Simply & Sanely - Jeremiah Valeska

Chapter 7

>>Firefighters are still struggling to dig the survivors out of the ruins of Gotham's library. The mysterious explosion claimed the lives of 31 innocent citizens so far. The police suspects an attack, but isn't able to make a statement. Gotham is shocked and alarmed, the horrible incident leaves one question unanswered: Who is responsible for that?<<

The camera swayed away from the newsreader to zoom into the tragedy behind her. The once historical building was now a burnt wreckage and conducted a babel of screams, sirens and sobbing of the many people that had lost their loved ones.

Oswald muted the TV, but kept his eyes on the little screen and scoffed. „Is he serious? Stealing my gun powder and grenades to blow up a library?" He shook his head in disapproval. „What a waste."

Then, a loud and painful scream echoed from afar and Oswald rolled his eyes. He snipped his fingers to summon one of his henchmen.

„Tell those idiots that they do it wrong. The tongue needs to be cut off first, then proceed to the limbs. I'm trying to watch the news." The bulky man nodded and left the room, passing Victor who just stepped inside.

Oswald turned his head to the hitman and his eyes automatically lightened up at the sight of Victor's companion.

„Selina!", he blurted cheerful, pointing to a chair opposite of him. „Please, take a seat. I think we have tons to catch up on." But Selina kept standing at her spot by the door, crossing her arms.
„Nah. I'm good", she mumbled and felt Victor stepping closer behind her. „Sit. Down", he pressed through gritted teeth and she rolled her eyes. „Fine."

After Selina sat down, Oswald wasted no time and leaned forward, sliding a photo across the wooden table for her to see - the one that captured the money exchange with Y/N.

She frowned.

„I have one simple question: who is this woman?" Selina averted her eyes from the photo to meet Oswald's expectantly stare, but she just shrugged dismissively.

That was the final straw and the man slammed his fist on the table, causing the candlestick on it to bob. His patience was gone, the popping veins on his forehead evidence of his composure.

„So?", Oswald spat and Selina pressed her lips into a thin line.

„She's a friend of mine and owned me some money."

„Really?", he asked and Selina nodded. „That's so weird, because Victor here did some research...", Oswald fumbled with the inner pocket of his blazer, „... and as you know, Victor is very thorough with his work and he found this."

Two more photos slid in front of Selina and this time, her face turned into stone.

„So, I'm going to ask you again: who is this woman and what's her business with Mr. Valeska?"

Realization started to sink in, but Selina tried her best to maintain her pokerface. „I don't know."

Oswald sighed and stood up, limping around the long table over to Selina. He grabbed her chair back and lowered his head so that his next words could take full effect.

„Bring me this woman, but don't tell her a word about me. I don't need Mr. Valeska to know and besides, we don't want to spoil the surprise, do we?"

„And what if I refuse?", Selina snapped and faced the Penguin who looked up at Victor. The bold man's eyes sparkled with excitement as a smirk crept on his face.

„In this case, I would be forced to pass the job to Victor and one thing is for sure: he won't be as tolerant as he's been with you. My patience is far gone now and I will let Victor cut this woman's feet off if she resists."