It was 9:15 by the time Bruce arrived at City Hall. From what he and Barbara had gathered, Mayor Sharp had insisted on holding the impromptu press conference in front of the building, in front of the same doors he'd used to flee from the attack nearly a week before. The streets immediately around City Hall had been closed off, forcing Alfred to drop Bruce off three blocks away. He looked up at the gray sky. At least it wasn't raining. As he walked across the main street in front of City Hall Bruce took note of the line of heavily armed GCPD officers who had assembled around the building, as well as the mayor's private security team. A SWAT truck was visible halfway down the block. Gordon wasn't leaving anything to chance. A small crowd had formed in front of City Hall, in addition to the reporters who had assembled. Bruce could see Jack Ryder near the front of the crowd, preening himself as usual. Vicki Vale was a few feet to Ryder's left, pointedly ignoring him. Gordon wasn't anywhere in the crowd, as Bruce expected. Ten feet or so to Bruce's right, near the back of the crowd, Bruce spotted Dr. Leland and Dr. Young, in deep conversation with each other. Bruce walked up to them, fixing a smile on his face. "Good morning, ladies!" Both women looked up with a start, though Dr. Leland immediately waved him over with a warm smile. He joined the women, then turned his attention back to the crowd. "Joe and Leslie aren't here too, are they?"

"They weren't able to get out of work," Dr. Leland answered. "We're going to try to meet up with them later this afternoon if you're free."

Bruce nodded, then leaned down to speak softly to Dr. Young. "Is Edward here?" In the rush to get to City Hall, he hadn't been able to get ahold of Edward to advise him not to come. The last thing they needed was a public confrontation on the morning news.

Much to his relief, Dr. Young shook her head. "We agreed that his presence would do more harm than good. I'll be updating him later today after he takes care of some personal business."

Bruce turned his attention back to the front of City Hall. Five members of Sharp's security team, all dressed in black suits, were standing in front of the glass doors. The Mayor himself had yet to make an appearance, which wasn't that odd. He was probably in his office, getting last-minute notes from Strange. Bruce reflexively narrowed his eyes. The mass resignation of the Arkham Board had Strange's fingerprints all over it. He was using them to take the fall for the attacks, while he consolidated his power behind the scenes and rid himself of the last checks on his authority. What was his next move?

"Excuse me, Mr. Wayne," a familiar, sassy voice behind him said. Bruce turned to see a raven-haired, violet-eyed reporter with her notebook in hand, flashing him her trademark smirk. "What's Gotham's most eligible bachelor doing at a chilly, early morning outdoor press conference?"

Bruce smiled, genuinely. "Lois! This is a surprise! When did you get to Gotham?"

"Clark and I flew in last night on the red-eye from Metropolis. While I'm freezing out here, he's trying to secure an interview with the other big story that came out of Gotham last week." Bruce pictured Edward unknowingly being interviewed by Superman and couldn't help but smirk. He heard Dr. Young clear her throat and out of the corner of his eyes, noticed that she had her arms crossed over her chest. Bruce immediately gestured towards both women.

"Lois, these ladies are Dr. Penelope Young and Dr. Joan Leland. We've been working together as part of an advocacy group for Arkham's patients. Dr. Young, Dr. Leland, this is my good friend, Lois Lane."

Lois exchanged polite greetings with Dr. Leland and a cool one with Dr. Young. Lois's gaze lingered on Dr. Young a bit before she pulled a pen out of her purse and turned her attention to both women. "Both of you were former doctors at Arkham Asylum, is that right? Do you have any thoughts on the news on the board's resignation?"

Dr. Leland and Dr. Young exchanged a look before Dr. Young nodded. "Our concern, first and foremost, is the welfare of the patients at Arkham Asylum," Dr. Leland said authoritatively. "Regardless of the reasons the Board resigned, we hope that the patients won't be forgotten."

Lois nodded, jotting her notes down. She looked back up, straight at Dr. Young. "Do you believe that the resignations are justified?"

