• Returning to Hell •

[Oswald Cobblepot]

"We find da Mask, we peel it off of his stupid face and we bury'em, we bury'em."

● Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot ●

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The business venture out to Metropolis had gone smoothly, not only did Cobblepot manage to land a huge donation from a naive Mary Bromfield, but he also had the endorsement of Lex Luthor, who in turn showed to be quite the con-artist, which gave Cobblepot confidence to go forth with his plans and schemes. To his surprise, Lex was as crafty as he was evil- meaning Cobblepot could run into problems down the line if the two ever butt heads.. And it could happen. Criminals rarely stood on the same side of the fence through their career- deceit was second nature to them and a man like Cobblepot? It was almost a guarantee he'd rip someone off, whether or not it was Lex remained to be seen at this time.

Cobblepot wasn't big on flying or airplanes, he rather journey across the way via drive, despite it taking much longer than a conventional flight. Nonetheless, as they moved through the toll- the gate's arm lifted as the limo entered Gotham's territory, Cobblepot felt his anxiety be curbed as he was comfortable as he was back home. Moving through the hugely scaled bridge and getting onto the open street, Cobblepot turned his attention out of the window as the convoy set up via his resources within GCPD generated quite the stir.

● O. Cobblepot ● "My loyal subjects- how cute."

Those that were naive to Cobblepot's criminal dealings waved at the limo- he realized that he needed to put up the political facade once again- that was as he opened the window and stuck his arm out. Waving at the masses- citizens of Gotham cheered Cobblepot's presence as the phone built into the limo started to go off. The thing that secured Cobblepot's confidence in the limo was the amount of money he had spent on it. Every security feature known to man- even some that wasn't had been installed.. From bulletproof glass to a feature similar to the President's where the steel was impenetrable. Bombproof, fireproof and the tires even was protected with a special kind of rubber that would patch holes if it came to be, Cobblepot was safe to say the least. After waving for a few, he put the window back up and looked towards the panel on his left and pressed the 'Answer' button on the screen, causing a video message to come through.

● G. Seals ● "Yo boss, how close you to HQ?."

A face he hadn't missed was his second in-charge, Guido Seals. As Cobblepot puffed on his Cuban cigar, he blew smoke near the roof of the limo before looking at the monitor.

● O. Cobblepot ● "About ten- maybe fifteen minutes.. Why? You got money? Good news? Da head of the jerkoff with the mask axe'n our guys left and right?!"

● G. Seals ● ".. No.. No.. and no. I do however, have news dat Alberto Falcone wants a face-to-face."

As Cobblepot glanced out of the window, he let his eyes scan the masses and a few times- he swore he saw citizens with.. masks on. He couldn't explain what he saw, they seemed to be glaring right at him through the guise of being stuck within a group of busy citizens- he shook his head and tried to clear his thoughts as he looked towards the monitor and scoffed.

● O. Cobblepot ● "He wants a what? A face to face?!"

Working with Cobblepot for as long as he did- Guido knew a few things, and one of those 'knowledge moments' was when Cobblepot was told someone and answered it with a question rephrasing the statement- DON'T answer it. Let the question stew as that was Cobblepot's way of thinking things over.

● O. Cobblepot ● "I wonder what he wants? Word outta Arkham is dat his ol' man ain't gett'n out for a while.. And most of their crew is already with us. It makes you think if he's ready to give in and accept the fate we've dealt?"

A second bit of knowledge Guido had was when Cobblepot asked a direct question- DO answer it..

● G. Seals ● "I think so boss. Since you've been gone, Carmine's reach has lessened, big time. Ain't nobody buying into 'Berto Boy's little leadership change and nobody sure as hell is paying up anymore, the last of their protection money is flow'n through your pockets now.. And if they ain't pay'n you? They're turn'n up to a broken up shop or miss'n shipments."

Through life Cobblepot had been good a few things, one of those he was exceptional at was extortion. Due to his massive size, that allowed him to essentially bully people into giving him what he wanted and once he made the turn from an overweight, bullied kid with a lisp and a limp to a bully with a mean-streak and a sense of self-entitlement, he embraced the change and took it to a whole new level.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Tell'em we'll meet, only under the circumstances that he show up to The Lounge. I don't care if he brings his boys- or what's left of'em. If he's smart, he'll ditch the last remaining bits of the Carmine crew and join my ranks.. I think we've got room for a small-time bookie."

