I Have Answers [Ozzy]

[Deleted]

Currently Edward was lying low, something he did for short periods of time because it meant he went without his usual attention. It had been a decent amount of time since the night he escaped Arkham. The new game had yet to be started, and it forced him into the seclusion of planning and plotting. There were pieces that needed to be set and strategies that needed finalizing…but most importantly…he had to determine how many players were joining this game. Normally, Edward only played with the Batman, and the recent embarrassment in China made him that much more determined to destroy him. However….

He frowned at the thought trying to suppress that entire incident out of his mind. It hadn’t worked though. It kept popping up like the common cold during the winter season. It wouldn’t matter for long though. He would have that dilemma solved after this meeting. After all, Edward had always been quite talented at finding the solutions he needed. He made his way into the Iceberg lounge wearing a black suit, and a thin black tie. The only clue that could be given that this man in a classy sixty style suit was the Riddler was his cane and the green lapel in his breast pocket.

He decided to do this meeting alone. He had yet to find new help since his escape, and he also assumed Selina would not look kindly to a random stranger in the extra apartment she was lending out to him. Once he had everything in place, he would grab another lackie to wander about. It was unfortunate Allen was still in Blackgate, but the man had a talent for reappearing.

He walked over to one of the Penguin’s girls at the podium. He gave her a large grin. She was a pretty thing, but all of his girls seemed to have that going for them. “Hello dear, I must say just being in your presence has lightened my day,” he remarked as he stepped to the side of the podium.

She rolled her eyes at first then caught sight of who it was. “Oh! Mr. Nigma, it has been quite some time. We have missed you,” she said sweetly.

He chuckled. “I’m certain if you have missed anything it is my money, but I’ll pretend it is from the heart as well,” he said, and actually brought his hand to his own heart and made a fake woeful face. He then brought it back down to his side and watched as the blush and smile formed on her face.

“Mr. Nigma, you know that’s not true,” she said with a larger smile before going back into a professional stance, “Are you here for a drink, or do you have a meeting?”

He shifted on his feet, bringing both his hands to his cane to hold him up. “I did not set up an appointment, but if Mr. Cobblepot is available, I have some information I believe he might value…for a price of course,” he smirked, “If he’s not, then I can answer someone else’s riddle.” He chuckled to himself as the young woman nodded and picked up the phone to get in contact with Ozzy.

Yes, he did have many pieces to set up on the board.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Even if Edward was without his usually obvious extraordinary amount of green the security team still had him pegged by the time he got to the podium and seconds later Oswald had been told and tuned one of the screens in his office to the right camera feed. Watching while he worked on other business. He didn't bother listening in, a rogue coming to the club was hardly newsworthy but as it was Edward's first return since he regained his freedom from Arkham it had earned a note of attention at least.

As soon as he saw the girl out front pick up the phone he figured it would be to call him and turn his attention to his computer to do a quick scan over any unusual activity in the club within the last few weeks. Edward was usually enjoyable to do business with, he knew how these things work but he was also a planner and if he didn't have something to offer up in return for whatever he wanted then blackmail was certainly expected and if he didn't have blackmail he'd find a way to make some. He'd poisoned two people in the club, Ozzy didn't care about them, he'd been more than happy to do a deal and look the other way but he wasn't about to let it happen to himself.

He saw nothing immediately suspicious but had little time to go over everything as his phone rang, the message having finally got from the desk and through his receptionist to him. He hit the button to answer it "What does he want?" the woman was getting used to Oswald already knowing what she was calling about and got a little less surprised everytime "Mr. Nigma wishes to see you, he says he might have valuable information for a price. He didn't specify what" it was certainly the right words to get Oswald's attention. He pondered for a moment using one of the other rooms but his office was about as secure as the rest of his private rooms and he saw little trouble that couldn't be handled by himself or the security around the building "Have him escorted in"

In the end it was only a few minutes before the message was given to the girl at the podium to send Edward into the more restricted section of the building and she gestured that way "He'll see you now Mr. Nigma, straight through those doors" the ones marked 'Private. No Entry' with the bouncer watching over the room beside them just in case someone didn't get the point so easily. Oswald really couldn't afford trespassers snooping around.

