Chapter Eleven: I meet Lee Thompkins
I stood inside the club, newly renamed 'Oswald's'. Instead of the red, pinkish lights that hung around the club, it was replaced with blue décor. Replacing Mooney's symbol of a fish outside was the cerulean-colored, neon sign of an umbrella. In the past twenty-four hours, with Oswald's help, Falcone had completely mitigated any sign that the woman had even run this place. It had been a few days since its reopening—the entertainment sounding on the stage were violinists, and a flutist.
Not many people occupied the tables; it was almost dead.
I touched the counter tops at the bar, noting the gleaming ebony. Standing to my right was Tomas, my constant body guard. As promised, Oswald had given me what I wanted: a job. Like my last job in the restaurant, I knew every foot soldier and their work schedules. The bartenders wore red and gold jackets, black slacks—the other staff wore the similar garb, refilling the patrons' drinks and that sort of thing.
Just as Tomas and I were speaking in low tones, Tomas suddenly stiffened. I looked over my shoulder to see Maroni and two of his minions approaching. Discreetly, Tomas reached into his jacket as Maroni stood within a few feet of my personal bubble. I made a point, taking a few steps back.
"Calm down," Maroni said happily, acknowledging Tomas with a polite smile, and myself, a harder one. "I'm only here on business."
I nodded for my guard to do as the Don advised; Tomas took his hand off the weapon hidden within his coat, but I kept a close eye on my antagonist.
"You look well," Maroni commented, noting my put-together appearance. "I'm pleased to see my men didn't hurt you too badly."
I took a long, deep breath before saying politely, "I'm sorry about what happened to Mack, Don Maroni."
"Are you really?"
"No," I admitted sarcastically. "It's a shame when a man's dick falls off and his testicles spontaneously combust. I hope the coroner figures out how that happened so the docs can find a cure for that sort of thing."
Maroni smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. The men behind him grumbled in dismay.
"Let's not stand on ceremony, huh?" He said coldly. "I know what you did to Mack."
"Hmm. So, you know. Why, then, are you here?"
"I spoke with your boyfriend—oh sorry…. Fiancé. I told him what I am about to tell you."
"Which is?"
"You and I are okay. I talked with Falcone. I just came here to tell you that whenever Falcone is out of the picture, you will be too. And I owe you for what you did to my friend."
"Your 'friend' sexually assaulted me and then tried to rape me. Any of your people try anything like that again, I'll sodomize them with a crow bar."
Maroni grinned widely saying, "I miss that fire of yours, babes. I always liked that about you. I'll be seeing you later." He winked and then left.
I had never wanted to hurt him so badly in my entire life. My guard said nothing, even though I was certain that he wanted to say plenty. A professional like him was chivalrous and he detested anyone that dared to threaten me.
I considered the possibility that it was because he was paid to be that way. But I was starting to see that Tomas seemed to generally respect me. After all, I treated him kindly, and I had given him a place to sleep within my own home.
I gathered the staff all in the middle, and spoke with a few of them individually, in regards to customs such as trash pick-up, the working hours of the club itself, and if any of them had child care arranged during their absence. When a few noted that they hadn't arranged any plans regarding their kids, I gave them recommendations of daycare. I took down their names, as well as their addresses and reliable callback information.
I stood on a chair as I was shorter than the rest of the staff and looked at them all.
"All right people, eyes on me."
They all turned in my direction.
"I have one more question before we get this day going," I said smoothly. "Is anyone here a cop?"
I received blank stares.
"Just kidding," I jested, smirking.
They all tittered and I hopped down off the chair. Tomas helped me down.
"What was the point of that question?" Tomas asked curiously.
"What, the cop thing?"
He nodded, looking around at the staff, all of whom were going back to their places as bartenders, greeters, and the like.
"I like to know who these people are," I divulged. "That reminds me. Tomas," (He looked at me expectantly) "Check and make sure these addresses are correct."
I handed him the sheet of paper on which the staff had written their information. He scanned it and looked at me: "What exactly do you want me to look into?"
"Just make sure it checks out. If any of these people are still loyal to Fish Mooney, I have to make sure they know who is really in charge."
"You think they'd try to go against the boss?"
"No, but it doesn't hurt to suspect that. I often times pretend it's a game."
"A game of what?"
"Chess."
"I don't follow," Tomas muttered.
