Chapter Text
As Jonathan climbed the stairs to his apartment, he revisited the events of today. Just thinking about the last twelve hours filled him with a rage that he had forgotten was inside him. He opened the door to his apartment, locked it behind him and then let himself fall onto his sofa in the living room. He knew for sure that he would have had to meet him at some point, even if Jonathan would have preferred to just see him as a distant figure. He had followed the election, he had voted himself, but of course not for him.
Well, he had expected that a conversation - you could also call it an appointment with a tyrannical king - would not be easy. He had been able to prepare himself mentally for that. But Jonathan hadn't expected to see him in this office, not after they hadn't met for so long. Was he surprised that he, of all people, worked there? Definitely not, but he hadn't really expected it. Jonathan stood up, the anger still boiling inside him. He slowly walked over to a cabinet and picked up one of the pictures on it. They had taken it in the last week of the summer vacation in 2021, the entire Spengler family in one picture. Something that had seemed unreal a few years ago. Jonathan tightened his grip on the picture. Why did they only ever target his family? Summerville or New York, it made no difference. The Spenglers would always be the first target and that only fueled his anger. Still, everything that had happened today was almost unbelievable, as the day had started so peacefully.
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Jonathan entered the firehouse at 8:00 a.m. sharp and immediately saw Nicole sitting at her desk, dressed in a yellow summer dress. Jonathan himself was wearing a dark green T-shirt and a short-sleeved flannel shirt over it. Nicole noticed him and immediately waved Jonathan over to her.
-What are you wearing?, Nicole asked, slightly skeptical of Jonathan's outfit.
-A shirt and a T-shirt?, Jonathan replied, slightly confused.
-How can you and your father be so similar but so different at the same time?, Nicole mumbled as she typed something into the computer.
-My father and I just don't have the same clothing style. That's not a bad thing, is it?, Jonathan replied, even more confused.
-Of course not, genius. I just noticed it, said Nicole with a wry smile.
-Oh, of course, Jonathan replied in return with an awkward smile.
Jonathan actually had quite a bit of respect for Nicole, especially since she was doing this job, which was well, anything but comfortable. Jonathan could hardly imagine what it must be like to have people constantly shouting in his ear in panic.
-All right, I'll make myself some breakfast and then finish up a few things in the lab, Jonathan said and was already on his way to the stairs.
-Wait a minute, I haven't had breakfast either and you're not going to leave a poor woman alone, are you, genius?, Nicole replied with a reproachful look.
-Of course not, said Jonathan with a sigh.
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About ten minutes later, Jonathan was sitting at Nicole's desk eating his sandwich. Nicole eyed Jonathan with a slightly skeptical look.
-What?, Jonathan asked when he noticed Nicole's face.
-I've known you and Nate for almost a year now, but neither of you have ever mentioned how you know each other, Nicole replied curiously.
-Oh, we were, erm, childhood friends, Jonathan replied deadpan. Nicole sat back with a surprised look on her face.
-Really? It seems like you haven't seen each other for a long time, Nicole remarked with interest.
-That's true, we haven't been in touch for twenty years, Jonathan replied, still emotionless.
-Oh, really? What happened?, Nicole asked sympathetically. Jonathan shifted slightly in his seat and took another bite of his sandwich,
-Nothing really happened, I went back to college, Nate worked for Winston and we just drifted apart. And when I was done with college, I moved to Summerville, Jonathan explained with a shrug.
-Ah, I see. So, college, huh? I imagine some girls had a crush on you.
-Erm, what?, Jonathan replied perplexed, unable to stop his cheeks from turning red.
-You're cute when you're embarrassed, did you know that?, Nicole said with a grin, leaving Jonathan even more perplexed. Did she really mean what she had just said? Jonathan definitely wasn't sure.
-Uhmm, thanks?, he finally replied, his face even redder than before. He hoped that someone or something would save him from this rather comical situation. He took another bite of his sandwich, desperately avoiding eye contact with Nicole, who he was sure was still looking at him.
-Good morning, it suddenly sounded from somewhere in front of Nicole's desk and, to Jonathan's relief, he realized that his father had just entered the firehouse and focused all his attention on him as Egon walked quickly towards him and Nicole.
