like a member of the team, but we actually were. Miles, I know this isn’t fair, we’ve always been good to you and we’re going to take care of you, everyone loves you and you’re like family. But you have to make things right.” Harry explained. “Dad’s broke, Miles. He says I’ll have to drop out of school.”

“No, no, Harry. I won’t let that happen. Whatever money you need, I’ll help you. You don’t need to worry.” Miles assured him. “I’ll take care of you, I promise.”

“Thank you.” Harry said.

“And once I get the-” But Miles was cut off when Harry hung up the phone. Back in the Illuminati Estate, Harry lowered his phone with tears in his eyes, before turning to the rest of the team. Everybody was there behind him, silently waiting… Back at the restaurant, Miles looked down at his phone, worried. 

“Okay, then. Moving on…” Johnny sighed, uninterested. “Did the detective find anything suspicious at the house?”

“Um… Mud. There were traces of mud upstairs, where I broke in through the window.” Miles answered.

“Shit… Identifiable prints?” Johnny asked, his beautiful, blue eyes locked with Miles’.

“No.”

“Good. Okay, good. Hey, you’ve just gotta make it through the next few days until the investigation fizzles out, ‘cause it will. No matter how sharp this Walters woman is, she’s got nothing. Relax.” Johnny assured him.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!!

Miles shot up in his bed the next morning, hearing the sharp rapping against his door. The door then burst open and his Dad came in, looking excited and scared at the same time.

“Miles, get your ass up! What the hell is happening? There’s news reporters and cameramen here- everything’s going crazy. Are we rich? ” Jefferson questioned.

“W-What? Maybe… I don’t know.” Miles said, getting out of bed wearing only a pair of black boxer briefs.

“Get your ass up.” Jefferson told him before slipping back out of the room. Miles picked up his phone to see he had 28 missed calls.

“Ah, shit…” Miles groaned. He quickly got dressed, putting on a grey t-shirt and a pair of jeans before leaving his bedroom. He came into the living room, where madness was unfolding. Ria had her eyes glued to the screen while Jefferson was peering through the curtains.

“Oh my God, Miles, what is all this? What happened?” Ria asked. Miles looked at the TV, which was showing an anchorwoman outside their apartment building.

“Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck…” Miles cursed, running a hand through his hair.

“Is it true? Are we rich?” Jefferson asked again. Miles went over and looked through the curtains too, to see several local reporters in the streets with their vans and cameras.

“Oh my God…” Miles whispered, feeling like he was about to puke.

Meanwhile, back at the Illuminati Estate, Jennifer Walters had just arrived at the mansion and went inside. She looked around, until she found the ancient Peggy Carter sitting by the window.

“Good morning, Mrs. Carter.” Jennifer smiled. There was a pause as the two of them locked eyes for a moment.

“Why does grief elude the youth? I don’t know… But I believe that age deepens all feelings, especially grief. I wanted to offer my condolences for the loss of your good friend. And, I hope I’m not being too presumptuous of the Illuminati team, but am I the first to console you?” Jennifer asked, before sitting opposite Peggy. “One thing I do assume of age is weariness. God knows I get more tired every day. Tired of waiting for the truth to land at my feet. The inevitability of it. But the complexity and the grey lies not in the truth, but what you do with the truth once you have it.” Jennifer continued. Peggy’s eyes flickered and softened.

“I think you have something you want to tell me, Mrs. Carter. I think you’re very perceptive and very capable of telling me what you saw the night of Xavier’s party. And I’ll happily wait, I’m in no rush. I find it quite pleasant, sitting here with you.” Jennifer told her, reclining and looking out the window.

Back at the Morales living room, Ria was now looking out the window. The whole family was drowning in anxiety and confusion. Miles had given his parents a brief synopsis of what happened the day before, leaving out the incriminating details.

“Lawyers came here earlier, Miles. Big lawyers. They left all of this for you- so many business cards.” Ria said, grabbing a pile of envelopes and letters and handing them to Miles. “I don’t like this, Miles.”
“I don’t like it either, trust me. I’m gonna slip out the back - I’ll be back later. Don’t talk to anyone.” Miles told them, putting on a grey, denim jacket before stepping out of the apartment with the envelopes in his hand. He was just about to lock the door behind him when he heard the sound of footsteps. Miles looked up to see Tony Stark at the other end of the hallway, lurking.

“Um… Hey?” Miles said, awkwardly.

“Hey.” Tony said, voice sounding hoarse. His eyes were a bit red and puffy and his usually neat suit looked more messy and unkempt. 

“How’re you doing, kid?” Tony asked.

“Look, Tony, I didn’t know about any of this.” Miles told him.

“I know you didn’t. We all went kinda crazy yesterday.” Tony nodded.

“Yeah. Understandable.” Miles nodded, politely.

“You’re still an important member of the team, I want you to know that.” Tony told him.

“I haven’t even looked at all this stuff yet. This legal stuff - is this from you guys?” Miles asked, flicking through the envelopes, before noticing one which stuck out. A blank, plain, white envelope with no return address or postage.

“No, that isn’t from us. Maybe just local lawyers and accountants who saw the news and want to jump on it - I’d be careful of it all.” Tony told him. “Miles… Do you intend to renounce the inheritance?” 

“This is what X wanted.” Miles shook his head.

