Chapter 13: The Devil in the Darkness
The time was six in the morning as the fog began to lift off the pavement, giving a clear view of the streets below. All was quiet though in the distance, the hum of a ships fog horn blew in airwaves.
Standing on top of the ledge of the Gotham Radio tower stood a lonely figure with his long cape blowing in the wind. His head was pointing downward as he listened the sound of silence and thought about one thing: Selina.
He had more important things to do than worry about the woman he loved. "She's safe," He thought as the sounds of incoming 911 calls babbled through the radio transmitter ear piece in the cowl's right ear. One voice stood out from the voices, clear and eerie. A voice that he knew all too well. His blood boiled as he listened to the threats.
"Sir state you name?" A voice from Gotham Police dispatch answered.
"Ashes to ashes and dust to dust." The eerie tone replied. "Gotham Heights, there's a surprise waiting for the gutless fool of a Mayor. He better hurry the clock is ticking." The call disconnected.
Gotham Heights
An unmarked Ram pick up and two squad cars parked in front a condo. The commissioner and Megan Heart emerged from the truck as four officers followed to the steps. A pile of playing cards were littered on the sidewalks.
"Sir," Heart pointed at the cards.
Gordon's eyes widened as he kicked down the front door and entered with his gun drawn. There was an awful stench coming from the long hallway that made Heart gag as she followed the commissioner towards the bathroom.
Gordon flicked on the light and saw blood smeared on the mirrors and droplets on the tiles. "Heart, stay back." He ordered as the smell grew stronger as he moved to the bath tub. He bent his head, looked down and saw a charred body of a female skeleton lying in vital fluids with a playing card imbedded into her barbecued rib cage.
He slammed his palms onto the ledge. "Dammit." He cursed, turning and looking at the female detective. "Heart get the Mayor's office on the line. Tell him that we have a homicide..."
"Kidnapping." A deep voice spoke from the shadows behind the young detective. Gordon turned and saw Batman walking into the bathroom. "I checked the daughter's bedroom. She was the prime target." He implied, proceeding to the sink and removing a cotton stick from his belt and collecting a sample. "We have 48 hours..." He replied pointing at the smear of blood that was used to write numbers.
Gordon looked at Heart. "Tell the Mayor that we have a kidnapping. I want officers with him at all times until we find a safe house."
"That won't be needed. The Joker has what he came for. The daughter."
Gordon exhaled wearily. "Any leads on locations?"
"It's never easy with the Joker." Batman growled, placing the sample in a compartment of his belt. "The game is in his favor."
"So what... we just wait here while he has his fun with the girl?" Gordon said with frustration.
"He won't harm her. She is much too valuable to his plan."
Gordon shook his head. "You of all people should know that the Joker never has a plan. Look at what he did to Selina Kyle..."
Batman shot him a glare.
Gordon lowered his stare with a sigh, feeling regret for his words. "Sorry I did not meant to say that..."
"I'll let you know if I have any leads in a few hours." He said sharply.
Batman cleared out of the bathroom and the officers moved, giving him a clear way as he passed them.
Gotham General
The feeling of being overwhelmed had come over Bruce Wayne as he searched his black overcoat pockets for an English mint that he took from the candy bowl in the dining room before he left.
Dark circles were covered up with lotion applicant to make his eyes appear to be more awake and focused. That was all a lie. The truth was he felt exhausted, only getting two hours of sleep from the busy night he experienced hours before.
He waited outside the hospital room. A couple of nurses passed him as the short raven haired female doctor walked out from Selina's room and gazed at him with sincere brown eyes.
"Mister Wayne," She said in an European accent.
Bruce responded with an attentive nod, his expression was welcoming.
"You have nothing to worry about. I ran a few more tests and checked her heart rate. Miss Kyle has a clean bill of health." She assured him with a sincere smile.
The dark haired billionaire felt relieved. "Thank you." He answered in a soft tone.
"The inflammation of the rib cage will be at ease once the painkillers I prescribed take effect."
The physical scars were not his main concern. It was the self-depression that may have come over Selina that he was worried about. The Joker tormented her like a sick kitten, abusing and demeaning her humanity.
The doctor placed her hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry Mister Wayne, it might take a few days but she'll pull through. What Miss Kyle is suffering from is post-traumatic depression from the effects of the psychological trauma she experienced."
Bruce knew what the meant. Selina would be experiencing the flashbacks of the nightmare she endured. The switchblade placed on her lips and the smell of gasoline dripping from her thick hair.
"How long will it last?" He asked looking in the doorway, remorseful.
