Chapter 10 : Lust, Bullets and Explosions
24 hours later...
The afternoon sunlight was reflecting of the white halls of the east wing office of Wayne Manor as Alfred placed a tray down next to a refreshed, casually dressed Bruce Wayne. Bruce sat in a leather chair looking at documents that Fox needed him to sign.
A ball point pen was in his hand as his leg was crossed. The laptop was on his lap as he typed in a few words on the keys. Alfred looked over him with pleased expression with a twinkle of humor in his eyes.
"I must say Master Wayne, you're looking much better. A part from the weight."
Bruce shot his butler a look and looked down at his stomach. "Thanks to Selina." He replied in a soft tone.
"Indeed. Miss Kyle has proven to be a great ally to you sir."
The dark haired billionaire shook his head. "No. She's more than that Alfred."
"Than I believe you should tell Miss Kyle the truth about how you really care about her."
Bruce trailed off into his own thoughts. "One day." The was the only word he could think of at the moment. He arose from the chair and moved to the window near the bookshelf that had the picture of Rachel Dawes and his parents.
Bruce picked up the photo frame of Rachel and looked with a sorrowful gaze. "I lost Rachel because I told her the truth that I loved her."
Alfred stood there thoughtfully. "Miss Kyle is a very different woman than Rachel. She's a headstrong, take charge kind of woman that knows how to fight a start but also how to end one as well."
Bruce placed the picture back on the shelf and looked at Alfred. "I can face mass murdering psychopaths and deranged doctors but telling a woman that I love her is a whole different kind of battle."
"Well they do say that love is a battle field sir."
The billionaire walked over to the window and stared at the Lamborghini in the driveway.
"Planning on going out today, sir?" Alfred inquired.
Bruce narrowed his eyes at his stomach. "I can't. Not looking like this." He felt embarrassed at his appearance. He knew that Vedette Countess was his enemy now.
"I'm sure it would be hardly noticeable by now sir. Why don't you take the Lamborghini for a spin. After all you've been bed ridden for a few days so a little fresh air might do you good."
Bruce was silent for a moment.
"Fine, Alfred. You win. I'll go out. But I'm not entering any places of the general public." He walked out of the room and began to make his way to the stairwell.
"I trust that you'll be seeing Miss Kyle."
Bruce gave no response as he grabbed his brown leather jacket, sunglasses and keys. He opened the back door and headed to the parked sports car. The fresh air was cold to his flesh as he pressed the remote start button and heard the engine roar.
He placed the sunglasses over his dark hazel green eyes and flipped the door opened. He slid his body onto the cream white leather seating, adjusted himself into a comfortable position with the seat belt and then put the car into reverse.
Alfred was still in the office. He looked out the window and watched the silver sports car gunned through the entrance gates and headed to the freeway. He couldn't help but worry as he always did for his master.
Meanwhile in her small apartment in Old Town - a small district near most of the night clubs, convenience stores and one of the finest bakeries in the city - Selina Kyle sat on the fire escape with her black cat Iris curled onto her lap, dressed in a plain black sweater and jeans.
In her hand was a book that she got off her friend Jane a few hours ago. Her brown eyes scanned the pages looking for any information on the type of cult Vedette belonged too. She knew that Baset was the main cult that Blackstone was doing research on but there was something missing.
Her attention turned to the sound of a roaring engine. "Speak of the devil," she thought as she shook her head and headed back inside.
Bruce Wayne was walking up the stair well, his sunglasses were resting on the top of his head as he made his way to her apartment. He knocked gently with a charming smile on his face. Selina opened the door.
"I bet you're happy to see me." He smirked with a red rose in his hand.
Selina gazed at the rose. "Trying to be a suck-up? What I did was a favor." She looked his m shaped lips and then looked at his plumped stomach. Bruce looked disappointed.
"So all those things that you said in front of Alfred about how you loved me, that was all an act Selina Kyle?"
Selina was speechless. The truth was she loved him but she was afraid to get her heart ripped out knowing that one day she would be standing in front of his grave.
Bruce moved closer and placed his hand on her cheek. "Tell me the truth Selina..." He urged with a soft look.
"Bruce I..." She had to find the courage. This was the man that she cherished as her most valued treasure in this world. All she could do was smack her lips onto him. Her chest rubbed against his as she wrapped her arms around him and then crashed her lips tenderly and full of a passion onto his.
The she pulled away leaving him breathless.
"Well that's one way of getting the truth out." He smirked handing her the rose.
She gladly received it and moved to her dresser. "I thought that you were going to be a shut in for a few more days." She placed the rose mirror and looked at his reflection in her vanity's mirror.
