Chapter 3: Trial and Error.

Night falls on Gotham. In a cold and dark slum-like area of Gotham known as the Narrows, a seedy and gritty place, two young people are walking the streets.
One of them is a boy with black hair and the other is a girl with piercings and purple hair.

-Harper-

It's often dank and dirty walking around in the Narrows, even though I've known it as home all my life. If it weren't for the lights, it wouldn't be liveable.

But, the thing is... I work as an electrician and i know for a fact that Gotham's electrical grid is nearly 100 years old. It shouldn't be working. But, take the time to fix it, spit and elbow grease, the grid endures.

?: "Hey, Harper!"

Harper: "Oh sorry, Cullen."

Cullen: "You've been daydreaming a lot recently."

That's true. I've just been thinking about how we live when i look at the lamps and lights on my street block. If junk can keep going, you can too.

However, me and Cullen started walking past Trevor and his friends.

"Don't remember giving you a haircut like that, girlie."

Trevor: "We did it special for our favourite fairy. Isn't that Cullen?"

Cullen: "Just... Just leave us alone! Please! We'll do anything!"

Cullen began to get scared. These guys broke into our apartment a week ago and cut Cullen's hair.

Cullen recently came out as homosexual and he's been getting picked up because of it. I can't count the amount of bruises I've gotten because of these dirtbags.

Cullen normally wants me to tolerate it. He doesn't like it when i get hurt, but i can't deal with this. I can't see him get hurt.

Harper: "No. We won't. I think it's time for you dirtbags left me and my brother alone."

Trevor: "No. I don't think that's going to happen."

Trevor and his friends then started to crowd me and Cullen. They blocked me first and then the others started beating on Cullen.

"Come on! Let's see if our little fairy can bleed."

I had finally had enough. I was saving something for this situation.

I pulled out a taser from my pocket and hit the nearest one with it! It zapped him.
But, it wasn't a normally taser.

Harper: "Come on! I dare you! I've overcharged this taser. If you scumbags come near my brother again then I'll..."

More and more of Trevor's friends started to come out. They were just watching earlier and now they have a reason to come out.

Trevor: "You can't fry us all, baby. You're gonna get hurt. Bad."

Cullen: "Oh no."

They are began to approach me and Cullen... It's sad really. Eventually even junk wears out and then...

Trevor pulled out a knife.

Everything eventually goes black. The light go out and never come on again.

That's what I was thinking... As the light above us went out, but it went out as if it was smashed.

Trevor: "What the hell was..."

Trevor looked up and a shadow came down towards us. It landed in front of Trevor.

Trevor then tried to stab at whatever was in front of us, but it grabbed his arm and bent it enough for Trevor to drop his knife and a long stick of some kind was whacked into his leg which knocked him down.

My eyes had started to get adjusted to the dark and I could see the shadow. It was a person that's for sure. He was wearing a ski mask and wore a sleeveless black skin tight top, gloves, and black tactical pants and boots. It looked like he had a baton in his hand.

"Who the hell are you?!"

?: "I'm the guy whose gonna hurt you unless you turn around and run."

"I don't know who you are, but you're outnumbered. I suggest you go help a old lady cross the street if you don't want to get hurt."

?: "Then let's skip the talk and get to it."

Trevor managed to get back up, but this guy just dodged his attack with the knife and then tossed him to the ground. I watched him take on these dirtbags as if he was watching them in slow motion.

Cullen: "Um, Harper?"

Cullen was speaking to me, but I was too engrossed. I was star struck. It wasn't Batman or Robin, but I knew this guy from somewhere. The papers called him The Avenger.

Eventually, it seemed like he was getting tired. He landed a punch on one of them and fell to the ground, but he was able to defend himself. He whacked his baton into another one's legs and then deliver a knee to the face.

Everyone was knocked out and he was standing tall. He looked over at us.

Avenger: "Are you okay?"

Cullen and I nodded.

Avenger: "You better get off the streets."

