A/N: Just a head's up - if you have not read the revised version of Chapter 24, please go back and check it, I had a little hiccup and didn't edit before posting P: Please let me know what you think and hang tight until I'm able to post again (I'm hoping at least once a week). See you next time!

Chapter Twenty-Five: Unexpected

Three days of silence with no word of Harvey Dent, the missing bus passengers, or the Joker…Bruce didn't like it one bit. To make matters worse, he found out that Coleman Reese was found dead in his apartment, a thin knife embedded in his chest with no trace of fingerprints and not a drop of blood spilled when he was killed. This was not the Joker's handiwork; it would have been much more theatrical…this was someone who wanted Reese silenced.

Rachel's funeral was held on the third day after the Joker's threat against Reese and the hospitals. Bruce attended with Alfred and the Montez household. John joined them with Gordon, Trent, Selina, and Jason in tow, all solemn as they respected the memory of their friend and coworker. Once the service was completed, everyone gathered with Rachel's mother, Mrs. Dawes, at her apartment, comforting her the best they could. She embraced Bruce when he approached her, looking up tearfully at the man she had once cared for years ago. "She was very proud to have you as a friend, Bruce…I hope you know that." He nodded, a small smile forced onto his face as he acknowledged her. He knew that things would be difficult for Mrs. Dawes now that Rachel was gone, which was why he secretly planned to pay for the funeral bills, as well as send her a little something every so often. It was the least he could do in Rachel's memory.

Bruce left early, claiming he had business to attend to. He cast a look towards Elisa as he had walked out but said nothing. Now was not the time…he would have to wait to see her again. The day at Wayne Enterprises dragged as Bruce was bombarded with memories of his friend which clashed with his hidden emotions for the driven detective. Lucius noticed Bruce's hollow state and urged him to go home early, but the billionaire refused. At five o'clock on the dot, Bruce gathered his belongings and exited the building. Since the Lamborghini had been hit, he began driving one of his Ferraris until the sleek, silver favorite was repaired. Upon stepping out, his brows furrowed when he noticed two men in uniforms inspecting his vehicle. "Something wrong, gentlemen?"

"Sorry, sir, you're parked in a reserved area," said one of the men while the other walked around to check the license plate. "This is only for fire and ambulance."

Raising a brow at them, he sensed that something was amiss. "Is that so? I haven't had a problem before-"

A hand from behind clamped over his mouth, the attacker pressing a damp cloth thick with a sweet scent over Bruce's mouth and nose. Bruce instinctively jabbed his elbow into the man's stomach, making him crumble. The officer before him punched him in the face, a vicious grin on his face. The chloroform, though it had been in Bruce's face for a few mere seconds, had been poignant, making his vision hazy. Still he persisted, tackling the officer in front of him until her was hit from behind, the blow hitting squarely on the back of his neck. Falling face forward, Bruce groaned as his vision went black, hearing the two men chuckle.

"Sweet dreams, rich boy…you're in for a real surprise."

-B-

"Can we watch TV, Becky?" Tim asked as he, Jimmy, and Barbie walked into the apartment, setting their bags at the door.

"Oh, I suppose, but only for half an hour," she consented. "I'll make you a snack."

"Thanks, Miss B," Jimmy grinned. "Let's see if Legion of Legends is on!"

The trio plopped unceremoniously on the couch, grinning as they turned on the TV. The GNN flickered on the screen at once as Tim grabbed the remote. His thumb hovered over the channel key when he noticed the caption at the bottom of the screen.

"Victims in Peril!"

"What's this?" he asked, pumping up the volume. His eyes widened as he watched the screen. "Becky! Becky, come here!"

"What is it, Tim?" Rebecca asked, hurrying over to the television. Her own face soon matched that of the children's as she saw the Joker appear.

"This just in," Vicki reported from her desk, her eyes filled with fear as she prepared to show the film. "We received a video from the Joker with news about…his latest victims."

