Penguin's Majesty

40. A New Focus

As Lusciana received word from ivy that phase one of their plan was a success, she noted they needed to speed up the process. She didn't have much time before Jim shut them down. Sure he was a part of it, but if they didn't succeed soon, he'd stop the whole thing than rather risk his career.

She inwardly groaned. Frustrated at Jim's "requirements".

"What's wrong Lusciana?" Edward asked walking in on her moment. She was currently in her own office space.

"Nothing Ed."

"Now I'm no psychologist but I can tell you're lying."

"Fine. It's just I'm becoming stressed. Jim wants to speed up the process but perfection and success take time! And we're only in phase one of the plan!"

"Relax over the past three days you've been quite the hostess to not only 3 grown men, but a teenage girl, and an immature young woman."

"Yeah try a teenage girl in the body of a woman."

Ed quirked a brow.

"Long story...." she sighed.

"Tell you what? You. Me. At Mooney's old club. Drinks."

"Thank God someone suggested it. I've been dying for an excuse to visit the place. Besides I also need to do some remodeling. But that can wait."

"Good I'll get the car around."

"No way! I'm not letting you get your hands on my baby!" She said referring to the Lexus ES Sedan she had in the garage.

(Cuz let's face it all of this is basically like 20-30 years ago🙄)

He raised his hands in mock surrender. "By all means." He chuckled lightly and smirked.

She grabbed the keys from the key holder in her office.

The drive there was quiet, but they had finally made it.

The lights were on however, that was unexpected seeing as how no one should be there except them.

They cautiously opened the door and entered the club. Edward had his gun out. When they felt the cost was clear they sat down at a booth and Lucy got back up to fetch them their drinks.

When she was going for the vodka and red wine, she saw a slip of paper.

'Lusciana,

Meet me in the back.

An old friend.'

She discarded the note and turned to give Edward his drink. 🍸

She placed hers in front of her on the table. 🍷

She sat down and continued their conversation unaware of the person spying on them.

*Oswald's POV*

He was watching them. How Lusciana discarded his note, how she kept laughing at Ed's jokes or comments. How he would flirt aimlessly and try to win her over. How Lusciana would playfully push his shoulder. He began cleaning the alcohol glasses, trying to calm himself.

But when Edward leaned in, and she followed his actions, and they kissed. He broke the glass with his bare hands.

Lusciana gasped and stood up quickly, startled by the sudden shatter of glass.

When she saw who it was her expression changed from startled to enraged.

She nearly jumped at him. But Edward held her back.

"Come on Lusciana I may not be part of your little group but I'm still somewhat your friend. I will not allow you to tear yourself apart because of him." Ed said playing his part perfectly.

"Nygma let me go if you know what's good for you" she tried jerking from his grip.

She transformed into a small house cat, and scratched his hands until he let her go. She shifted into her signature white panther.

She swatted a barstool and it flew toward Oswald knocking him on to the floor. She began circling around him, snarling and hissing at him, like he was her prey. She would have her fun yet.

She pounced on him, and snapped at his neck. Purposefully missing him. She just wanted to scare him to death, not literally of course. She wanted him alive, to see everything he worked so hard for go down in flames.

She knew that by the time Edward had recuperated she would have done enough. So she shifted back into her human form.

"I told you I never wanted to see your face again, Penguin!" She spat with pure venom in her voice.

"Yes well I wanted to apologize." He stuttered.

She laughed at him. "And what?! You just think you can waltz right in here and beg for forgiveness and that I'd accept your apology? It doesn't work that way penguin. I see now why Fish never liked you. At least she warned me about you. But nooo! I had to be stubborn and form my own opinion! Look where that got me!"

"I truly am sorry. But I only did what I felt was necessary in order for us to reach the top of the hill! Lucy please! Once fish was out of the way, I could focus on Don Falcone, and then anyone else that dared to stand in our way!" He begged shifting to sit on his knees.

"No Oswald you did it for yourself. It's always been about you, hasn't it? And DON'T call me that! Only my friends can call me that, and you are no friend of mine!" She slapped him.

He held his cheek in shock. In some way this physical violence and ferocity had turned him on. He knew he needed to be taking her seriously and that now was certainly not the time to be thinking of these things. But he couldn't help it. After all he was a bit narcissistic, and to see that side of her? Well it did things to him.

He snapped out of his reverie as she grabbed her drink and threw it at him. Drenching him in red wine, knowing that the stain would last forever. Much like her tortured heart.

She knew what she needed. She needed to move on. Find someone new. She needed a new focus.