"Alfred." Dick Grayson groans scoldingly. "What are you doing in here? We brought you back to the manor so that you could recover in the full comforts of home. For now, you're not a butler. Your duty is recuperation, not working in the kitchen."
Alfred Pennyworth chuckles at the irony. "It would seem, Master Dick, that you echo the very sentiments I have so often espoused. How many times have you or Master Bruce ventured out into the night, ignoring debilitating illness or injury?" Dick tries to reason that the situations are vastly different, but the butler is quick with his retort. "My physician's orders do not restrict me to complete bed rest. I am encouraged to walk regularly and engage in mild activity. I hardly think washing a glass and soup bowl is considered overly taxing."
To appease Grayson, Alfred takes a seat at the small kitchen table. He beckons Dick to join him. "To be blunt, I was hoping to have a word with you ... alone." the butler admits. Dick nods his head, knowing full well the subject to be broached. "I am most troubled about Miss Barbara." Pennyworth states. "From this morning's paper and the noontime news reports, it appears that she faces a rather distressing predicament. Clearly your return to Gotham is not just on my behalf; you're rightfully here to help her in time of need. Would you care to fill me in on what I've missed?"
Dick Grayson hesitates for a moment. Four months ago, Alfred entered the renowned Metropolis Cancer Clinic to undergo surgery and post-operation treatment for colon cancer. While the procedure went well, the recovery has been long and tedious. Seeking to minimize his stress, Bruce and Dick both agreed to shield him from all news concerning Batgirl's plight.
"I realize that all of you have been trying to protect me." Alfred observes. "Miss Barbara has never even hinted about her travails in any of her letters. I understand why, but I'm back on my feet now and don't need or desire pampering. I don't believe the majority of the news reports; I want to know what really happened!"
"Fair enough," Dick responds. "but Bruce is the one who should tell you."
*****
The frustration is clearly evident upon the face of Bruce Wayne. Dressed in the familiar garb of the Batman, his cowl hangs loosely behind his head. The Batcave is his sanctuary where typically he studies his adversaries and fanatically prepares himself for the daily grind. Fighting crime is a mission to the Batman. His remarkable success and reputation are due to relentless dedication. He often thwarts the criminal element through sheer effort. How difficult it is then for him to accept circumstances which effectively stonewall his tactics and resources.
"It was an early evening, three months ago." Bruce solemnly begins as Alfred and Dick listen intently. "A Gotham narcotics unit was working an undercover assignment. The cops believed that their operation was going smoothly and they were fully prepared to make an arrest the moment the transaction was consummated. Unfortunately, they miscalculated in two ways. The dealers had somehow seen through their cover and were ready for them. Secondly, and more significantly, the drug ring ultimately traced itself back to Richard Michaelston. This meant a decidedly heavy-handed counter-strike."
"Richard Michaelston, sir?" Alfred inquires. "I know you've been after him for some time, but I did not realize he was involved in the drug trafficking business." Both Dick and Bruce nod. "Neither did we." Nightwing admits. "Then again, Michaelston always has been next to impossible to pin anything on. Superficially, the man is a legend in this city. From humble beginnings, he's built himself a business empire in Gotham. Michaelston looks like the model citizen. He employs thousands of people, providing good pay and benefits. He conducts fund-raisers and is second only to Wayne Enterprises in charity contributions."
"Beneath this impeccable exterior lies a criminal kingpin." Bruce disapprovingly asserts. "Drugs are simply the latest market he's chosen to tap into. Richard keeps himself so well insulated that, as Dick noted, no one has ever been able to tie him to any of his unscrupulous ventures."
"Michaelston apparently got word of the cops' impending sting and he deployed Spike Denton to circumvent it." The very mention of Denton's name instills an added anger into Bruce's tone. His teeth clench as he continues. "As hoods go, Billy Denton is as nasty as they come. He has shown violent tendencies dating back to his early adolescence. His rap sheet is a mile long. He's a peerless car thief and has done time for other assorted offenses."
"Three years ago Denton added 'hitman' to his resume." Batman recounts. "He executed a key witness under protective custody, effectively destroying the case the DA was trying to make against racketeer Milo Devlin. A strong prosecution against Devlin very well could have led to tangible evidence implicating Michaelston. I tracked Billy Denton down the following night. He was caught red-handed with the incriminating 38-special, setting up what should have been an 'open and shut' case."
Alfred gasps with sudden recognition as he makes a key connection. "William Denton? Of course!" he exclaims. "Was he not the ruffian who got off scot-free because the murder weapon somehow managed to disappear from the police evidence room?" Bruce affirms Pennyworth's recollection. "That pistol was the only concrete evidence proving Denton's guilt. Without it, the DA had no realistic choice but to drop the charges."