"Alfred said that I need to get some fresh air. The old butler of mine can be very demanding when he wants to be."
She smirked her crimson lips. "Reminds me of someone else."
Bruce looked around at all the paintings, books and clothing. "It's been so long since I came up here." He quickly stated.
"Did you buy all these?"
Selina shrugged. "Somewhat."
He's guard went up. "Somewhat?"
"I know what you're thinking Dark Knight. I didn't steal any of these items. Most of them were given freely to me."
Bruce flicked his eyes with amazement. "Freely?"
Selina looked slightly irritated. "Did you come here to accuse me or to visit Wayne?" She growled.
"Visit. But with that attitude. I think I'll be changing my mind."
Selina's lips become tight. "So why are you here? Don't say because you want to give me that rose or a kiss. I know you too well."
Bruce nodded with a serious face. "How did you get the antidote?"
"Let's just say that it was a thrilling experience."
"Thrilling. What happened?" He looked at her with concern. "I want the truth Selina."
"The truth. Alright I was chased on the over pass by a clown in a transport truck."
Bruce's eyes went wide but not with surprise. "Him?"
She nodded. "Don't worry. I got away before he filled my sexy body up with lead." She lightly joked.
Bruce crossed his arms. "You did all that to save me?" He asked. No one has ever done that for him before." He said with a hint of disbelief.
"Let's just say it was a one time thing, handsome."
He pulled her closer with his arms and embraced her. His lips crashed onto hers.
"Can you give me a little breathing room." She said with a small laugh, her cheeks red.
He released her and she awarded him with a grateful nod.
"Thank you. I have a feeling that Vedette is not through with you yet handsome."
Bruce narrowed his brow with contempt.
"Let me worry about that witch." He said bitterly.
Selina shook her head. "I always thought that you could see right through people. You let your guard down too many times." She admonished.
He agreed. "I did. But at least I learn from my mistakes."
He moved to the door frame as she stood there in a silent manner. Her eyes were glaring at him. Bruce turned around with his hand on the door frame. His shirt hugged his small round stomach as he took one last glance at the woman he was in love with.
"I never did say thank you for saving my life."
Selina smacked her lips together. "I think the kiss sealed that topic."
He flashed her a bright smile and then pulled away. Selina turned around and looked at the rose. A symbol of eternal love. She rolled her eyes and looked at her black cat.
"I guess I am a sucker for loving Bruce Wayne."
Outside in the hall, Bruce was standing near the door listening to her soft alluring tone. He smiled and made his way on the stair well.
Across town...
Vedette Countess threw her knife into one of her armed mercenaries out of uncontrolled anger. "So the little cat saved the billionaires life?" She growled as her hands pulled out the knife without mercy.
"I had it all planned." Her ice green eyes were burning with fierce hatred. "But plans change don't they?"
The wound mercenary nodded as Syde stepped away while Vedette drew closer to him.
"All it takes is one simple mistake and the whole plan is ruined. Know I'm not pointing any figures at any names but who made Selina Kyle reach Wayne Manor and the sick billionaire. Who!?" She snarled, shaking as her body was reaching the boiling point.
Many of the mercenaries were afraid to meet her condemning stare. They knew what she was capable of and they knew if they were lucky she'd kill them quickly instead of drawing out a long painful torture.
"I will have to kill all of you. That won't be a mistake in my eyes!"
The three of them gulped down as their mistress was becoming diversivolent. They could see the rage steaming off her moon creamed complexion as her black leather hands held the dagger firmly. Blood was dripping from the tip of the blade. She eyed all of them venomously.
"One last chance gentlemen. Who defiled my orders?"
Syde stepped up feeling the guilt with a small sense of honor.
Vedette looked at him coldly. "Syde. I am so disappointed."
"It was not my fault Mistress. Selina Kyle was too quick to the feet."
"Selina is weak. She finds her strength when the people she cares about are harmed. I have done my research on her. She really only cares for herself and of course the billionaire. You are trained to kill when instructed Syde."
Vedette shook her head. "I can't trust you anymore." She moved in closer and slit his throat with trace of guilt in her eyes. She watched the body of one of her most loyal men drop to the floor and land into the puddle of blood.
The other two mercenaries looked at her in fear. If her right hand man was expendable they knew they she wouldn't give it a second thought to send them following him. She glared daggers at them as they trembled.
"Get rid of the corpse. He's no good to me now."
They nodded and immediately scooped up the body and carried it out of her midst. The Joker entered the room with a grin on his scarred white painted face. He took notice of the crimson puddle at her feet.