The shaky video played on the screen, showing the Joker's gleaming face. "You all didn't think I'd take a vacation for that long, did you? Why, I just needed a good attention grabber before I complete my real trick. This is my little show stopper, a treat to whet the police department's appetite. Allow me to introduce your three lovely contestants for my game of 'Don't Drown'." The camera was moved hastily to show a set of three glass tubes, all occupied with captives, their arms tied above their heads in chains while they remained gagged. "Our first handsome contestant is none other than our own temporary DA, Trent Montgomery! Comfy in there, Trent?" The camera zoomed in on Trent, showing the angry and worry in his eyes as he struggled against his bonds, sweat forming on his brow. "Our second contender…and perhaps the most obnoxious of them…Veronica Vreeland! How're ya doing, Ronnie girl?" he heckled, enjoying the tears that streamed down the woman's face as she screamed against the rag stuffed in her mouth. "And, last but not least, our great philanthropist and billionaire playboy, Bruce Wayne! Smile for the girlies, Bruce."

Tim felt his heart stop as he saw the camera zoom in on Bruce's stern, glaring eyes, remaining perfectly still in his case. The cases all had metal bottoms and lids, each of which contained a keypad which Tim realized would release the prisoners.

"I hate to run, but I've got a whole other scheme that'll blow outta proportion if I don't get back in time tonight," the Joker chuckled, turning the camera around to face him. Licking his lips, he explained, "Sometimes, I get so wrapped up in my work, I forget to do something fun for myself…this is it. If Batman or the GCPD can't figure out where these little fishes are canned, it looks like they'll be all washed up!" Spinning the camera around, he snapped his fingers to his henchmen, waiting as they tapped in a code onto the keypads before spinning a wheel in the wall which they locked into place with a twisted metal rod. Water began to gush from the bottom of the tubes the three were held in, starting a deadly countdown. The Joker released his infamous laugh before snapping off the camera, leaving everyone in suspense.

"Timothy, turn that off!" Rebecca demanded, covering her mouth in horror. "Oh dear…oh my! I have to call Alfie!"

"This is bad!" Jimmy gulped. "They don't have a lot of time-!"

"Wait, did you see something in the glass?" Tim asked, his brows furrowing as he recalled a reflection he had seen just seconds ago.

"I think I know what you mean," Barbie nodded. "There was a symbol that was reflecting on Mr. Wayne's case."

"Let's rewind," Jimmy suggested.

The three children watched as Tim sent the footage back in reverse, their eyes peering meticulously at the screen. "There!" Tim pointed, pausing the screen. "It kinda looks like a curved green fish with a smile…"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Jimmy asked, scratching his head.

"It's a symbol, or something that has to do with where they're hiding," Barbie suggested. "If only we could tell Batman…wait, let's call Dad!"

"I have an idea, too," Tim said, running to his backpack to pull out the cellphone Elisa had bought him in case of emergencies. "Elisa's gotta be with your dad, and I bet she saw this. Maybe she knows."

"I just hope we're not too late," Jimmy said, crossing his fingers in anticipation.

"Please pick up," Tim whispered, imagining his beloved guardian's face. "Please pick up…!"

-B-

"Will somebody contact the GNN?! We need to track down where that video came from!" Gordon bellowed. "We've got three lives at stake here!"

Across the room, Elisa had just hung up talking to Brina, who was with John somewhere in Gotham. They had told her they saw the footage and were changing into their outfits before riding out. Nightwing and Sparrow were determined to get out there and help, but when she had asked if Batman would appear, they told her he was busy investigating another case and was tied up, unable to help. "Of all the times I need you, with Bruce on the line, now you have to be missing!" she silently panicked. As her phone buzzed again, she picked up and was surprised to hear Tim on the other line. "Tim? What's wrong-?"

"We just saw the news! There's a clue on the glass – there's a picture of a green fish that has a big smile."

"Okay…" She was beginning to wonder what good that would do when she realized the Joker had made water and fish references. The plain room in which Bruce, Trent, and Veronica were being held hostage looked like a show room. "That symbol must be one of a building…I need to make another call Tim, but thank you for that clue!"

"Good luck!" Tim said before hanging up.