Dr. Young spoke in a cold, clear voice. "While it's clear that the Board of Directors was negligent in their running of the Asylum, they aren't the only ones who share that responsibility. There's another person who is just as accountable for what happened last week, and I think it's telling that he isn't here."

"I take it you're referring to Warden Strange?" Lois asked, and Bruce noticed the telltale gleam in her eyes. "What would you have to say to him if he was here today?"

"Nothing suitable for print," Dr. Young said flatly. Her eyes drifted behind Bruce where they caught sight of something. "Excuse me, there's someone I'd like to talk to." Bruce turned around and noticed that Aaron Cash had shown up and was waving to Dr. Young. She walked past Bruce and Lois towards him and the two soon became drawn into a conversation. He was probably updating her on the police officers that he and Edward had found last night, Bruce thought. He'd stopped by GCPD after dropping Edward off and gotten an update from Gordon after he'd personally interrogated both officers. They'd stuck to the same story they'd told in Dietrich's apartment, which meant they were telling the truth.

"Mind if I steal Bruce from you for a bit?" Bruce heard Lois ask, drawing his attention away from Cash and Dr. Young.

Dr. Leland flashed them a warm smile. "Of course. We'll catch up after the press conference, alright Bruce?" Bruce nodded, then followed Lois a few feet deeper into the crowd, closer to where the reporters were setting up.

"Think the temperature went up a few degrees after Dr. Young took off," Lois quipped. She jerked her thumb back towards where she was still speaking with Cash. "What's the story with her and the mysterious Warden Strange? Sounds personal."

"It's a long one," Bruce said. "And not something that can be put on the record."

"Spoilsport. Does it have anything to do with a certain Gotham Rogue turned 'heroic' private investigator?" Bruce's surprise must have shown on his face, for Lois smirked. "I noticed how she tensed up when I mentioned Nigma earlier. She had 'protective girlfriend' practically tattooed on her forehead."

Bruce shook his head fondly. "You could've been quite a detective in another life."

Lois laughed. "I wouldn't have lasted a day without shooting my mouth off." Then her face became concerned. "How are you doing Bruce? You look rundown. Well, even more than usual."

Bruce let out a long sigh. "I'm getting by." He reached up to rub his eyes. He'd managed a bit more sleep the night before than he had lately, but the long nights were beginning to take their toll. "Lois," he said softly. "A lot is going on in Gotham that I can't tell you about just yet."

Lois furrowed her brow. "About the attacks, Arkham, or all of the above?" She looked expectantly at him for a response, and when none came, let out a sigh of her own. "Okay. If you can't tell me, can you tell Clark at least? You know how he worries about you."

Bruce knew all too well. No doubt the man would literally drop in Wayne Manor to get some answers from him. "I will. And as soon as I have anything concrete, I'll send it to you first. Deal?"

Lois smirked again. "Deal." There was movement at the front doors of City Hall, and the crowd as one looked to see Lyle Bolton make his way out of the building and next to the podium that had been set up for Sharp's remarks. Bruce watched Lois frown. "Who's Lurch?"

"Lyle Bolton, the head of Sharp's security detail." Bruce stared at the man through narrowed eyes. At least if Bolton was here, it meant he wasn't tracking down Edward's daughter. Bolton seemed to be scanning the crowd as if looking out for any threats. Or perhaps he was looking for Edward and Dr. Young.

"Bruce," he heard Lois's voice cut in. "The man in the blue coat and fedora, five o'clock. Is that who I think it is?" Bruce immediately looked to where Lois had gestured and saw a redheaded, nondescript looking man near the front of the throng of reporters. His face was nothing memorable, but Bruce knew it by sight, and he'd recognize that coat anywhere.

"Vic Sage," he said. Bruce knew him better as the vigilante The Question. The last Bruce had heard, he was assisting the League in digging up evidence on Luthor's crimes in office. Why would they send-Clark was already in Gotham. He wouldn't come to Gotham and send Vic, which meant that Vic must have been following the events in Gotham and come of his own accord. Between him and Waller, who else was monitoring the situation?

