Chapter 3 The Right Bait
Friday's opening was for an exclusive handful of Gotham's elite who were on the museums board of governors, each person was allowed to bring along just one guest.
"Well, it looks like Rupert has upstaged us all this time Bruce." David Blake, another of the governors, whispered into his ear. "Mind you the rat isn't half as pretty as the jewel you have with you tonight." David raised Selina's hand and kissed it.
Selina was easily the most beautiful woman in the room. And if Bruce had been unaware of her ulterior motive he would have felt himself to be the luckiest man alive.
Rupert Thorne stood with proprietary pride next to the glass case in the center of the room. Dramatic lighting enhanced the importance of this exhibit. All around the room dimly lit cases held examples Maquitc art. Much of it exquisitely crafted in precious metals and jewel encrusted, but all paled into insignificance next to the Rat.
Selina was stood next to Bruce her eyes seemingly riveted on the Rat, but Bruce saw the slight looks at the security set up around the room.
"Gosh, it magnificent, I'd been told it was beautiful, but that is just such an understatement!" Selina exclaimed.
Bruce saw Rupert Thorne preen himself at the comments.
"Just how much is it worth Bruce?"
Before Bruce could answer Thorne butted in. "Well, Miss...Kyle," he'd managed to bring her name to memory from the guest list, "it's really priceless! But for insurance it valued at 12 million!"
"Oh my," Selina breathed, "that much! Aren't you frightened to let it out of you sight? If it was mine I'd have it locked in a bank vault with it's own armed guard. I certainly wouldn't put it on show in nothing but a glass case! I mean the museum has had a poor record of preventing burglaries in the past!"
Rupert Thorne laughed a deep throaty laugh. "Art should be for everyone to see, not just the owners. Besides this isn't just a glass case. This case is shatter proof, it's made out of the same materials as the space shuttle windows, impervious to extreme heat and cold. Also you see how the rat is positioned on the pedestal," Selina nodded, "an image is taken by digital camera every 10 seconds, a computer compares the images and if there is one micrometer of difference in the two images, the alarms are tripped."
"Alarms wouldn't stop a determined burglar!" Bruce stated.
"No, they wouldn't, I'm sure you must have armed guards in here 24/7 just to be on the safe side."
"No need for guards Miss Kyle." Rupert Thorne waved to the guard "Barney, our guests want to see what we have in store for anyone who tries to take the Rat! Best inform the police that we'll be doing a test."
The guard picked up a phone and spoke into it, when he nodded Rupert Thorn produced a small intricate key from a chain around his neck and turned it in lock on the side of the case. He slid the panel up. Very steadily he placed a hand in the case and touched the Rat. Instantly sirens started screaming. The guests clapped their hands over their ears. Metal shutters began to slam shut around the room sealing everyone inside. As panic began to set in Rupert turn the key forward twice and back once and the noise stopped and the shutters slid open as quickly as they had closed.
"Wow that's some system!" Bruce muttered.
Rupert Thorne smiled. "It can also be triggered by the standard security systems, pressure mats around the room or by anyone breaking the infrared beams. And it can only be disarmed by using the key, here in the room. Once the alarm is tripped the key is needed to open the door to allow access to disarm the alarm. Can you spot any flaws in the system Bruce?"
Bruce Wayne shook his head.
"Can you trust the Key holders?" Selina asked.
"Implicitly!" At Selina's skeptical look he laughed. "There's only one key and it never leaves my person."
"Well, I'd say you've got the perfect security system!" Bruce said smiling up at large bulky man. "I can't see a way around it."
Selina smiled and nodded, Bruce must be a fool; she could see exactly how to beat the system.