With that, he jumped up onto the fire escape and started to climb up it onto the roof.

He doesn't have Batman's gadgets, but he's good. The way he took on those guys...

Who is this Avenger?

-Riley/Avenger-

I need to start cardio training. Training to fight and actual fighting are two different things. I got tired too easily in that brawl.

Plus, I didn't stay focused on why I am here.

Across from me was a warehouse. It was where the Russians were operating. I was after a certain man that may help me find some answers.

I made my approach.

*One week ago*

Riley: "What?!"

Kieran: "Riley, please calm down."

I just was informed by Kieran that Sal Martini, the crime boss that I helped apprehend the night before, was found hung in his cell. Along with my father's killer, Jack Marco.

Jack Marco was already convicted of 1st degree murder, but Sal Martini wasn't.
He was a weapons trader and was having weapons from all over the globe shipped into Gotham by a man named Daniel. I don't know his last name yet.

I sat down in my office chair and Kieran sat down next to me.

Kieran: "Riley, I know how badly you wanted to see Martini go to trial and get him convicted, but... Just rest with the knowledge that your father has been avenged. You tried."

Kieran placed a hand on my shoulder.

What could I do now? My dad's been avenged, but... Not in the right way. Not in the way my dad wanted. I guess Lauren Winter's evidence is just gonna end up in the evidence room down at the GCPD.

Kieran: "It may not be what you want to hear, but I need to ask you something."

Kieran then produced a newspaper from the Gotham Gazette and placed it in front of me. The headline read 'Corruption in the City Leadership?!'

The article was about the falsified paperwork and missing evidence from Sal Martini's first hearing. The District Attorney had violated multiple acts of the penal code. A picture of the paperwork that I found was in the paper too.

Kieran: "Be straight with me. Did you hand this to Vicki Vale?"

Kieran looked at me as if he was worried. But, his tone was serious.

Riley: "I handed this back to you when I got back from the District Attorney's office. I don't know how it ended up in the papers."

Kieran: "You didn't make a third copy and hand it to the Gotham Gazette?"

Riley: "I swear."

I lied. It had to be done. As long as Maria Mercedes is Gotham's District Attorney,
then no matter how many times we throw a new criminal in, she has the ability to reverse the wheels and have them bounce back out.

Kieran: "Okay. I believe you. We may not be father and son, but you're a member of my family, Riley."

Riley: "If only mom had the same idea."

Kieran chuckled at that. He and mom don't really get along.

Kieran: "Oh, I wanted to give you something."

Kieran gave me a folder. It was for a case.

Riley: "A client?"

Kieran: "Yeah. They phoned up earlier this morning. It's a pretty cut-and-dry case so you should be able to handle it for your first. If you're up for it,
you need to meet the client at the GCPD station at 2:00."

My first case. If it's cut-and-dry then it won't have much excitement, but then again, who has time for excitement?

Riley: "Leave it with me."

Have to start somewhere.

-Kerry-

After a terrible night's sleep and a quick shower followed by coffee with a little bit of coconut oil mixed in, i got to work of my daily duties.

With Riley gone to work, the house is in my care. It's a harder job than it looks though. Cleaning a house which always looks like pigs roll in it. No matter how hard i try, it never changes, it gets clean then i barely sleep and the cycle begins again the next day.

Riley does help out when he can, but it isn't often that he comes home without looking tired. He's been working hard during the day and does errands for Kieran at night... I don't know how Kieran gets off by having my kid do what he wants.

I wish more for Riley than just following his father's shadow. I just hope that Riley doesn't end up like Michael...

As I was vacuuming, my phone rang. It was Riley.

Kerry: "Hello, Riley?"

Riley: "Mom, guess what? I've got my first client."

Kerry: "Your first client?! Congratulations! What's the case?"

Riley: "Apparently, it's involving a murder case. Kieran said this was a cut-and-dry case so it should be simple enough, but it doesn't sound that way..."

Kerry: "What do you mean?"

Riley: "I can't discuss it. But... I'll let you know how it goes."

