Chapter 3: Old Friends

The room was meticulously neat. It had to be. As he had gotten older, he had become more and more obsessive and compulsive about where things were placed, how clean the room was. Everything had to have a place, and it always had to be in that place. He lay there on the bed, breathing through a respirator. Each breath was labored.

Batman entered through a window. He read the chart attached to the foot of the bed. The doctors didn't think he had much time left. He made his way to the side of the bed and looked at his foe: Edward Nygma, a.k.a., the Riddler. Batman thought how many had died because of him. For years, the Riddler tested his brains against Batman and Gotham, having to prove how smart he was, being particular about the details of each riddle. How many innocents had died because of his riddles to the citizens of Gotham? Now, Nygma lay here, wasting away, no longer a danger. That is why he was moved out of Arkham and into a hospital. His condition had worsened and Arkham was no longer to care for him. He was not much of a threat here.

Batman thought he might be involved with the Joker, however. Even from here, the Riddler had a long reach. Batman loomed over the head of the bed, and waited. Slowly, the Riddler opened his eyes, seeing the Batman over him.

"Oh, God. What the hell do you want? Can't you leave me in peace?"

"We need to talk, Nygma."

"About what? I've been in here for two years." Edward Nygma coughed, little drops of blood spewing from his mouth onto his blankets. Every breath was labored.

"The Joker broke out of Arkham. What do you know?"

"How the hell…would I know anything? I've been…bound to this bed." Nygma coughed again. "Besides…, you can't really expect me to answer…any of your questions without answering…one of mine." The riddler laughed slightly. "I don't wear plaid…and I'm the only guarantee besides taxes. What am I?"

"You aren't dead yet, Nygma."

"I might as well be. I know what that chart says."

"Talk Nygma! What do you know?"

"I know this. Two weeks ago, someone came to see me."

"Who?"

"Never gave his name…..Kept asking about the Joker. Joker and I never really got along that well.., and I really had no inclination to help him…..Told the guy to get lost. I have nothing, Batman. Any henchmen I might have had are either dead or loyal to Falcone now. I have no…..contacts left. All of my money has…been seized by the police. What the hell could I do…in my present condition?"

"What did he look like?"

"Stayed in the shadows. Never…..got a good look." Nygma looked up at Batman. "You know all about that, don't you?" His breathing was getting strained. Batman knew there wasn't much time for the Riddler. "I answered your questions…, now you can answer one more of mine. One last riddle. Who is the Batman?"

Batman stared at Nygma. He wouldn't have time to tell anyone, and no one would believe him. Batman leaned over Nygma and removed his mask.

"What? No! Batman is B…B…B…B…! Way…Wa..W…W…!" Batman replaced his mask and left out the window. The EKG sped up before finally emitting a single tone as Nygma's heart stopped. Batman didn't look back. He had others to see tonight.


Angelo Falcone walked behind his large desk and poured himself a drink. His office was plush and opulent, having been paid for with protection, prostitution, and other business funds. He took a long sip and felt the cool breeze come in through the open window. He smiled and didn't even turn around. "I was wondering when you would come see me."

Batman crouched in the window, the breeze making his cape billow. He stared at the leader of the crime mob in Gotham City. Angelo was the grandson of Carmine Falcone, the previous family boss. After Carmine had died, Angelo had risen to the top in the family. He quickly eliminated his rivals and he took control of the criminal element in Gotham. Crime had actually decreased since he took power. Just because things were good now, doesn't mean that Falcone wasn't involved with the Joker. Batman stepped into the room.

"What do you know about the Joker?"

"You're just going to put out there like that? No build up, no foreplay?"

"What do you know?"

Falcone shrugged. "All right, your loss. What do I know? Nothing. I didn't bust him out, I didn't help him."

"Who did?"

"How would I know? I don't want him out. He's bad for business. He gets out, people stop going out, stop shopping. People stay in and don't gamble or eat out. I prefer him locked up. My businesses do much better that way."

"And that is all you care about? Business?"

"Believe what you want, Batman. I don't want the Joker free in Gotham. It's only been a couple of hours and I'm already feeling the effects. I can't lose money like this. I have to keep my people paid." Batman didn't have time for this conversation. Angelo turned around and Batman was immediately upon him. He grabbed him by the throat and slammed him against the wall; Angelo's drink shattered on the floor.

"Hundreds have died already," Batman growled at Angelo. "You are going to tell me everything that you know!"

