uncharted waters [RIDDLER]

[Deleted]

Summer had been on the receiving side of some very exclusive information. It had taken weeks, numerous favors and an insane amount of dedication, but that was all beside the point now. In her hand she held a crumbled piece of parchment with an address scribbled on in and some very brief directions. To most, this bit of parchment would have meant nothing, but to Summer it unlocked another step in her career and a story that would stun the entire city of Gotham. A number of angles and ideas rushed through the young socialites’ head as she quickly folded the bit of paper and tucked it into her blouse before anyone approached her and tried to strike up a conversation. The address scribbled onto the paper was to a hideout she can honestly say she had never entered, despite her longing too. Her curiosity often got the best of her and despite the danger of the situation this was no difference at all. Summer carelessly ignored the idea that something bad could happen and was willing to risk it all for the sake of the story of the life time. After work, she got into her car and pulled the paper back out to give it one last look before she pulled out from her assigned parking spot and started toward the destination it read. With an almost mischievous smirk, removed her glasses and placed them in the center console as well as the bit of parchment that read the address to what else; but the Riddler’s hideout.

While she hated driving in the city, she knew that taking a town car to the sight would only raise questions. There was no need for one of Gotham’s well-known celebrities to be dropped off in such a shady area of the city; that would only raise unwanted questions. She had already secretly debated with herself whether or not she risk bringing a camera man on this mission, though decided against it. One more person would only be problematic, especially if they were carrying a bulky camera with them. No, instead she would simply use her small, compact camcorder for her documenting of the Riddler’s lair. The redhead could hardly contain her excitement as she drove toward the east end of the city, unable to deny the restless butterflies that fluttered endlessly in her stomach. She was undeniably nervous but that was expected regarding what she was about to do. Unfamiliar with the east side, she got a little lost a couple of time before she managed to find the location she needed. Looking at the paper as she parked by the dockyard, she noted the number of the warehouse where said lair was supposed to be and took a deep breath.

Perhaps she should go to the police instead? After all, they could arrest him on the spot for his notorious crimes and she could conduct and interview with him while he was behind bars. That would certainly be the safest option at the moment, but that’s not what Summer wanted. She wanted that raw, exposing shock to her audience that she wouldn’t get from a notorious villain that was behind bars. If she was going to get the results she craved, she was going to have to go to drastic lengths. Taking a deep breath, Summer started down that dock, her heels clicking with every step. She regretted not having stopped by her apartment and changing, finding herself fully aware that a pencil skirt and a pair of high heels was not the proper outfit for this mission. Her heels clicked loudly with every step, but she was oblivious due to the sound of her heart pounding in her ears. Looking up at the numbers on each warehouse, she finally found the one she was looking for. With a deep breath, she began to look for another entrance besides the front gate. After circling the entire building, she found a makeshift way into the warehouse and carefully crept inside.

It was dark and quiet, and looked nothing like the inside of any warehouse she had ever seen. Summer attempted to silence the clicking of her heels as she turned her camera on and began to film her surroundings as much as possible with the minimal light provided. It was quiet, which eased her mind slightly. Assuming she was alone, the redhead didn’t try as much to keep completely quiet. After all, it was still daylight outside and for once she wasn’t breaking her curfew, perhaps the Riddler wasn’t breaking his either?.

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Edward had quite a bit of ‘lairs’ to put it simply. The Broker certainly bent over backwards to please him, since he was one of his better clients. He seemed to dance between them like an outlaw on the run…oh wait, he was outlaw. Unfortunately, he had given his North Side Apartment to Jonathan before he left, and the man had managed in weeks to turn it into some mad scientist laboratory added with police infestation. He was left with hotel rooms, his warehouse and another abandon building towards the edge of Gotham.

After he had checked out of one of his many hotel rooms, he had come to his warehouse. It had barely reached into the afternoon which left him with ample of hours to work before he chased down another one of his pawns for this board game he played.

This particular warehouse had been one that he had managed to keep under the radar for almost over a year. The walls had random green question marks sprayed paint across to warn any possible thugs who this belongs to before they riled through his things. The floor was littered with sharp objects, and mechanics. Some were connected to the walls themselves, others were just pieces. While they were all dangerous all were clean, no dirt in site. Edward was an intelligent man, and knew how expensive and hard it was to get a hold of these items. He certainly would not let dried blood rust them away. Pushed against the wall and underneath the stairs, a couch, coffee table, and television set could be found. It was a pull out couch, one that Edward had often found himself passing out in on late nights.

