150 Puppeteer

Falconi's realization echoed in the room, "Could it be..."

"Yes," Flas interjected, a sense of urgency coloring his words, "I suspect he's from the FBI or some secret agency, an elite among the elite!"

As Flas continued, his speculations gained credibility, "Sent to Gotham to gather intel, he might be using cameras or recordings. If we act hastily, we might be falling into his trap!"

The notion of that sent shivers down Flas's spine, shared by Falconi.

Simultaneously, their gazes converged on Jack. The unexpected twist of the situation left Jack internally scoffing at the drama unfolding.

Jack couldn't help but roll his eyes at the unfolding theatrics. "Do they all think alike? Even I, almost bought into their story!" he thought.

Maintaining an outwardly calm demeanor, Jack addressed them, "Didn't you want to kill me? Why hesitate? Come on then."

The tactic worked like a charm. Falconi and Flas were convinced, and their resolve wavered.

"Too inexperienced. Luckily, I saw through it," Flas thought, exchanging glances with Falconi before turning to Jack. "There's been a misunderstanding... What's your name?"

"Jack, cop," came the calm response.

"Let the show begin," Jack mused.

Flas hastily intervened, "Officer Jack, it's a simple misunderstanding. Falconi was just joking. He got a bit carried away in anger."

Thinking on his feet, Flas concocted a tale, "Yes, Falconi Sir was upset, said things in the heat of the moment."

Jack raised an eyebrow, glancing at the armed gangsters around him. "And these people..."

"Lower your weapons, everyone!" Flas promptly signaled to the gangsters.

Their hesitant gazes shifted to Falconi, who reluctantly commanded, "Put them down."

Now it's almost certain that Jack's background is far from ordinary. He's eager to wrap up this matter peacefully, willing to compromise a bit. But make no mistake, he's ready. If things take a wrong turn, his subordinates are prepared to open fire!

"But, it seems I've stumbled upon a little drug trade here?" Jack questioned, narrowing his eyes. "Care to explain?"

"Yes, that's it!" Fras, deep in thought, looked to Albert, who had been silent all this time, and had a sudden idea. "Albert must know about this!"

"Spill it," Jack stared at Albert, subtly manipulating him to say what Falcone and the gang wanted to hear.

Jack planned to keep this pawn in play a bit longer. Once he's identified, he'll end up in court. Falconi will likely call on Scarecrow Klein for protection and ship him off to Arkham. Perhaps then, he could extract some valuable information?

Today, Jack's intention was not just to assess Gotham's situation. While he possessed the power to resolve things directly, he chose a more strategic approach.

Speed alone isn't everything; there's money to be made. Jack's plan is more about the long game, maximizing the benefits he can reap.

Moreover, what's the point of traversing all these worlds if he doesn't participate and amend some past regrets? There are countless tales to be a part of and change.

Jack isn't a mere game-clearing robot. He views this as an opportunity to rectify some past movie-watching regrets, rewrite stories, and leave his mark on them. Only then, looking back on his experiences, will he find them truly worthwhile.

"It's all my doing," Albert, under Jack's control, spoke with a frightened expression. "I succumbed to greed and allowed those drug dealers to operate in the bar. I acted alone!"

Falconi's eyes shifted slightly.

"Ah, you're truly my subordinate, displaying a spirit of self-sacrifice. Don't worry, I'll let you live!" Falconi thought to himself, highly satisfied with Albert taking full responsibility.

"It was you!" Fras scolded. "Don't you realize drug trafficking is against the law? Get ready to face the consequences!"

Jack remained expressionless, sipping another glass of wine, as if to say, go ahead, perform your act, and I'll be watching. Just watching.

Believing it completely is impossible. After all, this performance involves Albert, whom Jack controls, making him also a half participant. Jack is the puppeteer behind the scenes, with Albert merely executing his commands.

.....

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