"Black Cats"
CH 2: I'M INNOCENT
Wednesday (Day 3)
Hawkgirl awoke when someone poked her arm. She sat up and noticed Green Lantern standing beside her. It was then that she realized that she had been asleep in the recovery room of the Watchtower. When he gave her a smile, she smiled in return.
"You all right? Yesterday, you took a pretty good blow to the head." The ex- marine's glowing green eyes held concern.
"I'm fine." She climbed off of the bed, with GL's help, and stood. "How's Flash?"
"Oh, the kid's okay. He went home last night."
"Are J'onn and Diana here?"
He shook his head. "No. J'onn is with Superman, and Wonder Woman is...somewhere."
Hawkgirl nodded. "So, we're alone?"
"I guess so." He paused for a second and then motioned toward the door. "You hungry? I think if we put our minds together, we could whip something tasty up."
She laughed. "I guess so, but don't get your hopes up. I couldn't make anything very tasty."
Green Lantern touched her forearm. "Somehow, I doubt that."
~
Bruce sat up in his bed to see Selina standing before a mirror. She wore one of his dress shirts and was trying to pull her hair up. She looked wonderful in the morning light.
"You look good in my shirt," he commented.
Selina spun around and smirked. "You think so?"
"Oh yeah. You look even better in my arms and between my sheets." He patted the area beside him, indicating her to sit there. When she crawled to the place he had patted, Bruce pulled an envelope from the nightstand. He handed it to Selina. "Here."
"What's this?" She carefully opened the ivory colored envelope and pulled out the card that was inside. Shaped like a black cat, the card had gold trimming and gold eyes. Selina then opened the card and read. "'You are cordially invited to the Black Cat Ball at the Gotham Hotel on the fourteenth of the sixth month. The full moon, black tie event will begin at eight o'clock.' Bruce..." She smiled and raised her bright green eyes to look at her lover. "Oh my God."
"Keep reading."
"Uh... oh. 'The Ball will benefit the many homeless animals in our city by providing them shelters, food, and medicine. – Bruce Wayne of Wayne Enterprises.'"
Bruce slid closer to Selina. "Do you like it?"
"I love it."
"I had Alfred mail out all the invitations this morning. I was also hoping that you would be my date."
The smile on her face only grew. "Of course!" She hugged Bruce. "I'd love to. It's wonderful!" Selina suddenly tensed up in his embrace. "It's late. I need to go home and take a shower."
"No. Use mine," he suggested. "That way, you don't have to hurry."
~
Clark stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around himself. Once he dried his hair, brushed his teeth, and got dressed at a super speed, he headed into his kitchen. He grabbed a bottle of water and walked to the sitting room. J'onn sat on the couch, watching the television. He had been waiting for Clark to get ready. They were going to take a trip around Metropolis, so the Martian could analyze the humans more closely. He could shape-shift, so hiding his appearance wouldn't be a problem.
"What are you watching, J'onn?"
"It seems to be a nationwide information update."
Clark silently chuckled. "The news?" He focused on the report about a Gotham burglary. "You've got to be joking."
~
The phone rang as Bruce Wayne came down the stairs, fixing his tie. He exchanged greetings with Alfred and pulled on his jacket.
The butler answered, "Wayne Manor." When he learned the caller's name, he handed the phone to Bruce. "Sir, it is Mr. Clark Kent."
"What is it?" he asked when he put the receiver to his ear.
"Bruce," Clark told, "turn on the news. There's something you should see. It's important."
He did as he been told and listened to the reporter's explanation. "Late last night, the Gotham Museum of Natural History was robbed of its newest addition, the Jaded Cat of Cairo. Due to a security camera, finger prints, and a hair sample, there is a warrant out for the arrest of Selina Kyle who has been known to use the persona of Catwoman." Two photos appeared on the television screen: one of Catwoman and one of Selina without the suit. "The police would like your help in her arrest. If you have any information on the whereabouts of –" Bruce muted the TV.
"She must have snuck out last night once I fell asleep," Bruce stated to Clark.
"Obviously."
"I'll call you later." He hung up the phone and saw Selina coming down the stairs in her wrinkled blouse and skirt. "Selina, I need to talk to you right now."
"What of?" Selina asked. When she came to his side, Bruce turned the volume back on. The television immediately caught her attention. "Why am I on the news?"
"You tell me."
The reporter on the program continued to speak. "This footage is the actual film from the security camera that caught Selina Kyle in the act of stealing from the museum. Take a look at this."
