That afternoon around six o'clock, Falcone's Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of the Iceberg Lounge.
Oswald, still sore from his injuries, rushed forward to greet him and dutifully held an umbrella over Falcone. In Gotham, rain was as constant and unforgiving as the city's shadows.
Even though the skies had briefly cleared earlier, the evening clouds were already releasing another downpour. As rain pattered against the umbrella, Falcone looked at Victor Zsasz, slightly tipsy, and asked quietly, "Is Wraith still in the lounge?"
"Yes, Boss," Victor said, rolling his eyes. Of course he was there — probably with that damn girl. Victor almost snapped back, but caught himself and nodded, still drunk. "Since Wraith got back to Gotham, he hasn't left the lounge. Right now, he's resting."
Falcone nodded, his expression calm. With a slight smile, he patted Oswald's shoulder and spoke with measured pride.
"Gotham might not be Wraith's original home, but the Iceberg and our family have become one of his footholds, and that's valuable. To strengthen our bond, I brought him a gift as a sign of respect. Take me to Forty-Four Below. I want to see him there. I hope he likes the surprise."
Falcone waved to someone behind him, and a burly man hauled a hooded figure out of the car. The person whimpered but could barely make a sound through the gag. The man who dragged them out sneered at Oswald.
"Penguin, even with broken ribs you still hold umbrellas like you enjoy it. If the Boss didn't need you for that, what could a short cripple like you even do?"
"Maroni," Oswald said, before he could insult back.
Falcone frowned and interrupted sharply, his voice stern.
"We are family, Maroni. I accepted Oswald, and I expected you to as well. Are you disappointing me?"
"No, of course not." Maroni laughed and tried to play it off. "Even siblings don't always get along. But if this family is threatened, we stand together."
He threw an arm around Oswald's shoulder with too much force, making the Penguin wobble. Oswald, struggling to keep balance, said to Falcone, "Maroni speaks the truth. We might clash, but Maroni was my boss once and we get along — hehehe."
Oswald grinned, but Maroni's eyes stayed uncomfortably wide as he stared back.
Falcone watched this exchange silently for a moment, then turned and walked straight into the rain without another word.
Maroni shoved Oswald to keep up. The rain soaked half of Oswald's body, yet he stayed dutiful, umbrella in hand, doing his job.
Under Oswald's careful escort, Falcone entered the Iceberg Lounge.
Once inside and free of rain, Oswald closed the umbrella and shook off the water.
Falcone greeted the assorted crowd with a refined but arrogant air.
"Senator Mitchell, wonderful to see you still full of vigor. Gotham needs that."
"Dr. Jones, have fun tonight. Inspiration isn't only found in books — sometimes it comes in other forms."
"Mr. Colson, great to see you out of S.T.A.R. Labs. I hope your latest projects go well."
"And Mayor Mitchell, if you'll excuse me, please wait for me in Forty-Four Below."
After flattering officials, wealthy elites, and Gotham's premier attendees, Falcone made his way to his private booth.
Selina brought him drinks, and he took a breath before suddenly grabbing her wrist.
His sudden move startled her and she instinctively jerked her hand back, nearly scratching him.
Falcone looked slightly taken aback, then sighed.
"I've told you more than once, you shouldn't be here, Selina."
Selina let out a snort, unconvinced.
"And where else would I be, Mr. Falcone? I was born in the Lounge. I grew up here. I even watched my mother die at the hands of some asshole right in this place. She shoved me in a closet whenever she had work to do, locked me away while she did her business. I watched her die — and listened to that bastard say whatever he wanted."
Selina's voice trembled with pain and anger. She stopped short as the lounge door opened.
Victor Zsasz walked in silently.
Falcone and Selina both turned to look at him. Victor tilted his head, uncomfortable at their stares.
"What's with the looks, Boss? Miss Kyle?"
Victor moved behind Falcone and spoke quietly to him.
"Boss, Maroni's losing patience waiting for Axel, so I had Oswald keep an eye on our commissioner."
Falcone closed his eyes and murmured. Then he extended a hand, and a cigar appeared between his fingers. Victor lit it for him.
Falcone took a long drag and exhaled slowly, smoke curling around him. After a moment, with a wry smile, he looked at Selina, whose chest was still tense from her outburst.
"Selina, can you do me a favor and check on Axel? Tell him that an old man who supposedly doesn't have much time left is waiting to see him."
"Yes, Lord Falcone. I'll tell him right away."
Selina's tone was firm, and she left Falcone's private room heading toward Axel's lounge.