Disclaimer: The story is based on DC comics' characters and the mythology created in Smallville (i.e. property of the CW network), and originally created by Jerry Siegel and Joel Schuster.

Season 1

Chapter 10

Blind spot

The city of Montreal has been recently hit by a sudden crime wave. The police have no leads as to the perpetuators and ask anyone with information about the recent robberies to come forth. The police have opened hot lines….

Cor put down the newspaper. 'Here, we go again. Just when everything seemed to have calmed down trouble comes knocking on the door.'

Four bank branches had been hit in the last week alone and the police are clueless. There had been no traces of forced entry hence the original thought was that it was an inside job but that theory fell to bits as ironically all cameras had been active and it didn't look like foul play was at hand. It is a complete mystery.

The weeks before another twelve branches had been hit with the same ammo. Panic has started crossing through the town as it seemed nowhere money is safe.

The article continued describing the robberies one by one as the most logical theories suggested. The reporter like the police was trying to make sense of it all but unsuccessfully. No one knew how someone can pass by the cameras undetected. Of course there was a theory the assailants were invisible but the chief of police found that theory absurd and ridiculous.

Cor to say the least was intrigued. It was definitely a mystery worth pursuing. It undoubtedly led to trouble but this is what makes it fun.

Over the past months, Cor had adopted the desire to help the humans. He was doing it covertly and was letting the police take all the credits for it. He was not looking for reward. He simply wanted to help. And this case seemed fascinating enough.

There were many aspects of this case that made no sense. First of all – the cameras – the police and the bank claim the cameras weren't tampered with – no one has hacked the system and yet the robbers bypassed them and the question was – how. Second, assuming the robbers bypassed the cameras then why didn't anyone see them take the money. And third but not least, how did they take the money out of the bank – someone is bound to notice a large sum leaving in some bag or else, and yet no such thing.

Assuming the robber was not invisible or possessing super speed or other cool powers then how he did it. There were many possibilities but no viable answers, no logical ones anyway.

The only way for Cor to find out what really is been happening was for him to visit one of the banks and assess the possibilities. Of course impersonating a cop was out of the question but a reporter of some backward newspaper wasn't.

Actually he thought of becoming one as it is perfectly legal and opened quite the doors. Fortunately he knew of a friend that could help out. He visited him and got the job. It is good to have contacts everywhere, even if they were on the lower levels of the chain.

Cor visited the first bank of this week's robbery. He entered there and introduced himself to the manager. He asked to look around without disturbing the normal operations and was granted access though that is not the usual policy of the bank. But everyone was anxious to learn how, why but most of all to have the money returned.

At first glance, there was nothing extraordinary. All cameras were perfectly positioned to observe all that is happening. All day activities were monitored, recorded and preserved for at least a week before starting clean. There was also no way to get behind the counters undetected or unseen. So then how in the name of Rau did they do it? Cor had no answer yet.

Cor asked the bank manager to show him the footage of the day and time of the robbery.

"These are the tapes." – The bank manager said. "But the police have already seen them and found nothing."

"Sometimes things are hiding in plain sight." – Cor replied. "Thank you!"

The bank manager left leaving Cor alone with the tapes. He was right though there was nothing suspicious. Every client in the bank comported her or his self perfectly normally then at some point the theft had been discovered and all hell broke loose. And yet no one left in a hurry or did anything suspicious. Cor could now understand the confusion the lack of this behaviour brought to the investigating officers and the bank officials. Still, the money is missing and the theft committed under everyone's noses.

The invisible theory drifted again in his mind but of course being invisible and disembodied were two very different things. Even if the robbers were invisible someone was bound to run into the thieves, or something to be pushed off the shelves. There was barely enough space to blow over for the thieves to escape untouched.

Then what and how the hell did it happen? It was indeed a total mystery. But even the most illogical situations were perfectly logical. The devil as the saying goes is in the details. So plausibly, something is missing, something that was there no one is seeing. Unfortunately, the tapes did not reveal what that is.

Cor put pause onto the tape he was watching. An idea crossed his mind. What if the cameras did not catch anything because there was nothing to catch? But how was he to know for sure? The cameras in question were of the new design three sixty degrees coverage.

