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Zak, now looking like a high-class criminal businessman, stood in front of the Iceberg Lounge, one of Gotham's most famous nightclubs, owned by the Penguin himself. The place was buzzing with neon lights, and the sound of jazz music seeped from inside, giving the atmosphere a luxurious yet mysterious feel.
As Zak scanned the area, he spotted Oswald Cobblepot entering the club. Dressed in an elegant black suit, he walked with steady steps despite his signature limp, leaning on his iconic umbrella. He was surrounded by several bodyguards who looked more like beasts in formal attire.
Zak (whispering to the system): "Well, the big bird has arrived. At least that saves me the trouble of searching for him."
System: "Great, but the question remains… how are you going to get in without raising suspicion?"
Zak looked around and noticed the long line of people waiting to enter—mostly wealthy individuals or small-time gangsters. He also saw the massive security guards at the entrance. He didn't have an invitation.
With confident steps, he approached the main entrance, where one of the guards raised his hand to stop him.
Guard: "You? Got an invite?"
Zak slowly smirked, pulled out a $100 bill from his pocket, and said in a confident tone:
"I'm a man who doesn't like waiting, and I assume you don't like missing opportunities either."
The guard glanced at the bill in Zak's hand, then at him, before smirking slightly and discreetly taking the cash.
Guard: "Go in… but don't cause trouble."
Zak (smirking): "Me? Trouble? Impossible."
Zak stepped through the grand doors, welcomed by warm lighting and the scent of fine liquor, while the sound of music played in a beautiful, classic rhythm. Now, he was inside the Penguin's den, and the game had begun.
As Zak entered the Iceberg Lounge, he kept his eyes on the Penguin the entire time, looking for the perfect opportunity to assassinate him. He took a seat at a table in the corner, ordering a simple drink to blend in like any other guest, all while carefully observing Oswald Cobblepot's every move.
The Penguin sat in his private booth, surrounded by his toughest men, engaged in discussions with shady individuals—likely arms dealers or smaller crime bosses. It was clear he was well-protected, making any assassination attempt tonight pure suicide.
Zak (whispering to himself): "Not so fast… I need to be smart, not reckless."
He continued watching until midnight, but he couldn't find a single opening. The security around the Penguin was airtight, and as time passed, he started feeling exhausted.
System: "Finally, a bit of rational thinking from you. I thought you'd just jump onto the table and start shooting wildly!"
Zak (smirking): "I'm reckless, but I'm not an idiot. At least… not always."
Realizing that tonight wasn't the night for execution, he decided to retreat quietly before drawing any suspicion. He got up from his seat, cast one last glance at the Penguin, then made his way toward the back exit to leave unnoticed.
As he stepped into the back alley, Zak took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts before heading back to his secret base beneath the theater. The first night was just a reconnaissance mission—the next step would be properly planning the assassination of one of Gotham's most dangerous crime lords.
The next night, Zak returned at the same time, wearing the classic outfit he had specifically bought to blend in with the club's high-class crowd. He entered the Iceberg Lounge calmly, repeating the same strategy—sitting at a side table and carefully observing everything.
But this time, there was no sign of the Penguin.
He scanned every corner of the lounge, noticing the same guards, the usual gangsters, and a few shady figures, but Oswald Cobblepot himself was nowhere to be found.
Zak (whispering to the system): "That's strange… He was here last night. Why isn't he showing up today?"
System: "Maybe he has other business… or maybe he heard something and decided to lay low."
Zak had no choice but to keep watching, but the night turned out to be uneventful. He decided not to take any risks or cause a scene. After casually sipping some water, he got up and walked toward the exit.
Zak (to the system): "Alright, we'll come back tomorrow and see if he shows up. No point in rushing things."
System (mockingly): "Wow, patience? Is this the same Zak I know?"
Zak: "Don't start. I just don't want to ruin everything with unnecessary recklessness."
Still, he couldn't shake off a sense of unease. If the Penguin disappeared again tomorrow night, then Zak would have no choice but to return to his base and prepare for another day.
—
Day Twelve of Surveillance.
Zak sat in his usual corner inside the Iceberg Lounge, studying the environment carefully. By now, he had memorized everything—emergency exits, guard positions, and the Penguin's schedule. He knew that one wrong move could cost him his life, so he had to wait for the perfect moment.
But that night, something unexpected happened.
As he continued observing as usual, he suddenly felt someone approaching him. He turned slowly—only to find himself staring at a woman with short black hair and mesmerizing green eyes standing in front of him. She was dressed in a sleek black dress, and the way she moved radiated confidence and cunning.
Selina Kyle.
A name everyone knew. But Zak never expected her to approach him this quickly.
Selina (with a slight smirk as she leaned on his table): "I've seen you coming here almost every night… That's a little strange, don't you think?"
Zak (calmly, trying not to show any nervousness): "Maybe I just enjoy the atmosphere."
Selina (chuckling softly): "Oh, really? Because I don't see you drinking, I don't see you talking to anyone, and you just keep watching the place like you're waiting for something."
It was clear she wasn't buying his excuse. This woman wasn't ordinary—she was a master thief, and just like Zak, she had been watching everything closely.
System (mockingly inside Zak's head): "Haha, you're busted. A gorgeous woman figured you out this fast? You're an open book, kid."
Zak (in his mind): "Shut up, let me think."
He looked at her for a moment, trying to analyze his situation. Was she here by coincidence, or did she have a hidden reason for taking an interest in him? Either way, he knew this conversation could lead him down a completely unexpected path.
Zak froze for a second, but he quickly regained his composure. He hadn't expected her to know his name. That meant one thing—Selina Kyle had been watching him too.
Zak (smiling calmly but ready for anything): "Ah, so I don't need to introduce myself? That makes things a lot easier."
Selina (sitting across from him, crossing one leg over the other): "No, you're mysterious, and mystery piques my curiosity. A guy who comes here every night, doesn't gamble, doesn't drink, doesn't flirt with women—just watches… What else am I supposed to think, other than that you're planning something?"
Zak (with a smirk): "Maybe I'm looking for a job. I heard Penguin pays well."
Selina (leaning in slightly, her eyes gleaming with mischief): "Oh, don't try to play that game with me, Zak. You don't look like someone searching for a job… You look like someone searching for an opportunity."
At that moment, the system spoke in Zak's head, its tone filled with warning:
"Careful. This woman isn't just making small talk—she's testing you, trying to pull information out of you. If you answer wrong, you might find yourself exposed to someone you don't want as an enemy."
Zak sighed internally. He knew this conversation wasn't going to be easy. He had to choose his words very carefully, because any mistake could lead to an unwanted confrontation.
Zak (leaning back calmly): "Alright, let's cut the riddles. What do you really want?"
Selina (smirking slyly): "I want to know… Are we on the same side? Or do we have to worry about you?"
That was a clear test. Should he tell the truth? Or should he play the mystery card even more? The tension in the air was thick, and Zak knew that whatever he said next could completely change the course of events.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
If you liked the story and want to read more
or just to support me, copy the link below.
You will find a special membership for:
3 chapter
and another one for:
7 chapters.
patreon.com/zakx205
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