Jonathan had been right, however, when he had said earlier that Egon and he differed mainly in their clothing styles. Before Summerville, and also in the first two or three years, Jonathan had also worn mainly suits, but after a while he had given it up. That's why he was wearing a T-shirt and a flannel shirt today. Egon, however, had not yet given up his immaculate appearance. He was wearing a dark gray suit and a white shirt, completed with a light blue tie. Even his silver watch was shiny. Winston had given it to him for his birthday last year. The only thing that perhaps spoiled his immaculate appearance was the bandage covering the cut on his forehead.
-I hope I'm not interrupting anything important here, Egon began, raising his eyebrow.
-Not at all, Dad. We were almost finished with breakfast anyway, Jonathan replied, relieved at his father's presence and quickly finishing his sandwich. He gave Nicole a quick glance, but she didn't seem too offended by the abrupt end to their breakfast together.
-Good morning, Egon, Nicole greeted him with a smile.
-When you're done, Jonathan, I'd appreciate your help with a few things, Egon said with a smirk, as if he had an idea of what had happened between Jonathan and Nicole two minutes earlier.
-Of course, Dad, Jonathan replied with a nod and Egon disappeared down the stairs to the basement.
Jonathan picked up his plate, wiping the area where he had been standing so as not to leave any crumbs on Nicole's desk.
-I'd better not keep my father waiting, Jonathan said with a slightly awkward smile in Nicole's direction. After all, if Egon needed help from him, that usually meant sooner rather than later.
-Sure, Nicole replied with a smile of her own. Jonathan didn't go upstairs yet, however, but waited a moment, as he had the feeling that Nicole wanted to add something.
-Thanks for the company, Nicole said after a short pause. It was genuine and Jonathan couldn't bring himself to stop a smile from crossing his face.
-No problem, he replied almost casually, a manner he found so unfamiliar that he unconsciously shook his head as he walked up the stairs. However, he couldn't deny that something was different when he talked to Nicole.
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Half an hour later, she was sitting at her desk focused, her favorite pen in one hand and her coffee in the other. A cold Caffee-Latte, or rather a Caffee-Latte with ice cubes in it. Perfect for cooling the coffee, but she had to hurry to drink it, otherwise it would eventually taste like water. She took the last sip and put the glass down. Nicole looked absently at the ice cube that was still left in her glass and didn't notice anyone approaching her.
-Nicole, a voice snapped her out of her thoughts. A voice whose tone was harsh and it belonged to none other than Egon Spengler. Nicole's head immediately shot up, afraid that she might have done something wrong. Egon was standing in front of her, his arms crossed behind his back. His expression gave nothing away, but Nicole was sure he was angry with someone, but not her. Nicole relaxed a little after her realization, but it still didn't help her complete state of tension.
Jonathan was standing a little apart from Egon and he too seemed angry at someone or something that wasn't in the firehouse.
-Is everything okay?, she finally asked, mentally kicking herself because obviously that wasn’t the case.
-No. Could you please pull up a newspaper article for me, Nicole?, Egon said slowly and with calculation, in order to curb his anger and not take it out on Nicole.
-Of course, which one would that be?, Nicole asked, her eyes already fixed on the computer screen.
-Just type in Ghostbusters and news and you'll find it, Jonathan interjected with disdain. Nicole ignored his tone, as it wasn't directed at her, but Egon gave his son such an intimidating look that the latter instinctively looked down at the floor.
Nicole typed the words into the search box and could hardly believe her eyes when she saw the first article.
-I guess you found what you were looking for?, Egon asked, still with calculated slowness.
-Yes, but that-, Nicole broke off and stared at the open article on her screen with the headline:
Ghostbusters: Saviors or destroyers?
Up until now it seemed like the Ghostbusters were doing a decent job, but yesterday a gentleman contacted our newsroom claiming otherwise.
Mr. Francesco Avella, father of the Ghostbusters' apparent client, called us yesterday afternoon to tell us how irresponsibly the Ghostbusters had acted on the call. Mr. Avella is the owner of the Gallo Rosso restaurant, which is located in Little Italy and is currently being renovated. His son claimed to have called the Ghostbusters because there had been a ghost in their restaurant. Mr. Avella, however, denies ever seeing any indications or ghosts. He declared himself highly appalled at the damage the Ghostbusters had caused. According to him, this will extend the renovation work for quite some time. According to Mr. Avella, it was also outrageous that his son had to pay despite the damage.