In the back on the top floor was an office that had obviously been made for the manager of the company that had owned the place before him. In the office were multiple screens that covered the entire wall. Some played the news, the others streamed different security cameras around Gotham while one even played the latest episode of Law and Order. His desk sat in the middle where he currently leaned over drawing an elaborate web of all the pieces in his puzzle.

Allen his large henchman was at the front of the warehouse bored per usual. He had his iphone (The Riddler pays well) playing angry birds to past the time. It was rare someone actually came by because few knew where he was located, but even though the space was large the room was quiet, so the big man perked up when he heard a back door open. He quickly stuffed the phone into his pocket and moved towards the noise, gun in hand.

A green light on his computer started to flash, and Edward’s eyes pulled from his work to his screens. He changed the channel to his warehouse. His eyes fell to a young woman, obviously not from the East Side, sneaking around his projects. His lips pursed and stood from his desk.

Allen caught sight of the girl before she ever saw him. For a big man, his movements were silent as he moved around the dangerous items until he was right behind her. His large arm wrapped around her neck and he yanked her back in a choke hold.

Edward descended from the stairs with much more ease then he had ever had in the past to see the red head.

“Boss, caught a mouse,” he grunted, holding her tight.

Edward frowned, “Yes, I’m not blind.” He moved towards them and ran his eyes up and down her. She was quite a pretty little dove that seemed to be to have found her way into a lion’s den. His cane reached out and tilted her chin up, so he could study her and see if he could determine who she might work for. He didn’t like spy.

“Hello dear, I’m the Riddler,” he stated, “And you certainly have caught yourself in quite a predicament that only knowledge will get you out of.” He brought his cane down and back to his side. He looked a bit annoyed. She was after all taking the precious little time he had away. “Question, what are you doing here?”

[Deleted]

Summer couldn’t believe she was here. Stumbling upon a story like this could put her ratings through the roof! Oblivious to the other chaos that this knowledge could cause throughout Gotham, Summer didn’t worry much about her own safety. After all, that’s what police escorts were for, right? It seemed like a majority of her stories managed to anger someone amongst the hundreds of others she had reassured or revived. As far as she was concerned, if she could reach a majority of the people with her story, it was all worth angering a few out of the group. This story would surely do that much, assure the people in Gotham that these feared ‘villain’ figures in masks were only human as well. Finding one of the Riddler’s hideouts was just one more reassuring step in that process. It all made since in her head, though she couldn’t help but shake the feeling that this mission was much too easy. While she had never entered someone’s lair (willingly anyway) she felt the lack of security was almost unprofessional, so to speak. Of course, much like always, Summer had assumed much too quickly.

Sensing a large figure behind her, Summer attempted to whirl around only to find herself unpleasantly grabbed. Unable to defend herself, she let out a squeal as a pair of thick arms roughly forced her into a chokehold. Her head forced back and her body pressed to the large frame of her captor, struggle proved to be useless. He was twice –if not three times her size and the petite redhead found herself resorting to stepping on his feet in hopes his tight grip might loosen. Digging her fingernails into his burly forearm, it was all she could too in an attempt to get free. Summer was suddenly starting to regret acting on impulse and not taking more precautions. Her camera had smashed onto the warehouse floor, causing her to cringe at the collision. Even if it was broken, it belonged to the studio and was easily replaceable, not to mention, the memory card would have any of the previous footage she had recorded of the question mark-lined warehouse; obtaining it would be the only problem at this point.

“Get your hands off me!” Summer managed, squirming and kicking at her captor to her greatest ability. However, the new angle out of the shadows did enable to her to get a different look at the secret hideout. While she had never particularly sat around imagining what a secret hideout of a well-known criminal might look like, she couldn’t say that this was anything like she had imagined. He had her in a tight hold, making her chances of getting free nearly impossible. Her small frame pressed against his was undeniably uncomfortable and he reeked of stale cigarettes. It wasn’t until the man opened his mouth did Summer even notice another presence had joined them. Forced around, her eyes widened at the man who she had come face to face with. Temporarily speechless, her struggling wavered for only a minute as well. Jerking her head away to the best of her ability when he reached out to touch her, Summer wasn’t sure that was the right move but at this point she was merely acting on impulse.