Elisa wasted no time calling Brina again, grabbing her keys as she got ready to bolt. "Jim, I'm heading out!" she shouted, running away.

"Elisa, wait!" Gordon called, spinning around upon hearing her. "Wait!"

"The docks, Jim! I think they're at the docks!" she managed to exclaim just as Brina picked up the phone. "Brina, listen, Tim called and said he saw a symbol of a green, smiling fish on the glass in the video. Can you cross reference any logos or mascots in the docks on that?"

"Already on it…"

Elisa ran outside and prepared to slip on her helmet when a sleek black figure jumped down onto the street. "Catwoman?" she asked, her eyes trained on the woman in surprise. "What're you doing out the open?" she hissed.

"I'm tagging along," Catwoman answered curtly. "The DA's in trouble, and I can't just sit around and do nothing."

Elisa stared at the woman, taking in the details of her hair and masked face, a knowing smile growing on her lips. Nodding her head, she motioned for the cat burglar to join her. There was no doubt in her mind – Selina Kyle was Catwoman, but she would never admit to it. For the time being, she didn't care either.

"Hey, I got something!" Brina's voice caught her attention at once. "Tim was onto something – there is a place with that logo, I'm just surprised he was able to catch it, it was so faint in the footage. There's a foreclosed nightclub in the Narrows at the docks called 'The Laughing Fish'. I'm going send you the coordinates through your bike. We'll meet you there!"

"Okay, see you soon." Slipping her helmet on, she offered the second to Catwoman, who waved her off.

"Just drive, kitty cat."

"Hope you have nine lives in case we make a sudden stop," Elisa said, starting the motorcycle and tearing down the streets of Gotham. Maneuvering with sharp turns, sudden bursts of speed, and even mounting curbs to avoid traffic, Elisa felt no guilt for breaking the rules of the road. As she approached the Narrows and took the backroads which led to the docks, she could hear the familiar roar of another vehicle. Glancing back, she sighed in relief as she saw the black hood of the Tumbler trailing her. Taking a moment to tap the screen of the bike's monitor, she could see the layout of The Laughing Fish. A message invaded the screen, the letters in red.

"Take the back door, we'll attack the front for distraction."

Leaning her body, Elisa directed her vehicle onto another route, slowing as she drove down over the slick path. The bay was swaying and splashing to their left as both Elisa and Catwoman got off the bike and tested the door.

"It's locked," Elisa said, pulling out her gun. "We'll have to-"

"Excuse me," Catwoman said with a roll of her eyes, kneeling down before the door. Selecting a metal strip from her belt, she toyed with the lock and smirked as it clicked open. "Let's go."

Entering the building, the two women could see through the windows across the room that a handful of Joker's goons were outside shooting at the Tumbler. Running up the steps, they were confronted by another pair of men. Catwoman uncurled her whip and snapped it at the two, knocking the guns from their hands. Elisa leapt up the stairs and kicked them down before delivering a punch to the face that left them unconscious. "Get ready," Elisa warned her temporary partner. "I've got a feeling there's more up there."

"I'll take care of them, you get the hostages out," Catwoman replied. Pulling out the gun from her holster and still wielding the whip, the black-clad woman burst into the room and attacked the small squad of men, all wearing clown masks. The guards yelped as she lashed and shot at them, twirling effortlessly to face each man.

Elisa did not protest or waste any time as she ran over to the tubes, her eyes widening in panic as she saw the water level had risen to their chests. Veronica was wriggling and screaming into her gag, tears still streaming down her face. Both Bruce and Trent continued to test their bonds, fighting to remain calm as well as stay alive. Pointing her gun at the base of Bruce's case, Elisa fired the weapon only to jump out of the way and duck her head when the bullet bounced off the container and flew into the wall. "What in the world-?!"

"That's a special blend of glass and metal," Catwoman explained with a grunt as she shot one of the men's legs. "I saw one of these in a nightclub Daggett ran, it was meant to hold in exotic and dangerous creatures."

