Chapter 2: Law and Order.

It was daytime in Gotham. A time when it was normally safer for the citizens of Gotham to roam the streets and get on with their daily lives and jobs.

One such place is the Gotham Gazette. Where Vicki Vale, a reporter for the Gazette,
was currently sitting at her cubicle working on her next story. 'Corruption in the City leadership?' There was a reason for this story headline, but while Vicki was busy typing this up, she was checking her phone and she hadn't been getting any text messages from Bruce Wayne recently. She sighed as she closed her phone.

"Hey kid."

A man called her as she put down the phone.

Vicki: "Hey, Warren."

Warren: "How are things going? Have you been getting a lead on Batman recently?"

Vicki: "He keeps getting harder to track. It's like he knows I'm onto him sometimes."

Warren: "Well, keep at it. The more you find out, the better. Also, I wanted you to meet the latest attention to the team."

Next to Warren was a young girl with strawberry blonde hair. She held out her hand to Vicki.

?: "Hello, my name's Lauren Winters. I'm looking forward to working with you."

Vicki shook hands with Lauren.

Vicki: "Hello, Victoria Vale. But, call me Vicki."

Lauren: "Yes, Miss Vale."

Vicki sighed to herself. It was gonna be one of those rookies.

Warren: "I'll let you and Vicki talk for a bit. I'm sure the two of you will get along."

Lauren: "Thanks again, sir."

Warren walked away as Vicki returned to her story, but Lauren was excited for some reason.

Lauren: "Hey, aren't you reporting on vigilantes?"

Vicki: "Yeah, but mainly Batman. Why?"

Lauren pulled out a photo of someone riding a superbike while wearing a biker helmet and wearing black all over. It was slightly blurred.

Vicki: "What is this?"

Lauren: "I call him 'The Ghost'... Not perfect, but accurate."

Vicki looked at the picture of Lauren's Ghost, but shook her head.

Vicki: "What about it though? What's the connection between Batman and this 'Ghost' of yours?"

Lauren: "Because, the same night i saw him was the night that Sal Martini and Jack Marco went to prison. Batman wasn't even seen that night."

That got Vicki's attention and she looked closer at the photo. She noted that his arms were uncovered but the image was too dark to see exactly what skin tone the male had. Could he be a new vigilante? And was he working for Batman?

Vicki: "Has he been seen since that night? Any patterns in sightings?"

Lauren: "No. I haven't seen him since that night."

Vicki: "Unless we see him again, then this is a dead end. We need more to go on or we're printing speculation and that doesn't go far in this business."

Lauren: "Then I'll keep an eye out. I'll let you know on anything i find."

Vicki smiled. She liked this girl's enthusiasm.

Vicki: "Don't do anything dangerous though, Lauren."

Lauren: "I never do."

Lauren smiled as she walked away with camera in hand.

-Riley-

It's my first day in the public sector as a lawyer working under Kieran Troy.

Kieran is the father of my older brother and younger sister, Rick and Charlotte.
He works under the public sector and answers to the district attorney, Maria Mercedes. He used to work in the DA's office, before getting his own branch of Lawyers. I didn't know if this was a demotion or promotion.

I look around the law firm office and see a bunch of lawyers like me receiving calls or making calls. Right now, there is a large queue at the copier. I was sent to copy some documents and then look over them for mistakes.

It took a while, but when I finally managed to get a copy of all documentation and look over it...

This was all relating to Sally Martini's case. It was all documentation regarding evidence that was presented at Martini's hearing. Under normal circumstances,
the hearing is meant to determine if there was enough evidence for the prosecution to take place before a jury. But according to this, there wasn't!

Evidence claims that Sally didn't own the lockup in the Calduron, claiming he was there coincidently. There isn't a mention of procession of a firearm. The messages sent from Jack's phone didn't prove anything... In fact, those weren't even mentioned in the form!

Sally's case isn't going to trial which means...

I went to the TV in the office and watched the news by Vicki Vale.

Vicki: In today's story, local crime lord by the name of Sal Martini was released earlier this morning. Charges filed against Sal included mass procession of illegal firearms and organised murder of Michael Rivers. However, due to insufficient evidence to secure a trial. The Crime lord walks."

I couldn't contain my rage. That man had my dad killed and after all that...
He still walking around?!

I took the documentation and knocked on Kieran's office door.

Kieran: "Come in."

I walked in with a purpose and i held up the documents.

Kieran: "Oh, you finished those papers."

Riley: "Mr Troy. May you explain to me why Sally Martini is still free?"

Kieran: "Oh, that... I knew you wouldn't be happy about it, but we couldn't secure a trial."

Riley: "How. Could you not. Secure a trial? Look at the paperwork! It's missing crucial evidence! None of this was brought to trial!"

