Chapter 9 [Met—Fifteen Minutes Later]

Yellow Tape cordoned off the building. Officers carted off still-unconscious ninjas toward the nearest precinct. Museum officials spoke with highest on-scene NYPD counterparts. Meantime, patrol officers kept the crowd and others at bay.

Aftermath was never fun….

Jean emerged from the museum. A cursory walkthrough revealed Spider-Man's presence at the fight scene. However, the glued ninjas presented Conundrum's questions. The burned ceiling tiles and walls in the katana area opened other issues….

…katana…

Where'd the Hell did that thing go? The case is still locked. It wasn't even scratched unlike the rest of the area. At least the exhibits are okay in the Asian wing. But what messed up the Greek and Roman stuff? That's on the other end of the museum! She lit a cigarette. Two calming puffs later, Reality seemed more bearable. And what's the deal with the glue all over the place? Can't wait to see that security footage! She noted her father's approach. And here we go. She suppressed an eye roll. "Sir?"

"Please tell me you found something in there. I've got the Mayor yelling in my ear over there, Lieutenant." Irritation chafed at deWolff. The earlier conversation with Stacy chafed at his pride. "We don't need an international incident."

She arched an eyebrow at him. "With respect, we have one now. We were warned about Arighatto's presence here in New York. Captain Stacy and I tried to advise you earlier." She tapped the dregs onto the sidewalk and took another puff. "He threatened a civilian. Then, we get these ninja guys? Dr. Tuishiama, two FBI agents, a Javalastani Princess and a priceless artifact just disappear? Said artifact disappeared out of a still locked display case? It got knocked over but it's otherwise intact. The locks are still engaged. Only the curator has the key to it." She stifled a cough. "Before you say it, yes, Spider-Man was in there. No, he didn't stop those guys alone. There are burn marks on the ceiling and walls in the Asian Wing. The Greek and Roman stuff got shaken up by something else but nothing seems to be missing. We can get a warrant for that security footage."

"Indeed." deWolff ground his teeth. Her two male counterparts missed those details. Chauvinism burned at him. Acknowledgement however conceded those points to her. "Keep working on those details. Meantime, Lex Luthor's over there. He's asking about those teenagers. I got to get back to the Mayor. State Department's going to want answers over this." He stalked back off toward the officials.

What does he think I am? Their babysitter? What the Hell does a big shot billionaire care about a bunch of school kids? deWolff crushed out her cigarette and dropped it in a nearby ash tray. Then, she headed toward Lex.

Orders after all were orders….

Lex studied the museum from behind the barricades. Questions continued to float through his mind. What are you all doing up here? It's not like we scheduled a vacation. He glanced back at the limo. Suspicions darkened his mindset. What do you know, Doctor? Why are Dr. Swann and you trying to divert Chloe's and my attention? He shook his head.

"Lex!"

He perked up. Memoria recalled Chloe going off on a search of her own. He noted Purpose and Urgency in her worming through the crowd. Leave it to Chloe to find something. Looks like you may have underestimated her, Dad. His frown leveled off. He strode toward her. "See something?"

Enthusiasm gleamed in Chloe's eyes. "You're never going to believe what I just saw. I got the images, but you'll need to see this for yourself." She pulled out her tablet. "Just downloaded these as fast as I could get them on here."

"What did you find, Chloe? Can't wait." He scanned through the half-dozen images. Snapdragon, the Masked Ninja, Spider-Man and Xena on the flying carpet stopped him in his tracks. "You're serious?"

"They blew through the back window of the museum and away from the crowd. Whoever those masked people were, they're smart. I figured you'd want to see this." Chloe pointed that out.

"Definitely. Thanks, Chloe. Mind emailing me those pictures?" He handed her back the tablet.

"Will do." Chloe typed a message to him and attached the photos. She pressed 'Send'. "On their way."

"Thanks, Chloe. Keep that between us. Okay? I don't want NYPD knowing yet or Drs. Swann or Crosby." He noted Jean's approach. "Lieutenant?" He walked ahead.

"Something interesting on the tablet?" deWolff motioned toward Chloe.

He shook his head. "Just a place to get coffee after we're done here. Chloe has a great taste for it. I'm looking for a new variety to serve at the café back home."

"Uh huh." deWolff scribbled down some notes. "By the way, there's nobody in there now. I don't know if your friends were there or not. I can't speak beyond that. Police business. Sorry I can't help you any further. I've got to go over the details before I file my report. If you did see something, you will call 911. Won't you? Have a good night." She turned and walked back toward her roadster. Luthor and that girl know something. She lit another cigarette and headed for her vehicle. Another warrant seemed appropriate.

Questions remained….

Crosby watched the interchange through the half-lowered window. Concern kept her on edge. Too much attention. She dialed her phone and waited.

"Yes, Dr. Crosby?" Swann answered.

"Just wanted to report that everyone is out of the museum. NYPD has the place entirely secure. It seems that Alexander and Chloe Sullivan were extremely interested in her tablet. She may have sent him something." Crosby kept her eyes on her companions.

"She sent a message to Alexander with two photo attachments. I intercepted it. Miss Sullivan may have issues with that laptop and camera's memory, I fear." Swann watched the footage. "I'll be interested to see what Mr. Parker brings to the Daily Bugle. Snapdragon's secret is preserved. The dark-haired warrior brings questions. We had some interesting readings from within the Met as well. We will speak later. Drop them off at the hotel. Then return here if you would?"

"Of course, Doctor." Crosby disconnected the call. Interesting readings? Whatever could be more so than what we were just talking about? She heard a knock at the door. She lowered the window. "Lex? Miss Sullivan? Did you find what you needed to?" She opened the door for them.

"As much as we can given the operation. I think we're set here. We've had a long day. Maybe in the morning, we can get some help with finding the Kents, Lana and Miranda?" He allowed Chloe to get in first. Then, he followed suit.

"Dr. Swann would be delighted to help you. Let's all get some rest. Then we can speak again in the morning. Let's say 8?" Crosby offered.

"As long as you've got some great coffee there." Chloe rubbed her forehead. "I love the Met too. What are they doing here now though?"

He raised his hand. "8 works, Dr. Crosby. Thanks. Chloe, maybe Miranda wanted to see the Hiroshi Katana? Who knows? I just don't like it when business partners and employees disappear on me." Aggravation ate at him.

Crosby signaled for the driver to pull away. Implications loomed in her mind over this standoff. Spider-Man's appearance and Peter's pictures could be explained away fairly easily. Arighatto's presence heated the situation to a near boil. Exposure remained a concern for Dubois, Clark and Lana. Did Arighatto change into his demon persona? Serenity and Composure kept Emotion well within check.

Darker questions, however, remained….