"It's hard to say Mister Wayne. The important thing is that she never endured sexual assault just physical abuse."
He felt inner rage boiling inside his veins at the thought of the Joker even touching Selina's flesh with his blood stained hands. It was all just a funny sick game to that clown. What disturbed him the most was that Vedette was there to watch the abuse.
"With Selina's condition. She has to remain indoors at all times. No going out into the public." The nurse urged him.
"I understand."
"Alright. You can go in now if you like. She's waiting for you."
Bruce nodded and entered the room's doorway quietly. He looked at Selina who sat on the bed rubbing her bruised arm. Her hair was in a pony tail. There was no makeup on her face but she still looked flawless and beautiful.
"Hey beautiful," He said.
Selina looked up at the billionaire with surprise. "Hi handsome. Isn't it a little early for you to be visiting?" She asked knowing that Bruce Wayne was the type that slept in 'till three in the afternoon or sometimes longer. This was a rare occasion.
"I know. But don't get used to it." He lightly teased.
She smirked and stood up.
Bruce walked over and helped her.
She lightly shrugged him off. "No thanks handsome. I can do this on my own." She spoke in a strong sexy voice as her lips formed a scornful expression. She hated being treated like a helpless woman that received pity from the people she loved. Selina Kyle was not that type of woman.
She was outgoing, with sometimes a bitchy attitude if she did not get her own way. She was a real woman, not fake. What you see is what you get?
Bruce stepped back. "Well OK Miss independent. I was just trying to offer my help." He joked.
She ripped off the patient ID bracelets and threw them into a trash can.
"Ready to go?" Bruce asked taking off his overcoat and placing it over her body.
Selina placed her hand on his cheek. "Sometimes Wayne you can be a real gentlemen." She smiled.
"Sometimes." He replied taking her hand and walking out of the hospital room.
A few minutes later...
Both Bruce and Selina exited through the entrance doors only to see two Gotham Police officers standing in front, speaking to one of the doctors.
"What's all this about?" Selina inquired, looking at the two officers.
"Security measures. A lot has happened in the last 24 hours. The Mayor's wife was found dead in a bathtub this morning and his daughter is missing." He muttered with a frustrated look.
"Missing? He took her?" Selina gasped knowing it was the demented clown.
Bruce nodded and then noticed the parked Rolls Royce waiting with Alfred standing by the open door of the backseat.
"Miss Kyle," The English butler spoke with a small smile.
Selina nodded with a friendly look. "Hello Alfred."
Bruce guided her to the car. She slid her body into the leather seat and moved to the window. He sat next to her as Alfred closed the door.
"How are you feeling?" Bruce asked.
Selina sighed roughly. "Wayne. If you ask that one more time..." She said with an annoyed tone. "I'll scratch your eyes out."
"Ouch. I was trying to a considerate."
Selina released a small laugh. "Well it's not working."
Alfred smiled as he listened to the conversation going on between them in the back. He looked at their reflections from the rear view mirror and then put the car in reverse.
City Hall
Tension and grief had formed in the office of Mayor Anthony Gracia whose expression was grim and full of remorse as he listened to the report given to him by the GCPD.
"You mean to tell me that my daughter is being held captive by that son of the b!tch?" The Mayor yelled as he arose from the desk and moved to the window. He did not have time to mourn for his dead wife. All that raced in his mind was his daughter.
Gordon sat in the chair silent. "My detectives are working the best they can." He offered sympathetically, knowing what it was like to have his child taken by a madman.
"Any leads?" He asked sharply, trying to maintain a confident posture despite his growing fear and grief for his family.
"No. Nothing yet. Just the Joker card pinned to the remains of the body."
The Mayor's eyes began to fill with tears. He was ready to breakdown but instead he stood firmly and looked out at Gotham. "How much time do we have to save my little girl?"
"24 hours."
"That's not long." He turned and faced Gordon. His expression revealed his crumbling restraint towards panicking in this situation. He didn't know what else he could do.
Gordon sighed. "I know what you're going through, but you need to remain in check. We will find your daughter." He said doing his best to keep the mayor motivated and assured.
The Mayor didn't respond, just turned with teary eyes to face the city once again.
Wayne Manor
Three hours later...
Light rain fell from the glass windows of the guest bedroom as Bruce Wayne stood in front of a closed door with a saddened expression. Alfred stood behind him and observed his demeanor. "Sir, is everything alright?"
Bruce released a dismal sigh. "I can't get used to seeing her like this Alfred. That's not the woman I love."