The bouncer got the message in his earpiece moments later and opened the door for Edward behind which another man in a suit was just arriving to lead the way. No matter how many times someone had been around the back of the club and even if they knew their way around blindfold unless they were on the list of people allowed back there they didn't get to walk around without an armed escort. In this case it was a thin, sort of buggy looking man who didn't appear to have the ability to look anything but miserable "This way" he said without enthusiasm before leading on.

The man never said another word any just lead on through a couple of corridors, past mostly unmarked doors and to the lift which opened and went to the top floor without the press of a button. There were buttons but under normal circumstances the mysterious security room liked to keep track of movements, particularly up to Oswald's floor.

Another corridor and Oswald's domain was quite obviously at the end of it, nowhere else in the club had such finely carved double doors and that was just leading into the receptionist's area, the doors behind her into Oswald's office were at least twice as big and four times expensive. Oswald liked to show off. The receptionist smiled when she saw them but didn't move from behind her desk "Go straight in, Mr. Cobblepot is waiting"

Oswald was indeed waiting, as the man who'd been leading Edward around knocked on the door he stood from his chair and rounded the large oak desk "Come in" his smile appeared as soon as he saw Edward, even if they were on good terms it was still pretty fake but a well practised fake "Mr. Nigma! How delightful that you should visit again, though with such unusually monochrome attire. I presume it's not unrelated to your recent return to freedom" Oswald's smile increased a little, he really did like it when they broke out, not only were the rogues rather fun to play with and less trouble if he lost his temper around them but their wallets were always missed "We should break out the good wine and celebrate"

Naturally there was no bad wine anywhere near Oswald's office, the only thing more expensive than the contents of his mini-bar was the decoration of the room itself. Panelled wood walls, thick red carpet. Works of art and a couple of small statues by the large reinforced windows with a view over Gotham. None of it stolen amazingly enough, some acquired through less than legal means but not stolen. Oswald wasn't foolish enough to keep those items so obviously displayed. There were a couple of bird perches here and there but no birds currently, he didn't like to keep them out too often when rogues came to visit, if things went badly the poor things could get hurt.

[Deleted]

Edward smirked when he lead through the maze to get to Ozzy’s office. To Edward every person he met held potential for manipulation. They all were pawns to be pulled one way or another depending on how it benefited Edward. It made people predictable. While Ozzy held a large amount of influence, it did not mean he was immune to Edward’s talents. If anything, Ozzy’s many interest held immense opportunity for Edward to play his game. He knew that giving bait of information was enough to fish out the bird, and oh how it worked.

The maze of hallways and elevator had been something he had seen the before, and always, Edward found the motion quite tedious and annoying. With his leg, he never enjoyed pointless walking, especially when it was all a show to intimidate those seeking the man’s help. Pointless and stupid, but Edward tried to distract himself by chatting up the man leading him. Unfortunately, it was greeted with silence. Dull… Couldn’t Ozzy hire more entertaining staff or did they all have to be as dimwitted as a rock? He finally reached the Receptionist area and was lead to the nicer doors. He did have to admit Ozzy knew how to live. Edward missed his own penthouse on the North End. The famous artworks that decorated his wall, the furniture shipped from all over the world….now frozen as evidence. He would get it back soon though, and living in the style he had always deserved.

He entered through the large doors into an even larger office. He watched as the stout short man rounded his desk and greeted him pleasantly. Ozzy certainly never lost his backhanded charm, though it would take much more then that for Edward to ever fall into it.

Edward smirked and brought his free hand to his sleeve, brushing it off slightly. “Yes, it’s quite unfortunate,” he commented about his missed green attire, but he wasn’t wearing it because of the cops. No, there were more important reasons not to be noticed tonight. “I almost feel grouped into the masses. Though I’m certain, like yourself, I pull off any suit marvelously,” he remarked with an even larger arrogant grin.