Both men fired off laughs- that was as Cobblepot once again peered out of the window as they approached the slowly assembled Iceberg Lounge. The outside panels had been completed, now construction was being done on the initial lobby, where the casino would go. Cobblepot had paid a hefty price tag and brought in a few unorthodox architects to bring his image to life- he also made them sign a disclosure form that forbid them from speaking of what they built, so that was a pretty big sign that there was things there that shouldn't be. As his eyes was out scanning the view though, he KNOW he saw a group of men this time wearing an assortment of masks- one of them had what looked like a penguin mask, it had a long orange beak- that flared Cobblepot's temper as he snapped his attention to the monitor.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Is it Halloween or what?! I've seen 'bout twenty guys with masks on since I've gone through the city! One of'em even had a penguin mask!""

Beads of sweat dropped down his head as his eyes suddenly turned a light shade of red. Glaring at the monitor, Guido shrugged his shoulders as he didn't notice any change..

● G. Seals ● "I didn't see anything boss.. Things have been mellow the past few days.. Although, Benny C said somethin' 'bout runn'n into a group of guys with masks on or something in an ally not too far from where the torture-fest took place.. They was smaller guys, but there was about 5 of'em."

Up ahead in the distance was The Iceberg Lounge, Cobblepot let Guido's words set in before he looked out the window.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Yeah? Well this guys wanna walk around with masks on their faces? Dats cool, we'll give'em a rea-"

BANG!

● G. Seals ● "BOSS?!"

A pretty loud pop sounded from outside the limo, that was as the car thudded itself forward- eventually coming to an unexpected stop. The window that separated the limo driver from Cobblepot went down as the man turned his attention towards Cobblepot- he sweated bullets as well.

● Limo Driver ● "Sir.. Your back tire just blew out.."

Shaking his head Cobblepot clenched his fists before pointing toward the driver with a scowl over his face.

● O. Cobblepot ● "The tires are unbreakable! I paid good money for'em to be that way, just wait!"

A few seconds turned into a minute with no sign of the tire re-inflating itself which brought forth an unexpected >BANG< from Cobblepot slamming his fist into the phone's monitor near his left hand. As the screen shattered as he threw a vicious elbow towards the center of the backseat.

● O. Cobblepot ● "WHAT THE HELL DID I PAY FOR?!?"

Opening the door, he got out of the limo with the aid of his cane and moved around the vehicle, noticing the ever-so apparent hole in his tire.. Which was actually the entire side-wall being blown out by some foreign object. Looking down at it, he bit his bottom lip as he was still a few blocks away from his comfort zone as the limo driver joined his side.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Fix the damn tire, I ain't got all day."

The return to Gotham was supposed to be peaceful- but things weren't as they should be. Leaning against the back of the limo, he just gazed in the direction of The Iceberg Lounge, the half-in-work progress that had been done with it. Imagining what it'd look like soon enough, his attention was broken by the phone going off on his pocket.. Reaching his hand in, he grabbed hold of it and saw "UNKNOWN" on the caller ID, causing him to slide his finger across the touch-screen and move the phone to his ear.

● O. Cobblepot ● ".. Da hell is this?"

[Black Mask]

Cobblepot doesn't waste much time climbing back inside his limo. He's practically naked out here. No security, nothing but a pistol inside his jacket.

"Just call me...Alberto Falcone."

Laughing at his comment, Cobblepot now realizes this whole meeting was never real. The man in the mask must've knew Cobblepot would head for his Lounge.

Cobblepot: "Da Hell is this about?! Dis ain't no Falcone! Dis dat prick in the black mask?!"

"Yeah, it's that prick in the black mask, as a matter of fact, why don't you just start refering to me as Black Mask. Maybe that'll be easy enough for your little Penguin brain to comprehend."

Cobblepot: "LISTEN JERKOFF-"

Black Mask: "NO YOU LISTEN, JERKOFF!"

Black Mask suddenly stops speaking. Cobblepot is waiting for him to finish his sentence, thinking maybe he had a point to get across, but nothing, for several seconds it's nothing.

Cobblepot: "What da fu-"

BANG!

Cobblepot: "DA HELL WAS DAT!?"

Cobblepot frantically looks around and out the windows, he sees nothing really out of the ordinary, glancing up, he does a double take and notices the roof of his limo is slightly caved in, reinforced as it was something took a hefty fall to dent this thing.

Black Mask: "Go ahead and look, I promise it's safe."

Laughing again Cobblepot, sweating and furious about the situations this masked man continues to create, steps out of his limo. His driver is backing away scared to death just staring at the limo, staring right beyond Cobblepot and at the roof of the limo.

Cobblepot: "WHATTYA LOOKIN' AT!?"

Cobblepot turns around and jumps back quickly.

Cobblepot: "DA HELL DID YOU DO!? GUIDO! GUIDO!"

Cobblepot's guy, his protection, Guido. He was laid out on top of the limo. Blood dripping down his arm hung over the edge of the limo forming a small puddle on the ground.

