A/N: Hello all. Happy birthday to the US Air Force, 67 years in the sky! PS, never tell an airman the Army is better, they do not take it well, LOL!
Anyway, I left you guys with the mother of all cliffhangers. However, things will not get better.
This chapter will be mostly conversations. Bane and Bruce, Penguin and Olivia, and, drum roll, Elliot and Selina
Disclaimer: I don't own them, but I have a gun. Give them to me, LOL!
Please review.
Chapter 11: The Calm Before the Storm
Sitting together in their unmarked car (standard issue to all detectives), Nick and Amanda were performing a reconnaissance operation. Amanda however, simply stared into space. "You think we'll spot the subject?"
"Uh-huh."
Nick couldn't help but chuckle. His girlfriend was adorable when deep in thought. "I'm getting horny. You want to hop in the backseat for a quickie?"
"Uh-hu… wait, what?" She quickly swiveled her head around, causing Nick to burst out laughing.
"So you are paying attention Rollins," he got out between chuckles.
Amanda narrowed her eyes, not amused. "You are a piece of work Amaro."
"Guilty as charged," he smirked, earning an eye-roll and a small smile from her. "So what's eating you up?"
Sighing, she looked out the window again. "The Waynes are missing."
"Well yeah, that's why the commissioner is sending us to find this mystery woman."
"I know, but regarding the Chief and her husband's proclivities, I feel something big is about to go down."
Nick nodded, scared about it himself. He remembered the Narrows riots eleven years before, how he and Amanda had almost died if it hadn't been for the Waynes; anything that took them out would likely be worse. However, despite her tough-as-nails front he knew Amanda had been more deeply affected by that night than he had. The nightmares, though less frequent than when she was younger, still came at least one night a week. As always when she got apprehensive, he intertwined their hands and rubbed the back with his thumb. "It'll be alright Amanda. We'll get through this together."
Looking up, she smiled at him. "I love you."
"Love you too." He wiggled his eyebrows. "So, my offer still stands."
Jaw dropping, she slapped him on the arm. "Dirty mind. I'm not having sex with you in our police vehicle." She dropped her head, biting her lip. "At least not while we're on call."
Nick flashed a wide grin before spotting something out of the corner of his eye. "Mandy." He pointed to the corner, where a stylish woman was entering a cab.
Seeing it, Amanda radioed Gordon. "Heads up Cap, tell the commissioner we have a lead on the Congressman's kidnapper."
About an hour later, Selina was walking through Harvey Dent International Airport, a small carry-on and a one-way ticket to Rio in her hands. The nuisance guilt she was feeling still crept up at the most inconvenient times, but the memory of how Bane and Porter wiped the floor with Bruce and Olivia Wayne served as a good motivator to skip town. There was no way she was going to be here when the shit hit the fan; though she'd never admit it to anyone, Bane, Porter, and Penguin scared her.
"Excuse me miss." She looked up to see a TSA agent. "Do you mind coming with me please?" Nodding demurely, she entered a small room. "May I see your ID and ticket?"
"Of course," she said innocently. "Would you mind?" Selina asked, handing her hat to the agent, who took it. "One second sir…" Reaching into her purse, without warning she punched him through the hat, knocking him out. 'Amateur.'
Handing her ticket to the ticket agent, she proceeded toward the plane, heels clicking on the floor when a tall, Hispanic man got in her way. "Excuse me…" He pulled out a badge.
"Miss Kyle," he said. "I'm Detective Amaro."
She turned to see a blonde woman behind her, also with a badge. "And I'm his partner Detective Rollins. We'd like to ask you some questions."
Selina pursed her lips, knowing she was caught. Oh for it to end like this, how humiliating.
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Nick and Amanda entered the interrogation room at the 1-6, eager for their first joint interrogation. "So Miss Kyle," began Nick, "How are you liking the accommodations?"
"It's not the Ritz Carlton," she answered dryly, "Though I've seen worse."
"I bet you have," he looked in her record. "Burglary, burglary, burglary, trespass, possession of stolen property…"
"I think she gets the picture Nick," interrupted Amanda in her full-on southern drawl. Ne tugged on his collar, knowing how much it turned him on. He was definitely cashing on her promise after this.
"Yep, though we'll be sure to add kidnapping to your sheet." Selina raised an eyebrow. "Did you think we wouldn't talk to Congressman Munoz?"
