Snickers Ice Cream [Bridge]

[Deleted]

He sat in his car behind the out of business diner. The diner was an attempt to bring business and better class of people into East side Gotham after Batman started cleaning up the streets, but as expected as the rogues appeared the diner saw no business. It was forced into foreclosure. It was a boarder up dump with missing letters in the title. He was in the alley where he normally parked his car. Allen was checking to see if everything was clear. He told Allen to tell a few of his old Maroni friends that he was looking for another henchman.

He still couldn't believe Robby was dead. He would never admit this out loud or to himself, but a small part of him missed the frighten kid. It was only to be expected after spending close to a year with the two men. Though the majority of the Riddler's feelings about the boy's death was pure irritation. It hit his pride to know that Luthor managed to kill one of his men with a simple order. Luthor who had become a quite disturbance in his plans lately. Could the man not be content in his own city?

He would deal with him later in a way that would not attract attention to him. It was better, after all, to let enemies fight with each other. Superman could make a great pawn.

Allen walked out of the back alley door and nodded. Edward then opened the door to the car. He balanced a snicker ice cream bar in his free hand as he walked over to the back door with his cane. He never quite enjoyed this process. He bought ice cream. He always liked the sweet taste of it, especially after seeing and witnessing the filth he was about to see. He also took note to the amount of lollipops in his pocket. With the amount of stupid comments he was about to walk into, he would probably go through them.

Why did people become involved in this business? Because they were too stupid to pull up their boot stapes and work. They blamed 'the man.' Yes, this would be quite painful process indeed, but he needed at least one other man. Allen was being stretched thin, and he also needed people in different places.

Luthor must make it his goal to waste his time. "How many?" he asked Allen as he walked into the kitchen of the dumpy diner.

"About sixteen," Allen responded.

Edward frowned. Only sixteen? Was working for a notorious rogue not exciting anymore? Was he not paying enough...no he definitely was.

He pushed through the kitchen door into the dining area with a bunch of tables. Men were lounging and cleaning weapons on the tables. They all looked up when he walked in through the door. He took a quick glance around. Nothing spectacular. He looked down at his ice cream and unwrapped it. "As you all should know, I'm the Riddler, and if you don't know that then you really do lack the already low intelligence I thought you had," he stated then took a bite of his ice cream bar.

Allen stood behind him with an AK-47 in hand. Edward made sure none of the chocolate got onto his perfectly crisp green suit. They were expensive. "I have a riddle, a certain crime is punishable if attempted but not punishable if committed, what is it?" he asked taking another bite.

As expected, the room was silent which moved to mumbling and then talking then a laugh. This always happened. There was always one person who thought the situation was funny. He brought the ice cream to his mouth as he used his cane hand to pull out the pistol in his waist band. He aimed and fired in the time it took him to take a bite. He did this for a few reasons. One, he didn't particularly enjoy laughter from anyone else but himself, it reminded him of the joker. Two, it was to prove to people that even if he has a cane it doesn't limit him. "Wrong answer," he commented as he swallowed his bite. The room had gotten silent as the other men tensed.

Two of them (obviously friends) pointed their guns at him. "There's a bunch of us green man," the bigger guy shouted.

He glanced at the two men then back at Allen. "I feel like they lose intelligence each time we do this," he stated then looked back at the men. "I'm happy you can count," he commented then moved back near the kitchen wall. "Let's get some light shall we," he said as he flip the switched. Instead of the light coming on liquid fell from the many holes in the ceiling on top of all the people inside like a waterfall. Of course, the Riddler had rigged the diner. He went into the upper floor and placed a quite a bit of buckets over the degrading ceiling. He made sure to place the buckets over where the men would predictably be and not near him. Allen and him stayed clean. The smell of gasoline hit his nose in a second.

"Oh it doesn't work, Allen do you have a lighter? We could have some candles," he stated calmly to the man who was pointing his gun at the two threatening men who now soaked in gas as well as the others. If they didn't understand the threat or decided to shot him and go out the door, they would go up in flames. He rigged the door to light a spark every time it opened. It wasn't a problem if you didn't have anything flammable on you. Everyone of these people would die if they were too stupid to note the noise the door made when they walked in.

The two men, obviously angry, realized that other things could possible be traps and lowered their guns.

"As I was saying, I'm looking for a new employee," he stated, taking a bite of his ice cream. Let's see if any of these guys are worth his time.

[bridget]

A woman in black slacks and matching black turtleneck sat very quietly while the shots were being fired. You didn't live in Gotham long before you grew used to the sound, though she was quite unnerved at the man's underestimation of her (as a general group) intelligence. However, his attitude toward the group made her wonder if that weren't what he was looking for.