"Vic Sage is here," he heard Lois murmur. He turned to look back at her to see she was giving him a sardonic look. "Whatever you're not telling me must be pretty big if that conspiracy buff came out of the woodwork."

She had no idea. Before Bruce could say anything, there was movement at the front doors. Mayor Sharp had finally made his appearance, flanked by two additional security guards and Deputy Mayor Jensen. "You better join the other reporters," he said. "Wouldn't want the Daily Planet to be left out."

"God forbid," Lois said. "Got any tips for how to handle his honor?"

At that moment, Bruce couldn't think of a better punishment for Sharp than to be on the receiving end of a barrage of questions from Lois Lane. "He's pompous, has an over-inflated ego, and doesn't like being shown up. He also doesn't like going off-script. Do your worst."

Lois chuckled. "Always do. I'll catch up with you later." Lois made her way past Bruce and up to the first row of reporters. Bruce watched her as she found a spot next to Vicki Vale, about four feet in front of Vic. As if he knew he was being watched, and Bruce had no doubt he did. Vic turned in his direction. The two men made eye contact, and Vic gave him a cursory nod before he turned his attention to the podium. Bruce took a quick look over his shoulder and saw that Dr. Leland and Dr. Young were just a few feet behind him. He walked back to rejoin them, just as he heard Mayor Sharp's voice over the microphone.

"Good morning, people of Gotham City, members of the press corp," Mayor Sharp spoke. "By now you are all aware of the resignation of the Arkham Asylum Board of Directors. My office had been in communication with the former board members throughout the past week until they reached their decision and informed me last night." Somehow Bruce doubted that. The decision had probably been made the night of the attacks. "This was not a decision that was taken lightly, but, given the actions of the patients who had been released by the board's orders, it was the correct one. However well-intentioned, the misguided actions of the Board directly led to the deaths of over two hundred Gotham citizens. As your Mayor, I vow that such a disaster will never happen again.."

"Look at him," Bruce heard Dr. Young say. He glanced towards her and noticed that her fists were clenched. "This is a performance. He's recasting himself as Gotham's savior."

"That must be why he called for a press conference," Dr. Leland agreed. "He's using the media attention to reinforce the delusion."

Bruce nodded in agreement, then looked back at Sharp. "...Warden Strange has assured my office that this in no way will impede his investigation into who else in Arkham may have been involved in the attacks. He will present his findings Monday evening in a special session of the City Council." He cleared his throat and said the words Bruce had expected and feared. "As of now, there are no plans to replace the Board of Directors." Bruce heard a collective gasp from both the reporters and Dr. Leland. He exchanged a quick look with Dr. Young before turning back to Sharp. "Warden Strange will temporarily assume all of their responsibilities and will work with my office to determine the long-term future of Arkham Asylum." He gave the assembled reporters a nod. "I will now take questions."

It was as if a dam burst. The throng of reporters immediately began talking over each other, each trying to be heard. To Bruce, it looked like Sharp was enjoying the attention he was receiving from the press corps. It wasn't too far off from how Edward behaved at the beginning of his reformation. Bruce realized something with a start. The press conference...was Sharp also doing this to crowd Edward off the front page? He took a quick look at Dr. Young. Her face was cold, but he wondered if she'd made the same connection.

"Mayor Sharp," Bruce heard a reporter from the Gotham Herald ask. "What plans are there for the inmates of Arkham Asylum?"

"As of now, there are no plans to release any more inmates," Sharp answered smugly. "All those incarcerated in Arkham will remain in custody."

There was another moment of the reporters calling out until Bruce heard one voice above the din. "Mayor Sharp! Vicki Vale, for Gotham City News Network. Do you intend to shut down Arkham Asylum?"

There was a pregnant pause as Sharp coldly considered the crowd. "We have not made any decisions of that nature, but at this time, nothing is being ruled out." He watched the reporters began shouting again, and Bruce almost detected a smile on the man's face. Sharp then nodded towards a familiar woman and Bruce let himself smirk. Showtime. "Yes, Ms.-"

"Lois Lane, Daily Planet. Why isn't Warden Strange here today?"