"Commissioner Gordon was as livid as I was over this debacle." the hero recalls. "He knew there had to be a dirty cop within his department and he was determined to weed him out. A thorough investigation commenced with the commissioner playing a very active role. Ten days later, with detectives closing in, officer Dennis Krukow was found dead, the victim of a highly professional assassination."
"Spike Denton left Gotham City after his misbegotten reprieve." Dick explains. "Apparently he drifted from place to place, engaging in various criminal activities along the way. To our knowledge, he had refrained from killing until returning to his native Gotham City ninety days ago."
"I understand that this Denton scoundrel was involved in a deadly shootout with the narcotics officers." Alfred interjects. "Two cops and two thugs died in the exchange while Denton and a partner fled the scene. Obviously neither you nor Batgirl were in the vicinity at that time. How then, may I ask, did you and Miss Barbara happen upon the two suspects?"
For the briefest of moments, Bruce is taken aback. At no point during the trial was there any mention or even speculation regarding the Batman's involvement in the incident. Alfred Pennyworth has known Bruce Wayne since he was a toddler. As such, the Wayne butler has unique insight into Bruce. Alfred instinctively knows that the Batman was on that rooftop with Batgirl during the fateful confrontation with Billy 'Spike' Denton.
"Barbara and I were on opposite ends of Gotham City when news of the shootings broke." the multi-millionaire remembers. "The police band reported that the felons had escaped via the subway. Given the available trains at that time of day and the likely police resistance to be met, we each separately concluded that the suspects had fled to the Kane Heights area. Babs, of course, lives in Kane Heights, but I heard the police report ten minutes earlier than she did. We therefore converged upon the scene simultaneously."
"There are two subway stops in Kane Heights, situated about a mile and a half apart." the Batman notes. "I took Stop A while Batgirl sped towards the other. It turned out that she had guessed correctly. The two suspects had already exited the subway system by the time Barbara had arrived. Denton and his ally, a punk named A.J. Coles, had momentarily split up to swiftly get their hands on needed cash, food and transportation. Batgirl spotted Coles leaving a convenience store. Although she was unfamiliar with the two-bit thug, he clearly matched the description of one of the fugitives."
"There was enough civilian traffic in the vicinity that Batgirl feared a direct confrontation. She stashed her motorcycle in a side alley and stealthily closed in upon Coles. Suddenly her quarry was joined on the sidewalk by his partner. Barbara recognized Spike Denton immediately. She was shocked, as was I. We both were sickened when that killer had walked away a free man three years earlier. Now he had returned to Gotham and murdered two undercover policeman. That was it. Batgirl and I wanted him desperately."
"Barbara trailed the two men while I hurried to join her." the caped crusader recollects. "Unfortunately, they were about to bolt town. Denton spied a parked Mustang which he considered as an easy mark for a getaway vehicle. Batgirl had no choice but to intervene. She punctured the right front tire of the auto to disable it. Babs veered well around her foes, leaving them a rather wide berth. Superficially it appeared to the thugs that she had made a tactical error. Of course, that's exactly what she wanted them to think. The two men fled on foot through side streets and alleys. Batgirl was running them away from innocent bystanders right in the direction from which I was approaching."
"I was still four blocks away when the chase reached the old Metro Shipping offices." Batman continues. "Denton decided they should try to lose Batgirl inside the building. He penetrated a vulnerable side entrance while the winded Coles struggled to catch up. Babs swooped through the alley on her Batrope and clobbered Coles a few yards short of the door. She intended to hog-tie the accomplice before venturing inside in pursuit of the primary target. To her surprise, Spike sprung out from the door frame and opened fire. Batgirl instinctively dove for cover, but the first two shots were not meant for her. Denton deliberately snuffed out his partner to ensure his silence!"
"As the cowardly shooter scurried back indoors, Barbara rushed to the fallen Coles' side. Her natural instinct was to try to save him, but one look at the severity of his injuries made her realize it was hopeless. A.J. Coles was just seconds away from death. Batgirl glanced momentarily at her utility belt, wishing that somehow she could devise a means of easing his terrible agony. Her honorable, yet naive, compassion proved costly. Fueled by evil and hatred, Coles summoned his every remaining erg of energy. The thug plunged his switchblade deep into unsuspecting Barbara's lower torso."
Alfred grimaces upon hearing these details. Dick remains atypically stoic. From Bruce's tone and delivery, it is clear to the butler that his employer harbors conflicting feelings in this matter. The Batman has come to respect Barbara Gordon greatly. He values the contributions she makes as a Congresswoman. As Batgirl, she has earned his trust and is considered an invaluable ally. Nonetheless, Bruce is very disappointed. He won't voice it aloud, but the Batman believes that Barbara blatantly erred; she was stabbed due to her own carelessness.
