Reading settings
Chapter 74: A Joke
2022-10-19 Author: Great Demon Spirit
Maroni walked out of the courthouse, triumphant. He adjusted his sleeves, his smug gaze sweeping over everything with disdain.
Countless reporters followed frantically behind him, clamoring and shouting for an interview. The entire courthouse was like a chaotic marketplace, with the media scrambling like shoppers fighting over cheap produce.
“Mr. Maroni, regarding Officer Harvey’s accusation that you are the head of the **Falcone Crime Family**, could you please share your thoughts? Will you be suing Harvey?”
“Harvey is an upright and good man, the most competent officer there is. Everyone knows that. I understand Harvey’s desire to end crime; he’s just a bit too eager sometimes. He needs to work on that. Also, I will not be suing him,” Maroni said to the cameras with practiced ease.
In his eyes, the court hearing was a complete farce. This newcomer Harvey was just a rookie who didn't know anything. Did he really think he could nab him, Maroni, with the confession of some criminal? What a joke. The dumbfounded look on Harvey's face when that same criminal openly recanted his testimony in court, claiming he himself was the leader of the **Falcone Family** and that Maroni was just a front, still made Maroni laugh.
A straight-laced, foolish cop—that was how **Falcone's** leader, Maroni, sized up Harvey.
Surrounded by a crowd, Maroni got into his beloved car. Just before closing the door, he shot a contemptuous glance at Harvey, whose eyes were blazing with fire, and drove off toward the secret headquarters of the **Falcone Crime Family**. Today was the day for the big and small bosses of the **Falcone Family** to meet.
Maroni had truly been riding high lately. The **Falcone Crime Family** was the new overlord of Gotham City, succeeding Falcone. They controlled everything. Even **Wayne Enterprises** had to give the **Falcone Family** face in certain matters. As the leader of **Falcone**, Maroni had reached a new peak in his life. Of course, he had reason to be proud.
But when he stepped into the meeting room, he was met with news like a bolt from the blue. Their money had been stolen. Sixty-eight million dollars had vanished into thin air.
“Who’s so bold as to rob the **Falcone** in Gotham City?” Maroni said, leaning back in his chair and letting out a comfortable sigh. He wasn't worried. Gotham City belonged to the **Falcone Family**; whoever it was, they weren't getting away.
“It was a freak,” a Mexican boss said, his face grim. “A guy in a cheap purple suit with disgusting, heavy makeup on his face.”
“He’s not the problem. Find him, kill him. The biggest problem now is that the cops are onto our money. That Harvey is latched onto our family like a mad dog. Mr. Liu, what do you have to say about that? Isn’t this what your trust fund is for?”
Mr. Liu was in his thirties, and to be able to deal with the **Falcone Family** at his age was a sign of a young and promising man.
“The police have marked the bills and are moving to freeze all your assets at the various banks. So, I’ve moved all your money. I took advantage of the distraction caused by **Stark Industries’** arrival to divert the attention of Gotham City’s higher-ups,” Mr. Liu said. “Only I know where it is. The police must have bought off one of you, but the others’ money is still safe.”
“Then how do you guarantee your own safety?” someone asked.
“I will return to Hong Kong immediately. The Chinese don’t extradite their own. The Gotham City Police have no power over me.”
The members of the **Falcone Family** muttered amongst themselves, lost in thought. They had to admit it was a good idea, but it was also a solution born of desperation. Entrusting their assets to an outsider, without even knowing where they were kept, was an incredibly frustrating position to be in.
Clang!
A few soft sounds suddenly came from outside the door, followed quickly by silence.
The **Falcone Family** members were instantly on alert, their hands quietly moving to their guns. Who could it be? There were few in Gotham City who would dare to make a move on the **Falcone** in broad daylight.
“I’ve discovered you people are really quite stupid. Your idea is terrible.” The Joker sauntered in, completely relaxed and swaying with each step, as if he didn't have a care in the world.
“Give me one reason not to twist your head off,” the Mexican man snarled, his face vicious. This was the guy who had hijacked a huge pile of their money!
“How about a magic trick?” the Joker responded instantly. With great ceremony, he carefully took a pen from his pocket and stood it upright on the table, presenting it to everyone with a serious expression. “This is a pen. I’m going to make this pen disappear.”
