Batman: Hero of Gotham

10- An Unscheduled Arrival

"Carmine Falcone?" Harvey asked, confused.

"Mr. Dent. May I ask if your campaign solicits votes from Gotham's biggest crime family?" Alfred asked.

"Falcone's never been convicted of anything except being a businessman who loves this city. Excuse me, Al." Harvey replied. Harvey walked over to the bar with Bruce.

"What kind of business do you think he's in?" Bruce asked Harvey.

"The one that controls enough votes to get me into City Hall. This is the necessary evil of politics, Bruce. It's in the service of a better Gotham, for all of us. At least hear him out before you kick him out. He requested to speak with you directly. Maybe he can change your mind." Harvey said.

"Jesus, Harvey. Inviting a known criminal to your fundraiser? That doesn't exactly look good for your squeaky clean image."

"Let me worry about that. A word of warning, Bruce." Harvey took a sip of wine. "Play nice." The two of them walked over to see Falcone. 

"You know I've been in the market for a new house. Decent walk-up, sky-high ceilings, plenty of room for my cars...I think I'll take it." Falcone greeted the two. "Although the decor offends my eyes. All flash, no cash." 

"Let's talk privately, shall we?" Bruce suggested.

"I like this guy! Ready to do business. Just like that." Falcone exclaimed. "You already know me, right? Carmine Falcone. Thank you for welcoming me into your home. People have told me lately that you're a respectable man." He put his hand out for Bruce to shake. Bruce refused and gave Falcone a glare.

Alfred appeared again. "Gentlemen, perhaps we'll all be more comfortable in the parlor. Follow me, if you will." Alfred escorted Falcone and Bruce to the parlor with Harvey in pursuit. As Harvey approached the parlor, one of Falcone's agents stopped him.

"Private audience." The agent spoke.

"Come on guys." Harvey said.

"You'll be fine out there, Harvey. I saw plenty of skirts to keep you busy awhile. Have a drink, have a talk. You'll be fine." Falcone replied.

"Harvey stays with us." Bruce told Falcone.

"A man's home is his castle-- I respect that. Seen and not heard." Falcone dicatated.

"Whatever you say." Harvey rolled his eyes and sat down on a couch. The agent shut the door behind Harvey.

"Mr. District Attorney here wants to make sure the rules are followed. But in my experience, there's the law and doing what's right. You understand?" Falcone asked. "I'd rather see Harvey help this city rather than just saying he will. The man talks too much, chaps my face with words." 

"Unlike most people I've met, Harvey actually has integrity. He is trying to make Gotham a better place." Bruce said.

"So am I. So are you. We all carry this city on our broken backs. Might lighten the load if we do so together. I ain't here to chin-wag about politics. Gives me indigestion. I got enough of that as is. So...let's talk relationship." Falcone picked up a pool cue. He then threw a piece of chalk in Bruce's direction. "Chalk this for me. Be a pal." Bruce picked up the chalk piece and threw it back at Falcone who caught it in his hand. He chalked it himself. "Whatever happened to being a gracious host?" Falcone picked up one of the balls on the pool table. "Pretend this is me." He looked at the set of balls on the table. "And these are all my friends in Gotham. The businesses. Restaurants. Clubs. Docks. Unions. Politicians." Falcone hit the white ball he had portrayed as him into the other balls on the pool table. The balls went everywhere and the white ball stayed in the same spot. "I make them all move. I want to keep everything moving if Harvey gets elected. That's why I came tonight, to your lovely home, hoping to make a new friend. One who can help Mr. Dent see the light, if need be. Between your businesses and mine, I bet we employ half the city."

"Yeah, that's not happening."

"This isn't a deal with the devil." Falcone slammed the pool cue back on the table. "You listen to me, kid. I know somewhere inside that tuxedo, you understand this situation. Money gets money. The risks, the alliances, the hidden costs. Your father knew which hands to shake. And which to break."

"Don't you dare talk about my father."

"You're getting worked up over nothing. Hell, I knew him longer than you did. People don't say 'no' to me. Not for long." Suddenly, Alfred opened the door.

"Master Bruce, your guests are leaving. I recommend seeing them out. You wouldn't want to be rude."

"Heed your butler's advice, kid. Oh, and I'm no longer interested in buying the house. The owner's a prick. And he's gonna get what's coming to him." Falcone said and walked out of the parlor with his agents.