Black Mask: "Don't worry, he only fell from the roof, he shouldn't be dead, but it wouldn't surprise me if he was. A nice symbol of your operation. Your security, dead from a fall a child would make playing on the roof of a house."

Cobblepot: "Listen to me you son of a bitch, you listen good. I will find you, you hear dat? I'll find you, and I'll hobble you. I'll stick your feet in your own acid, I'll pull that damn mask off and slap you with it!"

Black Mask: "You think I should worry and watch where I walk? Yada, yada, yada, Penguin that's just talk."

Cobblepot: "You think dis is a damn game? AND STOP CALLING ME DAT!"

Black Mask: "Absolutely hobblepot, and it is a game, and a game that I'm I'm winning. I'll let you get back to business, it seems your 11 o'clock appointment has arrived."

Laughing again at the subtleness of his comment, Mask hung up the phone. Cobblepot realizes his meeting with Luthor was an 11 o'clock appointment and right now? It was 9:53. But, letting Cobblepot realize Black Mask was watching this whole time, the real Alberto Falcone pulls up. Stepping out of his car he sees the scene. Cobblepot is left to wonder what if any connection Falcone had to this, and also, Alberto may have come here to fold his operation and fall behind Cobblepot, but now seeing him weakened like this, could he change his mind? Cobblepot hobbles out of his limo, he looks at Alberto getting out of his car, not exactly the meeting place they had intended, but when you're going to meet a man and clearly see his limo in distress you may as well stop and see what is going on. After looking at Alberto, who needless to say doesn't look too sorry for Cobblepot's situation. Cobblepot looks back to his limo, and beyond that at the brick building his man fell from, noticing one thing. A silhouette of a man in the window, standing there for a moment it disappears. Now Cobblepot gets to put everything back in order, or at least try to.

[Oswald Cobblepot]

Alberto's skinny frame looked on- that was as Cobblepot looked towards Guido who made minimal movements, showing he was still alive. Hobbling over towards limo, he grabbed hold of Guido's arm and yanked at him- the dead weight proved much more than Cobblepot could handle in the moment of anxiety.

● O. Cobblepot ● "WHADDAYA STAND'N AROUND FOR?! HELP ME GET HIM OFF THE DAMN CAR!"

Alberto had very little stroke left in Gotham, the only reason he was even alive and not buried in Centennial Park is because Cobblepot had plans for him- but before that could happen, Cobblepot needed to protect his own. Guido was one of his most trusted underlings, so him being in the state he was in caused Cobblepot's blood to pump- that was as Alberto and his driver moved towards the car and tugged at Guido as Guido let off a yelp in pain..

● G. Seals ● "MY BACK! AW! MY BACK!"

● O. Cobblepot ● "SHUT UP WOULDA YA?!"

The plus to the whole situation was that there wasn't much people around, and if there was? They wouldn't think twice about what had happened as the moment was.. shocking to say the least. Sirens neared in the distance, the red flashing lights could be seen from down the hill as they removed Guido from on the top of the limo and put him down on the concrete floor. Guido's face had been decorated with bruises and cuts showing Cobblepot that "Black Mask" had a premeditated the hit- Cobblepot also knew that if he wanted Guido dead, Mask would of killed him.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Guido.. What da hell happened?!?!"

Fighting through the pain, Guido barely was able to turn his head towards Cobblepot as even Alberto looked onr.

● G. Seals ● ".. Black.. Skull.. Mask, ju- jumped me.."

Biting the corner of his left lower lip, Cobblepot's hand begun to tremble out of rage as the once open hand evolved into a clenched fist that was so tight, color had been lost.

● O. Cobblepot ● "What about Bruno!? Louie?!"

With a shake of his head, Guido eased some of the tension that been built within the area as the ambulance had reached and the driver and passenger doors swung open. Sprinting towards the scene, Cobblepot pushed himself off as during the course of the conversation, Falcone managed to slip away knowing Cobblepot would have his head on a pike if he was in the same area as Oz when authorities arrived.

● O. Cobblepot ● "I- I.. I was just heading to my building, my tire blew out and we pulled to the curb.. Next thing I know?! This guy falls out of the freakin' sky and totals my limo!"

As an ambassador and possible next mayor, EMTs didn't question Cobblepot's word, that was as a Gotham City Police Department blue and white pulled up, and Cobblepot's eyes shifted towards the cop that stepped out as he sighed.

● O. Cobblepot ● ".. Blake..?""

Surely enough, the young- adamant cop, John Blake stepped out of the car and called into the walkie-talkie on his shoulder as Cobblepot slowly hobbled off towards his limo. Leaning against the car, he placed his cane on the destroyed roof of his limo and let off another sigh at both the fact that he'd need to fix the roof of his car and because Blake was approaching him.