Another point of criticism, according to him, was the presence of two children. This presence was also confirmed by eyewitnesses. It was the second call on which the two were present. Judging by their name badges, they appear to be the grandchildren of Ghostbusters co-founder Egon Spengler, who was apparently also present yesterday.
In view of the facts, one can only wonder whether the Ghostbusters are actually doing their job properly or, as some people claim, are just frauds.
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When Nicole had finished reading the article, she stared at the screen, speechless. It took her a few moments to regain her composure, well aware that Egon and Jonathan were watching her like hawks.
-This is-, Nicole began, still slightly shocked and shaking her head.
-Shit? A disaster?, Egon finished her sentence, his hands now crossed in front of his chest and he didn't even try to hide his anger.
Nicole frowned, partly because she wasn't aware that the situation was so serious and partly because she had never heard Egon swear before. It seemed as if he was fighting an internal battle against his rising anger.
-Why..., she began carefully and slowly. Why is it that bad? It's just a newspaper article.
Egon sighed, it seemed as if his intellect was winning the internal battle and he turned to Nicole.
-It's about who can read the newspaper article, he said, trying to keep his tone neutral.
-I don't quite follow..., Nicole replied, still frowning.
-Peck, Jonathan interjected, clear disdain evident in his undertone. Nicole mouthed an “oh.” She was well aware of the attitudes towards the mayor, she shared them, after all.
-So, what do we do now?, she asked, a little worried about what Peck was prepared to do.
-Well, this article is the best opportunity for Peck to, um, well, take us down, Jonathan replied, slightly crestfallen, he was still angry, but his anger had faded into the background.
-Trying to take us down, Egon muttered with a grim expression.
-What?, Jonathan asked, but Nicole had understood the words, which obviously only made her more worried.
-I said Peck can try to destroy us, but I won't let him, Egon said firmly, but with a slight coldness in his voice that intimidated Nicole slightly. She looked over at Jonathan, who didn't seem at all intimidated, or didn't let on that he was.
Egon glanced at his watch before turning to Nicole, who was busy making eye contact with everything but Egon.
-I'm sorry if I scared you, I think it's obvious that I'm not quite myself. However, for no reason because of you, apologized Egon, who had correctly interpreted Nicole's manner. She looked up and made eye contact again. Egon had returned to his calm, somewhat formal manner.
-It's okay, Egon, Nicole replied with a slight smile.
-Could you please make sure that everyone gathers in the conference room in about half an hour, Egon asked Nicole. In a friendly way, but still as a specific instruction. Egon was Nicole's friend, but also her boss.
-Of course, Nicole replied, making a quick note to herself of what he had told her so that she would remember it in half an hour's time.
-Thank you, Nicole, said Egon, not quite smiling at her, but that was too much to ask for, given the situation.
-If anyone needs me, I'll be on the roof, Egon added, addressing both Nicole and his son.
-What are you going to do Dad?, Jonathan asked him when Egon had already gone up the first few steps.
-Call Winston, he replied curtly before disappearing upstairs.
-This is going to end well, right?, Nicole asked, quite worried about the future of the Ghostbusters. Jonathan didn't say anything back, just shrugged and then disappeared into the basement.
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As Egon walked up the steps to get to the roof, a lot of thoughts ran through his head, all of which resulted in him blaming himself for the situation they were in. He should have made Nathan wait for the rest of the team and then leave, preferably without him or Phoebe and Trevor. Granted, he understood both of them well and he had had no intention of denying them the opportunity, but now that very decision could even mean the end of the company.
Egon stepped onto the roof. During the renovation of the headquarters, Peter had had the idea of renovating the roof as well. The first safety measure was to build a railing around the entire roof, because now that there were people on it, there shouldn't be any danger. There were several tables with umbrellas providing shade on the roof. There was also a sort of seating area with several seats, which were roofed over due to the weather. Further back, there was a bar and a small kitchen for BBQs.