Selina's jaw dropped, and she turned to Bruce. "I didn't do that. I was with you all night. I never left. I know this sounds insane, but that wasn't me. I did not rob the museum last night."
"Save it, Selina. They have your fingerprints and some hair. Don't lie."
"If I were you, I probably wouldn't believe me either, but I'm telling the truth. For once, I am really telling the truth." Selina grasped Bruce's arms as tears welled in her eyes. "This has been happening..." Her voice trailed off. "Are you going to call the police?"
"Leave Selina. Go home. Get out of town."
She touched the side of his face and lightly kissed him. "Thank you. I'll contact you as soon as I figure this all out." Selina then left the mansion.
"Alfred?"
"Sir."
Bruce ran a hand through his hair. "What do I do?"
"You're asking me, Master Wayne? Shouldn't this be your decision?" When Bruce didn't answer, Alfred continued. "Well, there are a few options. You could let her go. You could call the police. You could have Batman turn her in."
"But I love her, Alfred," Bruce confirmed.
"Or you could trust her, go against the police, and get to the bottom of this by yourself." The butler handed Bruce the morning paper. "Batman could do it alone by juggling Miss Kyle's safety and the investigation, or you could get help. But then again, what is Batman if he doesn't work alone?" Alfred then walked out of the room.
Bruce then noticed the picture on the front page. It was of Superman saving a woman from a fifth story window; the building was on fire. Bruce's forehead wrinkled as he thought. What could he do? What would he do?
~
Selina swore when she saw the police cars parked in front of her apartment. She drove past her building and turned into an alley a few blocks away. They'd be watching for her car at all the highway exits. Her only chance would be nightfall.
She stopped the car and pulled her Catwoman suit out of the bag that sat in the backseat. Selina found herself staring at the suit.
Catwoman wouldn't run from something like this. She'd get help from an unlikely alley instead.
~
"She'll be out tonight. You have to make sure she never comes home."
"Yes, Mr. Joker."
The Joker cackled and opened a briefcase full of money, worth about two hundred thousand dollars. It was a small price to pay to get the job done. He tossed a bundle of a thousand dollars at the crooked cop. The man slightly nodded.
"That's a sample," the Joker explained. "You'll get the rest when she's dead. Understand?"
"Yes, Sir." The cop's lips curled up into a devilish smile as he rubbed his unshaven chin. His small black eyes stayed focused on the briefcase. "You have nothing to worry about, Mr. Joker."
The Joker narrowed his eyes. "I better not have anything to worry about."
~
"I cannot believe that he has actually asked us all to do this. We're going to be helping a criminal!" Green Lantern complained to Hawkgirl. When she laughed, he raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Nothing. You're just so funny."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Plus, maybe having another girl around the Watchtower will be good for us all, including Flash. He'll have someone else to hit on instead of Diana and me."
GL nodded. "Maybe. Well, I better get to Gotham. I need to meet with Superman and J'onn. I think Flash will join us later."
As he walked away, she mumbled, "Be careful."
~
It had taken Batman only ten minutes since seeing the Batsignal to get to the roof of the police station. When no one was there to greet him, he put his guard up and relied on his senses.
"Commissioner?"
"No," Catwoman answered and stepped out of the shadows. "I did it. I didn't know how else to contact you."
"Last time I checked, this wasn't a pager."
She rolled her eyes. "Last time I checked, it was." When he turned away, she called, "Wait." The thief inhaled and exhaled loudly. Batman noticed the unfocused and nervous expression on her face. "I need your help."
"It's not the first time you've been wanted by the police."
"I know, but it's the first time that I didn't do anything. Someone has framed me, Batman. It's been going on for months. Every city that I've been in, some robbery pointed to me. I thought I was going nuts. I honestly believed that maybe I had been sleepwalking." She thought for a moment and looked down at the floor. "I guess I really don't know what to think anymore."
"Not my problem," he stated loudly. "I offered to help you quit stealing before."
Catwoman's jaw dropped. "It is your problem. If I'm arrested, that imposter will be roaming free and will be your brand new problem."
The door to the roof opened. "Someone's coming," Batman warned. Instantly, Catwoman hid behind the Batsignal. "Commissioner?"
"What's going on here?" Commissioner Gordon asked. "Who turned that on?"
"False alarm. It probably was an accident."
"All right. Before you go, I want to tell you to keep an eye out for your old feline friend, Catwoman. It seems that she's out on the prowl again."
Batman nodded. "Sure."