● Officer Blake ● "What the hell happened here Cobblepot!? Your first day back and you're already causing chaos?!"

As a way to help relieve the stress, Cobblepot puffed on his cigar he lit up sub-consciously as he looked ahead, completely airing out Blake's barks.

● Officer Blake ● ".. For a Mayor candidate, you're sure around of a lot of bad people Oswald.. I mean was it a coincidence that you were at the raid? Now your limo all banged up from known criminal Guido Seals? And.. I'm sure I saw Alberto Falcone up the road in that Mercedez of his..-"

● O. Cobblepot ● "You do a lot of questioning, but not enough answering. It makes me wonder just how you know about everything going on that you're trying to link me to.. Maybe, you're the one worth investigating, Blake? Maybe you're the one with links to the underworld? Hm?"

Taken back by Cobblepot's words- Blake's eyes went wide as he sprung forward, grabbing Cobblepot who was the much larger man by the collar of his coat and slammed him back into the limo, putting all his weight forward.

● Officer Blake ● "YOU SON OF A BITCH! YOU ACCUSE ME OF BEING DIRTY? I'M AN HONOR-"

Despite his physical handicap of a leg, that didn't stop Cobblepot from throwing all of his weight forward, which was at least double of Blake's, causing Blake to stumble backwards and fall. Cobblepot stepped forward, rolling his head on his shoulders as his shades was crushed beneath his feet.

● O. Cobblepot ● ".. Who the hell do you think you are putting your hands on me!?"

Before the situation could blow up, more cops stepped to the scene and separated the two- Cobblepot was much more calm than Blake as Blake continued to shout in his direction but Cobblepot didn't want to ruin his image and reputation. Much more people saw Blake's temper explode than Cobblepot pushing Blake off of him- and that'd look really bad on Gotham City's Police Department.. Exactly what Cobblepot wanted.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Tell Gordon he'll be hearing from my lawyer for not keeping his poodle on a leash.. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a business appointment to make..

A black Dodge pulled up, the windows was tinted and the body looked reinforced as the limo was. Moving to the car, the door was opened for Cobblepot by the driver and closed as he got in with his cane. As the driver of the limo stood back to answer questions for the police report, the Dodge pulled off which- from the outside looked peaceful but within? Cobblepot had jammed the edge of the cane into the front seat and damaged the micro-fiber that consisted of it.

● O. Cobblepot ● "WHAT DA HELL ELSE CAN GO WRONG?! LUCKY, GET US TO THE LOUNGE, NOW!"

Lucky was the driver in the Dodge and he pushed the pedal a bit to get to the lounge faster than what was expected. From Guido getting hurt to his limo being attacked, Cobblepot knew that he needed to make a move and find the guy that called himself "Black Mask." Before that could be done, he'd need to finish business with Alberto Falcone.. Hopefully no obstacles come up from the drive to the Lounge to further delay the meeting, once that was done- Cobblepot could fully make moves to finalize and crush the rest of the stranglers on the outside of the Gotham Underworld..

[Victor Zsasz]

Zsasz: I want, no – I DEMAND my phone call; you know, my rightful God given right as an American…

Looking psychotic, he licks his lips really checking out the female Security Guard. Swallowing hard, he sees and smells her fear; she hates having to watch him even if it is outside of his cell. Looking through the tiny little hole in the steel structured door, he can see the female guard good enough to know her fear of him. She hesitantly wants to do this but, he is owed his call which he has not used yet. With a few more officers to help, they shackle Zsasz up to make sure that he can’t hurt anybody. Walking through the hall, they take him to the phone which is used to make their calls. Waiting for the guards to exit the room, granted; they are still standing just outside the door – Zsasz picks the phone up and dials a number, placing the black receiver to his ear – he hears the voice he wanted to hear.

Zsasz: ... I have some news boss!

[Oswald Cobblepot]

Without any other trouble, Cobblepot had reached the security of The Iceberg Lounge and within- sitting at a table was his closest contact- Bruno Romano. Bruno was the kinda guy who's face you'd never forget, he often wore a scowl that matched Cobblepot's but mainly because it was his natural look. Across from Bruno sat Alberto Falcone and his driver, the two last loyal members of the Falcone Crime Family.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Wait.. Wait.. Zsasz, you there?"

Alberto's eyes shifted towards Cobblepot who limped his way into the meeting room as Bruno greeted him with a nod.

● V. Zsasz ● "Yeah I'm here."

● O. Cobblepot ● "Would you be as so kind to explain to Mister Falcone here what the current status of his father, Carmine is? I don't think he understands the severity.."