At the mention of wine, he held his hand in the air. “Actually I would prefer not. I’m here to talk business, and I prefer not to drink over such handlings,” he paused then smirked, “Unless I’m ordering them.” He knew Ozzy would know instantly what he meant. He still was questionable whether the man would be after his skin for his stunt with Luthor. After all, he hadn’t informed Ozzy of that one, since the time for the meeting was made quickly and he hadn’t had anything to offer. He also lost one of his men for it, and to Edward that was payment enough. He judged off the ‘good’ mood that the man wasn’t mad over the events, or at least wasn’t holding a grudge.

He tapped his fingers on his cane as he glanced around the room. “I see you managed to pick this place back up quickly,” he noted. He had heard the Iceberg had felt the blunt of the trauma from the FBI. He then brought his eyes back to the man. “You are looking good, Mr. Cobblepot. Everyone tends to lose weight when incarcerated,” he remarked with a taunting smirk, remind Ozzy that Edward wasn’t the only one recently released, “I blame the horrible food.” Edward chuckled and shifted his weight to the side.

“I’m off topic though. I heard through the grape vine that Jonathan Crane owes you a debt,” Edward remarked in a way that he really cared little for the man and the information, studying his finger tips almost bored. However that was the exact opposite of how he felt. Jonathan was the main reason he was here. Did he think he could get away with taunting him like that? Did he know who he was messing with? He couldn’t be that much an idiot to think that it wouldn’t catch his attention! He had to know it caught his attention! He had done it on purpose! And if he thought Edward was just going to sit back and take it then he had another thing coming. Edward met every challenge thrown at him…especially the challenge of some stupid little brat who spoke too much about her pointless opinion that no one cared about.

He would solve it, and Ozzy would be the pawn to do it.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Oswald chuckled and straightened his jacket a little at Edward's comment about them both in suits "It takes the exceptional to marvel where the masses fail miserably" like Edward he wasn't about to fool for charm, enjoy it perhaps, but he would always assume the charm of others was as fake as his own and he general he was right.

With the offer for wine rejected Oswald gestured to the chair across his desk and walked back to his own, larger one "As you wish, straight to business" The dull and miserable goon remained by the door but in the room, either there in case of trouble, waiting to lead Edward back out again or just waiting for orders in general, whatever the case Oswald acted like the man wasn't there at all.

There was a note of amusement and a returning smirk at the idea that Edward seemed worried about Ozzy taking revenge for Luthor "Edward, you wound me! You've come here with a promise of information, business would be quite difficult were you poisoned" slow acting poison would work fine of course or Oswald could just wait until after he had his information to get revenge but all that rests on the idea that Ozzy cares much about what happened to Luthor.

Yes, Luthor wasn't keen to come back but as the man never took revenge on Oswald and he had no important business with Luthor at the time he has no other reason to particularly care. Luthor could have keeled over dead and Oswald would just have charged Edward for getting rid of the body, maybe lectured him a little and then used the opportunity to take over some of Luthor's business. Really it was a shame he was still alive. As it was the whole thing had resulted in some interesting information from the microphones which made up for a lack of bribery and there was no backlash to Oswald anyway. Had Edward not bribed him to look the other way when it came to Jon he would have shown annoyance then, these are things he can benefit from and he won't allow others to make a habit of working around him but he really doesn't care if they kill each other so long as it doesn't effect business. It's not enough to want Edward dead anyway, not this time, the man can be useful.

Oswald settled back into his seat, just returning another smile as Edward reminded him of his own jaunt in jail "Recovery is considerably easier when you are found innocent" the less said about his weight the better, it's a dangerous subject and after just a smirk and raised eyebrow he moves past the comment. Something which is easily done when Jon is mentioned.

He doesn't show his interest though naturally he is "I presume this means you happen to know where Dr Crane is hiding out?" he neither confirms nor denies his connection to Crane, he's not in the habit of sharing information if he doesn't have to.