Catwoman suddenly shifted in the shadows, and the Commissioner noticed. He pulled out his gun in reaction. "Who's there?" Catwoman then ran and jumped off the building.
"I'll go," Batman told and followed her.
~
"Damn," Catwoman cussed when she found herself at the dead end of an alley. The cops were closing I on her and there was nothing that her whip could latch onto. She was trapped.
"Catwoman!" Batman yelled and stopped beside her. He pressed a button on a device of some kind causing a claw to shoot out of it and hook onto the ledge of the building. Batman handed the grapple to her. "Hold this. I'll meet you later." When she nodded, he pressed the same button, and it pulled her up. After she reached the top and climbed onto the roof, she peered over the ledge and down into the alley. Four cops walked toward Batman with their revolvers aimed at him.
"You helped her escape," one of them stated.
"I guess life's a bitch." Batman then threw his Baterang and knocked the guns out of the hands of the officers. He looked up at her and mouthed the word "Go." She nodded.
Catwoman turned and was met with a gun pointed at her forehead. A silencer had been placed on the end of barrel. The cop who had a finger on the trigger also had a twisted grin on his unshaven face. Those black eyes of his held no emotion. She swallowed hard. He had her at a disadvantage.
He laughed. "I have a message for you and the bat. Too bad you won't be able to tell him yourself." He pulled the trigger, but the bullet never hit her.
She blinked and found herself being carried by someone; they were traveling unbelievably fast too. When her savior slowed down, they began to fly. Catwoman could finally make out the "S" on his chest. Her eyes widened.
"Superman? Let me go! I'm not going to allow you to turn me over to the police!" She punched him a couple of times in his chest, but he didn't feel it.
"I'm working with Batman. He asked me to help you."
It was then that she realized Batman had planned on helping her all along, and surprise crossed over her features. Catwoman didn't have to ask him in the first place.
Neither of them noticed the Joker standing on the ledge of the building next to the one they flew over. He tossed a marble onto the other rooftop and ran. Suddenly, it exploded. Superman hadn't expected it. When it blew, he lost grip of Catwoman, and they both went flying in the other direction. She landed hard and knocked her head against something. After that, she couldn't get herself to open her eyes.
~
Green Lantern used his ring to create a shield around the unconscious Catwoman. He lifted her into the air, with the ring's power, and brought her closer to him and the Flash.
"Where's Superman?" GL questioned.
"Right here," he answered as he walked to the other three. "She okay?"
Flash raised an eyebrow. "She's out cold, but she definitely looks real fine that way." He continued to study her. "I can't wait till she wakes up."
"Get your perverted eyes off of her, Flash," Batman ordered as he came to join the others. "What happened?" He kneeled beside Catwoman, and GL took away the shield. Batman began to examine the girl's injury.
Superman explained. "Someone threw a bomb at the building below us. I was flying. When it blew, I couldn't hold onto her. She hit her head. I'm sorry." He also kneeled beside her. "When I found her, there was a gun pointed at her head; a cop held it."
Flash shook his head in confusion. "She's wanted by the police. How is that odd?"
"The cop had a silencer on his gun. They usually don't use those." Superman turned his head to look at Batman. "What do you think?"
"The guy who did this hired an assassin. I think she's telling the truth. Someone's out to get her." Batman lifted her into his arms and gave her to Superman. "Take her to the Watchtower. Let J'onn look her over."
"You staying here?" Green Lantern asked.
"I need to make a couple of stops. I'll be there tomorrow." Batman then left.
~
Batman slipped through the open window and into the Commissioner's office. Gordon turned and flinched when he saw Batman standing next to him.
"Sorry Jim. Didn't mean to startle you."
He chuckled. "You'd think I'd be used to it." He poured himself some coffee and offered some to his friend. When Batman declined as he usually did, Gordon sighed. "You aided Catwoman with her escape."
"I know."
"There's a warrant for your arrest."
"I know," he repeated.
Gordon moistened his lips and adjusted his glasses. "You wouldn't help her unless you had a reason."
Batman told, "I believe that she's been framed."
"By who?"
"That's one thing I need to find out."
"What's your proof? Her word?" When Batman didn't reply, Gordon shrugged. "I could lose my job for this." He ran a hand through his white hair. "Well, I couldn't arrest you because I haven't seen you since the encounter on the roof."
Batman nodded and stepped back out of the window. At least he had gotten the commissioner's partial approval. Now, all he needed was proof. The question was where could he find it.
