Penguin sat in his private office, holding a freshly poured glass of whiskey as ice cubes gently clinked in the amber liquid. His gaze fell on the phone on his desk, Schiller's name displayed on the screen. After a moment of hesitation, he pressed the call button.
After a few rings, Schiller's composed voice came through the line. "What happened that made you call me personally at this hour?"
Penguin took a sip of his drink, his tone probing. "Looks like the information I gave you about Carter has come in handy. That woman talks too much and isn't cautious enough. She's not a good choice for the party. Better to get her out early."
"However... my people say you're investigating Bavell under the mayor's name. That isn't a wise choice."
Schiller chuckled softly, his voice low and calm. "Oswald, since when did you start caring about my choices? Bavell is just a minor player. She's not worth this much concern from you."
"A minor player?" Penguin raised a brow, his disapproval obvious. "Bavell Smith is no minor player. She's the IRS's ace. The assets of wealthy people who've fallen into her hands could fill the Pacific Ocean. Since you've decided to use her, there's really no need to go out of your way like this."
Schiller's voice remained unruffled. "I seem to recall telling you that I never count on anyone's kindness. I only want to leave them with no other choice."
Penguin set down his glass and lightly tapped his fingers against the desk. "At least don't provoke her proactively. The IRS has far more power than you imagine. They can even legally use torture in the twenty-first century. If you push them too far, it won't end well for anyone."
Schiller fell silent for a moment before