Chapter 10
“Why wouldn’t they let me in?” Tony fumes, trying to pull the earpiece from his ear. It’s well stuck, so it takes him a few tries before Steve intervenes.
“I don’t know,” Steve says. “It doesn’t make any sense. You’re one of the wealthiest men on the planet.”
Tony holds still just long enough for Steve to remove the earpiece from his ear before he’s pacing. “I am literally the prime candidate. Billionaire, turning to other outlets...” Realization dawns on Tony’s face. “To deal with his grief,” he breathes. “Steve,” He says, turning to the other man. He makes a wild gesture with his hands.
“I’m not following,” Steve says, mirroring the gesture.
“He’s– They’ve, I mean, they must– It has to be,” Tony says quickly, grabbing Steve by the shoulders.
Steve breaks his hold and grabs Tony’s shoulders. “You’ve lost me, darling, love of my life, I know your mind works at light speed but please put it into words.”
“It’s Peter,” Tony bursts, the first time saying his son’s name hasn’t elicited a wince. “Its– they must have Peter.” Steve is still looking confused, so he elaborates, “I’m the perfect candidate. The only reason they wouldn’t want me is if…” his own words sink in and he swallows difficultly. “If they have him.”
“And they don’t want you seeing him,” Steve finishes slowly. It’s an awful thing to contemplate. “It would make sense.”
Tony’s face is set in a hard line. “We’re getting in there.”
“Tony, you’re the only billionaire we have. Who else is going to be willing to do something like that?”
“I know a guy,” Tony says, pulling out his phone.