On the other-line of the phone was Victor Zsasz, a convicted murderer and rapist. He spent time in Blackgate but due to carvings in his flesh for each 'sinful' thought he had on his flesh- plus the fact of no-one wanting to deal with him, he was sent to Arkham to wither away.

● V. Zsasz ● "Ooo.. Scarecrow wrecked him good. He's learning how to re-tie his shoes, he can barely recall his kid's names. But there's one he rambles on about.. Mario? Mario I think it was, he said Mario is the one to take the family to a greater level, that Alby.. Alby is a failure.."

Slamming his hands on the table, Alberto shot to his feet and was about to say something- not before the usually calm and collected demeanor of Bruno Romano went right out the window as he too popped off of his feet and stuck the barrel of a Magnum beneath Alberto's neck, digging up into the skin.

● B. Romano ● ".. I'd suggest you bite your tongue, if you wanna leave here with it attached to you'ze."

Putting his hands up, Alberto knew it was a lost cause to attempt a show of offense, plus.. he didn't want it to come to that. The only reason he sprung to his feet was because Zsasz wasn't in the area or else he'd still be seated. Cobblepot let a huge grin spread over his face as he saw how Bruno handled Alberto's action- that was as Cobblepot moved over and patted Alberto's driver on the back.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Ya need a job kid? I know Louie's eyes are shot, he might need a driver or someth'n.."

Glancing in Alberto's direction, the driver shrugged his shoulders as Cobblepot let off a mocking sound of laughter.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Looks like your crew just dropped another member 'Berto! Zsasz, explain to Alberto what's the plan with Carmine if he doesn't concede willingly to us.."

This was a game to Cobblepot, crushing the Falcone Empire was something that he had enjoyed from the second he started the assault. Moving to a chair near the desk, one of the lower leveled guys pulled the chair for Oz and allowed him to sit in it before moving backwards and watching the meeting unfold, that was as Oz slid the phone to the center of the table where Zsasz' voice would be able to be heard...

[Victor Zsasz]

Zsasz: “… Let me ask you a question Alby, do you like garments?”

Alby looked confused, he answered however.

Alberto: “Um… I guess, why?”

Zsasz could be heard laughing, he sounded turned on.

Zsasz: “Because I could arrange it to where you see him again, in fact; if you don’t cooperate – I’ll make sure that you are able to wear him. You ever seen Texas Chainsaw Massacre Alby, huh, have you?”

Alby swallowed hard.

Alberto: “Y… Yeah…”

Zsasz chuckles, definitely sounding sadistic to all hell.

Zsasz: “… Then you know that if you don’t give Mr. Cobblepot what he wants that I’ll PERSONALLY make sure that you have new furniture when you get home, made out of his bones. Mmm… Can you imagine just wearing his flesh Alby? Because I can!”

Zsasz’s breathing was really deep, really intense as it sounded like he was pleasuring himself.

[Oswald Cobblepot]

● O. Cobblepot ● "Da hell you wait'n for!? Answer the man!"

Zsasz was known as an absolute psycho, his words were not to be taken with a grain of salt. With the murders he's confessed to as well as the other horrid crimes that's he's taken credit for, Alberto knew that this was the real deal and not a joke. Cobblepot found this amusing, the character-like smile crossed over his face illustrated this as Alberto shook his head.

● A. Falcone ● "Th- There's no way you can do that! He's in solitary confinement! And you'd NEVER make it out!"

● O. Cobblepot ● "Heh, dis kid.. He thinks the laws apply to us.."

With a nod of his head, Cobblepot threw a signal to Bruno to give Alberto a swift slap behind the head- jerking his head forward. He went to make a move that was as Bruno cocked the gun back and dug deeper beneath Alberto's chin with the firearm, Cobblepot cradled the Cuban cigar between his index finger and thumb as he inhaled from it.

● V. Zsasz ● "Boss.. Let me slit this prick's throat, let me bathe in his blood.. PLEASE!? COME ON!"

Behind Zsasz a voice was heard shouting "HEY, KEEP IT DOWN" as Zsasz apparently didn't appreciate that much.

● V. Zsasz ● "WHAT IF I CUT YOUR THROAT TOO?! ARE YOU FEELING NEGLECTED BY THE LOVE IN THE AIR?!"

