Alejandro felt invigorated. The rush...the excitement. And Genesis was right. He could feel their energy, coursing through his body as if it was his own. It didn't even bother him that he had just committed murder for the first time. He had no need to fear as long as Genesis guided him, and as long as his act would provide a better life for his unborn child. Prosperity. That's what Genesis promised, and he had no reason to doubt him now. For once since his layoff, he felt...empowered.
But as he entered his small, rundown apartment complex located in the epicenter of the Bowery, he couldn't help but feel something was amiss. "Mi amor, estoy en casa." There was silence. Why wasn't Mariana home? She wasn't supposed to be working this late.
"Mariana?"
"She's out." Came a voice behind him.
"Wha-who are-?" He whirled around, but a dark figure slammed him against the wall of his studio apartment. He screamed.
"I know what you did Alejandro." Batman growled through gritted teeth. "And unless you want to end up thrown through this wall, I suggest you start by telling me why."
"The Agent...ay dios mio...he said you might come for us…" He was trembling.
"Who!?" He slammed him against the wall again.
Alejandro began hyperventilating, his eyes rolled into his head, and he became limp. Batman hated when they fainted. Batman let him go, and he slid to the ground, unconscious. Batman considered taking him somewhere to interrogate him further, but a child afraid of the boogey man always runs, screaming for Mommy.
His wife would be awake soon, sedated by a mild tranquilizer and put in the bed. But Batman knew, eventually, once she woke him up, Alejandro would lead him straight to Genesis. He didn't normally like letting criminals go, especially murders, but he wanted to end this quickly. And that meant finding Genesis fast. He checked Alejandro's pockets for a wallet, and once he found it, slipped a tracker inside before returning it to his pocket. Now, he just had to wait.
It was about an hour before Alejandro ran from his small apartment like a rat. His wife watched him leave anxiously, as Batman surveyed the scene from above. Almost three in the morning, Batman had been getting stiff waiting. And it was bitterly cold. But then again, it was always cold in Gotham. Batman followed him from the rooftops, as he nervously walked the streets of the Bowery. It was a dangerous place to walk on foot, especially alone.
But once Alejandro was a couple blocks from his home, he pulled out a cell phone, and dialed someone. There was a brief conversation, and then more waiting. Alejandro just stood at the corner, his hands in his pockets, and his shoulders hunched. 10 minutes passed before finally, a car pulled up and Alejandro got in the back.
There appeared to be someone already in the passenger seat, and a big, burly man was in the driver seat. Could Genesis be in the car? Batman doubted it. Alejandro seemed to just be small fry. Once they drove away, Batman could no longer follow them from rooftop to rooftop. He pressed the same button on his utility belt, and his car pulled up below him, the magnetic system guiding him safely into the pilot seat.
He pulled up the tracker on his dashboard, and began following them by car. A flip of his thrusters, and he could catch up. But he wanted to be at a safe distance. If they knew they were being followed, they may not return to the hive...or somewhere that would hold more information.
Soon, they were out of the Bowery all together. Then they were through the Fashion District, and finally, they were outside of Gotham all together and heading toward the manors. But where Alfred would have normally taken a left, their vehicle took a right. The only manor in that direction was the abandoned Cobb Mansion. Could Genesis and his men really take refuge so close under his nose? It would make sense. Enough fighting through the wooded area, and you could make it there on foot from the mayor's manor.
Batgirl may not have even known the mansion existed. After all, it had been abandoned longer than she had been a vigilante. Three of four years ago, the last of the Cobb family was mysteriously murdered, and with no living kin remaining, the manor remained empty. Even the rich were superstitious, and no one wanted to live in a mansion where there was such a brutal slaying. Therefore, the place remained unpurchased. Both the parents and their two daughters were sliced open...in a way not unsimilar to the Crownes and Parks, and now Skowcraft now that he thought about it...
Batman's mind began racing. Could the murderer from back then be Genesis? The murderer was never caught. It had kept him and the GCPD up for weeks to no avail. He would have to review that case, and see if he could find a connection that didn't seem important at the time. Maybe his motive then could give him insight into what Genesis was up to now.
