Chapter 13: It's that kind of race

November 23rd, 1:37 p.m

Operating the Batmobile - patrolling the remaining portion of the city - Batman was en route of the Batcave, to go home and rest for the night.

"I dealt with Joker, a hired hand of his, and a new partnership between Poison Ivy and Scarecrow. Even Killer Croc managed to get involved. And this is only the calm before the storm. I finally caught Ivy, Crow, and Croc... but Joker is still at large. And he has taken the liberty to hire a deadly assassin to ensure he fulfills his sick scheme. All I can do is wait until they decide to strike the first bank on the 5th. It's up to me to ensure they are behind bars," Batman said to himself, swiftly jerking right at a street corner.

**Psshvooooooooooosh!** Batman rocketed the rest of the way down a long street stretch.

-

November 31st, 2:00 a.m

"Hey, bartender, give me two shots," Two-Face roared over the sound of laughter and music.

"Sure thing, honey," the sexy bartender replied, handing Two-Face his poison.

Two-Face downed both shots one after the other, enjoying his massage from two girls behind him, rubbing their arms across his chest. "Argh!" Two-Face grunted after he took his last shot, slamming his glasses down hard on the table before him. "It was me who put the "Ham" in Gotham... Soon enough my presence will be known," Two-Face said to himself, as he leaned back to further his pleasure of his massage. "But first I'm going to have a little fun."

-

"Excuse me, Mister Thorne, you have Mister Cobblepot on line one," Candice informed.

"Ugh... If this is another one of his half-thought schemes-thank you, Candice," Thorne retorted.

"Uh-huh," Candice shrugged, as she filed her nails in an arrogant manner.

"Agh-hum, this is Mayor Thorne," Thorne taunted.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Thorne," Cobblepot insisted. "We both know I'm destined for mayor."

"Yeah, yeah... What is it, Cobblepot?" Thorne questioned.

"We have a mutual problem," Cobblepot said.

"And that is...? I don't have all day to waste on you. I'm a busy man," Thorne hurried.

"It's Hill, you arrogant prick. It's the fourth quarter of the election, and he has all votes in his favor. Despite our efforts, his lead is a landslide... I must say - I think we're in a pickle..." Cobblepot expressed.

"So what are you saying, Cobblepot?" Thorne further questioned.

"How about we make a few calls and have this mutual problem taken care of," Cobblepot suggested.

"Oh... so it's that kind of race? Who's to say you wouldn't do the same to me, Cobblepot? ...Very well... I'll play your game," Thorne agreed.

"That's my boy! I'll be seeing you, Rupert. HaHa!-Koff-Koff..." Cobblepot laughed with a smoker cough.

**Click** Rupert hung the phone to its hook.

"Well, well... Maybe he's not such an incompetent dwarf after all. But he's not going to get away with it. I'll be sure of that, regardless of what I have to pull out of the trunk."

-

November 31st 12:00 p.m

"This is Vicki Vale bringing you today's 12 o' clock news," the television roared from the Batcave, as Bruce casually sat in his bath robe at his computer. "Suspicions and rumors have been spread about the electives for the seat of mayor. The underdogs, Rupert Thorne and Oswald Cobblepot, have been spotted with several infamous mobsters. It's still unclear of the mutual relationship between the odd couples, but speculation leads us to believe this is no initiative for cleaning the streets," Vicki Vale reported.

"It's too far of me to believe I could scare Thorne straight. And as for Penguin, he's more discreet than this. He must be up against the ropes with this election. Their behavior leads to one thing: An act of desperation. Their intentions in this race must be immoral. I need to get involved before this all gets out of hand."

November 31st, 1:30 p.m

**Vrrrooooooooshhhhh** The Batwing swung wide above Thorne Manor, ejecting Batman from its cockpit. Batman dove from the sky toward Thorne's glass dome roof.

**chiiinnnngggg** Batman penetrated the glass. He slammed his foot and knee down hard on Thorne's library table, of which Rupert occupied.

"Oh, please... Do Come in," Rupert sarcastically pleaded, as he stood and removed his cup of whiskey from the shattered glass about the table.

"Tell me everything about your hand in this election... And I may just let you off with a warning," Batman bargained.

"So you think you get to crash in here and bribe me with my freedom? Unfortunately, this tune doesn't play to your beat. How about I give your friends at the GCPD a call, and inform them that you keep breaking into my mansion," Rupert threatened.

"I'd be careful on putting your faith in something you're running away from," Batman advised.

"I'm innocent... Well, let's be honest, Batman. There's not a soul in Gotham that's innocent," Rupert admitted.

"As soon as I get the hard evidence on your illegal votes, or anything else you're involved in, I'll make you my first stop," Batman promised.

"Just know, Batman... I won't let you see the light of that day."