"Great!" Elisa scowled. Looking up, she saw Bruce nod his head to the others. His message was clear, he wanted her to get the others first. She shook her head at him but he continued to look over, making her grimace as she finally ran to Trent. Using the ladder rungs located on the wall by the tubes, she climbed up and found the keypads located on the metal lids, a lock blocking her from opening the shield. She wrapped her arm and leg through the rungs and hung on as she quickly surveyed the lock. Checking her belt, she pulled out two of Batman's little gifts – a batarang and lock pick. Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself to remain calm. "Think of the exercises he had you do at the cave…just focus and don't overthink it." She set to work, prodding and picking the lock until she heard it click. Her relief was short lived as the lid popped open an inch before sinking down again, making her panic spike. Her hands latched onto the cover and she forced the heavy lid open, grunting in frustration. A short cry left her mouth as she shoved away the lid, the edge cutting into her palms. Glaring at the metal covering, she forced her attention back to Trent, who was still hanging by the chains around his wrists. Again, she relied on her gifts from Batman, yanking the lock and chains off of him. "Trent-!"

"I'm okay," he gasped once he was able to tug the gag off. "I can climb out, Elisa. Get the others!"

"Okay," she agreed, seeing that he was already starting to hoist himself up. Switching position on the rungs, she faced Veronica's tube, trying not to think of how pressed she was for time. Already the water level was reaching the blonde's neck, the woman's legs kicking madly in the water which only served to tire her even more. Again, Elisa repeated the same procedure with her tools, clenching them in her hands as the lid popped and began to fall again. "Stupid hunk of junk," she hissed under her breath. Forcing the cover up, she was able to avoid the edges and set to work picking the lock. The moment it came loose, she felt a hand on her back. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Trent, sopping wet, motioning rapidly for her to get down.

"I'll get Veronica, you get Wayne out, hurry!" he urged her.

Jumping down, Elisa ran around Veronica's prison, giving an infuriated battle cry as a clown-masked goon tried to stop her. Thrusting her elbow into his face, she tossed him aside before climbing up the next set of rungs. Her stomach twisted into a knot as she saw that Bruce, though remaining still and sending her an encouraging look, had the water rising to his nose. He tugged on the chain, pulling himself up just enough to suck in a breath before letting himself fall again, the water never stopping inside his cell. "Hang on, Bruce, hang on!" she whispered, getting to business. Her hands were shaking, her blood slowly seeping from her cuts and making her already sweaty palms even more slippery. The moment the lock popped, her hands clamped onto the lid and thrust it upward, the edge cutting into her skin again. Gritting her teeth, Elisa leaned over the edge and felt her heart stop as she saw Bruce's head submerged underwater. "NO!" she screamed, twisting the pick into the second lock. "Bruce!"

Time seemed to stop for her as she worked feverishly. She did not see or care about Selina and Trent knocking down the henchmen or Veronica kicking one of the fallen goons to vent her anger. She didn't notice Nightwing or Sparrow as they burst into the room, scanning the area for any signs of danger. All she wanted was to see Bruce alive and well. "Dear God, please don't let him die-!"

Bruce's head broke the surface of the water suddenly, his freed hands slamming onto the edge of the tube as he pulled himself out. "Bruce!" she cried, grabbing a hold of his arm. "Bruce, over here!" Helping him out, the detective assisted the billionaire out of the watery deathtrap and onto the floor, yanking the gag out of his mouth as he plopped onto the ground and gasped for air. "Bruce, are you okay?" she asked softly, kneeling beside him. Her heart felt like it had been on the verge of exploding…she hadn't realized how worried she was for him.

"Yeah…I've been better, but…" His wet hair clung to his forehead as his brows began to knit together. His hands stretched out and gently wrapped themselves around her own. "You've got some nasty cuts…you okay? You're shaking like a leaf…Elisa?" His eyes widened as he realized that she was crying silently. "Elisa, what-?"