"Master Wayne, behind that door is the woman that you've shared your greatest adventures with. She may be not the free spirit that you are used too but she is still Selina Kyle. Right now she needs all the love she can get." He advised.
Bruce nodded and gently opened the door.
"I will be downstairs in the kitchen if you need me sir." Alfred said as he made his way to the stairwell.
"Alfred?" He called over his shoulder.
Alfred turned and looked at his master. "Yes, Master Wayne?"
Bruce turned around and faced his old friend with a steady gaze. "Thanks for knocking some sense back into me."
Alfred formed a smile small. "That's what old men do."
Bruce entered the guest bedroom in a silent manner. He looked at the still form of Selina Kyle under the covers. She wore one of his black sweater shirts and her pet cat was curled onto a pillow next to her.
He sat on the edge of the bed and just stared at her beauty. Selina felt his presence and slowly flicked opened her eyes.
"What time is it?" She asked groggy. Her throat was dry.
"It's late."
She turned her head and looked out at the afternoon sun. "Late?" She arched an eyebrow.
"In the afternoon. You've been sleeping all day."
Selina was silent for a moment. "Sorry..."
Bruce furrowed his brow. "Why apologize Lina," He hadn't called her by that name in a long time. "You need all the rest you can get at this time. How are you feeling?"
"Do my eyes deceive me?" Selina spoke in a cocky tone. "Bruce Wayne acting like a nurse? Now I have seen it all." She teased.
"Judging by your spry tone. I guess you're doing just fine." He replied with a grin.
She shrugged.
"If you need anything Alfred will attend to you." He said dismissively.
"And where are you going?"
"I have something to do at Wayne Enterprises. I won't be long."
"I heard that before." She retorted.
All Selina wanted to do was push off the bed and pin her body onto his. Her lips craved to melt into a kiss but her bruised limbs and injured ribs stopped her before she could act. "Dammit."
Bruce crawled closer.
"Wait, what are you doing?" Her defenses were up as he placed his hand on her face and looked steady into her brown eyes. He crashed his lips which locked them into a sealed kiss. Selina wrapped her arms around his neck as he embraced his arms around her sleek body carefully avoiding her chest and right side.
Bruce had a disciplined mind when it came to control of his thoughts.
Gazing at this woman he cherished more than anything made him think that he was ready for the next step. Selina was no long a stranger in the moonlight that he kissed with passion on the roof or chased on the main streets of Gotham with a challenge in their eyes.
Selina Kyle was his treasure, he felt the guilt knowing that he almost lost her because he didn't have the "will to act."
Sweat poured from his pores as his body temperature was increasing. Thoughts were racing as he felt the urge. He might only have one chance to share himself with her. To take off the mask and show her who the real man was underneath. Bruce Wayne was ready to the take his guard down and form a bond that stated his love for her.
Bruce pulled away looking at her vulnerability. "Another time ." He muttered and arose onto his feet. He swiped the sweat off his gleaming forehead and took one last glance at her before he headed to the door.
"I won't be long..." He said dryly as he exited the bedroom and swiped the sweat off his forehead.
Wayne Enterprises
Lucius Fox walked through the doors of his office and saw Bruce Wayne sitting in a chair reading the Gotham Times morning paper.
"Mister Wayne," He greeted him.
"Hmm?" Bruce breathed, looking up to see Lucuis Fox. The African American man with silver white hair stood over him. His eyes narrowed with confusion.
"Mr. Fox what are you doing here so early?" Bruce asked.
The man smiled pleasantly before walking over to the desk and sat down.
"I was going to ask you the same question." Fox said. "Anything good for reading?"
"If you call a murder mystery reading material good." Bruce gently tossed the newspaper upon the desk, sighing and folding his hands. "I have a DNA test for you to examine." He said to the point.
Fox nodded. "Alright let's have a look."
Bruce handed Fox a wrapped tissue.
"It's a blood smear Batman picked up at the crime scene at Gotham Heights."
"The Mayor's daughter?"
Bruce nodded.
Fox wore an amused expression on his face, nodding slightly. "I see. May I go back to my meeting; I have important decisions to discuss over before I go to the lab, Mister Wayne?"
"Yes, you can, Mister Fox," Bruce said rubbing his eyes.
"Another late night?" Fox asked, placing the sample in his pants pocket.
"It had its moments. Right now I'm fighting a headache that doesn't same to be going away."
"How have you been sleeping?" Fox asked with concern.
"Off and on during the day, when I'm not worried about..." His voice drifted.
"Selina." Fox said knowingly.
Bruce lifted his head and looked at his friend with teary eyes however a restrained expression.
