Every contact leaves a trace.
People don't just vanish into thin air.
The criminal can never triumph over justice.
No matter how clever a conspiracy is, it remains a conspiracy—it cannot withstand the light. Once exposed, even the most sophisticated scheme will turn to ash.
Nick Fury believed this firmly.
But... then again.
Nick Fury might be right when dealing with ordinary people. But Locke wasn't an ordinary person; he had a cheat.
Furthermore, once Locke left the precinct, he temporarily tossed the entire ordeal to the back of his mind. Today, there was something far more important than playing mind games with S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Damn it."
In his walk-in closet, Locke finished changing. He rubbed his chin as he stared at his reflection in the mirror, shaking his head. "I knew something felt off when I started making moves. I miscalculated."
When Locke had planned to strike first, he felt a nagging sense of awkwardness, but he hadn't been able to put his finger on it at the time.
And now?
It suddenly hit him: there was a school dance today.
Luckily, he still had things under control. Although the day had been delayed by some nonsense, it was a blessing in disguise. He could spend the rest of the day—or at least the evening—in peace.
If he hadn't been at Gwen's house today, S.H.I.E.L.D. likely would have shown up at the Star Tower to haul him away. Even if Locke had backup plans, S.H.I.E.L.D. probably would have detained him for forty-eight hours.
If that had happened, he clearly would have stood Gwen up. He had promised her he would take her to the high school dance tonight.
So, he felt a bit fortunate!
"Bald Egg Fury..."
Locke tilted his head up as he tied his necktie, the corners of his mouth curling slightly. "Once tonight is over, I'll play with you properly. I'll let you know what a Big Scene looks like, and what it means to Don't Mess With This Cowboy!"
As the great man once said: One punch to open the way, to keep a hundred punches away.
Before Locke came to New York, he had a premonition that he would eventually clash with S.H.I.E.L.D. He had prepared a series of contingencies, but he hadn't expected them to come knocking so soon.
But that was fine. If he made it hurt once, S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't dare provoke him again.
That way, Locke could focus on grinding missions and continuing his great quest to accumulate wealth.
"What a handsome devil!"
Locke raised an eyebrow, looking at his suited self in the mirror with a bright smile. He turned and headed out, ready to pick up Gwen.
...
Half an hour later.
"Locke..."
When Helen opened the door and saw Locke—dressed in a suit and tie, looking every bit the refined gentleman—her face lit up with surprise. "Wow, you look incredibly handsome."
Locke smiled. "Thank you."
"Quick, come in."
"Pardon the intrusion."
As Helen ushered Locke inside, she said, "Gwen is still upstairs doing her makeup. It'll probably take another..."
Before she could finish, Locke's peripheral vision caught something. He turned his gaze toward the stunning figure appearing at the top of the stairs.
In the next second, an intense look of wonder surged in Locke's eyes.
At the stairs.
Gwen wore a high-waisted, small V-neck short dress—a pure white evening gown, perfectly tailored and exquisitely crafted. it showcased her blooming figure to perfection.
Her long blonde hair cascaded down her back, the ends curling in soft waves. Her eyes were as clear as gemstones, and her face carried the habitual confidence of a top student.
Complemented by the white gown, that confidence was now paired with an air of elegant grace.
Locke was momentarily dazed, though he recovered quickly.
But... Gwen, standing on the stairs, caught that 0.5-second expression of awe. The corners of her mouth curved into a beautiful arc. Stepping in gold-trimmed high-heeled sandals and clutching a small silver-white bag, she made her way down the stairs.
A soft smile appeared on Helen's face as well. "Locke, ever since you invited her, Gwen has been looking forward to this—"
Gwen walked over, sounding a bit reproachful. "Mom!"
Helen laughed heartily, placing her hand over her mouth and making a zipping motion.
Locke gazed at Gwen as she arrived before him, a faint, pleasant fragrance trailing her. He smiled warmly. "You're beautiful."
He meant it.
At the same time... the thought that Spidey absolutely didn't deserve Gwen abruptly popped into his head.
Why did it appear? Locke didn't know. Ever since he realized Peter Parker wasn't even at Midtown High, he hadn't given it a second thought.
"Thank you."
"...By the way."
Locke cleared his throat, moved closer to Gwen, and carefully pinned a decorative accessory he was holding onto her evening gown.
"Quick, quick! Stand together!"
Helen had grabbed a camera from somewhere. "Let's take a photo."
Gwen felt a bit speechless. "Mom, we have to go."
Helen held up the camera. "Just one, just one."
Gwen looked at Locke, a bit helpless.
Locke smiled and stood next to her, facing Helen. He reached down with his right hand and openly grasped Gwen's delicate left hand.
Gwen couldn't help but look up at Locke.
Locke met her gaze with a smile.
*Click!*
Helen looked at the image she had just captured. "It's gorgeous. I absolutely have to get this photo developed."
Gwen asked, "Mom, can we leave now?"
If they didn't leave soon, they'd be late.
Helen looked up. "Of course. Have fun."
Locke said to Helen, "Mrs. Stacy, I'll have Gwen back by 10:00 PM."
Even though American parents generally supported high school dances, Locke felt there were things he should state formally. If the parents were this trusting, he couldn't let that trust down.
Gwen had told him about the curfew George and Helen had set for her. Almost every parent had rules; exceeding the time meant being grounded. Locke didn't want Gwen stuck at home tomorrow because she was grounded.
...
At the apartment entrance.
Locke opened the passenger door of the R8. He looked at Gwen—dressed like a beautiful princess—and made a theatrical motion of tipping a cowboy hat. "After you!"
Gwen seemed to recall something, her smile growing even more radiant. She slightly lifted her dress and sat in the passenger seat.
Locke closed the door, waved to Helen standing at the entrance, and walked around to the driver's side.
In the next second, the Audi R8 started up. With the roar of the engine, it pulled out of the parking spot and into the lane, speeding toward Midtown High.
***
Read 30 Chapters early on P-atreon.com/Redestro666