"Did you have a little party my sweet?" He asked moving closer to her.
Vedette threw the dagger into the floor. "More like a going away party."
He laughed at her comment. His cold eyes could see that she was fuming by the sour expression on her face. The need to cheer her up suddenly came over him.
"Tell me what's wrong?" The Joker titled his head looking at Vedette with hunger in his cold dark eyes. A reflection of his dark twisted soul. She continued glaring at the puddle in front of her with a cold expression. "What's wrong with my sweet?" Joker tried again with a slight hiss.
"Understand this. Failure is not an option. My right hand failed me."
The Joker looked at the puddle of blood.
"Bruce Wayne lives because of Selina Kyle." Vedette's lips formed into a scowl. "You really want to you what would make so happy." She pointed her chin up with a bright seductive smile.
The Joker rubbed his purple gloves in excitement. "Tell me," He demanded.
She leans forward against his chest with her gloved hands caressing his shoulders.
"To smell the cold stench of death as it creeps onto the flesh of Eric Bexer." She glared with insightful eyes. "He needs to get his reward for his services that are no longer required."
The Joker licked his lips. "Ask and you shall receive."
Vedette looked down at the blade. "Soon I will have the heart of Selina Kyle beating in my hands as the lonesome billionaire watches her take her final bow."
"That's more like it. You know sweetness I don't say this much, but sometimes you give me the chills."
Vedette gives him a wicked smile. The Joker rubs her arms in his embrace.
"Death is a joke I've reveled in, but you..." He puts his hand on her cheek and smiles sadistically, "You make it an art!"
They kiss hungrily both of them furious in their lust until they part and share an evil giggle. She turned her head and looked steadily in his dark eyes.
"Want to have some fun tonight? Go out and dance in the pale moonlight as the blood pours out of a senseless victim." She licked her lips as he stood there as still as stone; looked at the movement of her tongue feeling the lustful desires burn inside him.
"It sounds like a date." He grinned.
"I'll go get my coat." Vedette said.
Wayne Manor
Bruce Wayne headed towards the glass in-cased armory. He opened the glass doors and started to grab a few of his gadgets. Alfred stood behind him looking concerned as Bruce stripped off his black shirt revealing his swollen abs.
"Let me make this clear, Master Wayne. You think that the Joker, the mass murdering demon that turned Harvey Dent into a twisted soul, is back out on the streets."
Bruce nodded. "I have an assumption that the Joker and Vedette are working together. That's why he attacked Selina on the overpass. I also believe that the both of them are developing a relationship."
Alfred's pale blue eyes widened with disgust. "Who would want to love that clown?"
"People are sick Alfred." He said practically.
"Which is not a common thing in this city."
"Vedette has the same lust for blood and destruction as the Joker. He is attracted to her for those obvious reasons."
"Maybe a few other reasons as well."
Bruce pulled on the Kevlar armored chest piece. "If these two become an item than it will make a deadly combination for Gotham. We need to figure at what is the real reason why Vedette is targeting Gotham."
In a few minutes Bruce was fully transformed into Batman. He clipped his compartment belt into place then adjusted the long black memory cloth.
Alfred handed him the grappling gun as Batman looked at the screens of the police data base and the maps of the city. His gloved hands typed on the key board and his eyes gazed at the incoming 911 call sheet from Gotham Police dispatch.
"Keep me informed." He growled as he walked to the platform of where the Batpod was parked.
He slid his body onto the saddle. Stomach rubbing against the seat and arms and shoulders wide. He started the throttle and sped out into the night not knowing what he was going to endure.
Gold Arrow Towers - Parking Garage
Eric Bexer was making his way towards his parked BMW, keys were in his hand as looked for his vehicle near the cement column. A sound of high heels echoed onto the pavement as he unlocked the car door.
His brown eyes glanced at the shadows and without any hesitation he slid his body onto the leather seat then adjusted the rear view mirror. A pair of purple gloves touched the back of his neck.
Bexer could hear his heart racing through his chest as his eyes shifted to the pale white figure in the darkness sitting up behind him. The greasy split grin reflected into the mirror.
"What do you want?" Bexer asked trying to calm his nerves.
"Oh I want a lot of things." The Joker replied, pulling out his switchblade and placing his hand around Bexers neck so the tip of blade touched the bottom lip.
Bexer knew who he was dealing with and searched frantically in his mind for a way to appease the twisted clown behind him.
"You want money. I can get you a lot of money. More than what Countess is paying you. My boss has a Swiss bank account. I know the pin number."