"Well you should get some rest. You look so worn out."
Bruce shrugged. "Why do you and Alfred always worry about me. I'm fine."
"We're just looking out for you."
Bruce rolled his eyes as he arose from the chair.
"Is there anything else Mister Wayne, our conversations usually end with a challenge."
"I need you to re-enter into R and D. And prepare the governmental telecommunications project that is collecting dust down there."
Fox looked at him with a troubled frowned. "I'm sorry but that project was shut down years ago. It was unethical to human privacy."
"I understand that. It's the only chance we have into finding the Mayor's daughter. I will not let another life fall to that mass murdering clown's hands. Not this time Lucius." He said with a tone that left no room for argument.
Fox sighed for a moment. "I am about to do something I am going to regret. Seeing that it is the only way to find a child." He nodded. "I'll do it. But after all this madness is over. I am locking that division up good and tight."
Bruce nodded and walked away. "I'll be in touch."
He said over his shoulder as he walked out of the office.
Hidden in an abandon warehouse...
Victoria Garcia's mind was racing a hundred miles per hour. Everything that came to her was like twilight. She remembered hearing her mother scream her name and a hand grabbing for her face but that was about it. After those moments everything went dark.
Her green eyes glanced at the movement in the shadows as the sound of a woman's high heels clicked on the cement floor.
"Hello?" She called out in a small voice as her body quivered. "Is any one there?"
Inside the room smelt of gasoline and dust from the old vents that surrounded the room's airways. The only light was from the full moon that was being covered with clouds. There was a distant sound of a train's horn blaring throughout the hour.
She could sense that something was in the room with her, hidden in the shadows of her own fears, planning her death. Tears rolled down her face, she wanted to scream for her mother but it was like something was covering her mouth.
A gloved hand.
"Be a good girl my sweet." Those words like poison in her veins as her eyes shifted at the pale faced man standing next to her wearing a purple overcoat. To her he looked like a whimsical figure but in reality he was a monster. "Now we're going to play a game. Do you like games?"
Victoria shook her head.
"Come on. Everyone loves the game of Life. Sometimes you win and then sometimes you lose."
Victoria gulped down. Her throat was so dry. "Where's my mommy?" She asked, quivering in fear as her heart rate increased.
Vedette Countess emerged from the doorway, stroking a black cat in her arms as she looked at the Mayor's daughter with elusive eyes. "Your mother can't be with you." Countess spoke in an unemphatic tone. "If you're a good little girl, I'll let you see her again."
"What do you want with me?"
Vedette moved closer and placed the black cat on the child's lap. "Innocence is so fragile to break. All it takes is one simple action." She removed a vial from her overcoat. "Like it?"
Victoria looked at the red liquid. "What is it?"
"I like to call it the death of innocence." Vedette looked at the Joker. "If you would be so kind to open your mouth my dear. I promise this won't hurt. Much."
The Joker smiled at Vedette's comment as his gloved hands squeezed Victoria's cheeks together. "Open up."
The child struggled as she felt the sour liquid run down her throat. She tried spitting it up but the Joker held her head back which almost made her choke. Vedette threw the vial onto the ground and smashed it with her right foot's high heel.
"There. Wasn't that easy?"
Victoria felt dazed as her eyes closed and her head went down.
"And now my sweet..." Vedette said, looking at the Joker, "we wait and see."
"How much time is left?"
"Midnight. After that her soul... well the get the idea. Just another grave to fill." She smirked wickedly.
Wayne Manor
Four hours later...
Bruce Wayne sat across from Selina in the dining room sipping a glass of Ginger ale, his substitute for wine. Alfred entered the room with a tray of dessert. Usually Bruce would humbly refuse such a rich favored New Style Cheesecake but since his near death experience and sudden weight change to his stomach he was learning how to enjoy desserts. Just not all the time.
Selina dabbed her lips with a napkin. She wasn't used to living with the billionaire and sharing dinner with him near the fireplace. This was a whole new experience for the society grifter that used to fend for food on the streets and take whatever chances she could get to try the rich meals that the rich upper class splurged on weekly.
"Miss Kyle," Alfred said, handing her a plate of cheesecake that had caramel dipped on the top with crushed pecans.
"Alfred, really you didn't have to go through all the trouble just for me."
"He didn't." Bruce joked. "I was the one that made the request."
"I see." Selina stated, looking at the billionaire taking a bite of the rich dessert. She looked at his round stomach and was waiting for it to expand with every bite.
"Excuse me sir," Alfred said. "If you don't mind, I wish to return to the newscast I was watching."