Kerry: "Riley, please don't do anything you'll regret."

Riley: "I won't. Bye, mom."

Kerry: "Bye, love you."

Riley: "Love you too."

I then hang up...I really hope that Riley doesn't go over his own head here.

-Lauren-

Ever since the incident on the docks, there hasn't been any sightings of Avenger anywhere. I'm hoping that the new public in the papers hasn't scared him off.
Then again, he did say he wants to save this city... But, from what? All I know is that he's a good guy.

I thought and I kinda still think that Riley Rivers has a connection to him. But,
the night that Avenger was first spotted was the night that Michael Rivers was shot dead. I doubt Rivers would become a vigilante just like that, and while his mother was drinking heavily like she said.

As I was drinking a cup of juice, I looked over some of the pictures I took of Sal Martini and his partner, Daniel. I looked up his face and I found nothing about him. It's like he never existed.

As I thought this, I saw Miss Vale walking towards her desk. When she sat down, he looked exasperated.

Lauren: "Miss Vale?"

Vicki: "What is it, Lauren?"

Lauren: "Did something happen?"

Miss Vale looked at me for a second before sighing. She turned towards me.

Vicki: "I spoke with the editor. He told me that my story is a bunch of crap."

Lauren: "You mean the story about the Sal Martini case?"

Vicki: "Yeah. Papers aren't selling now. Ever since Sal Martini died."

Lauren: "H-Hang on. He's dead?!"

Vicki: "He was found hanging in his cell along with Jack Marco."

Both Sal Martini and Jack Marco dead? The only person I know that would have a reason to want them dead is... Riley. But, he wouldn't. Even if he isn't the Avenger, he isn't capable... But I don't know him.

Vicki: "Lauren?"

Lauren: "Oh, sorry. Miss Vale, why aren't the papers selling though? I mean,
District Attorney messes with court hearing is quite a scoop."

Vicki: "Now that Sal Martini is dead, people don't care about what the District Attorney is doing. It's all been swept under the rug. Everyone is more inclined to blame the one in charge which would be Mayor Hill."

Lauren: "That's terrible though. If the District Attorney is doing something like this, then someone should do something about it."

Vicki: "Hopefully, someone is doing something about it."

-Gordon-

I look over the newspaper that I have in front of me. Yet, another piece written by Vicki Vale. But, it's a cause for concern.

If the district attorney has been paid off, then it would make cleaning Gotham's streets a lot more challenging. But, for her to be removed from office, there must first be a vote and the mayor has to agree with it. But, we've had issues in the past with Mayor Hill.

Not to mention, any connection we could have made to Maria Mercedes has been killed off. Sal Martini was found dead in his cell this morning along with Jack Marco, both of whom are involved with Michael's murder. That's when this new vigilante, Avenger, showed up. The cameras went offline and no one seemed to know if any one went into the prison. It could have been suicide or murder, but we can't prove murder without suspects.

What kind of mess are we in now?

Maybe I should ask Batman to look into Avenger. Something is off with this whole case.

?: "Hey, Commish."

That was Detective Harvey Bullock. One of the more controversial officers in the GCPD.

Gordon: "What is it, Bullock?"

Bullock: "Mr Austin's defence attorney has arrived."

Gordon: "Defence attorneys... Not the news that i wanted to hear."

Harvey chuckled at that.

Bullock: "Ain't that right? But, you'll never guess who it is."

-Riley-

I just arrived at GCPD's station and I'm waiting in the lobby. My client is a Mr Matthew Austin. According to the file, he murdered his wife with a standard handgun. His prints are on the gun and a witness saw him next to his wife's body. Honestly, it doesn't look good. To start with, I need to meet with the client and find out his side of the story. After that, i go from there.

Gordon: "Riley Rivers."

I look up and I see Police Commissioner James Gordon. I remember him from the night my dad was killed.

Riley: "Commissioner Gordon."

Gordon: "I never expected you to be the defence lawyer, you just came out of Law School, didn't you?"

