Just as Fish Mooney was deep in thought, one of her female gunmen hurried over and spoke in a low, uneasy voice.
"There's something strange. A large group of senior girls from the fourth year want to see you. They say they want to pledge loyalty to you."
Even the messenger sounded stunned.
Fish's expression shifted.
"What?"
She frowned.
"A group of senior girls wants to pledge loyalty to me, right now, in the middle of a firefight? That sounds like bullshit."
After a brief pause, Fish let out a cold laugh.
"I was just thinking about how to drag those spoiled kids onto the field to slow Akahara down, and now they come crawling over themselves?"
She waved her hand.
"Take me to them."
Before leaving, Fish glanced toward the distant library. Gunfire rattled nonstop, and the enemy line was pushing closer to the playground and her own position.
Her jaw tightened.
The front line was cracking.
She arrived at the senior classrooms and stepped into a chaotic room filled with restrained students. The moment Fish appeared, excitement rippled through them.
A blonde girl at the front, hands tied, raised her arms and shouted eagerly.
"I'm the cheerleading captain. My lover, Teresa Ander, works for you. We even attended your party last month. I danced at your bar. Do you remember me?"
The girl stared at Fish, hopeful.
Fish pursed her lips. She had no idea who this was.
She nodded anyway.
"Teresa was a good girl. I remember you both. A cheerleading captain, that explains the enthusiasm."
Fish walked closer.
The blonde girl's excitement nearly burst. She bowed deeply.
"You actually remember me. You're a role model for women in Gotham. I've wanted to follow you for so long, but my parents are controlling fossils. If they weren't watching me so closely, I would've gone to the Big Fish Bar long ago. Last time was already risky. I didn't even get to kiss your shoe, Sister Fish."
"Is that so?" Fish smiled faintly. "Sounds like you've been waiting."
She placed her hands behind her back and stepped closer.
The moment Fish's leg moved within reach, the blonde girl's eyes flashed. Her thigh snapped upward, aiming to sweep Fish's leg.
Fish pulled back instantly.
A pink Glock appeared in her hand.
The barrel slammed into the girl's groin, freezing her mid movement. Fish grabbed her by the neck and sneered.
"I've seen idiots like you before. I did have a Teresa working for me. She died two weeks ago."
Fish leaned in.
"And I never heard she had a girlfriend."
The girl began shaking uncontrollably.
Fish raised the gun to her head.
"What's your name? Might as well leave something behind before you die."
The girl swallowed hard.
"Bette. Bette Kane."
"Kane?"
Fish inhaled sharply, exaggerating her surprise.
"So you're a Kane. Your aunt should be Thomas Wayne's wife, right? One of Gotham's founding families."
Her smile turned thin.
"And look at you now. That pedigree won't save you."
She dragged the cold barrel slowly across Bette's face. Goosebumps erupted across the girl's skin.
Fish sighed.
"Girls like you will never understand what people like me risk just to stay alive. You thought you could trick me?"
She shook her head.
"Not even close. Still, I won't kill you yet. That last name might be useful."
Fish grabbed Bette by the collar, preparing to throw her aside.
A cold blade pressed into her armpit.
Fish froze.
Her eyes widened as she realized the one holding her was the very subordinate who had delivered the message.
Fish inhaled slowly.
She had never bothered remembering faces beneath her.
Now she paid for it.
She shouted through clenched teeth.
"Are you insane, Selina? We're on the same side."
"Same side?"
Selina Kyle pushed the knife in deeper. Blood welled instantly.
"I thought so too. You, me, Liv. We worked smoothly. I enjoyed borrowing valuables, and I appreciated the tools you gave me. Liv's information was useful too."
Her voice sharpened.
"But you never shared information with me. Not once."
The blade shifted slightly.
"If there was even a shred of trust, you would have told me Sophia contacted you. Now Sophia's dead."
Selina pressed closer.
"So guess who's next."
The knife slid, widening the wound.
Fish hissed as blood soaked her clothes.
"Bullshit," Fish snapped. "That woman has nothing to do with me. The moment Sophia called, I told Liv. She contacted me at 6:40 tonight. My last call with Liv was at seven."
She spoke fast, sharp.
"My private phone is in my chest pocket. Check it if you want. Our cooperation has never been broken. I have no reason to screw over my best money maker, Selina."