"Did they find the Mayor's daughter yet Alfred?" Selina asked, acting curious.
Alfred turned to her. "Afraid not, Miss Kyle." He left the room.
Selina turned her gaze back to Bruce. "Are you going out tonight handsome?"
Bruce dabbed his m shaped lips. "Yes. Later. Gordon needs me." He replied. "I can't fail him or the Mayor. Not tonight."
"So what are you going to do until then?"
Bruce looked at her lips for a moment. "I have a few things in mind."
"Oh really? Would that involved sitting on the floor by the fireplace eating another piece of cake?"
"You read my mind."
A little while after, Bruce was on the carpet by the fireplace with Selina's head resting on his lap. He stroked his hand through her thick dark brown hair and wanted this moment to last forever. He remembered how close he was in the bedroom with sharing romance with her without limits.
Maybe once all the chaos with the Joker and Vedette as over. Maybe he would finally be with Selina. For now he would have to endure and wait to see what happens next.
Selina up at him and smiled. "I can get used to this."
"You wouldn't mind living in this gloomy old mansion?" He asked.
"I have to admit that its cold and dark. Sort of like you."
"Oh thanks." He released a dry chuckle.
"It has it upsides as well." She offered.
"Upsides?" He asked with an arched eyebrow.
Selina sat up as he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Lina, what's wrong . I know that something is troubling you. You can't deny that from me."
"Sorry. I'm just not use to living like this Bruce. It might take awhile to get used to, granted that I still want to have my independence."
"You can have all the freedom you want Selina. Just promise me something..."
She rolled her eyes. "Sorry I'm not very good at keeping promises."
"Alright let's seal a deal. I will give you the independence that you desire but on one condition."
"I knew there was catch. Name it."
Bruce reached in his pocket for a small dark blue box and was just about to pull it out when Alfred entered with grim news.
"Sir,"
"What is it Alfred?" Bruce asked as he arose onto his feet.
"I think you should see this."
Bruce followed Alfred in the living room and looked at the figure on the screen rambling deceitful words as his yellow stained teeth became a close up.
"Joker," Bruce growled, staring at the pale face and blood smeared makeup. "Alfred attend to Selina. I don't want her to see this."
Alfred nodded. "Of course sir."
Bruce walked closer to the screen.
"Hello Gotham did you miss me? Well I missed you... Just to show my appreciation I have a small surprise in store for you at midnight. Something that will make everyone crazy."
The footage showed a small child bound to a chair blind folded.
"Tell them your name?"
"Victoria Gracia."
"Are you the Mayor's daughter?"
"Yes. Daddy please come and save me." She cried.
"Yes, daddy come and save your little girl. You see... at midnight if you decide to be the coward instead of the hero, you'll lose and then you'll have to call a grave digger and tell him that he has another grave to fill. The clock is ticking."
The feed cut out.
Bruce stood there with his hand clenched into a fist. "Midnight," He whispered.
Alfred entered the living room with a worried face. "Master Wayne," Alfred asked showing concern. "Is everything alright sir?"
Bruce turned and gave him a glare. " The Joker has made it clear. If I don't find the daughter she'll die at midnight." He growled.
Across town, Jim Gordon stood in front of his son's bedroom door as his wife Barbara closed their daughter's door.
"She's finally asleep." She replied with tired eyes, looking at her worn out husband. "He's been asking about you all day Jim."
"I'm sorry Barbara. Work as been hectic these past few days. Now that the Mayor's daughter is being held captive."
Barbara gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. "I know that you'll find her Jim. It's what you do."
Gordon nodded and turned the knob of Jame's door and entered. He crouched down at the bedside and touched his son's cheek tenderly.
Jame's eyes opened. "Hi daddy." He whispered.
"Hey," Gordon replied looking into his son's eyes. "I just came to say goodnight."
"You have to go back to work don't you? To find the Mayor's daughter. Is Batman going to save her like he saved me?"
"Yes."
The cellphone in his pocket chimed. "I'll see you in the morning." He arose and walked out knowing that it was going to be another long frustrating night.
Wayne Manor
"I need you to keep me posted on any news flashes." Bruce instructed, moving to the bookcase. He stopped at the grand piano and played the keys. The book case shifted open, revealing a passage way. "The Joker likes to have as much attention as he can. He leaves hidden clues."
"Anything else?" Alfred asked.
"Selina. Make sure she stays here."
"I'll do my best."