Egon took his phone out of his pocket to call Winston. While he waited for him to pick up, Egon leaned against the railing and looked at the skyscrapers and other buildings in front of him.
-Egon! What can I do for you?, Winston greeted him.
-I'm not disturbing you, am I?, Egon asked in return, his tone finally neutral again, the fresh air having calmed his emotions.
-Of course not! Apart from that, I was actually just waiting for you to call, Winston replied, his voice sounding less delighted than usual.
-I guess you must have come across a certain newspaper article as well?, Egon asked, although he already knew the answer.
-Unfortunately, yes, Winston replied bitterly and sighed.
Egon walked slowly towards one of the armchairs and sat down before he said something.
-I would guess that Peck will seize the opportunity?, Winston asked after a few seconds of silence.
-Definitely. This is his only chance so far to have something against us, Egon explained, his eyes narrowing and his tone becoming more hostile.
-I'd assume he's going to ask to talk to us, Winston said, slightly resigned.
- “Ask” is perhaps a very nice way of putting it, I'm pretty sure he'll make us do it, Egon replied with slight disdain. And he'll certainly do it today.
-With as little preparation time as possible..., Winston interjected rather quietly, so that Egon had to concentrate to understand the words.
-Exactly, Egon replied curtly. Another few seconds of silence fell between the two men as Winston seemed to be thinking about what to say next.
-Whoever Peck demands, I want you to be there too, Egon, Winston finally said, causing Egon to raise his eyebrows briefly.
-If that's your wish. However, I must remind you that the last time we met, I almost punched Peck in the face, Egon replied with an almost nostalgic undertone.
-I am well aware of that, and believe me, we would have enjoyed it if you had managed it, Egon, Winston said with a slight chuckle. Nevertheless, I trust that you will pull yourself together.
-Of course, Egon replied seriously, and he thought he heard Winston let out a sigh of relief.
-I would come myself, but I still have some important meetings to attend, Winston explained.
-Good, I'll keep you informed of course, Winston, said Egon, slowly bringing the conversation to an end.
-Thank you, Egon, said Winston kindly.
-Absolutely no problem, replied Egon politely.
-Goodbye.
-Goodbye.
Egon hung up and put his phone in the pocket of his suit jacket. He leaned back and took a deep breath. He glanced at his watch and realized he still had a few minutes. As dull as Oklahoma may have been, Egon had been outside more often than ever before. And even though the city and the middle of nowhere were quite different, Egon found himself outside much more than before. He decided to use the remaining minutes to relax a little more.
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The atmosphere in the meeting room was anything but relaxed. Everyone was there except Nicole, who was waiting for some government officials to show up at the firehouse. Egon had shown the newspaper article to the rest of the team and everyone was just as unhappy as Egon, Jonathan and Nicole had been half an hour earlier.
-This is totally unfair, Phoebe said angrily and indignantly. Callie gave her a reproachful look, but Phoebe ignored it completely.
-I didn't realize what an asshole Mr. Avella's father is, Nathan added, annoyed.
-I understand that you're all angry, admittedly I was too, but it's not getting us anywhere, Egon said, trying to stop Nathan's insults.
-What exactly does that mean for us now?, Kate asked, while Nathan crossed his arms angrily in front of his chest.
-It means that almost certainly Mayor Peck will summon us, Egon replied sternly, which drew groans from everyone except Callie, Phoebe, and Trevor.
-Is this Peck guy seriously that bad?, Callie asked, a little confused since she hadn't met him yet.
-Well, he was the one who shut down the containment unit in 84', Olivia quickly explained, and Callie remembered what her father had mentioned when they first arrived in New York.
-Not to mention he's a total asshole. I almost punched him in the face the first time we met, Nathan said through clenched teeth.
-Great, Trevor interjected sarcastically while leaning back.
-The man really has a talent for insulting people, Gary now chimed in.
Egon wanted to continue his explanation after observing the conversation, but didn't get the chance to because someone knocked on the door at that very moment. After a brief “yes” from Egon, Nicole opened the door. Her expression was almost unusually serious and she looked at Egon.
-The police are here and would like to speak to someone in charge, she said and Egon stood up immediately.
-I'm coming, he said and followed Nicole down to the first floor.