Everyone was completely baffled, staring at the mental patient before them as if he were an idiot. Which hospital did this dumbass escape from? Arkham?
A bodyguard did his duty without waiting for his master’s command, immediately stepping forward to kill this uninvited guest, the Joker.
But in that instant, the comical Joker’s eyes narrowed. His snake-like gaze sent a chill down the spine. In a flash, he grabbed the bodyguard’s neck and slammed his head down onto the table. His unimposing frame erupted with astonishing strength.
Thump!
The upright pen was driven into the bodyguard's forehead and disappeared.
“Ta-da! See, it’s gone… Hehehehe…” The Joker’s eyes widened as he pointed at the empty table in mock surprise.
“Fuck…” The Mexican was thoroughly enraged. This Joker was mocking his intelligence right to his face! Since Falcone, they, the **Falcone**, were the kings of Gotham City. It had been years since anyone had provoked them so openly, especially in such a stupid-ass way!
“You, sit down first! I still have questions for him… It’s Joker, right? I’d like to hear your suggestion,” Maroni said, folding his hands. He had suddenly developed a strong interest in this unhinged man.
“Oh, emmmmm… let’s start from over a year ago. This bunch of cops and lawyers didn’t dare touch people like you. But now? Look at you, hehehe, scared out of your wits… I know why. I know why you don't hold your meetings at night anymore… because you’re scared… of that **The Bat**… Pfft! Hahaha… That guy showed the people of Gotham City your true colors. A guy like Harvey, he’s just a hothead. Batman is the key…”
The men looked at each other, somewhat embarrassed. The Joker had indeed exposed the bloody truth.
“As for that plan of yours… Mwahahaha, Mr. Liu, Batman has no jurisdiction. He’ll fly to Hong Kong and make you cry and tell him where you hid the money…” the Joker muttered deliriously, his eyes rolling unconsciously.
“So what’s your plan?” Maroni cut him off and asked.
“My plan? Simple… Kill the Batman!”
The entire meeting room erupted in laughter. Some were laughing so hard they were breathless, pointing at the Joker and praising him for telling such a good joke. He had managed to amuse them all.
(end of chapter)
2022-10-19 Author: Great Demon Spirit
Maroni walked out of the courthouse, triumphant. He adjusted his sleeves, his smug gaze sweeping over everything with disdain.
Countless reporters followed frantically behind him, clamoring and shouting for an interview. The entire courthouse was like a chaotic marketplace, with the media scrambling like shoppers fighting over cheap produce.
“Mr. Maroni, regarding Officer Harvey’s accusation that you are the head of the **Falcone Crime Family**, could you please share your thoughts? Will you be suing Harvey?”
“Harvey is an upright and good man, the most competent officer there is. Everyone knows that. I understand Harvey’s desire to end crime; he’s just a bit too eager sometimes. He needs to work on that. Also, I will not be suing him,” Maroni said to the cameras with practiced ease.
In his eyes, the court hearing was a complete farce. This newcomer Harvey was just a rookie who didn't know anything. Did he really think he could nab him, Maroni, with the confession of some criminal? What a joke. The dumbfounded look on Harvey's face when that same criminal openly recanted his testimony in court, claiming he himself was the leader of the **Falcone Family** and that Maroni was just a front, still made Maroni laugh.
A straight-laced, foolish cop—that was how **Falcone's** leader, Maroni, sized up Harvey.
Surrounded by a crowd, Maroni got into his beloved car. Just before closing the door, he shot a contemptuous glance at Harvey, whose eyes were blazing with fire, and drove off toward the secret headquarters of the **Falcone Crime Family**. Today was the day for the big and small bosses of the **Falcone Family** to meet.
Maroni had truly been riding high lately. The **Falcone Crime Family** was the new overlord of Gotham City, succeeding Falcone. They controlled everything. Even **Wayne Enterprises** had to give the **Falcone Family** face in certain matters. As the leader of **Falcone**, Maroni had reached a new peak in his life. Of course, he had reason to be proud.
But when he stepped into the meeting room, he was met with news like a bolt from the blue. Their money had been stolen. Sixty-eight million dollars had vanished into thin air.