As the vehicle he was pursuing entered the gates to the manor, Batman pulled into the trees, and activated his cloaking mechanism.
"Alfred, I pursued Barbatos to the abandoned Cobb Mansion. I believe this is where I'll find Genesis, or at least information that will lead to who or where he is. Pull up the files of the Cobb murders for me while I'm inside."
"Of course. And sir, do be careful."
He waited roughly ten minutes, and exited the vehicle, jumping the fence and prowling up to the mansion. The mansion was overgrown with weeds and ivy. Some of the brick and windows were in poor shape, and parts of the fence were bent and broken. Batman was sure this was the kind of mansion children snuck to and dared each other to enter, which would explain some of the broken windows.
Once he was within distance of being able to use his grappling hook, he propelled himself into an open window on the top floor, in the east wing. What used to be a bedroom was now weather damaged, and covered in dust. He found it hard to believe that the mansion was still in use, but the car was packed out front, and admittedly, there were parts of his own mansion that he hadn't visited in years.
Batman pressed a button on his cowl, and used a mix of infrared, thermal and x-ray technology to briefly create a three-dimensional scan of his surrounding radius that flashed across his cowl's lenses. Several people seemed to be gathered on the bottom floor of the complex, in what seemed to be a cathedral. Quietly, Batman, made his way across the mansion and down several flights of stairs until he was on the story right above them. So far, he hadn't run into anyone, which made him uneasy. But it seemed the 15 to 20 people that were present were all downstairs. His radar hadn't picked anyone else up.
He did one last sweep of the hall, before sneaking into the room directly above them. It was a study, clearly in use, with papers strewn about the room, and books scattered across the desk. But despite its recent use, besides the desk, a single chair, and a bookshelf, there was no other furniture in the room.
There were holes in the floor, chunks of wood paneling that showed glimpses of the cathedral below. Batman activated an analog hearing device within his cowl, that utilized the same technology of a hearing aid...but much more precise. It not only allowed for a greater radius of amplification, but it also picked up frequencies that humans weren't able to pick up on their own.
"And you weren't followed?" It was definitely the sound of Genesis' voice. The lisp.
"No, we were careful." A heavier voice this time.
"I just woke up, and he was gone. The Agent."
"Then you weren't careful. For all we know, he could be here now. Why else would he let you go?" Genesis asked. "My children, prosperity will only come to those who are smart, who will do anything for it. There are those, like The Agent, who would keep what it yours away from you? And why?"
"To protect Gotham's status quo." Came a bunch of voices in unison.
"He may seem like this city's protector, but he wants you to starve just like the rest of them do. Who does he protect? The wealthy! He is their agent. Don't believe me? Where was his female companion when you were starving under a bridge last year, Alejandro?"
Batman understood now. It was a cult. And not just any cult, but a cult that preyed on the poor and vagrant. This wasn't the first time Batman had encountered a cult like this. It reminded him of the immortal zealot Deacon Blackfire. Like Blackfire, Genesis knows the desperate are more susceptible to brainwashing. But also like Blackfire, Genesis had to have a more sinister reason than just killing the wealthy. And maybe something in this room could tell him more.
He turned off the hearing device to better focus, and began sifting through the papers on the desk: a blueprint to the mayor's manor, addresses to welfare agencies and homeless shelters, and an invoice for Cobb Defence Technologies. Included on the invoice were ziplines, flash bangs, knockout gas and other equipment that shouldn't be on the streets. Everything on the desk was damning evidence, but it was evidence that only confirmed what he already knew. He wanted to know why. Was he really just waging a war on the wealthy? And if so, what did he have to gain? Was it revenge motivated?
Then, buried under a couple books, he did find something interesting. A blueprint of the Iceberg Lounge...the Penguin's roost. His next target was Cobblepot? Perhaps Cobblepot knew something he didn't.
Then, just as he was going to exit the room to put an end to Genesis and his murderous cult, a scrap of paper caught in the crack of a rotted floorboard caught his eye. He bent down to pull it out, careful not to tear it further, and looked at it closely. It appeared to be a piece of napkin, old and worn with a faded, graphite sketch of what looked to be a stone arch. Scrawled along the top of the arch was some language Batman didn't recognize; runes of some kind. And that could only mean one thing: Magic.