"Look, I don't know anything!" Angelo was starting to panic. "I have nothing to do with the Joker!"

"Why don't I believe you?"

"Ok, ok. Look, last week, a guy came to me, looking to move some merchandise. He needed to move stuff into Gotham. The price was right, I didn't ask any questions."

"What was the merchandise?"

"I didn't ask. He just wanted it picked up in Sudan, then brought here. I sent a plane. There was no problems, got them around customs, and it was picked up at the airport."

"Which airport?"

"South regional! God, let me go! That's all I fuckin' know!" Batman threw him across the room. He wasn't going to get anything else out of him. Right before he lept out the window, Batman looked back at Angelo. "If I don't find anything at the airport, I would be out of Gotham in the next few hours if I were you." Batman melted into the night.

Angelo got up, straightened his suit, and poured himself another drink. He shakily drank it in one gulp. This was his first encounter with the Batman. He needed protection and information. Angelo picked up the phone on his desk. "Sharon, get my lieutenants on the phone."


He couldn't believe it. It'd only been a day, and already he was getting close. He was gathering clues, running down information, getting closer to the source. He knew letting the Joker out was a good idea.


Batman was back in the cave, going back over the data from the explosives. He ran another analysis on the debris from the Asylum explosion. There were trace amounts of particles that could be linked back to Sudan. So, the explosives had been shipped in from Sudan by Falcone, at the behest of a buyer. He didn't know who the explosives belonged to, but they were shipped into the same airport where the helicopter had been stolen. He would have to check on it in the morning. Batman was stripped off and Bruce Wayne made his way into the manor proper. He looked at the clock as he came up the elevator. It was already five in the morning.

He started thinking about what had occurred so far. Joker was loose, and a bomb had been set off less than 24 hours since his release. That was fast, even for the Joker. He had to have been getting help. Who would have let the Joker out? And why? What was in it for them?

It would be good to get into bed. Hopefully, Vicki was back from where ever she had gone and he could catch up with her. He entered the large bedroom, the early morning light just starting to come through the windows. Vicki wasn't there. Bruce was starting to get worried. He tried her phone and it went directly to voicemail. She would never let her phone go dead, someone must have turned it off. "Alfred!"

"Yes sir?" He was there almost immediately.

"Have you heard from Vicki?"

"No sir."

"Something's wrong."

"Shall I call the police?"

"I think so. Vicki's gone missing."


The morning rush hour was bumper to bumper across the bridges into Gotham City. Six in the morning was the peak hour and the cars were barely moving. Across the main bridge, renamed the Gordon Bridge, a truck had broken down in the center lane. All traffic was stopped while emergency crews tried to get it started and moving again. Horns blared, lights flashed, and drivers yelled at each other. A Gotham City Department of Transportation Motorist Assist truck finally made it to the broken down vehicle. The motorist assist, or MA, driver, Owen, walked to the truck with the hood up and smoke coming out of the engine.

"I think your engine overheated." The driver looked up at Owen with a slight smile on his face.

"No. It's just about to overheat." The entire engine compartment exploded, blasting cars off the bridge. The explosion was enough to weaken the bridge, and the span split across the middle, the six lanes of cars falling into the water below. The drivers didn't have enough time to break their windows to escape as road debris and more cars fell upon them. Miles away, all of the bridges into Gotham City exploded and fell into the water.


The policeman stopped taking notes and listened to his radio. Bruce Wayne listened as well. He heard "explosion" and "Gordon Bridge." Bruce turned on the TV, and saw the smoking remains of the bridge on the screen. The reporter was talking about all of the bridges being down, hundreds of cars in the water. Bruce stared at the screen, tuning out everything else around him.

"Mr. Wayne? If you'll excuse me, I have to go."

Bruce snapped out of his thoughts. "Yes, of course. Go ahead." The officer turned to leave just as the screen turned to static. The Joker's face emerged from the chaos, his grin large and stark against his pale face.

"Hello, Gotham! Joker's Baaaaack!" The Joker laughed on the screen. Bruce immediately started taking mental notes of the background, attempting to deduce where the Joker was. The police officer had stopped and was watching the TV as Joker made his announcement.

