Batman Return of the Dark Nights

Written by: Panthera

Disclaimer: The characters within this story belong to DC Comics and Warner Brothers I have just borrowed them for a while. No harm is meant I will return them unharmed when I'm finished the only character contained within that is not DC is that of Zanah she is an original character created by me and my friend.  Now, on with the story.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Several Days Later…

Bruce Wayne sat watching the evening news. His breath caught in his throat and his heart skipped a beat as an image of Catwoman flashed on the screen.

"Moments ago the elusive Catwoman was caught in the act of stealing the recently returned Jade Cat. Reports are sketchy at this time about her arrest, but it appears this cat's charmed life has come to an end. I repeat Catwoman has been caught tonight."

Bruce switched off the TV in shock. "What game are you playing now Selina?" He was confused part of him knew that this wasn't what it seemed that she was up to something. But Batman told him that she couldn't be trusted, never could, that she hadn't really changed a bit. She returned that statue. So, why would she steal it again? I have to figure out what she's doing and get a step a head of her for her own sake.

At the Police Station…

Catwoman was unmasked, finger printed and processed properly. She signed her confession and was ushered into Gordon's office. Once the room was empty he spoke.

"How are you holding up?"

"Fine."

"You have a phone call if you want it."

"Bruce won't want to talk to me and I can't call Batman, so I'll pass."

"Miss Kyle you could still contact him."

"No, for this to work it needs to look like I have nowhere to turn to."

"Selina…" The commissioner began.

"If he shows up asking questions don't tell him anything beyond what the news is saying and make sure no bail is posted."

"Then what?"

"We wait for Daggett to come with his offer."

"And if he figures out what you're up to?"

"You'll know the truth of what happened to me, either way I win."

"Miss Kyle…"

" No matter what happens promise me you'll keep batman in the dark."

"Why?"

"Because this city needs him."

Gordon said nothing he simply had her lead away to a holding cell.

At Wayne Manor…

Bruce sat by the phone for several minutes but it didn't ring. Why hasn't she called yet? He wondered. Minutes crept by into hours and he began to worry. What is going on?

Unable to sit still he moved down into the cave and decided to pay a visit to the Commissioner.

Later at the Police Station…

Selina sat in the small cell alone. She was cold, tired, dirty and completely alone in the silence. She wanted to pace feeling like a caged animal, but she had put herself here and now she had to stay focused and sharp.

Gordon sat at his desk deep in thought when he felt the wind stir through the small room. He looked up and was faced with the dark shrouded figure that was Gotham's guardian.

"You've heard," The Commissioner stated.

"Is she safe?"

"Yes."

"Are the reports true?" Batman questioned.

"Yes, she signed a confession."

"What is she up to?"

"I don't know."

"Jim, don't lie. We both know she let herself be caught."

"I can't tell you."

"Why?"

"She made me promise."

"Daggett."

The commissioner said nothing.

"She's setting s trap and she's the bait," Batman said with understanding.

Jim nodded knowing he couldn't lie to Batman.

"Why didn't she tell me?"

"She wanted you in the dark. For this to work she needs you to abandon her."

"No bail."

"Yes."

"A one way ticket to twenty years, with no one on her side. Desperate for escape," Batman said shaking his head amazed she'd take her game so far. Into dangerous, shark infested waters.

"You got it. I think she's in over her head, but she won't listen. Even refused her right to a phone call. She's determined to put him away."

"Did she say why?"

"Something about his trying to get in her head."

She's protecting me, Batman realized. "She's going to need help."

"What are you going to do?" Gordon questioned.

"Play her game, but get a step ahead of her." With that said Batman was gone.

"Good luck my friend," the Commissioner whispered hoping that he would succeed in protecting her.

Later at Wayne Manor…

Bruce gave Alfred a letter for Selina and instructed him to deliver it to her personally. Alfred left and Bruce prepared to slip into the role required.

At the Police Station…

Selina lay on her small bed trying to rest when a voice boomed. "Miss Kyle you have a visitor." Selina stood up and moved to the door expecting to face a furious Bruce Wayne instead she was faced with a confused and concerned Alfred.

"Miss Kyle."

"Alfred."

"How are you?"

"Tired."

"Master Bruce asked me to give you this."

"How is he?"

"I don't know. Why have you done this?"

"It will all be clear soon."

"Good-bye Miss Kyle."

"Good-bye Alfred, take care of him for me."

"I will."

"Thank you." Selina whispered as Alfred turned and left. Once he was gone Selina opened the letter with shaking hands afraid of what it might say.

Dearest Selina,

I want you to know that what ever it is I say to you tonight when I see you later I don't mean it. I know what game you're playing and you have my support, seeing how it's too late to turn back now. Be careful and good luck.

Love Always,

Bruce

 Selina tucked the letter away for safekeeping and took a deep breath. He knew, part of her was comforted by that but the other half worried for his safety knowing he would try to intervene. Selina sighed and lay down on her bed trying to relax, but her nerves were on edge. She closed her eyes. Rest was in her best interest. It would take the image of the cage away from her mind. She was soon asleep.

Hours later…

Bruce Wayne walked into the police station and moved towards the desk. "Hello, I'm here to see Selina Kyle."

"Follow me sir."

Bruce followed the young officer back to the holding cells. When they reached Selina's Bruce stared at her sleeping figure.

"Miss Kyle, you have a visitor."

Selina woke to the second cry of the guard calling, "You have a visitor."

Bruce watched as her eyes fluttered open and she stretched. He felt his stomach tie in knots knowing what he had to do, but he didn't know if he could.

"Bruce, ok thank goodness. I was beginning to wonder if you were coming." Selina said with feigned relief.

"I almost didn't. To be honest I don't know why I came at all. I could just as easily called to tell you what I have to say."

"Bruce?" Selina questioned in confusion.

"You blew it Selina. I thought you could change. I actually believed it. Dick was right you're no good. I won't pay your bail Selina. You're stuck. You've humiliated me with your actions. To think I left Julie for you."

"Bruce…"

"Why'd you do it Selina? You could have been my wife. You never would have need for anything."

"I don't know Bruce. I just…"

"Save it Selina! It's over. We're through," he said before he turned and left.

Selina rose to her feet and started to pace. Well aware she was now on her own.

When they brought her food hours later she didn't touch it. She didn't even notice it; she just continued to pace. Her look became predatory and wild as she paced. Selina's appearance becoming more like a wild animal. As time progressed she only got more and more agitated.