The self-satisfied look on Sharp's face changed to one of surprise. Sharp quickly recovered and cleared his throat. "Warden Strange has responsibilities that he must see to at the Asylum, as well as the investigation into the attacks. He could not also take the time to come to this press conference-"

"Is there no one in the administrative staff at Arkham who could fill in for a few hours?" Lois pressed on, to the visible discomfort of Deputy Mayor Jensen. "Isn't it a little odd that in a press conference regarding the fate of the asylum, that the man who runs the asylum isn't here to answer questions? Is he afraid of scrutiny?"

Sharp's face reddened, and Bruce doubted it was from the chill. "Of course not. He will make a media appearance when it's appropriate for him to do so. Moving on..." his gaze went to the blue-clad figure standing a few feet behind Lois. "I will take your question next, Mr.-"

"Vic Sage, KBEL Hub City." Bruce tensed. Vic was one of if not the single best detective Bruce had ever known. He was also one of the most tightly wound men he'd ever known. Frankly, there were times he made Edward look casual. "Going back to the matter of the Arkham Board. They resigned because of the actions of the patients that they ordered to be released?"

Sharp looked confused. "Well, yes. I believe that I said that at the beginning of this conference, Mr. Sage."

"Just confirming the facts, Mayor. Under the Commission guidelines that Gotham City put into law earlier this year, however, didn't the final decision to release patients rest with Warden Strange?"

Another murmur went up from the crowd. Sharp looked like a gaping fish the way he stared at Vic. "Well, yes," he stammered. Jensen gave him a nudge, and Sharp cleared his throat. "Warden Strange was opposed to any releases but was compelled by the Board of Directors," he said stridently. "It's a matter of record."

Vic nodded, it looked to Bruce like he was writing notes. That had been a well-aimed strike at Sharp. How much did Vic know? "Did the Board of Directors also decide who specifically to release, or was that also at the discretion of Strange?"

A silence fell over the crowd, followed by the sound of furtive whispers. "That was a deliberate provocation. Is that man a contact of Edward's?" he heard Dr. Leland ask Dr. Young.

"Edward's never mentioned knowing a Vic Sage," Dr. Young answered. Bruce didn't let on any reaction. Technically, that wasn't a lie. "I'll ask him later today."

Bruce turned his attention back to Sharp, whose face had passed red and was now almost purple. "Warden Strange was ordered to release low-level inmates by the Arkham Board! The former Board members have accepted responsibility for their actions. The purpose of this press conference was not to call Warden Strange's actions into question!"

"Then why isn't he here?" Lois asked. "If Strange shares no responsibility for what happened last week, then why couldn't he come here and say that?"

Sharp froze for a moment. Only a moment, but Bruce knew the guilty, frightened look on his face all too well. He saw it on the face of every mugger, every petty crook, every henchman he fought on Gotham's streets each night. "I have nothing more to say regarding Warden Strange," Sharp ground out. "Any further questions may be directed at Deputy Mayor Jensen." He turned and stormed back into City Hall, followed by Bolton and the rest of the security team, while Deputy Mayor Jensen was left to deal with the clamoring reporters. Almost all of them. Bruce watched as Vic left the crowd and walked towards the right alley adjacent to City Hall. He wasn't the only person who noticed Vic taking his leave.

"Did he come here just to antagonize Sharp?" Dr. Young asked, her brow furrowed. "Who is Vic Sage?"

Bruce shrugged. "I heard he's some conspiracy nut. He probably came out here to get some more material for his followers on the internet."

"Whoever he is, he rattled Sharp," Dr. Leland said. "The story from today isn't going to be the Arkham Board resigning, but Sharp losing his temper at a press conference. That's going to be damaging."

Bruce hoped so. He knew that Lois at least wouldn't be writing a flattering piece about the conference. He gave both women a nod. "I have to get going, but let me know what time you'll be available this afternoon."

Dr. Young and Dr. Leland said their goodbyes, then began to chat with each other about what they'd just seen, and the psychological implications. Bruce left them to it, then walked to the back towards the street, along with most of the crowd. When he was certain that no one was watching, he turned right and doubled back towards the alley he saw Vic enter. It was the same alley that he'd ducked into the night of the City Hall attack, the same alley Schrader had died in. Bruce quickened his pace, willing himself not to dwell on it.