"With Coles dead, Babs gamely pursued Denton into the building." Wayne narrates. "He was unaware of her injury and, as all good crime fighters should, she masked the pain to keep her foe in the dark about her new vulnerability. Denton was spooked and he ascended five flights of stairs to reach the roof."
"Barbara periodically updated me during her chase." Bruce explains. "I was apprised of Coles' death and I knew Denton was going for the roof. Alas, and I suppose I have my own poor example to blame, Batgirl was too stubborn to report that she had been grievously stabbed."
"By then, I was 200 yards away on a rooftop across the street when I spotted Denton." the hero vividly recalls. "Although he did not see me, he was nonetheless hightailing toward the far reaches of his roof. This was doubly bad. There is fire escape laddering which he could have used to climb safely down to ground level. Additionally, Barbara had parked her Batgirl-cycle in that very alley. Granted Babs is very protective of her wheels. She's built the motorcycle to be virtually theft-proof, but Billy Denton is an expert. Even he most probably couldn't hot-wire it with only thirty seconds lead time, but I didn't want to chance it."
"Seemingly on queue, Batgirl emerged on the Metro rooftop via the service doorway. Thirty feet separated she and Denton. Barbara runs like a gazelle, so all she needed was a little help to catch up to him. I hurled my Batarang across the divide. It struck the felon on the left knee, resulting in a broken kneecap.
"I swung across the street on my Bat-line while Batgirl converged upon her prey." the Batman recounts. "It was only then that I realized something was very wrong. Barbara was unusually slow and a bit unsteady. I could tell she was injured, but Denton could not. He was so frantic in his desire to elude capture that he stumbled awkwardly away from her. Frightened and in pain, Denton lost all sense of where he was. Batgirl tried to prevent his fall, but in her weakened state she failed."
"Barbara had collapsed and instinctively rolled back away from the ledge when I reached her. She was conscious, but in great pain. Meanwhile, I could hear a considerable commotion from below. Denton had survived the drop, but he was in bad shape. A passerby had just called 911, thus leaving me free to tend to Batgirl."
"So may I presume, sir," Alfred theorizes "that from this point you whisked Batgirl away and concocted a cover story that Miss Gordon had been assaulted in her civilian guise?" Bruce nods affirmatively. "Now having watched you and Master Dick over the years, you need not convince me of the utmost importance of safeguarding your true identities. You were protecting her long-term best interests, at her encouragement no doubt."
Alfred is intensely loyal to Bruce Wayne and his costumed alter ego. He is an invaluable asset to the crime fighter in a behind-the-scenes capacity. Pennyworth understands, as well as humanly possible that is, the inner demons which continuously drive the Batman. The butler is one of the few people whose opinion Bruce truly values. While always respectful, Alfred is rarely shy about questioning his employer when he fears Wayne's obsessiveness is becoming self-destructive. This is nearly such an occasion. Alfred disapproves of risking Batgirl's life for the sake of her secret identity. He opts to let it go, however, for Barbara Gordon survived the ordeal and now there are other concerns to address.
"There are still a couple items which confuse me, Master Bruce." the butler notes. "You were there. You can corroborate that Batgirl did not shove this Denton character off of that rooftop, yet you have not done so. Why?" A seemingly endless stretch of silence ensues. This is a sore subject which has haunted the Batman's thoughts during the investigation and trial. Sensing his reluctance, Alfred poses his other query. "I also don't understand how there has been no suspicion that Barbara Gordon is Batgirl, your extreme cover tactics notwithstanding. Miss Barbara was severely stabbed, causing extensive blood loss. The police reached the roof long before you could have returned to clean things up. Her blood should have been found throughout that crime scene."
"CSI did find blood evidence on the rooftop." the Batman responds. "They subsequently identified it as that of Barbara Gordon. Fortunately there were only trace amounts found due to Babs' ingenuity. She constructed her crime fighting garb from very resilient and flexible materials. As such the fabric was not shredded by the switchblade; rather it was punctured at the point of impact. The majority of the bleeding was contained due to the smallness of the slit. Batgirl's cover story included her finding an injured Barbara Gordon just prior to her confrontation with Denton, thus explaining residual traces of Gordon's blood being left at the scene."
"Regarding your first question Alfred, this is a situation that I am anything but proud of." Bruce speaks with highly uncharacteristic humility. "I never intended to hang Batgirl out to dry, but we each made mistakes which circumstances allowed to snowball against her."