[Deleted]

Edward had to admit that Ozzy was a man he did enjoy doing business with. Unlike some of the other Professional Criminals, Ozzy still had his sanity in tact. He was a man with a large influence and vast information. If you were fair to him, he was fair to you. You merely had to be careful over what you decided to share with him because it was very likely it could come back to bite you. Edward did not have difficulties with though. He had always been a master at words, twisting them how he saw fit. Now that he knew that the incident with Luthor had successful been put in the past, he felt much more comfortable with the meeting still going forward.

On the other hand, he certainly still won’t be taking drinks from the Lounge any time in the future. Edward was far too cautious to make a stupid mistake like others did. When Ozzy motioned to the chair, Edward grinned and moved towards it. He pulled it out, always somewhat surprised over how comfortable the chair actually could be. Step two completed.

Step one was to attract Ozzy attention to invite him into his office. Step two was getting Ozzy to let him stay. It felt similar to pitching a marketing strategy for big shareholders of a company. It was all about baiting them until they begged for your service.

His last statement merely confirmed the rumor he had heard. While Ozzy didn’t look visibly interested, he was taking his time to hear him out. Ozzy never wasted his time unless he was keenly interested in it, and why else would he be interested unless Jonathan did owe him a debt? He smirked and settled his cane in front of him. Both of his hands moved on top of it, as his eyes grazed over the larger man in the larger chair. The jab towards Edward’s own return after the FBI and lack of innocence completely ignored for the business at hand.

“I do,” he commented and leaned back in the chair. “You should know by now that I know many things.”

His hand left his cane and went into his jacket. He glanced down as he pulled out a lollipop and started to undo the wrapping. He looked almost bored with the conversation and far too interested in his candy, but he continued to speak. “If the rumors are true, I would like to pay for his debt.”

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

It's too bad the same couldn't be said for Edward's sanity but out of all the insane criminals in Gotham Ozzy did find him one of the easiest to work with. Sometimes a little too smart for his own good and he could overstep his boundaries but he was a smart man and smart men didn't often cross the Penguin without thinking twice about it.

Oswald picked his battles anyway. It would be an inefficient use of time and resources correcting Edward's behaviour over that one small event. Maybe if Oswald was angry and already had him for something else while the Riddler had nothing to offer then it would still come back to bite him. Ozzy forgot nothing of course. Still, for now it was considered in the past. So long as Edward was on his good side and proving useful it would remain there too.

Settling down behind his desk Oswald relaxed in his chair and watched Edward. There were many reasons why he would like to know where Jon was even if he didn't owe him a debt, chief among them is the fact that it's information. Someone comes to him with a vast sum of money in search of some rogue's hideout and what's he going to say? Sorry I never bothered to find out? The rogues secrets are Oswald's business, that includes where they're hiding out.

A moot point though as he did indeed have business with Jon and greatly desired to have the man hunted down without having to throw anymore money at the escapade.

Edward's first comment just passed by with a knowing smirk from Oswald. They both knew a lot but Oswald was the one with the large information network, he figured he had more than an edge there.

Misery thug by the door silently reached for his gun when Edward reached into his jacket but relaxed again when it was only candy. Oswald ignored the movement. The words surprised him, a trace of it even showed before he looked amused. Well this was a turn for the books. His smirk returned "Now what would make you desire to do such a thing?" he escaped from Arkham with Jon maybe there was something to that...but it didn't seem right. Rogues do not bail out other rogues without something being held over their heads and it should be far beyond Jon to hold something of that price over Edward's head. The Riddler was slippery and Jon, while smart, hadn't shown a suitable level of manipulation for such a thing.

There was of course one other question. Oswald narrowed his eyes at Edward, the smirk of amusement remained but it was as if he was trying to read the man's brain for a moment before he rested the arm that was free of his umbrella on the desk and leant across it towards Edward "Equally importantly, what makes you think you can?" It was a steep price and Oswald was curious to see what was on offer. The chemicals Jon had promised, both invented and in development could be all brought down to the money Oswald would get for them, though if Edward could get the chemicals themselves he was better to work with than Jon and Oswald would prefer the chemicals than the money. So much potential in them. There was also the question of Oswald's reputation though. No one crossed the Penguin and got away with it. To allow the Scarecrow to do so would require suitable compensation. A steep price indeed.