I patted his shoulder, and pulled him to the side. He had to lower and tilt his head to me so as to hear me since he and I didn't stand ear-to-ear.
"In chess, the pawns go first, the king stays idle for the most part. But the queen can jump ten spaces in any direction." I told him smoothly. "And she does whatever she must to protect the king."
Tomas smiled saying, "So all of this" (He referred to the contact information) "is so you can protect Mr. Cobblepot?"
"Bingo."
"He's trying to protect you."
"He needs me to protect him from himself," I offered sweetly. "I like to be his eyes and ears when I can. He's been successful so far—getting this club—and I want him to enjoy the victory without having to worry about unsuspecting characters…. like the people working for him, for example."
"And if I find proof that any of these people are actively working against Penguin—what do you want me to do?"
"You do nothing. If they're working against Oswald, they are enemies of Falcone. Falcone put Oswald in charge. Tell them that. If they still don't get with the program, well, that's why I have their addresses and that's what guns are for, right? Call me first before you do anything so I can start the hiring process. With the club up and running, we really can't afford to be short-manned."
"Roger that, Ma'am."
He made a small bow before he went about his merry way. Gabe came up from behind, startling me in the process as he said, "Place is looking good, isn't it, Miss G?"
"Goddamn it, Gabe...you can't be sneaking up behind me like that," I exhaled.
"Sorry. Do you want one?" He asked, holding out a box.
"One of what?"
"An invitation. I'm handing them out to everyone on the list."
"Am I on the list?"
"Well, no…."
"Then why are you giving me one?" I snickered.
Gabe shrugged, "I figured you of all people might like one."
"I work here, Gabe."
"I know, but it'd be like a memento. And there'll be plenty of them left."
I glanced inside the box and saw the sleek design of the invitations. Ebony background. Arctic blue calligraphy spelled out 'Oswald's'. I took one, opening it up. The invitation itself began with 'You have been cordially invited' and I chuckled, looking at Gabe.
"These are nice, Gabriel," I praised. "I bet Oswald liked these."
"Yeah, he did."
I looked around and noticed his absence—Maroni had certainly pushed a whirlwind of distractions to me that I hadn't even noticed Oswald's absence.
Suddenly worried, I asked, "Where is he?"
"Don't worry; he's been out and about. He went to give someone an invitation personally, couple days ago."
"To whom?"
"Your brother."
I looked at Gabe, thinking he was joking. It wasn't often that Gabe joked, but when he did, it always took me off guard. When he appeared solemn, I figured he wasn't.
"Well, he may be disappointed," I sighed, placing the invitation back in its box.
"You don't think Gordon would come?" Gabe asked. "Penguin's done a lot for him—like the thing with Flass and all."
"Yeah, well, you don't know my brother," I muttered, rolling my eyes.
"He don't like playing dirty, huh? Seemed pretty happy when I gave him the goods on Flass. I think he'd come to the club after that."
"No," I said patiently. "To him, Oswald is no better than a dirty cop. He wants nothing to do with this part of my life unless it benefits his case specifically."
"No offense, Miss G…. You're gonna put a strain on the thing with your brother, do this type of thing, so you can marry this guy?" Gabe said, holding up the invitation with my fiancé's name on it.
"Honestly, Gabe, it's not a hard choice."
With a tinge of jealousy, Gabe noted, "Penguin's lucky."
"I suppose so." I commented. Then to change the topic, "Who else do you have to deliver to?"
"Not a lot of people left."
"Need any help?"
"Nah., I got it, Miss G."
"Suit yourself," I sighed. "I'm going to visit my brother, see if I can't tease him about his new girlfriend. When you see Oswald, will you let him know where I have gone?"
"Sure thing."
"Thanks!" I called back as I left the club.
As I entered the GCPD, I was met with an array of many colors and suddenly I had several questions.
Why were there acrobats in tight-fitted costumes talking to the police officers? Why were clowns seated around the station and asked whether or not they wanted anything to drink? Why in the world were there women dressed in skivvy outfits with giant eagle feathers talking quietly in the corner. Was that a clown and an acrobat inside a holding cell?
Oh my god, I thought. There is a ringmaster standing in the middle of the floor.
I glanced around quickly, looking for lions. I didn't see any, but it didn't make me feel any better off.