"Let me guess," she said evenly, "He's in love."
"Oh head over heels hun," said Amanda. "He's still pressing charges though. You'll be going away for 25 years to life."
"You're screwed Miss Kyle," said Nick, folding his hands and leaning against the table. "Unless you tell us about the Waynes."
She stiffened. "I'm not saying anything."
Before Nick or Amanda could respond, there was a tap at the door. Slightly annoyed by this, the two detectives left Selina alone. "What the hell Cap?" asked Amanda.
Jim Gordon rearranged his glasses. "We weren't going to get anything out of her and you know it. Besides, there's someone else who wants to interrogate her."
"Who?" asked Nick indignantly. "This is our case."
Just then the door opened, causing the two to stare bug-eyed. "Commissioner. Shouldn't you be in the hospital?"
"I tried to tell him that," said Dickie Stabler, holding his father's arm. "But you try convincing the old man to listen to anyone."
"Hey, I'm your father, and your boss," replied Elliot, earning an eye-roll from his son. "So where is the woman?"
"She's in here."
Elliot, still a bit weak and in a hospital issue robe, shuffled slowly to the window. He sighed at the sight of her, his heart racing. There she was, the woman from that night. She was as beautiful as he remembered, her dark brown hair pulled into a stylish bun with ruby red lipstick that highlighted her kissable lips. Suppressing his thoughts, Elliot forced himself to remember that she was also a convicted criminal and a witness in the disappearance of his best friend and her husband. 'Way to pick em Stabler,' he thought. "I'll handle this."
"You sure about this dad?" asked Dickie. Through his cocky Stabler façade, he was deeply worried about Liv and Bruce, as were all the Stabler kids.
"Yes," he responded. He knew Olivia knew this woman, and after the news that she and Bruce were missing arrived he had Amaro and Rollins trace their footsteps. The last anyone had seen of them was in Selina's apartment, and therefore Selina had to be interrogated, amorous feelings he might have for her aside.
Hearing the door open, Selina didn't bother to look up. "What now, you guys bringing in fake DNA evidence to try and make me confess?"
"I'm sure you wouldn't fall for any of those tricks Miss Kyle."
Her heartbeat racing, she glanced up to see those azure blue eyes that had never left her thoughts since that night. "Commissioner," she choked out, for the first time unable to control herself. Even in a hospital-issue bathrobe and limping slightly, he was stunningly handsome. 'Pull yourself together Kyle!' "I'm glad you're alright Mr. Stabler," she finally said, trying not to think of how ripped he was.
Trying to control his own nervousness and attraction, Elliot took a seat, slightly wincing at the pain. "It's nice to formally meet you Miss Kyle."
Her heart dropped. For some reason, his look made her a bit ashamed of her profession. How could one man make her this way? "So you're probably here to gloat at finally catching me."
"No, I'm here to collect the thank you I'm owed for saving your life the night we rescued the Congressman," Elliot replied with the cocky Stabler grin.
Selina scoffed, not believing his gall though loving his smile. "Please, I could've handled that asshole easily. However, I think I deserve a thank you for saving yours."
Blue eyes met grey, neither willing to back down. "Fair enough," Elliot conceded. This stunning woman intrigued him; the only women he knew as tough were Liv and his own daughters. Liv; his mind snapped back into focus. "You've made some mistakes Miss Kyle."
"A girl's got to eat," she said, looking back at him, not able to control the sight smile on her face.
Elliot smirked back. "And you have quite the appetite don't you?" He leaned forward, "Why'd you run. With your record you know I'd find you."
She glanced away. "Maybe it's not you I'm running from commissioner."
"Tell me about Bane. What do you know about him?"
"That you should be as afraid of him as I am."
"I can offer you protection."
Glancing at him, she looked skeptical. "I highly doubt that Mr. Stabler."
"Why? I'm hard to kill as you can see," he boasted cockily, extending his arms wide.
Selina shook her head giggling slightly, a sound that Elliot liked intensely. 'Wait, since when do I giggle?' Her face growing concerned, she leaned over closely. "A word of advice Mr. Stabler, get out now. I might fly under his radar, but for you he will come after, and the result won't be pretty." She was scared for this man, why she couldn't fathom but she did. In the unlikely even Bane didn't want Elliot, she knew Penguin would. That waddling freak wasn't one to pass on revenge, no matter how petty.
