Arachnid: A New Turn

[Peter's POV]

The dinner was quite friendly and cheerful. 

At least my worries about the "staged" photos disappeared. After all, I'm not forcing Jameson to buy them.

After receiving congratulations from my family on my first paycheck, I told them I'd go for a walk and return late.

Descending into the basement before tonight's operation, I prepare to put on my suit.

The costume is ready, and web-shooters, cartridges, and other equipment. 

Pulling on the mask, I climbed out of the basement, climbed onto the nearest rooftop, and soared toward the city center.

As Hammerhead mentioned, there's a meeting at the docks tonight. 

I have been preparing all week.

After flying to the designated warehouse in about twenty minutes, I found a good spot and waited for them to arrive.

I wonder if capturing footage of me beating the crap out of crime bosses would make Jonah reconsider calling me a menace. 

Who am I kidding? Of course, he won't.

The unexpected roar of engines interrupted my thoughts. There are at least twenty cars heading toward the warehouse.

Clinging to a nearby pole, I swing onto the warehouse roof. 

The windows are raised, and there's no visible security.

Closing my eyes, I try focusing on my Spider-Sense. 

Bingo! 

It's a trap, and they're expecting me.

There are so many criminals and bosses here. 

Their capture could cause a major uproar in New York's criminal world, weakening the groups. 

After adjusting my new camera, I mounted it under the roof. Clinging to the frame, I begin lowering myself headfirst into the warehouse. 

The lighting inside is dimmed to an almost cinematic level.

Suddenly, all the lights turned on, and it looked like every crate in the room exploded open, appearing men out with guns aimed at me.

"Hey there, kid! We've been expecting you," 

A man said wearing a cowboy hat and holding… an electrified lasso?

...

[3rd POV]

A few kilometers away from the warehouse.

The sudden change in venue for the meeting surprised Wilson Fisk. 

However, as always, the Kingpin maintained an impassive expression, revealing nothing, especially in the presence of Alonzo Thompson Lincoln, known as the Big Man, also called Tombstone.

Alonzo bestowed the title "Big Man" upon himself to distance his current image from his past as Silvio Manfredi's chief enforcer. 

He worked for Manfredi for many years before he 'allegedly' betrayed him and sent him to prison to seize control of the southwestern territories of New York.

"Mr. Fisk, it's a pleasure to see you," 

Tombstone greeted his counterpart with calm, neutral politeness.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Thompson, but I must admit to a slight surprise from the abrupt change in plans." 

Fisk answered just as nicely, but there was some dissatisfaction in his voice.

"I understand your frustration, Wilson. You see, you might have already been informed about the issue that prompted this meeting." 

Tombstone said, his tone measured but carrying a tension.

"The goods stored in our warehouses were confiscated by the police because your men failed to secure the premises properly," 

Tombstone's fists betrayed his restrained anger.

"It is precisely because of the individual responsible for this meeting that we've had to alter the meeting location." 

Tombstone continued, maintaining his composure.

"Ah, yes, New York's latest 'nightly crusader.' Originally, I thought it might be my old enemy, Daredevil, but this one is different and more dangerous. According to Wesley's report, he managed to fight Shocker and several men."

"Exactly. As you can see, my subordinate, Joseph..." 

Tombstone gestured to Hammerhead, standing to his right, "... was recently released from custody, and I had to pay a lot to get him out. However, he brought some intriguing information about our mutual concern."

"Then why, Mr. Talkative here, is still standing to your right and not on the ground at the bottom of the Hudson River?" 

Fisk asked casually.

Hammerhead shuddered slightly.

"To be frank." 

Tombstone replied evenly, "I considered about it. However, two factors stopped me from making this decision. First, Hammerhead has been loyal to me for many years. Let's be fair, who wouldn't surrender when they're dangled twenty stories building above the ground by someone who can punch through concrete?"

"And the second?" 

Fisk leaned forward slightly, intrigued.

"The second is the opportunity such situations provide. While we're having this conversation, our 'vigilante' is currently walking into a trap set by a team of exceptionally dangerous mercenaries at the supposed location. So, we could say the problem is already being handled."

"You're quite cunning, Mr. Lincoln. I'm impressed." 

Fisk said, his massive body tilting slightly.

"Thank you. Now, shall we discuss business?" 

Tombstone replied, his sharp grin suggesting the matter of the vigilante was already in the past.

...

[Peter's POV]

The docks district. 

Oh, now this is getting interesting.

"Uh, excuse me, guys, I've got the wrong warehouse. Is this where the big, bad New York crime bosses are having their secret meeting? No offense, but you don't exactly like one."

The cowboy, standing on top of a box, narrowed his eyes and casually hopped down, his boots landing with a thud.

A shorter but fast-looking guy on his right did the same thing. A big three-meter-high man jumped down on the left, kicking up dust. 

"You're in the right place, kid. But bad news for you—we're the only ones here."

The cowboy walked, spitting out a toothpick with nonchalant.

"So, who are you and your charming partners? By the way, nice mustache."

I said, turning his attention to the big guy after addressing the man in the hat. 

"We're the Enforcers to most. I'm Montana, the charmer here is Fancy Dan, and the big guy over there is Ox. Sorry, kid, but you mess with some very powerful people, and they sent us to deal with it."

"And this army surrounding me?" 

"It's just a small investment from our employer. It's for... added assurance."

Wow

"Alright, I don't really have much of a choice." 

I shrug, then quickly jump up and shoot a web at the nearest thug.

Spinning the unlucky guy, I throw him into the closest group of henchmen.

"Shoot the jerk!" 

One of the thugs yells, and I swiftly send him to sleep with a punch of my hand.

To be continued...