"I thought you were going to die," she whispered, tugging her hands away from him as she clenched them into fists, her head hung down. Her dark hair shielded her like a curtain, giving her some privacy as she wept constrainedly. "…I thought that…I…" She stiffened as she felt his arms around her, her cheeks and neck flaring from embarrassment as she remembered that she was letting multiple people see her in her weakened state. Still, she couldn't fight the warm, comforting feeling she was filled with as Bruce brushed her hair away from her face and gently tilted her head up so he could look her in the eye. The corner of his mouth was quirked up into a half smile as he held her close and looked down on her lovingly. She knew she should push him away as he neared his face towards hers, but she found that she couldn't move as he pressed his mouth softly to hers, as if worried of what her reaction would be. She didn't move, a shiver of delight rushing through her as she felt her body go lax in his grasp, letting him pull her closer as he shyly parted his lips to deepen the kiss…

"A-hem."

Both their eyes opened at the sound of Catwoman's amused voice. As she had cleared her throat, she had begun to tap her foot. "Don't get me wrong, I think you two are adorable, but we need to get these two out and there's still a psychotic clown on the rampage."

"I hate to admit it but she's right," Nightwing agreed. "We need to get the hostages out."

"Oh, no problem, I'll catch a ride with someone," Trent said quickly, allowing Catwoman to leisurely walk up to him and run her finger down his cheek. "You heroes need to get out of here before things get ugly when the police show. We'll tell them what happened. Just give that clown a good beating for me, would you?"

"And for me, too!" Veronica fumed. "How dare he kidnap me after I had just left the salon and gotten relaxed? Now I'll have to go again!"

Sparrow gave Nightwing a look when she heard this, to which he just shook his head.

The sound of Elisa's phone ringing made everyone look over as the detective brought out the electronic. Turning the device on, she wondered what could have been sent at this hour when a video began to play from Vicki. "Oh no," she muttered, scrambling to her feet. "This guy doesn't take a break." Offering her hand to Bruce, she helped him up before urging Nightwing and Sparrow to come over. "You should see this."

Interested, everyone huddled around as she turned the screen towards them, heightening the volume.

"This is Mike Engel for Gotham Tonight," the missing reporter said, shakily, hanging upside as he read cue cards that would fall to the floor by the camera. Muffled laughter could be heard from behind the camera lens as the newscaster remained in the uncomfortable position, a red smile painted over his pale mouth. "What does it take to make you people want to join in? You failed to kill the lawyer. I've got to get you off the bench and into the game. So here it is…come nightfall, this city is mine. Anyone left here plays by my rules. If you don't want to be in the game, get out now…but the bridge and tunnel crowd are in for a surprise." He winced as the Joker cackled loudly before shutting off the camera, finishing the video.

"Fantastic," Catwoman scowled.

"I don't want to die!" Veronica wailed, covering her face with her hands.

"You two need to get moving," Elisa said to Nightwing and Sparrow. "And you need to get out of sight," she directed to Catwoman. "I'll call for reinforcements-"

"Actually, I could catch a ride with the lovely lady back to the city," Trent said, shrugging his shoulders. "Let's face it, Elisa, Gordon's going to be swamped trying to figure out how to get everybody out of Gotham. Maybe I can go to him instead of the other way around."

"Are you sure-?"

"I'll get him there in one piece," Catwoman winked. "Let's go, handsome."

"We could use Mr. Wayne's help," Sparrow said as the couple exited. She caught the cautious look her sister cast her, but she grinned back reassuringly. "He's got something in his company we could use to pinpoint the Joker's location, right Nightwing?"

"Right. Can you spare a moment, sir, if we give you a lift back to your company?" Nightwing asked, maintaining his cool exterior.

"Uh, sure," Bruce said, looking absolutely confused.

"Um, hel-lo?!" Veronica fumed. "What about me?"

"I'll get you home," Elisa volunteered, biting back her reluctance. She ignored the gawking look from the woman as she faced the two young vigilantes and said softly, "Be careful." Her eyes moved to Bruce, who stared at her longingly. "…Bruce-"

"Let's go, girlie, we need to talk," Veronica said curtly, grabbing Elisa by the arm and yanking her out of the room. Elisa was left speechless as the blonde led her away, taking her down the stairs and stepping precariously over the bodies of the unconscious men. "So, where's your car?"

