Chapter 13:The Enemy Within

Gotham General Hospital - 6 AM

The steady beep of the heart monitor greeted Damian as he slowly regained consciousness. Bright fluorescent lights overhead forced him to squint as his eyes adjusted. Trying to sit up sent a bolt of pain through his back where the bullet had torn into him at the arena. Gritting his teeth, he sank back against the pillows and took in his surroundings.

He was in a private hospital room, hooked up to various machines. In a chair at his bedside, flipping absently through a gossip magazine, was Julia. Hearing Damian stir, she tossed the magazine aside.

"Well, look who finally decided to wake up," she remarked dryly. "I was beginning to think Lady Blaze swindled you, and they'd have to ship you down to the morgue."

What happened?" Damian asked hoarsely. "After I was shot..."

Julia sighed. "Absolute chaos, as you can imagine. Joseph managed to get you to the paramedics before the killer could finish the job. You lost a lot of blood, the bullet punctured your lung. If you were anyone else, you'd undoubtedly be dead."

She shook her head, a hint of humor in her voice. "As it is, the doctors are amazed at your resilience. Your vitals barely registered at points, yet you pulled through. I suppose it wouldn't have been good for you to die and return right in front of them." Her tone turned chiding. "I've said it once, and I'll likely say it a hundred more times: just because you're immortal, doesn't mean you're invulnerable."

Damian winced as he attempted to shift to a more upright position. "I'm well aware. It's because of my immortality that I had to protect Joseph. I was the only one who could."

"I know, I know. But do try not to make a habit of using your body as a human shield," Julia replied. "Especially when we still have no idea who this imposter is behind the bandages."

Damian's jaw tightened. "It has to be Hush. Thomas Elliot was always obsessed with my father, and now he's fixating on me as a twisted extension of his grudge."

"Well, you know that he very seldomly works alone, if it is indeed him," Julia suggested grimly.

"He won't succeed," Damian said vehemently. "I'll heal from this and stop him before he destroys everything we're trying to accomplish."

He tried to sit up again, only for Julia to firmly push him back down.

"Rest. There will be time to make plans once you've healed more," she admonished. Seeing his restless expression, she added "I know it's difficult, but be patient. We'll uncover the truth and restore your reputation soon enough."

Though impatience and anger still simmered within him, Damian reluctantly settled back. As much as it galled him to wait, he knew she was right. He had to mend before striking back against this shadowy foe who sought to destroy all he held dear. But when that time came, he would show no mercy. Hush would regret ever crossing him or threatening his city.

A police cruiser cut through the rainy Gotham streets, siren silent as Montoya drove determinedly towards Gotham General. In the passenger seat, Lieutenant Allen stared out at the buildings passing by.

"I still can't believe it," Montoya said, breaking the tense silence. "Damian Wayne working with Falcone and Maroni? It doesn't add up."

Allen shrugged. "Hey, sometimes the shiny rich folk ain't as squeaky clean as they pretend to be."

Montoya glanced at him doubtfully. "The Waynes have done a lot of good for this city over the years. Bruce and Damian especially have been strong allies to the GCPD. This smear campaign against Damian doesn't feel right."

"People have cracks in 'em, Renee," Allen replied. "Even the best of the best. Maybe the pressure of living up to his old man got to him. Or maybe he's just another privileged socialite who thinks he can get away with anything."

Shaking her head, Montoya gripped the steering wheel tighter. "You didn't know Bruce like I did. He was a good man, one of the few truly incorruptible ones I've ever met. And Damian...he's damn near given his life plenty of times trying to help this city. Whoever's spreading these lies about him has an agenda."

Allen held up his hands. "Hey, all I'm saying is I know what I saw and heard in that video. Sure, it could be doctored or whatever but it just ain't smart to blindly trust the folks born with silver spoons. That's how they get away with shit."

Montoya shot him a look. "Since when are you such a cynic about the wealthy elite?"