Batman was so distracted by the evidence, and with his hearing device off, didn't hear someone enter the room behind him as he slipped the napkin in his utility belt. As Batman stood up, he heard a creak behind him, and turned around just in time to keep a knife from going into his back. He held his attacker's wrist at bay, but before he could disarm him, the man charged forward with a yell, and brought Batman to the ground with his weight and force.
As the two hit the ground, there were several loud cracking noises as the floorboards under them gave way to the stress. They both fell down into the chapel, Batman barely managing to flip the pair, using his attacker to break his fall. The impact still sent a shock through Batman's body, which caused him to tumble off in agony. His attacker was unconscious, but now he was in the middle of the snake pit, disoriented and coughing from the dust.
Luckily, the floor falling out took everyone downstairs by surprise, and even knocked several to the ground, giving Batman a moment to gather his senses.
"I thought I heard something creeping around upstairs," Genesis coughed, standing up and brushing himself off. "Alejandro, Grant, I'm disappointed in you two."
"I'll make this up to you, Progenitor." Came the deep voice again. Large, like the last attacker, but fast. In an instant, he was in front of Batman and throwing a punch. Batman had to use both of his arms to block the strike, but threw a kick. Grant grabbed the kick, and twisted it to whirl Batman around. He then grabbed his cape and pulled Batman back, before striking him in the upper chest with his elbow, sending Batman into the ground. He had military training, Batman could tell. He was dangerous.
"Enough. Let me speak to The Agent." Genesis said, walking forward as Batman pushed himself off the ground."Don't get me wrong. You won't leave here alive, but I do want to know why you choose to protect the corrupt and greedy."
"I'll stop you before you can end any more innocent lives." Batman growled.
"Innocent?!" Genesis laughed. "Do you know how many thousands of people go to bed hungry in this city, Batman? Meanwhile, men like Oswald Cobblepot and Bruce Wayne eat in excess thanks only to their blood. It's time their blood is shared with the rest of Gotham, so we may eat too."
"What are you really up to, Genesis?" Batman asked. "Killing men like Bruce Wayne doesn't accomplish anything other than murder."
"I know it may be hard to believe since you are surely funded by those same men, but you are wrong. Take Deborah Crowne for example. A powerful real estate company that buys up affordable apartment complexes, then raises the rent in the name of luxury, forcing families out into the streets who can no longer afford their own homes."
"What about your own wealth? Your resources, your weapons? Clearly, you have some of your own." Batman retorted.
"Wealth no longer appeals to me. For me, it is just a means to an end. I gladly share it with all who ask."
"Then what do you have to gain through these murders?" Batman pressed again. "Just simply retribution?"
"No. I told you already: their blood." Genesis almost whispered. "The Crowne bloodline holds their wealth. Now, their blood courses through my children's veins. That same prosperity will now be passed down through their own generations."
"You're a lunatic." Batman snarled, punching Genesis in the face.
Genesis stumbled backward, clutching his nose. "Kill him!" He yelled angrily, retreating behind men and women who stood to protect him. Of the fifteen in the room, only six stepped forward to surround Batman. Like Brewer and Grant, Batman assumed they were all veterans, or had some kind of fighting experience. The rest who stood to protect Genesis were probably powerless to fight, but none the less committed to their "Progenitor."
Of his six attackers, none were as big as Grant. But two had knives, and the one female assailant had a taser. The other two remaining men weren't large or built, but Batman knew better than to underestimate his opponent.
"I'll give you all one chance to go home." Batman warned, clenching his fists.
"You won't get in our way anymore!" Grant yelled, stomping forward with several swings. Batman evaded the first punch, the second, and when Grant came in with the third, he side stepped and jumped upward, crashing his knee into the chin of the behemoth, whose forward momentum had brought his face downward.
One of the attackers with the knife tried to attack from behind, but Batman heard him coming, whirling around in time to catch his wrist and break it, causing him to drop the knife in pain, He then punched the attacker in the ribs, and sent him flying into a row of pews with a kick.
