"Jay, he called. Two in the morning, by the reservoir north of the Robinson River, between Robinson Park and the Wayne Botanical Gardens. That's where the delivery's happening."
Cobblepot's call came in at nine that evening. He sounded a little nervous, but his tone was reasonably steady.
"Right, your mom... sorry, I wasn't insulting you. Your mother... how is your mother doing?"
"She's fine. I got her somewhere safe. Black Mask's men arrived a few minutes late. Gabe exchanged fire with them downstairs, but didn't catch anyone. They pulled out once the police cars arrived."
"Got it. Make the delivery as planned and wait for word from me."
Li Jie hung up and waved to the officers of the Eastern District Precinct.
"Everybody, move out!"
Gotham was far from quiet at this hour, warming up for its nightly revelry. The convoy clearly had no intention of meddling, either. With lights and sirens off, it headed west along the Robinson River and slowly came to a stop near Robinson Bridge.
More than a dozen police cars were already scattered around the area. Gordon leaned against a car door, the tip of his cigarette flickering in the darkness. Li Jie jumped out with his gun slung over his back and walked over. Gordon glanced at the heavily modified E350 Patrol Van, then turned to look at his own Crown Victoria. A trace of envy flashed in his eyes.
"Now that's a beauty. That's the sort of thing a man ought to drive."
"It's not like Central Headquarters can't afford one." Li Jie craned his neck to look behind Gordon. "Fuck, how many people is that? Fifty? Sixty? Don't tell me this is all you brought. Where are the West District officers?"
"Forty-two. Everyone I could use is here. Arthur Brown bailed.