While There's Still Something Left

I HATE THIS CHAPTER

"So what do we do now?" Clint asked, lips in a tight line.

Everyone was back in the meeting room, looking more concerned that the Detectives hadn't been Hydra, which was disturbing enough in itself. What added insult to was the not so subtle glances Peter could feel people stealing when he thought he wouldn't notice. All except Steve, who only gave him a reassuring smile.

"There's not much we can do. Peter obviously didn't do it. We have to trust that the police will continue their investigation and figure out what really happened."

Tony nodded along as Natasha spoke, gripping his jaw, arms crossed. Everyone but Tony was sitting, too busy looking out the window at the dreary sky, deep in thought. "JARVIS, compile video evidence of Peter's whereabouts during the time frame of the murder and send it to the police station. Make sure it is time stamped."

"Of course, sir."

"Should we send a picture of his elbow?" Steve asked.

Tony shook his head. "They could use it as motive if they decide to pursue him anyway."

"The video should keep 'em off of Peter's back, but it doesn't explain what happened to the Wescott kid," Bucky pointed out. "If he really was Hydra it can't
coincidental he was hurt."

"He disappeared right after Peter left school. You said it was what? Three days after Peter dropped out?" Sam said, shrugging. "Sounds like they wanted to set him up."

"Things are definitely escalating," Bruce agreed, putting his glasses on the table. "Every time we make progress with Hydra, something new arises. In my experience, things are not that coincidental."

"Two steps ahead," Bucky echoed his words from that morning.

"Why though?" Peter asked. "What good does me going to jail do them?"

Bruce looked to Tony, but Tony subtly shook his head. This was not the time to open a whole new can of worms.

"They could be trying to get you out of the Tower. They probably like their chances of taking you from a jail cell better than attacking us head on," Steve said. "I just wish I knew why they wanted you to begin with. Why take your aunt if they wanted you? They haven't offered to exchange you for her, haven't threatened to hurt her to lure you out. It just doesn't make sense."

"We already know they may not have anything to bargain with," Natasha said, looking apologetically to Peter. He gave her a tight smile, but it didn't make her feel any better.

Tony frowned at his feet. "That's a possibility, but if they killed her, why didn't they just leave her body behind as a message?"

"The giant blood stamp was message enough," Peter said darkly. "Plus why allow me any kind of closure when they could leave me wondering?"

"That ain't usually their style, but everything that's happened since then hasn't exactly been par of the course either," Bucky said.

"Maybe we should break for now," Natasha said, the whole room beginning to vibrate with unease and agitation. "We can reconvene later."

Steve sighed. "There's one more thing we probably need to discuss first."

Tony visibly perked, curiosity pulling him from the fog. "And what would that be?"

"When we leave, the Tower will be vulnerable. We considered that they could be trying to catch Peter here unprotected, but with Natasha staying behind, she, Tony and Rhodes will be the only ones able to defend the Tower," Steve explained.

"Unless Hulk wants to bust out, but we're guessing you'd like to avoid that, right Banner?" Clint asked.

Bruce nodded. "I think that would be best for everyone."