Chuckling still, Cobblepot took a sick liking to Victor because he was one of the guys that didn't ask questions, he just did the job he was told to do. There was no brain in Zsasz that'd allow him to question Cobblepot's schemes, he knew that there was something on the outside waiting for him when he decided to leave Arkham and do something else with his time. At the moment he was being paid to stay in there, to keep an eye on the inmates that trickle through the cracks of justice to give Cobblepot direct information of who he could work with.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Relax.. Relax, Vic.. I don't need you in solitary, I need you in General Public, mix'n it up with the other kooks walk'n thoze halls.. Your time is almost up, make sure you give me a call again.. I've got some stuff I want you to handle on the inside, I think you'll enjoy gett'n your hands.. crimson.."

● V. Zsasz ● ".. Wait.. Wait.. Boss.. Before I go.. Let me ask Alby one more question.. Ya listening, punk?"

With a sigh, Cobblepot took another puff of the cigar and looked down at the phone before up at Alberto as Alberto reluctantly replied.

● A. Falcone ● "Wh- What is it?"

● V. Zsasz ● "He-He.. I heard your sister.. Sophie, she's good lookin' ain't she? How'z about me and you become family? How about me and her mix it up? What'd ya say if I told ya I've got a hunger that can be filled with Italian and only Itali- A! HEY! HEY MY TIME ISN'T OVER YE-"

The line went dead- the guards had probably had enough of what they heard from Zsasz and cut it short. As Alberto sat there, looking as flustered as he possibly could, Cobblepot let his glance go past Alberto and into the sky out of the window. Letting the smoke from the cigar spiral to the ceiling, he spoke again, this time- the tone of his voice was a bit more demanding- almost, like a major giving an order.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Let me make dis clear 'Berto.. That phone-call should be da least of your worries. Your crew? Your ol' man's empire? It's done, it fell apart. You ain't got nobody left to deal with, your connects work for me and if they ain't, they will be soon enough. Now you've got one of two options kid. Either.. You follow suit, you take me up on this once in a life time offer and join up with me- work ya way up the ranks and maybe.. You get your own crew under my watch.. Or.. Bruno pulls the trigger and splatters that big ol' brain of yours all over the place.. Your call, either way.. I don't really care."

Facing an ultimatum like that, being forced to choose on the spur of the moment- it wasn't easy. As Cobblepot brought his good leg up and placed it on the table, he continued to puff the cigar as he raised a brow at Alberto.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Just so you know, dis is a time sensitive deal. You don't give me an answer within.. say.."

Gazing down at the Rolex around his left wrist, Cobblepot looked up, directly into Alberto's eyes.

● O. Cobblepot ● ".. Twenty seconds, the message expires as does your existence and you'll meet the same fate that the prick Black Mask will.. So what it'll be?"

Definitely time sensitive, Cobblepot reached across the table and grabbed hold of his phone- wiping the screen from the oil that had generated through the course of the day. Placing it back down before him, he had an silent count going on- in his head as he tapped the table a few times- looking at Bruno..

[Victor Zsasz]

Tension was in the air and Cobblepot was not known for his patience, upon sitting there; Cobblepot’s phone rang again and as he looked at the screen, it read unknown caller – this sparked his interest, his anger even as he quickly answered firing off with that silver tongue of his.

Cobblepot: “MASK YA PRICK, I’M GONNA KILL YOU!”

Zsasz: "It’s me again boss! I called back because I NEED an answer about Alby’s sister so that I can sleep peacefully tonight.”

Smiling, Cobblepot put the phone back on speaker.

Zsasz: “Alby you prick, you never answered me! You want me to fuck your sister? Mmm… I REALLY like Italian.”

Making a slurping sound, it was obvious that Alberto was pretty pissed but he was not going to do or say anything irrational.

Zsasz: “ANSWER ME!”

Alberto: “N… No… I don’t want you mixing it up with my sister, or my family.”

Laughing hysterically, the phone clicked and hung up as he had been pulled off of the phone by the guards.

[Oswald Cobblepot]

Bruno was reserved, he had a family so Zsasz' words didn't really sit well with him, but he knew that it was needed to sway Alberto's mind. Once Cobblepot reached out and grabbed hold of his phone again, he killed the call and looked back in Alberto's direction.

● O. Cobblepot ● "So what? You in? You dead? What?"

By closing his eyes, Alberto had a second to see his life flash in front of him. The images of old where he'd enjoy the family dinner with his father, mother, brother and sister had faded away and at the moment he was the only one that could keep the loyalty Carmine would expect. Opening his eyes, he shot Cobblepot a glare as Cobblepot grinned.

● A. Falcone ● "Yeah.. Yeah, I'm in.."

With the cigar hanging off of his bottom lip, Cobblepot brought his hands together and gave a sarcastic round of applause before nodding and pointing in Alberto's way.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Good.. Good. Now let me give you fair warn'n.. I don't take to traitors and I sure as hell don't take kindly to liars. Be straight with me and I'll be straight with'chu. The city has ears, it's got eyes.. And they all belong to me. Don't let dat prick Black Mask fool ya, he got no stroke in Gotham. All he got is a buncha confused kids in masks think'n by follow'n him, they go'n to heaven or whatever he told'em."