Bruce nodded and entered the passage way as it closed. He walked to the gated elevator and pulled the leaver which shot him downwards to the floor of the cave. He quickly emerged out of the elevator. Bats stirred above, showing their annoyance of being disturbed by his presence. He walked onto the platform, pressed a button under the computer desk and moved to a rising glass in cased cabinet. He unlocked the door with a thumb print scan and then proceeded to transform into Batman.
After a few minutes Bruce pulled on the final touches of the armored suit. The scallop blades and his cape. Then he moved to the small mirror and smeared on black camouflage war paint over his eyes, covering the flawless flesh making him appear more menacing.
His iris's became dark hues. Finally he pulled on the hard graphite cowl that gave him sometimes splitting headaches but he used that for intimidation and worked through the pain.
Just in case he popped an Advil in his mouth and swallowed.
Batman moved to the platform that held the Batpod parked in the middle. He slid his body onto the saddle and thought about the mission he was about to carry through. Without any more thoughts to the matter he started the throttle and sped out of the cave through the waterfall heading to downtown Gotham.
City Hall
Inside his office of City Hall, Mayor Anthony Garcia watched the news cast with tears welling up into his dark brown eyes. Gordon and a few of his men were guarding the door as they listened to the sound of the Joker's menacing voice as his hands touched the girl's neck.
Gordon entered the office when the Mayor flicked the flat screen off.
"Gordon," Garcia said in a distraught tone. "What are the chances that my daughter will survive this night?"
"Fifty–fifty." Gordon replied as images of Dent's two sided coin flipped into the air and the face of his son James with tears in his eyes, entered his mind for a brief moment. "My officers are searching every warehouse in the city. I ordered them to give a floor by floor sweep of the perimeters."
"She's my daughter." Garcia said as tears rolled down his cheeks. "My daughter…" He was trailing off thinking about his deceased wife whom died in the car explosion 24 hours ago. "She is all I have left."
Gordon nodded with a sincere gaze. "Do not worry, I always have backup." He assured.
On the curb by the riverfront, Batman sat of the bat-pod, his eyes looking onward on the river front as he listened to sounds echoing through the streets of downtown Gotham. "Fox?" He finally spoke in a raspy growl with a hint concern.
"Have you fixed the broadcasts location?" He asked as the sound of the Joker's laughter rang into his ears.
"The clock is ticking Gotham. Once the church bells chime on the twelfth hour this sweet little girl will be such a fading memory."
The Joker touched Victoria's frozen cheek.
In the Applied Sciences subbasement, Lucius Fox looked at the console screens zeroing in on the Joker's voice. He had done this too many times for his trusted friend that hearing the Joker's mocking laughter was a melody that he could hear in his sleep. The Mayor's daughter's life was all of Gotham's concern. He knew that without a doubt Batman would find the child and bring the mass murdering freak to justice.
"I am zeroing on the location."
Batman waited.
"The source is coming from the East End division."
Batman fired up the engine and pressed the comlink in is cowls ear. "Alfred I need you to send a text message to Gordon. Tell him that the location is the East End."
He turned to the overpass, his cape bouncing off the suit's plated shoulders. His jaws clenched as he roared off into the night.
City Hall
Commissioner Gordon took a sip of coffee to calm the nerves when his cell phone buzzed in his overcoat pocket. He looked at the screen and read the small text: "East End Warehouse district. Assemble on the North side opposite."
"Heart," He called out. "Let's move out."
Megan Heart nodded. "What about the Mayor?"
"He stays."
Heart nodded and followed the commissioner to the patrol cars outside.
Wayne Manor
Selina Kyle placed Bruce's lap top watching the newsflash. She placed it on the coffee table and arose. She moved to the window and looked out at the faint orange glow from the streets of Gotham.
Alfred entered the study. "Miss Kyle?" He asked with a tray of tea.
Selina turned around her eyes burning for the thrill of danger.
"Oh no." Alfred spoke in a worried protective tone. "I know that look all too well."
"It has to be done Alfred. Besides I can't let him have all the fun." She undid her pony tail which made her thick brown hair fall loose off down her shoulders and then moved out of the room.
Alfred followed. "You're in no condition to fight."
"Sorry Alfred, but you're not my butler." Selina replied, grabbing her black leather jacket and zipping it up.
"You are just as stubborn as Master Wayne." Alfred paused, "But also caring ."
She smirked, lifting a red helmet off the bench. "I need you to remain plugged into the comlink of the helmet. "You'll be my conscience for the evening. Check in all the known construction sites that were registered to Eric Baxer." She instructed.
Alfred could not believe it. He was staring at a female version of his young master.
"Any idea what I would be looking for?"
