In the manor, the fringe hanging from the ornate, vintage-patterned tablecloth swayed gently. The midday sunlight was just right, making the food on the table look even more appetizing. Merkel reached out and straightened the last plate as Schiller came downstairs.
He glanced up at the clock on the wall. Merkel also looked down at his watch and said, "The guests will be here any moment."
As Schiller descended the stairs, he heard the doorbell ring. Merkel stepped forward and opened the door. Mayor Roy stormed in with a briefcase, marched over to the sofa in the sitting room, tossed the briefcase onto it, planted his hands on his hips, and stood there sighing.
"What happened?" Schiller looked him over. Roy was still wearing his trench coat and felt hat, unmelted snowflakes clinging to his shoulders, his expression rather gloomy.
Roy took a deep breath, composed himself, and said, "Nothing. I just finished a conference call, and I haven't quite adjusted my mood yet."
"A conference call? About what?"
"Do you remember the donations from the charity gala?" Roy stood with one hand on his hip and the other gripping the back of the sofa, growing angrier as he spoke. "The donations were supposed to go to the foundation, which would then investigate and decide how to distribute the funds among the cities."
"But those people at the foundation refused to conduct an investigation on the grounds that Gotham's public safety was too poor. They only planned to give us the lowest tier of donations—money that isn't even enough to repair one road!"
"And this isn't the first time. When the State Legislature allocated funds before, some legislators suggested that Gotham's priority should be lowered and that part of Gotham's funding should be transferred to Metropolis..."
Roy covered his forehead,