The riddle he'd concocted for them was most definitely entertaining. Bridget was quite certain that she had the answer, but unsure of whether or not the question was rhetorical. There was only one way to find out, though she'd only get one chance... perhaps even be killed. If she had even a moderately clever answer, perhaps he wouldn't kill her, just call her wrong and tell her to leave or shut up or something to that effect. Hopefully the answer wouldnn't be just a waste of his time.

"Pardon me sir," She put a finger in the air to indicate where she was in the room and to draw his attention. She could hear snickering behind her but it didn't matter now. Her heart was beating far too fast to care what they thought, considering her life could be at stake. "Is it... is it suicide?"

After her answer had been given, it seemed all the air had gone out of the room and the universe seemed to implode and bear down on her shoulders. As she waited on his response, she pictured herself awaiting an order of execution from a judge in a green suit, brandishing a questionmark rather than the traditional wooden gavel.

[Deleted]

The room had gotten silent with the one man dead and now everyone cover in gasoline except for himself and Allen. He did prefer it that way. He didn't want to hear any stupid remarks that would set him over the edge. He wanted someone respectful and obedient. If they couldn't provide that then he would let them out the door. He already crossed off the two that had threatened him, which left thirteen.

When a soft voice entered the room, his eyes traveled to the hand in the air. His eyebrow rose when he saw a woman. That was unusual. The last women that took interest in working with him were Echo and Query. Those two were completely insane to say the least. Those also were the times of his...spandex phase. He inwardly cringed at the thought. Amazingly though, Echo and Query quite enjoyed him in the spandex. Naughty images that weren't appropriate for the time popped into his head. Oh he did enjoy the female henchmen every now and then. Obedient in everything, but with Nina he didn't really need a female aquaitance nor did he think Nina would appreciate him having one. Her opinion didn't matter though when it came to work.

He pulled himself away from the thoughts and back on the words the girl was saying. The slight stutter in her answer reminded him of Robby. Again, he wouldn't admit it, but he missed the kid. He found himself smiling as he took another bite of his ice cream letting the tension roll over everyone. The other men were looking at the girl almost expecting her to get shot.

When he swallowed his bite he smirked, "Why yes that is correct which is something I must assume you all are considering since you're here."

"People die in our business as I'm sure you all know. Though whether you could call the death a loss is up for debate. One less idiotic person on the Earth always made me happy, but I feel it is something I should stress. I pay well gentlemen...and lady, but if you disappoint me I kill you," he spoke as he walked over to the old trash can and tossed the rest of the ice cream bar in. He did enjoy talking to much for his own good.

"If you can't handle that please stand up and go," he stated.

Six men stood up, they were making faces like they thought associating with a costume freak was too much. They were going to go back to the mob. Two of them were the previous guys who held their guns at him. Before they even moved, Edward nodded and Allen shot each one of them.


Edward rolled his eyes as the body thumped onto the floor, "See Allen, they really are becoming less intelligent. Didn't I just tell everyone that if they disappoint me I kill them? The ability to listen seems to be too much of a talent for them to acquire."

[bridget]

Bridget allowed the air to escape from her lungs like a deflating balloon after hearing that her answer was correct. She hoped that, and not acting like a jackass put her in somewhat of a lead over the other men. Perhaps the fact that she was a woman was a deterrent for the Riddler, but he'd had female henchman before? Perhaps it didn't end well. She did not want to have to make up for the mistakes of others.

The gasoline on her clothes made her rather uncomfortable, like she was a ticking time bomb. She found it a comfort that she wasn't a smoker, though she certainly felt she could use a cigarette at the moment. Bridget listened very carefully and found that she understood already the risks involved with taking this career path.

Death was at the forefront of her mind, even before the gasoline and the shootings, but she was bound and determined not to make a quivering fool of herself. So she did what she always did in situations where a person with more authority than she was speaking; grade school, college, employers, directors, she folded her hands in front of her and sat quietly listening to whatever ludicrous thing they wanted to say. It didn't matter any more. This was something she knew she wanted; being payed huge sums to bring misery to Gotham en mass.

[Deleted]

Every one was quiet. Respect. It took seven dead bodies to gain this level of respect and understanding. There was a reason he held his recruitment like this. He needed to be certain that whoever he choose to work for him would be obedient to the point they would step in front of a bullet. He didn't need them to step in front of a bullet for love, he needed them to do it out of fear that if they didn't the bullet the consequences from him would be far worse. Yes, everyone one of them was starting to realize that.

"I'm going to ask a few questions. I hate liars, so just raise your hand if the question applies to you," he stated causally. He did hope people would avoid not raising their hands altogether out of fear from getting shot. He wanted them to be respectful, but he also did not want them paralyzed in fear they became useless.