"A steel mill." She replied, remembering overhearing Baxer talking on the phone once about a steel mill heading for the back door. "There's two registered to his name."
"Will you be taking the Lamborghini or the Augusta Miss Kyle?"
She smirked. "I was hoping the Rolls but seeing that it was noticeable vehicle... the Augusta."
"Drive safe."
Selina closed the door and moved to the garage.
In a few minutes later she rolled a sleek black sports bike out onto the driveway. She slid her sleek curved body onto the saddle and started the throttle. "I'm going to regret this decision," she thought as she pulled on the helmet and sped off through the gates. "What are you talking about Selina, you love the thrill of the hunt. You're a risk taker. Maybe that's all I am?"
Selina remembered that time when Bruce told her the truth.
Fresh snow was forming on the cement ledge of the overpass as Selina Kyle regained her composure after a quick hand to hand combat with a few low life thugs that were chasing a boy. Things were rough in the city. Food was scarce and people were becoming distrusting towards each other.
"This is not what I wanted." Selina thought as she zipped up her winter jacket and began to walk down the overpass steps. "It's what I thought I wanted."
She felt conflicted with her own emotions. Before she had a cold heart to her fellow man but ever since she had met Bruce Wayne, kissed him on the lips. Her heart started to melt. For she always thought that life was such a game, that chances decided if you lived or died by the scum of humanity.
Seeing the man that could smile for free made this spiteful woman become more humble .
Tears flowed down her cheeks as her face gave a distraught expression. "It's my fault. He trusted me and I let him down." She kicked the snow with her boot. "He's probably dead. No one could survive that spinal injury not even the Batman."
Selina proceeded down the sideshow as the sound of footsteps hitting the ice covered cracks made her turned around.
"And here I thought thieves are never generous."
She peered at the shadows and saw a man coming up to her wearing a worn out jacket and face full of grime. Her facial expression softened as his eyes met with hers.
"I thought you were dead," Selina said trying to hide the tears. "I ..."
Bruce stood in front of her and wiped the tears from her eyes. "I had to come back to my city Selina. I need your help."
Her guard went up. "Why would you want my help Wayne? After what I did to you. You trusted me and I let you down."
"I have to admit that it was a let down. But I think there is more to you than this Selina Kyle."
Selina regained her focus and made a right turn to the East End overpass.
East End Warehouse District
Batman got off the Batpod and raced to the warehouse when an unmarked squad car pulled up. Gordon climbed out looking at the Dark Knight.
"Do you think she's in there?" Gordon asked.
"I'm going in." Batman replied as he moved to the warehouse's side door. Gordon stood by the car only to be distracted by a roaring engine of a sports bike closing in on the site.
Batman raced to the door and entered. There were a few decaying bodies on the floor in puddles of blood with their throats slashed. It was a scare tactic for the police that Vedette had planned. The smell was strong as he pressed on down the hallway sprinting down to the basement.
He kicked down the basement door and saw nothing but darkness. The smell of gasoline was strong as his eyes glanced at the shadows. "Victoria," He growled.
There was a small faint whimper coming from a corner.
"Victoria?" Batman removed a light stick and shone it on the child.
She was shaking her head as Batman came towards her, his gloved hands quickly removed the gag from her mouth. She had a splitting headache thanks to the lack of oxygen that her lungs experienced while in the closet. He could see that there was a mark on the right side of her face, a hand print and a cut on her arm from some kind of sharp object.
Batman could hear the sound of ticking; a time clock was hitting the minute. He quickly untied the girl and scooped her up with his strong arms.
"I'm scared." Victoria said, shaking against him.
"Don't be," Batman reassured her. "It's going to be alright." He heard the sound of high heels echoing from the steps. Quickly he turned and saw Selina Kyle wearing a leather jacket running into the dark space and looked at Batman who had a surprise look on his scowling face.
"I thought you would need some help." She purred.
There was no time to tell her off for leaving the manor with recovering injuries.
Batman nodded.
"We have to move fast." He handed Selina the child. "Take her up the stairwell. Gordon should be waiting outside." Just then the sound of an eerie laughter came into the room as a shadow hit the wall. "Selina get out of here!"
"Not with out you." She pleaded.
Batman grasped her arms. "I'll be fine. Get out now!" He roared.
He stared at Selina for a moment.
"Handsome," Selina said with a sense that he was walking into a trap.
"Get her to Gordon." Batman ordered as he ran into the darkness and out into a small narrow hall.
The sound of laughter echoed through the walls as he pressed on. He made to the exit door that was smeared with blood and walked outside near a dumpster.