"Since I got profiled leaving one of them fancy jewelry shops last week," Allen muttered.

Sighing, Montoya turned her focus back to the road. She had to believe Damian was being framed. The alternative was too difficult to fathom.

The door to Damian's hospital room clicked open and Bruce Podolsky strolled in, wearing an impeccable suit as always.

"Damian, good to see you're awake," Bruce greeted him amiably. "Gave us all a real scare yesterday. How are you holding up?"

"As well as can be expected after a bullet to the spine," Damian replied dryly from his inclined hospital bed.

Bruce winced sympathetically as he took a seat beside the bed. "I bet. Glad it wasn't worse though. The doctors here are miracle workers."

Damian regarded Bruce neutrally. As much as the man grated on him, he was still a member of his inner circle. "I appreciate you checking in, but knowing you there's more than one reason why you're here."

"You could say that." Bruce shifted, suddenly looking uncomfortable. "There's been some rumblings within Wayne Enterprises leadership since the, uh, incident."

Damian's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What kind of rumblings?"

"Some board members feel, given the recent controversies, that perhaps a change in leadership could be...prudent," Bruce said delicately.

Damian bristled, sitting up straighter despite the spike of pain. "A change in leadership? You mean they want me out as CEO."

Bruce held up his hands diplomatically. "Now now, let's not overreact. They're simply concerned about public perception. The stock price has taken a hit, and your dealings with Maroni and Falcone being revealed-"

"Are lies and slander," Damian cut in sharply.

"Of course, of course," Bruce said in a conciliatory tone. "But the board is looking out for the company's interests."

Damian's eyes flashed. "The board does not have the power to remove me. I still hold a majority of shares."

"True, but they could still make things...difficult," Bruce countered. "All I'm suggesting is, perhaps until this situation resolves, you name a temporary acting CEO to handle day-to-day operations. Take a step back, clear the air, but remain chairman of the board."

Damian was silent, jaw clenched. The thought of relinquishing control, even temporarily, sat ill with him.

Finally he ground out, "I will consider your proposal and call a board meeting to discuss matters when I am recovered. For now, you may inform the board that Wayne Enterprises remains under capable leadership. No further action will be taken until I say so."

Bruce looked uneasy but nodded. "Of course. I'll update them that you're weighing options. Focus on healing for now and we'll go from there."

He stood to take his leave. "Feel better, Damian. Call if you need anything."

Just as Bruce exited Damian's hospital room, he nearly collided with Commissioner Montoya and Lieutenant Allen.

"Commissioner, Lieutenant, what brings you by?" Bruce asked cordially, but with an edge of wariness.

"Official police business," Montoya replied briskly. "We need to speak with Mr. Wayne regarding recent allegations."

Bruce lifted his chin. "I'm sure you understand, Mr. Wayne won't be answering any questions without his attorneys present."

"We'll determine that ourselves, thanks," Allen said gruffly, moving past Bruce into the room, Montoya following.

Damian regarded the two officers coolly from his bed. "Commissioner Montoya. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Montoya crossed her arms. "I think you know why we're here. We have some questions about your supposed 'business dealings' with Falcone and Maroni."

Damian raised an eyebrow languidly. "As my associate mentioned, I won't be answering questions without counsel. Although..." He gave Montoya an appraising look. "For you, Renee, I might make an exception if we speak privately."

Montoya rolled her eyes. "Cut the crap, Wayne. This is serious. You've been implicated in major organized crime activities. As far as I'm concerned, you aren't currently being charged with any crime. But I need you to work with me here if we're going to get to the truth and clear your name."

Damian's expression cooled. "I've done nothing wrong. I don't take kindly to false accusations."

"Look, we know it's all too possible someone's setting you up," Allen added. "Help us out, and we can expose whoever's really behind this. If you don't help us, we'll have to go through with a search warrant to turn Wayne Manor and Wayne Tower upside down to find some dirt."