I slowly made my way on the outer ring of the trivial company, my eyes growing wider and wider as I took in the entire situation…. whatever situation that was. I strode into the hallway, not being stopped by anyone as everyone in the GCPD seemed to recognize me quite easily. I'd visited enough times, I didn't even need an introduction.
I stopped in front of the door that read 'Forensics', and tapped the translucent window twice.
"Enter!"
I opened the door, seeing Edward Nygma. He was peering into a microscope, observing some sample of an amoeba. When I didn't speak, he glanced up to see who it was and he smiled when he saw that it was me.
"Miss Gordon!" Nygma greeted happily. "How are you?"
"Peachy, as always. Um, what's going on out there?" I asked, pointing out to the middle ground. "Is the circus in town?"
"Yes. And what is also abundant in Gotham?"
"Is this a riddle?"
"Not exactly, but I'll give you two clues," said Nygma, withdrawing from the microscope and turning in his chair to face me. "There is a lot of it to go around, and we hear it every day."
"Murder?" I guessed.
Nygma's face fell just a bit and he nervously chuckled, "Well, I was going to say humor…. like jokes…. but I suppose 'murder' fits that category as well. You're right. It's not a riddle."
"I'm glad to hear that. You've told me better ones in the past."
"Would you like to hear one?"
"Fire away; I'm all ears," I said, gesturing to him.
"What is black and white, and red all over?" Nygma asked smoothly. "It's an easy one."
I stared at him saying, "Dead interracial couple?"
Nygma blinked, cleared his throat and said, "Well….no…. it's a newspaper, but again, I suppose that's a fair answer."
"Sorry. My humor has gotten darker since we last spoke." I apologized. "How's the thing with Kristen?"
"'Thing?'"
"Did you ask her to dinner yet?"
Nygma shied away, and turned back to peer into his microscope, grumbling, "I haven't."
"Is she still with Flass?"
"No. That gorilla's still waiting to see prison—hopefully soon."
"So, she has another boyfriend?" I asked unhappily.
"No. I've just been preoccupied—I was suspended earlier, you know."
I took a seat on a stool beside him.
"First I'm hearing of it," I noted.
"Doesn't matter now," Nygma explained, smiling in spite of himself. "The M.E. was fired. He was collecting and hiding human parts in his locker."
I stared at him in disbelief saying, "Hiding body parts, huh?"
"Yes, indeed," Nygma said gleefully. "And he was fired."
"Who took his place?"
"A doctor who'd been working at Arkham. She and Detective Gordon are together. She smells nice."
He peered back into his microscope, twisting the dial to and fro as though to get a clearer resolution of the specimen swimming on the transparent tab.
"Wait," I said, holding my hand out. "Thompkins? Dr. Thompkins is the new Medical Examiner?"
"Yes, have you met her yet?" Nygma asked without looking at me. "That's what I needed. There you are, you little stinker."
"Pardon?"
Nygma said apologetically, "Sorry, not you—the thing…" He pointed to the microscope. "I have to get this thing calibrated again. It takes forever to focus in."
"You're a simple man, aren't you, Edward?"
"Very," He agreed, smiling sweetly at me.
"Have you met this Thompkins?"
"I have. She's nice." Nygma said pointedly. "She lets me use the lab, nowhere near as ignorant as the other one." He leaned to the side adding, "No need to worry, Miss Gordon."
"Worried? Why would I be worried?"
"You're thinking of meeting her, right?" Nygma assumed logically. "You're the sibling, the sister, the opposite gender. If I am not mistaken, you want to meet the doctor yourself and ensure that she is worthy of dating your sibling counterpart."
I stared at him.
He smirked saying, "I'm right, aren't I?"
"Well, you're not wrong," I sighed, getting off the stool. "Always a pleasure talking to you, Edward. Do you think the circus has dispersed?"
"I wouldn't doubt it," Nygma said innocently. "Regarding the Thompkins-and-your-Brother issue, I can offer a suggestion."
I started towards the door. Hearing him, I turned on my heel: "And what is your suggestion?"
"Give her a chance," Nygma offered. "She seems like a nice woman. She might be good for your brother."
"Thank you. I'll take it under advisement." I responded politely. "In return, I'll offer this piece of advice regarding your Kristen dilemma: Ask her to dinner. She may just be waiting for you to do it."
Nygma turned his attention to his microscope and I heard him mutter, "Darn it."