"We have been away for far too long, Gotham," Joker continued. "We must never let us spend that much time apart again. Thanks to a generous benefactor, I have been able to make my return with a bang. And trust me, Gotham, there are many more to come. He he he, so please, enjoy the show, and remember, if it's your time to go, go with a smile. Right, Harley?" The camera panned to the left, and Bruce saw his Vicki. Even though her face was painted white, with a black diamond mask over her eyes, wearing a red and black leotard, Bruce could still recognize his wife. She was tied to a chair with a gag over her mouth. She struggled against her bonds, and the chair fell over. "Oops, Harley can't talk right now. But I guarantee she will be back later. Now, let's have some fun. After the Asylum, the mall, and the bridges, I still have all these explosives left over. Whatever shall I use them on? I'll let the people decide my next target. Shall it be a school? A hospital? The police station? Ooo, the suspense is killing me! Let me know, Gotham. Its time to vote." A phone number flashed on the screen and it then went static.

The police officer ran out of the manor, his radio erupting to life. Bruce stared at the screen before he was able to gather his thoughts. "ALFRED!" His butler came rushing into the room.

"I saw, sir. I'm so sorry."

"We have work to do."

"We, sir?"

"I'm going to need your help." They both walked over to the hidden panel and made their way down into the cave.


The cell phone beeped to life again. It was a text, another one telling him to bomb himself. The Joker frowned at it. Gotham City wasn't having any fun with this. He would show them. If they couldn't take a joke, he'll just have to make them laugh. He stood up and walked into the living room where all of the minions were lounging.

"New plan, boys. We gotta move. Time to show Gotham its sense of humor."

"Sure, boss. Whatta we gonna do?" It was Karl, the smart one.

"We need a place to set up a lab. Time to make some laughing gas."

"Uh, sure, but how do we make it?"

"Oh, don't worry. Its all up here." The Joker tapped his forehead then turned around. "And you, my dear, will get to see it every step of the way."

Vicki stared at him. She was still tied to a chair, but the gag had been removed. Her wrists and shoulders were sore from being tied in an awkward position. They kept her tied up after she had tried to run. One or two of the minions had hit her and a bruise was already forming on the side of her face, hidden by the makeup. She wasn't sure what she could do. She just nodded and said, "Yes, Mr. J." The minions had made sure she acted like Harley Quinn around the Joker. He didn't even seem to notice that she was tied up.

"Come on boys. Let's go, Harley. Time to find some new digs."


"We are all very saddened by the news and to see our own Vicki Wayne kidnapped by the Joker. We are all praying for her quick and safe return." Selena Kyle stood at the foot of the bed, throwing things into a suitcase as the news droned on. Brooke stood in the doorway, arms crossed and a scowl on her face.

"I don't understand why you have to go," Brooke said. "You don't live there anymore. That part of your life is over. Why go to Gotham?"

"Because I have to. He'll need help."

"Who 'He'? You mean Batman? What are you going to do? You gave up that life."

"I did. But this…he isn't going to be able to handle this. And there isn't anyone else that can help him."

"What about the police? What about any of the Robins or his other friends? Why you?"

Selena paused, holding a black leather mask and a cat-o-nine tails. She closed her eyes and said "Because I am the only one alive who still cares."


Batman sat in the Cave at the massive computer at the center, reviewing traffic camera. He had grabbed the limousine license plate from the parking garage camera where Vicki had been kidnapped. Another window was searching for the plate in the police database to find any other reports about it. He was reviewing hours of footage, checking cameras to follow where the limo had gone. There, the thugs dumped the limo and grabbed another car, shoving Vicki into the backseat. He began tracking that vehicle, and searching for that license plate. Alfred walked down the stairs, carrying a tray of coffee. He set it on the console, next to a similar tray that had gone cold without it ever being touched.

"Sir, perhaps you should take a break."

"No time Alfred. I have to find her."

"But what good will you be when you do find her if you have been up staring at these screens?"

Batman ignored him and continued to watch, noting streets and queuing up the next camera to watch. He was able to follow the vehicle all the way into the rundown northern neighborhoods, where the cameras had all been destroyed by petty criminals. Batman stood up and walked to the Batmobile, ready to race out and pick up the lead.

"Sir, might I say something before you go?"

"Make it quick."

"The Joker has already made threats for more bombs across the city. Should you not find out where and save those people before the bomb goes off?"

"If I find Vicki, I can find the Joker and stop him."

"But what of the bombs he has already planted? And you know that he never stays with his plan. It'll change to his whims. What if he does more?"

"My priority is Vicki. Then I can worry about the rest of Gotham." Batman climbed into the driver's seat, squealed the tires and speeded out of the cave. Alfred stared after him then started picking up the trays of coffee.

"That is not the Batman I and Gotham have come to know."