I know for a fact that the evidence that the GCPD had was made public. There wasn't a way for Sally to get out of this... But, none of the evidence was brought to light at the hearing.

Kieran then started to glare at me.

Kieran: "I tried my best, Riley. I know that you blame Martini for the death of your father. That's why Jackie Marco is currently behind bars for the next 15 years. But, unfortunate I couldn't do the same with this man."

Riley: "But why was the evidence not brought to the hearing?"

Kieran: "You'll have to ask the District Attorney. But, Riley... I wouldn't."

Riley: "Why?"

Kieran: "... Just don't."

Without anything more to say, i left Kieran's office. Who was i working for?
Who was the District Attorney, Maria Mercedes?

-Sally-

It was quiet as I was being driven back by my mansion from the court hearing.
I don't know how it was done, but I was saved from a cell in Blackgate.

I have to admit, Fish does do some good work.

However, there was a problem. What was I gonna do about the punk who had me locked up?! Whoever that guy was, i was gonna find out. I'll kill his entire family while I make him watch. Then I'll do the honours of slitting his throat!

When we got to my mansion, and the car drove up to the house doors, I was welcomed by a horrible sight.

One of my bosses stood there on the steps, drinking my fine wine.

This was something i wasn't hoping to see. I knew I screwed up, but for him to come personally...

I stepped out of the car, trying to be confident.

Sally: "Mr Grace, it's a pleasure to see you. What gives me the honor of your being here?"

Grace: "Well, Mr Martini. I was waiting for you."

Sally: "Me, sir? Then shall we go inside?"

Grace: "No need. It'll only be quick."

Mr Grace then stepped up towards me and whispered into my ear.

Grace: "You know what happens if you screw up again, right?"

I started to sweat as he said that. He wasn't happy with me one bit.

Sally: "But, Mr Grace! It wasn't my fault. It was that damn vigilante!"

Grace: "A mess has been made. Clean it up."

Mr Grace walked past me and walked towards the car that drove me in.

Grace: "I'll be taking your car. I hope you don't mind."

Sally: "Yes... Sir."

Mr Grace got into the backseat of my car and one of my guys drove him away.

I can't afford to screw up here. I had such a operation going. Thanks to the support from Mr Grace, not even Batman didn't knew about it. I was controlling weapons trading in Gotham and now I've lost my merchandise. I need to start again somewhere. But, i need to protect my business from that damn vigilante!

-Lauren-

I was in Gotham's residential district. I didn't have many leads to find 'The Ghost'
who had likely been responsible for the arrest of Sally Martini one month ago.

One of the few leads I really had was the fact that Michael Rivers was murdered a month ago by Jack Marco and 'The Ghost' was first seen that night. So the best thing to do would be to ask the family.

I walked up to the door and knocked on it a few times. I heard someone coming to the door and opened it to reveal a middle-aged woman with brunette hair.

?: "Hello?"

Lauren: "Ah, Ms Rivers?"

Kerry: "That's me. Who are you?"

Lauren: "My name is Lauren Winters. I work for the Gotham Gazette. I wanted to ask you about a month ago."

Kerry: "... Leave."

SLAM!

She slammed the door. I don't think i'll get answers from her. But, this is one of my only leads.

I knocked again and waited. Ms Rivers came to the door looking more irritated than ever.

Kerry: "You're pushing into a place you shouldn't."

Lauren: "I don't want to intrude. I'm looking for someone that was connected to your husband's case. You may have answers that i am looking for."

Kerry: "You want to know about that night? Well, after my husband was killed,
i drank myself to sleep. How's that? Now, get outta here."

SLAM!

She slammed the door again. Maybe I should have thought this through a bit better...
She did lose her husband. Well, I do have another lead.

-Riley-

I arrived at the District Attorney's office, holding inside my briefcase,
the falsified documentation for Sally Martini's trial.

When i got into the building, i went to the receptionist.

"Hello, what can I do for you sir?"

Riley: "I need to see the District Attorney. It's urgent."

"I'm sorry, but Miss Mercedes is busy. Can you come back another time?"

Riley: "Is there no way i can see her now?"

"... Let me call her."

The receptionist made a phone call while I waited for a response. I had to see Maria Mercedes and fix this mess. But, I wondered what Kieran was talking about when he said that I shouldn't come to see her.

The receptionist then put the phone down.

"Please go upstairs and take a right. Miss Mercedes' office should be at the end of the hall."

Riley: "Thank you. Please excuse me."

I walked upstairs and took a right towards the end of the corridor. I found the District Attorney's office exactly. I knocked on the door.

Maria: "Enter."

