Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any Batman characters in this work. I only own Carmel and any other made up characters throughout the story.

I really didn't know how our little heist would be reported in the news. On the one hand, I hoped there wouldn't be much reporting, as that would keep our activities away from the spotlight. I'm sure that's what Scarecrow wanted. But on the other hand, I kinda wanted to hear about the amazing night I just had. In the end, we made the headlines, but there were some other interesting stories too. The top headline was "Batman Doubles Up Two Face" and the next was "Mysterious Killer Strikes with Scalpel." But the third headline was our story, reading "Cavalier Strikes Gotham Bank." Hey, third place isn't bad! That being said, we were not mentioned at all in the story, so it appears that no one found out the Scarecrow and I were present at the scene.

I thought I would have trouble sleeping after the exciting escapade at Gotham Bank, but it turns out that once my adrenaline crashed, I was completely wiped out and fell asleep right away. I awoke the next morning to see the bags of money were still sitting in the living room where we left them.

Scarecrow was working in his lab again when I got up. "So, ready to go on a spending spree?" I asked him.

He looked at me with slight bemusement. "You haven't done this before, so I won't hold your ignorance against you. We can't go out and spend this money unless you want to go back to Arkham Asylum."

I felt ignorant for asking, but I was curious. "Why not?"

"It's simple. The serial numbers on these bills could easily give away who took them. We certainly don't want to be tracked, now do we?"

I nodded. "That makes sense. Didn't even think of that, really. So how can we use the money?"

"We are going to make a visit this evening to someone who can sufficiently launder this money and provide us with usable currency," the Scarecrow explained.

"That's…that's genius. Consider me impressed."

Scarecrow cocked his head inquisitively. "Well, I have done this before."

That's very true. "So who are we going to go visit, then?"

"We're going for a night out to the Iceberg Lounge. Oswald will be able to get the job done for us."

The Iceberg Lounge was the Penguin's private club. I'd never been there before, but from what I'd heard other girls say, it was a must visit spot. Top of line dining location, but also a favorite of gangsters and mafia members. So, you know, more guns than a usual upscale restaurant. I knew there were two levels, but only the first level accepted reservations. And they were really hard to get.

"You are going to want something more formal to wear to the Iceberg Lounge. Perhaps a dress? I know that you don't get out as often as you probably used to, so consider this an opportunity for a night out." Scarecrow was right that it had been a long time since I went out for drinks or dinner. However, I knew what usually followed and didn't miss the nightcap part very much. "You go pick out what you're going wear, and I'll make the reservation."

"Okay," I replied. I headed back into my room to look in my closet to pick out an option. I did a have a few formal dresses for occasions with very high-ranking clients. I picked out a dashing red one and a wave of excitement fell over me. I was finally going to see the Iceberg Lounge! I was supposed to meet a client there once, but he canceled at the last minute. As I returned to the living room, I found Scarecrow on the phone.

"Yes, of course," he said. "The code is 1031…Yes, 6 o'clock this evening… wonderful…thank you very much."

"You can just call and make a reservation?" I asked with incredulity. "I heard you have to make reservations in person."

"That is true, yes, if you are dining on the first floor, but we are going to be visiting the far more exclusive second floor."

"Wait a minute, 1031? Your code is Halloween?"

Scarecrow chuckled darkly. "Who says Oswald can't have a sense of humor? A range of individuals like myself have been given such a code to make the reservation process easier and to ensure less names are being used over the phone when looking for sufficient discretion." He turned back to his equipment, indicating he was ready to end the conversation. "Well, we have a few hours until it's time to leave, so make sure that you are dressed and ready to go by 5:15."

"Yes sir," I replied enthusiastically. "I assume you're going to be looking the same?"

He grinned that terrifying grin at me. "Perhaps not. Perhaps I plan on surprising you."

Surprise me he certainly did! When it was nearing the time to go, the Scarecrow changed into more formal clothing, something that I was not used to seeing from him. He was wearing a black labcoat over a white dress shirt and grey tie. Gone was any trace of the Scarecrow costume or the hooded outfit that he normally wore. That wasn't too shocking, although I was a little surprised.

What was shocking was the grey toupee that he wore. Now, I had gathered that the Scarecrow was bald or at least shaved his head bald based on the fact that he basically never took his hood off and that when I looked at his face, I couldn't see any hair sticking out. However, I had seen the various mugshots of Scarecrow in the newspapers and online, and he had a full head of reddish hair. My assumption is that he lost his hair in the Killer Croc incident, but I would never dare to ask him whether that was the case.

