Chapter Six

Winter began to take hold of New York the further into the year it got. Visible breaths polluted the late nights and early mornings. A cold front was moving through, making the air sharp. A black Town Car pulled along the curb in front of Fisk Tower, the home of Fisk Industries. It was the public face of Wilson Fisk's criminal empire. Fisk Industries was an import/export company for all intents and purposes. They handled logistics for shipping companies and maintained the infrastructure needed to get things moving into the country and out. Conveniently, this same infrastructure was used for illegal deals around the city. Transportation, manpower, and real estate, King Pin had access to all of it. The perfect marriage for the man at the top.

The driver of the Town Car exited and opened the rear passenger door. An older man stepped out, bundled up to protect himself from the chill winds. Adrian Toomes eyed the tall building with contempt. Toomes was a more petite man, around 5'7". He was mostly bald, with a silver strip of hair reaching from ear to ear behind his head. If you saw him from behind, you'd think an egg was perched on a delicate nest. Toomes was the owner and operator of B&T Construction. A company he ran with his business partner, Gregory Bestman, for nearly fifty years before Bestman's untimely demise. Much like Fisk, Toomes' company was a front for his true purpose. Toomes rose to fame as a black-market assassin. Over fifty years, he spent building his construction business in tandem with his death deals. Buried beneath concrete and earth, Toomes left his victims at the bottom of every new construction site. It's hard to find a body when it's below an apartment building. His escapades left him with the nickname The Vulture. Over the years, he assembled a colorful team of assassins with unique specialties.

Toomes entered Fisk Tower and took the elevator to the penthouse suite. Classical music echoed against the marble floor as Toomes' exited the elevator. King Pin was waiting for him by the tall windows facing the city.

"Toomes, what a sight for sore eyes." King Pin greeted him, arms outstretched. King Pin seemed too jovial for the recent setbacks he had experienced. "Let me pour you a drink."

King Pin moved a few steps to his left and poured two drinks. He handed one to Toomes. Toomes hadn't said a word. He stared at King Pin with the same look of contempt he had earlier.

"I remember the first time I met you. You and your business partner helped construct my dad's first office. Right on the docks. I was seven." King Pin swirled his drink as he reminisced on better times.

King Pin continued, "You and he did a lot of business together. In fact, it's because of your company that my father could even pass something down to me." King Pin placed his hand on the window and looked nostalgically at the room around them.

King Pin raised his glass for a toast. "To you, Toomes. I owe much success to you."

King Pin downed his drink. Toomes sat his glass down and finally spoke.

"Cut the crap, Fisk. What do you want?" Toomes' face still hadn't lost its contempt.

King Pin smiled as he took a seat behind his desk.

"Now, now, Toomes. No need to be antsy. We're just two old business partners catching up."

Toomes remained standing. His eyes never left King Pin's location.

"I haven't met face-to-face with you in six years, Fisk. You always send that flunky, ol' flattop. And rumor has it, Hammerhead has disappeared. Couple that with Tombstone and one of your safehouses going down; it brings me back to my question. What do you want?"

King Pin's demeanor changed. His face went sour. A moment passed before he chuckled to himself.

"You're as sharp as ever, old bird. I have a bug problem I need exterminating."

King Pin slid a picture across his desk. It was a security photo of Spider-Man from the docks a few weeks ago. The image was in black and white, but there was no mistaking the photo's subject.

"Spider-Man?" Toomes skeptically asked. "That's what this is about? A costumed freak?"

King Pin's patience was wearing thin. He sighed, holding his composure.

"Yes. He's been an unruly thorn in my side lately. Sticking his nose in business, he has nothing to do with. I want you to take care of him for me."

Toomes was surprised. King Pin continued.

"I'm on the cusp of one of the biggest deals I've ever made. Something that would solidify my place at the top for years to come. Even after I'm dead, my empire will continue on. But this Spider-Man, he threatens all of it. I can't take any more risks. That's why I called you."

A moment passed between them before Toomes cracked a smile. He took the seat opposite King Pin.

"Big bad, King Pin. Ya know, there was a time when you would've dealt with this yourself. Someone like the Spider would've been a stain on your windshield. I guess you forgot yourself along the way. Stuck up here in your ivory tower."

King Pin slapped his desk and pointed at Toomes.

"Watch your mouth, Vulture. I may be at the top, but I'm not opposed to snapping an old man in half."

Rage built in King Pin's eyes. Toomes' smile grew wider as he leaned back in his seat.

"There he is. There's the killer, I remember. Don't forget who taught you that killer instinct, boy. Your daddy didn't trust anybody, but he trusted me."

Toomes downed the drink he sat on the table. His voice got firmer; his smile faded. "And I gotta say, he'd be so disappointed in you. Humpty Dumpty on top of his wall. You don't even see what's going on below you. Cracks are forming, Fisk. The writings on the wall. You need to get your house in order before you break on the pavement. Hammerhead is gone, and so is Tombstone. Not many Kingsman left to put you back together. You might be on your way out. Why should I hitch my wagon to your sinking ship?"

