The speech went off without a hitch.  The press covered it with the usual aplomb.  Of course they did, he paid them too.   Lucius Cain didn't mind spending money.  After all, he had lots of it, and its easy to make more.

  He spoke with the usual Science City Elite  after the speech; Carol Newman, the mayor,  Carter Manning head of Manning Enterprises, that lovely Justine Caloway, as well as numerous union leaders, and Congress Critters.   It was tedious, but that's why they call it work.

Then the real business started. 

He hated to cover his suit, but the Mythos Club has a dress code. The red robes and white metal tiaras are a bit effeminate, but what the hell.

The mass was dull.  The after party food, and the women who served,  oh the women, were exquisite.

  The buffoon who confronted him in the bathroom will never bother him again.  It wasn't the surprise and savage beating that scared him off, but the photo of the little girl with bruises on her wrists that terrified him.   How did Lucius obtain that polaroid?  And did anyone still make polaroids anymore?


When it was time to retire for the night   Lucius was generally tired.

Bah!!

Manta Man. This costumed fool will be just another stepping stone in my rise to true POWER!!

Trust me Friend. I will Step on HIM.

Lucius examined the list of 600 names of people who could be Manta Man.  These were men with means, motivation, and muscle.   He was pleased with the work his lovely assistants had performed.

He couldn't help but admire them as they left his office.  After all he was a man, under his suit, and he liked the best in everything.  And they had everything, beauty and brains.

  He needed to work out.    He, in privacy, peeled off his suit.  He felt vulnerable.   The work out helped him  deal with all that pent up energy.   He called his masseuse.   Olga, a blind Croatian immigrant, responded quickly.   

Now feeling relaxed, it was time for the ritual of putting the suit back on.

He always dressed the same way.  Basking in the feeling of power the suit provided.   Right leg, left leg, right arm, left arm.   Tuck in the shirt, button the fly, clasp the belt.

Ahh...

Next were the socks.  Right sock, left.   Right shoe, left.   He always sang that same song he learned in Kindergarten while tying the laces.  "Mr Bunny Ears, hopping through the meadow..."

God help any employee who interrupted that song.

  Now the tie.    Around match the lengths,  adust the wide end,  wrap, and pull.   He always wants a cigarette after that.


Now the jacket.  Inspect it for lint, which there never is.  Flip it around, right arm, left.  Pull the bottom to make it tight.   Fix the cuffs.  Now look in the mirror. 

Lucius always then checks the pockets when fully dressed.    Noting in the right.    Nothing in the...wait, a piece of paper. 


Its a post it note.   How did one get in, oh....  Its in his own writing.   

" ...Galen's Hospital, 1462 Hippocrates Blvd, rm 202.  555-472-1515 ex 6"

A private room in Science City's newly build, most advanced hospital?   Better call.


It rang three times.   " Hello, Lucius."   the voice was firm, deep and commanding.  "Remember who you work for.  Remember, I have plans for you.  Remember everything I have given you, I can take away."

Lucius went white.

With a dry throat, and a cracked voice  Lucius answered, " I, I remember."


  Lucius tried to sit at his desk but the good mood he was in was ruined.  He was anxious, he was nervous.  And worst of all, he was not in control.   Only one thing to do, visit the hospital.

He cancelled his appointments for the day. He called his driver and got in the limo.


He was whisked into the hospital by their staff. One does not expect to get more donations when you keep major donors waiting.

He wad brought to room 202.  He was taken back when he realized it was his former rival, Philip Manning.   


Manning had been comatose since the Hotel California disaster a few months back.   His wife was in the room.   Even out of her super hero costume, The Wonder was a knock out.   For an old guy, he did well.

She kept the room tidy.   Could it be she married for love, and not money? 

Anyway, she left him alone, told Lucius it was nice to visit as Carter is too busy to  come as he has his work cut out for him dealing with that Jacob Hunter and his take over of Manning Enterprises.  Poor kid, sales have gone through the roof since the take over.   Only a matter of time before him and his dad are living on the streets, thought Cain.

The door shut and Manning opened one eye.  He sprung up and spoke.  It was the same voice Lucius heard on the phone.

"So nice of you to visit me, I hope all is well."   Cain was too shocked to respond. "The Six Fingered Hand as many plans for you..."

Lucius, for the first time in over a decade, regretted ever going into that thrift store.