I entered the room and found that Miss Mercedes was a short woman with short and spiky hair. Diamond earrings and golden eyeshadow.

Maria: "Please take a seat."

I did as she asked and i sat down.

Maria: "Now, the kind lady downstairs told me that you had to see me for an urgent matter. Do you know the meaning of urgent?"

Riley: "I assure, Miss Mercedes. This is urgent."

Maria: "You sound so sure. Why did you come to see me?"

I put the briefcase on the table and i got out the documentation for the Martini case.

Riley: "I am sure you're aware of the Sal Martini case?"

Maria then cocked an eyebrow as i pointed out points on the paperwork.

Riley: "Evidence had been clearly ill-presented at the court hearing this morning.
Because of this, Sal Martini has escaped justice when he should be in Blackgate right now awaiting trial. I asked my head attorney and he said come to you."

Maria: "Did he now?"

Maria then made a smile as I looked at her with increasing frustartions.

Riley: "With all due respect, Miss Mercedes. A guilty man is walking free because of the fact that the paperwork was not fully filled out and therefore, we weren't able to present what we needed to prosecute."

Maria: "Your name? It's Rivers, isn't it?"

Riley: "Yes. Riley Rivers."

Maria: "I was told you would become emotionally invested in this case. Since your daddy got shot by a now ex-cop and all. But, you need to think of the big picture."

Riley: "The big picture?"

Maria: "Innocent until proven guilty. That was the case with Sally Martini."

Riley: "Surely, you're joking? Sally Martini hired Jack Marco to kill Michael Rivers! This is a fact! What about Marco's confession? What about the text messages?
What about the fact that Martini owned the lockup where illigal weapons were being held? It was all over the news! Tomorrow morning, the Gotham Gazette is gonna read: 'Corruption in the City Leadership' I guarantee you that!"

Maria: "You know, you have a lot of courage kid. I'll give you that. To come in here with your rage and anger. But, this is what you don't get. There are people in this city who are beyond you. One such person is me. I own the legal system in Gotham, and since you're a part of it, I own you. Just because your daddy got shot, you think you deserve revenge. But, you don't. The wheels turn with or without you."

I should have known. She's just as corrupt as the rest of them!

Maria: "Now... I have business to attend to, so... Get out of my office."

There wasn't really much i could do at this point. She wasn't gonna help me.
She must have altered the paperwork to get Sally out of danger. It was clear that was the case.

I picked up my briefcase and walked towards the door.

Maria: "Good boy."

I held my rage in as i left the room. I wasn't done yet. I will bring Sally Martini to justice. Even if I had to give him his 'summons' myself.

-Maria-

That kid is gonna be trouble. He is sticking his nose in and he needs to be taught a lesson.

I picked up the phone and called someone very dear to my heart.

Maria: "Butch, baby? I have a job for you."

-Lauren-

I went by Riley Rivers' workplace, but apprantly he had went to see the district attorney. Since Riley was there when Michael Rivers was killed, maybe 'The Ghost'
came out and saved him. I don't think Marco could have left a witness alive.

As i was taking a shortcut through the alleyway, i saw a large man with a bald head,
attacking a dark skinned male who looked about my age!

I-I better take a picture for the authorities! When i aimed my camera and took a picture,
the flash went off! No no no!

The man then turned around and saw me when he noticed the flash! He was walking towards me. I turned to run, but i tripped and fell! The man started to tower over me and I was scared for my life at this point.

But, the male from before was attacking the larger man by whacking his briefcase over the back of the head which staggered the brute for a moment, but he recovered. Although,
the smaller man was holding his own! The big guy threw a punch, but it was dodged and a punch was delivered to his head. The big guy then ran off as his mouth started bleeding.

The man came up to me and held out his hand.

?: "Thanks for the distraction. Are you hurt?"

I took the man's hand and he pulled me up.

Lauren: "I'm fine, but what about you? He was beating you up pretty bad."

?: "Yeah, he hit me from behind, but you distracted him."

Lauren: "I don't know if that was the case."

To be honest, i'm glad i was able to help, but i hope that i don't get into something like this on a daily basis.

Lauren: "Well, are you okay?"

?: "Fine. I better go get cleaned up."

Lauren: "O-Okay. I need to meet someone."

?: "Just stay out of the alleyways."

Lauren: "Thanks for the advice."

I ran off and waved at the man as he picked up his dented briefcase and walked off.

If i hurry, i can meet with Riley before he leaves!

-Maria-

I was meeting Butch on the roof of the District Attorney building. It was a safe meeting place away from the rest of the fools downstairs. I found Butch standing there with a bloody mouth.

Maria: "What happened, Butch?"

Butch: "Sorry, Fish. But, a woman saw me beating on Rivers and took a picture of me.
And Rivers was tougher than he looked."

