Notes: And so we reach the end of another multi-chapter adventure. I think this is a good spot to leave things in this series, with the protagonists all happy. I do have an idea for a story involving Harvey Dent that I might write, but right now my top interest for this fandom is a couple of amusing stories involving the Riddler encountering the world of the 1960's Batman TV series and his own counterpart from The Animated Series. I am unsure if those stories will connect to my mystery series or if they will take place prior to these events. Thank you for your interest! I'm glad that I was finally able to pick up the idea of a sequel to Don't Go Out on Friday Night and actually write it, and then this one too. It feels very fulfilling, to at last resolve that unfinished business after six years.

Epilogue

Ethan smiled brightly as the courthouse doors opened and he stepped outside. It was an overcast, cold November day, but that couldn't have mattered less to him.

"Well, Ethan, you're free." Bruce smiled as he came alongside his old friend, resting a hand on his shoulder.

"And this time I'm gonna make it stick, Bruce," Ethan vowed. "I really will."

Yin walked up on Ethan's other side. "I know you will," she said fervently.

"You're more than welcome to come work for me while you're sorting out your life," Bruce said.

"Thanks, Bruce," Ethan said in all sincerity. "Being a security guard isn't really what I want out of life, but it's sure a better job than I'd be able to get anywhere else right now. I really am grateful. I'll take you up on that offer."

"And don't count out that idea of getting back on the force," Yin said. "After you've proved you can function in society again, Commissioner Gordon said he'd be willing to consider it."

"I'm bowled over that he's willing to think about it at all," Ethan declared. "After everything I did . . ." He shook his head.

"Well, you really have it going for you that you weren't in your right mind," Bruce said.

"And the Riddler has been able to get by without going back to supercrime," Yin said.

"I really feel for the dude, trying to start over and all," Ethan said. "I'm glad he seems to be making it. Where is he, anyway? I thought he might turn up."

Bruce looked down at the steps at a nearby lamppost. "It looks like he did."

Yin followed his gaze. Indeed, the Riddler was leaning against a lamppost, his hands in the pockets of his green winter coat. He was watching them, not wanting to intrude on the old friends' moment, but seeming pleased.

"I'll be right back," Yin said, heading down the steps and over to him.

"You know," she greeted as she approached, "with the white trim on that coat, you look like you bought an idea for part of an alternate Santa Claus suit."

He smirked. "Except that I don't intend to go around making merry next month by flying through the sky and down chimneys."

"No, that doesn't sound like you," Yin agreed. "But what are you doing down here?"

"This is your time with Ethan," he said. "I never really met him and I don't know him; I only saw him now and then in Arkham."

"There's no time like the present." Yin nodded towards Ethan. "Anyway, he'd like to meet you in peaceful circumstances for once."

The Riddler raised an eyebrow. "He would?"

"He likes to meet people who are important to his friends," Yin said. She rested a hand on his arm. "What do you say?"

"Well, I suppose it would be rude to wander off without saying Hello now," the Riddler remarked.

"It sure would." Linking arms with him, Yin led him up the stairs, where Ethan and Bruce met them halfway.

"Hello again," Bruce nodded politely.

"Hello, Mr. Wayne," the Riddler said smoothly.

Yin turned to Ethan. "And you two haven't officially been introduced, even though you've seen each other around. Riddler, this is my friend Ethan. Ethan, this is my friend the Riddler."

"That's a sentence I never thought I'd hear in reality," the Riddler quipped.

"Me either." Ethan reached to shake hands. "But hey, any friend of Yin's." He smiled. "Good to meet you."

"Likewise," the Riddler answered.

Bruce stepped back and watched, enjoying the peaceful scene. The Riddler was free and seemed to be making good use of his life. Yin was happy. And now Ethan was free as well.

The Scarecrow had been committed to Arkham, which was slowly getting back under control with the information from the raid, the witnesses, and the now-found undercover agent, who had been hurt but was recovering. Arkham was hopefully stepping into a new era, thanks to the expert guidance of its growing new staff.

Crane had admitted that Ethan actually had seen him at Arkham on Halloween night, but earlier than nine. Portman had then slipped Ethan subliminal messages during their session that had confused him and made him think it had been nine instead, in order to give Crane an alibi for the time Scarecrow was on a rampage.

Portman was still at large, but Bruce had to hope that if not caught, she would lay low for a long while and not try to harm anyone else. He would not give up looking for her, but he had the feeling that she was long gone from the Gotham area altogether. From his research into her past, she never seemed to stay in one place for very long.

Penguin had offered his testimony at the hearing and trial, as he had committed to do, and now he was currently free. Bruce did not have the hope that Penguin would turn away from crime as Nygma mostly had, as Penguin did not possess the regret for that lifestyle that Nygma had shown. But Bruce hoped that if nothing else, Penguin would stay out of trouble for a good, long while. Since he had requested immunity, it seemed probable that he would at least appear to be living right for a while. Bruce would keep an eye on him.

Meanwhile, the city was currently calm and at peace. That didn't happen as much as Bruce would like. He would embrace it for all it was worth.

"You know," Ethan said suddenly, "I'm itching for a meal that wasn't prepared in the Arkham kitchen. Who's with me?"

"Lunch sounds great," Yin smiled.

"Do you even have any money, Ethan?" Bruce asked.

"They gave me a little to start my new life with," Ethan said. "I think a good meal with good friends is the perfect way to use some of it."

Bruce and Yin exchanged a look before Bruce replied, "I think we'd like to chip in and help celebrate. After all, you're not the only one who won this victory."

Ethan sobered. "You're right, Bruce. And I never would have won if you and Yin hadn't been here for me."

"So let's go eat," Yin said.

Ethan looked to the Riddler. "You're coming too, right?"

The Riddler blinked in surprise. "I don't have anywhere I need to be. As long as I'm not intruding, I'd be happy to come."

"Intruding? No way, man!" Ethan declared. "You and Yin have got so chummy that I'm really curious to get to know you."

That brought a smirk. "Well, then, by all means. But don't expect to learn too much." The Riddler slung his cane over his shoulder. "I have to keep up some semblance of mystery, after all."

"I figured on that," Ethan said. "No problem. I'll respect your privacy."

Bruce smiled, as did Yin. This was a pleasant twist. Lunch should be an interesting experience.

Overall, it was shaping up to be an excellent holiday season.