I mean, the toupee looked just fine on his head. It fit expertly and had a normal man been wearing it, it would have taken a while to realize it wasn't real. What made it so jarring, though, was the fact that the Scarecrow's face still remained the same, the mask grafted onto his face in a permanent, Scarecrow face. So basically, it's like I was looking at a well-dressed skeleton.

"What do you think? I had Jervis make me this a year ago and he did a very nice job. After all, he is a master hatter. But I don't really go out much so I rarely wear it," he explained.

"It's definitely different. But it's not bad," I honestly replied. "And it certainly gives you that more academic look, professor."

A small, ghoulish grin escaped his lips. "Very well, then, I shall give it a try." He gave me a once over. "You look very nice this evening."

"Thank you." I hadn't expected much of a reaction from Crane, as he's quite a bit older than me, and doesn't exactly seem like someone who is interested in fashionable women. However, I was secretly pleased that he offered his arm to me like any gentlemen would as we left the Corn Palace.

Scarecrow drove us to the Iceberg Lounge and parked in the parking lot. "Go in and tell them that we're here. They may ask for the code again and when you've got us checked in, return to the vehicle."

"You got it," I replied. I expected to see a large line of people trying to get in, but that was not the case. The fact that two large goons with sunglasses stood hulking in front of the doors may have been a reason for such deterrence. However, they let me pass with no difficulty. I headed up towards the reception desk where there were a few people seated, waiting either to get in or for a spot to open up.

At the reception desk was a pretty blonde wearing a bowler hat and a server tag labeled Jay. "Hello, welcome to the Iceberg Lounge," she began.

"Thank you. The professor and I have a reservation."

Jay looked at me quizzically. "I'm sorry, but all reservations have been used up this evening. Are you sure today is your day?"

"My apologies," I said, "but we are not dining on the first level."

A look of understanding washed over her as she got the hint. "Of course, what is the confirmation number?"

"1031," I replied.

"Excellent and is the doctor with you?"

"Yes. He is waiting in the car."

"Splendid. Will you need any help carrying anything in?" Jay asked. Her tone of voice indicated she knew very well about what type of business happened at the Iceberg Lounge.

"We will, yes."

"Excellent. I will send some help to you at the entrance."

"Thank you," I replied and with that, the check-in was over, so I returned to the car where Dr. Crane was waiting.

"Everything go all right?" he asked.

"Yes indeed. They asked if we would need help, and I said we will."

"Good girl," he replied. He then drove us around the back of the Iceberg Lounge and I was amazed to see a wall open up to reveal a secret entrance to a parking garage. It was only one level and was probably half full of vehicles.

He parked us near a door and we got out of the car. Another young lady in a bowler hat and two finally dressed gentlemen immediately greeted us.

"Good evening, Dr. Crane," the redheaded woman began. "It's nice to see you back."

"Thank you, Lark. It has been a long time," Scarecrow agreed. "Gentlemen, if you would please take these two bags for me. It's part business this evening."

"Of course, Dr. Crane," one of the men responded. They each opened a rear door and removed one of the bags of money, which they then carried inside. Lark then led us into the Iceberg Lounge.

Scarecrow and I were led to second floor and I was immediately impressed with the view. There was a smattering of tables scattered throughout the floor, certainly far less than existed on the first floor. Each table was occupied by people who looked to be fairly wealthy based on how they were dressed. The second floor acted like a balcony and I could see down onto the first floor and see some of the guests down there as well as any entertainment that might occur on the stage. I was slightly concerned I could see so much on the first floor because that meant the first floor could see us, which I assumed the Scarecrow did not want.

As if he sensed my concern, he told me, "There is a two way mirror separating us. We can see down there but all they see are mirrors."

Man, I guess the Penguin really has thought of everything. Lark seated us at a table closer to the edge of the balcony and then left.

Not long after, a third woman dressed similarly to the other two but with short brunette hair came up to us. "Hi, I'm Raven and I'm going to be your server for the evening," she said as she handed out menus to us. "Can I get you anything to drink?"

"Do you do you like wine?" Scarecrow asked me.

"For the most part," I replied.

"Excellent. A bottle of Merlot for the table."

"Right away, Dr. Crane," Raven responded and then left.

I opened the menu to take a look and was impressed by the wide variety of fancy options that were available. However, the price tags next to them were a little off-putting, as they were, let's just say, a little bit higher than I would care to spend at any dinner. "No wonder Penguin's a billionaire," I started. "Doesn't even need to rob banks." That drew a chuckle out of the Scarecrow, something that greatly pleased me.

"We will not have to worry about prices this evening, Carmel. Remember, we are rich too."