Grant had shaken the blow off, and grabbed Batman by the cape again. He grabbed Batman's arms over his head, as another came and delivered a powerful punch to his face. Batman kicked the attacker back, and twisted his wrists free of Grant's powerful grasp. He turned around, struck Grant in the ears, and while Grant was recovering, he performed a basic judo throw, sending Grant crashing right into the attacker he had kicked away.
Zap. Batman hadn't been aware enough. He lunged forward in pain as he felt the electricity course through him. Then he felt the hot pain of a knife, imbedding itself in his side. He yelled out, grabbing the man who stabbed him by the arm, and kneed him in the chest. As he was doubled-over, Batman brought his arm up, striking him in the chin with his palm. Four were now down, but Batman saw Grant stirring.
Every movement now hurt thanks to the knife wound, and he could feel the warm blood running down the inside of his suit. It was a good stab. He would have to end this quick.
The woman with the taser threw a flurry of kicks, which he managed to either block or evade. He went to counter, but she sidestepped and punched him at his injury. She wasn't military, but she had been training in shudokan for quite some time. Her kicks were powerful, and her punch was precise. Batman stumbled back as she lunged in to taze him again. He punched her under her extended arm, and kicked the taser out of her hand. More pain, more blood loss.
Then, he felt the heavy smash of a fist on his right shoulder, immediately dislocating it. It hurt tremendously, but it wasn't broken, and Batman could take it. Grant was a titan, back up and ready to fight again. Grant delivered a successful punch to the chest, and tackled Batman to the ground, his hands over his throat. With his right arm's shoulder dislocated, it wasn't much use to defend himself. To get Grant off, he would need to tranquilize the giant, and that would require his other arm. That meant 15 seconds before he lost consciousness, his neck completely undefended.
He worked his arm to his utility belt slowly, Grant's weight bearing down on him making everything more difficult. His shoulder, his side and his body being crushed. The pain was getting hard to bear. By the time he reached his belt, five seconds had passed. It was already becoming harder to concentrate.
His fingers glided along his belt until he found the proper compartment. He struggled to press the button, but when he did, the small, cylindrical syringe sprang out. He grabbed it and clenched it tight. 10 seconds, everything was starting to darken. He had to stay awake. He had to fight.
He wormed his arm back up the length of his body, and after making sure the syringe was ready to sedate, weaved it around Grant's left arm, and plunged the needle into his neck. Grant's eyes grew wide before his arms began to wobble, and almost immediately after, he was out. As he fell, Batman used his left arm to allow Grant to slide off him. Batman gasped for air, but couldn't stay on the ground. With two attackers left, he mustered the strength to spring to his feet. In the chaos, Genesis and the others had escaped. It was just Batman and these two now.
"Unbelievable." One of the men muttered, before charging forward and scooping one of the fallen knives off the ground. He swiped across and Batman dodged. He swiped again, and once more Batman evaded. But when he went to stab for the final time, that's when Batman countered. Grabbing the wrist and spinning him around with his good arm, Batman pulled him in, pinning the attacker against himself with the man's own arm. The knife was pointed toward the man's throat, and Batman used this to his advantage..
"Don't move." Batman commanded the last attacker, using the last of his energy to fein authority and strength. He was desperate, and he needed to end this. Using his right arm that was hanging down against his body, he used as little movement as possible to grab a pair of handcuffs from his belt, and toss it to the remaining man. Even with little movement, it hurt like hell.
"Cuff yourself, or the man slits his own throat." Batman barked.
"Y-you're bluffing. The Agent doesn't kill."
"I'm desperate. Is that a chance you want to take?" Batman growled.
There was a moment when no one did anything. Even his hostage had bated breath.
"A-alright. Just, take it easy." The man said, slowly grabbing the handcuffs, and shackling himself. Batman was no stranger to using excessive force or threats, but this was a new low for him. He was desperate. He had come unprepared and fought too sloppy- despite knowing what kind of men Genesis had at his disposal.
"BATMAN!" Came a shout from across the room. Genesis and his group of people had returned, all with semi-automatic weapons at the ready, and pointed straight at Batman. He definitely came unprepared. Acting swiftly, he threw his hostage forward and grabbed several flash pellets from his utility belt, throwing them across the room, just as Genesis shouted "DIE!"