Vic was waiting for him halfway down the narrow alley, standing by the fire escape of the adjacent building. He gave Bruce a nod as he approached. "You know that's the last time you'll ever be allowed to a press conference in this city," Bruce said in greeting.

"Hmmph," Vic snorted. "I'll live." He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small pack of Nicorette gum. Bruce watched as Vic popped out a piece and put it into his mouth.

"No cigarette?"

"Helena made me quit," Vic groused. "She said she didn't want to smell like an ashtray in front of her kids." He paused mid-chew to give Bruce a hopeful look. "Why, you got one?"

"You know I don't smoke." Vic shrugged and returned to chewing. Bruce crossed his arms. "What are you doing here, Vic?"

Vic chewed for a moment longer before he answered. "After months of sustained criticism and voter rejection of Mayor Sharp's hardline policies, a series of attacks occur that not only validate every argument his administration has made but also nearly succeeds in killing his most vocal critics. Classic false flag operation. Moreover, he's taken advantage of the resulting fallout to force the resignation of the Arkham Board of Directors, the last check on the true power behind his administration: Warden Hugo Strange." Vic cocked his head, looking satisfied with himself. "Sharp's defensiveness of the man indicates a deeper relationship between the two. That and frankly, Sharp doesn't look like he can plot his way out of a wet paper bag." Vic's face grew serious. "Only, something went wrong with the plan. The intended fall guy was filmed saving the people who were supposed to die, and Sharp and his backers are scrambling to adjust the narrative." He gave Bruce a level look. "Am I getting warm?"

Bruce sighed and shook his head. "I'm surprised that you've had the time to follow what's been happening in Gotham. Aren't you helping to sort through the mess Luthor left behind?"

"I can multitask. And you know I'm not the only one who's been keeping an eye on Gotham. I saw Lane here. I take it Kent isn't far behind?"

"He's in Gotham. He's going to try to get an interview with Nigma."

Vic snorted again. "I'm not sure who I feel sorrier for." He nodded at Bruce. "So how is our mutual 'friend' dealing with everything that's happened?"

Bruce considered the question and weighed his response. He inwardly sighed. As much as he would have liked to keep this contained, too many people were showing up with questions. "That's not a conversation we can have right now. How long are you going to be in Gotham?"

"Three days. I'll be seeing Helena tonight, so I can meet tomorrow morning." Vic paused to think. "Maybe tomorrow afternoon. Late tomorrow afternoon. Are you going to bring in Kent?"

"Looks like I don't have much of a choice," Bruce quipped. He turned to exit the alley. "I'll let you know when and where. In the meantime, make yourself scarce. You've just put yourself at the top of Sharp's enemies list."

"Story of my life," Vic said. He turned and walked in the opposite direction. Bruce emerged from the alley and took one last look towards the press conference. Lois in particular looked like she was enjoying grilling Jensen. Bruce let out a small smile before he walked away from City Hall. He had an overdue call he needed to make.

2:45 pm

School had, once again, been a somber affair for Ellen. In the past week since the attacks, the school had hired additional security guards, who kept a watchful eye on the students in the halls and cafeteria. She felt more like she was in lockdown than in school. She'd stayed by her friends' side as much as she could, including walking home with them in a group. "I hate this," she complained to Clarissa. "I can't even go to the bathroom without some asshole following me down the hall. Are they going to start searching our bags between classes too?"

"The school's just trying to protect us," her friend Jon said to her far left. "You never know what can happen in this city."

"I agree with Ellen," her friend Joe said to her right. "If some Rogue or whoever decides to attack our school, the security guards aren't gonna do shit. They're just gonna lock themselves in the office like the principal did during the lockdown last week."

Frankly, Ellen thought she stood a better chance fighting a Rogue than the security guards did. "Hopefully the teachers will calm down soon," Clariss spoke. "I heard that they're talking about not letting students walk home alone anymore. They're really freaked."