"My bike's in the back," Elisa answered, pointing her in the right direction.

"Oh…motorcycle, huh? My hair's going to frizz," she muttered under her breath. She could see Elisa's eyes narrow but the detective did not utter a word as she led the socialite out the back. "…I guess I could repay you with a make-over for saving me, not that it seems you need a make-over because Brucie seems to like you no matter how appalling you look-"

"I don't want anything to do with you or your money," Elisa snapped, never looking back at her. "I got you out because it was the right thing to do and it's my job. Now get on the bike before I leave you to hitchhike here in the Narrows."

Silenced by the remark, Veronica remained standing off as Elisa slipped her helmet on before offering her the spare. With her fingertips, she took hold of the protective headgear and cast her eyes shamefully to the floor. "…I really thought I was going to die in there…I thought we all were…I guess, what I'm trying to say is-"

"You don't need to say anything," Elisa sighed. "I do need to get moving though, Miss Vreeland."

"Right…" Biting back a complaint, she slipped the helmet on and got onto the bike, wrapping her arms around Elisa as she pursed her lips in thought. "…detective?"

"Hm?"

"Could we start over?"

Brows furrowed, she looked back to see if Veronica was fooling around, only to see the woman's eyes were filled with sincerity. Her lips stretched into a crooked smile as she nodded her head once, starting the engine of the vehicle.

"…once this whole mess is over and if we're all still alive, you and I going to spend a day at the spa!"

Elisa bit back a grimace as she drove. Veronica may have had a change of heart, but there was no changing who she was…and it looked like she would be getting to know her better whether she liked it or not.

-B-

Vicki pulled over onto the street, hopping out of the news van as the crew began to unload. "I'll be back," she told them. "I need to powder my nose, if you catch my drift." Leaving the others to set up, she saw an open bar across the street, an undistinguishable car parked in front of the entrance. Checking the street, she ran across and hurried inside, thankful to be ignored by the two men who sat at the bar staring at the TV. Rushing to the women's room, she proceeded about her business and finished with touching up on her make-up. This Joker business didn't faze her, not too much anyways. She knew that Elisa, John, Gordon, and Batman would be on the case, and she had every faith in them. This enabled her to go about her work with the others that were as wild and eager for a scoop as she was. Playing with her bangs until they were positioned to where she wanted them, she nodded her head in satisfaction and started walking to the door when a voice caught her attention.

"Dent? Holy...! I thought you was dead!"

"Half."

Vicki's eyes widened as she heard the voice of Harvey Dent. It sounded harsh, gruff, and void of any charm. Her curiosity got the better of her as she cracked the door open, carefully stepping out into the hall so she might peer past the corner. Her hand clamped over her mouth as she saw Dent's half-burnt face, looking like a monster from a horror film.

"Who picked up Rachel, Wuertz?" Dent growled, keeping a gun pointed at the corrupt cop.

"M-Must have been Maroni's men-"

"Shut up!" Dent bellowed, making Vicki wince. "Are you telling me that you're going to protect the other traitor in Gordon's unit?"

"I don't know!" the officer pleaded. "He never told me. Listen, Dent, I swear I didn't know what they were going to do with you."

"That's funny…" Dent said coldly, taking out his coin and spinning it on the bar table. Shrugging his shoulders, he added, "Because I don't know what's going to happen to you either."

Vicki held her breath as she watched the coin twirl lazily until it landed with its charred side up. She squeezed her eyes shut as she saw Dent lift the gun and bit back a scream as the weapon sounded off. Vicki didn't dare move or speak as Harvey Dent looked up at the TV screen and glared. It made her shiver how sinister he was, the fact that his skin had been burnt off and left one eye open and exposed made her want to vomit. She froze as she heard him growl, muttering incomprehensibly to himself before stalking off. She didn't know where he was headed or what he was planning on doing, but she did know this – if she let her fear take hold of her, she would never get to the bottom of this. Tip-toeing after him, Vicki prayed that she wouldn't get caught as she snuck behind, following the deranged district attorney through town.