Batman raced through the Gotham streets. The bombings had kept everyone inside their homes and there was no traffic on the roads. He zoomed into a neighborhood just South of the Amusement mile. The parks and casinos that were there had been abandoned. Without the money to keep them afloat, the surrounding neighborhoods soon followed. Now it was a haven for criminals and gangs. Batman searched the streets, looking for the car that had brought Vicki and the thugs here. He finally found it, parked on the road next to an abandoned house. He stopped the car and waited.

Batman watched the house for 10 minutes. No lights were on, several windows were busted and boarded up, but there was no movement. Batman grabbed an x-ray scanner and looked through the walls of the house. There was no one inside. He got out of the Batmobile and ran to the house, kicking down the door and rushing inside. Someone had been here. There were empty cans and boxes scattered on the floor. He walked into the living room and picked up an envelope that had been set on the couch. It just said "For Batman" on the front. He opened it. Inside was a lock of Vicki's hair. He pulled it out and put it into a glass test tube. He would have to analyze it back at the cave.

Batman turned to leave when he heard beeping. He paused, then ran as he recognized the sound of a bomb about to explode. The explosion caught him and flung him out the door and into the Batmobile. Himself and several other pieces of debris struck the car, denting it badly. The driver's side was caved in where he had hit it and a 2x4 was sticking out of the hood and front quarter panels. The heat and debris had caught the interior on fire, and it was spreading. Batman staggered to his feet, stumbled down the street and turned between houses before the Batmobile exploded. Batman was caught in the blast and flung across the street. He lay by the side of the road. His head spun and his limbs wouldn't respond. Batman rolled over and looked over himself. Several pieces of metal were sticking out of his arms and legs, glass and debris had cut through some of his armor, and a large piece of wood stuck in his side with blood pouring out into the street. Batman passed out before he could turn on his emergency signal to Alfred.


From two blocks away, he saw the explosion and the destruction of the batmobile. What would Batman say if he knew he was so close? Joker had only left about an hour ago. Give him time. He had to check on the Joker, make sure things weren't going too far.


The Joker jumped off the truck and looked at their new headquarters. It was an abandoned warehouse near the wharf. The two on either side were occupied and full. That would have to change. The minions started unloading the trucks and carrying the boxes of equipment inside. Joker pulled Vicki over and held her close to him.

"Look, baby. Our new home! Isn't it lovely? Well?"

Vicki looked at the warehouse then down at the ground. "Yes, Mr. J."

"Come on, be a little happier. We're gonna make Gotham smile!"


The sign out front said "Gotham Strange Life Church" but upstairs it was a campaign headquarters. The Gospel music came up the floors as a man sat at a desk, attempting to write a speech. Even though it was a campaign headquarters, there was only one worker, the candidate, Harvey Dent.

Once, Harvey was Two-Face, one of the super criminals that had prayed on Gotham. An accident had scarred one side of his face and broken his mind, giving him almost two personalities. He had used a double headed coin, one side scratched, to make decisions, and his crimes always involved pairs. Since his time at Arkham, Harvey had made a full recovery. He had gone through hundreds of surgeries and skin grafts to heal his face. He had lost his eye, but the repair to his skin helped to repair his mind. He had also gotten rid of his coin, no longer relying on it to make up his mind. He still saw a psychologist regularly, but holding a job was difficult. Even though his face had been mostly healed, people still remembered him as Two-Face. He was unable to work in the Gotham Courts, and the best job he could find was working as a consultant to companies for legal advice. It didn't pay well, but it did help to fund his campaign.

Upon being given a clean bill of health, both physically and mentally, Harvey decided to enter politics. He was attempting to run for district representative in the North (the only district that would even consider taking him). He had set up his headquarters over a church in the North district. Since all of the money he made went to his campaign, he was also living in his headquarters.

Harvey looked over at his bed as he heard groaning. Batman was starting to come to. Harvey put down his pen and rolled his chair over to the bedside. He grabbed a glass of water and held it for the crime fighter.

"Easy, Batman. You're safe. You were brought here. We've gotten your wounds dressed, but you need to take it easy. The stitches need to heal."

Batman sat up uneasily, a wave of nausea washing over him. His head was still dizzy, but he was able to think and move his arms and legs. He looked up at his once enemy.

"Harvey, who brought me here?"