The Batman explains that his focus was on Barbara's health and her secret identity. After staging the Barbara Gordon assault, the caped crusader contacted his Justice League ally, the Martian Manhunter. He filled J'Onn in on Batgirl's tricky predicament. To conduct a proper investigation, the Gotham police surely needed to question the heroine about the incident. Barbara was in no condition to accommodate them; therefore J'Onn agreed to use his shape-shifting abilities to impersonate Batgirl.
As per Batman's instructions, the disguised Martian Manhunter kept Batgirl's story as close to the truth as possible. Fabrication was limited to those facts which threatened to compromise Babs' dual identity. Additionally, Bruce suggested that 'Batgirl' make no mention of the Batman's presence that evening. He reasoned that if the G.C.P.D. knew that both Batman and Batgirl were on hand, they would take issue with the fact that neither saw fit to descend to street level to check on Spike Denton's condition. By her lonesome, Batgirl could justify her departure by citing the need check on the status of the stricken Barbara Gordon.
When formulating this plan, the Batman did not anticipate that Batgirl would be perceived as the instigator of Denton's fall. The detectives assigned the case kept their suspicions to themselves as they gathered evidence. It wasn't until the following week that the news was leaked. With eyewitnesses and a video tape, the District Attorney's office was suddenly on the spot. Prosecutor Milton Price reluctantly filed charges against the super heroine, based upon what he considered to be "powerful evidence of guilt."
Bruce Wayne visited a recuperating Barbara Gordon at Gotham General Hospital. The Congresswoman had already learned of the impending charges from her father. Bruce reassured her that should Batgirl go to trial, the Batman would testify on her behalf. To his astonishment, Barbara outright rejected his offer.
Miss Gordon believed that Bruce would be placing himself into unnecessary peril by testifying. She reasoned that they were both duty bound to speak the truth outside of her identity cover-up. Neither the police nor the prosecution suspected the Batman's presence; Batgirl was not obligated to reveal it. Were this to become known, they would have to admit that it was the Batman's Batarang which struck Denton. The criminal fell in large part because of the knee injury and loss of balance incurred from this blow. Conceivably, the prosecutor could therefore jointly charge Batman.
Bruce argued that the potential case against the Batman was unconvincing and likely would never be made. Babs disagreed. Playacting as a district attorney, she emphasized the thirty feet separating Batgirl and Denton when the hero hurled his weapon. Gordon suggested that the faith Batman showed in Batgirl's quickness could easily be twisted into reckless endangerment of the suspect. Babs further opined that Bruce Wayne had far more to lose than Barbara Gordon, should their heroic personas be convicted. Every criminal with an ax to grind would inevitably salivate at the prospect of suing the multi-millionaire for supposed damages or distresses attributed to the Batman.
*****
"Sir, I can appreciate Miss Gordon's concern over drawing you into legal quicksand," Alfred comments, "but with all due respect I find it hard to believe the DA would press charges against you in these circumstances. Given all you've done for Gotham City, surely the Batman has earned some latitude regarding the benefit of doubt."
"Normally I would tend to agree," Bruce responds, "but Barbara's instincts are very sharp. She knows that Richard Michaelston is calling in some markers on this case. Commissioner Gordon has long been my biggest supporter in the GCPD, dating back to his days as a captain. It's no coincidence that the commissioner was kept in the dark about the investigation of Batgirl until after the circumstantial evidence had been made public. By then, Milton Price really had no choice but to file an indictment."
"So you and Master Dick suspect that Batgirl has been set up by Michaelston?" the butler theorizes. "Not necessarily." Nightwing replies. "We've watched the trial very closely. The jury appears to be legitimate. The evidence all seemed proper. True, Spike Denton sensationalized his testimony. He made Batgirl out to be a wolf stalking her prey. Unfortunately, the witnesses and video tape make his outlandish version of events sound plausible."
"Further frustrating is the fact that the Justice League has virtually tied my hands on this matter!" the Batman laments. "My colleagues were rather displeased when they learned that I had drawn the League into a sticky situation. This was not simply a secret identity issue. By posing as Batgirl, the Martian Manhunter abetted a fabrication which I had initiated. Despite my just intentions, many Leaguers feared that this could be construed by the courts and the public as an abuse of our powers."
"The JLA reasoned that Batgirl should not be held accountable for the actions of J'Onn and I." Bruce recalls. "Many of the members have at some point had the opportunity to work with Batgirl. She is well-regarded; therefore the League voted to extend its 'Superhero Exemption' privilege to her. With some reluctance, J'Onn J'Onnz was permitted to again stand in as Batgirl during Barbara Gordon's testimony. In exchange for these concessions, Superman and Wonder Woman insisted that I refrain from working this case until the conclusion of the trial."
"Speaking of which ..." Pennyworth interjects somewhat hesitantly, "How do you think the jury will rule?" The Batman's eyes stare coldly at the far wall of the Batcave. Several seconds of quiet pass until the butler's question faintly echoes back from the deep, dark cavern. Then the cave once again goes silent.
