AN: I admit, this does nothing. I just wanted to remind Oswald that just because he has a nightclub and power, that doesn't mean he can't be tossed around.
Christineoftheopera-At this point, I really have to wonder about that.
Just-Me-and-My-Brain-I don't know yet. I don't know that it matters.
The Puppeteer Patient 120402-I didn't mean to. And then was too late.
It's been quite a few years since Oswald Cobblepot has been manhandled like some common criminal.
He doesn't much care for it, either.
"I'll ask you again, Penguin. Where. Is. The Scarecrow?"
If he gets his hands on Crane, he'll snap his scrawny neck for causing all this trouble!
"I don't know, Batman. Now unhand me this instant."
His wish is not granted and he remains held against the wall, his feet dangling an inch or so above the ground. Ow. Bricks are now definitely out, and some sort of smooth, soft wall is in.
Damn Crane!
"I haven't seen Jonathan since Kitty died." he points out. "He's off his rocker, in case you haven't noticed."
Too late he remembers the steadily jumping body count. Oops.
"I've noticed." He's not sure how it's possible, but he's pressed harder against the wall. "I know you know something, Penguin. Out with it."
He'd be glad to, but he really doesn't know anything.
"I don't know!"
Batman's mouth twists into something that resembles a smile.
"Didn't quite get that, Oswald."
It's starting to become harder to breathe. He gasps and struggles to get free to no avail.
"I haven't seen him! Edward tried to pay him a visit, ask him."
Sorry, Edward, but the Scarecrow's not the only one suffering a sanity slippage.
Edward has never been more grateful to be in Arkham. Batman can't strangle him, though he's clearly itching to barricade the door and have at him.
"He tried to shoot me, actually." he points out. "He's a lousy shot, that's all."
"And where was he?"
"What has a mouth-"
He's not safe enough, apparently, because Batman hits the light switch and the next thing he knows, he's in a chokehold.
"Answers, Nygma. Now."
"Warehouse 48. Gotham riverfront."
"I think you're getting better."
He thinks he'll stay in here until all of this blows over.
Warehouse 48 is abandoned, has been for some time. Crane's left him a note, though-a clean, white envelope sitting on the bottom step.
He puts a gas mask on before picking it up.
Dearest Batman,
I warned you when you brought me in that we weren't through. I meant it. This is just the beginning. And believe me, if I find out about anyone that is related to you, a friend of yours, even the nice lady that bags your groceries-they will be found in a rather…unpleasant…state of being. If at all.
Catch me if you can, Bats.
-Dr. Jonathan Crane
Oh, he'll catch him soon enough. Somebody has to pay for what happened to Jim.
THE END