A/N
Hello, although I've got my final exams starting in 3 weeks, I couldn't resist posting this first chapter to my new story.
This is an idea that I've been thinking of for a while now so I'm happy to finally be starting it! Just to clarify, this takes place starting from the pilot episode of Gotham and I'm trying to keep it as accurate to the show and comics as I can; although I plan to put my own twist on a few things too. Also, it took me ages to write for Oswald and Fish because I want to get their characters across as accurately as possible - hopefully I did a good job.
I've only ever written fanfictions for the Ace Attorney games and I imagine that I'll be writing for a quite different audience in some cases, so this will definitely be different for me, but hopefully you all like it!
If you haven't read anything I've written before, you'll know that I enjoy receiving reviews as they help me to improve and to know what my readers like/dislike about what I'm doing. So if you ever have a spare minute to write a review, please do so because I usually reply and it means a lot to me.
Thank you and please enjoy!
"Good afternoon, Oswald," Jo greeted the umbrella guy with a warm smile as she had done every afternoon since he had taken up the position at Mooney's nightclub. Truth be told, it was no coincidence that Oswald always arrived at work at the same time as Jo. Because of thorough planning, he had been able to calculate the time that she arrived at work; therefore enabling him to greet Jo every day.
Josephina Carnell had been working for Fish Mooney for several years now; although she started off working as a cleaner before her sudden promotion to performer. She was a slender young woman with long ombre hair and the most beautiful green eyes that Oswald had gazed upon many times. Each night she'd take to the stage in exotic outfits and dance about the stage; sometimes singing a song as well as. The umbrella boy would often try to watch the shows – he loved the music, he loved the way the dancers moved about the stage. But most of all, Oswald Cobblepot loved the way that Jo seemed to look at him – kind yet somewhat alluring – whether that was her intention or not. After the entertainment had finished, Jo tended to go upstairs into a private room to further entertain an interested client. It didn't take Oswald long to realise what went on behind those doors and when he did, his fascination with her only grew. The thought of someone else alone with Jo often frustrated him and, on more than one occasion, Oswald found himself escorting her to the room and, if Fish didn't call for him, he'd wait outside in case something went wrong – or at least, that's what he insisted.
"Good afternoon, Josephina." Oswald replied, walking closely beside her. "How are you?"
"I'm well thank you, Oswald."
"And how is your mother?" He asked, desperate to be as formal as possible around the young woman.
"She's also fine. I hope your mother is alright as well." Jo replied, taking off her jacket.
He smiled, "yes, she is very well. You look lovely today…n-not that you don't always look nice but…I rather like the dress that you're wearing."
Jo smiled politely; she didn't want to be rude but she needed to start preparing for the performance tonight.
Oswald could sense Jo's flaking interest in their conversation. He wanted her to stay and talk for him a little while longer because he liked hearing her; the soft accent she bore was gentle on his ears. Not to mention the fact that he enjoyed looking at her.
To keep Josephina around for a few minutes more, Oswald decided to play a risky card. "Terrible business with the Wayne murders, isn't it?"
Jo nodded, her face serious. "Definitely, that poor boy. Although, they arrested Mario Pepper so quickly…too quickly if you ask me. I just hope they haven't got the wrong man."
Oswald thought for a moment, "what if I was to tell you that Mario Pepper was framed?"
"…Who would do that?" She asked quietly; although, deep down, she had a good idea as to who was behind the cover-up.
He turned his head, gesturing towards Fish who was sat in the other room. "I believe that two detectives are also involved." He whispered, "although Fish is certainly behind this."
Knowing of the danger that they were both under for possessing this knowledge, Jo placed a hand on Oswald's shoulder. "You can't tell anyone else about this, alright? Especially not the authorities."
"Why ever not?" Oswald frowned, confused; he already had reported his findings to the MCU earlier that day. And Jo just couldn't help but feel sick as she recognised the all-too familiar look of a dead man. Oswald was going to die. It was common knowledge that Fish Mooney didn't tolerate thieves or snitches.