Inside Selina was attending to Victoria who was shaking like a leaf. The child's skin felt like ice.
"What's happening to you?" She asked, looking down at the girl.
Victoria was unresponsive.
"Victoria," Selina asked in a soft voice. "Don't fail on me now."
The child looked at Selina. "It's was the witch. She gave me..." She trailed off.
The Joker walked down the alleyway, humming a melody that was racing through his mind as his gruesome appearance reflected in the puddles under his feet. He heard fluttering in the shadows and released a small chuckle as a flash bomb exploded, creating a blinding light. Batman stood behind him. The Joker blinked.
Wham!
The Joker's face smacked onto the pavement as he fell. He came up for air only to be met by dark eyes peering from slits of the graphite cowl. Batman stood in front of him with a scowl. Joker looked at his better half with fascinated eyes as blood dripped from his scarred lips.
"You're just full of surprises. Just like Selina." He licked his lips almost like he tasted her name.
Crack!
Batman's booted foot pressed on the Joker's hand.
"Playing a rough aren't we?"
"You've crossed the line this time. A child almost died." Batman growled.
"Close calls are always my specialty. Ask the lovely kitten of yours. By the way how is Selina? Still breathing I hope..." He laughed. "I must say that is quite a love you have there Bats. Full of fire and determination. She put a good fight. Then you had to come in and spoil all the fun... I would have return her to you in a wrapped gift box with a silver bow." He smiled sadistically.
Batman gritted his teeth. "What did Countess do to Victoria Gracia?"
"Those fools of this city have no idea what they're dealing with. The freaks will hunger for innocence until there is none left to devour. Soon there will be no stopping the guttering from filling up with blood pouring down the drains. Changes are coming. Everyone in this dark hole of a city will experience change."
"Victoria Gracia? You and that witch did something to her..." Batman sneered at him.
Joker looked at him with a dry humor. "Witch? How dare you call that tasteful woman that name. She is a woman that I love to dance with in the pale moonlight or maybe Selina Kyle dressed in a white wedding dress stained with blood. Crimson blood."
"You think that threatens me?"
The Joker started to laugh. At the moment of the burst of laughter he started to make sobbing sound.
"Threats with you? No. I don't want to kill your kitten. She's too pretty to die. What would you do without her?"
In that moment Batman paused as an image of her grave stone flashed and a black cat holding a red rose in it's mouth sat in front with it's eyes shut .
"Would you snap at the moment you watched her kiss me." Joker stood up and dusted his pants off. "A long heated kiss right in front of you? That would be funny to laugh about afterwards." He pointed at Batman. "You would feel defeated by my power over the cat."
"You're a monster that carves for pleasure. Selina would never stand for that."
"You don't have to rude about it Bats. Now you've made me change my mind. Maybe I will make her into a freak like me... how can you love a freak?" He laughed tauntingly.
The Joker waited for Batman's expression to become grim and then showed pity.
"Then again you are just a freak in the eyes of Gotham that they use as a scapegoat whenever the chips are bad and the stakes are high. Look at what you did for Harvey Dent, my ace in the hole. You took the fall. The lies. All those years of rotting away as a captive to your own body. Feeling hopeless and wanting to die. That's all your life as been about death. All the people you loved died because of the choices you made Brucie."
Batman froze.
"I may be insane but I'm not stupid. I knew all long who you really were. So take off that mask and let the eyes of Gotham see who is the little boy crying for mommy and daddy, playing dress up. You would be locked away in Arkham and Selina would die alone." He put up a ponderous look. "Well maybe I'll keep her as a pet." He laughed.
Batman grew tired and yanked him upright into the brick wall.
"Truth hurts doesn't it Brucie?" The Joker searched in his overcoat and pulled out a switchblade. He jabbed it deep into Batman's collar bone.
Batman breathed heavy as he stumbled backwards and fell hard gasping.
The Joker pulled the knife out.
"This look familiar?" The Joker questioned as the blade of the switchblade gleamed as the moonlight reflected onto the blood stained blade. Batman was on the ground catching his breath as the demented clown placed his full body force onto the armored chest of the suit.
"Get off me!" Batman snarled as the foul smell coming of the Joker's blood tinged purple coat entered through the cowl's nostrils. His eyes stared at the crimson stains on the overcoat that appeared to have never been washed. Some of the stains were from the noble men and women of the law departments such as lawyers and police officers.
Batman punched the Joker in the jaw but the clown just laughed.
"It's midnight Brucie time to unmask." He pulled the cowl off and looked into the smeared eyes of the billionaire.
"Hello Bruce..." He hissed.