Then arrived the question that she had been dreading; what was she doing here. Of course the right answer was going to be disastrous. For once, the young socialite was relieved that someone actually didn’t recognize her from her television show. Summer decided on telling a little white lie in hopes it might get her out of this situation. “I-I got a little lost. Please – just let me go and I will be on my way, I won’t tell anyone, this is all a huge misunderstanding!” Attempting to sound as innocent t as possible, Summer almost disgusted herself with the tone; however, it would all be worth it if she managed to get out of this so easily.

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Gotham citizens for some unbeknownst reason always seemed to take Edward as a fool because he had a time when he dressed in tight spandex and pranced around Gotham. He had worn tights because he had the body to do so, still does actually! He had to admit; the tights became uncomfortably tight, and were always difficult to breath during the summer. He eventually turned them in for a more professional outfit.

He studied the girl carefully as she struggled like any predictable young woman. She seemed oddly familiar. It was as if he had seen her before, but she had never provided much interest for him to take her name into consideration. His eyes dropped to the camcorder on the ground and it clicked. Ah yes, that news Anchor. His face twitched in disgust as he realized exactly who this was. It was that woman that constantly sputtered out nonsense to get good ratings, yet had no concept of what was actually occurring around her. What was her name? Summer something?

Her words only deepened his frown. “Interesting,” he said, as his eyes followed her features carefully and his face became emotionless. He turned away and pointed to the camcorder with his cane. “I don’t see why someone lost would be pulling out a camcorder. It would better to have a phone for a GPS. You do realize all phones come with GPS these days? Or it the simple activity of reading a map too difficult?” he asked as his finger moved and tapped his chin, “I certainly don’t think you could get lost. Why would you tell me you were lost if you weren’t? Hmm…could it be that you were attempting to get a news story for your little station, and now that you are caught, you are lying?”

He twirled back around, his eyes narrowing. “I despise liars. They are as terrible as cheaters. Now, I will ask you again. What are you doing here? And please do not insult my intelligence with another lie. I am the Riddler afterall.”

[Deleted]

Summer was quickly discovering that the Riddler was not going to be as easy to fool. Not that she had low expectations, though she was just drastically trying to think of something that might get her out of this situation. Summer felt as if her captor held any tighter she might pass out, and the more she struggled the more constricting her situation seemed to be. Summer eyed the man before her, trying to rack her brain for another excuse or reasoning that she might have entered this particular warehouse out of all the others. She took in the image that she had known to frighten most of Gotham. She couldn’t help but admit that despite his character, the Riddler’s physic was notable and pretty impressive. Quickly shaking the thoughts, she focused more on her plan of escape.

While she couldn’t move to see what exactly he was pointing out, she assumed it was her camcorder which clicked audibly from the ground behind her. She could only imagine the shape it was in, but that didn’t matter; all she needed was the chip inside. There only seemed to be one thing on her side and that seemed to be that he was oblivious to her identity. While that was much to her surprise and a little bit of a blow to her massive ego, she was relieved that she had least had some cards in her hand.

It wasn’t until he called her out on her lie did Summer start to subdue to her overall helplessness. He seemed to have put the pieces of the puzzle together. Glaring up at him, she couldn’t help but feel slightly embarrassed. Attempting to hide the blush that had crept over her cheeks, the redhead only struggled harder. With a sigh, Summer decided to temporarily admit defeat. “You are right, I was hoping to find something worth of a story, but I ran into you instead.” The news anchor said with obvious distaste. “It doesn’t matter. I’m not the only one who knows this address; I went to the police only moments before coming here. I’m sure they will be arriving any minute, and if they see you holding a woman against her will it is enough to convict you on the spot. I'm sure that I will be back in the comfort of my studio within the hour. Now, would you tell this oaf to unhand me?”

She hoped another little white lie might convince him to let her go? While she had debated going to the police on her way here, they had no idea of Summer or her whereabouts. Lying didn’t seem to be getting her anywhere, but she didn’t want to sit there and spill everything to the man before her. No one knew where she was and the redhead debated on reaching for her smart phone in the front pocket of her blazer. Realizing that she had left the studio in such a hurry that she was still wearing her mic and silently debated if she should add to her story by claiming that she was wearing a wire. No, probably not. She was trying to get herself off the hook, not killed.

