Poison

Oswald swirled the liquid in his glass as if he was mixing something. The ice clinked, cutting through the silence of the empty club. It was early in the afternoon. Fish was never here before 2. Most likely because she never woke up before noon. Oswald didn't mind. He liked the quiet. The calm before the storm. The lull before the chaos of people packing in to be entertained. The sound of someone entering the front door made him start.

     "We're closed." he called behind him.

     "Oh...I'm sorry...I am looking for Fish Mooney. She told me to come by around this time." Her voice was sultry and cheerful.

Oswald turned in his chair to see a young lady standing in front of the bar. She was taller than most girls. The black shorts she wore showed off her shapely legs. Her skin was pale and her bright green eyes seemed to glow in the low lights of the club. Her long bright red hair hung in loose curls over her breasts. She was striking. Oswald had never seen a woman like her in his life.

     "She said that someone would be able to show me around and where I can put my stuff."

She heaved a black duffel bag off her shoulder and onto the floor causing one of the straps from her black tank top to slide down her arm. Oswald stood up as she walked towards him. Her lips curved into a sweet smile as she extended her hand.

     "I'm Pamela, Pamela Isley but you can call me Ivy. Everyone does."

Oswald took her hand and shook it gently.

     "I'm Oswald. I am Ms. Mooney's....assistant I guess. Are you going to be in the show?"

     "So I am told. I guess my act impressed her."

Oswald raised his eyebrow. Nothing impressed Fish.

     "What do you do?"

     "I am a burlesque dancer. Something I do on the side. I just moved to Gotham for college and I needed a job."

Oswald tried desperately not to stare at her. She was so stunning he couldn't help himself. Oswald was already very timid and awkward. Being in the presence of a young lady as beautiful as her was almost too much for him. He heard the front door open and saw Fish wearing a beautiful fur coat, surrounded by her thugs breezing in to the club. 

     "Good afternoon Ozzie, my pet. I've seen you met Miss Isley already. Be a dear and show her to a dressing room."

Oswald nodded and picked up Ivy's bag. He limped away as Ivy followed him in to the darkness of backstage.