Alfred Pennyworth chuckles at the irony. "It would seem, Master Dick, that you echo the very sentiments I have so often espoused. How many times have you or Master Bruce ventured out into the night, ignoring debilitating illness or injury?" Dick tries to reason that the situations are vastly different, but the butler is quick with his retort. "My physician's orders do not restrict me to complete bed rest. I am encouraged to walk regularly and engage in mild activity. I hardly think washing a glass and soup bowl is considered overly taxing."
To appease Grayson, Alfred takes a seat at the small kitchen table. He beckons Dick to join him. "To be blunt, I was hoping to have a word with you ... alone." the butler admits. Dick nods his head, knowing full well the subject to be broached. "I am most troubled about Miss Barbara." Pennyworth states. "From this morning's paper and the noontime news reports, it appears that she faces a rather distressing predicament. Clearly your return to Gotham is not just on my behalf; you're rightfully here to help her in time of need. Would you care to fill me in on what I've missed?"
Dick Grayson hesitates for a moment. Four months ago, Alfred entered the renowned Metropolis Cancer Clinic to undergo surgery and post-operation treatment for colon cancer. While the procedure went well, the recovery has been long and tedious. Seeking to minimize his stress, Bruce and Dick both agreed to shield him from all news concerning Batgirl's plight.
"I realize that all of you have been trying to protect me." Alfred observes. "Miss Barbara has never even hinted about her travails in any of her letters. I understand why, but I'm back on my feet now and don't need or desire pampering. I don't believe the majority of the news reports; I want to know what really happened!"
"Fair enough," Dick responds. "but Bruce is the one who should tell you."
*****
The frustration is clearly evident upon the face of Bruce Wayne. Dressed in the familiar garb of the Batman, his cowl hangs loosely behind his head. The Batcave is his sanctuary where typically he studies his adversaries and fanatically prepares himself for the daily grind. Fighting crime is a mission to the Batman. His remarkable success and reputation are due to relentless dedication. He often thwarts the criminal element through sheer effort. How difficult it is then for him to accept circumstances which effectively stonewall his tactics and resources.
"It was an early evening, three months ago." Bruce solemnly begins as Alfred and Dick listen intently. "A Gotham narcotics unit was working an undercover assignment. The cops believed that their operation was going smoothly and they were fully prepared to make an arrest the moment the transaction was consummated. Unfortunately, they miscalculated in two ways. The dealers had somehow seen through their cover and were ready for them. Secondly, and more significantly, the drug ring ultimately traced itself back to Richard Michaelston. This meant a decidedly heavy-handed counter-strike."
"Richard Michaelston, sir?" Alfred inquires. "I know you've been after him for some time, but I did not realize he was involved in the drug trafficking business." Both Dick and Bruce nod. "Neither did we." Nightwing admits. "Then again, Michaelston always has been next to impossible to pin anything on. Superficially, the man is a legend in this city. From humble beginnings, he's built himself a business empire in Gotham. Michaelston looks like the model citizen. He employs thousands of people, providing good pay and benefits. He conducts fund-raisers and is second only to Wayne Enterprises in charity contributions."
"Beneath this impeccable exterior lies a criminal kingpin." Bruce disapprovingly asserts. "Drugs are simply the latest market he's chosen to tap into. Richard keeps himself so well insulated that, as Dick noted, no one has ever been able to tie him to any of his unscrupulous ventures."
"Michaelston apparently got word of the cops' impending sting and he deployed Spike Denton to circumvent it." The very mention of Denton's name instills an added anger into Bruce's tone. His teeth clench as he continues. "As hoods go, Billy Denton is as nasty as they come. He has shown violent tendencies dating back to his early adolescence. His rap sheet is a mile long. He's a peerless car thief and has done time for other assorted offenses."
"Three years ago Denton added 'hitman' to his resume." Batman recounts. "He executed a key witness under protective custody, effectively destroying the case the DA was trying to make against racketeer Milo Devlin. A strong prosecution against Devlin very well could have led to tangible evidence implicating Michaelston. I tracked Billy Denton down the following night. He was caught red-handed with the incriminating 38-special, setting up what should have been an 'open and shut' case."
Alfred gasps with sudden recognition as he makes a key connection. "William Denton? Of course!" he exclaims. "Was he not the ruffian who got off scot-free because the murder weapon somehow managed to disappear from the police evidence room?" Bruce affirms Pennyworth's recollection. "That pistol was the only concrete evidence proving Denton's guilt. Without it, the DA had no realistic choice but to drop the charges."