The best way was to ask someone that understood this new type of camera. Cor needed to know how they worked otherwise it would be impossible to circumvent it. He left the bank thanking the manager for his generous cooperation and headed for the nearest shop offering security cameras. There was an answer and he was going to find it out.

The manager of the shop was quite accommodating. He showed Cor their newest cameras and the level of security they provided.

"But is it possible to circumvent them?" – Cor asked.

"No," – The manager shook head. "These provide perfect coverage. Each camera is positioned in such a way that they leave no blind spots at all."

Cor was disappointed. He had hoped that there would be a way but there wasn't. He thanked the manager and left. This case was getting even more impossible and yet the robberies were committed and the money was missing. Something definitely did not make sense.

He returned home. He needed some time to relax. He had tried for several consecutive days to figure it out but with little success.

The next day he woke up he went to work. Maybe if he cleared his mind long enough he would be able to find some answers. He immersed himself back into people's problems that did not involve banks and robberies but rather tragedies in life.

At noon, he was at the shop to buy lunch. He was going by his usual when the security cameras came back in his sight. They were just the ones the bank had. As the manager said they were positioned in such a way that left no way for anyone to do anything inappropriate.

Cor took a closer look at the positions. Something was bothering him ever since he walked into the shop. He moved through the shop assessing the positioning. But no matter how perfectly the cameras were positioned Cor did find blind spots. There were few places where one could snatch an item and not be seen.

Unfortunately, the only way to prove a theory was put it to a test. Cor was not very fond of breaking the law but it was the only way to help out. He snatched a few items off the shelves at the blind spots, took his lunch and headed for the cashiers. He paid his lunch and exited. No alarms went off and no one came after him for the next few days.

Maybe it was luck but then again there was only one way to be sure. He decided to test his theory every day of the week. At some point he was bound to be caught but ironically he wasn't. Every time he would take an item from a different blind spot he would walk out of the shop unchallenged. Cor of course returned everything on the next day.

Now he had to test his theory elsewhere as the same conditions should not exist in all places but wherever he went he applied the same observation techniques and was successful every time. You could say he robbed every shop on his path and was never found or stopped. After returning the taken goods, however Cor was facing a dilemma. Although he was successful at every turn this did not help him much with the bank problem.

There was definitely a blind spot but still something wasn't right. If the cameras were so perfectly positioned in an open space like a bank branch where hiding places did not exist and provided no blind spots then how did the robbers do it? There was something more to it. Cor was certain of it.

It occurred to him that the robbers were undoubtedly using the busiest time in the bank if they were using the blind spots. Few people are difficultly spotted in a crowded area but given there was no suspicious behaviour finding them is close to impossible.

Something else started bothering him too and that was the vault with the money. Only the operating amount of money was missing which suggested that someone has to get close in order to take it. Was it possible that they had infiltrated every branch and use an insider? Having this reasoning Cor got another idea. This one was the most logical assumption. Who was the person that had discovered the theft? Who was the person that noticed the money were missing?

He returned to the bank and asked the question to the manager. He wanted to know who first alerted him of the theft.

"The clerks work nonstop with the cash flow. They get here," – The bank manager showed. "And then entering their security card gain access."

"Then what happens?"

"They are allowed into the system. They enter the sum they are to take out by value and bills then the system releases the necessary amount."

"How much do you hold every given day?" – Cor asked. "On average?"

"Mr. Deville this is not the kind of information I can release."

"I understand that sir." – Cor said. "But the fact is money is missing. The police for now – what four weeks later have given you no clues at all. I have to get all the details in order to find out how. Sir, I'm an investigative reporter. I know how to do my job. I realize I'm not police but I can help but you have to help me first. If you don't give the right answers I'm afraid you are never going to see the money again and the thieves might decide to do it again. Then what?"

The bank manager was a bit reluctant but he did see the benefit in that. He took Cor to his office and put a piece of paper before him.

"What is this?" – Cor asked.

"This is an agreement that you will not reveal any..."

"I understand." – Cor said and smiled. He signed the paper after reading it first.

"Thank you. I hope you understand it is a sensitive matter and we usually do not proceed this way."

"I understand." – Cor nodded. "So?"

"The average amount is twelve thousand. There are days when we have more, days when we have less. It depends."

Cor frowned. This amount was not much. So why would the thieves go to all this trouble for some twelve thousand?

