Disclaimer: Batman, his rogue's gallery, supporting cast, and all affiliating characters are owned by DC Comics which is a Time-Warner Company. For the purpose of improving my skills as a writer and for your and my entertainment I'm merely borrowing them for this mystery story.
Note 1: This is an AU fic and takes place outside of the current continuity.
BATMAN: SALVATION
By Mimick
Gotham City Police Department Review Board Hearing, City Hall…
Standing in attendance for the hearing was Agent's Melton and Gibbs. The board members consisted of the mayor and the other members of his cabinet. Before them was Detective Bullock who kept tugging at his collar as he felt uneasy about what was about to transpire.
"Detective Bullock, please state your full name, rank, and years in service."
"Harvey Bullock, Detective second class, and I've been on the force fer twenty one years."
"Thank you detective. Now would you like to describe your affiliation with the Batman?"
"Aw no, I ain't in cahoots with the bat. I hate that flyin' rodent."
"Well noted. Do you think Commissioner Gordon has developed a fondness for the Batman?"
Bullock nearly blew his stack, but he swallowed the venom he wanted to spew as he knew an outburst from him would reflect badly on the commish.
"Please answer the question, Detective."
"Nah, I…admit that he calls the Bat when we are at --"
"--Thank you detective. That's all we needed"
"Hey, I wasn't finished."
"Calm down detective."
"No, you calm down. The commissioner does whatever he needs ta keep the bodies from hittin' the streets. I admit I thought the bat had gone apeshit, but I was wrong. Blamin' him for what he does to keep the people safe is bullshi—"
"Bailiff, remove this man immediately," The mayor said as he pounded his gavel repeatedly.
As the bailiff escorted Bullock outside, Rene Montoya walked past him toward the inside.
"Way to go Harv," She called over her shoulder.
"Ah button yer lips Montoya."
As Montoya entered the bailiff swore her in and the mayor readied his questions.
"Officer Montoya, state your name, rank, and how long you have been on the force."
"Rene Montoya, Officer, and I have been on the force for two years."
"Do associate yourself with vigilantes?"
"No."
"Have you ever had an encounter with the Batman?"
"Yes."
"And what happened in those occasions?"
"He saved lives."
The review board shared glances of disbelief before continuing.
"Have you ever noticed any odd behavior out of Commissioner Gordon?"
"No."
"Have witnessed Commissioner Gordon's secret meetings with the Batman?"
"No," Montoya replied in almost a whisper.
"Why is that?"
"When the…Commissioner summons Batman he does it often privately on the roof of the GCPD building."
"Thanks, Officer Montoya."
Rene walked out feeling like she betrayed a sacred trust.
Cathedral Square…
Near the heart of Cathedral Square laid the Winnick Cemetery. And inside the cemetery standing in front of the grave of Selina Kyle was Bruce Wayne with a bouquet of pink roses. Bruce ran his free hand across the grave stone which he bought and paid for through a dummy account. It would raise too much suspicion if the eligible bachelor and playboy Bruce Wayne paid for a funeral of a known felon. That was the reason he felt the duplicity was necessary. The smooth granite felt so cold and lifeless to his touch and yet Bruce could almost swear he could feel her warmth. It was almost like she was right there beside him.
He had a special inscription placed on her tombstone which read 永遠の平和の残り私の菓子 (Rest in eternal peace my sweet)
As he placed the roses next to her grave and turned to leave, he found officer Montoya standing there. Instantly the mournful look that was on his face evaporated and was replaced by a suave and charming, though arrogant façade.
"Detective, what can I do for you?"
"Its Officer and I came to pay my respects. Why are you here?"
"Well, I heard about Miss Kyle's death and I was shocked finding out she was dead and that she was the Catwoman."
"What kind of world do you live on Mr. Wayne?"
"I live on a world where partying is a must and memories are a bust."
Montoya shook her head, "Whatever."
"Good day, Officer."
While making his way back to his Porsche, Bruce allowed himself one last look in the direction of Selina's grave before leaving.
City Hall…
The review board looked at Gordon with contempt. It was obvious they felt he was incompetent and incapable of handling the job that some one of his record could. As the mayor banged his gavel the review began.
"Commissioner Gordon, what is your affiliation with the Batman?"
Jim considered his words carefully before answering, "At best an uneasy one."
"Then there is a bit of mistrust between the two of you?"
"Not exactly," Jim said.
"But you just said--"
"--I know what I said, but you have to understand that Gotham isn't as black or white as you make it out to be. Despite the fall of Falcone we still have to contend with the gang violence, the psychos who come out of the wood works and most of all the occasional disasters like the copy cat killings were."
The mayor steepled his fingers and a very pompous look started to form on his face, "Commissioner Gordon. It is my opinion that your dependency on the Batman is a lack of expertise in a field which you so strongly stand by."
"You're saying I'm incompetent? Where were you when the Joker blew up the GCPD building? Where were you when the copy cat killings started taking place?"
