ISSUE 2

"This is inexcusable!" Commissioner Gordon threw the latest issue of the Gotham Times on his desk. "ANOTHER BAT SITING, SO CALLED "BATMAN" STIRS CITY." Detectives Harvey Bullock and Ethan Bennett sat across from Gordon. "How is it that the Batman still manages to end up on the front of this paper? Christ, we've been after him for almost a year now and he's still at large." He rubbed his face and sighed, but his hands were of no comfort. His eyes locked with Detective Bennett's. "When I became Commissioner, I said I had a zero tolerance policy for vigilantes. That still stands Detective."

"I'm sorry Sir, the Batman manages to escape every time we're about to arrest him."

"You're careless and sloppy, that's why he gets away." Gordon said coldly. He turned to the window behind him and overlooked Gotham City. "I want this outlaw brought to justice, whatever it takes. Do you understand?"

"Yes Sir."

"No one takes the law into their own hands, not in my city."

"We understand."

"Now both of you, get out."

The two detectives walked through the lobby of the Gotham City Police Department, passing several of their officers.

"I don't get it. Gordon should recognize the Batman's efforts. Crime's been down 15% since he's been around" Bennett said as he greeted his co-workers with a simple headnod.

"I know you're new to the Gotham area Bennett, and frankly I don't give a shit. But let me make something clear to you, Gordon don't take no shit. Least of all from a newbie like you. You keep acting' the way you been, you're gonna get your ass fired."

"I just think it's time Gotham starts believing in hope again."

"That's what we're here for. The GCPD provide all the hope Gotham needs." Bullock put his arm around Bennett. His sweaty palms made Bennett's skin boil. "Besides, this "Batman" is giving Gordon bad press. Not that there's good press. But that's the last thing he needs."

Bennett shrugged off Bullock's hand. "I'll take my chances, thanks."

"Whatever. Just don't come cryin' to me when Gordon hands you your ass on a silver platter."

"Like I said, I'll take my chances."

"See where that gets ya." Bullock walked into his office as Bennett approached his, passing Detective Matthews and Officer Miggs.

"Hey Bennett" Detective Matthews began. "I hear you're having Bat problems." Matthews and Miggs laughed. Bennett simply smiled.

"Yeah. Can't handle a freak in a costume?" Miggs added.

"Maybe you should work for the circus?"

Bennett poured a cup of coffee and took a sip. He walked past them and went to his office. "Maybe you should cut back on the sweets Matthews. Then maybe your wife wouldn't have to have another man satisfy her." Matthews facade melted. "Dicks" he murmered under his breath as he opened the door to his office.

Bennett walked inside his haven. He made sure his door was locked before he walked over to his desk. He spread his jacket over the chair, then turned to the window behind him to close the blinds. The room was shrouded in darkness. "It's safe."

"You know if they catch you with me, you'd lose your badge Detective." Batman surfaced from the shadows, barely visible in Bennett's sight.

"Just be quiet. I hear you're good at that."

"Funny." Batman walked to Bennett's desk and shifted through papers that covered it's surface. "I ran into some of Black Mask's thugs earlier. They're increasing their numbers."

Bennett went to his desk and sat in the chair. He rearranged the papers. "We're working on it. Black Mask and Falcone aren't easy to get to."

"Another punk was with them. They said his name was Jack White. Ring any bells?"

"Yeah. That name's been floating around Gotham's streets for a while now. We ran a background check. Funny thing, nothing came up. Like he didn't exist."

"Probably an alias."

"Last we heard, he robbed a bank. We haven't found him."

Batman examined the wall beside him. It was flooded with photos of wanted criminals and suspects in isolated crimes. One caught his eye. "What do you know about Carmine Falcone?"

Bennett rose from the desk and met Batman. "Well, he's the largest crime boss in Gotham. He practically runs the underground, and the rest of the city. No one can get to him. Hell, no one even tries to touch him."

"He'll talk for me." Batman turned and walked to the window. Bennett followed him.

"If you can get to him. He'll no doubt have his thugs surrounding the perimeters."

"That won't be a problem. How do I find him?"

"Ever since Black Mask torched his mansion, he's gone into hiding. But one of his goons told us where, in exchange for his freedom. Gordon's ready to take him down." He rested against his chair. "You'd better move fast, because you don't have a lot of time."

"The old ways won't work on someone like Falcone. He won't surrender to your men just because they have guns. He'll expect that."

"What then?"

"Something he won't."

"Like?"

"Me."