Maria: "You let a boy beat you up? And let a woman take a picture of you doing it?"

I honestly found the whole thing funny... If it wasn't gonna cause me trouble later. If someone took a picture of Rivers getting beaten up, then how is that gonna make my gang look? A bunch of amateurs! That's what!

Butch: "I-I am sorry, Fish! I'll handle it."

Butch got on his hands and knees and begged. He looked like a bulldog that was begging for a treat, cute but pitiful.

Maria: "I'll forgive you. But, you better handle it. Or else."

Butch: "Yes, Fish."

I walked through the door that led downstairs. I had so many boring things to do today. The things i do to maintain an empire.

-Riley-

That woman back there looked to be a journalist or something. I didn't really catch her name,
but I doubt I'll see her again.

No doubt that my attacker was sent by Maria after I left. For some reason, Martini is very important to have even the District Attorney on his side.

If I can't do this legally, then I am gonna have to go outside the law again.
Just like a month ago.

I'm gonna find out what 'The Don's' role is.

But for now, I have to go back to the law firm, but I better clean up first.

After I got back to the Kieran's Law Firm, he was there waiting for me. And he called me into his office.

Kieran: "Are you okay, Riley?"

Riley: "I feel alright. Considering things."

Kieran: "Riley, I don't want to be the bearer of bad news. But, you can't fight this. Gotham's politics are like a deathtrap, only the ones that control it can navigate it without getting killed. As a lawyer, you answer to the legal system, but the worst people are on top at the moment."

Riley: "Seems like it. But, is there really no way we can fight back?"

Kieran: "We need someone brave and stupid enough to wade through all the BS and come out clean. We need Sally's hand in a cookie jar while it's stained red."

Riley: "We can hope."

Kieran: "Look, Riley. Just be glad that the man who did this is behind bars.
Forget about Martini and move on. You can't be vengeful forever."

Maybe so, but i can at least try.

Kieran: "Anyway, there was a woman looking for you."

Riley: "A woman?"

-Lauren-

I can't believe how stupid i was! That man i saw was Riley Rivers! I just walked right past him! I'm wasting time with this hunt. I can't go back to Miss Vale without something!

I had to get back to the Law Firm, but that meant paying for yet another taxi!
I'm gonna lose my salary on taxi's if I am not careful. I really need to get my driver's licence quickly. I am taking lessons, but the quicker they finish the better.

When I was trying to hail a taxi, a limousine pulled up in front of me.
The doors opened to reveal men in suits.

"Hello, young lady. Can you come with us?"

Lauren: "Who are you?"

"Just some people who are interested in what you've seen before."

I looked at these people and saw that it was bad news. I tried to walk away, but...

CLICK.

One of the men aimed a gun at me! T-That's an actual gun.

"Get in."

There wasn't really much i could do. Run? I'll be shot. Scream? I'll be shot.
Do nothing? I'll be shot. If I get in the car...

I got in the car and I looked across from me. It was the guy from before!
I couldn't scream or run now, that I had a gun to my head.

Lauren: "What are you gonna do to me?"

Terror poured out of my voice.

?: "Just making sure that you never say anything about earlier."

Lauren: "I'll give you the camera! I'll have no proof!"

?: "Tempting, but no."

Please help me! Somebody!

The limo however drove off.

-Riley-

After the day's work ended, i went back home where mom was waiting with dinner.
Smoked salmon and pasta.

I got changed out of my suit and put on shirt and tracksuit bottoms and sat down with mom in the living room, eating dinner.

Kerry: "How's my little lawyer?"

Riley: "It's going well. There were some events, but nothing I couldn't handle."

Kerry: "That's good to hear, but you'll never believe what happened today."

Riley: "What?"

Kerry: "Some reporter came over and wanted to ask me about what happened a month ago. The press can sometimes really annoy me. People are suffering out there and everyone wants to know about it. Mind your own business."

A reporter? Could it have been the same woman that i ran into eariler? Kieran said that she was looking for me.

Riley: "Who was it?"

Kerry: "Some girl named Lauren Winters. Why?"

Riley: "No reason. I just wondered."

No doubt about it, she must have been investigating what happened last month when someone other than Batman helped the GCPD do thier jobs. I might have to deal with that later.

Riley: "Mom, I am going out tonight. Is that okay?"

Kerry: "Where?! You know I don't want you going out places at night."

Riley: "I was going go see the District Attorney. She was busy today so I want to see her as soon as possible."

Kerry: "Can't it wait?"

Riley: "Not really. You heard what happened with the hearing?"

Kerry: "Yeah... I can't believe that dog is still walking around. After what happened to Michael..."