"Commissioner Gordon was as livid as I was over this debacle." the hero recalls. "He knew there had to be a dirty cop within his department and he was determined to weed him out. A thorough investigation commenced with the commissioner playing a very active role. Ten days later, with detectives closing in, officer Dennis Krukow was found dead, the victim of a highly professional assassination."
"Spike Denton left Gotham City after his misbegotten reprieve." Dick explains. "Apparently he drifted from place to place, engaging in various criminal activities along the way. To our knowledge, he had refrained from killing until returning to his native Gotham City ninety days ago."
"I understand that this Denton scoundrel was involved in a deadly shootout with the narcotics officers." Alfred interjects. "Two cops and two thugs died in the exchange while Denton and a partner fled the scene. Obviously neither you nor Batgirl were in the vicinity at that time. How then, may I ask, did you and Miss Barbara happen upon the two suspects?"
For the briefest of moments, Bruce is taken aback. At no point during the trial was there any mention or even speculation regarding the Batman's involvement in the incident. Alfred Pennyworth has known Bruce Wayne since he was a toddler. As such, the Wayne butler has unique insight into Bruce. Alfred instinctively knows that the Batman was on that rooftop with Batgirl during the fateful confrontation with Billy 'Spike' Denton.
"Barbara and I were on opposite ends of Gotham City when news of the shootings broke." the multi-millionaire remembers. "The police band reported that the felons had escaped via the subway. Given the available trains at that time of day and the likely police resistance to be met, we each separately concluded that the suspects had fled to the Kane Heights area. Babs, of course, lives in Kane Heights, but I heard the police report ten minutes earlier than she did. We therefore converged upon the scene simultaneously."
"There are two subway stops in Kane Heights, situated about a mile and a half apart." the Batman notes. "I took Stop A while Batgirl sped towards the other. It turned out that she had guessed correctly. The two suspects had already exited the subway system by the time Barbara had arrived. Denton and his ally, a punk named A.J. Coles, had momentarily split up to swiftly get their hands on needed cash, food and transportation. Batgirl spotted Coles leaving a convenience store. Although she was unfamiliar with the two-bit thug, he clearly matched the description of one of the fugitives."
"There was enough civilian traffic in the vicinity that Batgirl feared a direct confrontation. She stashed her motorcycle in a side alley and stealthily closed in upon Coles. Suddenly her quarry was joined on the sidewalk by his partner. Barbara recognized Spike Denton immediately. She was shocked, as was I. We both were sickened when that killer had walked away a free man three years earlier. Now he had returned to Gotham and murdered two undercover policeman. That was it. Batgirl and I wanted him desperately."
"Barbara trailed the two men while I hurried to join her." the caped crusader recollects. "Unfortunately, they were about to bolt town. Denton spied a parked Mustang which he considered as an easy mark for a getaway vehicle. Batgirl had no choice but to intervene. She punctured the right front tire of the auto to disable it. Babs veered well around her foes, leaving them a rather wide berth. Superficially it appeared to the thugs that she had made a tactical error. Of course, that's exactly what she wanted them to think. The two men fled on foot through side streets and alleys. Batgirl was running them away from innocent bystanders right in the direction from which I was approaching."
"I was still four blocks away when the chase reached the old Metro Shipping offices." Batman continues. "Denton decided they should try to lose Batgirl inside the building. He penetrated a vulnerable side entrance while the winded Coles struggled to catch up. Babs swooped through the alley on her Batrope and clobbered Coles a few yards short of the door. She intended to hog-tie the accomplice before venturing inside in pursuit of the primary target. To her surprise, Spike sprung out from the door frame and opened fire. Batgirl instinctively dove for cover, but the first two shots were not meant for her. Denton deliberately snuffed out his partner to ensure his silence!"
"As the cowardly shooter scurried back indoors, Barbara rushed to the fallen Coles' side. Her natural instinct was to try to save him, but one look at the severity of his injuries made her realize it was hopeless. A.J. Coles was just seconds away from death. Batgirl glanced momentarily at her utility belt, wishing that somehow she could devise a means of easing his terrible agony. Her honorable, yet naive, compassion proved costly. Fueled by evil and hatred, Coles summoned his every remaining erg of energy. The thug plunged his switchblade deep into unsuspecting Barbara's lower torso."
Alfred grimaces upon hearing these details. Dick remains atypically stoic. From Bruce's tone and delivery, it is clear to the butler that his employer harbors conflicting feelings in this matter. The Batman has come to respect Barbara Gordon greatly. He values the contributions she makes as a Congresswoman. As Batgirl, she has earned his trust and is considered an invaluable ally. Nonetheless, Bruce is very disappointed. He won't voice it aloud, but the Batman believes that Barbara blatantly erred; she was stabbed due to her own carelessness.