It wasn't too long after that I heard a familiar Cockney accent call out, "Well as I live and breathe, if it isn't Dr. Jonathan Crane!" Waddling over to us in his full Penguin finery, including top hat and umbrella, was Oswald Cobblepot himself. He sat down in one of the empty chairs at our table. "It's been a long time since I've seen you 'ere but I'm glad you're back. And Miss Ocean, always a pleasure to see your lovely face."

"Oh you're such a tease," I replied back flirtatious.

"I almost didn't believe it was you. Thought that someone might've got ya and tried to impersonate you, but then I remembered that you weren't working alone and suddenly a reservation for two didn't seem as unusual as I might 'ave expected," Penguin explained. "First time 'ere in the Iceberg Lounge, love?" he asked.

"That's correct, Mr. Cobblepot," I replied. "And I must say that I am very impressed with the place so far."

"Why thank you very much," he responded. He then took out a cigar to light. "But as much as I enjoy seeing the two of you, I know the Scarecrow rarely comes 'ere solely for pleasurable purposes. I imagine you're 'ere for business as well."

"That would be correct. Miss Ocean and I have come into a great deal of money via Gotham Bank," Scarecrow explained.

"Gotham Bank? I thought the Cavalier hit that place?"

"Oh he did. But he had some assistance. And we got exactly what we needed in order to further my operation. As long as you can get the money cleaned up."

"Well, you've come to the right place that's for sure!"

"I've already given the money to your men to count, but don't worry, we already counted it so I know exactly how much there is. I trust you, Oswald, but I cannot trust your men. I'm sure you understand."

Oswald chuckled and blew a puff of smoke. "Always a bright man. No worries 'ere, we'll get you your proper amount. It's bad for business to cheat customers."

"It's been a while since I've done this. What are your fees?" Scarecrow asked.

"Let's see, I believe my fee is 15%," the Penguin began.

"15%? Oswald, I thought we were better friends than that."

"I gotta make a good living around 'ere! What were you thinking, professor?"

Crane answered, "How about 10%?"

"12."

Scarecrow nodded as if he was in thought. "How about 12% and dinner is on the house tonight?"

The Penguin roared with laughter. "Ha ha, you got yourself a deal, Johnny! 12% and dinner on the 'ouse. Now, you make sure that you get this lovely lady 'ere anything her 'eart desires, since I'm the one paying the bill."

"Always so generous, Mr. Cobblepot," I replied, knowing full well how to flatter a man such as the Penguin.

"Of course I am. Now professor, do I need to start looking at buying any gas masks for me and my crew?" he asked, leaning in.

"As you know I generally don't divulge my plan, but it never hurts to have gas masks on hand when I'm out and about." This neither confirmed nor denied the Penguin's question.

"Fair enough. I know that I would appreciate if you give me an 'eads up when things are about to get particularly nasty if you know what I mean."

"Of course. I always take care of those who are good to me."

"Ain't that the truth! Well it's been nice to see you, but I 'ave a few other tables I need to go visit. I'll also make sure my men are on top of taking care of our little business transaction, so I must bid you all adieu." With that, the Penguin rose from the table and waddled off.

I turned back to look at Scarecrow. "12% of what we took?" I asked.

"Yes that's correct. Fortunately for us, we took far more money then we likely will need for my operation so that sort of financial withdrawal is not endangering the plan."

"The plan…the plan that you still haven't told me about?"

"Nor do I intend to, especially in a public place like this. All in due time, child. All in due time."

I shrugged. "It was worth a shot."

The dinner at the Iceberg Lounge was one of the best meals I've ever eaten in my life. It felt like I was in some sort of fairytale, like I was a high-ranking noble or princess. I've never really felt like I had such high standing before, but now here I was, eating at the Iceberg Lounge with one of Gotham City's premier supervillains. You've certainly moved your way up, Carmel!

After dinner, the Scarecrow escorted me back to the car where Lark and two other Penguin henchmen filled our car with briefcases and handed us back the empty burlap sacks. Scarecrow opened and inspected each of the briefcases to make sure that everything was up to par. He nodded his approval. "Thank you very much. And give my best to your boss for a lovely evening and business transaction."

"It was our pleasure," Lark replied. "We hope to see you back here soon."

And with that, the Scarecrow and I drove back to the Corn Palace with our newly cleaned money.

Hey there everybody! I apologize for the unusual Saturday update; I had this chapter all ready to go for last night, but then I forgot to post it. Thank you to all who read/review/favorite/follow this story. Happy Holidays to all!

See ya real soon,

The Mustachioed Academic