"I can't do that Miss Kyle," he said. "I have an oath to uphold to this city."
"Don't be stupid," she whispered, the edge completely gone from her voice. "Leave while you still can."
'Did she sound worried?' he thought, eyebrows furrowing. It was suddenly getting a bit warm in the room. "Just one more thing Miss Kyle," he whispered so only she could hear him. "Do you know where they took Bruce and Olivia Wayne?"
She answered him honestly; there was no way she could lie to those eyes. "I'm not sure."
Stepping out of the room, still in a daze from the experience, Elliot debriefed Gordon and the detectives on what he managed to get. Once they left, it was just him and Dickie. "Dad?"
"Yes son?"
"Two questions. One, does she know where Liv and Bruce are?"
He looked at the floor, pinching the bridge of his nose. "No."
"Damn," Dickie whispered. "Ok, secondly, when can I personally meet my soon to be stepmother?" Elliot looked up to see his son grinning at him. He scowled, causing Dickie to grin even wider.
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Drip, drip, drip. The cell was dark and damp, more analogous to a medieval dungeon than the cells at Blackgate. Olivia didn't care, she was too inconsolable to care. Barely able to eat or talk, she'd spend most of her days lying on the cheap cot Bane's men had provided for her.
Her mind kept drifting back to her husband. She had the uncanny feeling that he was in pain, their connection was that strong. God only knew what Bane and that asshole Porter were doing to him right now. The mages of their last night together comingled with the horror of his fight with Bane, breaking her heart. Olivia brought the small picture of the two of them to her lips, relaxed on the manor grounds just after he proposed, her leaning against his chest. "Bruce," she murmured, "If you can hear me, I love you. Please don't give up on me."
Hearing the click of the latch, she knew someone was coming in, likely one of the guards. "What do you want?" she asked.
"To talk Chief Benson, or should I say Batgirl?"
She'd recognize that squawking voice anywhere. She halfheartedly turned around, seeing the grinning form at the doorway. "Penguin," she said. He was dressed as impeccable as always, the black tuxedo and elegant top hat contrasting with the surroundings and his oily face.
The evil sneer grew wider. "It's nice to see a familiar face again." He pulled up a wooden stool and sat down.
"You seem comfortable in surroundings like this. Seems you enjoyed prison didn't you?" Even in her state, she wouldn't break.
Penguin's face contorted into an angry snarl before he composed himself. "I see my colleagues haven't broken you yet. Seems like I'll have to do the job myself."
Olivia couldn't allow her fear to show. "I'd like to see you try you deformed freak. I beat you before, I can do it again."
"Yes, but that was when you were with your husband," he retorted, knowing he held the trump card. Penguin was enjoying all of this, enjoying how her body visibly stiffened at the mere mention of her husband. "I knew the Joker knew who you two were at the end, when he testified for me. I underestimated him, but it turned out it was you two that I underestimated. That move with Dent, very gutsy; I could tell them the truth, but who would believe me over the incorruptible Elliot Stabler? Ironic that he's as corrupt as I am, as your husband is."
"Don't you say that about them!" snarled Olivia. "There is no way Elliot nor Bruce would in any way compare to a piece of human filth like you!"
The smug sneer returned, his cigarette holder tilting to the side. "The commissioner will get his soon, but do you want to know what your husband is going through? Bane told me where he's going."
Olivia looked away, trying desperately to hide the tears that threatened to form. "Why, why are you with those two? You have nothing alike."
"That is true Mrs. Wayne, but I know now what is necessary. Oswald Cobblepot can never reclaim his rightful place, so therefore he must die," he answered cryptically, letting the hidden meaning be clear. "Before he does however, I will get revenge, for that is all that matters to me at this point. All of you, from Stabler, to Wayne, to this whole retched city will reap the whirlwind. Think about that."
Olivia didn't want to hear his voice again, but she had to know. "Where is Bruce?"
His hand gripping the knob, Penguin sneered. "Hell on Earth."
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For the last two days, the memories were a blur to Bruce, the last clear one being when Bane hefted him up and broke his back while Olivia screamed in front of him. He was lying on the ground, water pouring over him… Olivia was holding him close, whispering her love to him… Porter's men carrying him away… A long aircraft ride… Mercs dragging him across sandy ground. It was all hazy, all but Olivia's voice. To be honest, that was the only thing that had kept him from succumbing to the peaceful grasp of death.