"Enough! I will hear no more of this Gordon. It is my decision that you be demoted back to lieutenant status and that Agent Melton and Gibbs serve as interim Commissioner until a new one can be assigned."
"You demote me two ranks and then you place these guys in my stead? Well, guess what? I quit. Don't come to me mayor when Gotham goes to hell in a hand basket."
"We don't need you Gordon or the Batman. Now leave, you are dismissed."
Gordon gave his badge to Agent Melton along with his fire arm and escorted himself out.
Nightfall, Wayne Manor…
Bruce made his way down to the bat cave and began removing his casual attire as he was prepping for a nightly patrol. He wondered why the commissioner had flashed the bat-signal to call him for the next case. But then Jim only called when it was a dire emergency. As Bruce slipped on the costume and snapped his cloak into the place. The façade of a billionaire play boy faded to let loose the dark knight.
"Are you going out on patrol sir?"
"Yes."
"Should I leave your supper in the oven, Master Bruce?"
"I don't know when I'll back."
"Very well then, I shall pack it away for you later."
Batman climbed into the batmobile and sleek jet black car raced out of the concealed entrance and into the back roads that led into Gotham.
Tri-corner Shipping Yard…
Twelve masked hoods went through the stored items that the yard had in storage for Roger Heyser. Since the deceased had no relatives listed the yard held on to the items until some one could be found or the GCPD came along and picked them up or they were told to get rid of them.
As the leader of the pack watched over his men, he kept his eyes on his watch and the time it was taking them. All twelve of them wore the same red and black pinstriped outfit that their leader wore.
"Hurry up boys. The GCPD will be here any minute."
"Ah got it boss."
"Good now let's go befo--urk--"
The hooded leader was thrown from his feet and onto his back. A quick jab to the face knocked him cold. As the crooks turned around, they saw a giant bat standing over their boss.
"It's the Batman!"
"Git'em."
All twelve of the hoods rushed at Batman in a sloppy uncoordinated manner and the dark knight took advantage of this by using their abysmal team work against them. He avoided an attempted knife lung by catching the knife wielding thug by his wrist and flipping him into three of his friends. Two others came up behind the masked manhunter and tried to take him off his feet, but the caped crusader reversed it into a leg scissor-headlock take down combo which took both men down. He delivered an elbow and heel blow to the felon's guts which knocked the wind out of them, allowing him to roll off of them and handspring to his feet.
The last seven looked at each other and then their fallen friends before they charged at Batman. Using the ball of his foot, Batman brought his next attacker to one knee and then cart wheeled over his shoulder with his feet coming down on the two charging crooks heads. A right hook sends another crumpling to the ground like a bag of sand. The last three skitter away from the dark knight.
The look of fear was apparent in their eyes. Batman could practically smell their perspiration. His blue eyes ran over them gauging their reactions and as he did so he took notice of the shortest of the trio soiling himself. The dark knight returned his attention to the panic in their eyes and he motioned them to come forward and finish it. The tallest of the trio looked at his comrades before charging forward, only to be laid low by the Batman's boot to his jaw and a round house heel kick.
The last two raised their hands up in defeat and Batman walked up to them. When he came face to face with them, he hit them both square in the solar plexus and cuffed them together. He returned to unconscious ring leader and slipped him over his shoulder.
Wayne Tower, a few moments later…
There the ring leader hung like fly caught in a spider's web. His green eyes fluttered open and took in the scene of just how far away he was from the ground and he let loose a deafening scream. A blue gloved hand gripped his shirt and pulled him up to come face to face with the Batman.
"What were you looking for?"
"T-the stuff…ack god I can't…"
Batman let go of him and let him dangle there for a few moments and he screamed and cried. When Batman pulled him back up there was tears in his green eyes.
"Answer my question or you'll take a quick trip to the bottom."
The ring leader sniffed, "We were sent to find the money Heyser was smuggling for the Red Rook's."
Batman stiffened at hearing that name. He pulled the crook closer and said in his best intimidating voice, "Tell me everything I need to know."
The bat cave, some time later…
The batmobile pulled into round circular drive and as it turned to face the entrance, Batman had already climbed out and made his way to the bat computer.
"Would you care for some orange juice, Master Bruce?" Alfred offered.
"No thanks."
"You seem troubled sir. What is the matter?"
"It seems the Red Rooks are in town."
"Who are they, sir?"
"They are derivative of the Russian mafia driven to more imperialistic goals."
"My word, they are an unsavory lot I take it?"
"Yes, I have read FBI, CIA, and NSA reports on them. They and their leader are quite dangerous. Perhaps, almost as dangerous as Ra's al Ghoul."
"How do you intend to handle them?"
"I won't know that until they make their next move. I know they want the money Heyser smuggled for them, but the GCPD has it in…"
"You don't think--"
"--Yes, I do think they would."
"Should I alert the GCPD via your private line sir?"
"No, because it will only take me ten minutes to get to the GCPD headquarters, five if I take the back roads."
"Very well sir. Godspeed," Alfred replied.
Batman waved him bye and then sped off back into the night.