Chapter 32: Preparation

The world is full of really desperate people, which can lead them to do illegal things. People that aren't Eric Michelson. During his trial, Michelson confessed he had been working for the trafficking ring for at least two years after being let go from his accounting job. Ashamed of being outsourced to a machine that could do his job, he didn't tell his family. He became in charge of the trafficking ring's finances. Doesn't mean he was innocent though.

Anni latched onto the idea her father never actually came into contact with the people being trafficked, making him seem better than the others who were involved. Always one to find the light, she clung onto this, hoping her dad would get off with a lighter sentence. The jury didn't agree with the wish of a seven year old. He was sentenced to life without parole on her eighth birthday.

For years I had harbored anger towards that jury for not being more sympathetic. All Anni and I knew was that he was trying to help his family. That had to count for some thing, right? When I was fourteen, I came across the Michelson case file while helping Dad at the office as a punishment for something. Curious if eight year old me was still justified in being angry, I read though it. Turns out there was more than what Anni and I were told. I ended up glad the jury wasn't forgiving.

Eric Michelson started off as the finance manager for the Gambino family's Brooklyn ring, but quickly gained their trust and became financial head of all their NY trafficking operations. Despite Anni's belief that he was only dealing with money, he was much more... involved. The case file went into detail about how he was there to...to appraise the merchandise. He was quoted saying he "needed to inspect the quality of the product so they could sell at a proper price." The man was only there to slap a price tag on living beings sold as slaves. It made me furious. What heartless person could do that all day and then go home to his family like its nothing?

When I asked Dad why no one had told Anni about that part, he said Mrs. Michelson didn't want Anni to know so young. Understandable, but why not tell her now that she was older? He told me that it was up to Shelly to tell Anni. He didn't know why either, but asked me to not say anything to anyone about it.

I refused to speak to Michelson after that. That last visit before he escaped was the first time I had spoken to him in three years. I only ever went as emotional support for Anni.

Max sent me what she had unencrypted from the file shark so far and it wasn't good. Victoria knew about Michelson's past and played it to her advantage.

Phase 2 of Project Whisper was broken into two parts. Part one was to monitor me through the chip as I grew up, taking whatever data was needed for part two. Part two was to find five inmates in prisons throughout the country willing to be part of a 'social science experiment. Which entailed having the most mentally stable volunteers get an upgraded microchip planted into them. Victoria herself was the one to do the psych evals. After the chip was implanted, it was the same as part one, just monitoring and data collection. They had prisoner volunteers in Detroit, St. Louis, Denver, San Francisco, and New York. Apparently Michelson and Johnson tied, so they were both chosen.

So far, nothing too illegal. Disguising it as a social experiment was clever, I had to give Victoria that. Max hadn't gotten through Phase 3 yet, so there might still be something to validate my cause. For now I still had to work in secret. If I was going to confront Victoria, I needed a suit. And there was only one person I could ask.

"I need a favor. And you're not going to like it," I cornered Terry on Tuesday after school.

"What now?" He groaned rather childishly. I stifled a laugh.

"You up for sneaking around the cave?" I smiled innocently.

"What are you up to Grayson?" He eyed me suspiciously.

"Nothing toooo bad, just need a suit from cave storage. This one to be exact," I handed him a paper with the suit info scribbled on it. It wasn't the same one from New York since that one was ripped. It was the next prototype of the same suit. Damn, Uncle Dami went through a lot of prototypes it seemed, "Oh, and a mask would be great too." This suit didn't have a hood like the last one.

"How exactly do you expect me to get into the storage room without Bruce suspecting me?" He took the paper anyway. Perfect.

"I knew you'd ask that. So Bruce might not know this, but I kept the tablet with the inventory list," I pulled it out of my bag, "On the inventory list there's some batarangs you might find useful for something. Just tell Bruce you want to see what you could do with them," I handed him the tablet so the story was plausible.

"And how did I get the tablet?"

"Tell him the truth. I gave it to you. The best lies are the ones laced with truth," I shrugged, "There really are batarangs I think you could use. And if you just happened to grab me a suit, I won't tell," I winked at him.

"Fine, I'll do it. But I better not get sucked up into whatever you're doing that will eventually piss him off again."

"I pissed him off? Again?"

"You left without a word. It hurt him. He was in a bad mood all weekend. I don't think you realized how much he liked having you around. He's just a lonely old man. It wouldn't kill you to visit your grandfather. I wish mine lived that close to me," Terry said.

"I'll- I'll think about it. I didn't leave on the best of terms."

"It could do you both some good. I'll have the suit tomorrow."

"We really need to get you a base," Max said as she entered my room. I had told Dad we had a project to work on. Didn't need him watching me any closer than he already was.

"Sorry, the Batcave was taken, and the satellite caves are always under watch. This is the best I've got," I opened the bag with the suit in it, "Now, wanna help me take this for a test run?"

