Oswald Cobblepot placed a box of fine cigars on the desk and watched Bob McGinnis, chief of the East End Police Department, warily.
"Mr. Cobblepot, please make yourself comfortable."
Bob lit a cigarette, pointed at the coffee machine, then slid his cigarette pack and lighter across the desk. "I asked you here because there's something I'd like to discuss."
Cobblepot took a cigarette and held it in his hand, giving an obedient smile. "I'm at your service, Chief."
"Then I'll get straight to the point." Bob exhaled a long stream of smoke. "You know about the girl who was kidnapped a few days ago while under the East End Police Department's protection."
"Oh, yes, I know about that." Cobblepot immediately nodded solemnly. "My men are working around the clock to gather information. I'm sure we'll soon be able to..."
"She's already been rescued, Mr. Cobblepot, though the culprit is still at large." Bob tapped the ash off his cigarette. "But that's not what I wanted to discuss. After the incident, we temporarily detained the magic performance troupe involved, as prescribed by law. Do you see anything wrong with that?"
"Of course not. Nothing wrong with that at all." Cobblepot poured a cup of coffee for himself and another for Bob. "I'd have done the same. Until we know what happened, we can't simply let the culprit walk away."
"Exactly. Nothing wrong with it."
Bob smoked in silence. After a while, he looked up again. "During that time, a number of officials from City Hall called me, demanding I release them for economic reasons, reputational reasons, and all sorts of bizarre excuses. They even included..."
He fell silent again. A moment later, he looked at Oswald. "What do you make of that, Mr. Cobblepot?"
"Uh..." Cobblepot's face was full of apprehension