Chapter 135

As soon as I get home, my phone rings on the nearby table. I sigh, collapsing onto the couch in exhaustion. I'm ready to let the answering service pick it up when I drag my hand to lift the receiver.

"Hello?" I groan.

"Sydney, you and Ann are needed now. Don Falcone's ordering a shootout at Fish Mooney's," Zsasz's sharp tone comes through the phone.

I curl up into a ball on the couch, "To be honest boss, I'm really not feeling well toni-"

"You two better get here, now! I just got some new recruits and they need to learn alongside some experienced henchwomen," he pleads.

I groan, "Fine, but you owe me."

I hang up the phone just as I realize something. Fish Mooney's? That must be where Fish is keeping Liza. Don Falcone must be sending Zsasz there to...rescue her? Hopefully, for her sake.

With my Sydney disguise on, I march to the door in leather-heeled boots. Just as I open the door, a pale, thick hand pushes in the same direction. I look up to find Oswald, his hair matted and undone, a light layer of sweat on his brow.

"Trixie! ...darling...huff...huff...where are heading to this fine evening?" He pants in between breaths.

I swing open the door, putting my hand on my hip, "Fish Mooney's. You?"

He smiles, "Yes, Fish Mooney's as well. Wh-what a surprise."

With both hands he grabs my arm, pulling me out of the apartment, "And what business do you have at Fish Mooney's? In your disguise no less?"

"Zsasz ordered me there. Apparently Falcone's planning a shootout there," I explain as I follow him down the stairs.

He gives a malicious chuckle, "Perfect."

Once we reach the lobby floor, Oswald whips me around to face him. With a graceful hand, he removes my face-altering mask, my facial features returning to normal.

"Hey, give that bac-"

I'm interrupted as he kisses me on the lips, wrapping his arms around me. We hold each other in a tight embrace, and he smiles, looking down at me.

"No masks around me," his grin becomes malicious as his hands squeeze around my waist.

I giggle, "Of course."

I arrive at the side alley that connects to Fish Mooney's. Ann is already there, handgun raised, standing next to the two new recruits Zsasz had mentioned.

"Does anyone here know what this is about?" I ask, my heels stomping against the low puddles on the alleyway concrete.

Ann peers into the window of the alleyway door, "Apparently Mooney's got Don Falcone's housekeeper. Keeping her hostage in exchange for Falcone's empire."

I cross my arms and chuckle, "Hmph, fat chance that's happening."

"Yeah, but she must mean something if Falcone's ordered Zsasz on the case. Word has it Falcone's coming too to negotiate something," one of the new recruit mentions.

A sleek, black car pulls up on the street in front of the alleyway. Zsasz, Falcone, and Oswald exit the car.

"Stay close. We may need you," Falcone tells Gabe, the driver.

Gabe slowly rolls away as Falcone and Oswald make for the entrance. Zsasz jogs down the alleyway to join me, Ann, and the new recruits.

Zsasz takes out his sleek handgun with an extended barrel and loads it, "On my signal, ladies."

From inside, we begin to hear the conversation between Don Falcone and Fish Mooney.

"Liza is close by," Fish promises him, "all I need for you to do is sign papers, relinquish all control of the family...and then you're both free to leave."

Falcone scoffs, "Papers? You think papers make a Don?"

"I'm offering you a way out, Carmine," she informs him with a serious tone.

He nods, "I appreciate that. Thank you. ...but I need to see her first. Before I sign anything, I need to know she's alright."

"She's fine," Fish dismisses with a casual glance.

Falcone looks her in the eye, "...I need to see her. Or no deal."

Fish twirls her finger and tsks. A nearby door opens and Gilzean walks in with Liza. Fish turns around and passes Liza as Gilzean releases her and she walks to Don Falcone.

Falone smiles, and clasps her hand, "Are you alright?"

She nods, "I'm okay."

Keeping his smile, he continues, "How long have you known Fish Mooney?"

"...huh? ...I don't," she tells him, "I just met her now."

"No," Falcone responds, "a little bird told me that you've been friends for a while."

Outside, Zsasz puts his hand on the doorknob as the tension in the room grows.

"No," Liza gasps.

"Told me she'd told you stuff about my mother so that I'd get all caught up in you. Because Fish knows, you know about my mother..." Falcone shakes his head, revealing everything.

He turns his head to Fish, "You know about how much I love my mother...because we talked about her. All the time, you and me. Remember, Fish? Back in the day."

"I do," she replies in a cold tone, "it seems as though a little bird has been making a bit of mischief."

"Yes...that's what I had hoped. But the truth is plain to see. I am very disappointed at my own stupidity. Hmph…"

"And here we go," Zsasz signals to us, opening the door.

Ann comes marching in first, the new recruits not far behind. Gilzean reaches into his suit, preparing for a fight. I come in from behind, aiming my gun at Gilzean before he can try anything. Zsasz whistles as he aims his gun at Fish and Gilzean, stepping between them.

"I'm sorry Liza," Falcone apologizes, his tone almost sincere, "is that your name?"

Liza's expression grows sick with fear as she vigorously nods.

"I'm sorry you had to get mixed up in this...because I'm sure you're...a good...honest girl, really," he brushes her cheek with his thumb, wiping away the thin stream of tears that fall from her eyes.

Don Falcone's face sinks, as he lowers his hand down from her cheek, and grabs her neck with both hands. Liza starts to gasp for air as he tightens his grip.

I flinch, my heart pounding as Liza begins to lower to the ground. I glance toward Zsasz, who appears to be enjoying the spectacle too much to have noticed my sudden movement. Good, my cover isn't blown, but as I watch Liza get down to her knees, I can't help but bite my lip as a heavy weight is placed on my heart. It would go against everything I've built up, everything I've accomplished to help her now...but she was a friend.

Fish moves before I do, stepping forward before being stopped by Gilzean.

"No," he tells her, but that doesn't remove the sharp daggers in her eyes.

After a few more moments, Liza's groans of protest begin to grow faint, and Falcone drops her to the floor, her scarf still in his hand. He takes a small flower out of his coat lining, and kisses it, before dropping it beside her.

"I want these two alive for now," Falcone instructs Zsasz, "lock 'em up someplace."

Fish starts to shake her head, before Falcone continues, "Don't bother yelling for help. All your people are dead."

She begins to plead, "Carmine...you have to under-"

He walks up to her, silencing her speech, "I can forgive...all kinds of betrayal and dishonesty...but my mother? How dare you use my sainted mother against me. That's wrong! ...you'll suffer for that."

"I need you to-" Fish tries to speak again but Falcone hushes her with a single gesture. She's in no place to negotiate.

"Thank you, Fish," Falcone whispers, "for the first time in a long time I feel alive. I remember who I am. I remember why I'm here."

Fish begins to speak when Falcone calls, "You can come out now."

The front door opens and in walks Oswald, the most smug expression on his face. His hair has become unruly and there are multiple gashes on his face. He must have killed all of Fish's men during the negotiation.

"Right as usual, my friend," Falcone congratulates him.

Oswald gives a complimentary nod as Falcone steps toward him, "Say your goodbyes quickly. Ms. Mooney has places to go."

Oswald's grin grows wide as he looks on Fish. He steps toward her, and rears his ugly head, "Hello Fish. Mhm…"

Author's Note:

Narutoske (Chapter 1): Thanks, this isn't the first time Natalie has had to play both sides, but where that's going to lead her is yet to be seen ;)

Thanks! :)