"Have you worked for the mafia?" he said in a sense of distaste, "I don't keep up with today's mob bosses, not worth my time, but for one of them."

He waited and watched as hands went up or stayed down.

"Have you worked for the Joker?"

"Two Face."

"Black Mask."

Based on who these men work with he could base their work ethics and personality. He waited and watched with careful eyes.

[bridget]

Bridget felt rather inexperienced as he rattled off the names of others whom may or may not have held her employ. Unless he mentioned the Library or the Gotham playhouse, she was not on the list. Perhaps all these men had more experience as hired goons than she, but just look at them! She made a mental picture of the kind of men who surrounded her; piles of doughy muscle wrapped in three kinds of ugly and covered in what looked like rather sha y suits.

True, they had the hulking kind of bulk required for toting heavy barges and lifting heavier bales, but she was quick and clever and damn hard to knock down. She was resourceful, and she felt in the pit of her stomach that resourcefulness would be the key to avoiding being picked up or beat down by the one true enemy of every criminal in Gotham, the Batman. These other men were more concerned, she thought, with making themselves out to be the toughest and strongest; and though strength would play a major role in what she thought some of her duties might be, it would be her iron constitution that got her through the nights alive. Bridget knew that anyone at any time could kill her, whether it was the Riddler himself, or one of these "gentleman" around her, or even police in a futile attempt to bust up the confounding confrance of criminal concern. The point was, she walked into the lions den, and if she had to die, it would be with a fight and the knowledge that she'd tred where angels feared to dred.

[Deleted]

He watched as the men raised or didn't raise their hands. He was looking for ex mob men. They had left the mob for a reason and therefore did not find the idea of working for a rouge degrading. Why that thought would ever pop into anyones mind was beyond him, but he couldn't have men disrespecting him. He also didn't want men who had worked for other rogues. Once a man started working with another rogue they became used to that person's habits. Two Face men usually were more flexible with jobs because they had to wait on a flip of a coin, but they also were more easily tempered. If they the unscratched side landed up to often they became impatient. Usually they left Two Face in hopes of finding more action. He couldn't have impatient men. Joker's men...were well slightly insane. You had to be to wear constant clown make up or mask. No thank you. Black Mask men were usually spies. Yes, it was better to stick with mob men. He only saw two hands when he mentioned some of the mob lords in the city. He also noticed a person who hadn't raised their hand. They must be new to the business. In this type of economy more and more people were turning to crime. New was good because it meant he could mold them to his ways.

He pointed at the three people he decided. "You three come with me. To the rest of you, I must apologize, but you lack any qualities I desire, but I assume you hear that quite often," he smirked. He heard a few irritated remarks, but ignored them as the three people walked to him. He didn't move when the three people reached his side. He wanted to watch. He wanted to see if anyone was smart enough to notice the trap. It was so simple.

The door open. The first man went up in flames. He screamed and rolled to the next that was cover in gasoline. The second went in flames. He watched the domino effect occur as all the men burned and cried out. The entire restaurant was catching a blaze. He smelled melted skin. Stupid.

"Aw yes, I guess I should have mentioned the lighter. I apologize for that as well," he said with a smug smirk, before turning around and walking to the kitchen. They would have to finish this in the alley. They were almost finished after all, but he would have to make it quick. They were on east side, so he doubted fire trucks would appear, but Batman or one of his costume brats might. He didn't order them to follow. He assumed they would. If they didn't they would burn alive. No person lacked the animal instinct to survive.

[bridget]

Bridget was quite relieved that she'd been gestured to as well as two others. They didn't look like much of a huge threat, but looks could be decieving. She scurried after her "interviewer" in hopes of avoiding the flames, though she did cast a disapproving glance back at the heap of burning flesh. Her nose filled with the stench of it. She shook her head and thought those had to be the most stupid people she'd ever seen; perhaps not the first one, but all those that followed. What did they think would happen when someone like the Riddler covered you in gasoline?

[Deleted]

When he reached his car he stopped and turned towards the three he had chosen. His eyes fell to the girl. He felt drawn to pick her just because she resembled the same size as Robby and the same respectful fear needed from an employee, but if she wasn't smart enough to handle a basic challenge then she wouldn't be able to help him. The other two were more muscle, but with his lack of ability to put up a fight it would be beneficial to have such men on his side. He pulled out his gun.

"Я всегда был заинтересован в игре в русскую рулетку. Если вы проводите клип просто правильно, то вы можете удалить случайности invovled в игре," he spoke causally in Russian as he rotated the clip.

"Let's start with you dear, why do you wish to work for me?" he asked pointing the gun at her forehead. The other two men gave questionable glances knowing they would be next. Allen, however, kept his eyes locked on the men just in case they tried something.

