Chapter 152
As Ed and I reach the top of the basement stairs, we can already hear the commotion coming from GCPD lobby. Press have flooded the area, surrounding the middle section, their cameras constantly flashing. Other officers stand off to the side, as they pose for pictures.
"It's a new day," I hear Gordon's voice from somewhere inside the crowd of press.
Spotting my confused expression, Ed leans down to whisper to me, "Oh yes, while you were away, the Electrocutioner attacked the GCPD. However, James Gordon was able to stop him, and as a result…"
Ed's smile suddenly turns into a glare, "He's being...honored."
Getting a peek in between the many reporters, I spot Gordon posing for the cameras with the Commissioner, the two of them holding Gordon's old detective badge.
"Guess this means he's back on the force," I comment.
"Indeed," Ed grumbles, crossing his arms, "you know, it was me who suggested that Gordon wear the rubber foot gear that protected him from the Electrocutioner's attacks. Why isn't anybody...thanking me?"
I turn to Ed, "You know, Gordon might not be one of my favorite people, but I'm sure he knows you had a hand in this. He's not like most cops."
"I know, but...perhaps...maybe I deserve more for my work. An acknowledgement, in any form...would be...very much appreciated," he stutters, glancing back-and-forth between me and the crowd of reporters,
I chuckle, rubbing Ed's shoulder, "Well, if it's worth anything, I appreciate everything you do for me, Ed. I mean, if it wasn't for you, I would never have visited an alternate universe!"
Ed and I both chuckle amongst ourselves, and I suggest, "Hey, wanna get out of here before Captain Essen spots me? We can get take-out, then catch one of those late night movies."
"Science fiction double feature!" Ed shouts for joy, as the two of them sneak out of the GCPD.
In Trixie's apartment, Oswald sits, alone, in one of the living room chairs. Where is she? He'd dropped in last night, expecting her to be home from work. But no where. He'd made himself at home in her living room, preparing for her arrival. But she didn't show up all night. He'd slept through the night, only to go to work the next morning. He'd returned in the late evening, only to find her absent once more.
A dreaded thought crept through Oswald's mind. Was she at someone's home? A man, perhaps? Someone was certainly responsible in Trixie's recent hostility towards him. But who?
He knew Barbara was hiding out somewhere in Blüdhaven, and with the Court of Owls having drained her of her funds, she was due to return to Gotham soon, playing right into their hands. Oswald didn't have much concern for keeping tabs on her, the Court and Barbara's parents would take care of her. He also had the address of Renee Montoya's parent's house, where she was currently staying. They lived in Blüdhaven as wall, which means it would only take Gabe and the boys a short train ride to shoot them all down, Barbara, Renee, and Renee's parents for good measure. Or maybe he could simply order the Talons to take them out. Why waste his own men?
Then there's the mystery man, Edward Nygma. He thought he'd identified and killed him, but no, turns out there were two men by similar names. And the Edward Nygma he seeks did not list his address in the phone book. Blast. Trixie claims that this man does not desire her, but knowing she has affection for him makes his blood boil. His fist clenches on the chair's arm just thinking about it. Who was he, and what made him so attractive to her?
Oswald's eyes widen as he remembers the one last piece of the puzzle. Crispus Allen. She thought he didn't know, but Oswald knew that Crispus had been making passes at Trixie. How dare he. A man doesn't take what belongs to another. Or maybe he was never taught that. Perhaps he would have to teach it to him.
The front door creaks open, and Oswald springs to life as Trixie enters, her police uniform wrinkled and disheveled, like she hasn't taken it off in a day. Her eyes fall onto him, and there's an immediate flash of fear. It satisfied him to see her expression just so.
He gets up, marching towards her, "Where have you been?"
Trixie scrambles to the other side of the room before Oswald can reach her, poising herself for an attack. He looks upon her, her strong stance, determined, focused. Her strength was a strange comfort for him, if only she would let down her walls around him, and only him.
Oswald's expression turns almost innocent, as he raises up his arms, "I missed you."
He slowly starts limping toward her, and her eyes dart left and right. Checking for weapons, no doubt. But Oswald had long since given up on trying to kill her. No, playing with her alive is much more fun.
She doesn't stop him as he wraps his arms around her, putting one arm around her waist, and the other around her neck, clasping his hand onto her hair. He leans his head downwards and sniffs her hair. Good, at least she doesn't reek of sex, but at the same time…
"You smell...horrible," Oswald grumbles.
Trixie mumbles back, her head bowed, "I've had a long day."
Away from view, Oswald frowns, and tightens his grip, "Where were you?"
She pushes him away, but Oswald responds by latching his hands around her and pulling her back towards him. Trixie looks up at him, her expression stern.
"That...is none of your business."
She shoves him away, turning around and walking towards the bathroom, "Now, if you don't mind, I'm taking a bath. You can see yourself out."