“Well, Xavier’s put you in a very tough position here. It was unfair of him.” Tony reasoned. “You see, what this kicks up with the press and the scrutiny, and we know… with your mother…” 

“With my mother?” Miles repeated, feeling this interaction become a lot more threatening. “What did Harry tell you?”

“This isn’t about who- you’re missing the point, we’re not attacking you with this. But Miles, if your Mom came here illegally, criminally - if you come into this inheritance with the scrutiny that entails I’d be afraid that could come to light. That’s what we’re all trying to avoid here. We can protect you from that happening, or if it happens.” Tony explained.

“Are you saying even if it came to light, with the family’s resources you could help me fix it?” Miles asked.

“Yes. The right lawyers, none of those local guys but New York lawyers, DC lawyers, enough resources put towards it, yes. But there’s no need it should ever come up. But yes.” Tony confirmed.

“Okay, good.” Miles said.

“Good?”
“Because Xavier gave me all your resources. So that means with my resources I’ll be able to fix it. So I guess I’m going to find the right lawyers.” Miles told him, before opening the door to his apartment again.

“No, Miles-” Tony said, getting angry. But Miles quickly slipped away and shut the apartment door once he was inside and quickly locked it. Miles breathed hard, feeling the adrenaline rush through him after such a horrible confrontation. He ran his hand through his hair again, before dumping all the envelopes onto the table, before picking up the mysterious, blank envelope. Miles opened it up and took out a sheet of paper that had about two-thirds of it torn off. It was a photocopy of the header of some sort of medical document.

‘OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER.’ It said. Underneath it, there was a photocopy of a tag with Miles’ name on it. But the most troubling part of it all was a handwritten sentence saying:

‘I KNOW WHAT YOU DID.’ Miles put his hand over his mouth, horrified. Then his phone suddenly buzzed. He picked up his phone and saw on the caller ID it said ‘Walters.’ Miles just sent it to voicemail and reread the letter.

Having no other options, Miles went to Johnny’s house. His home was very modern and nestled in the woods. It was quite an ugly house to look at, but inside it was very sleek and minimalist. Johnny was reading the header of the page, whilst sipping on a coffee. He was wearing a navy cardigan over a pastel-pink top and a pair of black jeans.

“What is this?” Johnny asked, pointing to the tag with Miles’ name on it.

“That’s my medical bag tag. They have my medical bag- I don’t know how or why.” Miles answered.

“Okay. Miles, this is a photocopy of the header of a blood toxicology report, from the local crime lab. On Xavier. Miles, this would show the morphine overdose.” Johnny told him.

“Fuck. Fuck, I’m so screwed!” Miles groaned, sitting on the couch next to Johnny. “How do you know about all this stuff?” 

“I spent a summer dating somebody who worked at a medical examiner’s office.” Johnny answered. “But what kind of blackmail scheme is this? I mean, the actual evidence is sitting up the street at the crime lab. What was the point of sending you this?” Johnny reasoned.

Sirens were blazing as cop cars were pulling up to the Medical Examiner’s Office. The building was a charred, brick husk with black smoke seeping out of the windows. Fire trucks were outside it, spraying water into the destroyed building and journalists were being kept at bay. The fire inside had completely gutted the building. Jennifer Walters stepped out of a car and went over to Matt Murdock, who was also at the scene.

“What the fuck is going on?” Jennifer asked.

“At 5am, security systems here were all triggered. It went up quickly. Blood stores, records, all gone. No employees around, thank God.” Matt explained.

“Any surveillance cams?” Jennifer asked. Matt reluctantly gestured towards the charred remains of a security camera on the smoking shell of the office building.

“Speaking of security, the tape from the guard house was scrambled for some reason.” Matt told her.

“What was still pending from the autopsy?” Jennifer asked, curiously.

“The report on the blood work.” Matt answered.

“Blood work?” Jennifer frowned, surprised. Across the street, Miles and Johnny pulled up in Miles’ car. They both looked at the burning building in stunned silence.

“Holy shit. This is insane.” Miles muttered - they were both ducking down in case the cops looked over. “Who would blow up a whole real official building just to blackmail me?” 

“Miles, this means that the blackmailer has the only paper copy of the thing that can prove your guilt. You didn’t get any other instructions, no phone call, no email, no nothing?” Johnny asked. The lightbulb went off over Miles’ head.

“Shit, email! I didn’t check my email.” Miles realised. He took out his phone and opened his email app, before spotting a new message in his inbox from [email protected] . No subject line, just a simple line of text:

‘1209 Columbus Rd 10am.’

“That’s it.” Johnny said before they both looked at the clock on Miles’ dashboard: 9:32am. Then Miles looked back towards the charred building, where Jennifer was looking directly at them. She had seen them.

“OH fuck!” Miles blurted out, ducking down further, but it was too late.

“You know what this means, right? If you destroy that copy you are totally in the clear.” Johnny told him, not even noticing that they had been spotted. Jennifer was walking towards Miles’ car, quickly.

“Miles, do you hear me?” Johnny asked.

“Shit.” Miles said, sitting up, throwing the car into gear and flooring it.

The little car screeched as it made a U-turn and flew down the road. Disappointed, Jennifer turned around and shouted at the cops to get in their cars, before hopping into a squad car with Matt Murdock. The whine of Miles’ engine only heightened the tension as Miles drove away - seeing flashing lights in his rearview mirrors as the cops were catching up.