Ellen huffed and jammed her hands further into her coat. Much to her dismay, it was so cold this morning she put on the puffy green coat Dad had bought for her last Christmas. "Least we got our little posse." The kids had reached the turn Ellen needed to take to get back home. "Well, here's my stop."

"You want to come over to my house and hang out later tonight?" Clarissa asked. "My parents won't mind."

Ellen would love to, but tonight was a night Gramma had the late shift, so it was a night she'd been training with Hood. "Can't. Gramma's got the late shift. She's getting stricter about me being out at night." She hated how easy it was becoming to lie to her friends.

"I hear you," Joe said. "My Mom's not lettin' me out after dark anymore either."

"Ok," Clarissa said. "See you tomorrow then."

"Bye guys," Ellen waved as she separated from the group and turned down the street. There were few people out as she walked, probably hiding from the cold. Ellen sighed and quickened her pace. She needed to get her homework done and have an early dinner before she met up with Hood. She was about twenty feet away from her building and stopped dead in her tracks. There was a familiar car parked outside the apartment, and a familiar man standing by it, looking down at his watch. She walked quickly to greet the man. "Dad?"

Her father looked up and smiled at her, though Ellen noticed it didn't reach his eyes. "Hi, Ellen." He looked at her coat and nodded in approval. "Finally wearing my coat I see."

Ellen was too surprised to see him to snark at him. "What are you doing here?" she asked. She bit her lower lip. "Did something happen?"

Her father's face became serious and he walked over to the passenger side door. "Let's go for a drive," he said, opening the car door.

Ellen hesitated, but then entered the car. Her father shut the door behind her, then walked over to the driver's side. A thousand scenarios started going through Ellen's mind. She hadn't heard anything from Gramma. Had something happened to Doc? No, Dad would be with her and just called Ellen. A sinking feeling came over her. Had he found out about Hood? Her father entered the car and started it, pulling away from the building. Ellen watched her father's body language as he drove. He was quiet, which meant whatever was going on was serious. He began tapping his fingers on the steering wheel like he did when he was thinking about something. He wasn't angry though. He seemed almost nervous. "Am I in trouble?" she asked.

Her father instantly shook his head. "No, sweetheart." Her father let out a long sigh. "It's about the Mayor."

Ellen reflexively scowled. "Is he dead?"

"No, he's not dead," her father scolded. He let out another sigh. "He's hired Lyle Bolton as his chief of security."

Ellen's world came to a standstill as she heard the name. Lyle Bolton. In a flash, she remembered him threatening Miguel, kidnapping Marisol, killing that other man, shooting at her and Batgirl, him looking at her with that cold smirk. She felt her fists clench. "That son of a bitch," she hissed. "After what he did to Miguel and Marisol? The Mayor's just gonna give him a job like he didn't do anything wrong? Like they didn't matter!?"

"Because your friends didn't matter," her father said. "Not to the Mayor. Men like Sharp and Strange don't see people like your friends, or us even as people. We're all pawns on a chessboard to them." It sounded like he spoke from experience. "Bolton's already been seen as shadowing Sharp. It's likely that he's going to tell him that you exist if the Mayor didn't already know."

"You think he's gonna come after me," Ellen said. Just like Hood had warned her that summer. Her eyes narrowed. He could try. She wasn't afraid of that fucker.

"I won't let him," her father said vehemently. "I promise you, Ellen, I will do everything in my power to make sure Bolton doesn't get within a mile of you." They stopped at a red light and he turned to give Ellen a sharp look. "You remember what I told you back in April. Stay away from anyone connected to the Mayor's office. Don't go with any adult you don't know. If you think you're being followed, call me, Penny, or Selina. And don't, under any circumstance, seek out Bolton. I know how much he hurt you, and I know how much you want to get back at him, but you need to stay away from him. Promise me, Ellen."

Ellen took a quick breath and nodded. "I'll stay away from Bolton, Dad. I promise." Her father let out a sigh of relief and it took everything she had not to cringe. She hated how easy it was becoming to lie.