"Are all branches on the same policy? I mean the amount." – Cor said.

"Of our bank?"

"Yes."

"Yeah, all of them. We apply the same policy."

"What happens when this amount is depleted and you need more?" – Cor asked. "I mean you can't possibly anticipate how much you would need for a given day even with statistical estimate?"

"Should this ever occur we make contact with the main branch to deliver by courier."

Cor stood pensive. "And they oblige at every turn?"

"Should it be the case – yes. We can't leave our clients without cash otherwise we get complaints and may start losing clients."

"When the branch isn't working, off hours, I mean, is there any cash left in the bank?"

"No, never."

"Who takes responsibility for that?"

"Usually, it is the manager."

"And you send the money where?"

"I sent it to the branch's vault."

"Which is in the main branch?"

"Yes,"

"Hum," – Cor frowned again. "Forgive me but this doesn't seem very practical. If every branch does what you are saying than it is highly unorganized. You have to put the money in the morning, every morning, and in every branch. That's a lot of couriers."

"It is a bit tedious indeed but provides security. The money that arrives every morning is counted before it goes for usage in the clerk's vault."

"Alright, so the clerks working behind the counters get the money from the vault?"

"Yes,"

"I have seen numerous times when clients enter money into their cards being placed elsewhere. How is this working?"

"The money is counted and given in the back. Then this money is entered into the vault, the next morning."

"If I may be blunt but which one was taken – the money behind the counter or the one in the back room, the one to be used for the next day?"

"The latter,"

"Aha," – Cor said. Now something was starting to make a bit more sense. "I gather in the back room there are cameras too?"

"Of course,"

"Show me."

They reached the back room where a few employees were working.

"Sir?" – One of them looked up.

"Continue,"

"Yes, sir."

"As you can see..."

Cor looked up but here saw the first hole. There was only one. It was placed in the corner possibly covering everything.

"Show me the security room where you can see this one in real time."

They went there. Cor looked carefully. There were at least for blind spots.

"Tell your employee to open the door." – Cor said.

"Now?"

"Yes, now and from here, better yet call him."

"Sure." – The manager said. "Billy, open the door."

"Sir?"

"Just do it."

The door opened and Cor smiled. "Stay here."

He went back to the room in question. He turned to the camera and made him understand to start over. Billy opened the door as when someone is entering then closed it. Then Cor returned to view that scene. There was definitely an opening, a hole in the system.

Cor stayed the whole day observing the normal operations. He was already hatching a plan to put his theory into practice.

The next day he returned with new set of questions.

"Do you have surprise visits by the main like audit or test of your security?" – Cor asked.

"From time to time, yes, we do."

"How about the day of the robberies?"

"No."

"Or you weren't aware of it?"

"No way."

Cor reviewed the tapes again this time from behind the counter point of view. He followed every employee's moves including in the back room and the security. And then he saw something that attracted his attention.

"Who is that?" – He asked the bank manager pointing at a person on the screen.

"This is the courier. He brings newsletters, updates and reports, and sometimes when we needed the extra cash."

"Aha," – Cor said. "Thank you."

Cor followed his moves and discovered something very intriguing. He looked from every possible angle and his theory started to take form.

"Just one more question," – Cor turned to the manager. "At the time of the robbery was the courier present?"

"Yes,"

"And then an hour or whatever the theft was noticed, right?"

"Yes," – The bank manager replied. "Are you suggesting that the courier committed the crime?"

"No, the courier is clean." – Cor smiled. "Thank you, you have been very helpful."

Cor visited every single branch that was robbed and found the pattern – the courier. The courier of course was clean but he was part of it, poor person – totally unawares he was helping the thieves. Cor went home satisfied of the progress.

The next day, he was again in the shop and was passing by a glass where he noticed the security booth. He continued on his way until he almost reached the exit and stopped dead in his tracks. He returned back to the glass overlooking the booth. He couldn't believe his eyes. He had missed something perfectly logical.

He returned at all haste to the bank.

"I'm sorry to bother again but there is something I have to ask."

"Of course, anything to help,"

"How much, do the cameras, record? Do they record the whole day?"

"Yes,"

"Then what happens to the tapes?"

"They are stored."

"In here?"

"We keep a copy here and the rest is send to the main..."

"One more – you have the new security cameras – they have three sixty degrees coverage, right?"