“You regret helping me yet?” Miles asked, scared.

“I regret not taking my car.” Johnny answered, anxiously. Miles’ phone rang, and he looked at it. Jennifer was calling. He clicked IGNORE. The car continued driving down the road, with cop cars about a quarter of a mile behind them. While they were going 85, Miles was barely creeping up on 55.

“OhmyGodohmyGodohmyGod-”

“Are you flooring it?” Johnny asked, seeing their persuers were easily catching up.

“I am literally flooring it!” Miles nodded. His phone rang again - Jennifer again. Miles looked out his window to see a cop car driving right alongside them. Jennifer was motioning to roll the window down, before pointing to her phone like ‘Why aren’t you picking up?’ 

“This is so stupid.” Johnny said, not sure if he should laugh or flame on.

“I’m gonna pull over.” Miles said.

“No, Miles! If you miss your shot at getting the tox report, it’s all over.” Johnny reminded him.

“AAauuuuuuwwwwaaarrrghhhFUCK!” Miles shouted, before slamming on the breaks. The cop cars chasing him flew past Miles’ car, and then Miles quickly pulled off onto a side street and into the narrower city streets. The cop cars turned around and soon followed, though Miles had managed to gain a head start. Using his small car, he was able to nimbly dart through alleyways and small roads, where the cops couldn’t follow. Eventually, Miles was able to lose them and he found a secluded little back lot. He came to a stop, panting and breathing hard as he caught his breath. Johnny was both shocked, impressed and bewildered. 

“Hoooly shit, that’s a lot of adrenaline. Fuck, I feel like I just swallowed bees. What’s the whatsitcalled? Address?” Miles asked, breathing fast.

“1209 Colombus Road.” Johnny answered.

“Right, yeah. I just need to go there, do whatever it is they want, get the report back and destroy it. Fuck. Thank you, Johnny. I couldn’t do all this without you.” Miles told him. Johnny just smiled and nodded. There was a moment of silence. Then-

TAP TAP TAP!

Miles jumped before looking out the window to see Jennifer standing right there. His jaw dropped as he looked in the rearview mirror to see the cop car had pulled up silently behind them.

“Shit.” Miles muttered. Miles and Johnny stepped out of the car, nervously.

“That was the dumbest car chase of all time.” Foggy said, getting out of the police car.

“I spoke to Peggy Carter.” Jennifer told Miles. “The night of the party, she saw someone climb the trellis to the third floor.” She revealed.

“Mr. Storm, come with us please.” Matt told him. Johnny looked confused as he was brought to the squad car.

“W-What’s going on?” Miles asked, confused.

“‘Johnny came back’, she said. I don’t know what he came back to do, but we’ll find out.” Jennifer explained. Miles looked at Johnny anxiously - poor Peggy must have thought Miles was Johnny. He looked down at his watch: 9:51am. 

“Did he ask you to drive when he saw me coming?” Jennifer asked Miles.

“Y-Yes.” Miles lied.

“Get in the car.” Jennifer told him. Miles got into the car and pretended to take a sip out of an empty soda cup, but in actuality, he puked into it. Then Jennifer got into the passenger seat, to Miles’ horror. 

“Let’s go to the police station. I want a full rundown of everything Johnny said to you, and I can catch you up on where we’re at.” Jennifer told him.

“O-Okay…” Miles nodded.

Miles drove through town, following the police cars through town. Miles glanced towards his dashboard clock again, while Jennifer was barely paying attention. 9:55am. 

“This has been a strange case from the start. A case with a hole in the middle. A donut. Sorry, I’m just talking through my process - let me know if this is too distracting.” Jennifer said. 9:58am.

“I feel the noose tightening - the team is truly desperate. Desperate motives, the mystery of who hired me, the impossibility of the crime, and yet…” She continued, just as Miles spotted the Colombus Road sign up ahead. “A donut! One central piece, and if it reveals itself the fog would lift, the arc would resolve, the slinky become unkinked-”
“Do you mind if I stop here for a second? I just need to pick something up. It’ll be quick.” Miles asked her.

“Oh. Sure.” Jennifer nodded with a smile.

Miles turned onto Colombus Road and parallel parked on the side of the road. Miles got out and quickly walked along a row of storefronts - 1209 was vacant. He went through a hair salon, that was bustling and hustling and went straight through it and out the back door. He came out into a back alley, before going two doors down to 1209 and slipped through the back door. Inside it was a dark, empty retail space. It was lit only by the painted-over front windows. Miles edged his way in, eyes adjusting to the dark room.

“Hello?” He said before his foot hit something on the dirty, concrete floor. It was his medical bag. Miles knelt down and picked it up gently. He also noticed that next to it, there was something else - the burned remnants of a piece of paper. Only a charred corner remained. Miles crept forward further, noticing that there was a silhouette of a person in a chair. Whoever it was, was in the centre of the room.

“Hello? Listen, I don’t know what you want. Whatever you want, we can work it out, but we have to figure it out right here, right now. And I’m leaving with that report.” Miles told them. Silence. Nothing. The silhouette didn’t even move. 

“Hello?” Miles said again, stepping closer. He took out his phone, before turning on the flashlight. He gasped as the white light bathed a ghostly, barely alive face. It was Robbie who was sitting in the chair, looking like he was at death’s door.

