Tip of the Iceberg

[eddie-nygma.livejournal.com]

It's not too difficult for Mr. Nygma to gain an audience with the Penguin in the administrative offices of the Iceberg Lounge. No one working at the place could fail to be aware of the Riddler's reputation, and Eddie would like to think that Ozzie thought of him as a friend.

He manages to snag a glass of brandy on his way in as well, and practically collapses into a chair in front of his former colleague in crime, sipping the drink.

"We have a problem."

Comments

[flightlessfelon.livejournal.com]

The Penguin looks up from his paperwork an smiles. Eddie was quickly becoming one of his most amusing colleagues, if colleagues they still were. It was so hard to tell these days. Ozzie had to practically keep a spreadsheet to keep track of which side all the players were on.

"Indeed?

Edward, you know as well as anyone that that particular phrase could mean a great many things to a man like me.

Which particular problem of mine do we share?"

[eddie-nygma.livejournal.com]

"Someone is playing the criminals of Gotham. Trying to escalate our tension with ordinary criminals to the point of war."

He ticks off the incidents on his fingers.

"Catman severely injured right after our party. Poison Ivy shot, and induced to lie about the identity of her attacker, claiming initially that it was Black Mask. Firefly's business with the Odessa mob could be related as well."

The Riddler smiles faintly.

"It all coalesces around the party we held here. I'd almost suspect you, but there's the problem of motive."

[flightlessfelon.livejournal.com]

"Ah, that problem. Well...is it a problem Eddie? Ivy being shot is unfortunate and Firefly, well, I can't say I am sorry for the hothead, but we were talking about how an escalation, shall we say, might be good for us all.


I don't particularly like being manipulated but so far this has yet to touch me directly." With that Cobblepot pauses.

"Though, the issue with Jonathan...hmm I wonder.

Alright Eddie, I am willing to at least think things through with you. What are your thoughts?"

[eddie-nygma.livejournal.com]

"Organized crime treating us with more respect is good for everyone. But outright warfare between organized crime and the freaks of Gotham isn't good for anyone. Someone wants us fighting each other."

He leans back.

"And it isn't Batman, though I did have an interesting conversation with Croc the other day. He was sorry to have missed our little party."

[flightlessfelon.livejournal.com]

"No, it's not the Bat's style. A War is as bad for him as anyone. The question is, who is it good for? Our clown friend enjoys this sort of game, but doesn't typically have the patience to pull something like this off. It could be coming from a lower level street thug who is hoping that we will take out his bosses for him. It's sort of the express elevator to the top of that particular corporate ladder." Ozzie trails off in thought again.

"How is Jonathan holding up? The last time I saw him he still seemed a bit, shaken I suppose."

[eddie-nygma.livejournal.com]

"Dr. Crane is quite agitated about Ivy's shooting, and I'm sure his own injury continues to weigh on his mind somewhat."

The Riddler tents his fingers as he considers the matter.

"Someone hoping to rise to prominence in the Gotham underworld causing this much chaos? Possible, but unlikely.."

[flightlessfelon.livejournal.com]

Penguin wonders why the Riddler doesn't see it. Maybe he is too close to everyone involved. Professional detatchment has long been Ozwald Cobblepot's best friend.

He thinks for a moment and then decides that if he wants to get Eddie involved at all, now is not the time.

"Well then Eddie...who do you think is behind it? And even if we figure out who is setting us up, what do you propose we do about it? Go to the GCPD? HA! I want to help Eddie, really I do, but I am not sure what you want me to do right now. Hmmm. How about a drink? That might help us start thinking more creativly. "

[eddie-nygma.livejournal.com]

He waves off the suggestion of a drink.

"No, thank you. And no, of course not the police. I'll figure this out myself, as soon as motive can be ascertained. Perhaps someone simply wishes to cause chaos.."

[flightlessfelon.livejournal.com]

Cobblepot pours himself a brandy. "Which would lead us back to our Clown friend I suppose. But that doesn't feel quite right. It is troubling, the more I think about it. If it is simply someone with an interest in bringing chaos we very well may all be in trouble.

I am happy to talk about it more, if you wish. But at the very least I would like to be kept informed of what you learn. I have my fingers in so many pies these days, I would hate to see on disrupted."

[eddie-nygma.livejournal.com]

"Naturally."

Nygma stands slowly - moving towards the door.

"Actually, I've got a few hunches that I should follow up on. Likewise, if you hear anything with your network, let me know. Agreed?"

[flightlessfelon.livejournal.com]

"Of course Eddie, I would think that it would go without saying. I will let you know if anyone tells me anything important. I am still not clear on what you plan to do once you solve this Riddle, but you can count on my help wherever you may need it."

[eddie-nygma.livejournal.com]

"Thanks, Ozzie. But it should be obvious what I'm going to do. I'm going to figure out who's behind it before Batman does, and savor my intellectual victory with a nice bottle of wine."

He grins, making his way to the door.