Chapter 5

CW: murder

I have to admit, working as the Penguin's assistant didn't turn out as difficult as I expected. Of course he can be a hard master especially when things doesn't turn out the way he wants, but he always appreciates when I succeed at something and that feels nice.

'Sam, I would like you to broaden your knowledge in classical arts, I acquired two tickets for the upcoming Pagliacci.'

'Oh, really?' I'm actually excited about it.

'Yes it is going to be at Friday.'

This makes me pause. Friday, he said? I need to check it in the calendar. Oh no, I can't go!

'Uhm, Pagliacci? I... I've already seen it.' wow, this time I really fell short with this lie.

'You've already seen it?' he repeates in disbelief.

'Y-yes.'

'Oh and could you tell me, which was your favourite song from the play?' he doesn't show it but I'm sure he is pissed.

'I... uhm.'

'Listen, if you don't want to go just say it, I don't like to be lied to.' his voice is cold this time. It hurts. I wish I could tell him the truth but what if he wouldn't believe that, or would freak out? Or would call the authorities on me?

After this he was barely talking to me for days.

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Oswald POV

It is Saturday early in the morning. So early in fact I'm not supposed to be in my office yet but I had to make sure my dear assistant wouldn't be present. Him lying to me the other day made me suspicious and I killed for less, but he proved himself to be too valuable I'm bot about to let him go to waste just like that. Also unfortunately I really took a liking to him, so I have decided I will make sure if he is in fact working against me in secret before I deal with him.

Soon my hired help arrives, with a smug smile on his face, like he struck gold. That's what I was afraid of.

'Did you find something?'

'Oh I did! Sir, I have to say it is something noone would have expected! I think we need to call...'

'Alright, alright just let's get over with it. What do you have?' I'm too impatient to just let him rambling. I really don't have time for that!

'Ah, that's right! Here it is!' the private eye gives me his camera that contains the compromising pictures. At first I can't even make up what I am looking at, I simply can't believe my eyes. But when the shock wears off I feel relieved. After all it isn't something I necessary have to be worried about if I play my cards right. Look at you Sam, I would have never imagined that you are capable of something like this!

'Mr. Penguin, sir, what do you think?' he gives me a hopeful look. I'm sure he is expecting something out of this.

'I think it is interesting. Tell me, did you show these pictures to someone else? Or are there copies of them?'

'No, sir, you are the first one I showed these photos. I didn't even have time to copy them.' he tells me with great excitement. He probably imagines all the money and fame he would gain if this information would be revealed to the press.

'Good.' then I pull out a gun and shoot him point blank in the head. I take the memory card from the camera and shove it down his throat. This will ensure no one can see those pictures after this guy ends up at the bottom of the ocean. It's quite fortunate that the lounge is close to the docks. Though I think I'm still going to go through the man's belongings for more photos and look into if he was talking to someone else before he came here just to make sure.

And as for Sam I believe I have to scold him for coming up with such a pathetic lie.

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Sam POV

It's only morning and there's already a dead guy in his office. It seems like he started his day early. He looks at me with a stoic expression.

'Oh, I didn't notice the time.' he adds with a deadpan tone. It looks like he is still mad at me.

'Good morning, boss!'

'Good morning, Sam.' the coldness in his voice hurts me, I wish I could do something to make things right.

'Boss, I'm so sorry I...'

'Oh, cut it!' he interrupts me impatiently. 'But next time if you are too busy to accept an invite just say it. Now let's throw the trash out!'

Soon we are at sea on the boss' private boat. The fresh sea air is soothing my headache which I usually get after these kind of nights.

After we finished dumping the corpse, we return to the shore.

'Alright Sam, how do you feel about brunch?' this sudden shift in the topic catches me off guard, but sure why not.

'Uhm, I think I could eat, sir.'

'Come with me then, I know a place which has an excellent tuna salad.'

He brings me to a fancy diner with multiple groups of rich people as guests having idle conversations. I ask for sunnyside up eggs with with bacon, pancakes and a fruitbowl, with some tea. His order consists of the aformentioned tuna salad alongside other types of seafood.

'Isn't that too much seafood for breakfast?' I ask out of genuine curiosity however it came out more nosy than I intended.

'Oh, trust me, I've got used to this diet.' he seems to be in a better mood now. 'Now tell me were you able to sort out any urgent business you had last night?'

'Yes, sir.' now that he brings it up I feel guilty again.

'You need to learn how to lie more convincingly because this won't cut it.' however he doesn't seem to be angry at me anymore.

Meanwhile our orders arrive and both of us start to eat with great apetite. Then a group of women come in who get the boss' attention. When he finishes his meal he stands up.

'Bethany my darling, how lovely to see you again.' he says loud enough that it gets everyone's attention. It also causes one of the women to jump up from her seat.

'Oh, Ozzie, you're here, what a surprise!' her voice is much more subdued.

'My love, why didn't you tell me that you returned to Gotham?'

'I'm sorry, my dear, I uhm... didn't have time.' then they embrace and kiss each other's face. I am shocked! Who is this woman and why did he never tell me about her before? Then he brings her to our table to introduce her.

'Sam, you would never guess who came here just now. This is Bethany Mandel, my lady friend.' he's right I would have never guessed. I didn't know he had a girlfriend. 'Bethany, this is Sam Hyde, my personal assistant.'

'Nice to meet you.' she offers her hand but in a way that the top of her hand facing upward, but I give her a normal handshake anyway. This seems to shock her and looks at my boss in bafflement.

'I'm sorry my darling, he isn't quite polished in proper etiquett yet.' but then he smiles and doesn't seem like he's sorry at all. Though I don't really understand what did I do to upset her.

After a bit of chit-chatting between the two we leave.

'Sam.' my boss pulls me over. 'Could you leave a bit earlier, I would like to spend some time with her.' he whispers. 'You know, to catch up with her. Consider this a day off.'

'Are you sure about that, boss?'

'Yes I'm very sure.' he smirks. 'Now go, have a good day.'

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