“Robbie?!” Miles blurted out in disbelief. Of all the people he was expecting to meet, Robbie Reyes was not one of them. Miles’ phone buzzed again - it was Jennifer.

“Jesus Christ, not now!” Miles hissed at his phone, ignoring the call. He noticed a white letter in Robbie’s hand, resting on his lap. Miles took it and opened it - it was empty. What? Before Miles could even think of a reasonable explanation-

“HRRRRRAAAASSSSHHHGGGHH!!!” Robbie let out a harsh, loud breath - sucking in the air and making Miles jump in surprise. Miles quickly checked Robbie’s pulse, having thought he was dead this entire time. He checked Robbie’s eyes, then lifted him out of the chair and laid him on his back as Robbie was still sucking in thin breaths. Miles placed the phone on the ground, just as Robbie glared at Miles. 

“Robbie, can you hear me? Robbie? Give me a sign if you can hear me.” Miles told him.

“You…” Robbie said, weakly.

“Me?” Miles’ it’s me. You called me here, you sent me the email. I’m here. I’m going to call an ambulance and you’re going to be okay, but can you please tell me what happened? Did you take something, what’s happened to you?” Miles asked him. 

“Copy… copy…” Robbie croaked.

“What?”
“... stashed…” Robbie whispered. Miles couldn’t understand.

“You… you… gnrgh… won’t get… away… with this…” Robbie said, barely able to get the words out. For a moment, Miles is paralysed with shock and fear. But Robbie was dying. Quickly, Miles started dialling 911, then put it on speaker as he dropped it to his knees, then started administering CPR on the housekeeper.

“911, what is your emergency?”

Outside, in the car, Jennifer was still waiting in the car. She was casually singing along to the radio, looking towards the hair salon and waiting. What was taking so long? Then suddenly, there were sirens. An ambulance pulled up two doors down and EMTs ran into the abandoned store.

“Oh, shit.” Jennifer gasped.

Miles had his face in his hands, sitting next to Jennifer as they waited in a hospital waiting room. Jennifer was on the phone, though she was mostly listening, whilst Miles’ knee was bouncing up and down. 

“Alright, thank you for the update. No, I’m here with him. No need for that, I’ll bring him in once we get word that the housekeeper is stable. It’s still touch and go. Alright, speak soon.” Jennifer said before hanging up the phone. Miles looked over, forehead glistening in sweat.

“It’s over. People are getting hurt. I’m gonna have to tell you the truth.” Miles decided.

“Johnny beat you to it. Told Matty everything, who just told me everything.” Jennifer said, awkwardly.

“Good. Wait, he didn’t cover for me, did he? He told you the real truth about me switching the-”

“Yeah.”
“And the disguise and all the-”
“Yep.”
“And the blackmail with the-”
“Mmhmm.”

“But… Why did Robbie take my morphine? Obviously, he had taken my bag from the house, but he didn’t seem like a user to me, unless that’s why he needed money, but… Whatever, I don’t know. Doesn’t matter. I should tell the Illuminati myself, I feel like I owe them that.” Miles told Jennifer.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Jennifer asked, concerned.

“I need to. I won’t do any of this if I can’t do that. I really need to. I gave the doctors my number, they’ll call if anything changes with Rob.” Miles nodded.

“Alright. We’ll round up the Illuminati at the house, along with a police escort.” Jennifer sighed.

“For the arrest.” Miles said, sadly.

“You can tell me your whole story on the drive over. I don’t want any more surprises.” Jennifer told him.

“Alright.” Miles nodded, standing up, feeling like a dead man.

Miles’ car parked up in the driveway, outside the Illuminati Estate. Miles told Jennifer everything without a single gurgle from his stomach. All the team’s cars were there, along with a couple of police cruisers. 

“... Robbie said it was stashed, the copy, and then he told me ‘You did this, you won’t get away with it.’ Or at least, he tried to. And then I called the ambulance. And that’s it. That’s everything.” Miles said, turning the engine off. He looked up at the house with a shaky breath.

“Are you ready?” Jennifer asked, caringly.

They both entered the foyer, which felt like the final walk to the gallows. Reed, Tony and Harry were in there - Harry avoided eye contact with Miles.

“Ah. Okay, has he come to his senses?” Reed asked.

“He’s standing right there, Reed, he can speak for himself.” Tony rolled his eyes.

“Is the rest of the family here?” Jennifer asked.

“In the living room.” Tony nodded.

“I think maybe, if we could..?” Jennifer said, gesturing for them to go into the living room. They walked out, leaving Miles and Harry alone for a moment.

“I’m sorry!” Harry blurted out, hugging Miles and holding him close. “I’m so sorry I told them about your Mom. I was angry, I was scared… I’m sorry.” Harry said.

“It’s okay, Harry. I understand, seriously. It’s alright.” Miles told him, awkwardly. Somehow, he knew Harry wouldn’t be so sweet when Miles confessed to Xavier’s murder.

“God, I am so raiding Rob’s stash after this.” Harry half laughed, before walking off towards the living room, sparking an idea in Miles’ head just as Jennifer came back over.

“I still think this is a bad idea, but the team is assembled.” Jennifer told him.

“I know where the tox report is.” Miles whispered. He led Jennifer into the drawing room and unlocked the clock drawer and sure enough, inside was the document. Miles let out a sad sigh before handing it to Jennifer.