"I did." A form moved in the shadows. Batman looked over and Selena "Catwoman" Kyle emerged. She was dressed in her usual black leather, with a cat-o-nine tails hanging from her belt. "I figured that where ever there were explosions, you would need my help. I didn't even get a chance to unpack and I had to run over and help you. I had to drag your body all the way over here. Harvey helped patch you up."

"Thank you. I have to go. I need to stop Joker."

"Hold on, Batman," Harvey said. "You are in no condition to head out there. These stitches will pop out if you don't lay still."

"I don't have time. Joker has a hostage, and more explosives."

"Jesus," Harvey swore. "Let me wrap these again, and hopefully they'll hold. Hold still for a second." Harvey grabbed some more bandages and tape and began wrapping Batman's legs, arms, and side. "You know, we could have taken off the mask at any time."

"Thank you for leaving it on," Batman replied. He looked over at Catwoman. "What are you doing here Selena? I thought you had given up this life. You and your girlfriend were going to move to Metropolis."

"We did. I don't know, you just can't keep a girl away." Catwoman slinked over to the bed and sat down. "Besides, without Robin, who is going to be your sidekick?"

That phrase brought a pang of painful memories to Batman's mind. He shook his head clear. He had to think clearly. "With you in town, how do I know you aren't involved with the Joker?"

"Seriously? Have I ever been one to side with that clown? He was never my type." Catwoman ran a finger down Batman's arm. "I always had my eye on…larger prey."

Harvey coughed uneasily. "Ahem, I've done all I can here. Sorry I can't do more."

"Thank you for this, Harvey. You've come a long way."

"I'm trying to. We'll see how this election goes."

"Why set up you campaign headquarters in Hugo Strange's church?"

"He was the only one who would let me. You should talk to him before you leave. He might have information for you."

Batman nodded and stood uneasily. His legs were still weak, but he would walk around and get them moving. Hopefully that'll help them. He looked outside and saw that the sun was already setting. He had to get moving and rescue Vicki.

Batman headed downstairs to the chapel. He paused at the bottom and looked at the pastor, Dr. Hugo Strange. Strange returned his gaze and walked to the back. Batman followed him to the rectory as the choir continued. He entered the pastor's office. Strange took off his robes and hung them in the closet as Batman closed the door behind them.

"I thought you might be stopping by, Mr. Wayne. I'm very sorry to hear your wife. I am praying for her quick and safe return." Batman had almost forgotten that Hugo Strange knew who he really was. Strange was a former psychologist at Arkham who had become obsessed with the Batman. Eventually, Strange had figured out Batman's identity, and attempted to use that against him. Batman thwarted him, and Strange was locked up. As part of his reformation, Dr. Strange had found religion, entered the priesthood, and now led a congregation here in the poorest part of Gotham.

"I need information."

"I don't know anything about the Joker that you don't already know. I have put my past behind me. I am not a part of that life anymore."

"I don't care if you are born again, Strange. You know the people here. Joker's hideout was just two miles south of here. What do these people know?"

"I am not going to get these people involved in this war between you and the Joker."

"They are already involved. I need to know, Strange. Now!"

"Are you doing this for Gotham, for yourself, or for Vicki?"

"NOW, STRANGE!"

Hugo Strange exhaled and hung his head. "Last week, people were asking around, attempting to recruit for a new gang. I don't know if any from my flock joined. I try to discourage that kind of thing. They belong to a new gang, now. One led by God."

"Who reported this?"

"A few of the congregation. I won't give you their names. The information won't be of use to you anyway." Strange raised his head to find Batman gone. He sighed and walked back out to the chapel. "When you are ready, Mr. Wayne, perhaps you will find another path."


At eight p.m., the bell to Mr. Tony Edwards' door rang. He opened it to find a FedEx truck driver with a package. He signed for it and brought it in with his evening drink. It was odd. He didn't seem to remember ordering anything. And it was a little late for a delivery. Perhaps it was from the office. He set it on the kitchen table and picked up his cell phone. He scrolled past the message he had sent to the Joker's phone earlier in the day. Yeah, blow yourself up. He chuckled a little bit at it. He was about to call the office to confirm the package when the box burst open, spewing green gas and filling the kitchen. He chocked, gasping, collapsing to the ground. A grin slowly spread across his face and he started to laugh. He didn't know what was so funny, just that he had to laugh about it. He laughed harder and harder, his heart beating faster and faster. It was difficult for him to catch his breath, he was laughing so hard. Finally his heart burst in his chest and he lay there, a grin still plastered to his face.

Across Gotham City, dozens of households had the same scene as the Joker made them smile.