Damian's eyes narrowed. "I have nothing to tell you. If you insist I'm under suspicion, go ahead and pursue your warrant to search my home and offices. You won't find anything."

Montoya and Allen exchanged frustrated looks. Before they could respond, Julia walked in holding a cup of coffee.

"Oh, pardon me. Am I interrupting?" she asked politely.

"No, we were just leaving," Montoya sighed. She gave Damian a pointed stare. "Don't make this difficult, Mr. Wayne. The truth always comes out eventually."

With that veiled warning, she and Allen exited. Once they were gone, Julia raised an eyebrow at Damian. "Shall I call your attorneys then?"

Damian shook his head, looking contemplative. "No. Call Tiffany and forewarn her about the search warrant, and make sure to be at Wayne Manor when they inevitably show up there as well."

Julia sighed, looking down at her coffee cup. "I should've added something stronger to this…"

Dent Residence - 8 AM

Joseph stared at his reflection as he methodically tied his tie. The face looking back at him was worn, creases of stress visible at the corners of his eyes and mouth.

"It's getting harder to know who to trust these days," he muttered to himself in a low, gravelly voice. Switching to his normal tone, he shook his head. "No, you know Damian didn't betray you. He was framed, it's obvious."

Again in the gruff tone, "Was it? Are you sure he didn't just put on an act all these years?"

Joseph sighed, straightening his tie. "Don't be paranoid. Damian's risked his life for this city before. Whoever this Hush character is just wants you doubting your allies."

"Joseph! You have a visitor!" his mother's voice called from downstairs.

"Be right there, Mom!" Joseph replied, smoothing his hair and taking a deep breath before heading downstairs.

In the living room, Gilda was pouring a cup of coffee for none other than Sabrina, who was seated gracefully on the couch.

"Sabrina dear, it's lovely to see you again," Gilda said warmly. "It seems like just yesterday you and Joseph were studying together."

Sabrina smiled politely. "It does feel like a lifetime ago. But it's nice to reconnect."

As soon as Joseph arrived, Gilda stood up. "Well, I'll give you two a chance to catch up." She said before heading upstairs, giving Joseph an approving look.

"Sabrina, hi...I wasn't expecting you," Joseph said, slightly flustered as he sat down.

"Sorry for dropping by unannounced. I just wanted to check on you after everything at the university," Sabrina replied, studying him with concern. "How are you holding up?"

Joseph sighed, leaning back against the couch. "Honestly? Not great. I'm questioning everything, wondering if Gotham's too far gone to save at this point."

Sabrina's expression turned sympathetic. "Don't lose hope. That's what that Hush guy wants."

Joseph clenched his fists. "I don't understand how Damian could betray our friendship like this. Part of me still wants to believe it's all lies but..."

Sabrina tensed slightly at the mention of Damian's name. She hesitated before gently placing her hand on Joseph's thigh. "I know I don't know Damian extremely well yet but...I truly believe he's innocent in all of this. It's obvious someone is trying to undermine both of you."

Joseph searched her face. "What makes you so certain?"

Sabrina nearly divulged her connection to Damian before stopping herself. "I'm...good at reading people. Please trust me on this."

They held each other's gaze for a charged moment before Sabrina withdrew her hand, glancing at her watch. "I should get going. I have work this morning."

As she stood to leave, Joseph spoke up. "Maybe we could have dinner soon? To talk more?"

Sabrina paused, then gave a small smile. "I'd like that."

With a final look back, she headed out, leaving Joseph pensive but slightly less burdened than before. He had an ally in Sabrina, one he was starting to depend on more and more. He only hoped she truly was as trustworthy as she seemed.

Falcone Penthouse - 9 AM

Falcone sat behind his large desk, an untouched glass of whiskey beside him as he awaited Maroni's arrival. The revelation that Hush had been behind the chaos plaguing their empires had left him tense and on edge.

A knock at the door signaled Maroni's entrance. "Morning, Tony," Maroni greeted smoothly as he strolled in.