"Yes,"

"But this kind of coverage cannot be displayed on a single monitor?"

"No, it circles every ten seconds."

"No, my point is, are all the angles recorded at all times despite the circling?"

"Yes,"

"When your employees arrive to work are the cameras working?"

"Yes, they work day and night."

"But you do not have the necessary capacity to record the entire day or week or something?"

"No, the cameras record a day and then the tapes have to be switched."

"How long does this take?"

"A minute at most."

"And how do you monitor during the switch since you can't record? Does every camera record separately?"

"Everything is recorded on the hard drive then it is uploaded to a record device. This is the switch then that day is deleted."

"Yes, I understand but do you have enough space to continue monitoring and recording while you perform this action?"

"Yes, we have space for at least days at any given time."

"Does the switch affect your systems; I mean your operating system?"

"No."

"Who is in charge of the switch and monitoring?"

"The security officer..."

"And you have only one?"

"No, we have two."

Cor bolted straight to the security room.

"Hi," – He said to the two. "When is the usual time you switch the tapes? Or make the recording of the previous day?"

"We do it in the morning as we arrive."

"And at any given time there is at least one of you here?"

"Yes,"

"So all day you sit and watch?"

"Yes,"

"Don't you ever get tired?"

"No,"

"Come on honestly," – Cor said. "You can't convince me that you stay all day watching without diverting your vigilance at least once in a while? Your boss is not going to fire you if you answer. You are not machines after all."

The two looked at the bank manager who nodded.

"Well, it does happen from time to time."

"Do not get me wrong," – Cor turned to the manager. "This is an involuntarily move. Our focus shifts from time to time. Guys, during or at the time of the robbery who was in here?"

"We were both here."

"Did someone come in? Let's say around two?"

"I was in here." – The manager said.

"So at that time they both turned to see who was coming in?"

"I don't know." – The manager said. "Yeah, maybe, but the cameras keep recording anyway. Where are you getting with this?"

"I'm close to giving you the answer to your mystery." – Cor replied satisfied. "Is there a way for me to get a look of the original tapes?"

"I can arrange it for tomorrow."

"Perfect, see you tomorrow."

Cor returned the next day and finally spotted what he was missing. The thieves had used the poor courier. Now all he had to do is test it himself. He learnt of the next courier's arrival in another branch and followed him.

The bank clerks accepted him as a sidekick of the courier and asked no questions. Cor took a small amount and placed inside the courier's backpack and exited with him.

He was getting home when a friend caught up with him. He was working security for the main Luthor Corp building.

"Corin, what's up with you?"

"Hey, Preston, it is good to see you." – Cor replied. "How are things at the pit?"

"Same as usual, snakes and wolves,"

Cor laughed. "Yeah, care for a drink?"

"Sure."

They sat together the entire night. At some point, Preston asked.

"What's up?"

"What do you mean?"

"I know that look. You are up to something."

Cor smiled. "Yes, I am and I'll need your help. I'm sure you know at least one reporter that is always in the police's eyes, someone they trust."

"I do as a matter of fact. Why?"

"I have thieves to catch and I want someone to explain it to the police."

"You don't want to be in the spotlight?"

"No,"

"Alright, he works for the Gazette. I'll give you his number."

"Thanks,"

"I hope you know what you are doing."

"Don't you worry I always do."

The next Cor made contact and it happened to be someone he had met before. They saw each other and Cor explained what he had to do.

"You are kidding?" – John asked.

"No," – Cor said.

"This is impossible."

"The irony is it was never about the money in the branches but the main vault."

"Alright, I'll do it but how are you going to prove it?"

"I have already done it."

"What?"

"Ha," – Cor laughed. "Yes, I have. All you have to do is persuade the police."

"Explain to me one more time."

"Sure."

Armed with the knowledge, John went straight to the police station where he knew the investigative inspector was. He presented his claim and the inspector listened. In his office he was another three officers.

John finished explaining sitting down.

"This is not possible." – The inspector said finally.

John looked at the four officers and smiled then turned to the inspector. "Inspector Lacroix, are you missing something?"

"Like what?"

"I meant on you, sir."

Lacroix looked at him perplexed then searched himself and found that something was indeed missing. "My wal..."

John held the inspector's wallet in his hand. "This wallet, perhaps?"