“He practically told me where it was. Anyway, this’ll tie everything up. And I just handed it to you. Shit, you’re not much of a detective, huh?” Miles scoffed, with a sad tone in his voice.

“To be fair, you’re not much of a murderer either. Perhaps we deserve each other.” Jen smiled, sadly, giving Miles a comforting hand on his shoulder.

In the living room, everybody was there. Everybody. Susan, Reed, Johnny, Tony, Pepper, Flash, Norman and Harry were all there. Matt and Foggy stood in a corner, while Jennifer was standing just outside the lounge and started to read the tox report. Miles gulped.

“Um… You guys have always been good to me. And I’m about to say something that won’t be easy to hear. You’re going to be upset, but especially after everything you’ve gone through the past few days, I thought you deserved to hear it from me.” Miles explained, before taking a deep breath. “I-”

“Excuse me!” Jennifer said, storming into the room. “You have not been good to him. You have all treated him like shit to steal back a fortune that you lost and he deserves! You’re a pack of blood-thirsty vultures at the feast, knives out, beaks bloody! But you’re not going to be bailed out this time. Oh, no. Mr. Morales has decided definitively not to renounce the inheritance.” Jennifer announced, loudly.

“What?!” Tony blurted out.

“What?” Miles asked as well, shocked.

“Furthermore it will be my professional recommendation to the local authorities that the manner of death in the case of Charles Xavier is ruled as suicide. This case is closed.” Jennifer told them.

“What?” Johnny frowned.

“No, Miss Walters, I-”

“Thank you all for coming. Goodbye.” Jennifer said, before grabbing Miles by the elbow and dragging him out of the room. The lounge was in stunned silence.

“Is anybody else confused?” Reed muttered. 

Jennifer brought Miles into the library, as the sounds of shouting and arguing stirred in the lounge. Miles was incredibly confused.

“What the hell is going on, Jennifer? I’m ready to come clean. It’s over.” Miles reasoned.

“Almost.” Jennifer corrected him before Matt Murdock came bursting in.

“What is going on here?” He asked, confused.

“I’m sorry. Foggy?!” Jennifer called out and the police officer soon came into the library too. “Please keep the family out of this room and get them out of the house if you can. But stand by with your additional officer.” She told him.

“Get the family out?” 

“Yeah, but not all of them.” Jennifer said, before leaning in and whispering a name into Foggy’s ear.

“Walters, isn’t this all a bit theatrical?” Matt asked.

“Indulge me.” Jen said as Miles sat in the hot seat. 

“Jennifer, I told Johnny, he told you, and I’m telling you now - it is an immovable fact that I killed Xavier. ” Miles insisted.

“Yes you did, yes he did, yes you are, but! I spoke in the car about the hole at the centre of this donut. And yes, what you and Xavier did that fateful night seems at first glance to fill that hole perfectly. A donut hole in a donut hole. But we must look a little closer. And when we do, we see that the donut hole has a hole in its centre - it is not a donut hole at all, but a smaller donut with its own hole, and our donut is not whole at all.” Jennifer rambled.

“What the fuck are you saying?!” Miles blurted out, frustrated and confused.

“Why? Why was I hired? Why would someone hire me?” Jennifer questioned.

“Someone fishing for any crime that could help reverse the will?” Matt shrugged.

“No, I was hired before the sealed will was read. Yes, the person must have known the contents of the will. Not only that, that same person must have known a crime was committed and furthermore, if the intent was to reverse Miles’ inheritance, they must have known that Miles was responsible.” Jennifer explained. “An intriguing set of factors. Someone who knew what Miles did, wanted to expose it, but could not reveal how they knew.”

“Robbie? He was blackmailing me, he knew what I did.” Miles shrugged.

“But Robbie wanted money, ergo she did not want the crime exposed.” Jennifer pointed out.

“Did someone in the family see Miles doing something suspicious?” Matt asked.

“They would have had no reason to not speak up. No. The answer is not so simple.” Jennifer explained before she sat down too, on the couch. “Now with the entire solution in my sights, the arc of this case is a tragedy of errors. And Miles, this won’t be easy to hear, but there is at least one truly guilty party behind it all - guilty in the true sense of acting with malice, and committing a heinous crime with selfish intent.” Jennifer continued. “Foggy?” She called out. 

“Foggy?!” Miles gasped.
“No.” Jennifer shook her head before Foggy came in with Johnny Storm. The blond looked at Miles, sympathetically.

“Miles, I’m sorry. I told them everything - I figured we were fucked either way.” Johnny apologised.

“It’s alright, Johnny. I’m glad you did.” Miles assured him.

“Not exactly everything though.” Jennifer said, standing back up.

“Is this about what Peggy told you? She saw me that night, she mistook me for Johnny.” Miles explained.

“We’ll get to that. But first, Mr. Johnny Storm, would you tell us why you hired me?” Jennifer questioned. Everybody’s eyes widened.

“Why I hired you?” Johnny frowned.

“You’re right, let me back it up a bit, to the night of the party. Your argument with Charles. What were the overheard words by the Nazi boy whacking off in the bathroom? ‘My will’ and ‘I’m warning you.’ You and Xavier were ‘drama mamas’, you shared a love of twisting the knife into one another. I don’t believe he would have slipped it in halfway - no, I bet Charles told you everything.” Jennifer described. “Miles, remind me what Johnny said his conversation with Xavier ended with?” 

“Xavier told him that I could beat him in chess.” Miles answered. 