"Danilo," Falcone returned with a nod. He gestured to the chair across from him. "Have a seat. We've got a lot to discuss."

Maroni settled into the plush leather chair and crossed one leg casually over the other. "That's putting it mildly. This Hush character really pulled one over on us, huh?"

Falcone's jaw tightened. "He made fools of us both. All this time we thought it was Red Hood nipping at our heels. We were like sheep he was herding in one direction.

"Don't beat yourself up over it," Maroni said. "He had us all fooled, even the Bat. But now we know who the real threat is."

Falcone shook his head bitterly. "Doesn't change the fact that he's made us look stupid in front of the entire city, and he's gone after one of our business partners."

"Well then, what's our next move? This guy is done being cryptic. That attempt on Wayne's life at the university proves he'll stop at nothing to create chaos."

Rising, Falcone began to pace back and forth. "You're right. It's only a matter of time before he comes at one of us directly. We need to consolidate our resources, beef up security at our key locations."

Maroni nodded. "I'm heading back to the Tobacconist Club tonight and turning it into a damn safehouse. I suggest you batten down the hatches here too."

"Don't worry, I've got all the security I need right here," Falcone replied. Right on cue, Sabrina entered the office. Falcone gave her an approving smile. "There's my girl. Come here, kitten."

Sabrina sauntered over next to where Falcone stood. "You called for me?" she purred.

"I sure did. With things being as dangerous as they are, I want you shadowing me at all times. My own personal bodyguard." Falcone snaked his arm around her waist. "Think you can handle it?"

"It would be my pleasure," Sabrina replied smoothly.

Satisfied, Falcone turned back to Maroni as he prepared to depart. "We'll circle back soon once I have a clearer idea of our next move against Hush. For now, we keep our heads down and eyes open."

Maroni rose, but hesitated before leaving. "One last thing, Tony. With all this uncertainty lately, I think it's time we lay all our cards on the table. No more secrets between us."

Falcone's eyes narrowed warily. "What are you implying?"

"How long were you going to keep from me that Dr. Thorne was working for you too?" Maroni asked pointedly.

Caught off guard, Falcone scrambled to reply. "I...look, that hardly matters now. Thorne is gone, end of story."

Maroni just shook his head as he showed himself out. "Oh it matters more than you think. Hush isn't the only one good at uncovering secrets, my friend. Next time consider that. I'd hate for secrets to come between a good working relationship."

The door closed behind Maroni, leaving Falcone perturbed. He downed his whiskey in one long swallow before glancing over at Sabrina. "Pour me another, would you kitten? It's going to be a long day."

Gordon Residence - 9:30 AM

Melanie descended the basement steps and stopped short at the sight before her. Tabitha was hunched over a worktable, scribbling intently as she sketched out designs. Spread out around her were various dark fabrics and materials, as well as a purple hooded cloak.

"Tabitha? What's all this?" Melanie asked.

Tabitha quickly tried to gather the sketches and fabrics into a pile. "Oh, hey! I was just, uh, working on a project."

Melanie crossed her arms knowingly. "This wouldn't happen to be a...costume project, would it?"

Tabitha hesitated before sighing in defeat. "Okay yeah, it's a costume. I was trying to design something like my mom's old Spoiler outfit. I just thought maybe if I had my own costume ready, I could start going out on -"

Melanie held up a hand, stopping her. "Whoa, slow down there. You're not ready to be going out in the field yet. You've still got a long way to go in your training before you can even think about putting on a mask."

"But I'm a fast learner! And with everything going on with that Hush guy trying to take down Damian and Mr. Dent, I thought you could use all the help you can get," Tabitha argued.

Shaking her head, Melanie placed a hand on Tabitha's shoulder. "I know you want to dive right in, but trust me, it's better you wait until you're prepared. This life...it's dangerous. I need to know you can handle yourself before I let you out there with me."