The Joker thought for a moment as the switchblade was across Bexer's mouth starting to pierce the flesh. "I'm a man of many things Bexer. But betraying a lovely woman like Vedette Countess..." He licked his lips. "one of them."
Bexer gulped down as the blade went lower to his throat touching his Adams apple. Joker paused in his movements and baited Bexer's fear as he watched him tremble through the rear view mirror.
"Do want to know why I use a knife."
Bexer tried to shake his head but only managed a grunt of protest.
"You see once you pull the trigger. It happens all to fast like a blink of an eye. To quick to see the last emotions carved into the pale tinted flesh. I can't show the main emotion that every one etches into their face when they see the pale face of death looking back at them. Mocking them with laughter..."
He pressed the blade harder into Bexer's throat forming a line of blood. "A knife is slow and steady. It can be a tool of an artist. It shows all the details. All the expressions that were missed."
The Joker flicks his fist and jabs the knife right into Bexer's chin and then pulls it out. Bexer's head smacked into the steering wheel with a thud.
The Joker opened the back door and saw Vedette standing there with a pleased look on her face. He through her a small remote detonator.
"Press it my sweet. It will save you from lighting a match."
Vedette eagerly pressed the button. Bexer's car explodes, the flames heave the car upward as the doors blow off. Joker erupts in a fit of insane laughter while Vedette laughs malevolently.
The Joker stand next to Vedette and grins. "That's how you get rid of a bad joke."
Vedette looked at the flames rising and then turned to face the Joker. She pressed her lips onto his scarred ones while chaos was forming around them; glass shattering, the smell of charred flesh.
"The heat of the moment," The Joker whispered as their lips parted.
Gold Arrow Towers - Parking Garage
One hour later...
Commissioner Jim Gordon emerged from his black unmarked Ram pickup with a look of uncertainly on his brow. He walked over to the crime scene; the smell of charred flesh and gasoline hovered in the air as he looked at the remains of a blacked human skeleton.
"Did we get an ID on the body yet?" He asked one of the forensic detectives.
"Nothing yet, sir." The young man in uniform replied.
Gordon moved closer to the car and looked at the melted tires, broken glass and burnt metal. His attention turned to movement in the shadows.
"I was wondering when I would set sights on you again?" He asked. For two nights he was worried about the Dark Knight as he stood on the rooftop waiting to hear the sound of a cape fluttering in the wind.
Batman emerged from the shadows. His cape was draped over his shoulders and eyes focused on the burned BMW. A strong smell of the burnt flesh made him feel sick to his stomach as his dark eyes narrowed at the deformed charred skeleton.
"We can't ID the body."
Batman moved closer. "It's either Cameron Stifer or Eric Bexer." He replied in a gruff tone.
"How can you be so sure?" Gordon questioned.
Batman looked at the license plate of the BMW. "Stifter owned the same BMW model and his penthouse is on the top floor. He went missing for two days. No phone calls or text messages from his Blackberry," he said grimly.
He removed a device then took a picture of the plate. He then waited for the image on the small LD screen to come through. "The plate is registered to Stifter." Batman looked at the skeleton and could see a wound to the chin. A knife hole.
He knew that wound on lifeless bodies all too well from his encounters with the Joker. Batman stood there trying to piece everything together.
"When you have the results on the cause of death..."
Gordon nodded as he turned, about to say something else, but he only found himself staring at shadows.
Selina Kyle was crossing the street heading home after a quick drink at the Deck of Cards. She shuffled into her purse to the keys of her apartment and then stood at the side door.
A cold chill ran down her spine along with a familiar sense of danger. Her defenses were up as she turned 360 degree fists ready to strike. To her surprise no one was there. She stood still for a long moment listening for anything suspicious.
After a long moment of silence, she unlocked the door and walked inside. She took no more than a few steps when a gloved hand covered her mouth as she tried to kick and bite. Her attacker apparently hadn't come alone.
"You got a little fight in you. I like that." An eerie sadistic voice came from the shadows near the stairs.
Selina's eyes went crossed as the Joker emerged flicking a switchblade. His eyes favored her slender body. "I must say you are one beautiful creature. Sleek as a black cat and full of fire like a tiger." He licked his lips.
Selina elbowed the goon holding her in the face and lunged at the Joker. He backed away laughing.
"What do you want?" She growled as the goon grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to the ground. She was gazing at the Joker's withering shoes.
The Joker looked down at her.
"I always find it amusing to play cat and mouse." He bent his knees and touched her cheeks.
"Don't touch me!" She shouted.
