The Rat Pack - a paramilitary organization of thieves - is on a city-wide crime spree that no one, not even Spider-Man, seems to be able to stop. In fiery speeches and newspaper editorials, millionaire businessman and Daily Bugle co-owner Norman Osborn issues a blistering series of demands for action to stop this threat to the safety of New York citizens. When Public Advocate Paul Charenton is found murdered, and Osborn is appointed by the mayor as the new #2 man in the city's government, Daily Bugle photographer Peter Parker becomes suspicious: if something - anything - happens to the mayor, then Osborn becomes the new mayor. And that's what scares him.