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Instead of getting defensive, you decided to take a more easygoing approach to his inquiry.
<span class="mu-r">“What? Have none of you guys ever heard of a doppelganger before? I can’t help it if Spider-Man wants to copy my style.”</span> you said, gesturing to yourself.
Two of the goons traded confused glances and shrugged at one another, but some of the guys in the back were either chuckling or eyeing your costume appreciatively. At least, you hoped that’s all they were doing.
<span class="mu-g">“Wouldn’t be the weirdest thing that happened. That’s for sure.”</span> the stocky man said. <span class="mu-g">“From what I hear, your kind are always getting cloned or replaced by martian shapeshifters or something.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“I hear Blade got cloned once.”</span> another, slimmer man put in. <span class="mu-b">“She runs around calling herself his daughter, but the truth is that some wackjob stole his DNA and crossbred it with some other freak. She works out of Chicago, I think.”</span>
The muscular fellow beside him guffawed.
<span class="mu-r">“You’re talkin’ outta your ass.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Nah man, it’s true! I swear.”</span> he protested.
<span class="mu-r">“Oh, yeah? And who’d you hear that from?”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“I heard it from Yancey.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Of course. Only an idiot like you would trust anything that comes outta that guy's mouth.”</span>
Before either of them could get another word in, you loudly cleared your throat to get their attention.
<span class="mu-r">“Uh…can I go in now?”</span> you asked.
Everyone turned to stare at you. The stocky man seemed to consider something, and you could practically feel the tension draining from the group as a whole.
<span class="mu-g">“Does this mean you’re back for good?”</span>
You nodded.
<span class="mu-r">“That’s the plan. I came here to talk to Silvio about it.”</span>
The stocky man barked out a laugh.
<span class="mu-g">“Well, you’re in luck my friend. The boss just so happens to be in a great mood.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Oh, yeah? What’s the occasion?”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“His son just came back. And he didn’t come empty handed.”</span>
—-------
Once you cleared up some of the suspicion surrounding your relationship with Spider-Man, your treatment by Silvio’s men improved considerably. Some were a bit confused by the costume change, but others were downright excited to see you again. Meeting up with Fat Tony on the way up put you in a much better mood, and you promised to treat him to lunch one of these days.
Eventually, you and your guide reached a pair of oak, wooden doors that likely led to Silvermane’s office. You were proven right when the stocky man rapped his knuckles against the door.
<span class="mu-g">“Hey, boss. You’ve got a visitor. The Huntsman’s here to see you.”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“Send him in.”</span>
(Cont.)
