Chapter Eight
Bruce Wayne sat in the batcave, examining a high-tech computer screen. On it was a zoned map of Gotham City, with blue marks showing where Mr. Freeze's winter was spreading. So far two-thirds of the town was engulfed in cold weather. A few more hours of freezing should get it covered.
Alfred walked up to Bruce. "Would you like some tea, Master Wayne?"
"No thanks, Alfred."
Bruce's communications watch beeped and he held it up. "This is Batman."
"Hi, it's me, Nightwing. I just disabled two of Freeze's winter-spreading machines, but I don't think they're that important anymore."
"So how are we going to stop him?"
"I have a suspicion that he's taken control of the Puffin Lighthouse. I got some information that says that the guy who works there has criminal connections, including Mr. Freeze."
"Good work, Dick. Tonight we're going to that lighthouse. The last thing we want is Gotham getting as cold as the Arctic, not to mention that the Arkham inmates will have to be moved less the very cold weather gets on their nerves and makes them more insane, and that would provide opportunities for escapes."
"Master Wayne," said Alfred. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I just received terrible news. Several hundred people have disappeared, including Mr. Fox and Mrs. Wilder."
"What! Hold on, Dick, I'm talking to Alfred." He turned from his watch to this faithful butler. "What did the police say?"
'They say that they received many calls about people missing. A message was left at each kidnapping scene, all saying that you're next."
"No doubt it means Batman's the going to be the next target of Mr. Freeze. Thanks for the news, Alfred. I've got some work to do."
Suddenly the bat-phone rang and Bruce picked it up. "Hello?" he inquired, using his crimefighting voice.
'This is Commissioner Gordon! You had better turn on the news! Mr. Freeze has just frozen up the entire city and several hundred people are missing!"
"I'll go investigate it."