The pellets began to explode, dazing the gun-wielders and Genesis. Without skipping a beat, he launched his grappling hook through the hole and into the ceiling above him, and propelled himself up just as several of them began regaining their senses and started firing.
He pushed the batmobile's remote, and pressed himself against the wall as bullets began shredding their way through the floor.
"GO, GO, GO! UPSTAIRS, UPSTAIRS!" Genesis shouted over the gunfire, as he and several others remained to shoot at the ceiling.
Batman watched from the window as his batmobile busted through the iron gates and roared through the unkempt lawn to his location. As he made his way to the window, he yelled in pain as a bullet tore into his leg. He didn't jump, but practically fell from the window above, the electromagnetic mechanism the only thing guiding him to the seat. By this point, he was barely conscious.
DAKAKAKAKAKAKA. Bullets began flying off the car, as the top shut itself with him safely inside. "T-the...m-m-manor…" Batman managed to make out, before completely slipping into darkness.
"I'm afraid breakfast may be rather difficult this morning, madam." Came Alfred's voice from the distance. "Yes, see… Master Wayne was attacked last night."
"Alfred…" Bruce whispered, waking up.
"Yes, he's quite alright. Just recovering. In fact, he's been asleep for some time, which is why you haven't been made aware."
"Alfred, it's alright."
"Master Bruce! Would you hold on Ms. Page?" Alfred set the cell phone down hurriedly. "How are you feeling?"
Bruce sat up slowly, feeling a sharp pain in his side. He snatched the cell phone, and held it to his ear. "Linda, can you be here for breakfast in 15?"
"Bruce, thank goodness you're alright! I was so worried. What happened?"
"I can explain over breakfast. Can you be here?"
"O-of course. I'm heading right over!" Linda said.
Bruce handed the phone back to Alfred, and laid back down, out of breath.
"Do you think that was wise, sir? You should be resting."
"I don't want to lose her Alfred. After last night… I need to...show a real effort."
"While I'm proud of you for admitting so, you're in no condition to do anything. You lost a lot of blood, and it took me over an hour to dig that bullet out of your leg. Luckily, I was able to pop your shoulder back in place rather effortlessly."
A trained combat medic for the British Royal Guard, Alfred was invaluable to Batman, and had saved his life one more than one occasion. Last night was no different.
"I think I can handle breakfast, Alfred." Bruce chuckled, sitting up, and spinning his legs off the table. He was in the Batcave, and it seemed that he was out for several hours. He grabbed a nearby cane, and limped to his computer.
"Did you send the GCPD to Genesis' location?"
"Yes sir." Alfred responded, grabbing Bruce's robe, and bringing it to him. "Unfortunately, they found no one. They seemed to clean the place out right after you left. I was able to piece together what had happened after your car made its way into the cave. The car is a bloody mess."
"In the study upstairs, there were blueprints to the mayor's manor, and the Iceberg Lounge. Did Gordon find those?"
"I'm afraid Gordon said after a sweep of the place, they found nothing of consequence. I wasn't exaggerating when I said they seemed to clean the place out."
"Dammit." Batman cursed. "I was foolish Alfred. I knew exactly what I was going up against, and still came unprepared. If I hadn't caught them as unprepared as I was…"
"Is that the only reason, sir?"
"What's that supposed to mean Alfred?" Bruce snapped, putting on the robe.
"I only mean that perhaps you are too accustomed to having someone watch your back. When Master Grayson-"
"I don't want to hear this lecture again Alfred. I was Batman before Robin, and I can be Batman after Robin. I don't need a partner."
"Beg my pardon sir, but even in the beginning you had help. James Gordon and Harvey Dent were invaluable to you during your crusade's infancy."
Bruce didn't say anything for several moments. "Maybe it's true that last night I was sloppy, that I didn't pay attention behind me enough...but that doesn't mean I'm incapable of doing so."
"I never meant to imply that you-"
"Gordon and Harvey weren't fighting next to me. The battles we won together were of law and order- not of fists. Now, let's hurry and have breakfast. I want to review those case files I had you dig up for me, and tonight I have to visit our favorite aves friend."
