Chapter 15: Falling a little short - City Hall

November 31st, 10:45 p.m

"Master Bruce... I'm afraid it's too late to plan ahead. Hill will make an appearance tomorrow for his inauguration and fund raiser. The proceeds going to charity, of course. However, I don't think he would feel quite charitable if it cost him his life," Alfred expressed.

"I have to catch him before the act. Seeing how his appearance is so close to the contract, I won't be able to work out all of Deadshot's angles. He's aware of this, which makes him even more dangerous. I can't frighten Hill nor should I interferer with the race. So I'm gonna have to catch him before he sets up... and take him before he gets his shot. Deadshot didn't get his name from mere coincidence. He must have a extensive range outclassing most professionals. I'll have to cover a vast amount of ground to be able to match his range. Alfred, I need you to get in contact with Lucius. I need some new gear," Batman directed.

-

December 1st, 11:00 a.m

**AWWWWEEEE** The crowd before City Hall roared. Streets cluttered with promotional flyers and festive banners. **RRRIIIIINNNNNNGGGG** The microphone before the podium squealed, as the stage and crowd awaited Mayor Hamilton Hill's arrival.

-

**Vrrrrooooom-Chhhhiiiiistttt-Fllllloooooppp** The Batwing jet across the sky ejecting Batman from its hold. Batman released his cape and flew to a nearby skyscraper. Batman drew a small black device cupped like a spoon from his belt.

"Lucius calls this the Bateye, a little ironic but surely useful," Batman expressed.

Batman cupped the small device over the left eye of his mask. **ZZZIIINNNNGGGG** - the device powered on, flooding with starting screens and data files. Receding to it proper functionality the device scooped the city from above. Batman picked up several signals from all over the downtown areas, roofs, and building, while pin-pointing locations the Bateye signified: The GCPD and one unknown assailant assembling, what appears to be a rifle of a high-caliber.

**ZIIINNNNGGG** Batman returned the device to his belt

"Time is on my side, Deadshot," Batman expressed.

-

"This is Vicki Vale reporting live at Gotham City Hall. Today, the returning Mayor Hill will be inaugurated in as mayor for his second term," Vicki Vale reported.

"There he is," the cameraman whispered.

"It would appear Mayor Hill has arrived," Vicki finished reporting.

-

**Floop - thud** Batman landed on the top level of a near by parking garage. Batman swiftly started down the stairs to Deadshot's level.

**Click-Click-Chik-Chik...**

Batman silently approached from behind Deadshot. With a powerful downward elbow, Batman struck the top of Deadshot's head incapacitating him.

**Shhh!** Batman quickly snatched the mask off Deadshot's head.

"Hu-ugh! It's a decoy!" Batman shrieked, as a result of the diversion's identity. "Mayor Hill will be taking the podium soon. I have to locate Deadshot before it's too late."

-

**clapclapclapclapclap** The audience applauded as Mayor Hill approached the podium. Waving with confidence and a smile, Mayor Hill took the microphone greeting the people of Gotham.

"Greeting, ladies and gentlemen of Gotham: I am proud and honored to be re-elected for my second term. As your returning Mayor, I will ensure your safety and innocence. As long as I'm the head of this administration, I will ensure that the city triumphs over the infamous Falcone Family, and other lingering threats that threaten our civilization. It is the responsibility of the city as a whole to govern themselves, not the 'Vigilante of Justice'. Gotham follows an honest and strict code of amending itself from crime," Mayor Hill orated.

-

December 1st, 11:55 a.m

Batman returned to his previous position atop the skyscraper, over head to get another reading utilizing his Bateye.

**Bing-Bing-Bing** From above, Batman scanned the city.

"You know, they call you the World's Greatest Detective... You're falling a little short these days," Deadshot teased.

Batman calmly stored the Bateye and stood towards the city. "It's over for you, Deadshot. Your contract failed. Just come with me and take the easy way out," Batman reasoned.

"This is the easy way out, Batman," Deadshot said, as he withdrew a handheld switch. "This here brings certain death to your oblivious mayor down there," Deadshot informed. "A high-caliber rifle is pointed straight at him... Oh, what's wrong? Did I foil your plans?"

"It doesn't have to be this way. Hand over the switch," Batman further reasoned.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, it did have to be this way. Even a [i]pointer [/i]like me can't hit through the shadows... So how do you hit what you can't see? Shed a little light," Deadshot mocked as he dashed Batman, throwing a heavy haymaker.

Batman ducked his heavy punch and grabbed his legs. Batman leaned back and threw Deadshot over his head towards the street. Batman quickly withdrew his Batclaw and fired it at Deadshot. After the Batclaw clung to his chest, Deadshot removed a pistol as he swung toward the windows of the building.

**BANG BANG BANG**