I own nothing but the mysterious girl who will have a name by paragraph two of this chapter.

CHAPTER 2

"A pair of star-crossed lovers"

The cab pulled up to Fish Mooney's and the girl inside wrapped the coat tighter around herself as she climbed out into the brisk air. She couldn't help but enjoy the musky scent of it. It kind of smelled like…tea? As she sauntered into the club was greeted immediately by a warmer temperature and warmer lighting. She had always liked the dim red glow of the club, even when she was just a little girl. It had always seemed so thrilling and mysterious, like something straight out of a mystery novel. She rarely got to visit this place anymore but she was always happy to see that it never seemed to change.

"Nicholetta, is that you?" she heard a low voice pur and turned to see Fish herself striding past the bar to meet her, her right hand Butch flanking her as usual. She watched as both familiar faces greeted her with warm smiles which she happily returned.

"Nicki…and Yes ma'am," the girl corrected, laughing slightly at the sound of her full name. People rarely called her by it but Fish always seemed insistent. When you have a good name, you keep it. "I'm sorry I'm late Ms. Mooney. I-"

"What in God's name are you wearing child?" The smile on Fish's face had dropped, replaced by a look of disgust and horror at the girl's worn jacket and dingy dress. Nicki became hyper aware of her current state but couldn't help but giggle. She was sure she looked a sight.

"I sort of ran into a couple muggers on my way here-" she started to explain but Butch cut her off with a hearty laugh.

"So I guess we gotta go find the bodies then?" he said with a smile and a wink.

Nicki's smile got a little tighter. "No, I let them take my stuff and go. I was sure they were your run of the mill crooks but…I didn't want to take a chance on taking out some of Falcone's men outside my…jurisdiction. I've already called my brother though. He's taking care of them." Butch's joking demeanor subsided and an awkward tension arose between the three. Fish was quick to put an end to it however, clapping her hands together and suggesting that the younger girl find something a little less…dirty.

Nicki was quick to comply, and quick to take advantage of the opportunity. "Maybe something a little less restricting too?" she suggested, tugging at the tight sequenced material with obvious discomfort.

Butch was all teeth again, throwing his head back and chuckling. "I bet those muggers didn't even lay a hand on you. I bet you threw yourself into the puddle afterwards just to get it wet. Anything to get out of wearing a dress, right Nick?"

"You caught me Butch," she returned with a wink and joined in his laughter. Fish allowed herself a small chuckle but was clearly more interested in moving things along, giving Butch a pointed look that easily translated to our guest is still wet and cold and dripping gutter water on the carpet. Without losing his playful attitude, he motioned with his hand for her to follow him, but before she could get too far, Fish stopped her, catching ahold of the sleeve of the worn jacket. Reading her puzzled expression, Nicki began to tell the two about the man in the alley.

"Well who would have though…a white knight in Gotham." Fish mused, cocking an eyebrow as she examined the jacket.

"I know," Nicki agreed, with a hint of adoration in her voice. "Gave me a coat and cab and didn't ask for a thing. I'm going to have to find the guy to get this back to him. It might take a little searching but I have a name so it shouldn't be too hard."

"Which was…?" Mooney drawled. But before Nicki could answer, the door crashing open and all attention was captured by a disheveled looking man stumbling in, out of breath and stammering.

"M-M-Ms. Mooney! I'm s-s-so sorry I-" Oswald froze in his tracks as he was met with

the sharp frown of his boss

the arched eyebrow of her henchman

and a very familiar set of brown, doe-eyes.

Nicki's face was full of amusement at the sight of this new arrival. "Oswald…"she said his name as if it were the answer to a question, or the punchline to a joke. Shooting a grin over her shoulder to Fish and Butch she remarked, "Well…that was much easier than I thought."

So this one was a little short but when a good cliff-hanger presents itself...

Thanks for reading chapter number two and I'll be sure to get the next one up quick, fast, and in a hurry! Feedback is always appreciated!