10 minutes later, Bruce was sitting at his father's dining room table, going through his mail, when an envelope addressed from Zatanna Zatarra pulled him away from the junk mail, and donation solicitations.
Bruce,
My magic show is going to be in Gotham all this week. I hope you can take the time to come visit this time. I haven't seen you the last couple of times I've been in town. Enclosed are two tickets. Bring that gorgeous red head of yours.
Love,
Zee
Given the sketch of that arch he found last night, the invitation was almost too perfect.
"Linda!" Bruce smiled, standing up, putting his weight on his crutch, and greeting her with a kiss as she walked in.
"Oh thank goodness you're alright." Linda said, giving him another kiss. "I wanted to come over here and yell at you for last night, but…what happened?"
Thinking quick on his feet was another of Alfred's talent. Thanks to Alfred, Bruce didn't even have to lie to Linda this time. Well, completely anyway.
"Genesis and a couple of his men ambushed me as I left Wayne Enterprises last night," Bruce said. "If it hadn't been for a couple of police officers who were down the street...I'd be dead. A bullet, and a stab wound." Bruce opened his robe, and showed her his bandaged side.
"Oh my…" She lightly touched the bandage, and gave him another kiss.
Bruce chuckled. "I told you, I'm fine. Now, let's eat." He smiled, grabbing her by the shoulders. "I feel just awful about having to leave you last night." He pulled out her chair for her, and hobbled over to his own.
"Well, I still haven't forgiven you. It's just hard to be mad at a boyfriend who almost got killed last night." Linda joked. "But when daddy heard what happened, he sent for me immediately. So, I wasn't without a shoulder to cry on."
"Egg benedict, grapefruit and bagels with cottage cheese." Alfred announced, as he entered the dining room with a large tray.
"Smells delicious, Alfred." Bruce smiled.
"Thank you, Alfred." Linda said graciously after he served her. He then served Bruce, poured them both a glass of orange juice, and left the room.
"He's amazing." Linda laughed, after biting into the egg benedict.
"One of a kind." Bruce agreed. "How's your work at the clinic going?"
"Well, it hasn't gotten easier...seeing the people that come into Park Row. But Leslie is wonderful, and makes it bearable. I've learned so much from her, and it feels great to do so much good."
"I need to make another donation soon." Bruce commented. Leslie was a great friend, and had done more for Bruce than he could ever repay her for. She hadn't just introduced Bruce and Linda. She was instrumental to his recovery following his parents' murders as a young boy. For many years of his life, she was almost like a surrogate mother to him. She was one of the kindest people he knew.
She opened the Park Row Clinic and ran it off of donations, and out of her own pocket. No one was denied care. Not even the homeless or criminal. And no one that used the clinic paid a dime out of pocket. All of her nurses, like Linda, were volunteer, and ran the clinic out of the goodness of their hearts. In a city of evil, the Park Row Clinic was a beacon of good.
"Do I need to come over there and feed you, like one of my patients?" Linda smirked. Bruce just laughed. "You know, we can end breakfast early and we can go upstairs. I can help you feel better."
"You know I would like nothing more, even with a literal stab wound…"
"But…" Linda groaned.
"But I have a lot I have to get done today."
Linda looked upset, but Bruce continued.
"But what are your plans for this evening? I have two tickets to Zatanna, The Great at Gotham Theater tonight. I was hoping maybe we could go together."
Immediately, Linda brightened up. "Of course! I love magic!"
"Who doesn't?" Bruce chuckled. However, Batman hated magic.
"Something Genesis said bothers me, Alfred." Bruce remarked later in the cave.
"And what is that sir?"
"He said wealth no longer appealed to him. As if he once valued his wealth, which he clearly still retains given his resources."
"That reminds me sir, the analysis of that zipline came back. It's a product of-"
"Cobb Military Technologies. I saw a supply invoice last night. Cobb was a wealthy family, before they were murdered. Given his use of their weapons and their mansion, I wonder if there's a connection there. Their murderer was never caught." Bruce double clicked on a file extracted from the GCPD database, which he had asked Alfred to retrieve last night.