The Joker clicked his tongue, reprimanding her. "Now that's not very nice. No it's not nice at all. I'm going to have to teach you some respect."
He suddenly jabbed the switched blade into her shoulder. Selina's brown eyes began to fill with tears but she refrained from crying out in pain. Doing so would only entice Joker further.
"Bats would snap if he found out that I misused his kitten." He laughed showing his yellow stained teeth.
Selina was wincing in pain as she held her bleeding shoulder. The Joker watched her with sick humor.
"We're going to have so much fun," he arose and snapped his fingers as another goon emerged from the stairwell with her leather stealth suit in his hands "...playing dress up."
He could see the rage in Selina's eyes as her hand covered the wounded shoulder.
"Don't worry about Brucie. When he comes and knocks on your door. He'll be surprised."
The Joker kicked Selina in the head. Selina's eyes slowly closed as the last thing she saw was the Joker's scarred mouth.
"Sweet dreams," he rasped.
Wayne Manor
Alfred Pennyworth was sipping a cup of Earl Grey in the main study when Bruce Wayne emerged from the bookshelf.
"Finding anything?"
Bruce shook his head. "Nothing. Not even one green hair at the crime scene." He replied, trying to get rid of the smell of charred flesh out of his nostrils. "Did Selina call?"
Alfred shook his head. "Afraid not."
Bruce's expression became grim as the summation of intel and events began to weigh in on him. Vedette had to know by now that he wasn't dead. She would be out for blood. Only this time she wasn't alone.
"Master Wayne?"
Bruce was locked into morbid thoughts as he often did when he knew the Joker was at large. He could take no chances.
"I'm going to her apartment right now. Something doesn't feel Alfred."
Alfred placed the cup on the table and rose expectantly.
"Taking the Lamborghini or the Batpod?"
"The Lamborghini." Bruce quickly replied as he bolted out of the room and headed in a pace down the hallway.
"Let me know if you here from Selina." He yelled over his shoulder.
"I will."
The hour was almost close to the "witching hour" as Bruce parked his Lamborghini in front of Selina's apartment located in the Old Town District. Not a fancy place for a world class cat burglar that reformed herself thanks to Bruce's generous offer and a heated kiss in the rain.
He lifted his chin upwards to catch a glance if Selina's light was on. There was a faint light near the window.
He walked across the street. A black cat was curled near the entrance way of the convenience store. He recognized the cat from the silver collar. "Iris," he spoke in a soft tone as the female cat lifted her head and glared at him with her haunting golden eyes.
Bruce opened the side door and raced up the stairs. There was a faint smell of gasoline hovering in the air. He reached the top and stood at her door. Gently he knocked. "Selina," he called.
There was no reply.
Bruce was starting to get worried. He knocked again more urgently. "Selina, it's Bruce. I need to speak with you..." The smell grew stronger as he heard a ticking noise. With reaction he used his foot and kicked down the door.
The apartment was dark with her clothes on the bed and no sign of her leather suit.
The ticking sound grew louder as he moved to the kitchen. His dark hazel eyes went wide as the stove was rigged to blow. In an instant he ran out the balcony window and caught the rung of the fire escape.
The ticking did a sudden stop and the apartment became engulfed in flames then exploded viciously. Bruce jumped down on the pavement, smacking his New Balance shoes as playing cards began to fill the air.
Glass and debris showered the ground as he covered his head, shielding himself. He groaned as he pulled himself to his feet, trying to shrug off the slight ringing in his ears. Around him, civilians gather and look up at the blazing apartment windows in shock.
"Call 911!" One of them yells.
Bruce growled as he pulled himself to his feet with a wince then stopped at the sight of the burning windows. Panic and dread filled him.
"No." His tone was grim.
A look of despair, that all too familiar feeling that came with guilt for something he knew he should've anticipated and prevented came over him like a cold draft.
A playing card landed by his feet, faced up. Bruce bent his knees and looked at the picture of a Cheshire cat printed in the middle with the words written in red ink.
"SAVE HER IF YOU CAN."
Bruce clenched his jaws tight and squeezed his fists as his eyes burned with rage.
He had to save the woman he loved. "Selina," he whispered while looking at the blazing apartment as the sound of firetrucks filled the airways. Bruce raced out of the alley, grabbed the cat and headed to his parked sports car.
He slid his body onto the leather seat. He gently placed the cat on the passengers seat while hoping that her claws wouldn't ruin the leather. He looked at the red and white flashing from the incoming fire engines and put the car into reverse.
His mind raced about Selina.
"I will not fail her." He thought.