Chapter Text
Shaking hands with Jim Gordon cemented Penguin’s freedom. The freedom to take back the city under certain terms and conditions with Riddler as his equal. It was only a temporary situation but Oswald was glad of the reprieve. Having an angry Jim Gordon pursuing him was about as bad as things could get. He was free of that piranha for now and eager to make the most of it.
It was more than he could have ever dreamed of as the mansion became a hub of operations to bring order to the city. A few murders were committed of course, but Jim turned a blind eye as if he finally understood the cost of protecting the city.
Everything was ticking along nicely. Oswald had most of the GCPD living at his home, much to the chagrin of Ed who simply stayed back, peering out from the shadows like some green shadow glaring at Oswald ruefully.
Finally, Oswald had had enough of his sulking friend. Banishing everyone from the library, he closed the doors and turned to Nygma. “Come on out Ed. I’m sick of you peering at me like I’ve murdered your best friend. What the hell is up with you?”
Ed sauntered out from his corner, dashing in the green suit and top hat. He pointed at himself and asked. “Me, Oswald? Since when have we been playing happy families with the GCPD? We were supposed to take over this city.”
“And we have.” Oswald grimaced. “What more do you want, Ed? This gives us the best of both worlds.”
“Jim Gordon is playing you for a fool.” Ed snapped. He walked over to the window and placed his hands on the old frame riddled with bullet holes and mould. “We should be both out there taking Gotham with force.”
“Ed, what do you want of me?” Penguin sighed. “It’s better to work with the GCPD than work against Jim Gordon.”
“He’s planning something.” Nygma said. He looked directly at Oswald and grinned. “I can sneak up on you or be right in front of you without you knowing… but when I reveal myself you will never be the same. What am I?”
“We’ve had this one before, Ed.” Penguin groused.
“Jim Gordon is a boy scout and his allegiance will always be to the city. The answer isn’t if he will betray you but when.” Ed huffed.
“Ed. I know you are trying to protect me. It’s very sweet but…” Oswald said placatingly, spreading his arms outward in front of his chest.
“Listen to me. Your heart is a weakness to the both of us.” Ed strode forward, grabbing Oswald’s chin in both of his gloved hands and looking deeply into his eyes. Oswald looked up into Nygma’s furious expression, his frenzied snarled mouth. “I can see that vulnerability and so can Jim Gordon.”
“You won’t be hurt, Ed.” Oswald whispered. “I promise.”
Ed shook his head ruefully. “It’s not me I’m worried about here.”
Oswald cocked a charming grin and put his hands over the Riddler’s green-gloved digits. “And here we are. Again. You don’t have to worry about me, Ed. Jim Gordon is a means to an end.”
“Pah!” Riddler let go of Penguin, moving over to the dark side of the room once more. “I can see this ending badly for both of us.”
“I think I know what might make you feel better.” Oswald sat on his desk and reached for the newspaper on his left side. “They are moving the Cooper Emerald from Gotham Museum to the GCPD stronghold. Most of the cities art has been moved now and only this remains. It was considered too risky to try and transport it. You know.”
The news had perked Ed up. He smiled grimly. “Not much of a surprise there, Oswald. I’m more surprised by them attempting to move it now. Don’t they know who owns this city?”
“It is worth around thirty million in USD. Give or take.” Penguin jiggled the paper and Nygma strode over to him, taking the article and devouring it hungrily. His eyes were smiling when he returned Oswald’s gaze and the grin was instant. “I think it would make a decent paperweight for your desk, Ed.”
“This is a bit risky for an expensive paperweight.” Ed’s humour was back, the shift of malevolent trickery playing with the light in his eyes. “I don’t think Jim Gordon will appreciate us stealing this.”
“It will be my gift to you.” Penguin said, laughing at Ed’s newfound optimism. “To show I can handle that man.”
“Okay.” Riddler seemed placated for now. “When is this transfer happening?”
“A couple of days.” Penguin shrugged. “Enough time to plan and execute. I think you need something to keep you busy.”
“Maybe.” Riddler mused. He was still nursing the newspaper. Taking in all the details from the article and committing them to memory. “It will keep me occupied. For a little while.”
“Good.” Oswald grinned broadly. “I’ll keep Jim busy with a fake criminal operation.”
“No need.” Nygma waved a green-gloved hand in Oswald’s general direction. “I would prefer the challenge of having the GCPD around. You know, to spice things up a little.”
“Suit yourself.” Penguin opened the doors to the library and Nygma disappeared as the room swamped with cops. He really didn’t like breathing their air at all. Oswald could understand. The GCPD had been a thorn in both of their sides for a long time.
Oswald put on his most compliant expression as Jim Gordon paced around the library bleating out instructions to the other cops.
One man appeared to be ignoring Jim in favour of staring at Oswald and he smiled at the man as if he were the most innocent person in the world. Harvey watched him carefully, arms folded.
Now, there was a man Oswald simply could not fool.