Batman: Gotham underground 2/3: corruption

The wretched streets of Gotham are flooded by noise and paranoia. Among them stand two bold towers. Directly parallel to each other. In the first lives roman sionis. A ruthless criminal fuelled only by his hate for Gothams lower walks of life and the pain of the haunting black mask which clings tightly fused to his scarred and long since forgotten face

Opposite in a slightly taller tower as though to demonstrate power live the falcones, A Noble, well respected crime family who for many decades have ruled Gotham with the will of its ignorant citizens. At the top of the family is don Carmine Falcone. A man who is both admired and feared by his beloved city.

 

On the very top floor of the Falcone building, Carmine sits behind a grand oak desk which hosts several unneeded ornaments of solid gold. He is surrounded by several of his advisors,lawyers and of course victor zsasz. A merciless sociopath who takes great pleasure in documenting the number of lives he’s taken by carving with his knife, tallies into his own flesh and bone. The thickest cuts are for men. The slightly smaller are for women and the thinnest of all... are for children. He also happens to be loyal to the Falcone name. The only thing he’s loyal to. And at this moment he stands almost completely idle staring into the uncomfortable eyes of Falcones highest payed lawyer, sharpening his knife to the point of oblivion. The suited men discuss profits and deals with Carmine as an uninterested zsasz begins to walk slowly yet loudly towards the giant wooden doors at the end of Falcones more than spacious office. When he gets to them, they just so happen to be knocked and he eagerly pulls them open with a force that would unhinge the doors if they were not worth more than the homes of most of Gotham’s unwillingly humble people . He speaks in an unnerving tone to the unwanted visitor

 

Zsasz: I could hear you pacing the hallway...like a mouse

 

Lenny: Here to see the boss. Said he’s got a job for me...on the phone

 

Victor completely ignores Lenny’s words and is instead transfixed by the sharpened metal teeth and rusted silver plates of Lenny’s “signature” mask. The mask that he’s used since his very first job about 10 years back and will take to his grave

 

Zsasz: Hmmm...yes...I like that mask. Yes very much...i do....I want it

 

Lenny: Heh. Too bad...getcha own.

 

Len pushes his way past zsasz and patting one of falcones lawyers on the back, he helps himself to an armchair

 

Lenny: Hey boss I came!

 

Falcone turns in his chair facing Lenny

 

Falcone: Leonard. So glad you could make it. I’ve got somewhat of a chore for you. You see There’s been some unwanted disturbances in this beautiful city of mine as of late. Particularly from the man they’re calling the “Gotham knight” or more commonly known “the batman”. Now I’ll be frank len. I want him dead. As soon as possible.

 

Lenny: You being funny right?

 

Falcone stares right at him saying nothing yet telling everything

 

Lenny: Oh right. Gotcha

 

Falcone: And one final request. Take victor with you. I trust his...talents will be of great use to you

 

Lenny: Ah god. Really? That psychopath?

 

Zsasz: YES. That psychopath. Let’s go Leonard.

 

As Len is pulled out of the room by his shoulder, he attempts to regain his dignity

 

Leonard: getcha filthy hands offa me!

Done