Tabitha looked disappointed but nodded in understanding. As she gathered up her costume materials, she glanced over at Melanie curiously. "So what's really going on with Damian? Is it true he's working with Falcone and Maroni?

"Absolutely not," Melanie stated firmly. "I've known Damian for a long time. He has his faults, but he would never betray Joseph or work with the mob. I think at this point, after everything that's happened, he'd probably kill both Falcone and Maroni if he was in the same room as them."

Tabitha toyed with a scrap of black fabric, looking thoughtful. "Are you gonna go visit him in the hospital at least?"

Melanie hesitated. "I doubt he'd want me there."

"Why not? What happened between you two that's so bad?" Tabitha asked curiously.

Sighing, Melanie ran a hand through her blonde hair. "It's a long story, involving disagreements over how best to protect this city. Things got heated, very personal, and it drove a wedge between us that has never fully mended."

"And Seth was a part of all of that too, huh?" Tabitha said, adding a few more pieces to the complex family puzzle she'd been trying to solve for a while.

Melanie nodded, but managed a bittersweet smile. "But that's a story for another time. For now, since it's the weekend, let's get back to your training."

Tabitha set aside her costume materials for the time being, her excitement to follow in her family's footsteps tempered by Melanie's patient wisdom. There would be time to don a mask of her own one day. But first, she had much to learn.

Gotham General Hospital - 12 AM

Damian lay propped up in his hospital bed, absently flipping through TV channels when his cell phone rang. Checking the caller ID, he saw it was Sabrina and debated whether to answer. With a resigned sigh, he picked up.

"What is it?" he answered bluntly.

"Well good morning to you too, sunshine," came Sabrina's playfully sarcastic reply. "I'm just calling to see how you're recovering. That was quite a stunt you pulled, jumping in front of a bullet for Joseph."

Damian's jaw tightened, the memories still raw. "I'll heal. Unlike most, bullets pose minimal long term risk for me."

"Lucky you," Sabrina said breezily. "Still, getting shot sucks. I should know. So does this mean you'll be laid up for a while? No more late nights punching criminals and prowling the city as a bat-themed vigilante?"

"Don't get your hopes up," Damian growled. "I'll be back on my feet sooner than the doctors think."

Sabrina laughed lightly. "Yeah, yeah, Mr. Invincible. I know better than to think anything can keep you down for long." Her tone turned more serious. "But in all sincerity, I am glad you weren't killed. We may have just met, but...you're family."

Damian was silent, unsure how to respond to her unexpected sentimentality.

Clearing her throat, Sabrina moved on. "Anyway, the real reason I called is because I have an update on Falcone and Maroni. They're both shaken by the realization that this Hush guy has been playing them from the start. They've bunkered down, beefing up security at their bases across Gotham. Falcone barely lets me out of his sight."

"They're on the defensive," Damian mused. "Good. That should hamper their operations for now and buy us time to uncover Hush's endgame."

"I'll keep you posted if they let anything slip about potential next moves against Hush or Joseph," Sabrina assured him. "In the meantime, get some rest, heal up, and we'll compare notes soon. Try not to drive the nurses too crazy. Bye, brother dear."

Before Damian could respond, she had already hung up, leaving him conflicted about his unpredictable new sister. Not wanting to stew on that thought, Damian forced himself up from the hospital bed, gritting his teeth against the pain in his back. Grabbing onto the edge of the mattress, he slowly lowered himself to the floor and began doing push-ups. He only managed a few before collapsing with a grunt, his wound screaming in protest.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Damian looked up to see Jonathan Kent standing in the doorway, a disapproving look on his face. He wore jeans and a blue flannel shirt with a Daily Planet press badge clipped to the front pocket.

"I have to keep my strength up," Damian said through labored breaths as he struggled back to his feet, clinging to the bed railing.

Jonathan shook his head and adjusted the position of his glasses. "You were just shot yesterday and had surgery to remove the bullet. Take it easy."