Mom really started to sound hurt. Dad's death really hit her hard. She was a recovering alcoholic when she met him before i was born. She has had an off and on again relationship with alcohol and i think it's on.

Riley: "Mom, promise me you won't start drinking."

Kerry: "I won't. I learnt my lesson last month."

Riley: "Last month, no one can blame you. But, please."

Kerry: "Okay, okay."

I hugged mom dearly as i started to plan in my head what to do tonight now that mom is alright.

I was gonna take down Sally Martini again. And this time, i won't allow him to escape.

It was dark in Gotham, a time when it wasn't safe for the common man to walk the streets. It was a time which all sorts of elements came out of hiding with the intention of causing or preventing havoc.

I guess you can count me among that list.

Once again, i was out here, wearing a ski mask, a sleeveless skin-tight top, gloves, and black tactical pants with black boots. I had a pouch for the collaspable baton that originally belonged to my dad before he was murdered.

Once again, i was a vigilante stalking the night in Gotham. I'm not the first.
And i may not be the last.

Right now, i was hiding outside of Martini's mansion. Using binoculars, I can see the security well enough. Armed guards, cameras, checkpoints, it would be impossible for me to get in there, so I have to wait for Sally to come out.

I'll have to stake out his house until I find something I can use.

-Sally-

After Mr Grace's visit, i arranged for a new shipment of weapons to arrive in Gotham later this evening. I need to get the weapons trading going.

Thanks to that court hearing and what it took to keep me away from a grand jury could have brought unnecessary attention to the organised crime in Gotham.
People are now starting to see me as vulnerable.

I have to fix this mess and soon.

I'm gonna personally meet with the shipment delivery to show that I am not scared of this city and the freaks. I own this city.

It was then that my phone rang... Damn it, it's Fish.

Sally: "Hello?"

Maria: "Sally, how's time outside of a prison cell?"

Sally: "Very good. I'm grateful for your work, Fish."

Maria: "You do realise that now people are gonna have doubts in me? It took a lot of work to ensure that i become DA, you know?"

Sally: "I know, Fish. That's why i am gonna tie up the loose ends."

Maria: "That's good, because I wanted you to know that a lawyer burst in here and showed me the paperwork that i printed was falsified."

Sally: "A lawyer?! Who?"

Maria: "Riley Rivers. He's the son of the cop that was killed."

Sally: "Rivers... First, he's running around trying to arrest my guys and ruin my operation, now his son is too?! I want this kid dead!"

Maria: "No need. I had Butch scare him a bit, and the bar association that he works for are terrerified of dear old Fish. He'll never trouble us."

Sally: "That's good. At least now, the town will be safe without those 'clean'
cops around."

Maria: "Also, Butch is coming to your little meeting with our supplier. He'll be bringing a package with him. We want you to get rid of it."

Sally: "Consider it done."

I then put the phone down. A package? I wonder who Fish wants dead this time?

But, still... Rivers causing trouble. I have to be careful now.

"Mr Martini. Your car is waiting."

One of my bodyguards came into the room and said that.

But, he didn't knock first.

Sally: "Thank you."

I walked next to him and i broke his hand. He grunts in pain as he held his hand.

Sally: "Knock next time."

"Y-Yes sir."

I walked out of my room and downstairs towards the front door where outside,
my limo was waiting.

When i entered the limo, I saw Butch sitting next to a young girl with strawberry blonde hair. She had her mouth gagged and her hands tied. She was crying.

Sally: "Fish's package, I presume?"

Butch: "Yeah. We can use her for target practise."

Sally: "Sounds good to me."

I've planned this out this time. Nobody was gonna get the drop on me... If that freak shows up again, then he'll have an army waiting!

-Riley-

I watched as Sally Martini entered his limo. He was about to make his move.

I put on my helmet and i jumped on my motocycle as the limo drove outside the gates.
After it got some distance, i started to follow behind.

Something didn't really feel right. Why would Sally leave his house after what happened? Is he trying to prove that he's safe? Because he isn't.

I managed to keep my distance from Sally's car as he approached the Gotham Docks. It was empty at this time which made me certian that some kind of deal was going down.

I let my bike at a distance and followed them on foot. It was quickly apprant,
that Sally was being cautious this time. He left some armed guards behind as if he was expecting someone.

Maybe he knew I was coming... Doesn't matter though.

I was able to avoid the guards. I am wearing all black which made for effective camouflage.

I found that Sally and his men had left the limo and were walking towards a warehouse.
One of the men i recognised, it was the man that Mercedes sent to attack me.
Also, a woman was with them. It was the same woman from before! That's not good. I have to worry about her now. I need to make sure she's safe before i make a move on Sally.