“And I asked myself - why would the topic of the will have steered around to Miles? There is one obvious explanation.” Jennifer reasoned.

November 8th.

“You can’t be serious?” Johnny said, stunned as he stood in Xavier’s office. Charles was sitting behind his desk after dropping the bombshell on the Human Torch.

“Not a single copper penny of my work to a single one of them. You included.” Xavier nodded.

“You cannot be this crazy. You would not just throw away your fortune.” Johnny reasoned.

“No. I’m giving it to Miles. All of it.” Xavier corrected.

“HA! To your Brazillian nurse- are you fucking insane?” Johnny argued.

“I’m sane for the first time in my life and I’ve done it. I’ve made the change to my will. It’s done!” Xavier snapped.

“ I’m warning you! ” 

Present day.

“That is some heavy dirty conjecture.” Johnny scoffed.

“Granted. But it’s the only way what comes next makes sense. So you storm out, and you drive off into the night. You tell Johnny later you have some kind of…?”

“Epiphany.” Miles remembered.

“Exactly.” Jennifer nodded. “Miles. The will. Xavier. ‘You won’t get away with this.’ Do for yourself. And a plan forms.” Jennifer continued.

November 8th.

Johnny was driving his hot rod in the night when suddenly, he came to a screeching halt. The epiphany had hit him. The plan was forming, just as Jennifer described. He killed the headlights, then slowly drove down the private road, hooking a left at the carved X statue.

“You returned, careful to avoid the gate’s security camera range.”

Johnny hacked his way through the woods and up towards the side gate.

“Then on foot up, you walk to the house.”

The party was still going on inside as Johnny climbed up the hill towards the house, before scaling the trellis towards the trick window.

“You sneak in, up the trellis so you won’t be seen by the rest of the team, who are still downstairs.” 

Johnny swung open the trick window and stepped into the hallway. He left some mud traces on the sill and carpet as he headed straight down into Xavier’s bedroom.

“What you need to do will only take moments. But it is essential you are alone and undetected. You knew the medications Xavier took. You knew what Miles would be injecting him with that night. And you knew if Miles was responsible for his death, even unintentionally, the Slayer Rule would nullify the changed will, and you would get your share back.” 

Johnny snatched the medical bag, zipped it open, then unwrapped two syringes and took the two vials out. The Toradol and the ‘Good Stuff.’ Using the syringes, he extracted the liquids from both vials and then injected the liquids back into opposite vials.

“You use the syringes in the kit to switch the liquids in the two medication vials. And as a final precaution, you take the Naloxone, the life-saving antidote.” 

Present Day.

Miles was stunned. He’s struggling to process all this information. How could this be possible?

“No, Jen… That’s impossible.” Miles said.

“It’s the truth. Hand me that vial of morphine, I’ll show you.” Jennifer said, placing two identical vials on the table. Miles, confused, stood up and went over to the table. He glanced at them, took one in his hand, then put it back down and brought the other vial to Jennifer, not really paying attention as he was so wrapped up in his own thoughts.

“If he did that if the meds were switched, then when I got them mixed up… Oh my God… I accidentally switched them back. But then I gave Xavier…” Miles realised.

“The correct dose. Yes. But not accidentally. I taped over the labels of these two vials.” Jennifer said, taking the vial from Miles as well as the one from the table. “The vials are identical. How did you know that this was the morphine?” Jennifer asked him.

“I… just knew.” Miles said, unsure how to explain it.

“You knew because there is the slightest, almost imperceptible difference of tincture and viscosity between the liquids. You knew because you had done it a hundred times. You gave him the correct medication because Miles Morales, you are a good nurse.” Jennifer explained, with a sad smile.

“Then X was…” Miles realised.

“I’m sorry, Miles. But yes, Xavier was perfectly fine.” Jennifer said, before unfolding the tox report and handing it to Miles. “His blood was normal. The cause of death was truly, solely suicide and you are guilty of nothing but some damage to the trellis and a few amateur theatrics. In fact, if he had listened to you, he would be alive today.” Jennifer revealed. Miles looked like he was about to sob uncontrollably, but he kept it together.

“Holy shit…” Foggy whispered.

“A twisted web and we not finished untangling it. Not yet. Miles, when Peggy spotted you climbing down the trellis she said…?” 

“‘Johnny, are you back again already?’”  Miles answered.

“Are you back again already, because earlier that night-”
“Oh, Miles, come on.” Johnny complained. “This is stoopid with two o’s. You don’t have a shred of evidence - you’re just spinning a fairy tale.” He reasoned.

“Maybe not. But-”

“You have his confession! ” Johnny barked, getting angry. The sharpness in his voice made Miles look at Johnny more clearly.

“I suppose we do have that. If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to spin a little further.” Jennifer said, condescendingly. 

November 8th.

“Much later that night you would have to come back to the house, to break back in and retrieve the incriminating tampered vials.” 

Johnny had returned to the side gate, but when he opened it the dogs came bounding across the lawn, barking loudly. The blond tried hushing them, but they simply hated him.

“However, this time the dogs were outside. They barked and woke Harry up. No matter, you’ll get the vials tomorrow.”

Present Day.

