OPEN LATE ;; PENGUIN

0.8

When the car pulled up, I could right away see a neon purple umbrella sign, sitting right were he wanted me to see it. Obviously. Only someone that obnoxiously proud would do something of that form. But as he got out of the car, and walked around to my side to open the door for me--I kept my mouth shut.

" Ladies first? " he asked, grinning cruelly as he held out his hand. I rolled my eyes, then took his hand. He pulled me up right away, making me lose my balance slightly. He kept me up straight. " there. I'm not that awful. " I faked a smile, as he did the same and forced me to walk in beside him. The place looked good, with purple, yellow, and blue lights almost everywhere. It was classy, and quite impressive--but my mood wasn't affected. He at this point had let go of my hand and let me walk around and look at the area.

" Did you decorate this? " I asked, turning and nearly jumping out of my skin to see him standing behind me.

" I did. Do you like it? "

" It's...pretty nice I guess. " he chuckled, putting his hand on my back.

" You'll learn to like it more. " I raised my eyebrows.

" And if I don't? " his facial expression changed from playful to serious within a heartbeat.

" Now listen here Lyla. " he spoke, pulling me upstaight. " You will be here more often, and you will be seeing me more often. So I suggest you learn that manners are free, and that there are people in Gotham that will not be as kind to you as I will. " he now had my attention, but he let me go. " understand? " I nodded, slowly. If I can't beat him, I'll join him. Then I'll beat him.

" Sure. "

" Good. "  I sighed, looking around, then deciding my next move.

" Well, it's been a pleasure--kinda. I'll come back in tomorrow at 8 am for my first day of work here. Sound good? "

" Actually Lyla, you'll be working the nightshift. I told you that! " he laughed, using his index finger to tease me and touch my nose. " silly little-- "

" Penguin. " he frowned as I interrupted him, pulling his hand away.

" Right. You'll be working from 8 pm to 2 am, so you really should get some sleep now that you're managed. " I leaned in, inches away from his face, and whispered. 

" You know I won't sleep. "

" Well than get ready. Because tomorrow is going to be a helluva night for you. " he leaned in closer to try to kiss me, but I pulled away.

" I damn well hope so. " I mumbled back, and walked out the door. I wasn't sure what my plan was for getting home. Because I obviously didn't have my own car anywhere near where I was and because I would rather die than take another ride from Oswald himself. So decided to just walk. And walking alone is a kind of a scary thing to do for a woman in Gotham, but it was a lot less scarier than the fear I'd face tomorrow.