The sun set in a spectacular array of red, purple, and orange. Each color seeped into the other across the endless sky. No artists' pallet could recreate this kind of beauty. But despite my best efforts, I was not able to enjoy myself. I had just captured a dangerous felon and yet I felt something evil brewing in the shadows of each towering skyscraper. This unnerving feeling gnawed into the very core of my being, refusing to cease, urging my thoughts not to forget that if I didn't watch out, a significant change would occur, for the worse.

I sighed and leaned off the wall. It was time to check on the prisoner.

The holding cells were only several flights downstairs, five minutes max. As I walked, I couldn't help noticing the char marks still tainting the walls from the last "big catch's" reckless escape from the precinct. It seemed that each black stain was a vignette portraying the previous years' horrific explosion. My eyes closed, attempting to erase the memory. The hungry flames The Joker had unleashed devoured too many innocent people. And I had let it happen.

I guess that's why I constantly joined the Riddler. My guilt fueled my refusal to allow him an over-the-top escape like his predecessor. The room had been emptied as well as the cell that contained the convict's complacent frame (which donned "GCPD" clothing). Jim and I would not be taking any risks this time.

I knocked on the door, peering through the tiny glass window. The lone officer on duty held up a piece of paper that asked, "Password?" No technology was allowed in the basement nor were we to speak. Although the technique was silly and childish, as police we were covering our asses, by following every precaution. As for the password, it was changed every half hour, along with the officer watching the Riddler. Therefore only Jim, the officer, and I knew the password.

I held up a strip of paper. "Candy Corn" was scrawled on the lighter side. Halloween must be on Jim's mind, I thought. The boys were probably wound up for the chance to dress-up as Batman and receive mounds of candy. Poor Martha was probably booking dentists' appointments for them right now –they would have at least two cavities apiece after the 31st.

The screeching sound of the metal door opening brought me back to present time, revealing the Riddler safely behind bars. Relieved, I nodded to the guard and exited –as simple as that.

Hip-hopping and skipping two steps at a time, the familiar open rooftop came into view. Bitter coldness nipped at my jacket and I tugged the thin material tighter to my body. This one discomfort was worth the experience I watched from twenty stories high. Up here, the people were the size of ants, and we couldn't see each other. The city lights reflected off the glass buildings, creating a Kodak moment. But the best part was having the next fifteen minutes to ponder about every care in my world. That is, until I checked up on the villain within our walls. It was bliss not to have to deal with the terrors of the city and Jim's orders for a few sacred minutes. It was just me and the sounds of Gotham.

After awhile, an unusual pocket of heat formed behind me, balancing my body temperature. I glanced behind my shoulder and saw the glove hand perched upon it before I felt it.

"You should get some rest," his guttural voice spoke.

"I'm fine," was my response.

"You've been here for thirty-six hours straight," Batman urged.

"Why do you think coffee was invented?"

My brash behavior bothered him, I could tell. But when he smirked and put an arm around me, he was communicating that I was not going to win. We could do this the hard way if you want, his eyes revealed as he pulled out a grapple gun. I sighed, signifying he had won.

"Ok, I'll go home for a little bit," I said emphasizing the last part.

Batman only chuckled.

I released myself from his grasp and sauntered to the door. Turning around I told him in all seriousness, "Take care of yourself, I want you to come home in one piece."

Batman nodded, but he wanted to say more than he was letting on. I couldn't quite place the expression on his face that swept across his features in a flash. Had I seen a mixture of anguish and fondness on the Dark Knight's face? Or was it all a hallucination from sleep deprivation? I looked back to Batman and without a word he leapt off the building. My eyebrows furrowed together in confusion.

I guess only time would tell.

I haven't heard anything from you guys lately, are you liking the story?

XOXO

~Cece