The Question: A GOTHAM Short Story

Edward Nigma

I listened to the conversation between Mr. Nigma and Miss Kringle. It sounded low-key at first, but then it got bad. I heard crying. I assumed it was Kristen, because I thought maybe Ed did something way out of hand. Although, I didn't think someone would have the voice those screams had. KRISTEN! I tried to open the door, because it was unlocked, but someone was blocking it. By accident, probably. I thought. I tried to move it again, but Nigma was there when it opened. "Ed? What the....what happened?" I asked. "I....I killed her. It was accidental, but..." he tried to explain. I put my hand up for silence. "Lemme see, Edward." I said.

I looked at the body, and saw that it was Kristen. My eyes stung with tears. "What happened?" I asked. "I already told you." "Ed, I mean what happened before that? What happened before this?" "She found out I killed Daugherty." "Why'd you kill him, of all people?" I asked with confusion. Ed frowned. "He took advantage of her. Treated her like an object. I hated that. But, I didn't mean to kill her!" He said. "Daugherty was being nice to Kristen just 'cuz? That dorkface!!" I said. He chuckled, despite his sadness. "I'll plead in court for you, Ed." I said. "Why? I'm guilty of murder and manslaughter. What could you possibly do to help?" "Give me 10 minutes. I'll explain." "Fine. So, tell me."

That was my chance. I explained to him my plan: According to the testimony of Edward Nygma, Daugherty was mistreating Kristen, Ed tried to protect her. His anger and emotions led him to kill Daugherty, and Kristen's was an accident. Also, according to my own testimony, Edward was trying to look out for her, and what happened to Kristen was Ed not being aware of his strength. "That won't work. They won't believe you." he said. "Then I'll keep talking, Ed. This is idiotic. It's like Gotham's asking for it." I told him. I felt him hug me. "I don't know what to do." he said.

I hugged him back. "I know, Ed. I know what to do." "What's that?" "I'll order some Chinese takeout for you, and you can surgically remove the onions from it." I told him. "How do you know about that?" he asked with a smile. "I may, or may not, have become acquaintances with Miss Kringle." I said. "She didn't mention you." he replied. I shrugged. "That's okay. She mentioned you, though. She was intrigued by your antics. And she told me about a cupcake with a bullet in it......I always wondered how that worked, because wouldn't the whole thing explode?"

He laughed again. "It would, but I found a way to make it work." he replied. I looked at him. "How the freak do you bake a cupcake with a bullet inside?" I asked. Then, I realized something. "That sounds like a riddle." I said. "What's the answer?" I asked. He smirked. "The cupcake is sweet, the bullet is deadly. A beautiful woman is a dangerous thing." he replied. I hugged him again, and he hugged me back. "I'm sorry Miss Kringle died. But, don't be sad." I said. He smiled. "And why shouldn't I?" he asked. "Because I don't like my friends being sad." I replied.