8
The next morning, Rick woke to a sharp cry outside the bedroom—likely the returning two girls.
"What time is it? Oh my god, there's nothing in this room except a bed, not even a quilt or pillow," Rick muttered, rubbing his numb face as he sat up. He had expected a severe hangover, but surprisingly felt quite energetic.
In a slightly wrinkled suit, Rick pushed open the door and entered the small living room where Phoebe and Monica were embroiled in a heated argument over furniture arrangement. Phoebe was content with the current setup, but Monica insisted on a more orderly and unified style.
"How about I cover the cost for a new set in the same style?" Rick suggested, stifling a yawn.
"No, Rick. It's not about the money. Monica needs to work on overcoming her OCD," Phoebe earnestly remarked.
"Hello there, Rick. Phoebe briefed me about you," Monica said shyly, adjusting her clothes before turning to Phoebe with resolve. "Alright, girls. I'm heading out to sign a contract with a company. My third book will be on your bedside table soon. See you later."
Feeling hungry, Rick decided to find something to eat quickly. The growling of his stomach seemed to echo through the small living room, prompting his departure in search of food.
Rick settled into a quiet corner of a nearby breakfast shop. After tipping the waiter generously, he ordered pancakes with syrup, coffee, a ham sandwich, eggs Benedict, waffles with chocolate sauce, an omelet toast, and a burrito. An hour later, having devoured a considerable amount, Rick left the waiter another $10 tip for his professional service.
At Stark Building later that morning, Rick encountered Supervisor Jones in the press director's office, who, despite his own hangover, was surprised at Rick's fresh appearance.
"Why do you look so good?" Supervisor Jones inquired, applying an ice pack to his head.
"Probably because I'm young and bounce back quickly," Rick replied with a knowing smile, though he himself was puzzled, having endured a two-hour drive in sweaty conditions the previous day.
After a brief discussion, Rick and Perry decided to proceed with the publication of Rick's third book, with a twist. Howard Stark was pleased with the manuscript and ordered 10,000 copies to be donated to the National Veterans Support Center—a cause close to his heart due to his disdain for war and his feelings of guilt towards veterans. Despite not yet being published, the book became the bestseller of the month, sparking Rick's criticism of such tactics and his refusal to embrace an undeserved championship title.
Subsequently, Rick and Perry strategized about publicity and marketing plans for the new book, including TV appearances and interviews with major newspapers, aiming to bolster Rick's reputation as a young bestselling author.
Meanwhile, George Stacy, from his post at the New York Police Department, found himself with a pounding head, holding an iced cola. He dialed Dick's number.
"Dick, how's business been lately?" George asked calmly over the phone.
"Business is good. I've got some valuable goods in stock. Their value is set to rise soon," Dick replied confidently.
The instrument in the adjacent room began shaking violently as George continued with more pressing questions. "Are you withholding information about that dreadful night?"
"I've told you everything," Dick maintained, though the needle's agitation intensified, causing George to forget he still held his cola.
"Did you harm the 'children'?" George pressed further.
"No, I didn't. I can't be blamed for what happened that night," Dick responded, visibly affected by the interrogation.
The polygraph test concluded inconclusively, leaving George frustrated by its inability to serve as courtroom evidence. Determined to uncover the truth, George drove to Wisteria Lane where he met Lillian, recently discharged from the hospital. Inquiring about the events of that fateful night, George probed whether a stranger had truly broken in, despite the lack of physical evidence supporting such a claim. Lillian maintained her story, prompting George to contemplate the deeper mysteries surrounding the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Rick drove to Harlem later that day, a vibrant community bustling with young artists. Parking in front of Papa Papa's barber shop, Rick greeted the curious children before seeking out Papa Papa himself.
"Hey, Papa Papa. Are you hiring apprentices? I'm a fast learner," Rick queried enthusiastically.
Papa Papa, focused on his work, advised Rick against visiting during the day. However, upon recognizing Rick's presence, he directed him to a troubled individual inside who, like Rick once did, faced personal struggles.
"I'm here just to see you, Papa Papa. I mean no trouble. Who's in there? And why haven't they had the chance to speak?" Rick asked, careful not to make promises but intent on repaying any debts owed to Papa Papa.
"He's like you were back then—wounded and hiding, destined for hardship unlike yours," Papa Papa revealed cryptically. "Let him speak to you directly. Take him away from here and don't return."
With that, Papa Papa waved him off casually, leaving Rick to ponder the deeper implications of the encounter.