Why was Jo looking at him like that?
"Oswald…" She blinked back the tears forming in her green eyes; how could she tell him that he was about to be murdered? Instead, Jo softly kissed his cheek before disappearing into the dressing room.
Despite feeling confused by Jo's sudden behaviour, Oswald was too pleased to register the underlying feelings – she had just kissed him after all. It had been a small gesture, but a kiss nonetheless.
An hour later, Jo and the other girls were practising their routine onstage when Fish asked them to momentarily leave the stage. "A young man is coming in for an audition." She explained, sending the dancers on their way. "Jo, can I speak with you a minute, darling?"
She nodded, feeling a tightening in her chest. Did Fish know? She noticed Oswald lingering at the back of the room, watching her; so he was still alive but…did Fish know that she knew about the Mario Pepper setup?
"What is it, Ms. Mooney?"
"Take a seat next to me." Fish patted the empty chair and shooed Oswald away. Without hesitation, Jo sat down on the chair and forced a smile; although she kept silent. "I've grown quite fond of you, Jo. You're a sweet girl…" she tilted her head to the side. "You'd never lie to me, would you?"
"Of course not, Ms. Mooney. I'm very grateful to you." Jo insisted, glancing over at Oswald who continued to stare longingly at her.
"I've been told that the authorities are aware of something I did. My good friend Detective Bullock seems to think that someone here snitched." Fish lowered her voice, "I need you to use your charm to find out which one of these lowlifes ratted me out."
Jo nodded in acceptance; although she knew that Fish could've already been aware of what she knew. Of what Oswald did. Did Jo really have it in her to rat such a sweet man out? Even if keeping silent could've cost her her life…
Again, she glanced over at Oswald before lowering her voice. "…Please forgive me, I-I already know who the snitch is."
Fish raised an eyebrow, both angry that she hadn't informed her earlier and impressed at how the performer already held the information she wanted.
"Oswald, Ms. Mooney…he did it." Jo mumbled under her breath, anxiously avoiding Oswald and Fish's gaze.
Unbelievably, Fish seemed to instantly believe Jo's words and cupped her face in her hands. "I knew I could trust you, dear. I promise to remember this."
"What are you going to do, Ms. Mooney?" Jo asked quietly; although she knew full well what was about to happen. What poor Oswald's fate was.
"I wouldn't want you to trouble yourself with such details, darling." Fish smiled and pointed to the door. "You may leave now. I'll see you later."
Jo nodded gratefully and stood up, unable to look back at Oswald as she left the room. However, she made sure to stand outside the door, listening to the grave conversation that was about to follow.
Fish then beckoned Oswald over; he shuffled over, seemingly unaware of Jo's betrayal and his boss' awareness. "You're like a son to me. You know that, Oswald?"
Oswald smiled, "I feel that way also, Ms. Mooney."
Fish's smile faltered and she shook her head. "Which is why I don't understand. After all I've done for you…you betray me."
"I…I don't know what you mean." Oswald stammered, realising the seriousness of Fish and Jo's conversation.
"It was you. You snitched to the MCU."
Jo hung her head, waiting for Oswald to plead for forgiveness – or for him to turn the tables and pin the blame on her instead – he did neither. Or rather, he didn't get the chance. She heard the crash of a chair as Fish swung it at Oswald, knocking him to the ground. Peeking round the corner of the door, Jo clearly saw Fish beating Oswald with a baseball bat, his cries of pain horribly loud.
Of course she felt guilty; this was only the start of Oswald's painful journey but, as she'd learned in Gotham, everyone had to look out for themselves. The city was a constant battlefield. And for a woman like Josephina, protection was necessary at all times – securing that was her main priority. Hence why she was so easily able to turn Oswald over to Fish: her job provided money and safety.
Which was essential for every citizen of Gotham, especially at times like these.