Damian waved a hand dismissively. "I've endured far worse. My body will heal."

Sighing, Jonathan stepped further into the room. "Look, I know better than to try and stop you when you've made up your mind. But going against medical advice won't speed up your recovery."

Lowering himself gingerly onto the edge of the bed, Damian glanced over at Jon. "What are you doing here, Kent?"

Jonathan gave a half-smile. "I came as soon as I heard what happened."

Damian raised an eyebrow. "It's been over 24 hours. You can fly faster than light."

"Okay, I came as soon as I wrapped up some business and I could get free," Jonathan amended sheepishly. He pulled over a chair to sit facing Damian. "So how are you holding up, really?"

Damian shrugged. "I'm recovering. I'll be better once I'm out of this infernal hospital."

Jonathan hesitated before asking delicately, "Is it true what they're saying on the news? That you're-"

Before he could continue, Damian silenced him with an icy glare. Chagrined, Jon held his hands up defensively. "Right yeah, obviously not. What a stupid question. I gotta tell you though, that stuff is big. Even people in Metropolis are talking about it, and given that you also own the Daily Planet, it's raised some questions-"

"So that's why you're here," Damian said, not necessarily in an accusatory tone, but one of casual acceptance.

Jon looked taken aback. "What, no. I'm here as your best friend, who cares about you."

"You're not my-"

"And as your best friend, I could help get your side of the story out there. Make an official statement, control the narrative," Jon added.

Damian considered it for a moment, weighing the pros and cons.

"Very well," he finally conceded.

Jonathan pulled out a recording pen and flipped it on. "Statement from Damian Wayne regarding recent allegations, February 5th, 2043," he narrated professionally.

Damian sat up straight, looking directly at the pen. "Let me be clear. I have never collaborated with organized crime figures like Tony Falcone or Danilo Maroni, and I never will. The footage presented is patently false. It is clearly the work of an individual set on destroying my reputation through deception and slander. I urge the people of Gotham not to allow these lies to shake their faith in me. I remain committed to helping this city however I can, no matter how long it takes to bring the truth to light."

Finished, Jonathan clicked off the pen and pocketed it with a grin. "I'll type that up as soon as I'm back at the Planet. Should be front page material. You need anything else, just call. I can get here in a flash, literally."

"I'll be fine, but thank you," Damian replied gruffly.

Jonathan patted his shoulder. "Take it easy, okay? Don't forget, you still have people who care about you."

With a sympathetic smile, he headed out, leaving Damian to ponder his next move in countering the shadowy forces arrayed against him.

Falcone Penthouse - 9 PM

Night fell over Gotham City, casting long shadows across its rooftops and alleys. Inside the opulent Falcone Penthouse, Tony Falcone reclined at his desk, tense but trying to maintain an outward air of calm.

Without warning, alarms began blaring throughout the penthouse as guards shouted in alarm. Gunfire erupted from the lower floors, along with sounds of fighting and bodies hitting the floor. Falcone shot to his feet, grabbing a gun from his desk drawer.

"What the hell is going on?" he yelled into his phone. But the only response was more screams and gunfire.

Down on the ground floor, Red Hood stalked through the luxurious lobby, dual-wielding pistols with non-lethal rounds. Bodies piled up around him as he systematically took down each of Falcone's security team. Reaching the elevator, he jabbed the call button as bullets ricocheted harmlessly off his armored jacket. As the doors slid open, Red Hood stepped inside and hit the button for the top floor office. Eerie calm settled over him as the elevator rose. He had a score to settle.

Stepping out on the top floor, Red Hood swiftly shot two more guards before kicking open the office doors with force. Falcone whirled to face him, gun leveled.

"You've got a lot of nerve showing your face here," Falcone snarled.

"I'm here to set the record straight," Red Hood growled. "You and Maroni blamed me for killings I didn't commit. You came at me like I was prey to be hunted. Big mistake."

Before he could fire, Catwoman dropped down from the ceiling, landing protectively between them. "Well, what do we have here?"

