Explosive Ball

A few minutes later, Liv held Downton's hand and fastened a tracker shaped like a cufflink onto his sleeve.

After smoothing out the fabric, Liv patted the back of Downton's hand with a hint of worry.

"Since you insisted, I had to pick out a prettier tracker for you. The signal covers the entire United States, and Europe shouldn't be a problem either. But are you sure you want to walk around with this thing on?"

As she asked, Liv poked the cufflink tracker with her pinky finger.

Facing Liv's repeated questioning, Downton gave her butt a sharp slap.

"Of course. I'm counting on this thing to save my driver and me some trouble. Is the car ready? If there are no issues, I'm heading out now."

"It's ready. It's a Chevrolet Tahoe, which makes it convenient for you to carry a fair amount of tactical gear. Though, I don't see you prepared with much; that little bag of yours can't hold much of anything. Next time you have an operation, remember to call me in advance or come find me at the club. I'll set up a direct line to the city's arms supply for you..."

"Quit the chatter. We'll talk about next time when it comes. Bartel, let's go!"

Downton cut Liv off and snatched the car keys from her hand.

After tossing the keys to Bartel, Downton walked out of the private room and down the hallway into the main floor.

Seeing Bartel following behind Downton, Oswald's men began calling out to him one after another.

"Bartel, old buddy, you've changed bosses!"

"It's Wraith! He was on TV last night!"

"He was on TV and there's no warrant out for him—that's what makes Wraith so impressive!"

"He attacked the Kane Hotel this morning. I saw him driving like a maniac on my way to the club; his driving skills were absolutely atrocious!"

"A warm welcome to the new big shot shining in Gotham, Wraith!"

"Want to grab a drink tonight, Boss Wraith?"

"You killed my brother yesterday afternoon, Wraith! Once I've taken care of his widow, I'm coming for revenge!"

"Boss Wraith, try this!"

A thug threw half a bottle of liquor toward Downton. Downton caught it with one hand and brought it straight to his lips.

"Tequila, my favorite!"

After downing the half-bottle of tequila in one go, Downton smashed the bottle hard against the floor.

Seeing Downton act with such bravado, cheers erupted all around.

"Boss Downton, our boss Oswald's ribs were broken by you, so he's recovering and can't come over to have a drink with you!"

"Boss Wraith, you've got a hell of a tolerance! Come visit the club more often!"

"Boss Wraith, how was the Gotham councilman's daughter? Was she good?"

"Haha, she must have been great! Too bad Boss Downton didn't record it!"

Amidst the cheers of Oswald's men, Downton clapped his hands loudly.

"Boys, once I'm done with the work at hand, I'll definitely come back here to have a few more with you. As for now, get the hell out of my way—don't you dare block my path!"

Bang!

Downton fired his gun at the ceiling. The gunshot and the sound of the chandelier shattering silenced the room.

The crowd silently cleared a path for Downton and Bartel, and so, with his bag on his back and his gun in hand, Downton swaggered out.

Just as they were about to leave the club, a nervous Bartel suddenly froze, then hurried to catch up behind Downton.

"Boss, let me carry your bag!"

As he spoke, he took the backpack from Downton.

Seeing this, Downton grinned.

"You finally grew a brain. Keep that up."

"I know, Boss."

Bartel nodded frantically and led Downton to the car Liv had arranged.

Liv had been particularly attentive regarding Downton's vehicle, even stationing two young women carrying spiked baseball bats by the doors.

Seeing Downton approach, the girl standing in front blinked expectantly.

She had heard her sisters talking about Boss Downton's generosity last night, and she wondered how much she could earn this time.

Noticing the girl's gaze, Downton reached into the bag Bartel was holding, pulled out three or four grenades, and tossed them toward her.

"Thanks for the hard work, you two. I don't have any cash on me, so consider these Explosive Balls a tip. Take them and have some fun."

"Boss Downton is so generous! Next time you and Big Sister link up, I'll be here to help with the chores again!"

The young punk girl happily picked up the grenade and stuffed the round Explosive Ball into her meager chest.

After the girl left, Bartel opened the car door for Downton before taking his place in the driver's seat.

Downton showed Bartel the phone location Liv had arranged, and Bartel nodded in understanding.

"It really is near the History Museum. I've always heard the Dimitrov Family opened quite a few laundromats over there. Boss, we should arrive in about twenty minutes."

"Twenty minutes, huh? Gotham is certainly not small. Just drive, and call me when we get there."

Downton waved a hand at Bartel and shifted into a comfortable position to rest.

The car slowly pulled away, heading toward the Dimitrov Family's territory.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Little Italy in Gotham's East End, within the gardens of Caesar Manor.

Falcone sat on an outdoor sofa in his pajamas, holding a cigar and beckoning Victor Zsasz over.

"Victor, what news do you have today?"

"Boss, Miss Sofia arrived in Gotham at three in the morning. She wants to see you. Besides that, Jonathan from Arkham Asylum is also requesting an audience."

"Oh?"

Hearing Victor's report, Falcone nodded slightly.

"Sofia is too impatient. Even if she uses a facade of nonchalance to hide her ambition, her inner nature won't allow her to slow down. Based on that alone, a smart person can always see what she wants; she still has a long way to go! As for Jonathan, I understand. Have Jonathan come see me first, and as for Sofia... tell her to wait for me in my study."

Having said this, Falcone paused for a moment before waving his hand at Victor.

"While I take a rest, send the Final Destination to the Dimitrov Family. Knowing Downton's temperament, he might have already set off by now!"

"You got it, Boss. I'll go take care of that son of a bitch Yuri right away!"

Zsasz smiled cruelly and then left the garden.

After sending messages to Jonathan and Sofia respectively, he assembled a team of over three hundred gunmen and charged toward the Dimitrov Family's territory.

At the same time, in the garden.

Watching Falcone, who sat on the sofa with his back turned, smoking a cigar and admiring the flowers, a brief flash of disdain appeared in the pupils hidden behind Jonathan's gold-rimmed glasses.

Unexpectedly, as if Falcone had eyes in the back of his head, he suddenly turned to look at Jonathan.

Jonathan quickly raised a hand to adjust his glasses and bowed to Falcone.

"Mr. Falcone, you should know who I am here for, so can we speak openly and honestly?"

"Sit down and let's talk, Jonathan. Tell me what Mr. Ra's al Ghul needs my help with. Although we have only met a few times, my respect for Mr. Ra's al Ghul has never diminished. As long as it is within my power, I will do my utmost."

Falcone took off his cigar and tapped it, letting the ash fall into the ashtray.

Jonathan sat on the single sofa to Falcone's left, placing the small silver briefcase he carried on his lap.

Glancing at the case without a change in expression, Falcone took a slow drag of his cigar.

As he exhaled the smoke, Jonathan took two documents out of the case and handed them to him.

Just as Falcone was reading the documents, Jonathan added from the side.

"Mr. Ra's al Ghul has a shipment arriving in Gotham soon. The date and container numbers are on the documents. He needs you to ensure the safety of this cargo. Furthermore, Mr. Ra's al Ghul would like to discuss the matter of the Wraith of Gotham with you and hopes you can spare some time to meet with him!"