The Riddler had been a criminal for almost half his life now.
Perhaps he wasn't always in neon green suits, bowler hats, and overly theatrical riddles & games, but Edward Nygma had been on the wrong side of the law for decades now. And honestly...he was rather tired of it.
He didn't know what changed. It had all used to be so fun. The Spandex, the plots, the intellectual vigor of it all. But that was when Nygma was a younger man. Now at 40, perhaps he was slowing down - not mentally of course. Perhaps it was the last time Batman snapped his tibia, perhaps it was the last time Batman left him hanging off a Gargoyle 15 stories up for hours, or when he threw him through a bus window...or set him on fire. Point was, the costs of his villiany were beginning to outweigh the benefits.
So what did a man with the intellect and manic narcissistic tendencies as The Riddler have to offer the world besides convoluted traps and riddles?
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"World's Greatest Detective?"
The Riddler sighed. He recognized that catty tone anywhere. He was in the office of his townhouse he owned on the edge of Gotham - a place he could get away and plan that very few knew about. He was at his desk with his back turned, looking through the large window that looked over the Gotham River. He didn't turn around immediately, instead glancing up, looking at his skylight, now ajar.
"You know Selina, that security system isn't cheap. It costs money to repair." The Riddler chided, swiveling in his chair to see Catwoman perched on his desk. She gave him a smirk, moving from the cat-like squat she was in to a seated position, legs hanging off the edge of the desk.
"Bill me." She replied with a shrug. "Plus, your door was locked."
"Locked doors are usually a clear sign to people who aren't kleptomaniacs."
"Sounds boring. "But I'm not here to talk about the etiquette of breaking and entering." Catwoman drawled, crossing one long leg over the other "I'm here to talk about rumors of you going to the light."
"Why, you make it sound so ominous." Riddler said with a broad smile.
"So it's true, then?" She pushed
"I don't see how it's any of your business, really." Riddler dismissed. That wasn't strictly true. He had specifically ensured that the word spread around through henchmen and grunts, up the chain to the cops, bosses and supervillains in the city - he wanted to leave no ambiguity. "But yes, I'm making a career change."
"To the 'World's Greatest Detective'" Catwoman drawled sarcastically. "I think Batman already laid claim to that moniker."
"An unearned title, I assure you." Riddle replied briskly. "But I don't imagine I'll have much competition from him - I intend to serve the private sector. Turns out the elite, police and those with power in this city, have many uses for a detective who's less inclined to snap someone's femurs"
Catwoman pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes, she leaned forward, getting in Nygma's face.
"Alright Eddie, cut the crap." She said sternly. "What's your play here?"
The Riddler just arched a ginger eyebrow at the accusing kitty. He leaned back in his chair and sighed. He had expected skepticism, "No play, plan, or scheme Selina. Not that I owe you an explanation, but-"
The Riddler's words were interrupted by a large thump outside his office door. Catwoman immediately jumped to the ready, perching on the desk, claws out. Riddler opened his top drawer, where he kept a.45 if needed.
"Knock Knock!" came a call from the other side of the door. The Riddler's eyebrows shot up. Oh no, he didn't need this right now. He recognized that Brooklyn accent anywhere-
Suddenly the Riddler's office door burst open, or rather it was kicked completely off its hinges. The Riddler groaned, and put his head on his desk. That was an expensive door. As if invited in, in walked one Harley Quinn in all her glory; chalk white skin, multi colored pigtails, and carrying a rather large mallet over one shoulder. She gave her signature wide grin to Riddler and Catwoman.
"Ooooh, is this a business meetin' or somethin'? I hope you don't mind me sittin' in. Your door was open."
"No, It wasn't." Riddler groaned into his hands. "Is there something you want, Harley?"
Harley cocked a hand on her hip, and sauntered over to the desk, throwing a heeled boot onto it. Selina was on friendly-ish terms with Harley these days, but she still knew to be on her guard. Harley extended her arm, pointing her mallet directly at Nygma's face.
"I'm here because of this malarkey I'm hearin' about you going straight." Harley said loudly. The Riddler pushed Harley's mallet to the side, and gave her a hard look. He really needed to up his security.
"If Harley thinks it's crazy, you know it is." Selina laughed, hopping off the desk
"As flattering as it is that you two all of a sudden have taken an interest in my life, It's neither of your business. Is Ivy going to pop in as well and voice her opinion - might as well complete the Sirens"
"None of our business?" Harley repeated dramatically before frowning. "Oh contrary!"
"Au contraire." Riddler corrected.
"That too! But you getting out the game is very much our business, Eddie. I mean, what are we gonna do without ya - you're messing with our bottom line!"
Ah, there it was. The Riddler had expected as much; that concerns about his reformation weren't from genuine curiosity or interest. Rather, the void that his absence would leave. As it turned out, overly elaborate schemes and gimmick crimes based around riddles was an expensive hobby. It wasn't as if they made him any money in most cases, so Nygma had him a little side business. "Outsourcing his intellect" he called it - much like what he was planning to do on the right side of the law, but the criminal element of Gotham had more specific uses for it. An IQ of 180 and a manic attention to detail made him the perfect tactician: bank jobs, long form cons, bypassing security systems both physical and virtual. He was a useful asset for criminals who wanted to pull off the perfect crime. A criminal consultant, a salacious supervisor, or as he simply put it, really good at thinking.
He glanced at Catwoman, who kept a passive face, but he could easily tell she was in agreeance with Harley. Though she'd never admit it, Selina had made use of Nygma's services from time to time, and she had to admit that the man did stellar work. Some of her biggest scores as of late had been with his assistance. As for Harley - well she used to use his services to get money for surprise gifts for the Joker - dirty bombs, oversized jack in the boxes, things of that nature. Now that they were no longer an...item, Harley's expenses dropped considerably. She would have The Riddler set her up scores more for the fun of it than anything.
With Riddler's impending retirement from crime, well that put a wrench into what the two women had become accustomed to. And they weren't exactly the type who liked having their toys taken away.
"I'm sorry ladies, really," The Riddler said, not sounding very sorry at all. "But I've made up my mind. I'm not getting any younger, and I don't intend to be dropped off 3 story buildings into my 50s."
"Oh that's barely anything." Harley dismissed flippantly. "I seen Bats drop one of Mistah J's old goons off a SIX story building, and he was fine! Sure he has a lazy eye and can't pronounce his P's, but I really see that as an improvement."
Riddler gave Harley a rather nonplussed look, but didn't comment. Selina was mildly amused by Harley's attempted motivation, but she knew better really. She had been in the game long enough, been a WOMAN long enough to know what proper motivation looked like.