"I still think this is crazy. What if Terry sees you?" Max said over the comms.

"Don't worry Max. I know all of Batman's patrol routes. Besides, Terry was the one who got me the suit in the first place. Plus we disabled the suit's tracker, so even if Bruce is suspicious of anything, the suit appears to be in the cave. I've got this." I reassured her as I settled on a roof.

"That cut on your leg says otherwise,"

"You said you wouldn't mentioned that again," I grumbled, watching a woman hurry down the street, looking behind her every few seconds. No one appeared to be following her.

"I lied," Max laughed.

"Don't make me regret telling you," I muttered, jumping to the next rooftop to keep a better eye on the woman. She was carrying something.

"You can't get rid of me that easily Grayson."

"Hey, whats around 44th and Rockwell?"

"Not much. Mostly abandoned buildings and storehouses. Why?"

"This woman is acting shady. Might be drugs."

"The area is well known for Jokerz activity. Maybe she's one of them," Max suggested.

"Possible, but she seems a little too old to be a Joker. And she's not dressed like one. Unless they've started recruiting middle aged women."

"In Gotham, who knows."

If this woman moved any faster, she would've been running. She was struggling to move in her heels as it was. Her poor choice in footwear finally caused her to trip, the bundle she was carrying skidded along the slippery sidewalk in front of her. A few wads of paper money spilled out. That was odd. Barely anyone ever used paper money. Banks didn't even give it out anymore. People only used it if they were dealing with something illegal.

"Max, get ready to have the cops sent over here," I said, making my way down to the woman who was slowly getting up.

"Let me know when."

I hid in the shadows of the building, and waited for her to approach the money. She bent down to pick it up.

"Nothing good comes from that kind of money," I said casually, holding a batarang. She jumped at my sudden appearance. She quickly got over it and frowned at me.

"Not another one. Batman's got a shadow now? Just what this town needs, a new rise in costumed freaks. Again," She complained while gathering the money, "Hey Shadow Bat, you know where MedCorp is? I'm supposed to take this useless wad there." I stopped short. MedCorp?

"Oh! Yeah! Before I forget, the lady said if I saw Batman to give him this. His shadow is good enough for me. Here," She shoved a wad of cash in my hand and hurried away. She didn't even let me answer her question. It took Max yelling in through the comms for me to snap out of it.

"Whats wrong?"

"We have a problem. Your Dad ended the gym session early. He'll be up in about 15 minutes."

"I'm on my way," I sighed, sending the grapple towards the gym.

I had just walked out of the bathroom in a fresh set of sweats when Dad came in. That was too close. Max was packing up her stuff.

"Ah, I was just coming up to check on how you were doing," Dad said from my doorway.

"Done for tonight," I jumped onto my bed.

"What class is this project for?" he wasn't usually this curious about my homework. He was trying to catch me in a lie. He knew me too well.

"Chemistry," Max supplied, "We're researching the basic elements needed for life, trying to understand how we can have so many different variations of life within our own planet. Pretty basic stuff," She shrugged. Dad looked like he didn't want to ask any more questions.

"Well, good luck then," He waved and left.

"Max, you're the best!" I hugged her.

"Not the first time I've had to lie to a parent," She shrugged me off, "I need to get home before my sister actually notices I'm gone. See you tomorrow."

"Later," I waved, flopping down on my bed again.

I pulled out the wad of cash the woman had given to me and removed the rubber band that was holding it together. I flipped through the stack to get an estimate of how much was there when a piece of paper fell out. It was a note.

Mija,

My office. Friday at 2300. I'll be waiting.

And keep the money.

-V

Well if it wasn't obvious why Victoria was in town before, it sure was now. She was here for me. Probably to demand I give back what I stole. Did she really think I would give up so easily? And did she really have to call me Mija?

I looked at the wad of cash. What was I supposed to do with almost two thousand dollars? It wasn't like could go to the bank with it without creating suspicion, and I sure as hell couldn't ask Dad what to do.

Deciding the money could wait until tomorrow, I went to bed.

"You're gonna draw attention to yourself if you keep going out. There's already rumors about a new hero in Gotham," Max said the next night.

"You saw the note. I need to be somewhat comfortable in the suit before tomorrow." I said, landing on a rooftop.

"Its going to take you only one more night to get comfortable?" She questioned.

"I also have the time in New York, and last night," I scanned the street below. Nothing illegal going on. I moved on to the next section of the city.

"I still think you should have back up. I'm sure Terry could help."

"Max, this is my fight. I don't want to drag anyone else into it."

"What about me?"

"You insisted, and you're not actually out here putting yourself in danger."

"Do you at least have a plan for when you face her?"

"See what she has to say and go from there. She's invested a lot into me, I doubt anything bad will happen," I shrugged, even though Max couldn't see me. I heard her sigh through the comm.

"You really shouldn't say things like that."

