Chapter 10
Pain radiates from his shoulder. Nightwing glances up from the ground to look at his tormentor. Joker. His laughter rings through out the factory. Whack! Another blow falls down onto Nightwing's right shoulder. Breathing in through his nose and out through his mouth, Nightwing tries to move beyond the pain.
"I can't wait to see the look at Bat's face when he finds you, once I am done," taunts Joker, as he raises the crowbar again. "He should be more careful where he puts his property."
About to bring the crowbar down once more, a small flash of black cuts through the room and stabs in to Joker's hand. Dropping the crowbar, Joker stares at the black bat that is now sticking out of his wrist. Raising his eyes to the window above, Joker watches as the Batman jumps through the broken window and enters the room.
Taking advantage of the moment, Nightwing slips his feet between Joker's ankles and twists. Falling backwards, Joker can only laugh as he watches Batman move in to help his former partner stand up.
"Ah, the father shows up to protect his little boy," sneers Joker, laughing.
"It ends, Joker," replies Batman, giving his full attention to the fallen man.
In mid-laugh, Joker suddenly becomes quiet. "I doubt that," he whispers.
Hearing the sound of movement behind them, Nightwing and Batman turn to see the four henchmen are on their feet and moving toward them.
In less time it took for the henchmen to move into striking distance, the two crime fighters have them taken out. Turning their attention back to the Clowned Price of Crime, they find that he is no where to be seen.
"He can't have gotten far," says Batman.
Looking across the room and noticing an open door, Batman heads for the exit.
"Stay here and tie these four up, then call BPD," calls Batman over his shoulder.
"But…" says Nightwing, but sees that his former partner is already gone.
Turning his attention away from the door, Nightwing looks at the downed men. Taking a rope from his belt, Nightwing ties up the men and places a call to the police.
……………………
Laughter rings down the hallway, as Batman moves toward his goal.
"What's wrong, Bats? Birdie got your tongue?"
Ignoring the taunting, Batman continues down the hall. Not seeing any side doors, the Dark Knight continues his search. Finding only the exit at the other end of the hall, he slows before slipping through the door. Entering a small, darkened room, Batman glances around, but doesn't see the Joker.
"Oh where, oh where has your little birdie gone? Oh where, oh where can he be?"
Refusing to reply, Batman continues to hunt for Joker.