Red Hood's eyes narrowed behind his helmet. "Great, just what I needed. You're on Falcone's payroll, I take it?"

Catwoman shrugged, keeping her claws extended. "You'd be right, and it pays quite well. Now are we gonna talk this out, or do things have to get messy?"

With a scoff, Red Hood lashed out with a vicious kick aimed at her head. Catwoman barely dodged as the fight commenced. She matched him blow for blow, their moves almost blurs in the dim light. The fight forced the two out of Falcone's office and near the railing, keeping Red Hood on his toes. Ultimately, a well-timed blocked claw swipe gave Red Hood an opening to counter with a brutal elbow to Catwoman's temple. As she stumbled slightly, Red Hood grabbed her by the arm and flipped her over the balcony, sending her through a glass table below.

Seizing the opening, Red Hood stormed into the office and caught Falcone's wrist as he tried to aim his gun, forcing the barrel up just as he fired. The shot went wild. Wrenching the gun away, Red Hood delivered a vicious punch that laid Falcone out flat. He pressed a boot down on Falcone's chest and aimed a reloaded pistol at his forehead.

"You declared war on the wrong man," Red Hood snarled. "Next time, make damn sure you target the real threat, not who some fake evidence framed."

Falcone hid his fear behind defiance. "What makes you think you've got the advantage here, freak? I still have an army at my command. Enough firepower to reduce you to dust whenever I want. I run this town!"

Pressing the gun harder against Falcone's skin, Red Hood leaned in close. "I'm off to give Maroni the same friendly warning. When you pathetic mob bosses want to start a war, make damn sure you pick the right target."

With that ominous threat, Red Hood pistol-whipped Falcone hard across the temple, knocking him unconscious. He walked over to the balcony extending from Falcone's office, shot a grappling line out and disappeared into the night.

Tobacconists' Club - Later

Danilo Maroni sat alone in his lavish office at the Tobacconists Club, the only light coming from a flickering TV screen. On the screen was Late Night Ryder, where host Phil Ryder pontificated about the latest allegations against Damian Wayne. Maroni only half-listened, absently rolling a cigar between his fingers. His desk was littered with files and ledgers, along with a loaded shotgun resting ominously within easy reach.

A heavy knock at the office door startled Maroni from his thoughts. Gripping the shotgun tightly, he approached and peered through the peephole. Seeing it was one of his men, Johnny, Maroni unlocked the door and let him in.

"This better be important," Maroni warned gruffly, closing the door and returning the shotgun to the desk. "I said I didn't want to be disturbed."

"Sorry boss, but something's come up that I thought you should know," Johnny began nervously. But before he could continue, Maroni's cell phone rang shrilly.

Maroni checked the caller ID, then answered, putting it on speaker. "What is it, Trigger?"

Falcone's gravelly voice came through, uncharacteristically tense. "Ghost, listen to me. Red Hood is coming for you. He just tore through my building like a bat out of hell. Watch yourself and don't let your guard down for a second."

"I appreciate the heads up," Maroni replied briskly before ending the call. He turned his attention back to Johnny. "You heard the man, we've got trouble-"

Two muffled gunshots rang out, cutting Maroni off. His eyes went wide as he looked down to see two blossoming stains of red on his crisp white shirt. Staggering backward, he collapsed against his desk, the shotgun falling from his limp hands.

Johnny approached slowly, his face seeming to ripple and glitch before dissolving away completely. In its place was the bandaged visage of Hush, an evil glint in his visible eyes,

"W-What the fu-" Maroni choked out in disbelief as blood bubbled from his lips.

"Shhhh", Hush replied calmly, pointing his silenced pistol at Maroni's head. "I told you this city would have one less mob boss. Now you see that I'm a man of my word."

The gun fired once more, and Maroni slumped lifeless to the floor. Hush reached over to grab the remote from Maroni's desk, and muted the continuing broadcast.