[Deleted]

Edward laughed. He wasn’t certain if this girl was an absolute idiot or held a reasonable amount of intelligence. He remembered supplying a similar line when he had been in a similar sticky situation, but the difference was, that Edward had actually called the cops. Edward had access to the GCPD radio broadcast and of course, it was on in his office just like the television and security screens. He didn’t need to fully listen to know that there had been no mention of his name. No one from the GCPD would be paying him a visit, and even if they were, they were hardly a threat. The GCPD was merely a bunch of buffoons trying to catch up to the crime rate in Gotham.

He pulled out his gun from his jacket and pressed it against her forehead. He clicked it place, and moved his finger to the trigger. He didn’t need to be this close to have a perfect shot, but it certainly did not hurt in accuracy. A playful smirk danced across his lips. He was still angry, but somehow she had found a way to humor him, he supposed it was the confidence in her underlying threat. It was almost pathetic, like puppy yapping at a big bull dog.

“I’m going to list the flaws in your statement. First, running into me is a story. Probably the best story you could ever find in this predictable town. Second, of course you are not the only one who knows of this address. It’s my warehouse, so I know. The Broker who sold it to me knows it. The occasional…how would say…contestants know of it..” he chuckled softly, glancing at the sharp machinery around the room for emphasis. “However, the GCPD does not know it. How? Because you never told them. Not only do I have security cameras bugged in their offices, but I have their radio frequency. There hasn’t been any mention of the Riddler since I painted the Gotham Skyscrapers with my riddle. Third, I have far more convictions under my name besides conversing with a woman which includes, conspiracy, money laundering, theft, kidnapping, murder, and in some countries, I’m accused of terrorism. While I completely disagree with all of my charges, I do not say, keeping a woman off my private property is one of my worries. Fourth, that oaf has a name, and I am certain he would rather be called by it. Isn’t that correct, Allen?”

Allen grunted keeping her in his hold.

Edward tilted his head, his expression going cold. “Now, I could have sworn I told you not to lie to me, but I will give you one final chance to keep your pathetic life only because you are somewhat attractive, and it would be unfortunate to destroy such a pretty girl only after a moment of meeting her,” he stated, pressing the gun harder against her forehead, to prove that he was not lying in his statement.

“Riddle me this, it is said among people that some things are improved by death. Tell me, what stinks while living but in death smells good?” he asked.

[Deleted]

His laughter sent chills down her spine; why was he even laughing? Despite her efforts, all her struggling didn’t seem to make any progress but instead was draining her energy. Still, she continued to try to get free by any means necessary, even trying to step on her captor’s foot. It wasn’t until a cold, metal gun was pressed harshly to her forehead did Summer give up on her hopeless fight of getting free. Eyes wide with free, she looked nowhere but at the Riddler himself, wondering if he was going to be the last thing she saw before she died.

This couldn’t be, she was much too young to die. After all, she was just now getting started in her career and escalating quickly. She found herself somewhat of a local celebrity around the town and enjoyed her newfound fame, she wasn’t quite ready to give it up just yet. Summer could already see the headlines now once her body was discovered and she hoped that they would come many, many years later. “No, please.” Summer said, her voice shaking slightly.

Speechless as he pointed out everything that was wrong and tearing every single sentence apart, Summer swallowed and struggled for words. If she did survive this, it would make an outstanding story. The Riddler had just given her enough information about his location for an exposé that would make her producer beyond impressed and send ratings through the roof. As much as she didn’t want to admit it but he was right; running into him was a story, now she just had to live long enough to tell the tale.

Cringing as he listed is crimes; she didn’t want to be added to the list. Summer found herself at a loss for words. “Keeping me off your property….so that means you are going to let me go, right?” She finally managed, her voice gaining back some of its prior confidence. However, the gun being pressed even harder against her forehead resulted in a terrified squeal from the redhead. It wasn’t the first time her looks managed to get her out of a sticky situation and she surely wasn’t about to take it for granted. But a compliment from the Riddler, that was surely going to be an interesting topic to bring up at her next girls night, if she lived to see another. “I promise you I won’t look nearly this pretty with my brains all over your floor, so let’s put down the gun, yeah?”

A riddle? Summer opened her mouth to speak but wasn’t sure what to say in response. She began to panic, racking her brain for some kind of answer. She used to be editor for her high school paper and she could easily remember the corner front page of each issue having a riddle at the bottom, only to publish the answer in the next week’s edition. To think after proof reading dozens and dozens of different issues you would think she would have most of them memorized.

“I-I I’m not sure….Umm. I-It’s some kind of farm animal. God, what was it. Um…please, is it…is it a pig? Is that right?” She wasn’t sure what would happen if she got it right, perhaps he would just shoot her either way but she prayed that the correct answer would result in her freedom.