~
CH 2: I'M INNOCENT
Wednesday (Day 3)
Hawkgirl awoke when someone poked her arm. She sat up and noticed Green Lantern standing beside her. It was then that she realized that she had been asleep in the recovery room of the Watchtower. When he gave her a smile, she smiled in return.
"You all right? Yesterday, you took a pretty good blow to the head." The ex- marine's glowing green eyes held concern.
"I'm fine." She climbed off of the bed, with GL's help, and stood. "How's Flash?"
"Oh, the kid's okay. He went home last night."
"Are J'onn and Diana here?"
He shook his head. "No. J'onn is with Superman, and Wonder Woman is...somewhere."
Hawkgirl nodded. "So, we're alone?"
"I guess so." He paused for a second and then motioned toward the door. "You hungry? I think if we put our minds together, we could whip something tasty up."
She laughed. "I guess so, but don't get your hopes up. I couldn't make anything very tasty."
Green Lantern touched her forearm. "Somehow, I doubt that."
~
Bruce sat up in his bed to see Selina standing before a mirror. She wore one of his dress shirts and was trying to pull her hair up. She looked wonderful in the morning light.
"You look good in my shirt," he commented.
Selina spun around and smirked. "You think so?"
"Oh yeah. You look even better in my arms and between my sheets." He patted the area beside him, indicating her to sit there. When she crawled to the place he had patted, Bruce pulled an envelope from the nightstand. He handed it to Selina. "Here."
"What's this?" She carefully opened the ivory colored envelope and pulled out the card that was inside. Shaped like a black cat, the card had gold trimming and gold eyes. Selina then opened the card and read. "'You are cordially invited to the Black Cat Ball at the Gotham Hotel on the fourteenth of the sixth month. The full moon, black tie event will begin at eight o'clock.' Bruce..." She smiled and raised her bright green eyes to look at her lover. "Oh my God."
"Keep reading."
"Uh... oh. 'The Ball will benefit the many homeless animals in our city by providing them shelters, food, and medicine. – Bruce Wayne of Wayne Enterprises.'"
Bruce slid closer to Selina. "Do you like it?"
"I love it."
"I had Alfred mail out all the invitations this morning. I was also hoping that you would be my date."
The smile on her face only grew. "Of course!" She hugged Bruce. "I'd love to. It's wonderful!" Selina suddenly tensed up in his embrace. "It's late. I need to go home and take a shower."
"No. Use mine," he suggested. "That way, you don't have to hurry."
~
Clark stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around himself. Once he dried his hair, brushed his teeth, and got dressed at a super speed, he headed into his kitchen. He grabbed a bottle of water and walked to the sitting room. J'onn sat on the couch, watching the television. He had been waiting for Clark to get ready. They were going to take a trip around Metropolis, so the Martian could analyze the humans more closely. He could shape-shift, so hiding his appearance wouldn't be a problem.
"What are you watching, J'onn?"
"It seems to be a nationwide information update."
Clark silently chuckled. "The news?" He focused on the report about a Gotham burglary. "You've got to be joking."
~
The phone rang as Bruce Wayne came down the stairs, fixing his tie. He exchanged greetings with Alfred and pulled on his jacket.
The butler answered, "Wayne Manor." When he learned the caller's name, he handed the phone to Bruce. "Sir, it is Mr. Clark Kent."
"What is it?" he asked when he put the receiver to his ear.
"Bruce," Clark told, "turn on the news. There's something you should see. It's important."
He did as he been told and listened to the reporter's explanation. "Late last night, the Gotham Museum of Natural History was robbed of its newest addition, the Jaded Cat of Cairo. Due to a security camera, finger prints, and a hair sample, there is a warrant out for the arrest of Selina Kyle who has been known to use the persona of Catwoman." Two photos appeared on the television screen: one of Catwoman and one of Selina without the suit. "The police would like your help in her arrest. If you have any information on the whereabouts of –" Bruce muted the TV.
"She must have snuck out last night once I fell asleep," Bruce stated to Clark.
"Obviously."
"I'll call you later." He hung up the phone and saw Selina coming down the stairs in her wrinkled blouse and skirt. "Selina, I need to talk to you right now."
"What of?" Selina asked. When she came to his side, Bruce turned the volume back on. The television immediately caught her attention. "Why am I on the news?"
"You tell me."
The reporter on the program continued to speak. "This footage is the actual film from the security camera that caught Selina Kyle in the act of stealing from the museum. Take a look at this."
