Descent

Chapter 34

The harsh bite of concrete against his knees let Mario know he was in a warehouse, somewhere on the waterfront of Gotham. The black bag over his head obscured his sight, making him wonder just who was ballsy enough to kidnap the head of a major crime family.

Johnny circled around him, his footfalls heavy. He wanted Mario to worry about what was coming. There was no doubt in his mind they had tortured Harleen in the same way.

He was sure that it didn't start out so bad for Harleen. There had been rumors about the Lupinacchi's way of handling their women. How they would threaten them first, making them sit for days or weeks worrying if what they had said was true. And then when their fear was just subsiding, then they would begin to beat and rap them.

The mental anguish was just as addicting as the physical pain they delivered to their victims. Johnny knew that was what monsters like Mario thrived on. So he figured turn about was fair play.

"You want money? I can give you plenty."

Ah, he was already breaking.

Looking at his watch Johnny chuckled, it hadn't even been thirty minutes. It seemed Mario wasn't immune to fear, and Johnny found that refreshing. So long as there was something that he could use against Mario, they were going to have fun.

"Whatever you want, you can have it."

Johnny scoffed at the audacity of it all. He found himself wondering if he made Harleen beg. If he ever once tried to stop Jimmy and the rest of his scumbag goons from hurting her. No, that isn't something that Mario would have done, and that was why the boss had to kill Jimmy.

Yanking the bag off Mario's head, Johnny waited for his eyes to adjust to the light. Then he smiled as Mario looked over at him, his smile getting wider when he saw him clench his fists at his side.

"Who the fuck are you?" Mario spat in disdain.

He was still trying to act tough, but Johnny could see right through it. The man before him was scared shitless, and all because he wasn't sure what was to come. Finally, Harleen would have someone get revenge for her.

Johnny smiled, "The beginning of your nightmare."

Mario eyed the tall man, trying to place him. If this guy had beef with him or the family he should recognize him. It was important for a Don to know everyone that he had crossed. If not there would be loose ends, and those could spell disaster.

But no matter how hard Mario tried he couldn't place him. The man before him was tall, about 6'4", dark hair and eyes. Sharply dressed. Mario had to assume the man was part of one if the rival families in Gotham. Maybe even a hired gun.

"How sent you? Falcone or Marioni?"

Johnny didn't bother to answer he just pulled back his fist and landed a blow to Mario's face. The sound of the man's nose braking was satisfying.

Mario spat a mouthful of blood at Johnny's feet, looking up he said, "Whoever your boss is, he's a pussy if he can't do this himself."

Oh, the boss was not going to be happy when he heard what Mario had said. Well, if Johnny was being honest the Joker was going to be pissed that he had taken matters into his own hands. The Joker was going to punish him for this, Johnny was sure there was a beating waiting for him when the boss got out.

But after seeing the photos Magpie had found, Johnny couldn't contain his rage. He didn't care about the repercussions. All he wanted was to get his pound of flesh. Of course he wouldn't dare kill Mario. Knowing that the honor of ending this animal would be given to the Joker. That was one line Johnny knew not to cross, even in his blinding rage.