"How the hell...?"

"Inspector Lacroix, you and three of your colleagues are sitting here in the office much like cameras and none of you saw me doing it. Would you like to know why?"

"Diversion," – One of the others replied.

"Yes and no," – John smiled. "True, your focus was on my face not my hands and you were listening carefully but you were also watching me move around. So why then did you not see me?"

"Uh..."

"The answer is the same as in the robberies. Your thieves were there in plain sight but they have done something that is close to impossible. They were moving in the corner of the eye which is why no one saw them."

"No, it can't be that simple and impossible."

"Look at any given time, our vision is one eighty degrees but our main focus is in front of us so everything else falls into the peripheral sight. Now, when there is nothing suspicious going around us we simply don't pay attention. The rest is in the corner of our eyes.

Imagine someone moving in the corner of your eyes. You will notice him but you won't pay attention to him as he is not posing any direct threat or doing anything that might arouse your suspicion. It is like your blind spot. That person is not invisible he is simply unnoticeable. There is a difference – a slight difference but a difference nonetheless."

"Then how did they do it?" – Lacroix asked.

"They used the courier."

"If the courier was on their side we will know."

"No, that's part you are missing. The courier, the poor guy, was the distraction. He was totally unawares. The thief moves alongside the courier and everyone accepts it as something normal and don't pay attention. Now, the courier becomes the blind spot in the cameras. So everything that happens behind his back goes unnoticed. The other thieves that are in the bank direct him when he gets outside the sight, outside the corner of the eye of everyone else that is why..."

"He remains undetected." – Lacroix finished John's thought. "But this speaks of..."

"Incredible coordination," – John said. "Your thieves are not amateurs they are professionals. It is very possible one of them had worked in the system before so he knows exactly what the situation would be. Logically, he was not there but he was seeing everything nonetheless."

"Why not?"

"Well, think this through. If he worked for the system sooner or later we'll catch him on tape and with simple software we will put him on the scene."

"Alright, he was watching from a distance..."

"Yes, he directed his men or women what to do at every turn. They used the courier to sneak the money out of the bank. The courier makes his usual deliveries and exits the bank from the back or the front it doesn't really matter. The one following him either goes with him or meshes back into the crowd. The courier then reaches the main branch and delivers the stolen money, which are then entered into the system as a surplus. When the main branch compares the earnings for the day with the branches it discovers a shortage equalling to twice the size of the stolen money."

"Why twice the size?"

"Think about it. Let's say they take five thousand. These are entered into the main server as a surplus. The bank branches operate with predefined amounts. So the main knows that this branch has twelve thousand. The courier delivers five thousand and in the system for that day it is written that they have seventeen thousand. Then the theft is discovered and according to the data ten thousand are missing."

"The branch has only seven thousand. Alright, let's assume it is this way, which suggests that nothing is missing technically speaking. What's the point in the theft then?"

"The point is quite sinister. The main is going to reduce the standard amount of operating cash flow thus keeping more in the main vault. When enough is accumulated the thieves are going to strike down the main vault."

"You have no proof of that."

"Ask the banks how much they had to reduce the operating cash flow of their branches during the times of the robberies that are still continuing."

"Hum, it is worth pursuing." – Lacroix said. "But why wouldn't the banks make any mention of this?"

"Well, for one, they may not have discovered that part. We rely on computers these more than anything so perhaps no one has bothered actually counting the money but even if they did the data will still suggest that money is missing."

"And they will still decrease the operating cash flow." – Lacroix finished John's thought. "It is ingenious."

John took out a thousand dollars from his pocket and put it to the table. "Would you please return this to bank across the street?"

"Hum, what?"

"Well, a theory is best when you put into action." – John replied with an innocent smile.

"You..." – Lacroix was at a loss of words. "You stole it?"

"Well, sometimes the rules must be broken in order to do the right thing. You can look at the tapes and you won't see me do it."

"I'm sure we will catch you there."

"No, you won't." – John smiled. "It will be like the moment I took your wallet. There is another point we have never considered."

"Which is what?"

"The theft occurs, right? The police arrive and start the investigation then goes for the tapes and time. But have you considered that the tapes you are watching could be falsified?"

"What...how?"