"With Coles dead, Babs gamely pursued Denton into the building." Wayne narrates. "He was unaware of her injury and, as all good crime fighters should, she masked the pain to keep her foe in the dark about her new vulnerability. Denton was spooked and he ascended five flights of stairs to reach the roof."
"Barbara periodically updated me during her chase." Bruce explains. "I was apprised of Coles' death and I knew Denton was going for the roof. Alas, and I suppose I have my own poor example to blame, Batgirl was too stubborn to report that she had been grievously stabbed."
"By then, I was 200 yards away on a rooftop across the street when I spotted Denton." the hero vividly recalls. "Although he did not see me, he was nonetheless hightailing toward the far reaches of his roof. This was doubly bad. There is fire escape laddering which he could have used to climb safely down to ground level. Additionally, Barbara had parked her Batgirl-cycle in that very alley. Granted Babs is very protective of her wheels. She's built the motorcycle to be virtually theft-proof, but Billy Denton is an expert. Even he most probably couldn't hot-wire it with only thirty seconds lead time, but I didn't want to chance it."
"Seemingly on queue, Batgirl emerged on the Metro rooftop via the service doorway. Thirty feet separated she and Denton. Barbara runs like a gazelle, so all she needed was a little help to catch up to him. I hurled my Batarang across the divide. It struck the felon on the left knee, resulting in a broken kneecap.
"I swung across the street on my Bat-line while Batgirl converged upon her prey." the Batman recounts. "It was only then that I realized something was very wrong. Barbara was unusually slow and a bit unsteady. I could tell she was injured, but Denton could not. He was so frantic in his desire to elude capture that he stumbled awkwardly away from her. Frightened and in pain, Denton lost all sense of where he was. Batgirl tried to prevent his fall, but in her weakened state she failed."
"Barbara had collapsed and instinctively rolled back away from the ledge when I reached her. She was conscious, but in great pain. Meanwhile, I could hear a considerable commotion from below. Denton had survived the drop, but he was in bad shape. A passerby had just called 911, thus leaving me free to tend to Batgirl."
"So may I presume, sir," Alfred theorizes "that from this point you whisked Batgirl away and concocted a cover story that Miss Gordon had been assaulted in her civilian guise?" Bruce nods affirmatively. "Now having watched you and Master Dick over the years, you need not convince me of the utmost importance of safeguarding your true identities. You were protecting her long-term best interests, at her encouragement no doubt."
Alfred is intensely loyal to Bruce Wayne and his costumed alter ego. He is an invaluable asset to the crime fighter in a behind-the-scenes capacity. Pennyworth understands, as well as humanly possible that is, the inner demons which continuously drive the Batman. The butler is one of the few people whose opinion Bruce truly values. While always respectful, Alfred is rarely shy about questioning his employer when he fears Wayne's obsessiveness is becoming self-destructive. This is nearly such an occasion. Alfred disapproves of risking Batgirl's life for the sake of her secret identity. He opts to let it go, however, for Barbara Gordon survived the ordeal and now there are other concerns to address.
"There are still a couple items which confuse me, Master Bruce." the butler notes. "You were there. You can corroborate that Batgirl did not shove this Denton character off of that rooftop, yet you have not done so. Why?" A seemingly endless stretch of silence ensues. This is a sore subject which has haunted the Batman's thoughts during the investigation and trial. Sensing his reluctance, Alfred poses his other query. "I also don't understand how there has been no suspicion that Barbara Gordon is Batgirl, your extreme cover tactics notwithstanding. Miss Barbara was severely stabbed, causing extensive blood loss. The police reached the roof long before you could have returned to clean things up. Her blood should have been found throughout that crime scene."
"CSI did find blood evidence on the rooftop." the Batman responds. "They subsequently identified it as that of Barbara Gordon. Fortunately there were only trace amounts found due to Babs' ingenuity. She constructed her crime fighting garb from very resilient and flexible materials. As such the fabric was not shredded by the switchblade; rather it was punctured at the point of impact. The majority of the bleeding was contained due to the smallness of the slit. Batgirl's cover story included her finding an injured Barbara Gordon just prior to her confrontation with Denton, thus explaining residual traces of Gordon's blood being left at the scene."
"Regarding your first question Alfred, this is a situation that I am anything but proud of." Bruce speaks with highly uncharacteristic humility. "I never intended to hang Batgirl out to dry, but we each made mistakes which circumstances allowed to snowball against her."
The Batman explains that his focus was on Barbara's health and her secret identity. After staging the Barbara Gordon assault, the caped crusader contacted his Justice League ally, the Martian Manhunter. He filled J'Onn in on Batgirl's tricky predicament. To conduct a proper investigation, the Gotham police surely needed to question the heroine about the incident. Barbara was in no condition to accommodate them; therefore J'Onn agreed to use his shape-shifting abilities to impersonate Batgirl.
