Nightwing

Issue 10

George Jones

London Botanical Gardens

10:26AM

Police superintendent Robert Reed walked down the haunting corridor, vines dangled from the roof and a thick green covering on the large windows blocked any sunlight into the building. Reed came to the open door which led into Arnold Gilborn's laboratory. Robert ducked under the police crime scene tape that covered the doorway and entered the room. He was greeted by several forensic scientists examining a lifeless body and his partner Charlie Cunningham.

"So Charlie what have we got?"

"One deceased male, name; Walter Mathews, botanic researcher, victim's body was found at 11:30AM yesterday morning. Cause of death at this moment in time we predict is asphyxia as a result of the thick green mucus covering on the victims face."

"So was this his lab?"

"No, this room belonged to an Arnold Gilborn. We've tried to make contact with him but he seems to have disappeared into thin air"

"And who found the victim"

"Karen Jenkinson, local councilor. The botanical gardens were costing too much to run, the place was getting shut down and the researchers and botanists evicted. She came down here yesterday and found our victim"

"Has she given a statement?"

"Yeah, to the cops who answered the call"

"Good work Charlie, I want to speak to this Gilborn fellow as soon as possible. I'm headed to the station to have a word with Jenkinson"

Reed patted his partner on the back and left the room.

Undisclosed Location

12:13PM

The run down and deserted London hotel room was occupied by Warren White AKA the Great White Shark and Mortimer Drake the Cavalier. The Great White Shark stood over the old bed glaring down at both of his .45 pistols which lay on top the mattress. The cavalier was all the while practicing his swordplay on several mannequins that stood dotted around the room. The fabric of the mannequins were no match for the sharp, clean edge of the rapier sword.

"Will you stop swinging that thing around in the air for 2 minutes?"

"My dearest apologies monsieur"

The Cavalier tipped his hat bellow his eyes and threw his rapier across the room, the fine sword pierced a mannequin directly through the centre of its head.

"Cute"

The Great White Shark reached for one of his pistols and pumped six bullets into the mannequin's chest, dropping it to the floor.

"So brutish, all elegance is lost when guns are involved"

"Nightwing brought down Firefly and the Doc in the same night. We're gunna need to be clever about this, if we wanna take down Ramsey and the brat we're gunna have to be smart"

"Lynns and the kind Doctor never were the smartest of fellows"

"We're gunna need to distract Nightwing and take out Ramsey whilst he's vulnerable. Then take out the kid"

"And what distraction do you suppose?"

"We kill the mayor and when I say 'we' I mean a friend"

"Only one man we know can pull off such a hit…"

The Great White Shark smiled, revealing his glistening razor sharp teeth.

"Deadshot"

1 Week later…

Rooftop of the London branch of Wayne industries

Charity Fundraiser

9:15PM

Dick Grayson was dressed in the finest tuxedo money could buy. He made his way through the crowd, speaking to a number of different people, from the Mayor of London to Richard Branson and Alan Sugar. Dick then made this way to the podium to say a few words.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome and thank you all for coming, I am very proud to say that we have successfully raised 40,000 for the disadvantaged children struck by the recent floods in Bangladesh. Bruce sends his deepest apologies and thanks, sadly he could not make it tonight… so he sent me…"

The crowd laughed.

"…I don't wish to babble on all night, so once again, thank you and I'm proud to hand you over to the Mayor of London; Michael Livingstone"

The crowd clapped as Dick left the stage and the Mayor took to the podium.

"Thank you Mr. Grayson…"

Meanwhile…

1 Mile away

The London Eye

Floyd Lawton AKA Deadshot kneeled down inside one of the pods of the London Eye. His high velocity rifle was being assembled with deadly intent. Deadshot's radio sat perched next to him. The Great White Shark and the Cavalier offered Lawton half of the money that Jackie had given them to carry out the hit. Lawton was quick to accept, this would be the easiest money he'd ever earn. Deadshot got his equipment ready whilst Warren White and the Cavalier made their way to meet Ramsay.

"…this really is a great cause. This event highlights the resilient spirit of the people of London. Only weeks ago our proud city was struck by cowardly attacks but we all stuck together and continued to help each other and those in need. The money raised here tonight will go a long way…"

Dick felt the cool night air brush against his face. He was glad that Ramsey failed to show, this open rooftop would be perfect for a hit.

Deadshot punched out the window of the pod and rested his rifle through the gap. Lawton adjusted his sight and peered into the scope. He had to take wind speed and distance into account. The pod rose higher, soon it would be at the optimum height to achieve the shot. Lawton slowed his breathing and rested his finger on the trigger.

"…If we work together, we can overcome adversity of any kind. Only cowards strike from the darkness without warning. I vowed to make the streets safe…"

Dick heard the shot whistle through the air, the bullet struck the tray of the waiter who stood next to Dick; it ricocheted off and flew into the Mayors throat. It tore the flesh from the bone and the insides of Livingstone's neck plunged onto the podium, spraying a crimson mist over the crowd. The Mayor then slumped onto the floor, a pool of blood amassed around his body. The crowd roared into screams as everybody scattered to leave the rooftop. Dick looked over to where the shot came from.

Deadshot picked up the empty shell casing and placed into the pod ledge.

Meanwhile…

London Police Headquarters

Main Entrance

Two beat cops stood together lighting their cigarettes on the main entrance steps. A blacked out sedan pulled up next the front entrance. The two cops looked at each other bemused. The car didn't move. The two cops walked down the steps to the car and tapped on the driver's side window.

"Go on, move along. You can't block the entrance"

No reply.

"Sir, I won't ask again"

The window went down, revealing the ugly pale face of the Great White Shark, his razor sharp teeth glistened off the moonlight. The two cops stepped back in amazement.

"Feeding time!"

The Shark pulled his .45 from his lap and pumped red hot bullets into the two cops; sending them crashing to the floor.

Inside…

Robert Reed was stood in the hallway talking to Charlie Cunningham and Paul Andrews.

"…Robert dontcha think the grand jury…"

"They've come for him!"

Reed reached into his jacket and pulled out his revolver, Cunningham and Andrews did the same. Robert led his two men to the front entrance door. When they arrived the door was almost kicked off his hinges, the Shark appeared through the doorway. Unleashing deadly fire from both his .45 pistols, Reed pushed his men out of the line of fire and up the staircase which led to Ramsey's office.

"Andrews get to the backdoor and secure it; me and Charlie will get Ramsey and exit him through there"

Andrews nodded and made his way to the backdoor. The rookie cop got there and swung open the door. Panic spread over his eyes. The Cavalier stood in the doorway. He plunged his rapier sword into the chest of Andrew.

"Sorry Monsieur"

The Cavalier walked over the body of the cop and made his way down the corridor.

Reed kicked open the office door of Commissioner Ramsey.

"My god…"

To be Continued in Two Weeks!