Selina's jaw dropped, and she turned to Bruce. "I didn't do that. I was with you all night. I never left. I know this sounds insane, but that wasn't me. I did not rob the museum last night."
"Save it, Selina. They have your fingerprints and some hair. Don't lie."
"If I were you, I probably wouldn't believe me either, but I'm telling the truth. For once, I am really telling the truth." Selina grasped Bruce's arms as tears welled in her eyes. "This has been happening..." Her voice trailed off. "Are you going to call the police?"
"Leave Selina. Go home. Get out of town."
She touched the side of his face and lightly kissed him. "Thank you. I'll contact you as soon as I figure this all out." Selina then left the mansion.
"Alfred?"
"Sir."
Bruce ran a hand through his hair. "What do I do?"
"You're asking me, Master Wayne? Shouldn't this be your decision?" When Bruce didn't answer, Alfred continued. "Well, there are a few options. You could let her go. You could call the police. You could have Batman turn her in."
"But I love her, Alfred," Bruce confirmed.
"Or you could trust her, go against the police, and get to the bottom of this by yourself." The butler handed Bruce the morning paper. "Batman could do it alone by juggling Miss Kyle's safety and the investigation, or you could get help. But then again, what is Batman if he doesn't work alone?" Alfred then walked out of the room.
Bruce then noticed the picture on the front page. It was of Superman saving a woman from a fifth story window; the building was on fire. Bruce's forehead wrinkled as he thought. What could he do? What would he do?
~
Selina swore when she saw the police cars parked in front of her apartment. She drove past her building and turned into an alley a few blocks away. They'd be watching for her car at all the highway exits. Her only chance would be nightfall.
She stopped the car and pulled her Catwoman suit out of the bag that sat in the backseat. Selina found herself staring at the suit.
Catwoman wouldn't run from something like this. She'd get help from an unlikely alley instead.
~
"She'll be out tonight. You have to make sure she never comes home."
"Yes, Mr. Joker."
The Joker cackled and opened a briefcase full of money, worth about two hundred thousand dollars. It was a small price to pay to get the job done. He tossed a bundle of a thousand dollars at the crooked cop. The man slightly nodded.
"That's a sample," the Joker explained. "You'll get the rest when she's dead. Understand?"
"Yes, Sir." The cop's lips curled up into a devilish smile as he rubbed his unshaven chin. His small black eyes stayed focused on the briefcase. "You have nothing to worry about, Mr. Joker."
The Joker narrowed his eyes. "I better not have anything to worry about."
~
"I cannot believe that he has actually asked us all to do this. We're going to be helping a criminal!" Green Lantern complained to Hawkgirl. When she laughed, he raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Nothing. You're just so funny."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Plus, maybe having another girl around the Watchtower will be good for us all, including Flash. He'll have someone else to hit on instead of Diana and me."
GL nodded. "Maybe. Well, I better get to Gotham. I need to meet with Superman and J'onn. I think Flash will join us later."
As he walked away, she mumbled, "Be careful."
~
It had taken Batman only ten minutes since seeing the Batsignal to get to the roof of the police station. When no one was there to greet him, he put his guard up and relied on his senses.
"Commissioner?"
"No," Catwoman answered and stepped out of the shadows. "I did it. I didn't know how else to contact you."
"Last time I checked, this wasn't a pager."
She rolled her eyes. "Last time I checked, it was." When he turned away, she called, "Wait." The thief inhaled and exhaled loudly. Batman noticed the unfocused and nervous expression on her face. "I need your help."
"It's not the first time you've been wanted by the police."
"I know, but it's the first time that I didn't do anything. Someone has framed me, Batman. It's been going on for months. Every city that I've been in, some robbery pointed to me. I thought I was going nuts. I honestly believed that maybe I had been sleepwalking." She thought for a moment and looked down at the floor. "I guess I really don't know what to think anymore."
"Not my problem," he stated loudly. "I offered to help you quit stealing before."
Catwoman's jaw dropped. "It is your problem. If I'm arrested, that imposter will be roaming free and will be your brand new problem."
The door to the roof opened. "Someone's coming," Batman warned. Instantly, Catwoman hid behind the Batsignal. "Commissioner?"
"What's going on here?" Commissioner Gordon asked. "Who turned that on?"
"False alarm. It probably was an accident."
"All right. Before you go, I want to tell you to keep an eye out for your old feline friend, Catwoman. It seems that she's out on the prowl again."
Batman nodded. "Sure."