Riley: "Had to get my feet wet somewhere."

Gordon was silent for a moment.

Gordon: "Did you hear? About Sal Martini and Jack Marco?"

Riley: "I heard. I wasn't hoping for that to happen. I was hoping to see justice."

Gordon: "You sound just like your old man."

I did feel a little pleased at that. I don't think I can become the man dad was.
But, it's a start.

Riley: "Thanks, Commissioner. Could I see my client?"

Gordon: "Of course, we just interrogated him. You should be able to see him."

Gordon then led me towards the interrogation room where my client was. When we got there, we heard sounds of struggling and hitting. We found someone hitting another person that was handcuffed to the table and on the ground.

Gordon: "Jesus! Harvey!"

Gordon pulled Harvey away from who seemed to be Matthew Austin who had a cut up and swollen face. I think i heard of this officer. Detective Harvey Bullock, he's got a reputation for accepting bribes, and unlawful conduct.

Harvey: "What Gordon? I'm interrogating the suspect."

Gordon: "You're assaulting the suspect!"

Riley: "Detective."

Harvey: "Oh, Michael's kid. You ready for your first day on the job?"

Riley: "Get out before you lose your badge. Again."

Harvey simply smirked before breaking free of Gordon's grip and leaving.

Gordon: "Riley, this isn't..."

Riley: "May I speak to my client alone, Commissioner?"

Gordon remained silent as he walked out as well. When he did, I helped Matthew to his seat.

Riley: "Are you okay, Mr Austin?"

Matthew: "I'll live... Who are you anyway?"

Riley: "I'm your attorney. From Kieran Troy's."

Matthew: "You don't even look old enough to be a attorney. How old are you?"

Riley: "Seventeen. I graduated from Law School little over three weeks ago."

Matthew: "Great. A teenager is all that stands between me and life in prison."

Should have really expected that reaction for my first client.

I took my seat on the other side of the desk in front of Matthew. His face looked bad. Cuts and swelling all over.

Riley: "Do we need to have someone have a look at your wounds?"

Matthew: "No."

He said that bluntly. He doesn't want to see anyone.

Riley: "Mr Austin, I can sense that you don't want to remember what's happened,
but could you walk me through what happened?"

Matthew: "... My wife is dead. What's the point of going on?"

Riley: "Would you like to be known as the man who killed your wife?"

Matthew looked at me with a look of fury.

Matthew: "It's easy for you to say that since you're focused on getting paid for winning a trial which causes others to suffer."

Riley: "I do this so that people aren't committed of crimes they didn't commit.
Did you kill your wife? Because, I don't think you did."

Just the way his eyes are, tell me a story. There is more to this story than what's on paper.

Matthew: "... My wife was shot because of my actions."

Riley: "Actions?"

Matthew: "You're not going to tell anyone about this? Are you?"

Riley: "You're my client and I am your attorney. Rest assured that everything in this room is held in confidence."

Matthew looked at me with questioning stares.

Matthew: "You don't sound like this is your first time dealing with murder."

Riley: "My dad was murdered last month. Our car was run off the road and a man shot him. So no, this isn't my first time, Mr Austin."

Hopefully, I'll gain his confidence this way.

Matthew: "Okay... Who are you exactly?"

Riley: "Riley Rivers."

Matthew: "Well, Riley. I used to work for a man named Daniel."

Daniel? Is it the same Daniel from before?

Riley: "Does this Daniel have a last name?"

Matthew: "We aren't supposed to say it. Said it will give away his entire mystery if we did."

Riley: "But, you know it?"

Matthew: "His full name is Daniel Marco."

Marco?.. As in Jack Marco?

Riley: "Is he related to a Jack Marco?"

Matthew: "Are you cross-examming me?"

Riley: "No. Just wanted all the facts."

Matthew: "It won't help you win the case."

Looks like I can't push any further than this. Daniel Marco... If he is the weapons dealer then the fact that he had a brother on the police squad could explain why he was able to ship weapons into Gotham without attracting attention.

