"Lizards are cold-blooded animals. They like damp, dark places."
Vincent gave Natasha a hint.
"Damp? Central Park?" Natasha guessed immediately.
If the Lizard was hiding in Central Park, the political fallout would be immense. That was prime real estate surrounded by the homes of the wealthy and powerful.
"No," Vincent corrected. "I mean the sewers. Dr. Connors can use the underground pipe network to travel anywhere in the city undetected."
Vincent knew Connors was smart. After being frozen once, he wouldn't make the same mistake twice. He would use guerilla tactics.
"I understand. I'll have teams sweep the sewers," Natasha said, her voice heavy.
Searching the labyrinth of New York's sewer system was a nightmare. It was thousands of miles of tunnels.
"When you find him, call me. I'll freeze him again," Vincent said.
He didn't care about Connors' safety anymore. If the monster threatened his portfolio, he would end it.
"Just remember," Vincent added. "Connors isn't just a beast. He's a genius. Don't underestimate his ability to set traps."
Vincent hung up and went back to sleep.
Let Nick Fury handle the stress.
The Next Morning.
Ding.
The elevator doors opened.
Vincent and Gwen stepped inside. As soon as the doors closed, Gwen pounced.
She grabbed his lapels and pulled him into a searing kiss.
They didn't break apart until the elevator hit the Parking Level.
Gwen smoothed her skirt, instantly transforming back into the perfect student. Vincent adjusted his tie, resuming his "gentleman" persona.
They didn't speak about the nights Gwen had sneaked into his room via the terrace. It was their secret.
"So the Lizard was stopped, but he escaped," Gwen said, checking the news on her phone. "At least the Ice Demon did something good."
"You kicked the Ice Demon," Vincent reminded her, a mischievous glint in his eye.
He was already planning his revenge. Maybe tonight they could try out some scenes from Fifty Shades? Since she knew he wrote it, she might be... open to experimentation.
"I was worried he'd hurt my dad!" Gwen defended herself.
"Your dad had fifty guns pointed at me," Vincent muttered. "If I wasn't element-proof, I'd be Swiss cheese."
Gwen giggled. "Well, you're tough. You can take it."
"George has a tough job ahead," Vincent noted. "Lizard, Ice Demon, Ghost Spider. He's going to go gray early."
"Hey!" Gwen protested. "I'm a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Woman! He should give me a medal."
"He's afraid you'll take his job," Vincent teased. "Or maybe he just hates vigilantes."
"You should become a lawyer," Gwen laughed. "Then you can defend me in court after he arrests me."
"It would be my honor, Miss Stacy."
Midtown High.
They walked into school, drawing envious stares. The "Power Couple" was official.
"Good morning, Gwen. Vincent."
Ms. Juliet walked past them, beaming.
"Good morning, Ms. Juliet," they chorused.
As she walked away, Gwen whispered, "Did you notice Ms. Juliet changed again?"
Vincent nodded. Of course she changed.
The real Ms. Juliet was back. Mystique was gone.
Vincent's Hydro-Kinesis picked up a new detail about the real Ms. Juliet.
She's pregnant.
A tiny new heartbeat fluttered inside her.
"She's definitely in love," Gwen speculated.
Vincent ignored the gossip. His mind was on Mystique.
Where did she go?
If Mystique left, how was he supposed to find Magneto and complete the "Building Prestige" mission?
And more importantly... Mystique was a key target for his collection.
Shape-shifting.
The ultimate fantasy.
With Mystique, a man could have every cover girl, every movie star, every fantasy he ever dreamed of. She was the Holy Grail of the harem.
"She won't go far," Vincent thought. "She needs me for the Cure mission."
He smiled. The game was still on.
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