October 7, 2003.
James Gordon went up to the roof of the Gotham PD building once again. He hadn't been up there very much since he was bailed out of jail, and never at this time so late in the day. It was too cold to be standing out for very long, but he really needed to think. His trial would be coming up in a few days, and he wasn't sure how it was going to go. Sure, he knew that the truth was on his side, but Zucco's diabolical machinations seemed to have the upper hand to the truth this time. Somehow, Acting Commissioner McGuinness had spirited away not only the bullet from Atkins' gun, but also the documentation of the ballistics test. This he knew, but without proof, it was all just an exercise in futility.
"I
know where your evidence is."
Gordon spun around, jumping back at the sight of the large shadow in front of
him. It had spoken to him, but he
wasn't sure what it said. He tried to
stealthily reach for his gun.
"W-what?" Gordon asked.
"I know where the evidence that McGuinness took from you is," Batman answered calmly.
"How
do you know that?"
Batman ignored the question. "It's
concealed inside a hidden area of his desk."
"Why should I believe you?"
"Because you want the truth. It's your decision."
Gordon looked up at the night sky, considering what the shadow had said. He looked down, about to ask another question, but the caped figure had disappeared. Gordon ran to the edge of the roof, looking for any sign of the man, but there was none. He shook his head in disbelief, almost wondering if it had been a dream, and then he went inside.
October 9, 2003.
Assistant Commissioner Gordon took my advice, and found the evidence that proved not only Nick Atkins' guilt, but Luke McGuinness' as well. McGuinness quickly made bail, but I don't think there's much chance that even Zucco can get him off of this one. Although, chances are just as likely that McGuinness will go State's Witness to save his own hide. That would be very harmful to Zucco, which reminds me there's some unfinished business I may have already waited too long to take care of.
Luke McGuinness sat in his home uneasily, trying to watch television. He knew that, one way or the other, his mistake in dealing with Atkins and Gordon would cost him dearly. He wasn't sure how; either Zucco would hurt him, or he would be in prison for years, or both.
Suddenly, McGuinness heard a noise. Was somebody in his house? He turned to the doorway, and saw the dim, shadowy outline of a man. The dim light from the TV wasn't enough to make out his features. McGuinness saw the silhouette of the man's hand reach for the light-switch, and turn it on.
"Nick Atkins," McGuiness said, instantly recognizing the man in the full light.
"Yeah, hey, by the way, thanks for getting me out of jail." McGuinness saw Atkins raise a gun, and then he saw no more.
About fifteen minutes later…
Batman cruised to a stop on his motorcycle at Luke McGuinness' house, and quickly got off, sensing trouble. He looked around the street to make sure no one was out, and then stealthily moved toward the front door. As if to confirm his apprehension, the door was ajar, unlocked.
"This isn't good," Batman said grimly, already knowing what he would see. He crept inside into McGuinness' living room, and found, bathed in the light of the television, McGuinness himself, lying back in his chair, dead.
"Too late."
Continued…
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