[Deleted]

Edward stayed focus on the wrapper in front of him as he slowly unclasped it from the candy. Ozzy’s expressions were predictable, so he had no interest in reading them. It also was fairly predictable how Ozzy would react to his words. The man might offer some intelligence, but like the majority of the masses, his desire and wants were simple. He, as a person, was simple. After all, Ozzy was a pawn on Edward’s game, and my oh my, was he performing as miraculously as he expected. Edward smirked to himself as the candy was free and he placed it into his mouth after hearing both questions.

Why was he offering to pay? Knowing rogues, it certainly was unexpected for one to merely help another, so the question was understandable. Edward chewed over it himself as he rolled the candy in his mouth. It was quite simple, but he knew Ozzy would never understand. It came down to once concept: control.

Noticing Ozzy leaning over the table almost made him laugh, but he held it back. Ah yes, he had certainly caught this fish. He placed his hand back on top of his other over the cane. “If everything was revealed, Mr. Cobblepot, there would be no riddles,” he smirked, as he brought one of his hands up. His elbow resting on the armrest, and he leaned his cheek on top of his hand. He locked his eyes with the man as he challenged him with his stare. Edward never did enjoy backing down from a challenge. He still had a taunting smirk on his face, but he also looked equally bored with how relaxed he appeared in his position.

He would admit though. He wasn’t entirely certain what Jonathan had offered Ozzy, but knowing Jonathan masochistic nature, it was certainly more than he could actually afford to give. The fool had a talent of choosing the worse possible scenarios for himself. He chuckled softly at the question. Ozzy had low expectations of him.

Edward lifted his head and waved his hand like it was nothing. “Money has never been difficult for me to get a hold of. If you remember correctly, I did work in real estate and stocks before I had change of professions, and with the continual advancement of technology, money has never been easier to steal. A few codes, and an entire bank can collapses,” he snapped his finger. It really was always that simple to him, but he did always like to make challenge out of it somehow. “I will admit, currently I do not have access to my accounts. The Feds froze them after my capture. I am working though the firewalls to open it up and become reacquainted with my savings. It should only take another week…that is, if money is what you after. On the other hand, I could offer you my services…a favor per say in exchange for his debt. Either way, it does not hinder my actions.” He spoke honestly and to the point. He had given the Joker 2.6 million dollars to simply plants some bombs and entertain the Batman. Money was merely another tool in his plans. He could easily get more of it if he needed it. He doubted there was a number that Ozzy could give that he wouldn’t pay.

“Oh,” he commented as if it had just occurred, but those who know Edward would know the thought had always been there. “I only ask for two things.” He knew he had no reason to ask for anything. After all, by paying a debt it meant that they were merely fair and nothing was owed. However, Edward highly doubted Ozzy would reject either. “One, I do not wish Jonathan to know…and two,” he paused for a moment as an evil glint appeared in his eyes, “When I give you his address, I need to know that he is punished for not paying the debt.”

He knew Ozzy like he knew the other rogues. Pride and reputation was important to all. There is no possibly way Ozzy would allow Jonathan not to feel some of his wrath. If Jonathan got away unharmed, it would spread through the Gotham underworld like fire. Ozzy would look weak, and we couldn’t have that.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Oswald doesn't worry about showing interest. It was a rare person who didn't know he liked money, information and favours offered up in exchange for his services and Edward would be more than aware of his desires than most having done business many times in the past. Catching Oswald's interest and getting him to agree to a deal they wanted were two different things though. The price must be right for he is a businessman, greedy perhaps but still with his wits and a keen ability to judge a deal.

Just like Edward can see his interest Ozzy can see the Riddler's. The bored act is pure Eddie and he wouldn't have come if it held no interest to him. He certainly wouldn't be offering to clear Jon's debts for the sheer fun of it.

