Spider in Gotham - Chapter 6

Peter spent the next couple of hours slowly making his way to the docks. Gotham, unlike New York City, was spread across a collection of eleven islands of varying size. The three largest of the group their own docks. He had to cross a river to get to Old Gotham. Luckily, the bridges seemed well maintained. Even the walkways looked like they were in good condition.

It was getting close to sunset by the time he arrived at the edge of the industrial area. He wasn't all the surprised when he found out the Iceberg Lounge was a few blocks away from the docks. Peter wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, or not, but the streetlights weren't as bright the closer they got. That worked in his favor tonight.

Peter scaled a building via a rusted fire escape before he changed to his improvised costume. It wouldn't be good if someone saw him climb the walls. He wanted to play it close to his chest for now. Keeping the connection between tonight and his eventual debut as Spider-Man hidden was for the best. He was already taking a risk with the costume.

No sticking to walls. Try not to jump around too much. Hit hard, move fast.

The rooftops were perfect for travel. He could easily jump from one to the next without relying on his powers. It was only when he moved from the rooftops to the stacks of shipping containers that he needed to push beyond what a normal person could do. Well, a normal person who was good at parkour.

As quietly as he could, he patrolled along the docks. There were a few boats actively unloading freight, but they looked legit. Not that he expected criminals to be obvious about it. Most of the areas that had workers were fenced off with visible security. They didn't give off the vibe as the thugs at the construction site. These ones had an office with monitors, radios, and uniforms that looked mass produced rather than tactical. There was also a certain 'I don't get paid enough for this' walk that night security always had.

He kept moving along the docks until around midnight. That was when things started to get interesting. A couple of black SUVs with tinted windows so dark they were opaque pulled up to what looked like an empty shipping container. The logo on the side of it split open, allowing the vehicle to pass through. It sealed back closed after it was inside. Even knowing where the door was, it was hard to see.

The hidden door was located in a container on the bottom of a block. It was three high and three wide and ten long. The block of containers was set a distance away from the others making it one of the few that couldn't be easily reached.  He had no idea what was inside. Unfortunately, it was also his best lead of the night.

Peter hopped over a few stacks to get a closer look. Forgotten transport cables hid security cameras. He pressed himself flat against the container and scurried over on the tips of his fingers and toes. The only way he was going to get inside was with his powers. It should be fine. As long as no one saw him. And if he wasn't caught on camera.

A quick circuit around the block of containers let him know that there were only cameras on the corners. That didn't make sense considering how long it was. He had to expect that there was some sort of security along the open stretches.

"My, my." A sultry voice spoke from nearby. "What have we here?"

Peter spun around to see a woman dressed in all black standing nearby. She had goggled with red lenses and a what looked like a whip rolled on her hip. The lack of cape and pointy ears told him she wasn't one of the many bats.

His spider-sense hadn't alert him to danger.

"Pizza delivery." Peter said without thinking. "Thirty minutes or it's free. Just can't find the doorbell."

The woman gave him a small smile. "Cute."

"Thanks." Peter replied. "Am I on your turf?"

"My turf?" The woman scoffed. "Do I look like one of those two-bit thugs?"

"No." He said quickly. "You're better dressed than they are."

"Aw." She smiled. "It warms a girls heart knowing someone notices."

He wasn't sure if she was flirting with him, or threatening him. No. Flirting wasn't the right word. It was like when girls would try to use him to do their homework.

"I just found this place." Peter said motioning to the block. "If you already had plans…"

"I did." She purred. "But now I'm curious."

She sauntered over to the edge. Somehow, she made flopping down look elegant. She swung her feet over the side of the container. Her hand patted the spot beside her.

"You're new here." She said as he sat next to her, though not as close as she had directed. "I'm guessing you don't know who I am."

"Sorry, no." Peter shook his head.

"Catwoman." She said, waiting for a response.

"Nice to meet you." He replied. "I haven't come up with a name yet."

"You need to get your own before they give you one." Catwoman said seriously. "You do not want to get stuck with whatever some sleep deprived reporter decides to call you."

"I got this stuff from a thrift store." Peter motioned to his outfit. "Thrift Store Man doesn't sound intimidating."

"The web is a nice touch." She said thoughtfully. "You could run with that."

"It was this or bright pink camo." Peter tried to play it off.

"Tell me, kid, what do you see here?" Catwoman asked motioning to the container block.

"It's a hideout." Peter replied shifting back to the task at hand. "I've seen one door, that one was well hidden, and there has to be more. Each corner has a cameras on it. Either they think that and the hidden door is enough security, or I'm missing something. I haven't gotten close enough to take a look at the roof. Until I figure out how they're monitoring the sides, I'm not going to risk it."

"Good start." She patted him on the shoulder.

He noticed that her gloves had claws.

"There is an exit on the other side and two access points underground. One of which is an escape tunnel, the other shouldn't be mentioned in polite company." Catwoman continued. "They've got pressure sensors on the roof and the top row along the side are windows covered with a façade. Without any gear, you're stuck."

Peter sighed.

"What do you want in there anyway?" Catwoman asked.

"Money." Peter answered simply. He knew he probably shouldn't be talking so casually about breaking into a criminal hideout, but this was the most conversation he'd had in the last couple of days. Not only that, but she was also easy to talk to. "A place like this, there has to be some deals being made. That means lots of cash and these guys can't exactly call the cops."

