The Iceberg Lounge's neon sign cast a cold, gaudy glow across the rain-slick street. Li Jie parked two blocks away, walked through several alleys, and slipped through an inconspicuous side door.
Inside was a world apart from the decay outside. Lavish decor, soft jazz, and the mingled scents of cigars, perfume, and money filled the room. The waiter clearly recognized him. Without asking any questions, he respectfully led Li Jie through the bustling main room toward the more private area at the back.
Cobblepot's office now looked more like a collector's sitting room, with exquisite works of art displayed in mahogany bookcases. His back was to the door as he stood on tiptoe, carefully winding a mechanical penguin on a high shelf.
"I have to say, Oz," Li Jie said, making himself comfortable on the sofa, "that tin bird is a lot easier on the eyes than your last Cupid statue."
Cobblepot's hands were rock steady. Once he finished winding it, the penguin began swaying stiffly from side to side. Only then did he turn around, wearing his usual enthusiastic, slightly neurotic smile.
"Hello, Jay, my dear friend! What brings you to my humble little establishment?" He approached with a slightly awkward gait, still holding the tiny brass key. "Forgive my rudeness. I was adjusting my newest little acquisition. Fully wound, it runs for an hour. Late nineteenth-century workmanship-a masterpiece of craftsmanship, wouldn't you say?"
"I wouldn't know about masterpieces. Does it bow and apologize to you if it doesn't keep proper time?"
Li Jie left untouched the drink Cobblepot had signaled the waiter to bring. His gaze swept over the comically moving penguin before settling on Cobblepot's face. "I came to give you some information. Free of charge."
"Oh?" Cobblepot sat in the armchair opposite him, folded his hands