Dangers in the Dark

A Regular Occurrence 10.4

Holly POV

Shadows lurked around every corner we approached, each one looking like the assassins. It felt as though a hundred eyes were watching every move we made as we continued on our perilous journey through the now dark streets of Gotham. It was strange just how different a place could feel with less light; the once friendly looking cafés on the side of the road now casting an eerie loom as we passed by them.

Neither Bruce nor I were familiar with this area of Gotham known as the Narrows that Selina was leading us through so we stuck close to her side, not wanting to end up separated now of all times. Selina was taking us to see her fence that Ivy had been talking about back at the Flea, the reason why, I wasn't too sure. I mean, I wasn't even really sure what a fence's role was but I trusted Selina enough to not put us in any danger.

As the cool evening air started to pick up a breeze, we entered an abandoned looking building which Selina informed us was called The Factory. Something about that name didn't exactly scream comfort or aid, the two things I had originally thought we were going to be looking for until the sun rose over the streets again. Clearly I was wrong, very wrong.

When we walked into the back room of The Factory, there were three men standing around a table that was brightly lit by some sort of LED light as well as a shorter man, who I presumed was this Clyde person, sitting at the desk. The room that they were in was filled with some of the most random things I had ever seen. There was a lamp that looked like it belonged in an old person's retirement home, several sets of armour stands, a vintage clock and a variety of very odd items. Not something I would have expected a man involved in the Narrows to have.

Hearing our arrival, all sets of eyes looked up at us, but mainly focused on Selina who had taken the lead again and stood in front of Bruce and myself.

"Cat. My babe," Clyde said with a smile, sitting up in his spinning chair as we followed Selina further into the room.

"Hey, Clyde," Selina replied with a small smile.

"Well, what have you got for me?" Clyde the Fence asked, as Bruce and I moved over to Selina's side but remaining just behind.

Selina put her hand into her pocket and pulled out a handful of small items but among them was a rather expensive looking watch and from the look on Bruce's face, I had a feeling I knew where she had gotten these items.

"Hey," Bruce said when he noticed the items, confirming my suspicions.

"Shh," Selina shushed him.

"Wow," Clyde said, picking up one of the items and looking at it. "Sweet swag. Not your usual junk."

"I'm moving on up," Selina replied, watching as Clyde picked up the watch.

"Where'd you get this?" Clyde smirked over at Selina.

"You want a story or the swag?" Selina countered.

"How much?" Clyde inquired.

"A thousand bucks," Selina answered straight away, earning a round of chuckles from the four men.

"Please, give me a break," Clyde laughed.

"That's rock bottom. You know it is," Selina fought back.

"Fifty bucks," Clyde said.

"Fifty?" Bruce repeated, walking forward, and picking up the pen that Selina had presented. "This pen is real gold. That's an antique jade netsuke. It's worth $2000 on its own."

"And who is this well-spoken little dude?" Clyde asked, eyeing up Bruce with interest.

"Never mind who he is. Look, 500 is rock bottom. Why are you wasting my time?" Selina asked.