“Who’s so bold as to rob the **Falcone** in Gotham City?” Maroni said, leaning back in his chair and letting out a comfortable sigh. He wasn't worried. Gotham City belonged to the **Falcone Family**; whoever it was, they weren't getting away.
“It was a freak,” a Mexican boss said, his face grim. “A guy in a cheap purple suit with disgusting, heavy makeup on his face.”
“He’s not the problem. Find him, kill him. The biggest problem now is that the cops are onto our money. That Harvey is latched onto our family like a mad dog. Mr. Liu, what do you have to say about that? Isn’t this what your trust fund is for?”
Mr. Liu was in his thirties, and to be able to deal with the **Falcone Family** at his age was a sign of a young and promising man.
“The police have marked the bills and are moving to freeze all your assets at the various banks. So, I’ve moved all your money. I took advantage of the distraction caused by **Stark Industries’** arrival to divert the attention of Gotham City’s higher-ups,” Mr. Liu said. “Only I know where it is. The police must have bought off one of you, but the others’ money is still safe.”
“Then how do you guarantee your own safety?” someone asked.
“I will return to Hong Kong immediately. The Chinese don’t extradite their own. The Gotham City Police have no power over me.”
The members of the **Falcone Family** muttered amongst themselves, lost in thought. They had to admit it was a good idea, but it was also a solution born of desperation. Entrusting their assets to an outsider, without even knowing where they were kept, was an incredibly frustrating position to be in.
Clang!
A few soft sounds suddenly came from outside the door, followed quickly by silence.
The **Falcone Family** members were instantly on alert, their hands quietly moving to their guns. Who could it be? There were few in Gotham City who would dare to make a move on the **Falcone** in broad daylight.
“I’ve discovered you people are really quite stupid. Your idea is terrible.” The Joker sauntered in, completely relaxed and swaying with each step, as if he didn't have a care in the world.
“Give me one reason not to twist your head off,” the Mexican man snarled, his face vicious. This was the guy who had hijacked a huge pile of their money!
“How about a magic trick?” the Joker responded instantly. With great ceremony, he carefully took a pen from his pocket and stood it upright on the table, presenting it to everyone with a serious expression. “This is a pen. I’m going to make this pen disappear.”
Everyone was completely baffled, staring at the mental patient before them as if he were an idiot. Which hospital did this dumbass escape from? Arkham?
A bodyguard did his duty without waiting for his master’s command, immediately stepping forward to kill this uninvited guest, the Joker.
But in that instant, the comical Joker’s eyes narrowed. His snake-like gaze sent a chill down the spine. In a flash, he grabbed the bodyguard’s neck and slammed his head down onto the table. His unimposing frame erupted with astonishing strength.
Thump!
The upright pen was driven into the bodyguard's forehead and disappeared.
“Ta-da! See, it’s gone… Hehehehe…” The Joker’s eyes widened as he pointed at the empty table in mock surprise.
“Fuck…” The Mexican was thoroughly enraged. This Joker was mocking his intelligence right to his face! Since Falcone, they, the **Falcone**, were the kings of Gotham City. It had been years since anyone had provoked them so openly, especially in such a stupid-ass way!
“You, sit down first! I still have questions for him… It’s Joker, right? I’d like to hear your suggestion,” Maroni said, folding his hands. He had suddenly developed a strong interest in this unhinged man.
“Oh, emmmmm… let’s start from over a year ago. This bunch of cops and lawyers didn’t dare touch people like you. But now? Look at you, hehehe, scared out of your wits… I know why. I know why you don't hold your meetings at night anymore… because you’re scared… of that **The Bat**… Pfft! Hahaha… That guy showed the people of Gotham City your true colors. A guy like Harvey, he’s just a hothead. Batman is the key…”
The men looked at each other, somewhat embarrassed. The Joker had indeed exposed the bloody truth.
“As for that plan of yours… Mwahahaha, Mr. Liu, Batman has no jurisdiction. He’ll fly to Hong Kong and make you cry and tell him where you hid the money…” the Joker muttered deliriously, his eyes rolling unconsciously.
“So what’s your plan?” Maroni cut him off and asked.
“My plan? Simple… Kill the Batman!”
The entire meeting room erupted in laughter. Some were laughing so hard they were breathless, pointing at the Joker and praising him for telling such a good joke. He had managed to amuse them all.
(end of chapter)