Moving the cigar from his lips, Bruno finally let Alberto stand on his own- the imprint of the gun being pressed beneath Alberto's chin could be seen and was red around it. As Bruno fired off an oddly placed laugh, he patted Alberto on the shoulder and nodded.

● B. Romano ● "You did good kid, now go fetch me the paper on the desk there- be a Saint kid, a saint."

● O. Cobblepot ● ".. While you're at it, swing down to the mall and pick me up a new pair of shades- that new cop.. Blake? He's cross'n into a dangerous area, he tried to punk me out!"

Shooting Alberto the thumbs up, he shoo'd him off as Alberto headed towards the door, but before he could move out of it, that natural scowl of Bruno's crept up again..

● B. Romano ● "Aye! Aye! What did I say?! I don't know what kinda- halfwit circus makes up The Falcone Family but if you want a long lasting career.. You better learn to follow directions kid! This ain't your daddy's crew no more!"

The major reason why Carmine didn't want Alberto in the business is because Alberto was always the weakest. He was a coward, he was proud, but a coward.. So it sickened Carmine when he found out Alberto came back from Oxford and wanted into the family, but it had to be done, he needed to keep the family.. a family. Nonetheless, Alberto moved over towards the desk and picked up the paper and handed it towards Bruno, that was as Bruno nodded and flipped him a quarter from his pocket- just further more embarrassing him..

● B. Romano ● "So buy yourself a pack'a gum, kid."

Shooting Alberto a gun hand-gesture and a wink, Bruno opened the paper up and placed it down on the table as Cobblepot kept his gaze off into space- puffing his cigar, he was deep in thought. Acquiring Alberto Falcone was a move that wouldn't just cement The Cobblepot Army, but it'd showcase his power. Alberto himself was a pawn, Cobblepot knew this. He was weak, he'd turn on Cobblepot the first chance he got which is why he needed to keep an eye on him.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Ya know.. How's Mario doing?"

.. And that was the bigger picture; Mario Falcone. The younger brother, the youngest of Carmine's legitimate children. Mario was deported from the United States after several acts of violence as he was originally born in Italy. Mario was coined "Baby Bull" by many, and he was the one that Cobblepot worried about. Mario, prior to being deported was being groomed for greatness, Cobblepot and Bruno was gonna make a move and take him out but he was sent off before anything could be done. The history between Cobblepot and Falcone was bloody, it was violent but in the end? Cobblepot won.. He still knew Mario was out there, probably fiending for a shot to be back to take control of the family- but the protection from that was.. keeping Alberto alive.

● O. Cobblepot ● ".. Next time you talk to'em? Let'em know I said he can have a job too, clean'n toilets."

If he could lure Mario back into the states, he could obliterate any shot of a Falcone uprising as the stranglers? Those that didn't side with either Cobblepot or Mask? They'd flock to Mario Falcone in a second, Cobblepot knew this for a fact. Cobblepot knew that Alberto kept in constant contact with Mario and news would get back to Baby Bull but Cobblepot wanted it to. The easier it'd be to get him in the states, the faster he could end any revolt that'd pop off. As Alberto wore a half smirk across his face over those words- Cobblepot fired one off too.

● O. Cobblepot ● ".. Oh.. And if you feel like you've got the urge that you wanna switch from steak n' chicken to being a strictly cheese eater and turn rat.. I know where Louisa is.. Yeah, your mother.. I know Sophia.. And even a punkass coward like you wouldn't roll and sacrifice your own family. I suggest you be a good lil' soldier and follow orders, you earn cash, keep the little amount of respect you've got and have the chance to be a small-timer in my crew.. Got me?"

The smirk on Alberto's face was wiped clean, the info on his mother had supposed to be kept confidential after Carmine was locked within Arkham. She was sent off via Witness Protection, but Alberto knew in the back of his head that it wouldn't stay that way for long. Cobblepot's reach in GCPD went far, he could pull files on a lot of people- one as extravagant as Louisa Falcone wouldn't be hard. Hanging his head, Alberto let himself out of the room, leaving Cobblepot, Bruno- Alberto's once driver and a few other low level guys.

● O. Cobblepot ● ".. But.. Like I was say'n.. I think we've gotta make a move on this Blake kid, he's push'n too much and I almost knocked his head clean off his shoulders."

● B. Romano ● "It can be arranged Oz.. We just gotta figure out the kid's pattern. I'm not into off'ing cops, but if he's ruffled your feathers enough to consider it.. It's gotta be done."