Toomes sat smugly before King Pin, but King Pin's face relaxed. King Pin stood from his chair and faced the window.

"You're right, Toomes. Things aren't the way they should be. I may have spent too much time on top. Years of dealing with politics, the police, and that damned devil, have pushed me further from my roots. I learned a lot from you; you're right."

King Pin turned to face Toomes. He leaned over his desk, placing both hands firmly on it.

"So, believe me when I say this. If you don't handle this for me, I will kill you. I'll crush you, your business, your family, and everything you hold dear."

Toomes' face began to show contempt again. King Pin leaned closer.

"I saved your life six years ago. You belong to me now. Whether you enjoy the rest of your miserable life comfortably or in a coma is up to you."

King Pin sat down in his chair.

"Do we agree?"

Toomes' rolled the proposition around in his mind. Of course, he couldn't say no. There was no way out for him. Six years ago, King Pin found Toomes bleeding from a gunshot wound to the head after an assassination attempt went wrong. Since then, Toomes' business had been under King Pin's thumb.

"Who do you want?' Toomes asked impatiently.

"Chameleon is out. He's on assignment. Everyone else is up for grabs, though."

King Pin leaned back in his chair and tapped his desk.

"I don't care who does it. Just get it done. Remember, this is on you. You will pay the price if you don't follow through."

Toomes stood from his chair. King Pin joined him.

"Okay, Fisk. I'll deal with your bug problem. But your problems go further beyond the Spider. You need to start looking at the inside of your house. You ain't in as much control as you think. Remember that."

King Pin narrowed his eyes. "That'll be all, Toomes."

Toomes made his way to the penthouse elevator, heading for the first floor. His driver was waiting in the same spot. He pulled his cell phone out of his jacket pocket as he entered the vehicle.

"Gargan, it's Toomes. Get the boys together. We got a new job. And don't tell Aleksei! I'm putting him on the sideline for this one."

The Town Car sped down the street. Toomes could tell Fisk was on edge. Spider-Man had really struck a nerve with the King Pin. Toomes hadn't seen him that shaken in decades. Nonetheless, Spider-Man was now his problem. Toomes' future was resting on Spider-Man's head.

Across Town at Gina's Diner –

The last few weeks had been busy for Peter and his classmates. Thanksgiving break kept everyone apart. Gwen went upstate with her father to visit family. Harry and his father went overseas for vacation. Mary Jane dove headfirst into her community theater production of It's a Wonderful Life. Peter spent his days helping Aunt May at FEAST. And Spider-Man spent his nights searching for illegal tech. Although the four met back up after the holiday, a lot stayed the same.

Peter, Gwen, and Harry were consumed with finals. On top of finals, Gwen was rehearsing for the winter band recital. Harry tried out for the baseball team and made it. Mary Jane had no classes with the other three but kept busy with her role as Mary Bailey. The only time Peter spent with the others was during their study sessions.

Peter, Gwen, and Harry had spent the last two weeks after Thanksgiving meeting up three times a week to study for finals. Harry's house, the school, the library, and even Gina's; they studied anywhere they could. Peter hadn't had a decent chance to talk with Gwen after everything that went down at Norman's gala. Anytime they were together, Gwen would only talk about schoolwork. Peter was still in the doghouse.

The three of them finished studying and ordered some food. MJ joined them after her rehearsal ended.

"I'm so exhausted," Harry said with a sigh. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

"Tell me about it. I've read the same paragraph about particle physics four times." Gwen replied, holding her head in her hands.

"My legs are killing me. I've been dancing for three hours straight." MJ leaned down to rub her knees.

Peter sat there quietly. He had studied just as hard as the others, but Spider-Man's mystery remained. He was burning the candle at both ends.

The waitress brought everyone's food to the table.

"I'm going to need a vacation after all of this. Christmas break can't get here fast enough." Harry said as he started spreading jelly on his toast.

Even with Peter in the doghouse, the four of them grew closer. MJ and Gwen started going out once a week just to talk. MJ thought Gwen needed a positive female influence in her life. Harry and Peter bonded over their shared love of Tolkien, something Peter was surprised to learn about Harry. He didn't strike Peter as the Lord of the Rings type.

Although their friendship was growing, all four of them felt burnt out. Each for their own reason.

Gwen looked at everyone at the table. With the lack of sleep, tired eyes, and low energy, everyone was feeling it. A lightbulb went off in Gwen's head. She perked up and got everyone's attention.

"Guys. I know exactly what we need." She rubbed her hands together excitedly. The other three tilted their heads at her.

"Let's have a Christmas party! Just the four of us."