I snickered and walked down the hall to see that most of the circus people had walked out of the GCPD. Whether they were going home or spending the night in Gotham, I doubted any of them were going to be liable to leave. I looked up and saw Jim standing on the balcony; sitting against his desk was a dark-haired woman, wearing a green dress.
Well, better time than any.
I climbed the stairs and passed Harvey on the way. He stopped me, taking my arm gingerly.
"Hey, Sylvia," said Harvey, smiling. "How you been?"
"Peachy—as usual," I answered coolly. "You?"
"Not bad, not bad. You going up there to interrogate the doctor?"
"Maybe," I joked.
"Can I watch?"
"You're terrible, Harvey," I chastised. I glanced downwind to see the acrobat and clown arguing it out in the cell. "What's going on down there?"
"Clown and acrobat are suspects," said Harvey seriously. "Possible murder—I know, it's been one hell of a night."
"Was it a local?"
"No, that's the fun part. A circus freak murdered another circus freak," said Harvey humorously.
"Only in Gotham is that funny. You'd think that would scare some people when people are murdering their own. Any leads—other than those two?"
"If I had any, I couldn't tell you."
"If you had any, you would." I said knowingly, poking him in the chest.
Harvey smiled guiltily: "You know me too well. Now see, that is scary. I'll see you. Maybe I'll buy you a drink later. I can do that, right? I hear you're getting serious—congratulations on the engagement, I guess."
"Thank you for the congrats, even though I know you don't mean it."
"No, I'm serious," He insisted. "If that little man makes you happy, who am I to stand in the way of love?"
He laughed when I gave him a stern look and then he continued on his way. I continued to climb the stairs and I stood at the pinnacle, watching Jim and this new Medical Examiner talk in hushed tones. Jim saw me over her shoulder; when his eyes shifted, the woman turned suddenly, seeing me.
She beamed: "Who is this?"
"Lee," Jim introduced, business-like. "This is my sister, Sylvia Gordon. Sylvia, this is Lee."
Lee held out her hand and I shook it firmly.
"I didn't know you had a sister," Lee said mischievously, grinning sideways at Jim.
"Shocker," I responded sarcastically, looking at him. "It's like the skeletons just fall right out of your closet, don't they, Jimmy?"
Jim let out a nervous laugh then he glared at me as Lee approached and gave me a quick once-over.
"I can see the resemblance. You two have the same eyes."
"Well, mine are more open," Jim interjected.
"Now whether they actually see what's right in front of them is something entirely different," I told Lee sardonically.
Lee glanced between Jim and myself. She seemed smart enough to know there was tension between us, especially when there never used to be. The woman then turned to me completely and smiled politely.
"Is this the moment when you and I have a heart-to-heart conversation about how I should treat him?" Lee asked sincerely. "I just want you to know that I like him a lot and I wouldn't do anything to hurt him…."
"Actually," I interrupted her civilly, "I just wanted to meet the new Medical Examiner. Edward said you replaced the other one."
"Yes. It's my first week here."
"Well, welcome to Gotham. I hope you like the work. It'll keep you busy."
"Of course, by no fault of your own," Jim grumbled.
"What was that?" I called him out.
"I said 'you should probably go home,'" Jim emphasized with a weird smile. "It's getting late, after all."
I rolled my eyes and took Lee's hands in mine.
"It's really nice to meet you, Dr. Thompkins," I said sincerely. "Let me know if you'd like to grab lunch or something. My fiancé and I have been to a few restaurants that I would highly recommend. One of them is completely French-themed."
"Oh, that's a good idea! Isn't it, Jim?" Lee said happily, smiling at my brother.
"Grand," Jim said light-heartedly, forcing a small smile.
"You said you're engaged?" Lee asked, her eyes sparkled with the knowledge. "When's the wedding?"
"Don't know yet," I admitted. "We're waiting for when everything is perfect."
"Let us know when you set a date! I love weddings."
Behind her, Jim was mimicking the both of us and making odd faces.
"Will do. But if you would excuse me, I have a few potential people to interview, and a few errands to run. It's great meeting you."
"And you as well!"
"Bye Jim!" I called over my shoulder.
"See you later!"
I strolled down the stairs and I heard Lee poking fun at him saying, "Why didn't you tell me you had a sister! She's such a peach!"
"She used to be," Jim said just loud enough that I could hear.
I glanced upwards at the balcony to see him watching me. I waved at him before I left the GCPD.
