The Refusal

The man ran through the darkened streets of Gotham City. The sounds of police sirens rang throughout neighbouring streets and alleyways, as he tried to evade being arrested yet again. However, this was not just a quick escape: this man had a desired destination.

After minutes of running, and a couple of near misses with the police, he finally reached his chosen hideaway - a nightclub called the Iceberg Lounge. As he reached the front doors, he saw a sign on them which read 'Closed for refurbishment'.

"You sly old bird," said the man, in a low, gravelly voice, "You never change ..."

He turned to see if he could spot any approaching police cars. There were none, but he was sure the sirens were getting slightly louder.

He ran around the building and down an alleyway until he found the back door. He knocked the door loudly.

"Penguin, open the door," he growled, "It's Sionis."

There was no answer. Sionis knocked louder.

"Let me in! The cops are after me!"

Still, no answer. Sionis was losing patience.

"PENGUIN! OPEN THIS DOOR, YOU OVER-STUFFED BIRD!"

"All right! ALL RIGHT!"

Moments later, the door was wrenched open. Standing there was a short man in a tuxedo and top hat.

"What are you doing here?" the man demanded.

"Do you not hear me? I need your help!" said Sionis, barging by Penguin to enter the building.

"Oh, please, do come in!" said Penguin sarcastically, before quickly shutting the door. He then flicked a wall switch, and his office was bathed in light. Sionis narrowed his eyes.

"You know, you really should not be here," he continued, sitting behind his varnished wood desk.

"Why? Got something to hide?" growled Sionis mockingly, lowering his arm.

"I should hope not! Do you have any idea how lucky I am to still be running this club? After that business with Rupert Thorne and that 'Batwoman', I almost lost everything!"

"So?"

"So ... I'm under surveillance," explained Penguin, "I was released early for good behaviour, and I'm being watched for any ... suspicious activity."

"Ah ..." growled Sionis, "and if the good, honest policemen of Gotham were to see you doing business with the likes of me ..."

"It would not look good!"

"Well then, I should explain myself quickly, before they come here!"

"What?" yelled Penguin, jumping to his feet, "They're on their way now?"

"Of course they are!" said Sionis, "Why else would I be so desperate?"

"Alright, that's it! My apologies, Sionis, but you have to leave! Now!"

"What? But I haven't even had the chance to explain why I'm here!"

"I know why you're here: for a safe hiding place," said Penguin, "Well, forget it!"

"Oh no, no, no!" said Sionis, "I'm here to offer you a business deal!"

"You can forget that as well! I can't associate myself with any more questionable antics. I am trying to clean up my act ... or 'go straight' as you would put it."

"When have I heard that before?" said Sionis, sniggering.

"This time, it's genuine," said Penguin, "One slip up and I lose everything forever. I can't take that risk, Sionis!"

"You owe me, Cobblepot!" roared Sionis, "Consider all the deals I've thrown your way!"

"None of which have been in recent years," said Penguin, "I've had more deals from Two-Face than you!"

"Two-Face?" scoffed Sionis, "He doesn't have half of the contacts that I do!"

"And yet ... I haven't heard from any of them. Not that it matters anymore ..."

"Listen to me, Cobblepot. This is no run-of-the-mill deal. This will change things forever. This will earn us respect and fear from all the other villains of the world. More importantly for you, however, it will provide no shortage of other deals for you."

"And what, do tell, would you need in return? A large donation?"

"In a sense," said Sionis, "All I would require from you ... is the Iceberg Lounge to use as a headquarters."

"Are you insane?" said Penguin loudly, "Huh, of course, what am I thinking ...?"

"What?"

"Using my club for your hair-brained scheme? You may as well hang a banner reading 'Black Mask's Latest Plan, sponsored by the Penguin!'

"What is your problem?"

"It links this all to me!" bellowed Penguin, "I cannot be a part of this, or I lose the Lounge! What part of that do you not comprehend?"

"The Lounge is closed!" replied Sionis, "It's not as if a civilian will walk on and see it!"

"You honestly think a 'Closed for refurbishment' sign is going to stop them coming in? Why on earth do you think I'm still here, in a deserted club? I'm waiting for a 'surprise inspection'!"

"So, that's it?" growled Sionis, "You point blank refuse?"

"Yes, Black Mask, I refuse to help you," said Penguin sternly.

"Very well, then ..."

Black Mask pulled a handgun from his belt, pointing it at Penguin who gasped in fear.

"If you won't willingly help me, I'll have to force you!"

"No ..." stammered Penguin, "Please ... Don't ..."

"FREEZE!"

Black Mask and Penguin turned to the door, which had just slammed open. Three police officers entered the room, all pointing their guns at Black Mask. He dropped his handgun and raised his arms in the air.

"How did you ...?"

"We could hear the heated debate from outside," explained one of the officers, as he walked over to Black Mask, handcuffing him.

"Yeah, and now you're off to Arkham, for armed robbery and for threatening Mr. Cobblepot," said another.

"Oh, thank you , Officers," said Penguin, "I was in fear of my life!"

Black Mask growled at Penguin, as he was led away by two of the officers. The third stayed behind to take a statement from Penguin.

"This isn't over, Cobblepot!" yelled Black Mask, turning to him from the doorway "I'll be back, and next time ... I'll be bringing along some old friends!"

"I'll be sure to leave out the good whisky," replied Penguin, with a small smarmy smile.

"Smile while you can, Penguin," yelled Black Mask, as he was led away, "Smile ... while you can ..."