Chapter 4: Dark of Day
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Gordon was firing off a list of orders to his awaiting men, hesitating only when the armed forces commander stepped forward. He was a young, intense, African-American man most likely older than his appearance suggested; everyone seemed to look so young to Gordon as of late.
"Commissioner Gordon, Captain Kinsler, I have an executive order from the white house directing me to aid local law enforcement in any way necessary in returning order to Gotham. I am awaiting your direction." His formal piece spoken, the young commander met Gordon's eye, "Give the word and my men will have you back in control of the city."
Gordon shook his head. "Son, don't get me wrong. We need the help, but, I just don't see how the military running through the streets of Gotham arresting civilians is going to restore any faith in local government." He shook his head and made a gesture of finality with his hand. "Keep your presence as a preventive measure, but let us handle the law enforcement."
Selina straddled the bike and leaned over the handlebars. "What about under the streets?"
Gordon looked at her and then nodded at the possibility. No cameras, no news. Trained military combat teams loaded to the hilt with complete tactical gear. "One condition, the PD brings out all prisoners; minimal military presence in the media."
"We aren't here to make the cover of soldier of fortune, we are here to restore order," the commander assured.
Gordon relented, "We know that Bane's original headquarters was in the storm drains under the city. There is over two hundred miles of interconnected tunnels under Gotham. We had only started the search when my men were trapped. Someone get me a map." Gordon ordered out to no one in particular.
"That's a lot of real estate for Bane's boys to play hide and seek in. How about I speed things along and take you right to their little club house."
The young soldier stepped closer and addressed her directly. "And just who are you, Miss?"
Gordon cut off what could have only been a wise-ass retort. "A consultant," he stated flatly. "She is working with the Gotham PD to assist in the apprehension of hostile agents working against the city.
The commander quirked his eyebrows, "Exactly whose authority is she acting under?"
"Mine," Gordon snapped. "If you have a problem with that soldier, sack it up and head back over the bridge. We will clean up the city without you."
One of Gordon's men from the MCU, Detective Shephens, finally just said it, "She was with the Batman; she's one of us." The words hung out there for a second and Selina felt oddly complimented by the distinction. She gave the man a small nod, noticing the knife scar across his throat. He's lucky to have survived that one.
Gordon suppressed a reaction and instead leaned down over the handlebars and in a low voice asked, "Can I trust you to play nice?"
Selina closed the distance further until her cheek was against his. "I'll try," was her noncommittal promise.
"It won't surprise me if you don't try very hard," he stated under his breath.
Selina curled her lips into a sensual smile. "Now Jim," she delighted in the intimacy of his first name, "Are you already expecting me to act like the bad girl? Is the mystery already gone from our relationship?" She pushed a chaste kiss to his cheek. "Get those papers ready for me, darling. I want to get right to work tonight."
Gordon drew back quickly, forcing himself not to glance guiltily around as a blush bloomed across his cheeks.
"38th and Hefner, there is a pump station—seal it." Selina made the demand to no one in particular as she flipped down her night vision goggles. "The causeway at 88th and Main—put men on it; they will try to escape down the inducts." She made the statement as she kicked over the motor on the bike and it charged to life. "Greer Street station will be where they make a stand." The cycle growled beneath her. She glanced at the military commander irritated with his inaction, "You copy all that Schwarzkopf?" Selina grinned at his look of outraged indignity. "B Ave and Lincoln try and keep up boys." She gunned the accelerator and the super charged bike leapt forward into the night.
Gordon stared after her for a moment then glanced over at the commander. "You had better get a move on; there won't be anything left of them by the time you get there." As the infantry unit cleared the area Gordon saw Fox standing quietly in the background. Gordon meandered over, "Your Mr. Wayne has intriguing taste in women." He gestured sheepishly in the direction of the departing caravan.
Fox inclined his head, "That he does." He handed him a small triangle of cloth and gestured to Gordon's face, "This particular woman seems to have a fondness for you as well."
Gordon self-consciously wiped at his face. Red lipstick smeared onto the white fabric and the police commissioner blushed furiously again.
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I liked the quote you put in your review Chips :
"chipsnopotatoes Lucius is such a gent! And I really like how you give Selina more insight on what kind of a man Bruce really was by letting her interact with his closest friends. As the saying goes, "your friends reflect the person you are."
When I write Lucius - his character ends up being how I imagine Morgan Freeman to be in real life :)
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Again thanks to Cheed for another Chapter edited. You are a beast!
