Forever Robin
By
AJ
Part 5
Batman and Robin arrived at Police Headquarters, parking in front as usual. For a very long time they weren't allowed to operate in daylight. Their license of being duly deputized agents of the law had been revolved because someone dared to frame Batman for murder and they tried to keep Nightwing from helping him. They eventually proved Batman's innocence, but the damage was done. It took many years before the police would trust them again. They had to operate outside the law and yet within it. Only Gordon and O'Hara knew the truth. It was within the last five years that their licenses were once again given back to them. Then Jim Gordon retired and his daughter Barbara took over. As they raced up the steps and up to the 14th floor, both of them were on the same wavelength. Without saying a word, they planned their strategy. Once they reached the 14th flour, Robin entered the Commissioner's office first followed by Batman.
"Batman!" Commissioner Barbara Gordon exclaimed. 'How . . . How . . . Bru . . . "
"No time to explain, Commissioner," Batman interrupted her before she revealed his secret identity. Twenty years earlier, she discovered Robin's secret identity, only he was known as Nightwing then. And because she knew he was Bruce Wayne's ward, it made perfect sense that Bruce was Batman. Soon after, she had been shot by the Joker. Her crime fighting life as Batgirl had been ended, but she found a new purpose and became Oracle. For 15 years she helped Batman, along with his other sons. And each year she also watched as Bruce lost those sons, all except Dick Grayson. Even though their relationship never fully made it to the next level, they still remained friends. Two years ago, it was through Wayne Enterprise's Medical Research Division that provided the means for her to walk again. And now, with her becoming Commissioner of Gotham City, everything changed again. She was technically their boss.
"What are you doing here?" Barbara asked.
Barbara Gordon's Chief of Police, James Randell came in at that moment. Seeing that they weren't alone, Commissioner Gordon became all business, using that voice she used that Dick knew so well as Oracle that said, "Tell me the facts and nothing else."
"Investigating the attempted murder of Bruce Wayne," Batman said.
"Attempted murder, I don't understand. I went to . . . Bruce Wayne's funeral. Are you telling me that he's alive?"
Batman didn't know what to say other than, "Very much so."
"I can explain Commissioner," Robin said. "Dick Grayson filled me in."
"Very well, give me the facts."
Robin explained how Dick Grayson found Bruce Wayne's note the next day after Bruce had been buried. He explained that Grayson noticed certain words had been underlined, as if Bruce knew that his life was in danger. He explained about Dick noticing the digital clocks. "And that's how Dick Grayson figured out that Bruce Wayne was still alive. Somehow he and every digital clock in Wayne Manor had been frozen. He immediately retrieved Mr. Wayne. He . . . exhumed him and discovered that he wasn't dead."
"How did you and Batman become involved?"
"Dick Grayson called me, Commissioner," Batman said. "Told us the facts and we surmised that the one person who was capable of doing this was Mr. Freeze. However, what we need to know is whether there were others who had been affected in the same way."
"Chief, did you get that?"
"Yes, Commissioner," Chief Randell replied. James Randell was a good man. He was passionate about his job and took it very seriously. Though he didn't care much for vigilantes running around the city, he respected the Commissioner's decision when it came to dealing with Batman and his partner. "My officers reported three deaths in the past three weeks. The were all sudden and from high powered men such as Mr. Wayne, but none of them came back to life. They appeared to have died of natural causes."
"Perhaps their families didn't realize their loved ones weren't dead. And because of that . . ."
Chief Randell visibly paled at the realization. "You mean they . . ."
"Dear God . . ." Barbara shuddered at the realization that Batman . . . Bruce also nearly died from being buried alive. If it hadn't been for . . . "We better get a court order to have the bodies exhumed. We have to be certain. If they were just frozen and Mr. Freeze is responsible, we're looking at murder. Have you found out the reason for this?"
"That is one of the questions we have yet to answer."
"And the other question?"
"The nature of his new weapon," Robin said. "And how he caused these deaths to happen."
"Of course . . . Boy Wonder," Barbara Gordon suddenly realized what uniform Dick Grayson was wearing. She had to admit, the old uniform still looked good on him. It was as if he hadn't aged. She would have to ask him later about his choice in "Robin" attire.
"We better return to the batcave, Robin," Batman said, aware of Barbara's sudden interest in Dick's appearance. "Please call us once you find out about those three victims."
Batman turned and Robin followed his lead. Robin kept an eye on him. He noticed something, but he didn't want to say anything while in Police headquarters. He would have to ask Batman later when they were alone. When they returned to the batmobile, Batman climbed into the passenger side.
"Drive."
Robin got into the driver's side without question. When they were away from the city, Batman pulled off his cowl and became Bruce Wayne once again. It was unlike him to do that while they were still on the road. Robin noticed that Bruce was sweating profusely. He reached over and touched Bruce's forehead. He could feel the heat of Bruce's body, even through his gauntlet.
"You're burning up."
"Just get me home."
Dick picked up the bat phone calling the cave. "Alfred, Bruce is ill. Better have a gurney ready for him. No, I don't know what's causing it. It came on all of a sudden. Right. I'll be there shortly."
Robin pulled into the bat cave just moments after talking with Alfred. He climbed out of the batmobile and was swiftly opening the passenger side door and helping Bruce to his feet and onto the gurney that Alfred had ready.
"His body has been subjected to extreme stress. He isn't completely recovered."
"I just need rest," Bruce said. "You're going to have to investigate this on your own for a while."
"We won't be able to do anything until we hear from Ori . . . I mean Commissioner Gordon. Alfred, I know this has been very difficult for you, but how are you holding up?" Dick asked.
"I am fine, Master Dick," Alfred said. "A little more tired than usual, but that is to be expected when you are 84 years old. My concern right now is for Master Bruce."
"Can you handle getting him upstairs to his room?"
"No, not to my room," Bruce said. "I prefer being in the medical bay so you can inform me on those three victims when the Commissioner calls."
"That's going to take time, Bruce. They have to get a court order and that might not happen for at least 24 hours. And then it's going to take time to exhume the bodies."
"I can sleep here," Bruce argued. "I'm just exhausted."
Dick didn't argue, but he was deeply concerned. This wasn't like Bruce to suddenly become ill. Though his body had undergone stress before, this somehow felt different. He remembered Bruce's earlier words, about still investigating his murder. He hoped those words were in jest and not prophetic in nature. He didn't think he could handle Bruce dying again. This would be the third time, but he couldn't help thinking rather ironically, and sarcastically, 'Third times' the charm.' He just hoped he wasn't right.
Continues with Part 6