Infiltration into Harlem's Paradise

"Get your goddamn hands off me! No!" "Watch my eyes as I squeeze that bloodclaat life out of you."

- Mariah Stokes and Bushmaster

The Infiltration into Harlem's Paradise was an attempt to assassinate Mariah Stokes orchestrated by Bushmaster.

Background
"Bushmaster's coming for you. These little punks can't protect you." "I have always lived my life in opposition. Tell me something new, hero." "I saved you twice. I won't do it a third time."

- Luke Cage and Mariah Stokes

After the confrontation with Yangsi Gonshi, Luke Cage went to the Harlem's Paradise to speak with Mariah Stokes. He said that it doesn't matter how much allies she has because Bushmaster is coming for her and Cage will not save her again. Contrariwise, Mariah stated that Cage will save her, anyway. Cage did not agreed with her and left the club. When he left, Mariah decided to organize big free concert at Paradise. So if Bushmaster attacks the club, Cage will be forced to show up and protect the guests and Mariah by default.

Meanwhile, Shades decided to make a statement against Mariah. At 29th Precinct Police Station, he informed Misty Knight and Colin Dunbar about all her crimes, including assassination of Candace Miller. However, Knight said that they need evidence, namely, a gun that killed Miller. New York City Police Department put a wire on him and sent him to the club.

Tilda Johnson decided to assist Bushmaster in his quest to kill her mother. She revealed that club has a secret passageways underneath and it can be used as a way to her. McIver asked about what he could do about her numerous guards and Johnson gave him a supershot of Nightshade which would double his strength. She explained that it might destroy his body and mind for good. Despite Sheldon Shaw's protest, Bushmaster agreed to Johnson's offer as he was determined to avenge the death of his family.

Infiltration
"I don't need a motivation to kill your mother. I need opportunity. And right now, she's fortified herself inside the castle."

- Bushmaster to Tilda Johnson

At night, at Harlem's Paradise took place one of the biggest concert in Harlem with KRS-One's performance. Knight went to the club to watch on Shades who came to try take a gun from Mariah. Using the wire, she listened all their talk. While they talking, Cage joined Knight. Then they went to lair to discuss their situation. Mariah guessed that Shades is a snitch and held him at gunpoint.

Meanwhile, Bushmaster met Johnson at the back entrance of Paradise and she showed him an entrance to the club. Once he was right beneath the club, McIver injected himself of Nightshade. With his powers enhanced, he charged into the club and began attacking Mariah's guards. With his powers strengthened, McIver easily defeated all guards. As expected, he encountered Cage who had tried to stop him. With his strength increased, he easily defeated and knocked out Cage before he continued his pursuit of Mariah. Knight woke him before they came to him. McIver headed to Stokes's shelter and found a metal door barring his way. He began repeatedly punching the door and was able to break it and enter the shelter. He dodged a bullet from Shades as he went for Mariah. Cage and Knight managed to recover in time to fight him again. Facing all three of his opponents, McIver overpowered them for most of the fight. Eventually, he was able to get his hands on Mariah. Consumed by vengeance and the Nightshade clouding his rationality, he decided to strangle her to death. This gave Cage and Knight an opportunity to take him down. Cage attacked McIver and brutally punched him. Mariah urged him to kill McIver but Cage can't do that. McIver used the opportunity to break Cage's grasp and make his escape.

Aftermath
"Did you get him?" "Who?" "Bushmaster." "No. He's gone."

- Luke Cage and Priscilla Ridley

Cage met Priscilla Ridley and several police officers and asked her did they get McIver but got negative response. However, Knight managed to arrest Mariah for her crimes using her gun and Shades' testament as evidence.

After his failure, McIver and his allies hid at Mother's Touch and received medical aid from Johnson. During his stay, he told Johnson that Mariah needed to die before she harmed anyone else. McIver and Ingrid Mackintosh then decided to returned back to Jamaica for McIver to recover and give Anansi a proper burial in his native home.