[Deleted]

Edward watched her carefully and took in her panic. He didn’t have an obsession for fear like Jonathan, but it was good to know that she was finally realizing the poor situation she had brought herself into. Nonetheless, she was a snarky girl, wasn’t she? It slightly annoyed him, but in some ways made him curious. He stayed there with the gun pressing to her head as she tried to figure out the answer.

When the correct answer left her lips, he smirked.

“That is….” he paused, his finger moving against the trigger, “Correct.” He chuckled and pulled the gun away. He placed the weapon back on his side before turning. “Do you like bacon? I was thinking of making brunch,” he commented. “Allen, let her go.”

The big man grunted and released her dropping her onto the ground. Edward glanced back and turned, holding out his hand for her. “Would you like to join me for brunch?” he asked sweetly, but there was obvious mischief. “Since you’re so obviously desperate for an interview from me, we can do it over food.”

[Deleted]

The cold metal pressed to her face had quickly informed her of how dire her situation could turn in a matter of moments. Summer couldn’t let it end like this and only silently prayed that her answer was correct. Murdered by the Riddler? While it would make an interesting story, she was sure she was way too young to die and her life was finally starting to take a turn for the better. Biting her lip, her heart pounded inside her chest as she waited for his answer, not daring to make a single move.

His smirk was enough to bring chills down her spine and Summer swallowed, waiting in anticipation to see if she had been right. Within a matter of moments her fate would be decided and part of her wanted to close her eyes and simply tune everything out until she knew that answer. However, Summer wasn’t a coward and had too much pride to do so. Instead she kept her gaze at the level of his eyes, trying to discover the answer before it left his lips.

Finally, the gun was removed and Summer was released. Stumbling forward as she was expectantly let go, she caught her balance just in time before falling into the Riddler. “Do I what? Oh, um yes it’s alright.” Summer looked up at him uncertainly, unsure if she should take this offer or simply take advantage of her freedom and leave right this moment. However, he had a point. She did want a story and the fact that he seemed willing to give it to her was unexpected but intriguing. Summer looked back nervously at Allen and then turned back to the Riddler, forcing a smile as she accepted his hand. “Alright, that sounds…lovely.”

Continuing to force a smile, her stomach churned nervously and she removed her phone from the pocket of her blazer so that she could record their conversation when the interview started, or possibly use it in case of an emergency. “Usually I have people do this for me,” Summer started more confidently, “But is there anything you don’t want me to mention or ask you during the course of our interview?” Not like Summer didn’t push the boundaries with everyone else, but this man had very recently had a gun pointed to her head. Honestly, she still thought her situation was a little too good to be true, but she was going along with it for now, even if it was just a game.

outfit here: clickkkky

[Deleted]

He took in the girl, standing before him in a fairly dolled up outfit. For a girl doing recon work on him, she certainly choose an idiotic outfit to do it in, but he had to admit, she held very attractive qualities, even if most of the words that left her mouth on the station were exaggerations and half-truths. He let go of her hand with a chuckle, getting strange entertainment at watching her confusion over the situation. It could be compared to holding a toy for a dog out or reach and watching them jump and jump but still not be able to reach it. He turned and headed to the kitchen. “The kitchen right this way,” he said as he walked there, though the many metal contraptions and dangerous tools that scattered the area.

As he walked he listened to her question and smirked, shaking his head. “I’m the Riddler. If I was not able to answer all questions, it would certainly defeat the point of my name, so you are welcome to ask, but don’t expect to always get the answer you are looking for,” he stated as he opened the door to a room. It obviously had used to be an employee break room, but since Edward’s purchased of the building, he had completely remodeled it. The kitchen now had granite counters, stainless steel appliances. Off to the side was a dark small wooden table fit for four, and pressed against the wall was an elegant green couch where Edward spent quite a few nights sleeping at. On the walls, there were spray painted question marks and occasionally a riddle.

He pointed to the table. “Feel free to take a seat,” he commented before he went to the kitchen area and pulled out eggs, bacon, and bread. He cracked the eggs. Some might find it odd that Edward was talking to the press, but as he learned from President Nixon’s affairs. If you have control of the press, you have control of the masses. If you don’t, they will one day come back to bite you in the ass. “I hope you like scrambled, dear,” he turned and glanced at her to see if she was about to run.