Translation: I have always been interested in the game of russian roulette. If you spend the clip just right you can remove the randomness invovled in the game.

[bridget]

Bridget had absolutely no clue what he'd said in Russian, but she knew enough to know that whatever it was probably had something to do with roulette of the same variety. When she hwas staring down the belly of a gun and could see his finger on the trigger, she knew if she didn't give a damn good and somewhat confident answer, she'd be shot.

"I heard that it payed very well." She began, calming herself with each sylable. "And I thought that, since you were the one hiring, it would be intellectual as well as physical. I figured that your orders would be clear and the ideas wouldn't need any correction, meaning I'd live a lot longer."

She didn't spill her guts, but she told him what she honestly thought and sprinkled in a little of what she thought he wanted to hear. There was no squishy flattery, no one needed that. And she hoped her wording was a good blend of intellagent and respectful.

[Deleted]

Her answer was bland and lacked any real interest to him, but she was sucking up. Edward ego always enjoyed a good stroking, and he loved when people realized how intelligent he was. Though everyone should know that by now. He smirked. "Decent first answer," he stated then pulled the trigger.

The sound of the gun went through the alley, but the girl still stood in front of him. It was a blank. He knew it was a blank, but he wanted to see her reaction. She seemed calm enough in front of a gun and was able to answer question quickly which was good. Robby always had troubles getting to the answer quick enough, but she did. Edward like to constantly test his man, and if she couldn't handle the possibility of death at any moment then she would be disposed of. He kept the gun pointed at her for only a minute longer before turning it to another man.

"What is pie?" he asked.

The man gave a puzzled expression. "A tasty dessert in the shape of circle," he commented with a shrug. Edward literally felt his leg scream in pain. He had not heard such a stupid response in so long. He was out, but he didn't pull the trigger. It would be a blank after all. He would wait.

[bridget]

She sighed, until the gun went off. Her ears rang and she flinched quite obviously. When she realized she wasn't dead, she resettled herself and looked to the next guy being questioned. What was pie? A tastey treat? What was he thinking? She was sure he would either be shot or pitied, the later being the worse fate.

[Deleted]

He pulled out his phone and checked the time. The police and fire squad would be coming soon. He needed to hurry the process up. He moved his gun to the next man. "Please tell me you can answer that question, correctly?" he remarked almost tiredly. His leg was bothering him and he was started to get slight irritated.

The man in front of him had shaggy brown hair that reminded him of Robby, but he was far more built then the kid. Though the man's face did give off a youthful expression, button noses do that. The guy grinned at the question, which made Edward feel slightly uncomfortable. There was too much happiness there for a man on the streets, and with the dirty clothes he wore it didn't look like his life was going anywhere. "Easy pessy. It's 3.14159. Maths sorta my thing."

Edward felt his eyebrow raise on his forehead. Interesting. He found himself smirking. It wasn't just the fact that he had given the correct answer, but also the fact that the man appeared to be a puzzle. What was causing the happiness?

"And as for the other question you asked the librarian there," he nodded to the girl, "Ya look like a librarian, kid. I gotta kid myself, and he's a big fan of yours. Since the economy hit me hard, and I have to get in this business anyways decided I might as well get an autograph out of it too."

Edward blinked for a moment. He didn't particularly care for the excess of story, but it was interesting. Allen chuckled from behind him, which made Edward refocus. Very interesting...

"Who isn't a fan of mine?" Edward smirked. He then pulled the trigger knowing it was blank. He liked this guy. He watched the man flinch, but then grin again. He pointed the gun at the guy who was just too unbearable. He pulled the trigger. Blood splattered out and then there was a thud on the ground.

Edward looked at his jacket and saw the stains. "Allen remind me I have to get this cleaned," he noted in a calm voice. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out another bullet. As he put it in his gun, he said, "Now let's attempt round 2."

[bridget]

Bridget watched the other man answer. He had a simple air about him, but he pegged her quickly as a librarian. She couldn't help but smirk a little upon the comment about his child being a fan of the Riddler, but even more so when the man himself asked who wasn't a fan. She herself was not among those who were not. It's almost the entire reason she decided she would come to this "interview of death". That and the money was good. Apparently the man thought the same as she, perhaps that would make it more difficult to garner the position in his gang.

She saw him load the gun again and knew one of them was going to die. She looked to the other man with an element of pity to her eyes, knowing she would do anything to make sure it wasn't her. She needed the job, and really wanted to keep her face intact. Therefore, he was the one who had to go. She piped up a little before he could think of a question for them.

"If you're in need of blood removed, vinager, baking soda will work, and so will shampoo and salt." She paused to see if she were annoying him, quitting while one was ahead was always wise. "Cold water for both is best, or the blood will set."