Chapter 20 [July 2nd—LexCorp (former OsCorp) Satellite Office—New York]

Celebration loomed around the corner. Streamers draped across certain neighborhoods. Feasts were planned in all communities. Preparations roared ahead toward their inevitable finish.

A few supplies sat in one warehouse. Pity Temptation would entice others for their own aim….

[Warehouse 7]

A brawny African-American man looked around at his surroundings. He'd lingered behind after the foreman and his colleagues had left for the day. He'd loaded boxes onto the rented truck. Sparklers, Rockets and other incendiaries caught his eye.

Black Market would pay plenty more than Podunk County North.

Profit meant more than Philanthropy in that regard.

Temptation jingled the keys in his pocket. It buzzed Cell Phone in his pocket.

He put the phone up to his ear. "This is Prospero."

"Mr. Prospero, are you with the packages?" An expectant voice insisted.

"They are loaded. Luthor thinks they will go to some little place up north in the morning." Prospero checked his watch. "This is our window. Security's got their shift change. Williams' driver will be here in twenty minutes to take this stuff up there."

"Can you drive it to the location?" the Voice proposed.

Prospero patted his pants' pocket. "Got the keys right here."

"Then call us from there. We'll be waiting for you." The Stranger hung up the phone.

Hope the money's waiting for me too. Jerk! Prospero hung up. He unlocked the cab's door. He climbed up into the driver's seat. I know what I have to do! He turned the keys in the ignition. His hand shifted the gears. His foot pressed down on the pedal

The truck eased out of the warehouse. It seemed to slip across the mostly vacant yard. It headed for the gate.

Prospero checked the side mirror. He didn't see anyone reacting at the warehouse. He kept a poker face and looked straight ahead. His eyes remained riveted on the security gate between him and the street. He knew Old Man Henderson would wave him through. Confidence and Assumption already counted dollar signs in his head.

He just needed to get through that last gate….

[Front Gate—Five Minutes Earlier]

Lex drove up to the gate. His flight from Metropolis proved uneventful. Between the stockbrokers' meeting and the next day's review of these acquired holdings, Attention remained focused on this particular facility. Gabe Sullivan's been pulling his hair out. At least Harry Osborn's more than pulled his weight. He nodded to himself. I'm glad he agreed to work with me. I just wish Norman didn't make such a mess of things!

"Lex?" Jasmine watched him. She placed her hand on his forearm. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. Just thinking of the review today. I want to get through it is all. I'm sure you do too." He relaxed. Party's promise brought a smile to his face.

"Miri brought the pastry yesterday. I do not have to tell you what an organizer she is." An uncharacteristic snort escaped her mouth. Texts told of her partner's efforts around the farmhouse. "She and Angie create a feast."

"Knowing her uncle, he's in the middle of it too." He waved to the blond haired security guard. "Good afternoon! Where's Henderson today?"

"He called in with that bad flu, Mr. Luthor. My wife sent him some soup with me. I dropped it off on the way to work. Sorry. I prattle on too much." Embarrassment streaked the man's face red.

Lex rubbed his chin. "How so? All I hear is that you care about your fellow guard. Your wife went the extra mile because she sounds like a great person. LexCorp is all about family. On that, you go on all you want. And you are...?"

"Williams, Mr. Luthor." Williams bowed to her. "I don't know how to address you, Ma 'am."

"Ms. Bey will be fine, Mr. Williams. Thank you for your kindness." She noticed the truck approaching from the yard. "Lex, I didn't think the truck was coming already?"

Williams checked his log. Then he looked at his watch. "Not yet, Ms. Bey. Excuse me." He stepped around the gate. He raised his hands to stop the truck. "Hey! You in the cab! Stop!"

Prospero scowled. Frustration now set in. He hadn't made it that far to be stopped now. He shifted again. He stepped down on the pedal.

The truck sped up its pace. It bore down on the security checkpoint.

"WILLIAMS! GET BACK!" Lex hustled out of the car. "HE ISN'T GOING TO STOP!"

Williams managed to jump aside with mere seconds to spare. His eyes watched the truck crash toward the lowered bar and turn out into the street. "What's going on? That's Jenkins from Receiving!"

"Jenkins?" Lex raised an eyebrow. "What's in that truck?"

"That is the truck with the fireworks! By the Prophet!" She got out of the car and stared down the street.

By that point, the truck took a right onto 5th and was out of sight.

Shadow zipped by overhead for a fleeting second.

"SPIDER-MAN?" Williams pointed to Spidey. "What's he have to do with this?"

Lex shook his head. Admiration lightened his mood. He watched Spidey bank right at the next intersection and fast on Prospero's tail.

"Lex, are you all right?" Gwen rushed up. "I thought Jasmine was with you?"

"She was…and…." Lex saw the open trunk. He pressed down to shut it. She went after him too!

Robbery threatened everything….