The stare was returned as Oswald still tried to read the man, a smile with a hint of smirk remaining fixed in place "Can it be that Jon has gotten under you under his thumb my friend?" a verbal poke to test for a reaction before he leaned back in his chair again, amused by the idea "Just how close are you two these days?"

Details of what he might get in return snapped his amusement into a more thoughtful expression. If he wished he could have banks hacked himself but he rarely did so to steal, usually it was to spy. The information was invaluable but he didn't trust people who could potentially clear out one of his own bank accounts or leave a trail right to him. Certainly he would kill them if they did but it wasn't as if he had a problem getting money through other means.

Resting his elbow on the arm of his chair Oswald put his hand to his chin and considered what was on offer, looking for the catch. It seemed a pretty good offer. He would be repaid and he'd get to hurt Jon but there were questions in need of answers, such as what Edward wanted in return. He seemed in no hurry to accept and instead began firming up the specifics "Untraceable money? Any limitations upon the favour or the nature of Jon's punishment or any further business I could have with him? I assume for instance I am not allowed to kill him or it would hardly matter if he knew you revealed his location" Little details were important, as was the language of them. Oswald attempted to be straightforward. He wouldn't trust Edward with a loophole if he could help it.

Lifting his chin again Oswald gestured to the Riddler "You would be repaying a debt and providing me with information, might I question what is it you are looking to acquire in return?"

[Deleted]

His fingers played with his question mark cufflink, as he waited for Ozzy’s response. His eyes had turned downwards. He knew what would come from this. Ozzy would give him what he wanted because he knew it was the better deal. Either he could accept and regain the debt that was owed to him as well as the address to return punishment, or he could reject and never reclaim the debt nor learn of Jonathan’s location. It was hardly a difficult choice. He knew Ozzy was obviously suspicious of his intentions, but the choice would still be made as Edward expected. He was not a master strategist for nothing.

He brought his eyes back up to Ozzy, feeling confident, but then the short bigger man smiled. It caused Edward to pause in his movements. The taunt felt like a slap in the face. How? He jaw locked, and his eyes narrowed. Jonathan could never gain power over him. No. Never. Edward was the one who had power, and he only was securing that control in the process.

He shifted awkwardly in chair before leaning back and smiling, obviously fake. “You know this Mr. Cobblepot, I have never been one for friends, especially close friends,” he commented. He then let out a half laugh, “That would require trust, and only stupid people trust.”

When he changed the subject to details, his smile became a bit more mischief. Yes, the details did matter. He rolled the candy in his mouth and shook his head as he waved his finger in the air. “No. No. Death is permanent solution to a question that can be answered in many ways. Beat, bruise, scar, that does not matter to me. However, there is a far more tortures punishment then such simple brutish actions,” he smirked and turned his finger his own chest. “The heart is far more painful, and what better price to pay for an unpaid death. If I hear the rumors correct, Jonathan has taken a….” he paused not liking the taste of the word on his lips, “lover.”

“Killing him is quick and painless. Killing her….” He grinned, “That is pain that will last eternity.” Yes, the girl would die. She needed to die. He did not know exactly what game Jonathan was playing, but he planned to stop it.

“In return? You already are giving me quite a bit in return if you accept my request,” he answered. It was vague, but Ozzy kept dancing around an answer that he did not want him see. No one could see. Not that he was religious, but if anyone found out his sinful plans, he would likely die from embarrassment.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

As deals went it was a no brainer. Any idiot would see that getting revenge and being repaid was preferable to continuing to spend money searching for Jon and getting very little funds back. That doesn't make Oswald any less suspicious but provided he tied up the details to cover himself there's no reason for him not to accept the offer. Particularly when it seems Edward doesn't want much past Oswald doing his part for whatever plan it going through Edward's head currently.

Oswald's smile grew as Edward's eyes narrowed, sometimes it's fun to push buttons but Ozzy also knows not to push those buttons too much, the reaction was amusing but it's not worth turning the meeting sour for though.