Bruno didn't even have to move his eyes away from the paper when he answered Cobblepot and that was a quality that Oz respected. Bruno and Cobblepot went far back, Bruno was one of the only kids that DIDN'T ridicule Oz for his weight and limp and he never- EVER referred to Oz as "Penguin," once in his life. Oz didn't have many friendships as he couldn't trust many people but he had full faith in Bruno, and Bruno knew it too.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Have Louie get a guy on the jo-"

Before he could finish, he was cut off by his phone going off which caused Bruno's eyes to lift and scan Oz' phone- what appeared on the caller ID was a relief for what had been happening recently as far as phone calls going. Answering, he put the phone against his ear

● O. Cobblepot ● ".. Where you at Louie?! The meet'n is done with Carmine's kid.. You coulda got an errand done.."

Whatever was said on the other-line of the phone knocked the sense of security right off of Cobblepot's shoulders as he moved the phone away from his ear and sighed before tapping the screen and putting the phone on speaker.

● O. Cobblepot ● "Repeat what ya just said..."

● L. Keeps ● ".. I swear on the Holy Mary I've got the Mask follow'n me in a SUV.. I swear on it!"

Oz pushed himself out of his seat and grabbed for his cane, and stood upright. Hobbling slowly back and forth, Bruno looked up at Oz and nodded a few times as Louie continued.

● L. Keeps ● "What the hell you want me to do!?"

● O. Cobblepot ● "You sure you ain't just flip'n out like the last time?! How da hell you even know what Mask looks like?"

● L. Keeps ● "It ain't everyday you see a god damned psycho in an all black SUV with a black mask on and white teeth! This the real deal, Oz! What the hell am I supposed to do!?"

.. That was the million dollar question, wasn't it? What did Oz want Louie to do? Would the life of his underboss be worth the sacrifice.. Or did he want to play it out longer to see what Black Mask's true intentions were?

[Black Mask]

What is he supposed to do? In this situation hesitation is a killer. In that instant of asking what to do, Mask swerves around the drivers side of his vehicle, fires off a shot from a pistol taking out the back tire, then pulls in for a move cops call the pit. Slamming into the back end of Keeps vehicle, spinning him around and plowing the vehicle sideways into a telephone pole stopping any chance of him driving away.

Keeps: "MASK, WHAT YA DOIN' MAN THERE PEOPLE EVERYWHERE!"

Black Mask looks around at the people on the streets either trying to drive away, or running for safety, some even watching and recording with their cell phones. Black Mask, he doesn't care...at all.

Black Mask: "YOU THINK A FEW WITNESSES SCARES A MAN THEY CAN NEVER IDENTIFY!?"

Mask, now wielding double pistols shows off his accuracy, with both guns simultaneously firing at two different targets, blasting two cell phones out of peoples hands, he turns back to Keeps and fires two more shots, taking out the deployed air bag with one and the other going through Keeps' left cheek and exits through the right clipping his tongue in the process to muffle his screams. One more sudden shot to the street light making it very dark outside of Keep's vehicle. Suddenly two other masked men run up to the back passenger side door of Keeps' vehicle, opening the door they grab Keeps and drag him into the back, hitting him with black jacks rendering him unconscious they pull him out of the vehicle and dragging his limp body off into a very dark alley. Hearing something, a voice that catches Masks attention, it's Cobblepot screaming through Keeps' phone. Black Mask reaches into his front passenger floorboard and pulls out a gas can, picking it up and dragging himself up through his drivers side window, he reaches through Keeps' drivers side window grabbing his cell phone from the seat. Placing the phone between his cheek and shoulder to hear Cobblepot, Mask climbs up to the hood of his vehicle and starts dumping gas on the windshield, allowing it to run into the hood and down to the front tires, he jumps over to the other vehicle and does the same to it.

Black Mask: "Sorry for the delay Mr. Penguin, but your guy seemed to have had some sort of traffic accident, I'm not sure exactly of the cause, but he's going to need medical attention immediately."

Cobblepot: "MASK WHADDYA DOING, WHAT THE HELL DO YA WANT!?"

Black Mask: "My town, my crime, my money. I want to shut you down, and expose you so you're DONE!"

Mask throws the phone up in the air and fires several bullets into it, just completely destroying the cheap throw away piece. Jumping down off the hood of the vehicle, hearing sirens approaching Mask takes out a small torch and ignites the gas sending the vehicles into a blazing inferno once the tires catch fire the insides of the vehicles do too, eventually burn ing into the gas tank as he runs off into the alley, the police cars arrive just in time for one SUV to explode after the other leaving the cops in disarray for the time being.