"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Cobblepot family's charity gala!" Penguin's bloated body stood above the second-floor atrium, blocking a large swath of light. When his shadow fell across the floor, it looked like a turtle swimming in shallow water—somewhat ridiculous, yet no one dared laugh.
"I know things haven't been peaceful lately," he continued in that gentlemanly tone. "Someone has been killing people, while others have been trying to save them. I think you must be the latter. So, in these stormy times, I have no choice but to step forward and offer some reassurance—how could this city collapse because of one mere serial killer?"
"I hope you believe that I'll catch that damned bastard sooner or later. Maybe in a few days, or maybe today." Penguin twitched his hooked nose, making him look particularly vicious. Through gritted teeth, he said, "I believe the killer is among you, or at least that you know where he is. Would anyone care to step forward with a clue?"
The room fell silent. Many lowered their eyes, while others showed their fear openly. But Penguin suddenly burst into unrestrained laughter and said, "All right, I'm joking. You're all respectable people. How could any of you possibly be assassins? I would never let the filth of the lower city dirty my floors. Now then, eat, drink, and dance to your hearts' content. I guarantee that by tomorrow morning, everything will be back to normal!"
With that, he turned and left. Once he was gone, the deathly atmosphere in the hall finally regained some life. People whispered among themselves, but as the minuet began, the dance floor quickly filled.
The Garden of Eden Killer had caused too great a stir. Ever since the mayor's death, Gotham had been gripped by panic, and there had