Nolan and Klaw arrived at a grim-looking high-rise in the heart of Hell's Kitchen.
Even on the way there, Nolan noticed just how chaotic the neighborhood had become people were literally exchanging gunfire in the streets.
At the building's entrance, two men in black suits stepped forward and blocked their path. "Stop. Weapons check."
A cold voice cut in before either of them could respond.
A bald man stepped into view, a bullseye tattoo marked dead-center on his forehead like a target.
Nolan narrowed his eyes. One of Daredevil's arch-enemies Bullseye.
A mercenary by trade, Bullseye had worked for Kingpin before. Thanks to Nolan capturing Matt Murdock earlier, a lot of the original timeline had shifted. He wasn't even sure if Matt's lover was still alive now.
"You idiots really thought it was smart to block the boss's guests?" Bullseye scoffed. "Welcome, Mr. Klaw, Dr. Nolan. The boss asked me to escort you personally."
He turned to Nolan with a smirk. "So, where's the package?"
Bullseye walked over and popped the trunk. Inside lay an unconscious figure. He grabbed the limp body and yanked it out.
Bullseye knew Matt. He'd once hired him as a lawyer to sort out a legal mess but the guy was blind. So how had he dodged his throwing knives like a trained fighter?
Nolan nodded. "I'm sure."
Without another word, Bullseye pulled out a pistol and fired three clean shots straight into Matt's head.
Blood sprayed across the inside of the trunk. Matt's body spasmed as the bullets hit.
Nolan's gaze sharpened slightly. He'd expected at least some unnecessary banter, not immediate execution.
But that was typical Kingpin no need for villain monologues when a bullet would suffice.
"Damn it! What about my car?" Klaw shouted, staring at the blood-soaked trunk.
"Relax. It'll be cleaned spotless," Bullseye said casually. "Gentlemen, shall we?"
"Oh, and by the way," Nolan added, "he's been injected with the serum. You'll probably need to keep shooting until he turns to paste. If you don't finish the job, he might get back up."
Truthfully, Nolan hadn't been ready to kill Matt just yet. He'd hoped to extract information specifically about Stick's whereabouts or the sensory-enhancing meditation techniques.
But no matter how many times he asked, Matt simply stared him down.
It was clear: he wasn't talking.
Which made him useless.
Nolan didn't need Matt. He could study those techniques himself.
Still, he figured it'd be faster to track down The Hand or even The Chaste.
They both had what he needed.
"Noted," Bullseye said, eyeing the slowly healing bullet wounds. His expression darkened. He'd heard rumors about unkillable freaks running around Clinton lately but never expected Daredevil to be one of them.
"Well then. I'll toss him into the incinerator. Let's see if he survives that."
As Bullseye started dragging Matt's body away, Nolan stopped him.
"If you hear anything about The Hand... or Elektra, send it to this email. You'll be compensated."
He handed over a slip of paper with a printed address.
"My services don't come cheap."
"I know. And I'm guessing I don't need to remind you who Elektra is?"
Bullseye tapped his comm and continued dragging Matt away. The two guards stepped aside, allowing Nolan and Klaw to enter the building.
A woman exited the lobby with a polite smile.
"Gentlemen. The boss is expecting you upstairs."
"Dr. Nolan. It's an honor to finally meet you in person."
Inside a lavish office, a man built like a brick wall rose to his feet. His very presence exuded danger like a caged tiger ready to pounce.
He strode toward Nolan and Klaw, extending a hand.
"Mr. Fisk," Nolan said with a smile, meeting his grip. Fisk began to squeeze but Nolan didn't yield an inch.
"If you're trying to intimidate me, Wilson, you're going to need more than a handshake."
Fisk's eyes glinted with surprise. He'd expected a scientist, not someone with a grip like a steel vice.
"You're stronger than you look," Fisk said, releasing him and motioning for them to sit.
"So. I hear you want to buy three of my chemical plants?"
That was true. Nolan had no intention of revealing that the plants were linked to Jessica's mutation or that they were essential to his expansion plans for the Oscorp production line.
Better to keep things strictly business.
"I do," Nolan replied simply.
"You know the kind of business I run," Fisk said. "I wasn't planning to entertain this deal, considering the trouble you've caused me."
He leaned back, voice casual. "But then again... you brought me a gift. So I'm listening."
"Mr. Fisk, you sicced Jessica on me last time. I'd say we've both caused each other some grief."
"Fair enough. But you wouldn't be interested in those plants unless they were tied to your experiments. Care to tell me why?"
"Matt Murdock?" Fisk probed.
Fisk narrowed his eyes.
"This is business, Mr. Fisk," Nolan finally said. "I'm here to purchase three chemical plants. What I do with them afterward is irrelevant."
Fisk stared at him for a long moment... then suddenly laughed.
"You've got balls, I'll give you that."
"Actually... I've changed my mind. I don't want to sell anymore. Janine, show our guests out."
The woman from earlier nodded.
Nolan rose to his feet, but then paused and looked Fisk dead in the eye.
"Oh, one more thing, Wilson. Clinton's gotten pretty chaotic lately. I saw a street shootout just a block away."
His voice turned cold.
"Would be a shame if your wife and kids got caught in the crossfire."
Fisk's expression darkened. His eyes turned icy.
"Are you threatening me?"
"Yes, I'm threatening you. I came here in good faith. I brought a gift. You're the one who chose to play games."
Fisk's jaw clenched. But he said nothing.
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