A Storm Rising

Chapter 13

Oswald

As I looked out at the city from my apartment. I could tell that tonight was going to be a special night. Tonight was Don Falcone's party of goodwill. to honor all of the fallen brothers of both his and Don Maroni's family. Aside from the heads of both crime families other notable guests included Fish Mooney, who had regained some of her status recently, a narcotics cop bribed by the families, Arnold Flass, and Jim Gordon.

Nygma had been very insistent on Gordon being there to ensure that our plan was to be a success. Personally I couldn't see why. It made me more nervous to have him there, but I couldn't argue with Nygma, because it was his serum and he always beat me in chess.

Nygma was also going to be there, but incognito. I hoped that Gordon wouldn't recognize him, or if he knew Nygma was going to be there, Nygma had convinced him why, because Gordon was our unknown in the equation to our plan.

We had run over our plan many times now so many that I can picture the night in my mind. I ran through it once more before leaving my apartment. The Plague lace bottles of wine had a small symbol on them. Both Nygma and I would be responsible for pouring the "honored guests" a glass from those bottles.

As the moon rose in the sky peeking through the clouds, I began my walk to the party whistling to myself. If all went as planned in a few days to a week Gotham would be mine and Nygma's to claim. That is if all went without a hitch.

Nygma

I had convinced Gordon to come to the party that evening, and I would be there as well. Gordon suggested I be there undercover that way the more GCPD there, the better things would go smoothly.

Gordon was very concerned about the fact the night would be a huge fight by the end. I was just more concerned about the serum being exposed. Though I knew our plan was solid.

I arrived in my waiter clothing I managed to put together with Gordon's help. I would merely play the role of a waiter. I got there before anyone else to blend in with the other waiters.

Gordon arrived somewhat early with Barbara on his arm. He was dressed rather nicely in black, Barbara in a gold floor length gown.

Much to my disappointment Arnold Flass was there with Ms. Kringle on his arm. I honestly had no idea why they were there, but Kringle kept making eye contact from the moment she walked into the place. I kept my distance from her the best I could.

I was very nervous, but kept it under wraps as the night progressed. I made sure I kept careful watch over the bottles of wine we had laced.

Stop fidgeting, it's going to be wonderful! the voice reminded me.

Be a man.

I shook my head as I served water and drinks to everyone, making my rounds around the grand room. I was eyeing the potential victims Oswald had claimed.

"Looking nice Ed." whispered Gordon with a chuckle as I poured his fiancee a glass of champagne.

"Thank you Detective," I responded with a smile handing Barbara her glass, then pouring Jim one. "You look absolutely gorgeous Barbara, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Pleasure's mine," the blonde smiled brightly thanking me for her glass and sipping from it.

"Don't be nervous Ed, you're just here for surveillance, I don't trust many people." reminded Jim.

I had no idea when I was promoted from analyst to undercover cop, but I'd take it. Besides, I needed to be with the Plague. It was my baby after all.