Explosive Ball

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

After straightening his sleeve, Liv patted the back of Downton's hand with slight concern.

"Since you insisted, I could only pick out a prettier tracker for you. Its signal basically covers all of America, and Europe won't be a problem either.

But are you sure you want to walk around with this thing?"

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

Faced with Liv's repeated questioning, Downton smacked her on the ass.

"Of course. I'm counting on this thing to save both me and my driver some trouble.

Is the car ready? If there aren't any problems, I'm leaving right away."

"It's ready. It's a Chevrolet Tahoe, so it'll be convenient for you to carry a considerable amount of tactical equipment.

Though it doesn't look like you prepared much tactical equipment. That little bag of yours can only hold so much.

Next time there's an operation, remember to call me ahead of time, or come find me at the club. I can connect you directly with the city's arms suppliers..."

"Quit yammering. We'll talk about next time next time. Bartel, let's go!"

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

After casually tossing the keys to Bartel, Downton left the private room and followed the corridor into the club.

When Oswald's men saw Bartel following behind Downton, they all greeted Bartel.

"Old Bartel, you switched bosses!"

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

"Getting on TV without a wanted notice—that's what makes Wraith so impressive!"

"He even hit the Kane Hotel this morning. I saw him racing on my way to the club. His driving was absolutely dreadful!"

"A warm welcome to Gotham's shining new big shot, Wraith!"

"Want to come have a drink tonight, Boss Wraith?"

"You killed my brother yesterday afternoon, Wraith. Once I've taken care of my sister-in-law, I'll come find you for revenge!"

"Boss Wraith, try this!"

One thug tossed a half-full bottle of liquor toward Downton. Downton reached up, caught it, and brought it straight to his mouth.

"Tequila, my favorite!"

After pouring half a bottle of tequila down his throat, Downton smashed the bottle viciously onto the floor.

Seeing Downton act so boldly, the surrounding crowd immediately erupted in cheers.

"Boss Downton, you broke our boss Oswald's ribs. He's recuperating now, so he can't come drink with you!"

"Boss Wraith, you can really hold your liquor! Come hang around the club more often!"

"Boss Wraith, how was it fucking that Gotham councilman's daughter? Was she nice and wet?"

"Haha, she definitely was. Too bad Boss Downton didn't record it!"

Amid the cheers of Oswald's men, Downton clapped his hands heavily.

"Guys, once I'm done with what I've got on my plate, I'll definitely come back and drink plenty with you.

But for now, get the hell out of my way. Don't fucking block my path!"

Bang!

Downton fired at the ceiling. The gunshot and the sound of the chandelier shattering silenced the club.

The crowd silently made way for Downton and Bartel. With his bag on his back and a gun in hand, Downton swaggered out.

Just as they were about to leave the club, the tense Bartel suddenly froze, then hurried over behind Downton.

"Boss, let me carry your bag!"

As he spoke, he took Downton's bag from him.

Downton grinned at the sight.

"You're finally learning to pay attention. Keep it up."

"Got it, Boss."

Bartel nodded repeatedly, then led Downton to the car Liv had arranged.

Liv had put considerable thought into Downton's car. She had even stationed two young women holding spiked baseball bats by the door.

When Downton approached, the one standing in front blinked expectantly.

She had heard the girls talking about Boss Downton's generosity last night. She wondered how much she could make this time.

Noticing her look, Downton opened the bag with Bartel, pulled out three or four grenades, and tossed them to her.

"You two worked hard. I didn't bring any cash, so take these Explosive Balls as a tip. Have fun."

"Boss Downton is generous! Next time you and the boss lady work together, I'll come help you with the odd jobs again!"

The young woman happily picked up the grenades and stuffed the round Explosive Balls into her meager cleavage.

After the young woman left, Bartel opened the car door for Downton, then got into the driver's seat himself.

Downton showed Bartel the phone location Liv had arranged. Bartel nodded knowingly.

"So it really is near the History Museum. I've always heard the Dimitrov Family runs quite a few laundromats around there.

Boss, we should get there in about twenty minutes."

"Twenty minutes, huh? Gotham really isn't small. You drive. Wake me when we get there."

Downton waved Bartel off, then shifted into a comfortable position to rest.

The car slowly started up and headed toward the Dimitrov Family.

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

Falcone sat on an outdoor sofa in his pajamas, cigar in hand, and beckoned to Victor Zsasz.

"Victor, what news is there today?"

"Boss, Miss Sofia arrived in Gotham at three in the morning. She wants to see you.

Besides that, Jonathan from Arkham Asylum has also requested an audience."

"Oh?"

Hearing Victor's report, Falcone nodded lightly.

"Sofia is too impatient. Even if she keeps using apparent carelessness to conceal her ambition, her nature won't allow her to slow down.

That alone lets smart people see what she wants. She still has a long way to go.

As for Jonathan, I understand. Have Jonathan come see me first. Sofia... have her wait in my study."

At that, Falcone paused briefly, then waved to Victor.

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

"Got it, Boss. I'll take men and deal with that son of a bitch Yuri right away!"

Zsasz smiled cruelly, then left the garden.

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

At the same time, in the garden.

Watching Falcone sit with his back to him, smoking a cigar and admiring the flowers, Jonathan's pupils behind his gold-rimmed glasses briefly revealed a trace of disdain.

Unexpectedly, Falcone seemed to have eyes in the back of his head and suddenly turned to look at Jonathan.

Jonathan hurriedly adjusted his glasses, then bowed to Falcone.

"Mr. Falcone, you should know who sent me, so can we speak frankly?"

"Sit and talk, Jonathan. Tell me what favor Mr. Ra's al Ghul needs from me.

Though we've only met a few times, my respect for Mr. Ra's al Ghul has never diminished. So long as it's within my power, I'll do everything I can."

Falcone removed the cigar from his mouth and tapped it, letting the ash fall into the ashtray.

Jonathan sat down on the single sofa to Falcone's left and placed the silver case he carried on his lap.

Glancing at the case without giving anything away, Falcone slowly took a puff of his cigar.

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

As Falcone read 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 in the documents. He needs you to ensure the shipment's safety.

Besides that, Mr. Ra's al Ghul would like to speak with you about Gotham's Wraith. He hopes you can make time to meet with him!"