"There's another thing." Bruce continued. "He mentioned my name along with Oswald Cobblepot's. And he has a blueprint to Cobblepot's club. That probably means I'm a target as well. Call Lucius, and have him prepare security to be on high alert."
"Of course sir."
Four years ago in June, the Cobb family was massacred in their home, cut open in a fashion similar to the murders Gotham was experiencing today. Ruben Cobb, 52, his wife Paris, 45, and two daughters Karen, 21, and Kathy, 17. The Cobb name used to be as synonymous to Gotham as the Waynes, until the family began quickly dying out over generations. With their murders, the bloodline became extinct.
There were no signs of forced entry, and the Cobbs were killed in their sleep. Whoever killed them had been meticulous, wiping down all the surfaces he came into contact with- except one: the front door, most likely from when he was leaving. But a match to the prints was never found, and the case went cold.
What had perplexed Batman and the authorities then was how such a wealthy family with state of the art security systems was murdered without any alarms being triggered. One of the guest bedrooms had looked recently disturbed, suggesting the murderer was staying with them: someone they knew and trusted, and had knowledge of the security systems to wipe out camera footage.
Immediately, the butlers and attendants were suspects, but they were all cleared. And since none of them stayed at the mansion over night, none had knowledge of who could've stayed with them that night. For such a brutal series of murders, it was perfect. But even reviewing the case now, he had nothing to suggest it was Genesis. Unless…
"Alfred. Did you find any prints on that zipline?"
"Only partial ones, and too many to conclusively run through the database."
"That's okay. Maybe we can get a partial match to this one here." Bruce said, referencing the file. He set the zipline up under a polilight, and began scanning the fingerprints.
10 minutes later, the computer began cross referencing the various prints, and almost immediately, he had a match.
"I knew it. I'm willing to bet the matching print belongs to Genesis. And while I'm still unsure of their connection, I know he murdered them."
"Where did he disappear to for four years? Is it safe to say he has returned to Gotham to finish what he started?" Alfred asked.
"I'm not sure, but I'm hoping to get more insight tonight from Zatanna. I found something last night that leads me to believe magic may be involved."
"Oh no. Not the 'm' word." Alfred moaned sarcastically. Alfred knew how much he hated magic.
The other thing Bruce didn't understand was why he was a target. Was it simply because of his money? Was it a personal vendetta? Or was it due to some perceived injustice by Genesis, like with the Parks? Or the Crownes? However, their numerous foundations, and Bruce Wayne personally, gave millions each year to various philanthropies. Wayne Enterprises and their divisions had poured countless resources into improving Gotham, and providing for those who couldn't provide for themselves. Genesis' hatred of Bruce wasn't rational. Not that ration was something a psychopath understood.
If something was amiss in the company, as chairman, Bruce would know. Or his trusted confidant and CEO of the company, Lucius Fox, would inform him otherwise. But maybe there was something they both missed, so he pulled out his cell phone and gave Lucius a call.
"Good afternoon Bruce." Lucius answered, with his deep and confident voice.
"How are you Lucius?"
"I'm surprised you're calling. I imagine your nights must be quite busy these days."
"In what way?" Bruce chuckled.
"The life of a playboy, of course." Lucius answered slyly. In fact, Fox was one of the few who knew about Bruce Wayne's alter ego, even though he played coy. Fox was vital in often helping divert company resources to his nightly escapades.
"I'm calling about the man who attacked the mayor's manor last night. It would seem he is targeting not just the wealthy, but the wealthy who he deems guilty of committing some kind of social injustice. We haven't had to make any cut backs, or take part in any nasty acquisitions that weren't run by me, have we?"
"I can double check for you, but I can't think of any "social injustice" we're guilty of. Our ducks have always been in a row. I'm sure you'd have something to say about it if they weren't."
"Thank you, Lucius. If you can think of anything, let me know. Otherwise, just remember to say hello to Tanya and the kids for me."
I sure will. Be safe tonight." There was a pause. "Partying, of course."
"Of course. Goodbye Lucius."
Bruce returned the phone to his pocket, and turned to Alfred with a look of discontent.
"We just need to be on guard for whatever this mad man throws at us."