"It'll be fine Max. I got away once, I can do- wait, I see something." I saw a group of four T gang members stalking down an alley. I jumped to one of the buildings along the alley. They were cornering a boy who looked around the twins age.

"Come on guys, just-just a little more time. All-all I need is another day. I'll have it tomorrow, I-I swear!" The kid was protesting, backing himself into a corner. He looked ready to cry.

"Sorry Hayes, Fat T don't give extensions. You'll pay one way or another," The biggest of the group said, holding up fist with brass knuckles.

"What's going on?" Max asked.

"You get that vid link set up to the suit's mask yet?"

"The range settings need to be adjusted, but yeah."

"I'm tuning it on." She was quiet for a moment.

"Can you handle this?" I scoffed at her question.

"Yes, Miss. Ye of little faith," I said, jumping down in between the kid and gang members, "Hi guys! Did you forget to invite me to the party?"

"What the-?" The thug didn't have a chance to finish before I pinned him and another to each other with a set of bolas. I turned on the other two, but only one was there. Not worrying about the missing one, I sent a batarang toward his head. It hit it's mark with a satisfying thunk, and he went down.

I turned back to the kid they had cornered. He was on the wet ground at the end of the alley, shivering and wide eyed.

"Are you alright?" I asked, offering a hand to help him up.

"I-I'm not sure. I think- I think so." I think he was trying to convince himself more than me.

"You should probably stay away from gangs like the T's. I'll walk you home." I offered, leading him towards the opening of the alley. Unfortunately, the missing member reappeared.

"Hayes, you ain't going anywhere. I don't care you got a Bat with you." She blocked our only exit.

"Come on Rena, I'll have the stuff tomorrow. You of all people gotta believe me." The kid begged.

"Your word ain't worth shit to me anymore," the thug, Rena, spat. Okay, there apparently was something more going on. I glanced up, debating if I could grapple us out. I looked at Hayes, and decided no. He was too heavy for me to hold with just one arm.

"As soon as I start, make a run for it," I whispered to him. He nodded, still looking at Rena

"Max?"

"Back up should be there soon."

"Perfect. Knew I could count on you."

"You two better not be planning anything. I can take you. I'm not 'fraid of no Bat!" She shouted at us.

"If you don't give up now, I'm going to have to force you to." I warned her.

"I'd like to see you try little girl." She smirked. I was a lot of things, but little girl was hardly one. I had always been a little stocky and tall for a girl. Plus I was clearly bigger than her.

"I warned you," I said, rushing her and brought my foot to her stomach. She was on the ground within seconds. I should've grappled away immediately but I looked to see if that kid, Hayes, had listened to me. She grabbed my ankle and pulled me down. I hit the ground with a thud, now on her level. She still had a grip on my ankle and I could feel joints cracking under her grip. My fist came down on her wrist, and she let go of my ankle with a yelp. I tried to get away, but the other thug had gotten up and blocked the way. Rena took advantage of me being distracted and landed a punch on my cheek. I felt the blood in my mouth instantly. Now I was furious and the other thug was getting closer. Where were the cops when you needed them?

I charged her and landed a hit square in her chest, sending her back into the alley wall. It didn't phase her enough and she took another swing which I dodged. I went low and tried to kick her legs out from under her, but she jumped. Taking advantage of me being low, Rena kicked me in the side of my ribs. I jumped back up, ignoring the fresh pain in my side. I aimed a punch for her face and felt a satisfying crunch as my fist connected with her nose. She immediately held both hands to her face.

Suddenly there was a grunt and thud behind us. We both turned to see the other thug slumped over on the ground.

"What the hell?" Rena shouted through her hands. My thoughts exactly. The cops showed up then and I got out of there.

"If this bruises any worse, I'm screwed," I moaned, looking in the bathroom mirror at lunch.

"Don't let them hit you next time," Max smirked. I glared at her reflection.

"Ha ha. Can you hand me my concealer?"

"So your dad didn't notice this morning?" She passed my bag to me.

"He wasn't even up. I think retirement suites him. I can't remember the last time he slept past 7am," I added another layer of concealer, "Is it less noticeable?"

"I couldn't tell before. Honestly, I would be more concerned about your limp. Are you sure you're ready for tonight?"

"I'll be fine Max. I've done worse doing gymnastics. And school fights," I shrugged.

Honestly, I was lying. My ankle was bruised so badly I had to wrap it this morning. My side hurt from Rena's kick and my arm was sore from when I fell on it. Not to mention my cheek. I was an absolute mess. I wasn't sure how well I would hold up tonight. If I had to fight anyone, I would probably lose.

Hopefully Victoria didn't have any more tricks up her sleeve.

Hey all! Sorry it's been longer than usual. Life got busy. There was a lot of Max in this chapter which I enjoyed writing!

What do you think will happen when Jamie faces Victoria?

Fun Fact: Jamie was always one of the tallest people in her class growing up. She's 5'9, her height comes from Jason.