Riley: "Then what has this Daniel could to do with what happened?"

Matthew: "He doesn't like it when his men back out. I have... Had a wife in the Narrows... I wanted to earn money to support her. Move her out from that scum pit."

Matthew's voice was starting to break up.

Matthew: "But, after what happened at the warehouse... I couldn't do it anymore.
Daniel assured us that we would be safe, but we wasn't. We were found by the police on the docks. After we escaped with Daniel, i walked away. But, he didn't like that. He sent men to kill me and my wife. They killed her... Then arrested me."

It sounds like Mr Austin had a change of heart after i alerted the police by blowing up that truck on the docks. And Daniel Marco didn't like that too much.

Riley: "He's trying to punish you by the sounds of it."

Matthew: "Yeah, he was. I was cradling my wife when I heard screaming. I dropped my gun there and forgot about it as the police arrested me."

Riley: "Why did you have a gun?"

Matthew: "Because I thought I would need it in this city. When I heard gunshots,
I grabbed it and I was gonna protect my wife. I had a license for it so it's legal."

So this was a frame job. Daniel must have known that Matthew would come running if his wife was in danger and now Daniel is trying to cover his tracks. By framing Matthew, and he goes to prison. But, since he's here talking to me, isn't Daniel worried that he could blow a whistle?

I then heard someone outside the door. It was one of the officers.

Riley: "Excuse me, officer. Me and my client are having a meeting."

Matthew: "He's working for Daniel."

The officer pulled out a gun! I dived towards Matthew and got him behind the table as the officer fired his gun. But, Matthew was handcuffed to the table so he couldn't go anywhere.

The officer was firing his gun at the table, so I quickly slid under the table and kicked my chair into the officer's leg, causing him to stumble and drop his gun. He then pulled out a baton and ran into the room towards Matthew.

I blocked the officer and he started trying to whack his baton into my leg but, I dodged out of the way and kicked him in the legs. He started to fight with his fists and he managed to connect with my face, but I managed to hit him in the stomach.

"GCPD! Freeze!"

Four more officers came into the room, each holding guns. Gordon was in front of them with a gun drawn.

Gordon: "Get your hands up!"

The police officer that attacked us shook his head... Before putting the gun to his temple.

BANG!

And firing...

The body fell to the ground.

Gordon: "Jesus!"

We all remained in silence as we processed what had happened.

-Lauren-

After what happened earlier this morning, Vicki was sent to provide news coverage of an incident that happened in the Narrows. A shooting of some kind.

However, I've got some free time, so I decided to go hunting for my next story.

I was at my desk and I was working on a lead.

Who would want Sal Martini and Jack Marco dead? Someone didn't want Martini to go to trial, but why kill Jack Marco as well? It doesn't add up.

When I researched Jack Marco, all that came up was that he did have a brother,
but I couldn't find a name. All I know was that he went to Russia at some point.

Luckily, I found records of Sal Martini's prior career before he became known as 'The Don'. It turns out that he had a knack for business at a young age and got his business degree at an early age. But, he was busted for robbery a while back and was sent to prison for a 30 days.

Looking at past records of Sal Martini, apparently he used to work as a secretary at a small time business called Grace Enterprises. It handles with buying and selling and delivery of goods, as well as a little R&D here and there. It's owner is a man called Winston Grace who came into a lot of money recently and spent his time investing and building a fortune. He just recently got into business,
but he hasn't made many public appearances...

Sal Martini was once his employee and then became a crime boss overnight?
Something doesn't add up.

I wonder if I can have a look at Martini's house...

-Riley-

After what had happened in the interrogation room, Matthew was being held under protective detail by Gordon's hand picked men.

Right now, I was having a meeting with Gordon.

Gordon: "Riley, what happened here?"

Riley: "One of your officers attempted to kill my client, Commissioner Gordon."

Gordon couldn't really respond to what I said.