-B-

"Mr. Fox, security is showing a break-in at the R and D department," a secretary stated as she passed by Lucius's office.

The elder's brows furrowed as he heard this. This was the last thing he expected to hear as he was working late and getting ready to close up for the night. Thanking the woman, he took off to the elevator and decided he would check it for himself. He had inkling of who could possibly have broken in at this hour, but he was perplexed as to why he would want to draw his attention this way. Arriving at the basement floor, he pulled out his key and slipped it into the lock. After Tim's break-in to Applied Sciences, Bruce had suggested they heighten security measures in case it wasn't a friend trying to break in. Walking into the dark, silent floor, he maneuvered his way through the shelves and stored items until he came to a panel. His eyes widened as he saw three figures standing before the desk which contained hundreds of small screens showing high-frequency images.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Batman said, his eyes darting from screen to screen, searching for someone.

"…beautiful, unethical, dangerous." The man fought not to let his jaw drop as he realized what had been done. "You've turned every cell phone in Gotham into a microphone!"

"And a high-frequency generator-receiver," Sparrow added on, her brows furrowed as she and Nightwing also scanned the screens.

"You took my sonar concept you used in Hong Kong and applied it to every phone in the city, with half the city feeding you sonar, you can image all of Gotham." Joining the trio, he turned to Batman with a stern look in his eye. "This is wrong."

"I've got to find this man, Lucius," Batman insisted, facing his friend.

"At what cost?"

"The database is null-key encrypted," Batman explained. "It can only be accessed by one person."

Lucius gave him an incredulous look, shaking his head. "This is too much power for one person."

"That's why I gave it to you." Fox was certain his eyes were about to pop out of his sockets upon hearing the words from Batman's mouth. "Only you can use it."

"Spying on thirty million people isn't part of my job description," Fox argued.

"Lucius, we need your help!" Nightwing argued. "We have to do something!"

"Mr. Fox is right, though. This is invasive," Sparrow shook her head. Facing her boss, she gave him a sad look. "…while I don't think this is the right thing to do, we need to find the Joker. He's ruined enough lives as it is."

"And that's not the worst part," Nightwing added, pulling out his phone. Swiping the screen, he offered it to Batman who shared it with Lucius. "I just saw this before we got in."

Both vigilante and board member watched in concern as they saw a young man in a black outfit and red helmet pointing accusingly at the screen. "This goes out to you, Batman, from the Red Hood! I've tried being helpful, but I've been pushed aside enough. The Joker is garbage who won't go through with his word, this is probably just another ploy of his to get more attention. If you want care at all about Gotham's financial state, then I suggest you get to the place where the Joker started it all…I'll be waiting for you, or the place will blow."

"More friends of yours?" Lucius asked, raising an eyebrow at the group.

"I'll need you two to find him and stop him," Batman ordered his two young squires.

"But where's he going to be?" Sparrow asked, her hands on her hips.

"What's the place the Joker started it all…? The Gotham National Bank!" Nightwing exclaimed. "That was the first place that he hit just before all this crazy stuff with Harvey Dent and Batman began! He also mentioned 'financial' state of the city, so it's got to be our place."

"Then go, and be careful," Batman nodded.

"We'll manage," Nightwing assured him.

As both Nightwing and Sparrow took off past the two men, Batman stretched out his arm and tapped a button on the desk, the voice of the Joker coming through the microphone. "This is an audio sample. If he talks within range of any phone the city, you can triangulate his position."

Staring at the masked man evenly, he said firmly, "I'll help you this one time…but consider this my resignation. As long as this machine is at Wayne Enterprises, I won't be."

Batman nodded his head, understanding. He would rather destroy the machine than lose someone as valuable and trustworthy as Lucius Fox. "When you finish, type in your name."

Lucius waited until Batman was gone before taking off his jacket and sitting before the monitors. This was going to be a long night.

-B-

Amidst all the chaos and panic outside, two men in the mayor's office remained seated, both at their wits' end and trying to remain calm. "My office is looking over every inch of the tunnels and bridges, but with the Joker's threat there're limited options," Gordon explained to Mayor Garcia.