He chuckled to Edward's comments about friends and slouched back comfortably in his large chair "Quite right, Edward" Oswald called people friend, he didn't actually have any though. Business associates, acquaintances, employees. No one that could worm their way in and ruin everything he'd worked so hard to build.

Limiting his revenge to anything but death was perfectly acceptable, Jon could still prove profitable in the future were he contained properly so Oswald had already planned not to kill him. Now he will simply have to ensure that he doesn't get angry enough to do so anyway in the heat of the moment. The news Edward brings though is just delightful. Crane has a lover? A loud squawk escaped Oswald's mouth and turned into a cawing laugh at the very idea of it! "Tell me it's not that obnoxious radio girl he keeps kidnapping?" he questions before laughing again.

A dozen ideas spring to mind instantly. Foolish, foolish Jon, giving himself such a weakness. Oswald would enjoy using that against him, it was all too good to be true! "How can I refuse such an offer of revenge and profit with nothing to be repaid in return?" He grinned back at Edward. He was still certain there had to be a catch but it was awfully tempting anyway.

[Deleted]

As he watched Ozzy’s reactions, Edward became more and more pleased, as evident by the smile that grew on his face. Easy! It was always too easy! Even Ozzy, who possessed more intelligence then the buffoons on the street, could be manipulated to do his bidding with only a few words. The world should really make a giant statue in honor of Edward’s greatness where all can worship.

Ozzy understood that the best way to effect someone was to hurt what they loved, and by merely mentioning a rumor, he made Ozzy think that Jonathan actually cared for the girl. Edward was certain she was no more than Jonathan’s chess piece. She had to be….he couldn’t actually…care for her. He pushed the thought away. “Yes, that would be the one,” he chuckled. At least Ozzy agreed with him there.

When Ozzy came to the conclusion he wanted, he grinned. “Perfect,” he said like someone who had just seen a beautiful art piece. “Would you like me to transfer his payment, pay in cash, or would you prefer a favor instead?” he asked, straight to the point. He stood up from the chair as if getting ready to leave. After all, they had come to a deal. He moved to Ozzy’s desk getting ready to hold out his hand in agreement.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Oswald had been considering the possible reasons for Crane's interest in VerMillion for some time. An unknown experiment had always been his running theory but he could see no advantage to giving the girl another radio show and some apparently new vigilante to interview. A relationship could fit, clearly the girl was in no hurry to get away, she hadn't seemed nervous on the radio but then Jon could have her drugged...Considering it was the Scarecrow she was almost certain to be drugged anyway.

The reasons were irrelevant. The fact was Jon kidnapped the woman twice and she was still alive, obviously he wanted this girl for some reason be it personal or professional and Oswald was more than happy to take advantage of that and with luck screw up a few of the Scarecrow's plans or his love life.

Ozzy's squawking laugh eventually settled into a chuckle and a rather large, cruel grin which he shoots at Edward for a second "Women always were dangerous things" the look passes quickly, smoothed beneath a smug, confident smirk. A slip of blank paper is pulled from his desk and onto it he jots down a couple of numbers from a book he pulls from his pocket and keeps the contents of well out of Edward's line of sight "A transfer of funds to compensate and repay the losses will suffice. Six million dollars into this account. I care not how you get the money only that it is not already mine and no one comes looking for it" of course it's not an account that can be traced to Oswald, he'll have the money disappear even further once he gets hold of it but it would be highly inconvenient to have the authorities sticking their noses into his business again.

He knew he was playing Edward's game. He knew Edward wouldn't tell him what the game was but still Oswald pushed the pen and another slip of paper across the desk towards Edward for Jon's address. If it got him what he wanted he didn't care who's game he was playing along with. Finally Oswald offered his hand across the desk "I assume that will be an acceptable price, if it is truly so easy for you to acquire funds" Play along, make a profit, get his revenge. He would accept the deal and then he would find out what Edward was up to himself because after all, that's what the Penguin does.