“But tomorrow brings news not of a medical error and a guilty nurse, but of a slit throat and suicide.” Jennifer continued. “Now the circumstances are perfect for the anonymous hiring of me: you know a crime has been committed by Miles, you need him to be caught for it but you cannot reveal how you know.” She explained. “Enter Jennifer Walters, Private Investigator At Law.” Jennifer said, gesturing to herself. “The body was discovered early the next morning. The police, the medical examiners, the family, everyone swarms in and there is no possible way you can get to Miles’ bag to remove the vials. You must wait for your moment when the investigation is over and you know the house will be empty. And that is why you missed the funeral.” Jennifer revealed.

The Day of the Funeral.

Johnny climbed up the stairs and entered Xavier’s study, ripping through the police tape blocking the doorway. 

“There is no one home to wonder why you’re going into Xavier’s study - or so you think.” 

Robbie peered around the corner and spotted Johnny going up the elevator. He knew Johnny was up to something - he thought about saying something to the pompous superhero but decided against it. 

“Poor Robbie. He witnessed you tampering with something in Xavier’s office. He went up to investigate, once Johnny was gone and quickly put two and two together when he saw the medical bag had been moved. He did not know what you were doing, but he knew you were up to no good. And so his mind begins to turn.” 

Present Day.

“Oh God, that story he told me about…” Miles remembered. “That’s what he was talking about.”

“He loved Xavier. But he hated Johnny Storm. So the poor boy decides to test his theory and make this asshole pay. He gets a copy of the toxicology report- admittedly I have no idea how.” Jennifer said.

“Gabe. His brother- he told me, he worked as a receptionist at the examiners office.” Miles gasped.

“Well, voila. The numbers mean nothing to him, but if Johnny is guilty its existence is a threat, so he photocopies the header and makes a blackmail note.” Jennifer explained.

“So why did he send it to me?” Miles frowned.

“He didn’t. He sent it to Johnny.” Jennifer answered. “And when Johnny first gets it, what is his reaction? Elation! He still thinks Miles gave Xavier the tampered drugs. A blood tox report will prove Miles’ guilt. He goes to the will reading in high spirits, ready to see the family tear themselves apart, secure in the knowledge that it will all be undone when the tox report comes to light. But then… Miles’ confession.” Jennifer continued. “And everything turns on its head. Now he realises that Miles has committed no crime, and the tox report will prove his innocence. The changed will is going to stand. He has lost. Unless… Unless you decide… You’re not going to give up the money. You’ve come this far. Just one step further. Just one last act, in for a penny, in for a pound. You decide. You are in. ” Jennifer narrated.

Last Night.

Johnny’s flaming body flew through the night sky until he was hovering above the Medical Examiners Office. Then- FWOOOOOM!! A blast of fire shot from his hands and blasted through the windows of the building. The flames spread and ate up all the blood samples and evidence inside.

“Step one: destroy all evidence of Miles’ innocence.” 

The flames dance in the reflection of the glass refrigerated cases. 

“Step two: send Miles the anonymous email with a late morning rendezvous time.” 

Back in his home, Johnny tore off the bottom of the blackmail note, asking to meet him at Colombus Road at 8am and instead, sent the email to Miles. Then, early that morning, Miles slipped the envelope through the letter slot of Miles’ door. 

“Step three: keep your appointment with Robbie.” 

Robbie was standing in the empty, dark, abandoned storefront, nervously. Johnny arrived and Robbie let out a cocky laugh.

“I fucking knew it. I knew you were a no-good son of a bitch. I knew Xavier wouldn’t have just killed himself.” Robbie said.

“Yes. You were right, Rob.” Johnny growled, before grabbing Robbie and stuffing a napkin into his mouth. It was chloroform. Soon, Robbie was lying unconscious on the floor. Johnny grabbed a vial out of the medical bag that was on the floor and plunged a syringe full of morphine into Robbie’s neck. He snatched the tox report from Robbie’s pockets and left, leaving him with the empty envelope in his hands. On his way out, Johnny’s hand caught on fire, burning the tox report and dropping it to the ground to let it turn to ash next to Miles’ bag. 

“Now the board is set. Miles will get the blackmail note. You will put the pieces together for him - the tox report, his one chance at getting away with it all. You’ll guide him to the rendezvous. You’ll make an anonymous call to the police, they will catch Miles there with the body and the burned evidence. Miles will be arrested for killing Robbie and Xavier.” 

Present Day.

“He said… ‘you did this…’” Miles remembered. “But… But he was trying to say Huuuman Torch. Robbie wasn’t talking about me. He was trying to say ‘Human Torch’ because Johnny always made the help call him the Human Torch. Because he’s an asshole.” Miles realised.

“It would have worked. If we hadn’t brought you in for questioning, so you could not make your anonymous call. And if Robbie had not stashed a safety copy of the tox report. And if Miles had not outplayed you once again, by having a kind heart. By saving Robbie’s life, though it meant losing the inheritance and going to jail. He didn’t play your game, he saved Robbie’s life.” Jennifer explained.

“Rob’s alive?” Johnny asked, concerned and as if on cue, Miles’ phone rang. He looked down to see the caller ID: Hospital.

“Oh yes. Rob, who will confirm this fairytale, or something close to it. And will send you, Torch, to jail.” Jennifer smirked. Miles answered the call.

“Hello?” He said. There was a long silence, his face broke into relief.

“Yes, thank you, Doctor. We’ll be there soon.” Miles said before hanging up. He smiled sweetly.