Peter raised his eyebrows. Harry raised one eyebrow. Mary Jane perked right up.

"Oh my gosh, yes!" MJ happily said. "And we can draw names and get presents!"

"That's a great idea, MJ!" Gwen replied, high-fiving MJ with a smile.

Gwen started tearing a piece of paper into fourths. She scribbled everyone's name on individual pieces, folded the paper, and dropped them in her empty cup. Gwen shook the cup and beckoned everyone to draw a name.

MJ drew Gwen's name. She smirked and said, "Perfect."

Harry went next. He drew Peter's name. Harry smirked and put the paper scrap in his pocket.

Gwen looked at Peter, but before he could draw a name, she took one first. Gwen got Harry's name. She smiled briefly before handing the cup to Peter.

Peter dumped the last scrap piece in his hand. He unfolded the paper, and his heart began to race. Mary Jane. Peter got MJ's name. He felt immense pressure. Because of the Tombstone/Gala incident, Peter had fallen ill of MJ's good graces. This was his chance to get back on her good side. His gift had to be perfect.

"You good, Peter?" Harry noticed Peter's mind was somewhere else.

"Yeah, yeah. No, yeah, I'm good. Just tired, is all." Peter nervously chuckled, wiping his face.

"Good; now that everyone has a name, where will we do this?" Gwen asked hopefully, turning her face to Harry.

Harry looked at Gwen and noticed Peter and MJ were looking at him too.

"Umm, my place?" Harry said unsurely, shrugging his shoulders.

"Oh, that's so nice of you to offer, Harry. That'll work perfectly!" Gwen patted Harry on his back. Not like Gwen would have taken no for an answer anyway.

"When do you want to do it? I just need to let my dad know." Harry pulled his phone out, ready to text his father.

"I have rehearsal most nights until opening night, but we've got a short three-day break in a week or so." MJ was looking at her rehearsal schedule.

"What about the 19th?" Gwen asked MJ. "Are you free that night?"

"Yes! That's one of my off nights." MJ replied.

"Okay, then it's settled. Everyone has 12 days to get presents and prepare for our Christmas party." Gwen said as she finished her food and started packing up her books.

Harry started to gather his things as well. "Good deal, you guys. I'll text my dad now."

Harry picked up the check before everyone went their separate ways. Peter tried to talk to Gwen after Harry and MJ left, but she gave him the cold shoulder.

"You should get home, Pete. I'd hate for May to be worried about where you are." Gwen had a flash of snark in her voice.

Peter sighed. He waited for the three others to escape his sight and dipped down an alley. Peter webbed to the top of a building and used his momentum to swing home. Peter needed a win and was determined to ensure it was for MJ.

The Next Day at FEAST –

Peter woke up early to help Aunt May get ready at FEAST. They held a community outreach drive that day, and May needed all hands on deck. They would be packing supplies into boxes and handing them out to those that needed them. It was the first program May and Ben created when they started working there. It would also be the first time Ben wouldn't be with them to help. Peter had a lot on his mind, finals, illegal tech, and MJ's present, but he figured he could put it aside for a few hours to help.

Peter was folding boxes when he noticed Gwen and her dad walk in. They had a few other uniformed officers following behind them. George Stacy was a captain with the NYPD. You hear a lot about dirty cops, but Captain Stacy was the complete opposite. No matter what it was or how hard it was, Captain Stacy always did the right thing. Peter admired him.

Gwen, her dad, and the officers walked up and spoke with May. She handed out assignments to everyone. The officers were split at different locations, but Captain Stacy and Gwen would be helping May and Peter box care packages.

"Peter, good to see you, son. How have you been holding up?" Captain Stacy shook Peter's hand.

"I'm doing the best I can. Trying to focus on school and, uh, extracurriculars." Peter was sincere.

"George, thank you for being so kind to our family. Ben would be proud to know you've been looking out for us." May said sweetly, giving Captain Stacy a handshake as well.

Gwen had barely looked at Peter. It wasn't apparent to May or Captain Stacy, but Peter could tell Gwen was still hurting from the gala incident. Peter figured if he was ever going to make things better, being stuck with her at FEAST would be as good a place as ever.

"Man, they went all out this year." Peter tried starting a conversation with Gwen. "You know they're serious when they have actual Kraft brand mac and cheese."

Gwen looked at Peter, "Yeah. Crazy stuff." Gwen went right back to taping boxes.

Swing and a miss for Peter. He may try a different tactic.

Peter was thinking about how to get Gwen to talk to him when Captain Stacy's radio crackled with insistence.

"All available units, be advised there is an armed standoff at 303 Richmond Ave."

Captain Stacy grabbed his radio and stepped away. Peter couldn't hear the rest of the message but figured something terrible was happening.

Captain Stacy spoke on the radio before returning to the care package station.

