Chapter 8 - Clues

Batman sat in his cave checking up some records on his computer.

'Anything I can help you with Master Bruce?'

'No thanks Alfred. I'm fine.' Came the direct reply.

'Master Bruce? You were telling me that the killer addressed the Batman this time in his message.'

'Yes Alfred. It appears that he's issued a challenge to me to stop him. And I must stop him before he commits another murder.'

'But why the Docks sir? Why was Dr. Krauss there, at that time of night?'

'Exactly Alfred. There was no reason for him to be there. And yet we found the body there and he was killed there. There can be only two answers. Either Dr. Krauss was instructed to be there by someone for some reason, or.'

'Or. sir?'

'Or he was taken there forcibly. He may have been kidnapped while walking. I believe that his route was quite usual. He took the same route everyday because of his problem.'

'Problem? Wasn't he still operating?'

'Yes Alfred, in the surgery room he was still a wiz. The only thing is that he suffered a slight case of night blindness. So he wouldn't stay out too late on his walk.'

'Sir. it occurred to me today, that both victims were out on their normal routine walks. And both of them were fairly old, and both were millionaires.'

'Billionaires, Alfred. And yet no one seems to benefiting. Dr. Krauss' wife inherits most of the assets and his children inherit the rest but they aren't even in this country.'

'But sir, they might have.'

'No Alfred. I know them. They loved their father dearly. Besides they're Billionaires themselves. Both of them have got as much money as their father.'

Alfred stood still in thought. Seeing this the Batman said, 'You've overlooked one thing Alfred.'

'What's that sir?'

'Mr. Marcus had recently donated to the restoration of Gotham Park.'

'Yes sir, he did. To your foundation.'

'Here comes the frightening part: Dr. Krauss had recently given me a cheque to help rebuild the docks that the Joker blew up.'

'Egad sir!!'

'Indeed. What I want to know now is why the killer is targeting the wealthy citizens of Gotham who donate money for good causes.'

'Perhaps.'

'Yes Alfred?'

'Perhaps sir, they feel that the money could be put to better uses.'

The Batman thought for a moment, then stood up.

'Alfred, you're a genius!!'