Part 1: Montgomery's Take
"You sure he's out of the way?"
"He was given twice as much venom then an average man."
"Good. How long does he have?"
"Normal venom takes five days."
"And this one?"
"Three. If he does not find the antidote of course."
"Won't someone help him?"
"You mean his partner. He hasn't been seen in three years. He has no one to help him."
A smile formed on the shadowy face. "Excellent. We can resume our operations without interference."
"I should contact our associates then?"
"Yes, especially our overseas contacts. Let them know that they should be receiving another shipment soon, within the next week."
"Very good."
Robin arrived at Police Headquarters just as Commissioner Montgomery was leaving. He observed that the Commissioner was carrying a briefcase.
"Commissioner Montgomery."
Commissioner Montgomery stared at the garish costumed figure that stood before him. "Who are you? I called for Batman and I get a circus performer."
'He doesn't know how right he is.' Robin thought, amused with the statement, but his expression never changed.
Another officer standing beside the Commissioner, a man from the old guard recognized the figure. "Commissioner, that's no circus performer. That's Robin, Batman's partner. He disappeared three years ago. I wonder where he's been all this time."
"University, continuing my education," Robin replied. It was a plausible explanation since he had attended Hudson University for nearly two years.
"Aside from that, what are you doing here?"
"You called me . . . at least Batman."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Montgomery stated.
"Maybe we can go into your office. We can talk . . ." He knew the Commissioner just lied to him, but why?
"Out of the question," Montgomery stated emphatically. "I have an important meeting with the mayor."
"The mayor, but what about . . ." Robin tried to explain.
"Enough. I'm meeting with him to see that he passes a law against vigilantes. And that means Batman will no longer be allowed to operate in this city. And that also goes for you."
What was going on? Batman and himself were sworn duly deputized agents of the law. They carried special badges in their utility belts. The shocked look on the officer's face as well as Robin's and everyone who was in hearing range was also shocked and dismayed, though not everyone. The word would spread like wild fire.
"Oh, I forgot," Commissioner Montgomery pushed something into Robin's hand, a folded sheet of paper.
"A pink slip?"
"See you later," Montgomery replied under his breath, and he left the lobby of Police Headquarters.
Robin opened the note to read the termination notice, but instead found a different note.
—Meet me on the roof.—
In a loud voice Robin declared, "Holy terminations, just when I've returned to help. Looks like I'll be returning to the University."
Robin left Police Headquarters and climbed into the batmobile. Caine was still waiting for him.
"You seem troubled," Caine observed.
"Something's going on. I'll tell you while I park the batmobile a couple of blocks away in an alley out of site." Robin informed Caine as he did just that. "Keep an eye out. I need to meet Montgomery on the roof."
Robin parked the vehicle in a most strategic place. Police Headquarters was made up of three wings. With his grappling gun, Robin shot his batarang up to the roof. He made certain it was secure and proceeded to climb the building. Robin could not help reminiscing of the various times he and Batman would bat climb together to surprise various felonious villains.
Once on the roof he retracted his bat rope and stored it in his utility belt. He crossed the roof until he saw the bat signal. Waiting in its shadow was Commissioner Montgomery and the officer that had stood by his side.
"Commissioner, I read your message. I take it that little performance was for the benefit of others who might be listening or watching."
"Yes. I'm sorry. I had to get you out of there as quickly as possible."
"So, you know who I am?"
"You and Batman are legends in this city, and unfortunately, a major threat as well."
"Who's behind this?" Robin asked.
"The Scorpion Clan. They moved in over a year ago." Commissioner Montgomery pulled out a briefcase he had been carrying earlier. "The file has been compiled over the past year," Montgomery stated as he handed it to Robin. "Most of them are petty crimes, but a few are more substantial, but they are difficult to prove. Even so, we can't seem to find out just what their major plans are and where they will strike next. Plus, we don't even know who their leader is."
'Caine had mentioned the Scorpion clan," Robin thought. 'This could be bigger than any of us realize.' As he flipped through the file, a few things jumped out at him he would have to check out. He needed to clear up one question. "Commissioner, did you call Batman on the bat phone in your office?"
"That's the thing. The bat phone is no longer in my office. I had to move it to keep up appearances."
"Appearances? Do you mean Commissioner Gordon—"
"Please, don't say anything. You'll find everything in the folder. One more thing, don't trust anyone."
Continues with Part 2: Finding Answers