"Sorry, May. I have to respond to this. I must take a few of my guys with me, too." Captain Stacy was earnest but apologetic.

"No, George, it's perfectly fine. You have a job to do." May replied with understanding.

Captain Stacy and a few of his officers booked it out of FEAST. Peter figured he'd sneak down there to ensure they didn't need help. Peter grabbed Aunt May.

"Hey, May, I just noticed we are out of crackers. I will run down to the store and grab a few more boxes. I'll be back soon."

May started to stop him, but Peter was already pushing out the back door. He changed into his costume and swung above the building. Spider-Man made it to the scene shortly after Captain Stacy arrived.

"Detective Elise, what do we have?" Captain Stacy asked, taking command of the situation.

"One of those new gangs we've been tailing. We got enough on them to stage a raid, but it went south once we got here. They apparently doubled their numbers in the last few days. I counted at least twelve men in there. We breached the entrance, but they caught us off guard. Nichols got hit, but it wasn't life-threatening."

Detective Maya Elise was Captain Stacy's number one officer. He personally mentored her. She was strong-willed and didn't back down at a challenge. Being a second-generation American, she had to deal with much adversity. Her grandparents immigrated to the US from Honduras in the 1960s. She was of average height and was quite fit. Her hair was kept tight and professional. She briefed Captain Stacy on everything.

"This is the third new gang we've tried to bust in the last month alone. What the heck is going on out here?" Captain Stacy was annoyed. Since Spider-Man's run-in with Tombstone, things for King Pin's gang had been less than ideal. Goons started jumping ship. Trying to blow up an entire building with them still in it left quite the impression. King Pin's goons fractured and tried starting their own operations with little success.

Captain Stacy started giving orders as Peter climbed the building's outer wall. Peter could see the goons in the main room; the door was barricaded shut.

"Okay, just a few goons. Not a big deal. I can knock this out and return to FEAST before anyone gets worried." Peter rubbed his chin through his mask. "And maybe I'll have a chance to talk to Gwen alone."

Peter climbed up the wall onto the roof. As he flipped over the ledge, Detective Elise spotted him. She started toward the building when Captain Stacy pulled her back.

"Elise, where are you going?" Captain Stacy asked.

"Sir, it was Spider-Man. He's here!" Detective Elise responded.

"I need you out here with me." Captain Stacy demanded.

"But, sir, he's wanted for questioning in that dock murder. This could be our chance!" Detective Elise pleaded with Captain Stacy.

"Stand down, Elise. Just wait." Captain Stacy gave the final word. Detective Elise resigned to her orders.

There weren't any skylights for Peter to break this time, but they did have a roof access door. Peter jiggled the handle, but the handle fell off.

"Huh." Peter thought to himself. "They just rent out anything these days."

Peter pushed the door open and made his way down the access steps. He found himself at the top of a catwalk, looking down over the goons below him. Peter patted his belt line and counted to himself.

"Okay, I'm good. Let's do this." Peter whispered to himself before climbing onto the ceiling. He stuck a web to the ceiling and lowered himself above the goons' heads.

"Merry Christmas, boys! Did anybody get me a present?" Peter quipped to the restless goons.

"Oh crap, it's the Spider! Shoot'em!" One of the goons shouted. All 12 of them drew their guns and started firing. Drummers drumming their violent songs. Peter avoided the hail of bullets and threw something from his belt line above their heads. The goons watched it fly above them as Spider-Man shot a single web-line at it.

The web-line struck the small device, causing it to explode in every direction with mini web-lines. This was Peter's new innovation. The Web Wrap 2.0! A miniaturized version, instead of wrapping like a cocoon, this one covered a wider area.

The webs covered the goons' guns and hands. Peter yanked the web-line. Every gun slid to Peter's feet. One goon was a little too stuck and was yanked along as well. His head smacked the concrete, knocking him unconscious.

It all happened within two seconds. The standing goons were left dumbfounded.

"Oh boy! Guns! How did you know that was on my Christmas list?" Peter said one hand on his hip. "Got anything else before I give you my present?"

The remaining goons looked at each other for a moment. Peter stood there awkwardly. The tension was cut by the goons pulling out 11 pipe-like weapons. With a scream, one goon led the charge at Spider-Man. His confidence bolstered the remaining ten goons, who followed behind him. The pipers started piping. Peter easily avoided their attacks. He jumped on the front wall.

"Is that it? You guys have to get better at Secret Santa. These presents are terrible!" Peter was toying with the goons.

Before Peter could make his next move, his spider-sense lit up his mind. The back wall suddenly collapsed. A massive truck plowed through it, smashing into a few of the goons.

The driver's door flew off its hinges with a kick. A hulking man stepped out, beer bottles falling out below him. He wore boots, dirty jeans, a white tank top, and a helmet with a single horn.

"Da! There you are! It's time for Rhino to prove his worth!

End Chapter Six