"I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning, but it's no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then."
Between the economic state of Gotham in general and the nocturnal presence of Batman and his associates, the Bowery District in Gotham saw a marked drop in traffic after night fell . Most of the people who would be out after dark were the sort of people who made a living in less than honest ways or were out for a less than savory purpose . One such person was Edward Nigma. On this particular night, the former rogue turned private investigator stood on the corner of North Broad and Main Street . For the second time in five minutes, he checked his watch. He scowled. It was 12:45 am and his informant was over a half hour late. His experience with Hugo Strange two months earlier had reminded him of the benefits of having an information network in Gotham City, but dealing with the actual informants was trying at the best of times.
With an impatient huff, Edward paced down the sidewalk and reached up to wipe sweat from his brow. Edward hated Gotham in the summertime. He hated it during the winter too, but that was a different beast altogether. Late summer in Gotham was ungodly hot and the humidity stuck to the skin like a heavy blanket. It almost made Edward regret leaving behind his spandex for his heavier, if more fashionable, suits. Almost.
A noise from the alley interrupted Edward's reflections on his past fashion choices. He tightened his grip on his cane, but loosened it as soon as he saw a disheveled figure emerge from the shadows. Edward narrowed his eyes. "You're late."
The man shuffled over to Edward, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry boss. I got hung up with the rest of the guys on-"
Edward held a hand out to cut him him off. "I don't need to know the minutiae. What have you been able to find out?"
The informant blinked, then continued. "Right. It's just like you thought boss. He's held up in that building down the street." He pointed to a dingy building not too far from the both of them. It looked as run down and unassuming as any other abandoned building in the Bowery, save for the flashing 'Live Nudes' sign. Classy.
"He's got about half a dozen guys working for him," the informant continued. "They'll be pulling a job in a few days. And he's got a girl in there too."
Edward nodded. So far his hunch was panning out. "And you're sure he's not on to you?"
"I'm sure boss." The informant turned away from his gaze, looking around nervously. "At least, I'm pretty sure."
Edward rolled his eyes at the display. He really needed to develop a stricter system for recruiting informants. Still, he supposed the man had served his purpose. "Very well. That will be all."
The informant gave Edward a confused look. "Are you still going to go talk to him?"
"Believe me, I didn't come out here in the dead of night just to pass the time in your charming company," Edward snapped.
The informant looked like he wanted to retort, but said nothing. Edward turned away from the informant and started to walk towards the building.
"Do you want me to come with you boss?" he heard his informant ask.
"No," Edward answered, not bothering to turn around. "Your part in this caper is over. I'd lie low for a few days if I were you. If I need anything else, I'll contact you."
Edward didn't hear or see his informant's response. Instead, he made his way up to the building his informant had pointed out. Most people would should caution in this sort of situation, but Edward Nigma was far from most people. He knew the man who was in that building and what he was capable of and he knew that he could easily best him, if it came to that point. Edward doubted it would. He briskly walked up the steps that led to a side door. He rapped his cane against the door.
"Anyone home?" he called out.
Almost immediately, the door opened. In front of Edward stood a large, unarmed man who looked more than a bit surprised to see the former rogue on his door step.
Edward tipped his hat to the man. "Greetings. I'd like a word with your boss. Is he in?"
The man stood silent for a moment until a voice from further inside called out.
"Let him in."
The man stood aside to let Edward pass. As soon as Edward walked inside, the door slammed shut behind him.
Edward Nigma didn't come out after that.