Druid in the Marvel Universe Chapter 56: Misty's Doubt

Stark's situation has come to a close. Since it's clear he's prepared, Alvin decided not to interfere and let Stark handle things himself. In the worst-case scenario, keeping Stark alive shouldn't be a problem.

The mech suit Stark built in Afghanistan was brought back to America and became part of Alvin's collection. The bald villain wanting to build his own mech might have to wait until Stark's Iron Man suit is revealed to create a knockoff.

Without a sample, the bald guy might not be able to build the Iron Monger from the movie. Without a trump card, the old man might only be able to compete with Stark in the Stark Industries boardroom. If that's the case, Alvin doesn't think much of his chances.

Hell's Kitchen has been quiet lately. The junkies who used to roam the streets have been pushed to the outskirts near Brooklyn.

The drug dealers have politely announced that all drug supplies in Hell's Kitchen will be halted for the next week. Those wanting to buy drugs must go to designated locations, and they sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, offering a small discount on the products.

The pimps are also taking a break, giving the prostitutes a chance to rest or learn new skills. The underground business in Hell's Kitchen has entered a near-dormant state.

Officer Misty, the newly appointed police chief, can clearly feel the changes on the streets. She's puzzled by what's happening in Hell's Kitchen, one of the worst places for crime in America.

Misty has been patrolling alone every night and going through a lot of Hell's Kitchen's case files to understand its history and current situation. But the recent street conditions are beyond her imagination. Who has the power to make such a change?

A loan shark's enforcer is beating up an unlucky guy who owes money, covering his mouth to keep him from shouting. The enforcer isn't as arrogant as usual and quietly warns the guy about what will happen if he doesn't pay up. The beaten guy also quietly promises to pay in a few days.

Misty feels like she's going crazy. She can't understand the current state of Hell's Kitchen. Although she's established herself in the police department through her abilities, her personality has kept her from making friends. Of course, a chief doesn't need friends, just people to get the job done.

But Misty is different. Chief George transferred her here because of her case-solving abilities, hoping she could change the police department's situation in Hell's Kitchen. But it seems Misty has messed up. As the police chief, she can't even figure out what's happening in her own jurisdiction.

Misty drives slowly down the road. Usually, some reckless punk would honk and pass her, maybe even flip her off. But not today. Everyone is driving like law-abiding citizens, being courteous. Hell's Kitchen feels quiet, friendly, and its residents seem well-mannered.

What's going on? Have the gangsters in Hell's Kitchen gone on vacation? Misty feels like she'll go crazy if she doesn't find the answer.

Misty honks a few times and makes a sharp turn to head back. She needs to find answers, or she'll really go mad. Seeing a guy who had to brake suddenly because of her turn, she glares back at him. A small-time drug dealer daring to look down on the police chief? Are you even a qualified bad guy?

The only place in Hell's Kitchen where Misty thinks she might find answers is the Peace Hotel on 25th Street. Initially, she didn't get along well with the hotel's owner, Alvin. But later, Misty went through all the information she could find about Alvin.

She discovered that Alvin is a very strange guy. He controls three blocks in Hell's Kitchen but has never made a penny from it. All the protection money he receives is used to buy food trucks for struggling families or invested in neighborhood improvements. The kindergarten at the corner was built by him. Just from the records, Alvin seems to be doing a better job than the mayor of New York, slowly changing the community.

But Misty knows Alvin is very dangerous. This is evident from the files. Gang members who crossed him either disappeared or fled. He can't be a clean guy.

From the records and what she learned indirectly, Misty sometimes admires Alvin. He's achieved things the NYPD never could. Misty believes the recent anomalies in Hell's Kitchen are definitely related to him.

Misty drives past a newly opened supermarket. A big "Cheer Up" sign hangs at the entrance, along with a poster offering free breakfast for students.

The owner, Robert McCall, is arguing with a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl. Misty can vaguely hear words like "school" and "exam."

At the corner of 25th Street, old Kent is adjusting a scoreboard to the number 2. He waves at Misty's police car as she passes by.

The whole street is as quiet as an upscale neighborhood in the Upper East Side of New York.

Misty parks her car in front of the "Peace Hotel." It's not mealtime yet, but she heard that Alvin hired a Chinese chef to replace him, so the restaurant now always has coffee and snacks available. It's no longer just 100 steaks a day and lemonade.

Pushing the door open, Misty sees seven or eight kids, around seventeen or eighteen, boys and girls, hunched over the tables, working on what seems like endless homework.

Professor Cage and Professor Wilson are sitting nearby, drinking coffee and ready to help the kids with any problems. Foggy and Matt, two Columbia University graduates, are also there to help, though Misty wonders how Matt, being blind, can assist.

Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Cage are surrounding a cute little girl, probably praising her for something. The girl shyly covers her face, but the wide gaps between her fingers show she's happy to hear more praise from the two old ladies.

Jessica is skillfully making her signature snacks, ready to serve anyone in need. She occasionally sends sweet smiles to Alvin, raising his blood sugar.

Alvin leans against the bar, looking stern and acting like a celibate gentleman, ignoring Jessica's flirtatious glances. He accidentally saw something he shouldn't have yesterday and got caught by Jessica. But who told her to leave the bathroom door open while showering? Besides, he didn't see much.

Seeing Misty walk in, Alvin smiles and greets her, "Officer Misty, welcome to Hell's Kitchen's college entrance exam prep class."