"You don't know what crew that is?" Catwoman asked with a bit of humor in her voice.

"The Iceberg Lounge is a few blocks away." Peter replied. "Penguin probably. I don't seem someone that well known allowing anyone else to be so close."

"What was your plan then?" Catwoman asked. "After you got in, that is?"

"Scope out the place, find where the cash is, and take it." Peter answered.

"That simple?" Catwoman shook her head.

"I like to keep my options open." Peter shrugged. "What's your plan?"

"Who says I have a plan?" Catwoman asked with smirk.

"Did I interrupt your evening job?" Peter countered.

"Knock out the power, trip the alarm on the far side." Her voice was slightly less playful. "Temporarily disable the pressure plates, enter through the air vent, move through the support beams, located my prize, grab it, and leave the way I came in."

"What is your prize?" He asked.

"Never tell them what you're after." Catwoman waggled a finger at him. "Professional courtesy only goes so far."

"No honor among thieves?" Peter asked with a chuckle.

"There's plenty of honor, but not nearly enough loot." Catwoman said laughing with him. "Alright, kid, let's go."

Catwoman stood up.

"Go where?" Peter asked looking up at her.

"Home." She replied. "Stealing money from Penguin is a fast way to get a price on your head. If I go in there, I'm betting you're desperate enough to follow. The only thing to do is to come back later."

Peter watched her walk away. The sway of her hips was nice, but he was more confused than anything.

"Why are you taking me home?" Peter asked as he hopped to his feet and followed after her.

"I get a good sense about you." Catwoman didn't turn to face him. "A bit of guidance and you'd make a name for yourself in no time. Bast knows there are enough Batgirls in the city that could use a cutie like you to flirt with."

"I'm wearing a mask." Peter said pointing to his face. The fact that she wasn't looking at him didn't help his argument.

"We'll fix that." Catwoman said before jumping over to the next stack.

She didn't stop, continuing on from one to the next. Peter found himself following her. They came to a stop once they hit the rooftops. It was a different angle than his approach.

"First lesson." Catwoman said finally turning to face him. "Never travel in a direct route. You never know when you're being followed." She subtly inclined her head to the right.

Peter stole a quick look, covering it with a sneeze. He could see the outline of someone on the rooftops across the street and a little ahead of them. It was too far for the details, but he got the idea.

"Unfortunately." Catwoman sighed. "They know where I live, so it won't help."

"They know where you live?" Peter asked.

"It's complicated." Catwoman crossed her arms. "Give it a moment."

His spider-sense let him know someone was approaching from their left. This one wasn't the figure they had already spotted. He pretended he wasn't aware, not wanting to tip his hand yet. So far, most of what he had done tonight could be explained away as an athletic person rather than someone with powers.

"Selina." A deep rumble of a voice spoke from their left.

Peter startled at the sound even knowing someone was there.

"Please, Bats." Catwoman groaned. "We wear masks for a reason."

They turned to face the imposing figure that could only be Batman. Even without the suit, the guy was probably on par with Captain America in build. Peter studied him for a moment. This was the first time he had seen someone with tech that didn't look out of date. Even then, it was more like tactical armor than Iron Man. The only thing that stood out as technology was the slight sheen to his eyes. They were still visible, but Peter got the impression that there was probably a barrier. Most likely, something for a Head Up Display similar to the first suit that Mr. Stark gave him.

"Who's this?" Batman asked not even bothering to look at Peter.

"My kid." Catwoman replied offhandedly.

Batman tilted his head to the side.

"What?" Catwoman purred, strolling over to him. "Are you the only mask that can pick up strays?" She paused. "Stray, that's a good one. Keep it in mind."

Peter found himself nodding.

"This isn't a game, Selina." Batman didn't acknowledge how she was now practically hanging off of him.

"But it's so fun." Catwoman pouted. "Oh, ease up Bats. The kid has potential and with my help, he won't end up dead trying to steal from the wrong person."

Peter watched the scene unfold. It felt like she was trying to convince her husband they could adopt a puppy. She wasn't kidding when she said it was complicated.

"You weren't here for me, were you." She huffed dramatically. "It was just a happy accident. You're on your way to the docks to bust up that deal Penguin has going tonight."

"What do you know, Selina?" Batman said in the gravelly voice.

Peter wondered if he practiced that, or did he need tea with some honey at the end of each night.

"Stolen goods. Priceless jewels. Loads of cash." Catwoman sounded bored now. "Go on. Do your thing. You know where to find me." She started to jog toward the edge of the building. "Come on, kid. I've got a warm bowl of milk waiting."

Peter followed behind her. They made good time. Most of the jumps from one building to another were done quickly. There were a few times he purposely had to shorten a leap, aiming for a fire escape, window ledge, or pipe to make it look convincing. Each time he found Catwoman waiting on the roof playing with her whip. He had seen that it was more than what it first appeared. It could stretch much farther than its length and easily held her weight.

"You're good." Catwoman said with an appreciative nod. "We'll go to one of my safe houses. Getting to my penthouse isn't possible without gear." She looked him over. "I should have some street clothes that will fit you."

"Why would we need street clothes?" Peter asked.

"It would be silly for Catwoman and Thrift Store Man to be seen driving around the city." Catwoman quipped.