Disclaimer: Batman belongs to DC comics, not me
Disclaimer: Batman belongs to DC comics, not me. Duh.
A/N: Repost!! Sorry nothing new, but I am editing the earlier chapters, (many thanks to Jaded Mara for Betaing)
Next chapter is written, but you'll have to be patient (it REALLY needs editing)
Chapter I
Lucky Me
Getting shot should hurt like hell, but I was too high on adrenaline to notice. At least until it started getting harder to breathe. I turned and blinked up at gunman in shock.
My name is Jacob Wolfe and the man who shot me happens to be my partner. That's what I get for being what felt like the only honest cop in Gotham. I haven't been here long enough for the rot of this city to take hold.
Tommy and I were supposed to be busting some big shot arms dealer for the mob. The new Commissioner was actually doing his job. Unfortunately, he was the only one; that's just the way it is in Gotham.
The bust would get his attention, assuming I didn't bleed to death first.
I was surrounded and in big trouble. Tommy stared at me, wondering why I hadn't fallen down yet.
For my part, I was too pissed to fall. I knew I was dead, but for some reason hadn't quit breathing. I locked eyes with Tom and said, "You just shot me." He took a step a back from me. Time seemed to slow down.
Mutt, my police dog, was snarling in the background, waiting for a command. Tommy continued to stare at me.
I slugged him as hard I could and almost enjoyed it. The rest of the thugs circled me. I took a swing at the nearest one.
There was a satisfying smack as my punch made contact. As a scrawny kid growing up in the Narrows, I'd learned to fight a long time ago. The thugs were big and slow.
Of course, there were six of them and one of me. I went on the defensive, blocking most of the blows. One of them closed the distance while two others crept behind.
I kicked the first guy's leg out of from under, but still couldn't turn in time. A lead weight seemed to slam into my left knee. It buckled under my weight and I almost fell.
If I had, they would've killed me. I shifted my weight and waited for the next wave to come.
Then the Batman dropped from the ceiling. He looked at me for a half a second. Another shot of adrenaline ran through my body. It was that fight-flight syndrome, I bet. My leg hurt too much to fly very far.
I grinned at Batman, exposing my sharp canines. He seemed to return my smile and wheeled toward the goons; Tommy had bolted the second Batman showed up.
I sent Mutt after Tommy and looked to the Batman again, balanced on my good leg. He tilted his head. Something told me that I should get the hell out of his way.
I complied, limping away from the thugs as Batman struck.
They never stood a chance against him. He seemed to move through them as if they were standing still.
Mutt's snarl made me shift my attention. The dog had dragged back over.
I was tired of screwing around.
"Move and I put a bullet in your head." I meant it. Part of wanted a reason to shoot right there.
A thud informed me Batman had taken the last of the thugs down. He looked me over while I debated shooting Tommy anyway.
Except he was no longer a threat. I couldn't just shoot the guy with him lying there. Besides, something told me Batman wouldn't like it.
I drew a ragged breath and glanced back over towards the Batman. He walked over and assessed the situation.
I was standing on one good leg and trying not to pass out. "Help me cuff him."
Batman obliged and Tommy offered no resistance.
"Thanks." I muttered. "Any point in trying to arrest you?"
He shook his head. At least I got an answer. I didn't think he was really a murderer anyway.
"Didn't think so." I said, chuckling to myself.
Batman shrugged. "Just glad to find an honest cop." He sounded like Clint Eastwood with a bad cold.
That made me laugh harder.
Then, I started to cough. I was coughing up blood. "That can't be good." Breathing was a lot harder then it should've been.
Batman looked again and figured out most of the blood I was wearing happened to be my own. I remember hearing him swear but not much else after that.
Interlude I
I'm walking towards my basement stairs. I could Daddy hear yelling again. He'd been drinking again. I'm afraid, but can't remember why.
The yelling is louder now. Mommy's crying and I can hear little Kayleigh. They're both down there with him. They both sound afraid. I try to run, but my legs won't work.
They're carrying me closer to the door. I can't leave them all alone.
I'm reaching for the doorknob now-
End Chapter I