Chapter 63: Unease

Unlike Peter, Maverick wasn't aware that Dr. Connors had conducted research in this area. He merely intended to ask Dr. Connors indirectly about his views on the Lizard. As an expert, Dr. Connors might have some insights on how to deal with the creature.

After searching the underground space for a while, both Maverick and Peter left, each with their own thoughts.

Maverick knew Peter's identity, but Peter was unaware of this. Their identities remained a secret from each other. Thus, they couldn't share the lead about Dr. Connors and had their own plans for further investigation into the Lizard.

When Maverick finally climbed out of the underground passage, the sun was setting. He had spent most of the day in the sewers but had made some progress.

"Phew, finally out. I feel like I smell like a sewer. I wonder how long it will take to get rid of this stench," Maverick said, taking a deep breath of fresh air.

Since there were many people on the street, Venom communicated with him internally, "That's just the smell in your nose. I'm a symbiote; I don't retain the sewer's odor."

Looking at the darkening sky, Maverick rubbed his stomach and said, "Let's grab some food first, then head to the school to see if Dr. Connors is there. I remember he has night classes this semester, so he might be busy in the lab."

"I want a large steak and a hot cocoa," Venom immediately added, already deciding what to eat.

"No problem," Maverick replied while scouting for a decent restaurant nearby. He remembered there was a good spot around here.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Peter Parker was crouched on a rooftop, eating a hot dog.

As he ate, he studied the photo in his hand. The more he looked at it, the more he felt he should consult Dr. Connors. The Lizard was a reptile and involved new genetics, so Dr. Connors could provide valuable insights.

Peter quickly finished his hot dog, put away the photo, and swung towards the Daily Bugle building.

He figured the huge footprint photo would suffice for tomorrow's front page. Although it wasn't a direct photo of the Lizard Man, it added plenty of suspense. Once he got a clear shot of the Lizard Man, he'd have his $1,000 reward.

A thousand dollars was a significant amount for him. He could buy a motorcycle or a used car. Thinking of the money motivated him even more, imagining the surprise he could give Aunt May with his prize.

Soon, he arrived at the Daily Bugle and handed the photo to Jameson. As expected, while Jameson criticized him for not capturing the Lizard, he still used the footprint photo for the next day's front page.

After handing over the photo, Peter swung over to the school. By this time, there were few people left on campus.

Around the teaching building, a few people were walking in small groups, likely those attending night classes. As Peter headed towards the lab, a clear female voice called from behind, "Hey! Peter, wait up."

Turning around, Peter saw Debra Whitman, wearing large-framed glasses, running towards him with a few books in her arms.

"Ha ha, didn't expect to run into you at night. I thought you didn't take night classes?" Debra asked curiously as she walked alongside him towards the lab.

Peter scratched his head and replied, "I don't, but today I need to ask Dr. Connors something. I just hope he's in."

Hearing this, Debra pushed her glasses up and smiled, "You asked the right person. I've been taking night classes for a while. Based on Dr. Connors' habits, he should be in the lab tonight."

Peter felt relieved at her words, having been worried that the doctor might not be in the lab.

As they chatted, they entered the teaching building and headed up to the third floor where the lab was located.

As they reached the third floor, they saw Maverick standing at the staircase, about to go inside.

Seeing Maverick there, Debra waved and smiled, "Hey, Maverick, what a coincidence! Are you here for night classes too?"

"It's quite a surprise running into both of you here. I thought neither of you usually took night classes," she added.

Maverick was also surprised to see them but quickly realized Peter must have had the same idea as him. It seemed Peter also thought of coming to ask Dr. Connors about the situation.

"It's indeed a surprise running into both of you. Are you here for night classes too?" Maverick asked with a smile.

Debra Whitman nodded at Maverick's question, while Peter Parker shook his head and said, "I'm here to see the doctor. I need to ask him about something."

Maverick, pretending to suddenly understand, nodded and said, "Oh, I see. Well, let's go together. Dr. Connors' office is at the far left of the hallway."

With that, the three of them headed towards Dr. Connors' office.

The closer they got to the office, the stronger the bad feeling grew, causing both Peter and Maverick to furrow their brows.

Debra, however, seemed unaware of anything amiss. When they reached the office door, she knocked first. After waiting for a moment with no response, she confidently turned the handle and pushed the door open.

Since there was only a vague sense of unease and no direct warning from Venom, Maverick didn't stop Debra from opening the door but stayed alert.

When the door opened, the dimly lit office was empty.

"That's strange. Dr. Connors usually does his experiments at this time. Why isn't he here today?" Debra wondered, looking at the empty lab area.

As she spoke, there was a sudden noise from the closed rest room inside the office.

Hearing the sound, Debra walked towards the rest room, calling out, "Dr. Connors, is that you in there?"

'Humans are really bold, aren't they? Isn't she afraid something might jump out at her?' Venom commented in Maverick's mind.

'She can't sense anything wrong, and with Peter and me here, she probably doesn't expect any danger.' Maverick replied, following Debra cautiously.

He glanced at Peter Parker and noticed he was also frowning and staying alert, just like him. Peter seemed to sense something was off too, but his spider-sense wasn't reacting.

Just as they reached the door and were about to open the rest room, a strong warning surged in both Peter's and Maverick's minds.

°°°

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