The Detective Prince

Chapter 143

Hit on all Cylinders

Its call could be heard by all within its range. The impact of its weight rattled through the tracks that settled beneath it. That very sound echoed to the spot of where a certain individual found themselves positioned on a city rooftop. The wait would soon come to an end, a thought which was backed by the growing sound of an engine becoming clearer and clearer in its approach. The sharpness in their stance stiffened, knowing positioning would be key if success was to be reached.

"Yes.. it is almost here."

By this time they had picked their point, leveling the scope where they believed the window side would match up to. Everything was now set, all that remained was for its appearance. Each passing moment brought a rise in excitement. A finger was brought to the piece that would ultimately write history, and with the point of emphasis already locked in only one thing that remained.

"It's close, only a few seconds more."

Now even a tension could be felt, one which could be compared with one preparing for a class presentation for the first time. All thoughts were pushed to the back of the mind with it finally coming into view. They remained steady as the final seconds ticked away.

"This is it."

Its roar was loud enough for all to hear, watching as it steamrolled into view in full gear. There move wasn't made immediately, taking seconds before they pressed down on the trigger which let its voice be heard for all. Even with a gap of sixty two yards they were certain of their success, standing tall as a smirk formed into place.

"Mission complete."

And just like that fate had struck in the form of a single shot, one which would gain the interest of many.

"Now, the only thing that remains is to collect."

…

Since the announcement had been made for what it was he would be acquiring he couldn't have found himself more forthcoming. In a way this made things less difficult on his part, all while giving him something to hide behind as a reason for going after the prized item. After completing all front end discussions he was now being lead to another location. To where was anyone's guess.

After walking through what he made out to be the main floor he was lead to another set of stairs, following as they made their way up.

"Where are we going?"

This prompted the one to be leading the way to stop in his tracks. He faced him with a full turn of his body before choosing to speak again.

"To tell you now would be meaningless, not when we're this close," Penguin replied. "You'll see for yourself soon enough."

With that statement he turned back for the stairs as while pressing on. This kind of reaction only pressed the matter further as he too began walking again. The carpet under foot was a rich purple, giving him an idea to wherever they were headed was of potential. Another couple steps was all it took to reach the next floor.

There was no slow in his step as he was lead down a wide hall. This area was much more appealing to the eye than the basement level had been. The purple carpet that began on the stairs continued onward. There were several paintings on display on both walls, all which ranged genre from skyscrapers to sights of the many seas. This kept him entertained as they proceeded to the awaited destination.

"I wonder how much further until we reach this place."

It was after having this thought come to mind that a fish tank leaned against the right wall came to his view.

"This is it," Penguin announced. "We've arrived."

He looked from side to side, curious as to what it was they had reached.

"You're not talking about the fish tank are you?" Kaito asked in hopes of gaining clarification.

"Go ahead." Penguin said turning to one of the men who walked with them.

"You got it boss."

He stepped up to the fish tank as he rolled up his right sleeve. Once accomplished he stuck his hand into the depths of the water where he then grabbed hold of a small lever that hid near the bottom of the tank. A single tug was all it took to provoke a response.

Without warning an unsettling sound ignited from behind, turning just in time to see a sizeable part of the wall had slid off to the side to reveal a small hidden room.

"A hidden door knob in a fish tank," Kaito said as he faced him. "Surely you have more to offer in the security department than that, otherwise I can't say I'm impressed."

"What does it mean to you?" Penguin asked out of interest.

"What do you think?"

"Your continuous shots are humorous, yet your latest falls short because of the lack of knowledge."

"That statement implies that we've only scratched the surface."

"Perhaps we'll see." Penguin smilingly replied before turning for the revealed space.

Everyone else did the same including himself. They walked past the open in the wall to have it slide back shut after doing so. This left all surrounding pitch dark, something that caught him by surprise.. but only for a second.

"What now?"

It wasn't long after saying this that he heard his voice speak in command.

"Unlock." Penguin said.

With that spoken word a set of green and red of ground lights appeared from beneath.

"Isn't it a bit early for Christmas decorating," Kaito questioned. "We've yet to even hit October yet."

"You have a remark for everything don't you?"

"Would you rather I remain silent?" Kaito asked with that smirk of his falling into place.

To his surprise the man he continued to try and push only smiled before turning to fall the path the lights had created.

"Come along, we've all but one more step before reaching the place you'll be operating from while here."

The last bit was most telling, he now finally knew where it was he was being escorted to. Even with the lighted path it was difficult to make out anything that surrounded them. They walked for almost a minute before stopping once again, this time at the presence of a door. It took all but a few seconds for him to notice something off about it.

"There's no door knob," Kaito thought. "Is it automatic?"

His question would soon be answered. Penguin stepped up the door before leveling himself in position with an installed eye hole. One scan was all it took before confirmation was given. And with that that door slid upward to reveal yet another room. It was a large room, one filled with multiple TV monitors that hung from the ceiling. Besides the above there were eight computer monitors to set out atop four separate desks that sat five feet apart.

"Welcome to the control room." Penguin said being the first to step in.

"Voice recognition, and now a required eye clearance... I guess I was too quick to down your security measures," Kaito conceded as he to stepped in past the lifted door. "You called this place the control room."

"Yes, its name explains its use."

With that given statement he looked to the TV screen directly above to see what appeared to be a recording of a hallway. Curious as to what was being showcased on the others he looked to them as well. After doing so he came to discover that all locations viewed from each screen were places he walked on the day.

"Surveillance huh.."

"Mind you, every legit business has some." Penguin said in response.

"Never said I was surprised."

It was now time to begin in his mind, turning to the two who had followed them along with one message to give.

"Leave us." Penguin commanded.

"You got it boss."

With that said the two who had followed them to the control room resulted to walking out in the same direction they had come. This left just the two of them, something he anticipated would come soon.

"So, what happens now?" Kaito asked looking over his left shoulder.

"We begin." Penguin announced.

….

With a nights past brought another case file to his desk, one which he began dissecting from a detail stand point since being brought to him. Like any other red flagged incidents that occurred locally he found it to be important to look into the matter himself, especially when it involved casualties.

Unknown to him things were about to take an even further nose dive, one which would not only gain the attention of the GCPD but the wider audience of the entire city. After having his third go around of looking over the recorded evidence the door opening from across the room shook his attention astray.

"Commissioner Gordon.."

"Detective Gates," James said after looking up to face him. "What are you doing here?"

"Sorry for not knocking," Rick apologized. "But I come with urgent news."

"What is it?" James asked.

"It's the mayor, he's been shot." Rick informed.

"What?"

"And sir… he's dead."

To Be Continued