As per Batman's instructions, the disguised Martian Manhunter kept Batgirl's story as close to the truth as possible. Fabrication was limited to those facts which threatened to compromise Babs' dual identity. Additionally, Bruce suggested that 'Batgirl' make no mention of the Batman's presence that evening. He reasoned that if the G.C.P.D. knew that both Batman and Batgirl were on hand, they would take issue with the fact that neither saw fit to descend to street level to check on Spike Denton's condition. By her lonesome, Batgirl could justify her departure by citing the need check on the status of the stricken Barbara Gordon.
When formulating this plan, the Batman did not anticipate that Batgirl would be perceived as the instigator of Denton's fall. The detectives assigned the case kept their suspicions to themselves as they gathered evidence. It wasn't until the following week that the news was leaked. With eyewitnesses and a video tape, the District Attorney's office was suddenly on the spot. Prosecutor Milton Price reluctantly filed charges against the super heroine, based upon what he considered to be "powerful evidence of guilt."
Bruce Wayne visited a recuperating Barbara Gordon at Gotham General Hospital. The Congresswoman had already learned of the impending charges from her father. Bruce reassured her that should Batgirl go to trial, the Batman would testify on her behalf. To his astonishment, Barbara outright rejected his offer.
Miss Gordon believed that Bruce would be placing himself into unnecessary peril by testifying. She reasoned that they were both duty bound to speak the truth outside of her identity cover-up. Neither the police nor the prosecution suspected the Batman's presence; Batgirl was not obligated to reveal it. Were this to become known, they would have to admit that it was the Batman's Batarang which struck Denton. The criminal fell in large part because of the knee injury and loss of balance incurred from this blow. Conceivably, the prosecutor could therefore jointly charge Batman.
Bruce argued that the potential case against the Batman was unconvincing and likely would never be made. Babs disagreed. Playacting as a district attorney, she emphasized the thirty feet separating Batgirl and Denton when the hero hurled his weapon. Gordon suggested that the faith Batman showed in Batgirl's quickness could easily be twisted into reckless endangerment of the suspect. Babs further opined that Bruce Wayne had far more to lose than Barbara Gordon, should their heroic personas be convicted. Every criminal with an ax to grind would inevitably salivate at the prospect of suing the multi-millionaire for supposed damages or distresses attributed to the Batman.
*****
"Sir, I can appreciate Miss Gordon's concern over drawing you into legal quicksand," Alfred comments, "but with all due respect I find it hard to believe the DA would press charges against you in these circumstances. Given all you've done for Gotham City, surely the Batman has earned some latitude regarding the benefit of doubt."
"Normally I would tend to agree," Bruce responds, "but Barbara's instincts are very sharp. She knows that Richard Michaelston is calling in some markers on this case. Commissioner Gordon has long been my biggest supporter in the GCPD, dating back to his days as a captain. It's no coincidence that the commissioner was kept in the dark about the investigation of Batgirl until after the circumstantial evidence had been made public. By then, Milton Price really had no choice but to file an indictment."
"So you and Master Dick suspect that Batgirl has been set up by Michaelston?" the butler theorizes. "Not necessarily." Nightwing replies. "We've watched the trial very closely. The jury appears to be legitimate. The evidence all seemed proper. True, Spike Denton sensationalized his testimony. He made Batgirl out to be a wolf stalking her prey. Unfortunately, the witnesses and video tape make his outlandish version of events sound plausible."
"Further frustrating is the fact that the Justice League has virtually tied my hands on this matter!" the Batman laments. "My colleagues were rather displeased when they learned that I had drawn the League into a sticky situation. This was not simply a secret identity issue. By posing as Batgirl, the Martian Manhunter abetted a fabrication which I had initiated. Despite my just intentions, many Leaguers feared that this could be construed by the courts and the public as an abuse of our powers."
"The JLA reasoned that Batgirl should not be held accountable for the actions of J'Onn and I." Bruce recalls. "Many of the members have at some point had the opportunity to work with Batgirl. She is well-regarded; therefore the League voted to extend its 'Superhero Exemption' privilege to her. With some reluctance, J'Onn J'Onnz was permitted to again stand in as Batgirl during Barbara Gordon's testimony. In exchange for these concessions, Superman and Wonder Woman insisted that I refrain from working this case until the conclusion of the trial."
"Speaking of which ..." Pennyworth interjects somewhat hesitantly, "How do you think the jury will rule?" The Batman's eyes stare coldly at the far wall of the Batcave. Several seconds of quiet pass until the butler's question faintly echoes back from the deep, dark cavern. Then the cave once again goes silent.