AN: Events somehow (and by 'somehow', I mean, 'fuck if I know') based upon an incident in which, worried that he was too dependent on his toxins, he went on a murder spree. So much murder-to the point that some of his fellow rogues begged Bats not to bring him back to Arkham. Damn.
Just-Me-and-My-Brain-It must be so nice to be the spectator.
"Oh, my god."
"If everyone will remain at their desks, that would be lovely."
He's sure they'd draw their weapons if he hadn't brought backup. But that's what henchmen are for, really-keeping ill-mannered policemen at bay. They may be lousy shots, but they've got the advantage of already having their weapons drawn.
"What do you want, Crane?"
"Lots of things." He represses a cough and knows he'll regret it. "But right now…your attention."
One of his men turns and fires at a rookie on the upper level who was going for a gun. Good.
"In about two minutes, the toxin in your air conditioner will start to take effect. In fact, it may already be affecting some of you…anyone feeling a little paranoid?"
Nobody answers, but at least two people give him the finger. Ha. They can complain all they like, but Batman does not come out in the daytime. That's why he's here now.
"I killed Gordon, and now I'm going to kill you. And to make sure of it…" He gestures to two lackeys currently pouring gasoline around the edges of the room. "I'm going to burn the place down."
Self-preservation wins out at last, and they go for their weapons. He drops behind a desk and checks his watch. One more minute.
Less, judging by the decrease in gunfire. He waits another few seconds, stands up, and tosses a match onto the gasoline.
It isn't long before the screams of terror become indistinguishable from the screams of pain. Being burned alive is not pleasant.
He ducks out the front door-the henchmen will either get out or die-and starts walking. The fire department's showed up, but he disappears in the crowd.
There's something to be said for arson, he decides. Very satisfying.
Batman will know-the news crews are just arriving. What will he think? Will he know? Will he be angry? He knows he's mad about Gordon-a few of his men have been arrested with broken bones rather than bumps and bruises.
He considered paying a visit to the wife and kiddies and decided against it. They can live with this. He has to.
You want me to stop? Come find me.
Even that won't be enough. They had him before, after she died. He'd left. He doesn't really remember doing it, just that he'd been in medical and then he'd been…out.
If Batman wants him to stop, he'll have to break his precious rule.
And quite frankly, he doesn't even care anymore.
THE END