JUST BUSINESS

Infiltration

The morning was bright and warm. The spires of Metropolis glistened in the warm glow of low light.

Lex stood at the window of his apartment, looking out at the magnificent city and reveling in the thought he was its de-facto lord. He had his fingers in three out of four things in that city. A silhouette of its distant first neighbor caught his eye. Gotham, his newest conquest, stood just within grasp.

„All liquidated LexCorp shares are sold as of 21:46 pm lat night. " his assistant Mercy Graves began right from the door. „The assets for acquisition of WayneTech are now secured. "

„Excellent. " Lex took another smoke from the Cuban. He walked over to the chess set on the table and took the black knight with his queen. „Who are the buyers? "

„A number of private persons but mostly a certain Grayson Investment fund. " Mercy read from the file.

„Background? "

She flipped a few pages. „A new company, established days ago. Owned by one Richard Grayson. "

„Richard Grayson..." Lex rubbed his chin. „Never heard of him. "

„Recently turned twenty one. He bought the shares using the money from a fund set up by his parents. Apparently he plans on sponsoring expensive scholarships for high paying jobs. "

„Impressive foresight, his folks. " Lex was pleased with what he heard. „And the young man is competent too. He can spot an opportunity and is not hesitant to seize it." He smiled smugly. „Mercy, write. Mr. Grayson..."

...It is a custom of LexCorp to give a seat at the board to all persons owning 5 of LexCorp shares or more. " Dick read the mail „Therefore you, as owner of 12 are entitled to two votes on any and all board meetings, including the right to propose, veto, or second a veto of any upcoming contract. Please contact me to inform me you have received this notice. Sincerely yours, Lex Luthor. "

„I highly doubt the last part. " Bruce crossed his arms.

Dick looked up from the screen. „What do I say? "

„Say yes. And try to make it sound grateful and smug simultaneously. " Bruce advised. „Lex likes people who take initiative. He also likes flattery. "

Dick wrote down a few lines. „How 'bout this? " He turned the screen around.

Bruce gave his work a one over. „Very Good. But perhaps..." He took the keyboard and made a couple of minor changes.

„That will knock him dead. " Dick made a sly smile and send the e-mail.

Not much later a note from the chess forum popped up.

Bruce opened it and grinned despite the loss of a favored piece. He gently pushed an inconspicuous corner pawn one square up, leveled with Luthor's frontline.

To be continued…