“He’s okay. He’s ready to talk.” He revealed. Johnny glared at Miles, hiding behind a mask.

“Foggy, if you would keep Johnny in custody while Matt, Morales and I go to the hospital to take Robbie’s statement.” Jennifer smiled. Johnny shot up to his feet and approached Miles - his mask melted away.

“I want to say this just to you, not to a courtroom of cameras, just to you because you know it’s the truth: We allowed you into our home. We allowed you to take care of Xavier, to be part of our team and now you think you can steal it from us? You think I’m not going to fight for our birthright, our home, our historical, base?” Johnny growled, furiously.

“What? Xavier bought this house in the 80’s from a Pakistani real estate baron.” Jennifer rolled her eyes.

“Oh, would you SHUT UP! Shut the fuck up, Walters, with your perky, valley girl, sickening attitude! Yeah, I killed Rob but I guess I didn’t, so what do you have on me? Nothing. What? Attempted murder? I get arson for the building, maybe a few other charges, but with a good lawyer - which I have, I’ll be out before you know it.” Johnny said, raising his voice louder and louder before staring deep into Miles’ eyes. “And then you’ll see just how much hell I can wreak on your life, you vicious little bitch.” He said in a quieter, but more aggressive tone. There was silence. Then-

“HUUEERRAARGH!” Miles puked directly into Johnny’s face - drenching him in vomit.

“Eweeuuurgh!! What the SHIT?! ” Johnny shouted, disgusted. He stumbled back, cursing as Miles dropped to his knees, spitting and gagging.

“Holy shit. He was lying?!” Foggy gasped.

“That’s right. Robbie’s dead. And you just confessed to his murder.” Miles said, smirking whilst he wiped his lips with the back of his hand. As he stood back up, Matt showed Johnny his phone, which had been recording the entire conversation. Johnny was done for.

“Well… in for a penny…” Johnny said, before in one fluid motion, he grabbed a knife that had been on display and tackled Miles. It felt like time had slowed down as Johnny and Miles fell to the floor, with the knife getting closer and closer to Miles’ chest. They crashed to the floor and the knife plunged into Miles’ chest. For a moment, they both laid there still, breathing hard. Miles’ eyes were scrunched shut, bracing for pain but… He didn’t feel anything. Meanwhile, Johnny’s eyes were cold and wide open, with a face still wet with vomit. Miles opened one of his eyes and looked down, confused. Johnny looked down too, before realising… He pulled the knife ‘out’ of Miles’ chest and realised that the blade had actually retracted into the handle. It was a prop knife. Johnny tried to ‘stab’ Miles a couple more times, but it wouldn’t pierce the skin.

“Shit.” Johnny said, before being grabbed by Matt. Miles laid there, panting and reeling from almost dying as Johnny was being arrested. All the voices around him seemed to fade as he stared at the ceiling.

As Johnny was being arrested, Susan Storm noticed that one of her dogs had a baseball in his mouth. She took it from the German shepherd’s mouth and went back to the ground floor office to return it. But when she went in and placed the baseball down on its stand, she noticed the seafoam-green envelope on the desk. Curious, she picked it up and noticed it was blank. She smiled sadly. She wandered through the house and out the front door to join the rest of the team. Johnny Storm was being loaded into a cop car, the team were all behind held at bay as they reacted in different ways. Reed was yelling at the cops, Tony was sobbing, Pepper had already fainted and Flash- well Flash was just on his phone. Norman was staring into space, ruined. Harry was talking to Matt, trying to make sense of it all through tears - only just learning about Robbie. Susan watched the circus, strangely disconnected. Avoiding to confront the nightmare that was unfolding in the driveway, she looked down at the letter. She waved her hand over the letter, making the invisible ink written on the page visible. The note from her boss appeared, revealing Reed’s secret. Susan’s face dropped.

Miles was sitting in the lounge with a blanket around his body, looking into the nothingness. An officer had just taken his statement and walked away. Jennifer came walking over, concerned.

“How’re you doing?” She asked.

“I’m… processing.” Miles admitted. “Can I ask? At what point did you suspect I had something to do with Xavier’s death?” He asked, curiously.

“Well, at first, Matt tipped me off. He could sense you were irrationally stressed and hiding something. Then not long after, I noticed this.” Jennifer answered, before tapping the faded blood spot on Miles’ shoe.

“Fuck.” Miles groaned, embarrassed.

“I want you to remember something, Miles. Something very important: you won not by playing the game Xavier’s way, or by Johnny’s. But by yours. By being a good person and an excellent nurse.” Jennifer told him with a warm smile. Miles looked out the window to the chaotic team outside.

“I should help them… Right?” He asked.

“I have my opinion… But I have a feeling you’ll follow your heart.” Jennifer sighed, giving Miles a wink before strolling away. 

Miles shuffled towards the front doorway, looking up at Xavier’s portrait - finally without guilt eating away at his insides. Then, he went upstairs and walked out onto the balcony, which looked down over the teammates who were all loudly arguing. But when Tony pointed towards Miles, they all paused their yelling and turned to look up at Miles, one by one. Reed, now with a black eye. Susan, holding back tears. Tony, hair is a mess. Flash, finally looking up from his phone. Norman with crossed arms. Harry, sobbing over Robbie’s death. Miles looked down at them all, with a small smirk as he sipped from his mug of coffee. On the balcony of his headquarters. Of his Estate. 

He won.