"And land routes east?" the other asked, stroking his chin as he fought to consider other options.

"Backed up for hours," Gordon shook his head. "Which leaves the ferries with thirty thousand ready to board. Plus, I want to use the ferries so I can get some of those prisoners off the island."

The mayor raised his eyebrow at Gordon's plan. "The men you and Dent put away? Those aren't people I'm worried about."

"You should be," Gordon stated sternly. "Whatever the Joker's planning, it's a good bet that Harvey's prisoners might be involved. I want to get them out of here."

Pressing his lips into a thin line, he contemplated the Commissioner's thinking. "…so where is Harvey?"

Gordon exhaled deeply, shaking his head as he looked down in shame. "We haven't found him."

"…how long can you keep this quiet?" Garcia asked quietly.

Gordon shook his head. "…I don't know…if we don't find him soon, we could all be in deep trouble." Rising from his seat, he added, "Excuse me, sir. I need to meet with my team downstairs and see if we can-"

The sound of someone banging his or her fist on the door made their heads jerk up. Gordon arose and pulled out his gun in suspicion. "Who is it?" he demanded.

"Jim, it's me!" Elisa's voice broke through.

Both Gordon and Garcia rushed over, tugging the door to see Elisa standing on the other side, her cellphone pressed to her. "I'm sorry to cut in. Jim, it's for you," she said, handing the electronic over. "It's important."

Gordon took the phone readily, his brows furrowed as he listened. "This is Gordon."

"I have the Joker's location," Batman spoke, his deep voice startling Gordon. "He's west of the docks. Prewitt building. Assemble your men on the building opposite."

"Right, we'll be there." Hanging up the phone, he handed the device back to Elisa and looked to the Mayor. "We're gonna get that son of a bitch. Elisa, let's go!" Together, the two officers ran down the hall for the elevator, uncertain of what would occur, but trusting in one another to get through the night.

-B-

Maroni stormed out of the supplies warehouse and slipped into his limo, leaning back against the leather seats. "Don't stop for lights, cops, nothing, got me?" he snapped at the driver. After hearing the Joker's threat on the television, he had contacted his family and ordered them to get onto the ferries, planning to meet with them and escape. The word had already gone around that the crazed clown had killed Chechen, now that he was running rampant and planning on taking over the city, he had no intention of sticking around.

"Going to join your wife?"

Maroni turned his head slowly and noticed too late that Dent was sitting beside him, holding a gun aloft as he rested his head against his arm. Harvey Dent turned his head and exposed his face, making the mobster's stomach churn. "You love her?"

"…Yes," he said hoarsely, swallowing as Dent glared at him.

"You ever imagine what it would be like to listen to her die?"

"Look take it up with the Joker. He killed your woman," Maroni insisted, feeling uneasy as Dent's one exposed eye continued to stare him down. "He made you...like this."

"The Joker's just a mad dog," Harvey growled, pointing the gun at the gang leader. "I want whoever let him off the leash. I took care of Wuertz. Who is your other man inside Gordon's unit? Who picked up Rachel? It must have been someone she trusted."

Maroni looked at the gun before glancing at Harvey's scarred face. "Look, if I tell you you'll let me go?"

"Can't hurt your chances," he sneered.

Out of options and anxious to get Dent as far away from him as possible, he confessed, "It was Ramirez." His eyes widened as he saw Dent pull out his coin, the gun still pointed at him. "…but you said-!"

"I said it couldn't hurt your chances," Dent spat, flipping the coin with ease. Catching it, he displayed the good side and nodded. "You're a lucky man." Maroni smiled in relief, only to feel that emotion waver when Dent flipped the coin once more, displaying it on the bad side. "But he's not."

"…Who?" Maroni dared to ask watching warily as Dent strapped on his seatbelt.

"Your driver."

The gun sounded and the driver slumped in his seat. The last thing Maroni saw before the car flipped and his world went black was Dent's awful, charred face, the set of haunting eyes glinting maliciously as he glared in hate.