I Bet On Losing Dogs

Selina Was A Friend of Mine

Bruce is incognito, wearing a sweatshirt, a heavier jacket, and dark chinos and boots. He tucks his helmet under his arm as he enters the condo, your clothes slung on his back in a carrier bag. Even though it's been less than twelve hours since you have seen him, you want to run to him. You slip off the chair and walk over instead, letting Kate and Selina say hello first. "About time you visited my apartment." Kate jokes as she takes his helmet, putting it on the counter. "I'm sorry," Bruce apologizes, his voice soft. "Don't apologize. Do better." Kate replies, her jokes brightening the mood. Selina gives an acknowledging nod to Bruce, and he does the same. The awkwardness between them chokes the room. You push past it, wrapping your arms around his waist. His heart is loud against your pressed ear. He pats your back gently, the corners of his lips turning upward. "You're here early," Selina interrupts. The hug goes on too long for her liking. "I needed to bring (Y/N) some clothes and updates so we can plan accordingly."

She rolls her eyes, sitting on the plush couch. You step back, interlacing your fingers with Bruce's as you sit on the opposite couch. Kate sits in the matching chair, grimacing. "I have another living room that isn't all white if you guys want to sit there." She motions mostly at Bruce and his motorcycle gear. "This is fine," Bruce replies flatly. "I don't have stains on me, so you do not need to worry." Her worried expression doesn't go away as she goes to a closet and brings out a college-themed blanket. "Sit on this then." He flares his nostrils but obliges, standing and spreading the blanket out on the couch before sitting again.

"I found a potential lead for everyone." He pulls out a beat-up journal from the bag. "I know Oz took over Falcone's drops business. It's a big hole to fill. I've been tracking that for a year. However, I was trying to find the link between Thomas and Scarecrow and possibly the Penguin. Scarecrow looks like the middle for these two." He points at his squiggles and lines. "He makes those gasses, right? Thomas used it as a cover to gain more time to get Harvey out of the hospital and distract you when he infiltrated my Tower. I don't know if Scarecrow is working directly with the Penguin because I can never see them together or in the same area except last night, but they were separate correct?" He asks you, his tone so matter-of-fact. His mind must be zooming with so many possibilities as you nod. "I don't think they knew each other would be there."

"Or didn't tell you." Bruce adds as he points at his chart. Gas + Drops are in big letters. "Penguin is using the Scarecrow for the drops to make a stronger drug for more dependencies, but I think there's a disconnect between them if they are working together." "Disconnect?" Selina asks, leaning in. "Scarecrow is escalating with his gas compositions. I stopped by the forensics with Gordon after you left. There are traces of chloropicrin and methyl isocyanate. We already know he's trying to kill people, so we're not surprised but more relieved we found it before it was released." You don't know what those words mean, but they sound dangerous. "We're trying to get a hold on these new drops coming out of the Iceberg Lounge, but it's very hard. So if you can get that tonight, that would be helpful so we can match samples since I don't have evidence of Scarecrow and Oz yet."

Selina rubs her temples, "So they're working on new drops or something to increase their need, and Scarecrow or whatever wants to kill everyone in the process? What does that have to do with me?" "Did you take anything of Oz's when trying to take Falcone's possessions?" Bruce asks, his voice serious. "I don't think so." They lock into another staring contest. "Don't lie, Selina." "I'm not!" She replies, crossing her arms.

"Selina," Kate says, her brow lowering. Fun Kate disappears for now. You hope whatever she stole, she can return. She grimaces, looking everywhere but you all. "I may have taken the deeds to the club." "Selina." Bruce's voice raises. "They aren't in Oz's name! They are under Maroni's! I thought it was something Falcone forgot to change until I realized it was." Bruce's cheeks twinge red with anger. "You have to return it." Selina shakes her head. "Technically, the club belongs to me. I'm Falcone's daughter." "Do you have the paperwork to prove it?" "Do I need that? It's just a paper. Besides, he will ask for the money back, not just the deed." Bruce stands, pacing. "I'm trying to help you, Selina, but you make it very difficult."