Chapter 29: Definitely Not Batman's Mother

The Falcone family.

Carmine Falcone and his inner circle gathered, each wearing a somber expression as they stared silently at the dossiers in their hands.

"The Cobblepot family is pulling out of money laundering and smuggling?" Falcone tossed his papers onto the table and rang a small bell. "Does anyone know what the hell is going on?"

Ringing a bell to speak was a tradition among certain Italian organizations, used to prevent members from interrupting one another during meetings.

"I’ve heard a rumor," Falcone’s nephew said, picking up his own copper bell and giving it a shake before speaking. "A few days ago, Batman and the Joker broke into the Iceberg Lounge and took Cobblepot hostage. I don’t know what they did, but Cobblepot turned himself in that very day. He’s still in prison."

"Did Cobblepot have some sort of leverage held against him? Why would he do something like that?" Falcone asked, puzzled.

"Maybe he just lost his mind. That freak never looked right in the head."

"Hard to say..."

A cacophony of crisp bell-ringing filled the room.

"I have a proposal," Johnny Vitti, Falcone’s nephew, rang his bell forcefully. "Whether the Penguin is crazy or being blackmailed, what we need to do now is take over his business."

"No. Smuggling is one thing, but the Cobblepot family’s money laundering operation is too large. We can't swallow that."

"I think it’s worth a try!"

"If we can take it all, our Falcone family could further tighten our grip on Gotham. We might even reach the strength the Four Families had in their prime."

"Too risky. The other underworld families won’t let us seize those assets so easily."

"Just them?"

"Tall trees catch the wind. There are too many people waiting to move against us..."

Falcone rang his bell, and the arguing stopped as everyone turned to look at him.

"We will not get involved in the money laundering. Michaela Falcone, you will handle the smuggling routes left vacant by the Cobblepot family," Falcone said to his cousin. "Remember, take all of it."

Michaela was a middle-aged woman with curly hair and a knitted beanie. She looked cultured and well-kept. However, those who knew her understood that while she appeared harmless, she was vicious and cruel—even by the standards of a crime family like the Falcones.

Seeing Falcone assign her this task, the group felt a chill, realizing he was resolute in his decision, and no one dared to voice further objections.

***

Michaela nodded and said softly, "Leave it to me."

Soon, a wave of unrest swept through Gotham’s underworld. Michaela struck several gangs with lightning speed, stripping anyone who dared to eye the smuggling business of their courage.

March 8th.

The Gotham underworld families hosted a gala, and celebrities from all walks of life were invited.

In the luxuriously decorated ballroom, Michaela sat in a chair at the front, observing the guests. She chatted incessantly with those around her, clearly the center of the event.

The invited guests had mostly arrived, whispering to one another, with some casting fearful glances toward Michaela.

As the gala continued, a famous singer took the stage, and the guests began to dance to the rhythm of the music.

"Ms. Michaela, I hope I might gain your favor," a shipping magnate said, extending a hand to her with a sycophantic smile.

"I’d be delighted," Michaela replied with a gentle smile that sent shivers down the spines of those watching.

But just as the atmosphere grew lively, the ballroom lights suddenly cut out, plunging the hall into darkness.

"Am I blind?"

"What’s going on?"

"Who turned off the lights?"

"What’s happening?"

"Falcone family, what do you think you’re doing!"

"Damn it, I knew they weren’t up to any good."

"Ouch, who stepped on me?"

"Help!"

Panic erupted in the dim ballroom. Michaela shouted immediately, "Everyone, stay where you are! Monica, go check the power!"

*Bang!*

A gunshot rang out, cutting Michaela’s words short. She let out a pained moan, and then fell silent.

***

When the lights came back on, Michaela lay in a pool of blood, breathless.

A bouquet of flowers had been placed on her body, looking eerily out of place. The card attached to the bouquet, which read "Happy Women’s Day," was soaked through with blood.

"Holiday Killer..." Falcone, who had arrived upon hearing the news, stared at the scene before smashing a ballroom window with his fist. "Find him! Kill him!"

The police arrived shortly after to investigate the scene, searching and questioning the attendees, but they found nothing.

The incident spread quickly, becoming a new chapter in the urban legend of the Holiday Killer.

An abandoned church.

"He shot her right at the gala and killed one of Falcone’s inner circle? And left a greeting card?" Roland stared at the newspaper, eyes wide. "My goodness, the Holiday Killer has some nerve, doesn't he?"

"...You said before that you’d met the Holiday Killer, right?" Jason asked. "There’s a seven-figure bounty on his head in the black market. Aren't you considering it?"

"Hmm..." Roland pondered for a moment. "Forget it. There are three Holiday Killers. I wouldn't know which one to turn in, and Falcone wouldn't believe me anyway."

"I recall you saying there were three Jokers, too..." Jason eyed Roland suspiciously. "You aren't lying to me, are you?"

"Why would I lie? It’s the truth." Roland lounged in his chair, continuing to scan the news.

Jason studied his expression, sensing he wasn't joking. "Who are the three Holiday Killers?"

"Can’t tell you that," Roland said, looking solemn. "I, Roland, have survived this long by relying on three things: being ruthless, keeping my word, and having plenty of brothers! Expect me to betray my brothers? Impossible!"

"...It’s a real shame you’re a priest. You’d have been better off in a gang," Jason remarked, deadpanning at Roland’s sudden burst of passion.

The two continued reading the paper, chatting idly.

"You know, the Holiday Killer killed a couple on Valentine's Day and a woman on Women's Day. Who do you think he’ll kill on Mother's Day?"

"Whoever it is, it won't be Batman’s mother."