Chapter 2: The War
Oswald woke up the next day tucked into the coarse black sheets of his bed, and grinned when breakfast came to him carried by the newly scarred man.
"Oh Jim," calling his captive by the name he picked out for him, "those pancakes smell delightful, and is that coffee I see? I sure hope you flavored it correctly.
He had always been particular about his desires, and his servants knew better than to question or change their master's methods. The last few lost their hands, and they had to cut their own hand off with their other. The first few didn't fare so well, and they lost their life instead.
Jim held out the tray, expecting Oswald to take it, but he soon realized that Oswald intended to make him hold it as he ate.
"Well Jim it seems you have yet to prove keeping you alive was worth it. These pancakes are dry and flat, but at least the coffee is scalding hot, so now I can properly punish you for this mistake." And with that and a flourish of movement, Oswald picked up the mug and splashed the coffee into the fresh scars, broke the mug on Jim's head, and got out of bed.
Jim screamed, gathered the pieces and food, and scurried to the kitchen, yelling out orders for a better breakfast to the staff.
Oswald, meanwhile, put on his infamous penguin suit. Today he had business to attend to, a revenge plan to finally unfold. He chose his raven black suit and freshly pressed white shirt, the tux he always chose when he had to get his hands dirty.
Down the stairs he went, wincing every once in awhile at his limp. Unfortunately it was not under control today, and it reminded him of his bittersweet success of being shot by Detective Gordon, but at least not being shot to death.
As his remade breakfast approached, he inhaled at the delightful smell and sighed as he realized he no longer had time to eat.
"Feed it to the strays outside the club, none of you deserve the meal anyway."
Their shocked and angry faces amused him, but he steeled his own face as he headed out to find Maroni.
Outside the door was his town car, and it swiftly took him to Maroni's restaurant. When he arrived, he found Dave, an enemy of his, guarding the post. Thankfully the horrible man was dimwitted and accepted a few dollars as bribe to let him through.
Walking through the double doors he proclaimed, "Maroni my good man! I hear you have a wonderful day planned, as your friend from jail returns."
"Cobblepot, didn't I warn you stay away from this side of town? Who let this guy in anyway?"
"Oh I mean no harm. I simply told Dave that you were expecting me and that I had a gift. A few pennies later and he let me slide in. He really is a kindhearted man, so kind to let me pass and believe what I said" In actuality, Dave had tried to kill Oswald when he was still Maroni's bitch. And Oswald knew that what he said would surely have Dave killed, and revenge was definitely delicious.
"What do you want Cobblepot?"
"Merely to wish you a wonderful day, and to tell you that Falcone will be sending a gift to you later, but would like to make sure that he buys your favorite beverage. It's Liv Dobmeir right?"
"Yes, tell him I appreciate his gesture, and to bring it to Lidia's later."
"But of course, and I'll be sure to not be there. Wouldn't want to spoil your day more than I already seem to have."
Maroni grunts in dismissal of Oswald, and he leaves grinning at how perfectly phase one was executed.
Then he makes his way back to the nightclub, and finishes phase two, by ensuring the placement of the unloaded weapons, the cooperation of the hired men to supposedly kill Maroni, and Falcone's bottle being given to the gunmen.
In one night he would start a war. In one night Gotham would be his for the taking.
In one night he will be able to restore the wealth his mother deserves.