The Joker laughed at the screen as more reports came across of victims to his laughing gas. He almost couldn't believe that they got all the addresses of those that had sent him texts. The internet is a wonderful thing. Now, he had to plan his next bomb to send Gotham into chaos. He strode over to a map on the wall, studying it, wondering where to plant the next one. "What do you think, dear?"

Vicki hung her head, still tied to a chair. The makeup had runs down her face from where she cried. She looked up at the Joker, staring at the map. "I don't know, Mr. J."

"Yes, I know. So many choices, so much potential. How about here?" He pointed to Gotham University. "No, no, too obvious. How about here?" He next pointed to Gotham City Police Department Headquarters. "No. Tempting, but I think I'll save that one for later. It has to be a symbol. Something that will shake the safety net of this town loose. I know. Here is perfect!" Joker grabbed a large smilely face pin and stuck it in the map, laughing. Vicki looked up and saw the pin in Wayne Manor.


"Commissioner, I don't care what you have to do. I want him stopped." The mayor, Richard Goodwin, was yelling at Commissioner Cole.

"Mayor, we can't put Gotham under marshal law. That's unconstitutional. I won't suspend the people's rights."

"What about their rights to live when that clown sets another bomb? Jon, we have malls and bridges blowing up, families dying from gas attacks, and our number one reporter kidnapped. We can't just sit back and wait for the next attack. We have to be proactive."

"I got the task force on it right now. We're running down leads. We have the restaurant owner that owned the helicopter in custody. We are running down samples on the debris. We'll find him."

"What about Batman?"

"What about him?"

"Has he given you anything?"

"You know we don't work with the Batman."

"I know you don't officially, but in an unofficial capacity, what would the Batman have told you?"

"We haven't heard anything since the Joker's escape."

"Maybe that light needs to be turned on?"


Batman headed over to Barbra Gordon's. He had told Catwoman to stay behind, let him handle this one by himself. Catwoman headed to her old apartment to check on things there. Batman didn't want to see Barbra, but he had no choice. They hadn't really spoken since the incident with the Joker, when she had become paralyzed, when she was still Batgirl. However, she was more connected to Gotham's networks than anyone, and she could get him information. Batman grappled up to her window, settling there. She was in the bathroom, getting ready for bed. She wheeled herself out and looked at him, surprise not even registering on her face.

"I was wondering when you would show up," Barbra said dryly. She moved over to the bed, and pulled herself out of her chair and into the sheets.

"Barbra, I wouldn't have come if I didn't need you. Joker's on a rampage, I don't know if I can stop him."

"Huh, should have thought of that before you let him live all those times."

"Barbra, I don't want to have this conversation."

"No, it's a conversation we should have had a long time ago. He killed Dick, Jason, and Tim. All of your sidekicks, all of your Robins, and you did nothing. You let him live."

"Barbra, that is a path that…"

"Always about your paths. For God's sake, Bruce, will you forget your fucking path, your Goddamn journey, and think about others for once. Joker has killed everyone close to you, or at least tried, and yet you let him live. You just send him back to Arkham Asylum to let him escape again so you two can go running around again. You must enjoy it as much as he does. Is that why? Does his existence give yours purpose? Without Joker, is there no reason for a Batman? Is that why you let him live all those times, after what he did to you, to others, to me?!" Barbra was almost crying, her words falling out as sobs tried to escape her throat.

"Barbra, I…"

"He RAPED ME BRUCE!" Barbra screamed at Batman as tears fell down her cheeks. Batman stood there, shocked into silence. "He raped me, laughing the whole time. Kept a knife at my throat so I wouldn't move, then broke my legs and left me laying there. Never took off my mask, said it added to the charm. I can still see his face above mine, Bruce. At night, in my nightmares, I see that demented grin and hear that damn maniacal laugh."

"Barbra, I had no idea."

"He got me pregnant. That's how I wound up in this chair. Not from what he did, but from trying to kill whatever was growing inside me. I found out I was pregnant in the hospital. I threw myself off of the roof. The fall paralyzed me from the waist down, and the doctors finished what I started. I can't face him. Not ever again. I have to keep myself as far from him as possible." Barbra hugged herself and looked down. Batman turned to leave, knowing what her next words would be. "I'm sorry to hear about Vicki, I really am, but you're on your own for this one, Bruce. I'm not going to say I'm sorry, because I'm not. Finish this. Do what needs to be done, but do it. End him." Batman left with Barbra's words still sounding in his ears.