"I told you already, I didn't kill him. The League of Assassins has invested so many resources in you. Why must you throw yourself into disarray at such a critical moment?" Talia leaned against the window, Gotham's ink-black night behind her. Her long black hair gleamed with a faint, cold light, and her slender brows were drawn together in strong disapproval.
"My banquet is completely ruined." Elliot sat on the bed. The expensive silk sheets shimmered softly beneath the bright lights, but his expression was so grim that no lavish decoration could make him appear more confident.
"The body that fell was one of the bodyguards I assigned to you. He had been waiting near the banquet hall since the event began. The killer could only have been someone attending the banquet."
"Who do you suspect?"
"Many people had motives." Talia walked to the other side of the bed and began pacing. "Perhaps Jason Todd."
"Why would you think it was him?" Elliot looked even more disapproving.
"He is too young, too ambitious. Gotham Defense Group has effectively been enjoying the fruits of your governance of Gotham. Besides, he took responsibility for security for the entire banquet. He has to answer for this."
"You think I can shift all the blame onto him?"
"You have to give those dignitaries an explanation." Talia sat beside Elliot. "The election is about to begin, and we do not have much time left. Whoever is trying to trip you up at this point, you cannot show mercy anymore."
"I don't think that would achieve anything." Elliot continued, "It was clearly you—the League of Assassins—that has never been able to do anything about March. If you had gotten rid of that competitor sooner, I would not have to worry about any election."
Talia sighed and