13.
The Batman knocked on the door of a really bad hotel.
In a really bad part of Gotham City.
In the late hours of the night.
Paul peered through the peephole and saw nothing but darkness. He held his gun close to his leg as he slid the locks open and cracked the door. As soon as he did so the door exploded.
In came a fury of darkness.
The gun ended up on the floor, separated from its owner who ended up on the floor also.
Paul never had the chance to catch his breath. He never even saw the Batman. But he felt the creature that picked him up by his neck. Threw him against a wall, and then caught him again by his throat. He then found himself looking into furious eyes.
The beast snarled, "Where are the people you kidnapped! Where are they!"
Paul was stunned.
He couldn't even remember kidnapping anyone.
Batman slammed him back into the wall again.
"Athena and Alfred!"
Fear overcame Paul, "They're…they're…Negly has them…"
Batman leant closer.
Paul tried to lean back.
He failed.
"Where is Negly!"
Paul shrugged, "Um…The Days Inn…down by the lake…look, don't hurt me…I'll do anything you want…"
Batman pulled him closer, off his feet, and tightened his grip. Bruising Paul's neck. In a harsh whisper he ordered Paul, "Get out. Leave. Don't ever come back here." He threw Paul down on the bed. Hard. Making Paul bounce several times.
By the time Paul got control of himself Batman was gone.
Paul then began to pack.