-Lauren-

I was scared and terrerfied out of my mind! I was being dragged along by this big guy from earlier and Sal Martini, a known crime boss! There's no way a guy like this could have avoided trial.

They were dragging me into this warehouse which was filled with armed men. While i was being dragged through the warehouse, all sorts of firearms were being lifted out of crates! It was made public that Sal Martini owned a lockup which contained firearms imported around the globe. Yet, he didn't stand trial?! There's no way that the judge wasn't in his pocket.

The big guy took me to a cage of some kind and tossed me into it! The landing really hurt! Is this what Vicki meant by don't do anything dangerous? If so,
then I don't know why I am working in Gotham!

I didn't even find anything out about 'The Ghost'. It was a waste of an afternoon for it to be my last!

I crawled up to a corner of the cell and felt a sharp part of it against my arm.
M-Maybe I could use it to cut my binds. But, even if I do, what next? I'm locked in. Wait... I have a spare camera in my pocket. My other one was smashed by the big guy... I started to rub my binds against the sharp bit while no one was paying attention and i managed to remove the binds. I got the camera from my pocket and started taking pictures.

?: "Everyone pack up and move out!"

Sally walked over to this other guy who was instructing his men to pack everything away into a truck.

Sally: "What are you doing?! We have a deal."

?: "Had. I'm moving my trade elsewhere."

Sally: "Look, Daniel. I know I messed up with the last shipment, but that was out of my control. I've taken measures this time to ensure everything goes well this time."

Daniel: "There is no this time, Sal. You lost over 2 million dollars worth of hardware. Do you how much that will set business back? Do you think I am gonna make deals with someone who can't protect the merchandise? Hell no. I'm taking it elsewhere."

Sally: "No, you're not."

Sally then aimed a gun at Daniel's head! This was getting serious! I had to get out...
When I thought that, someone stepped out of the shadows wearing a ski mask and wearing all black.

I-It's The Ghost! So he really is real!

He motioned for me to be quiet and he crept over to the lock that kept the door shut. Everyone was paying attention to the standoff between Sally and Daniel,
so no one noticed. He managed to get the door open and he led me out of the cage and into hiding.

I was so overwhelmed with emotion! I was saved! I hugged him so hard, but he gentlely pushed me off.

'Ghost': "We're not out yet. Do you have that camera still?"

Lauren: "Y-Yes. I've been taking pictures."

'Ghost': "Good. I want you to hide. It's not safe to go out just yet."

Lauren: "What are you gonna do?"

'Ghost': "Take down 'The Don'."

The way he said it... He wanted to ensure that Sal goes away, that why he asked if i took photos, but he sounds more like an Avenger than a Ghost.

He then moved away from me and started to get closer to the action.

I took his advice and hid inside an empty crate, but thanks to a small hole, i was able to continue taking photos.

-Riley-

With Lauren Winters safe, I could move in on my intended target, but I wanted to find out about this Daniel who looked to be the supplier of the weapons.

Right now, a gun was being put to his head.

Sally: "Now, do we have a deal or not?"

Daniel's men then aimed their guns at Sally's men.

Daniel: "We don't have a deal. Now lower your weapon. It's clear that we have more guns than you do."

Sally's men looked at each other as they all knew that Daniel's men were right.

I couldn't just jump into this situation. Too many armed men, i was gonna get shot if I wasn't careful. I need a distraction.

I moved carefully across the warehouse and found grenades and a flashbang... I didn't really want to use them, but as long as i am careful then it shouldn't be a probelm. I took both a grenade and a flash bang.

I crept up to the window where there were some truck that were being loaded with weapons, but there was a lone truck a bit away from the others and had no passengers or drivers.

I had my distraction.

I pulled the pin of the grenade and threw it towards the truck in question...

BOOM!

The truck violently exploded! There must have been a bunch of explosive or flammable material in that truck, but no one was hurt and it got the job done.

Sally & Daniel: "What the?!"

Both Sally's and Daniel's men ran outside to inspect what was going on and most of the guards that were armed were outside now.

I was able to get to the warehouse's garage door button and i pressed it which closed the door and i whacked the switch with my baton, damaging it. No one was gonna get in for a while.

It was then that Sally noticed me.

Sally: "You... You have some balls to come here after what you did to me."

Daniel: "This is the guy who had my weapons taken?"

Both Sally and Daniel aimed their guns and me and started shooting at me. I managed to take cover.

Sally: "Butch, deal with this."

Butch: "Gladly."

The big man who attacked me eariler then went after me as Sally and Daniel left through the back door.

I managed to score some hits on Butch, but his body was tough and it was hard to hit him hard enough with my bare hands.

He picked me up and threw me into the crates and then tried to step on me which i avoided.

