Chapter 3

Thomas yawned, this business meeting had been going on for hours and the Wayne Foundation was still trying to seal a partnership with the Metropolis Corporation.

"So we combine shares, split profits equally into fractions of the industries-"

The speech is interrupted by the loud singing of a cellphone, Thomas's phone to be exact "Please, excuse me for one moment."

Upon receiving the many nods, Thomas walks out into the enterprises hallway "Thomas Wayne, speaking."

"Mr. Wayne, my name is James Gordon, I work for the Gotham Police Department." Responds the new voice

"And what may I assist you with, Detective Gordon?"

"I'm afraid I have bad news, Mr. Wayne. Around 7:52 this morning the office received a number of calls regarding the kidnapping of a young boy, whom we believe to have been your son."

Time ceased at those words, this couldn't be happening, this man had to be lying "Are you positive it was Bruce that was taken?"

"The kidnappers grabbed the boy in broad daylight, going as far as naming the victim as Bruce Wayne."

Thomas's hands shake, how could this have happened? He'd kept quiet about everything he knew, each dirty deed was forever sealed inside his mind "Did the kidnappers state any demands?"

"A ransom of fifty million dollars for Bruce's safe return, eyewitness claims that they said they wouldn't hurt your son."

Like he believed that, if anyone would go as far as kidnapping a child, they couldn't be trusted "I'll get the money as soon as possible."

"Mr. Wayne, I can assure you that won't be necessary, we're doing all that we can here to get your son back."

"I understand you are and it's greatly appreciated, but Bruce is my son, I won't allow any harm to come to him, not if I can prevent it." States Thomas, the father now heading for his prized car, he needed to get home to get the money and inform Martha

"Don't make a move without informing me, we don't want any unnecessary measures being taken, we will bring Bruce home."

"I will do anything I can to save my son, Bruce is my responsibility, if it's money they want, they can have it all, good day Detective Gordon." At that Thomas ends the call, discreetly pulling his car from the lot and heading for the manor.

It wasn't long before the ringing of his cell once again grabbed his attention, an unknown number sent chills down his spine "Thomas Wayne, speaking."

A rough laugh greets the ailing father, muffled whimpers can be heard in the background "Mr. Wayne, I'm sure you've already been informed of your son's abduction, so I'll skip all that and get to the chase. Fifty million dollars will be left in a dumpster of my choosing in the back alley of the theater, make the drop at seven tonight, once I have the cash I will call and give you your son's location."

Thomas wanted to argue, to plead with this man to speak with Bruce, but he couldn't risk that man harming the boy, he had no other choice "Very well, I will do as you say, in return I wish for you not to harm Bruce."

"Believe me Thomas, the kid won't be harmed unless you don't pay up." Responds the head kidnapper as he ends the call

Thomas angrily throws his phone to the passenger seat, he knew that was his son in the background; he'd recognize that voice anywhere "If he harms one hair on Bruce's head, he won't live to regret it.

Thomas had never once had any intentions to kill anyone ... Before today, the day Bruce was kidnapped would forever change his view on the world he'd been fighting so hard to protect.

A man he didn't even know had taken his son, all for money that if asked nicely, could have just been given, was this Gotham? Mad men kidnapping children off the streets? Corrupt cops aiding rival gangs for control and power? Was that what he'd been fighting so hard to protect?

Thomas shook his head, protecting the city and his family were his calling, he'd become an unknown and unseen vigilante for justice, he'd no longer stand for the corruption of his company, when this was all over, he'd finally speak out about Wayne Industries.

"For now, I will focus on Bruce, he's more important at this very moment." Just as those words were spoken, the gates to the manor were opened, his sobbing wife standing outside the door, Alfred attending to soothe the hysterical woman

"Is it true?" Questions Martha as her husband exits the car "Did someone take our son?"

Thomas pulls Martha in to a tight embrace "It's true, but I'm going to get Bruce back, safe and sound. Please don't worry Martha."

Martha tightens her grip, how could she not worry? Her son was gods knows where and in whatever condition his kidnappers wanted him in

Thomas matches eyes with Alfred, slowly rolling his wife into the butlers waiting arms "I have to get the money dearest, once I've made the drop I'll call and tell you."

Martha shakes, she couldn't let her husband go alone, what if they took him too? Or simply killed him, took the money and disappeared with Bruce?

Thomas watches his wife overthink, her body began shaking uncontrollably, she was having a pain attack "Alfred, get her inside and into bed, she needs to calm down immediately."

Alfred nods and begins to lead the Madame to the bedroom "Do find Master Bruce, heaven knows that boy means the world to us all."

Thomas smiles, Alfred loved his son; the older male was like a surrogate father to Bruce "I will, I promise to bring Bruce home."

Once Alfred and Martha retired to the room, Thomas made his way to the cave, he kept all his money hidden there, but he also had something he needed to do.

After becoming fifty million dollars less, Thomas sat down with a pen and paper and began to write. This letter was for his son, he knows one day Bruce will discover this cave and in turn the letter.

He'd poured his heart and soul into every word, he was certain that when Bruce did find this place that he'd be dead, he was leaving his last wishes to his only son.

Tears leaked from his eyes at the thought, he had no doubt that Bruce would be back home soon, but something told him that his life was ending, that he didn't have much time left to spend with his dear wife and child, especially after he spoke out about what he knew.

If something were to happen to both him and Martha, Alfred would step forward, he'd raise Bruce just as Thomas would have had he still been around, how he should have when he still had the chance.

The letter is finished and sealed, left to sit on the computers keyboard as Thomas exits the cave, punching in the code BRUCE and walking down the hallway.

Thomas made his way into the bedroom, Martha lay sound asleep on the bed "I love you honey, I'm going to bring our son back, I promise. After this is all over, let's go to the theater, just the three of us."

Even in her sleep, Martha smiled at her husband's declaration; she full heartedly believed his every word and seemed quite pleased at the idea of spending time together as a family.
"Take good care of her Alfred; I don't want her taking a trip to the hospital."

"I will do my best, Sir." Responds the accented voice "Do take care of yourself as well."

Thomas nods "I will; I must go make the drop." Without waiting for a nod, Mr. Wayne makes his way out the door and back into his car "Don't worry Bruce, I'm coming."