Chapter 33: Chapter 32: Empire State Building
Surrounded by an endless night sky, Caubert's view was dizzying. The blurry city lights below resembled a starry sky, while a haze hung like sparse clouds, inducing a wave of dizziness and fear.
The Empire State Building, once the tallest structure in the United States and a New York City landmark, is celebrated as one of the seven engineering wonders of the world. New York State, often called the Empire State, is home to this iconic skyscraper. It held the record for the tallest building globally for the longest time, remains a favorite among architects, and ranks first among the world's top photography spots.
With a total height of 1,454 feet, including its 204-foot antenna, the Empire State Building boasts 103 floors. Currently, Caubert found himself tied to this very antenna.
"You're planning to leave him up here all night? He might get hypothermia, especially since it's not warm now," Big White remarked, standing on the antenna's base and addressing Peter, who stood silently beside him.
"He'll experience free fall but won't die," Peter replied, his mask reflecting New York's neon glow.
"You could just let him drop. It would save the police some effort in rescuing him, but let's hope he doesn't faint," Big White mused, enjoying the brisk wind high above the city.
Having learned to navigate the city using spider silk alongside Peter, Big White had conquered his fear of heights. The current altitude no longer fazed him.
"I'll revive him if he faints before reaching the ground," Peter added, observing Caubert, who had awakened and was screaming atop the antenna. Peter then lay down, spider-like, along the edge.
"Feels like a spider toying with its prey," Big White joked, glancing at the antenna and wondering if it could be destroyed. But without explosives, there was no way to demolish the iconic 204-foot antenna.
"I'll find a chance next time," Big White thought, reluctantly turning to follow Peter.
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"Help me!! Someone help!!" Caubert's desperate cries echoed as Big White and Peter approached.
Peter stepped forward, standing atop the antenna, then bent over, face-to-face with Caubert.
"I love those screams. Keep them coming," Peter said, unraveling the webbing binding Caubert.
"Who are you? Why capture and torture me? This is illegal!" Caubert, initially startled by Peter's sudden appearance, quickly regained composure and protested.
"Oh... That's rich, you talking about the law," Peter chuckled, his hands trembling as he untied Caubert from the antenna.
"You didn't think about that when you were robbing people. Now, it's time for you to face the consequences."
"What are you going to do?" Caubert, panic-stricken, struggled against the thickening web, like an insect trapped in a spider's web.
"Jumping from the Empire State Building must be thrilling—adrenaline-pumping, screaming at the top of your lungs. Sounds fun," Peter remarked, finishing his task and moving to Big White's side.
"Wait! Please, let me go! Hand me over to the police. I won't say a word about you!" Caubert pleaded, convinced they intended to kill him.
Big White adjusted his bamboo hat, casting his face in shadow, while Peter approached the observation deck's edge. Despite the lights and telescopes for overlooking New York, the deck was empty, the viewing hours long past.
"No, no, no, you can't do this!" Caubert's horrified cries echoed as Peter released his grip, letting him fall from the 103rd floor.
"Ahhhhh!"
Peter glanced sideways at Big White.
"Let's go!" He said, allowing his body to fall naturally.
"I've always wanted to try a leap of faith. Now's my chance!" Big White muttered, standing up. Instead of jumping, he shot out spider silk, quickly following Peter to the antenna's top.
Balancing on the tower, Big White resisted the strong winds, squinting slightly before spreading his arms and leaping.
"Wahoo!" Big White cheered, his arms spread like wings, relishing the freefall and wind's roar.
As he fell, Big White saw Peter and the silkworm-like robber ahead, his head poking out. He shot his spider silk to the Empire State Building's glass, pulling hard to accelerate like a slingshot.
The screams grew clearer as they descended.
Near the Empire State Building, a rooftop party was underway. Harry Osborne, a brown-haired man, leaned on the balcony, smoking and pondering. His gaze caught three figures falling in the Empire State's light.
Curious, he focused and confirmed what he saw. Excited, he called the housekeeper.
"Tonard, get a camera and snap a shot of those three," he instructed, pointing to the figures.
Others at the party noticed and turned toward Harry's direction.
"My God! Is someone jumping off the building?"
"Maybe it's trash being thrown away."
"Looks like extreme skydivers, but there's not enough distance for a safe landing."
"How's he accelerating? What's happening?"
As speculation spread, everyone watched the three descending figures.
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