Adam stared coldly and asked, "Who the hell are you? Don't remember ever knowing a creep like you."
The boss just laughed, showing no sign of anger. "You play the hero now, but you followed Black Mask's orders when it suited you. You think you can act all righteous in front of me?"
Adam frowned and asked, "Are you from Sionis's crew? Pretty sure I'd remember a mask-loving maniac like you. So who are you really?"
Standing up, the man pointed to the red cloth tied around his head. "Guess you wouldn't recognize me. I used to be just a grunt for Black Mask. But with the right connections, I started taking over some of his old jobs. People in Gotham call me Killer Whale now. Strongest thing in the sea—and soon, people will fear me just as much. When you smashed that guy's head years ago, Black Mask decided you were worth keeping an eye on and put your name on the list."
Adam was stunned for a second. Killer Whale—a name he'd only heard at the edges of Gotham's darkest rumors, controlling the underground and the sewers. As for strengths or weaknesses, nobody really knew—they just avoided him.
Adam narrowed his eyes, reading the tension in the room. "You said list. What are you talking about? Let me guess, there's a hit list, and my name's up top. Swap my life for a payday, that the idea?"
He pushed the man's ego, hoping for answers. It worked—the Killer Whale couldn't help but brag. "Near the top? Don't flatter yourself. I don't know how you found out about the list, but you're only up front because you got added recently—higher than Bruce Wayne or Penguin, even. It's not about fame, just order of submission to the big guys."
Adam pressed him. "Really? Bruce Wayne just a few slots down from me? He's been at war with Black Mask much longer."
Killer Whale scoffed. "No one cares about some childhood beef. Wayne only got on the list after ruining Black Mask's family business a few years ago. When you made your move—crushed somebody for your own gain—Black Mask saw cold potential in you. That's why you're marked. Doesn't matter that the big man don't rate you. You're only here because Black Mask pushed for it. Lowest threat level, really."
Adam understood now, but it changed nothing about the threat he was facing.
He tried a new tack, voice steady. "You mentioned 'the big man.' Who is he? Why do you act like he's some sort of god?"
Killer Whale snorted. "You really think you're in a cop shop, grilling me? You're nothing here."
Without warning, Adam lunged, striking Killer Whale twice in the chest, driving him back until he crashed into the battered door and dropped to the ground, gasping and bleeding.
The sound of violence drew a few gasps, and men down below looked up in alarm.
Killer Whale soon appeared at a window, wiping the blood from his lips, booming, "Relax! Just killed another corrupt cop. Nothing to worry about. Get on with your business!"
The gang bought the lie and melted back into their routines.
Inside, Killer Whale watched Adam struggle, blood pouring from his nose and mouth. He smirked. "Black Mask thinks you're a big threat. Looking at you now, seems like he was off the mark."
He cracked his knuckles and stepped closer. "Thanks to your death, I'll earn new respect. But the truth is that you'll never reach the level of the real power here. The kings behind Black Mask—the ones who let him rise—are people you can't even imagine. All this loyalty and killing are just sacrifices to prove yourself. Now, once you're gone, I'll be stronger than Black Mask ever was."
One of his underlings piped up, eager for praise. "Boss, you're about to be famous. But we need to handle the strikers, or things get messy."
Killer Whale nodded. "Yeah, they want a taste of power, too. Bring Gordon up here. Detective Bitch is going to die, so don't let another cop slip away. I've got plans for him."