Using my Baton, I hit Butch in the legs which seemed to slow him down and then I hit him on the jaw with a right punch which staggered him.

At this moment, i could hear sirens outside the warehouse.

-Gordon-

There was a call to a explosion on the Gotham docks which we responded to. I was riding in one of the many Gotham cruiser heading towards the docks. When we got there, we found a few trucks leaving the scene.

Gordon: "Squad cars 2 and 6, follow those trucks!"

"Roger."

The squad cars responded as they followed the fleeing trucks. Chances are this is a attack by a rival gang. We were lucky that we put together riot shields and heavier weapons for this on short notice.

So far, there's no sign of Batman. But, as we looked on ahead, we saw that there were some armed men outside of a warehouse.

-Riley-

The police arrived and by the sounds of it, there was a firefight just outside.
Butch was no longer on his feet. Batons are good for taking out a person's legs.

I had to catch up with Sally and Daniel, but i quickly went to check on Lauren and get her out. But when i checked the crate that she hid in, she wasn't there.
Where did she go?! Did she leave when the shooting started?

When i went out the back door and found Sally... He was holding Lauren at gunpoint.

Sally: "Stay back or i'll kill her! You almost ruined me the first time! I'm not going back to Blackgate!"

Riley: "Let the girl go, Sal. You aren't getting away. Do you want to add another charge of murder to your list?"

Sally: "Oh, I am getting away. I own the police, they can't touch me."

?: "I can."

A shadowy figure appeared behind Sally and took the gun from him. Lauren managed to escape and she punched Sally in the face, which caused him to come towards me... I was looking forward to this.

I delivered a whack with my baton to Sally's legs, knocking him down and then i grabbed him by his tie before he fell.

Sally: "Please, you can't! Gotham will be nothing without the weapons trade."

Riley: "I think we can do without."

I knocked out Sally with a punch to the head.

I looked up to the shadowly figure and noticed the cowl on his head and the bat symbol on his chest. Lauren appeared star struck as he watched the Dark Knight enter the light.

Riley: "The Batman?"

Batman: "Who are you?"

I wasn't really expecting to ever run into him. Gotham's Dark Knight as he's called.

Riley: "I'm here to bring Sal Martini to justice. He's escaped it once already."

Batman: "That's not your job."

Riley: "It's not yours either."

Batman: "You could have gotten a lot of people killed today. This reporter, the police, Gordon. You started a bloodbath today without knowing what was going on."

Riley: "If you could do better then be my guest. But, the suppiler is still out there by the looks of it and he needs to be found before he finds a new client."

Lauren: "Umm..."

Lauren walked up to me.

Lauren: "Can i have an exclusive interview? I mean, the two of you saved my life and i wanted to get your story."

Riley: "I let my actions do my talking."

Lauren: "But, if you don't let your intentions be heard, anyone could spin the story back on you."

Batman: "Miss Winters, GCPD will need to debrief you. And you better go home and stay there."

I looked at Batman. He was letting me leave.

Riley: "Chances are that you will see me again, Batman. I have a city to save and you're either helping or not."

Batman: "Then i am taking you in. For your own good."

Batman walked towards me, but I had my secret weapon. The flash bang.

I took out the pin and let it drop to the ground. I covered my eyes and ran for it.

It provided a good enough distraction for me to get away from Batman.

That was lucky for me to take the flash bang. I don't think I can handle a confrontation with Batman at this time.

I managed to get away from the area and recover my motorcycle. I sped off as fast as possible.

-Lauren-

It was a rather eventful night to say the least. Especially for my first day on the job.

I had been kidnapped, then saved. Taken hostage, then saved. I even met Batman and 'The Ghost'! Better, I got pictures as well! When 'Ghost' was fighting that guy, I took some pictures of him. He was clearly dark skinned since his arms were uncovered, but the rest was covered in black and he wore a ski mask.

After that tense meeting between 'Ghost' and Batman, I was debriefed by GCPD and I was sent home without incident. I managed to save the camera also.

The next morning, I walked into the Gotham Gazette and i met up with Miss Vale who got a cup of coffee.

Lauren: "Miss Vale! You'll never believe what happened to me!"

Vicki: "I heard. I had news coverage of it last night."

Lauren: "You did? I never got to watch it."

Lauren put down her cup of coffee and stared at me.

Vicki: "Are you okay, Lauren? I told you not to get involved in anything dangerous."

Lauren: "I know and I'm sorry. But, it really paid off."

I got the pictures developed this morning and I showed the pictures of 'The Ghost' to Miss Vale.

Vicki: "This is your 'Ghost'?"

Lauren: "Yeah, I managed to get some photos of him while I was hiding."

Vicki: "He doesn't look as organised as Batman and Robin. But, what is he fighting for?"