The sound of chanting filled his head. Eck-tick-nass-hass, Eck-tick-nass-hass.
Ass of a sudden, a kick jolted him awake, his lucidity returning. Staring up, Bruce found the malevolent mask of Bane looking right at him, Porter leaning on a wall behind him. "Why, why didn't you just kill me?" Bruce asked weakly.
"Killing you and Olivia would be too easy," replied Bane. "No, your punishments must be more severe."
"Where, where is she?"
"She is back in Gotham Wayne," said Porter smugly. "I'm betting Penguin is taking good care of her as we speak."
"You son of a bitch… Ahhhh!" he cried out in pain, the injury finally making its presence known.
"An unwise move, considering the state of your spine." Bane rose, still looking down on his captive. "However, both of your tortures will not be of your body, but of your soul."
"Where are we?" Bruce asked, hoping Olivia was here but knowing she wouldn't be. His captors wouldn't have the modicum of mercy necessary to bring her with him.
"We are home." Bane stepped toward the iron bars, taking in his surroundings. "We are at the place where I learned the true meaning of despair, the place where I sent Porter to know the meaning of despair."
Porter silently agreed, remembering his memories of this hole. He had been but a teenager from the streets of Gotham, subjected to this hell by his master. God only knew how Bane could have gone through it without the training. "You will endure this as well. There is a reason this place is Hell on Earth Wayne."
"Why?"
"Hope," Bane continued for his apprentice, "Many a man has gazed up at the light and imagined climbing to freedom. Many a man has tried to climb to freedom, trying like shipwrecked men lost at sea turn to seawater, dying of thirst." He took a seat by Bruce once more. "Many have died trying Bruce. Now I know there cannot be true despair without hope. Hope that you may go home, hope that you can take your beloved wife in your arms again.
"The city will fall Bruce, but not before we bring it down to the very end of its humanity. We will offer them hope and watch as their morals and decency turns into the envy and hatred that for so long lay dormant inside their souls." He pointed to the battered TV in the corner of the room, hanging from the ceiling. "You will watch, Olivia will watch as they climb over each other to stay in the sun.
"And when it is done, when the last of their humanity is willfully shed, we will fill Ra's al Ghul's destiny. We will destroy Gotham, and your wife with it. I will destroy her soul by destroying her hope that you are safe, her last thoughts being nothing but anguish. And then, when Gotham is nothing but ashes, when Olivia is nothing but ashes," he looked into his eyes. "Then Bruce, you have my permission to die."
With that Bane left, leaving Bruce alone with Porter. "You could have shared this moment with us Wayne, shared the glory of justice being done. But you had to betray us. Now my friend, Olivia will be the one to suffer at my hands, and you will watch every minute of it. When she dies Bruce, hope you feel her pain, her suffering, knowing it was all your fault." Delivering a sharp kick to his side, Bruce arched his back, the pain radiating out of his spine too much to bear. Chuckling, Porter followed his master out, reveling in his victory.
Sweat beading on his forehead, Bruce felt something crinkle in his pocket. Reaching down as gently as possible, he pulled out a small picture, eyes tearing. It was of him and Liv; she was rested on his chest, eyes closed and smiling. He remembered that day, the absolute love and joy that he felt when she accepted his ring and agreed to marry him. "I love you Olivia," he whispered, hoping to God she could hear him.
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Blackgate Prison was the most notorious correctional facility in the United States, housing the worst scum imaginable: rapists, serial killers, and the collected filth that used to work under the employ of Oswald C. Cobblepot's criminal empire. With a stoic face, Selina stepped through the corridors as the prisoners leered and hooted.
"Are you sure about this Captain?" asked the warden.
Gordon nodded, "The Dent act allows for non-segregated accommodations in dire circumstances. Miss Kyle here escaped from Sealview correctional countless times. The commissioner has given strict orders that she be both confined and safe, with emphasis on the latter."
"You think she'll be safe with Penguin's thugs?"
"Just a little closer sweet-cheeks," leered an inmate, licking his lips as Selina walked by.
"Hey handsome, want to hold my hand?" Grabbing the man's bound hands with hers, she did a backflip in the air breaking his wrist. Crying out, he collapsed into the cell to the collective laugh of the cell block.
Shaking his head, Jim Gordon smirked. "I have a feeling she's going to be fine."
A/N: And the action will soon begin. Trust me
Please review!