"Every branch sends the original to the main and keeps the copies. Now, what if the thieves take the copies and remove themselves from them? How would you ever know they are even there? The first tapes you see are the copies not the originals and you will never think even for a moment that a switch was made."

"Are you suggesting that the thieves are on the originals?"

"It is very likely."

"Alright, Jeff, contact the banks and request the original tapes."

"One more thing," – John said.

"What?"

"The likely hood of another attack or the last would be the main at the end of the month?"

"How can you know that?"

"Every theft so far has been performed at the end of the week if you haven't noticed."

"He's right." – Lacroix checked the records. "We will wait for them."

"Sorry inspector, but if they see police you will never catch them," – John interjected.

"What do you suggest?"

"I have an idea but you are not going to like it." – John replied.

"Shoot."

John laid Cor's plan and Lacroix agreed. Unawares, they did not notice the shadow at the inspector's door. It smiled. They had figured it out at last but now knowing their response evading them would be simple.

John returned to Cor.

"It is done, Corin. I hope you are right though."

"I'm always right except at the times when I am wrong."

"Do you have any doubts now?" – John asked.

"No," – Cor replied as innocently as possible. His plan was set to fail. He was certain the thieves had eyes and ears in the very heart of the investigation and he was counting on it.

"I'll meet with Lacroix tomorrow to set the details though it would be preferable for them to be more present."

"Yeah, right and the thieves will sense their faster than you can sneeze. John, they are professionals. They will recognize a cop a mile away. No, stick to the plan and everything will go smoothly."

"You're the boss." – John left.

Cor smiled satisfied when he saw the shadow behind John. The thieves were indeed smart just not that smart. The favourite menu of the Yllyans is games, complicated games. They are the masters of that, like father like son.

Near the main vault of the target bank at thieves' headquarters, a meeting was taking place.

"What did they discuss?"

"They talked about meeting tomorrow at the shelter whatever that is. John is to help him with supplies or blankets or something." – The shadow behind John replied.

"Shelter, what shelter?" – Another asked.

"It is nothing. I checked him." – The mastermind said. "He works at Luthor Corp shelter for poor. Let them be."

"So the cops think they can catch us?" – Antony asked.

"Yes, but..."

"But boss?"

"Something doesn't add up here."

"Like what?"

"It is almost too perfect."

"Perfect? We have simply to modify our plan slightly and they'll get nothing." – Antony said.

"I know that's part that bothers me."

"But why, Joshua?"

Joshua shook head. "This plan hardly seems John's idea. I know him. He is not that good. It sounds almost like our plan."

"Are you suggesting someone of us is making it?"

"I haven't ruled that out yet but my point is it is similar."

"How so?"

"What do masterminds do?"

"They think of the plan." – Antony replied.

"No, they stay in the shadows." – Amelia answered.

"Right," – Joshua nodded. "The mastermind behind this plan is in the shadows and we don't know who he is. John and Lacroix are the diversion, the pawns."

"So their plan to stop us is the diversion?" – Antony asked confused.

"No, their plan is made in such a way that forces us to change ours whether it is a diversion or not." – Joshua explained. "I just need to figure out where the trap is and what bothers me is that the mastermind has left us enough time to do just that."

"A plan within plan," – Amelia suggested.

"Yes," – Joshua said.

"But that makes no sense." – Antony said.

"That is what bothers me." – Joshua sighed pensively. "Alright, let's go through the police plan and see how to modify ours while I think of way to avoid the unknown enemy."

A week later, the police apprehended the thieves. Joshua's plan was foiled but he was the only one the police did not catch and the one they were not looking for anyway. Inspector Lacroix had received a tape showing the theft at the moment it was happening. He never found out who sent it to him though he did try.

Antony, Amelia and the other four thieves of course blamed Joshua. They did not give him away though as the police had no proof he was actually there. Joshua did visit them at some point. He was trying to find a way to release them. So who foiled their plan? The answer was indeed simple – the other mastermind.

Joshua was back at home on the roof. He was pacing pensively trying to figure everything out. At some point he sat down. Two hours later, he sensed he was not alone. He did not give himself away though. Suddenly, he noticed someone in the shadows before him.

"It is you I have to thank, don't I?" – Joshua spoke.

"Yes, indeed." – The person in the shadow replied. It was no other than Cor-El.

"The mastermind that tricked even me."