Lauren: "Maybe to avenge people? After all, Sal Martini's been arrested again after what happened a month ago."

Vicki: "That's a good name for him instead of Ghost."

Lauren: "What?"

Vicki: "Avenger. A lone vigilante fighting against those who have wronged others."

Lauren: "I did manage to hear a few words from him."

Vicki: "What did he say?"

Lauren: "He wants to save this city."

As me and Miss Vale were coming up with the story, I found a envelope in my draw.

'To Lauren Winters.'

A envelope? Where and who sent this? Even though, this was weird to me, I wanted to check the envelope... When i looked at what was inside,
it looked like legal documentation with a bunch of circles on it. I was a bit confused, so I took it to Miss Vale.

When I showed it to Miss Vale, her eyes lit up!

Vicki: "This is documentation surrounding the Martini case! The evidence was tampered with!"

Lauren: "Does that mean that the lawyers are cutting corners?"

Vicki: "Yeah, the District Attorney was cutting corners!"

Miss Vale pulled out her story about 'Corruption in City Leadership' and started writing.

Who could have sent us this? Could it have been Avenger? But, how? How did he get his hands on this? He would have had to have access... Wait...

Riley Rivers who is a Lawyer had access and a motive. And The Avenger was targeting Martini specifically.

They can't be...

-Riley-

Hopefully the 'gift' I sent Lauren Winters at the Gotham Gazette should do something to discredit Maria Mercedes. I had to return the paperwork after I came back to work yesterday, but I broke in last night to recover a copy and sent a third copy to Lauren.

And now that Sal Martini's in Blackgate, I need to do what I can to ensure he stays there.

Kieran: "Riley. A reporter is here to see you."

Kieran walked by with Lauren Winters who came to my desk.

Lauren: "It's good to finally meet you in person."

Riley: "We did meet in person already. We just didn't know who each other was."

Lauren giggled a bit at that.

Lauren: "That's true."

Lauren and I sat down at my desk.

Riley: "My mom told me that you went to visit her yesterday."

Lauren: "Oh, I'm sorry if I was insensitive. I should have thought better."

Riley: "My mom is just hurting from the loss of my dad. We all are. It's not your fault of course."

Lauren: "Well, I'm sorry anyway. I actually came here today because i wanted to ask you about 'The Avenger'"

Avenger? Is that what she's calling me?

Riley: "Who do you mean?"

Lauren: "A month ago, a new vigilante came onto the scene. He was the one who had Sal Martini arrested. And last night, he was there as well. It's as if he had a grudge against 'The Don'."

Lauren Winters must really be checking up on me. I better be careful of how i answer her questions.

Riley: "If that's the case, then my regret is that I couldn't do it myself."

Lauren: "What do you mean?"

Riley: "Sal Martini apparently hired a man to kill my dad. But, after the court hearing went bad, there wasn't really anything I could do. But, a guilty man walked free. I wanted to do something but, what? I have a family to look out and provide for, Miss Winters. But, my dad was a lover of justice but not a violent man. You can't just beat people into submission, you need to do it by the rulebook."

Lauren seemed surprised at my answer. As if she never expected it.

Lauren: "I see... Well, asking you this isn't the only reason I came here."

Lauren gave me some photos of Sally Martini, Daniel, and the weapons shipment.

Lauren: "You have evidence against Sal Martini. Just make sure it isn't lost this time."

With that, Lauren left the office.

I looked at the photos and it had Sally right there at the scene.

Finally, he was going away. This time, he isn't escaping justice!

-Sally-

I can't believe this... I was handcuffed by Blackgate personal and then taken to a cell. I can't believe this is happening again.

Mr Grace isn't gonna be happy with this. Fish is already being suspected of corrupt decision making as District Attorney. She can't get me out again...

?: "Mr Martini."

I looked up and saw... Mr Grace?!

Sally: "Sir?! What are you doing in Blackgate?"

Grace: "You let me down, Mr Martini. I gave you one simple task and you blew it... Again."

Sally: "I-It's not my fault! It was that vigilante!"

Grace: "I don't give second chances. I gave you one and look where that's got us."

Mr Grace moved away from my cell and on the other side... A body was hanging off the ground. Someone was hanged...

Jack Marco.

At this moment, a member of Blackgate security came along. I thought he was here to get Mr Grace away from me. But, he simply opened my cell door and closed it behind him.

Grace: "Good day, Mr Martini."

Mr Martini then started walking away!

Sally: "No please! Not like this! Help!"

"No one's coming."

The security member then started to walk up to me. Looking at Jack Marco now,
I knew that was coming.

Sally: "I beg you! No... No! NOOOOOOOO!"

Chapter 2 End.