Catwoman suddenly shifted in the shadows, and the Commissioner noticed. He pulled out his gun in reaction. "Who's there?" Catwoman then ran and jumped off the building.
"I'll go," Batman told and followed her.
~
"Damn," Catwoman cussed when she found herself at the dead end of an alley. The cops were closing I on her and there was nothing that her whip could latch onto. She was trapped.
"Catwoman!" Batman yelled and stopped beside her. He pressed a button on a device of some kind causing a claw to shoot out of it and hook onto the ledge of the building. Batman handed the grapple to her. "Hold this. I'll meet you later." When she nodded, he pressed the same button, and it pulled her up. After she reached the top and climbed onto the roof, she peered over the ledge and down into the alley. Four cops walked toward Batman with their revolvers aimed at him.
"You helped her escape," one of them stated.
"I guess life's a bitch." Batman then threw his Baterang and knocked the guns out of the hands of the officers. He looked up at her and mouthed the word "Go." She nodded.
Catwoman turned and was met with a gun pointed at her forehead. A silencer had been placed on the end of barrel. The cop who had a finger on the trigger also had a twisted grin on his unshaven face. Those black eyes of his held no emotion. She swallowed hard. He had her at a disadvantage.
He laughed. "I have a message for you and the bat. Too bad you won't be able to tell him yourself." He pulled the trigger, but the bullet never hit her.
She blinked and found herself being carried by someone; they were traveling unbelievably fast too. When her savior slowed down, they began to fly. Catwoman could finally make out the "S" on his chest. Her eyes widened.
"Superman? Let me go! I'm not going to allow you to turn me over to the police!" She punched him a couple of times in his chest, but he didn't feel it.
"I'm working with Batman. He asked me to help you."
It was then that she realized Batman had planned on helping her all along, and surprise crossed over her features. Catwoman didn't have to ask him in the first place.
Neither of them noticed the Joker standing on the ledge of the building next to the one they flew over. He tossed a marble onto the other rooftop and ran. Suddenly, it exploded. Superman hadn't expected it. When it blew, he lost grip of Catwoman, and they both went flying in the other direction. She landed hard and knocked her head against something. After that, she couldn't get herself to open her eyes.
~
Green Lantern used his ring to create a shield around the unconscious Catwoman. He lifted her into the air, with the ring's power, and brought her closer to him and the Flash.
"Where's Superman?" GL questioned.
"Right here," he answered as he walked to the other three. "She okay?"
Flash raised an eyebrow. "She's out cold, but she definitely looks real fine that way." He continued to study her. "I can't wait till she wakes up."
"Get your perverted eyes off of her, Flash," Batman ordered as he came to join the others. "What happened?" He kneeled beside Catwoman, and GL took away the shield. Batman began to examine the girl's injury.
Superman explained. "Someone threw a bomb at the building below us. I was flying. When it blew, I couldn't hold onto her. She hit her head. I'm sorry." He also kneeled beside her. "When I found her, there was a gun pointed at her head; a cop held it."
Flash shook his head in confusion. "She's wanted by the police. How is that odd?"
"The cop had a silencer on his gun. They usually don't use those." Superman turned his head to look at Batman. "What do you think?"
"The guy who did this hired an assassin. I think she's telling the truth. Someone's out to get her." Batman lifted her into his arms and gave her to Superman. "Take her to the Watchtower. Let J'onn look her over."
"You staying here?" Green Lantern asked.
"I need to make a couple of stops. I'll be there tomorrow." Batman then left.
~
Batman slipped through the open window and into the Commissioner's office. Gordon turned and flinched when he saw Batman standing next to him.
"Sorry Jim. Didn't mean to startle you."
He chuckled. "You'd think I'd be used to it." He poured himself some coffee and offered some to his friend. When Batman declined as he usually did, Gordon sighed. "You aided Catwoman with her escape."
"I know."
"There's a warrant for your arrest."
"I know," he repeated.
Gordon moistened his lips and adjusted his glasses. "You wouldn't help her unless you had a reason."
Batman told, "I believe that she's been framed."
"By who?"
"That's one thing I need to find out."
"What's your proof? Her word?" When Batman didn't reply, Gordon shrugged. "I could lose my job for this." He ran a hand through his white hair. "Well, I couldn't arrest you because I haven't seen you since the encounter on the roof."
Batman nodded and stepped back out of the window. At least he had gotten the commissioner's partial approval. Now, all he needed was proof. The question was where could he find it.
~