Why was she acting this way? Wasn't she happy to see him? Or were the thoughts of another man clouding her judgement?
"I...I'm coming with you!" Oswald declares, struggling through his limp to catch up with her.
Trixie's just about to slam the bathroom door when Oswald catches the end with his thick, sausagey fingers. He peeks his head in-between the doorway.
"What's a nice bath without company?"
His grin doesn't seem to affect Trixie, as she simply turns away, ignoring him entirely. Without a word, she prepares the water for the bathtub before walking into a corner of the bathroom. Her back to him, she undresses. Not in any manner that's meant to please him, but rather in a quick, utilitarian fashion. She throws her clothes off to the side and jumps in the bathtub, the water splashing around her.
Trying to keep a pleasant complexion, Oswald takes off his jacket, rolling up the sleeves on his crisp white shirt. He stands behind Trixie and begins massaging her shoulders.
"While you were gone, I started renovations on the club," Oswald begins, "and while I was taking out all of Fish's old stuff, I found...something rather interesting."
Trixie doesn't turn around, "What?"
He chuckles, "It'll be a surprise. I'll show you when we go out for dinner tomorrow night."
She suddenly turns around in disbelief, "Dinner? Tomorrow?"
Oswald flashes a guilty smile, "Of course, dinner tomorrow. I'm taking you to Maroni's. He's having one of his regular get-togethers with his men, and, of course, guests are welcome."
Truxie glances down at the bath water, "And what if I'm busy?"
Oswald grabs her by both shoulders and slams her back against the tub, his head lingering right at her cheek.
"Then clear your schedule," he grumbles with impatience.
He then goes back to gently massaging Trixie, as she continues to stare downward.
"Why so...cold, my love?" Oswald asks, his voice now a soft coo.
"Hmm...the ever intelligent Oswald Cobblepot can't deduce this one? I'm disappointed," she crosses her arms and starts scooting towards the other side of the tub.
Oswald crunches his arm around Trixie's collarbone, preventing her from moving away, "No, please, tell me."
She turns her head towards him, "Oh, don't play dumb. You've threatened me, my friends, and sometimes...you follow through."
He can't help but laugh, after all, she's right.
"Hurt you? No...I only have your best interests at heart. Trixie...Trixie, you must understand."
His hand, which rests on her sternum, starts reaching further down, but before his hand can disappear under the water, she pushes it back up.
In response, Oswald's hand dives down, as the other one straps her to the end of the tub.
"Are you purposefully testing my patience, or have you just not grasped the severity of your disposition?"
Trixie struggles to move, kicking up water in the process, but Oswald continues to hold her down, "In an instant, I could make everyone you love disappear. Haha, into thin air, like a magic show."
He tilts his head so that it rests on her shoulder, lightly tapping his hand on her shoulder, as his other hand plays with her down below.
"I know you can be nice. Mmm...I know you can be more than nice," as Oswald whispers beside her Trixie starts to kick her legs, gritting her teeth.
His tone suddenly becomes much darker, "Well, I better start seeing some more of that nice Trixie instead of the bitch I'm getting now."
Oswald's submerged hand flutters, and a moan escapes Trixie. With all her force, she pushes Oswald away to cover her own mouth. Curling up in the corner of the bathtub, she turns away from him. Regaining his balance, Oswald starts limping towards her.
"Let me see-"
"Get out Oswald!" she demands, not daring to face him.
He reaches out to her, and she pushes him away, only to have him grab her arm and swing her towards him.
"Let me look upon your expression!"
While he grasps her wrist with one hand, his other hand pushes the wet strands of hair away from her face. He tips her chin up, and her now flushed cheeks catch the light. Trixie's breathing is heavy, her eyes red. Oswald frowns.
"Why...why all this shame in having affection towards me? Because...finally, finally somebody does and now…"
Now it's Oswald's turn to look away, walking over to glance out the bathroom window. He grabs a towel to dry off his sleeves as he stares off into the evening moonlight. Trixie gets out of the bathtub and quickly puts on a robe. Oswald peers over his shoulder, to find her back turned to him. With a sigh, he turns back towards the window.
His heart skips a beat when Trixie's small arms wrap around his chest. Had she really come around? Or is this another one of her games, her deceptions?
She buries her head into his shoulder, "I don't know how much you're bullshitting me, but...I want to believe you."
Lies mixed in truth. Oh, Trixie, two can play at that game.
"I'm not. I'm trying to love you, I really am," Oswald runs his hand through her hair.
She looks up at him, "Really?"
He smiles, kissing her on the forehead, "Absolutely."
Author's Note:
Narutoske: Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter :)
While it'll be a while before Steve and Natalie interact again, Natalie's gonna remember that brief interaction with him
Thanks! :)