"I hardly consider myself as a mastermind," – Cor replied. "I just used your tactics against you and gave you enough time to consider the possibility which provided also the necessary confusion. If you didn't have the time to consider many possibilities you would not have been as confused. This kind of little time usually makes the thieves make a mistake. But it is far more satisfying when you give them enough to prepare and still catch them."

"Yeah, it does." – Joshua remarked standing up and moving in Cor's direction. Cor moved backwards too leaving the exact same distance between them. Joshua came to the conclusion he will not see him no matter what. Cor had foreseen this possibility well. "Why?" Joshua asked as he returned to his seat.

"There is only one reason – you can be much more." – Cor replied.

"I don't understand." – Joshua said.

"Yes, you do." – Cor replied. "How do you catch a thief?"

"You set the perfect trap."

"No," – Cor said. "You use one. This is why the police can never catch one. I mean professional one. To catch thief you need a thief. You need someone that knows how the enemy thinks. Sometimes, rare times, the police can catch the thief but most of the time the thief smiles and keeps coming and leaving untouched."

"True," – Joshua nodded in agreement.

"I understand why did what you did which is one more reason to leave you out of it." – Cor said.

"Can you prove it?"

"I can easily tell Lacroix everything but that serves no purpose. Actually, the part that makes no sense is the way you did things. I mean there were so many other ways for you to take the money, ways that are far easier, and yet you chose the most complex way. At first I thought you were trying to prove yourself to someone. But then it occurred to me that it was never about the money, it was about revenge. With that in mind, I easily found out who you are and why you are doing it."

"So why am I not in jail?"

"You are not because you can do so much more. You can start where the law leaves off. Your team is good and you can help so many people. The system is not perfect and most of the time the innocent bear the front of it. And you and your team can change that. I'm not saying the system will be thanking you. They will most probably try to get rid of you but that is what heroes do. Sometimes the bad guys make the best good guys."

Joshua was pensive. The man before him was making a very good point. He was right too it was never about the money.

"Why are you doing this?"

"I do because I'm choosing to." – Cor replied. "Here."

Cor tossed an envelope. Joshua opened it and found inside a plan to rescue his team.

"Why should I trust this?"

"Joshua, if I wanted you down, Lacroix would already be here. This way your team walks away untouched, slide wiped clean. You can either disappear or you can start helping people. Your team is made of known criminals that are experts in their area and with you at the helm to keep them in check the real bad guys will start falling. Many people suffer every day of the inadequacies of the system. You can change that. I assure you the type of reward this gives has no equal. But at the end of the day the choice is still yours."

Joshua eyed him. He was certainly touched. The man in the shadows was right. The system was far from perfect and usually the innocent paid the price.

"One should never pursue a reward when helping others but the one he is going to receive anyway is priceless. Think about it Joshua. If the world tried to be in this way we'd certainly live in a better place."

Joshua did agree. He then saw the man in the shadow leave. He stood up and called.

"Who are you really?"

"It doesn't matter who I am. What matters every day Joshua is what we do and what choices we make. Today is your time to make one. And I can only hope it is the right one. Maybe someday you and I will meet again." – Cor replied.

"How did you make the tape?" – Joshua asked the question that has been bothering him a lot.

"I stood in the blind spot."

"Ha," – Joshua smiled and sighed deeply. "I should have seen this one coming. But which blind spot?"

"As you well know, there were many. I chose the one you'd have chosen anytime."

"Ha," – Joshua exclaimed finally understanding how he was beaten. "You are good and that doesn't help me, does it?"

"No, it doesn't." – Cor shook head, his smile wide.

"You are good. You stayed in the blind spot in the corner of the eye." – Joshua said. He was visibly impressed. "You are right maybe one day we will meet again."

"One day. Good bye Joshua and good luck whatever your choice would be." – Cor said and finally left.

Joshua had already made his choice. Helping others is far more rewarding than hurting them and the man in the shadows was right – his team was good and though they are the bad guys they could certainly become the best good guys. There are many ways to help those in need and still be paid well for it. The real bad guys were filthy rich.

Rescuing his partners brought a smile on Joshua's face the very next day. The confusion the other man's plan brought to the cops was priceless. Joshua spoke to his team and they decided to split for the time being to throw off the police off their scent. But soon a situation made them work together and since then they started helping people in need.

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