Riley: "Not to mention, that while in your care, my client had been assaulted by Detective Harvey Bullock. I should be able to have him removed from the GCPD for that alone."

Gordon: "I understand how this looks, but Harvey will be dealt with for this.
And I can secure prisoner transport to Blackgate and a special containment cell to keep Mr Austin safe."

Riley: "No. You will release my client."

Gordon: "Are you kidding?! He may have his wife and he has known connections with the Russians!"

Riley: "He is innocent till proven guilty, Gordon. He isn't safe in your care.
So, get him released. Don't make me ask again."

Gordon simply sighed.

Gordon: "Okay, I'll speak to the District Attorney."

Gordon then got up.

Gordon: "I knew it. You'd become one hell of a lawyer."

He then left the office.

The attack on Matthew by both Bullock and the cop. Someone doesn't want Matthew to live. It had to be Daniel Marco, no doubt. There is definably something going on in the Narrows.

Detective Bullock may provide me with some answers.

I made sure that Matthew is holed up in a friend's place. He should be safe for the time being. I'm not taking a deal for Matthew's trial and instead we both decided to forgo a preliminary hearing and go straight to trial since the evidence will ensure that Matthew goes to trial, but in return I get access to the evidence which will help my case.

Later at night, after I got changed into my vigilante uniform, I followed Bullock as he left for the night. I followed him on my dad's motorcycle.

Bullock was traveling by car across Gotham towards the city centre. Towards the My Alibi nightclub. I didn't want to risk getting spotted so I parked my bike a few blocks away and I climbed the fire escape of a nearby building.

I watched Harvey Bullock enter the My Alibi club. I don't think that Bullock is a club type of guy, so why is he here?

I was about to find out.

I managed to get on the roof of the club and entered the club through the vents.
It took some time, but I managed to crawl through the vents and i managed to end up somewhere near the office.

-Bullock-

It's been a while since I got caught doing something bad by the Commish. I haven't been getting much action as of late, since Fish took over as District Attorney.

In fact, I'm meeting her now. She asked to meet me at My alibi, although the club scene isn't my thing.

Her doorman let me straight in and pointed me up towards the office.

When I walked in, Fish was there waiting.

Maria: "Harvey, my baby! How you doing? And you're partner as well?"

Fish came up to me and gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek and I returned the favour.

Bullock: "Things are fine with me. And my partner's out of town. How are you, Fish?"

Maria: "All things considered. Me being suspected of breaking the law and pressure on the mayor and now the Russians are running the weapons trading without old Sally to keep them in check."

Bullock: "Yeah, it's 'unfortunate' about that."

Fish knew something was bothering me. She had a thing about her that told her when someone was hiding something.

Maria: "Gordon had me release a murder suspect called Matthew Austin. Didn't want to, but it turns out that a couple of our men on the inside made quite a bit of noise. Remind you of someone, Harvey?"

Bullock: "Yeah. One of the Russians was caught for murder a few days ago and his lawyer caught me 'interrogating' him."

Maria: "His lawyer? Who's that? Gordon didn't tell me."

Bullock: "Some kid named Riley Rivers."

Maria: "Him again?"

Bullock: "You know him?"

Maria: "He was the one who came up to me in the office and told me about the errors in Sally's case."

Bullock: "Did he get what was coming to him?"

Maria: "He did. But, those papers got to the press. Dear Kieran told me that Riley returned the papers and left the issue alone. Smart kid. But, someone stole the papers."

Bullock: "Who else other than Rivers would know?"

Maria: "Haven't you heard? There's a new mask in town. Goes by the name: Avenger."

Bullock: "Never heard of him."

Maria: "You need to read the papers."

Fish threw me a newspaper. On the front page, it spoke about the new vigilante running around saying he's gonna save this city. What a punk, that's just what we need. Another costumed freak.

Bullock: "Give me five minutes alone with that guy. I'll show him."

Maria: "He's caused Grace some trouble. Now, we need to find a way to deal with the Russians."

Bullock: "Where are they holed up?"

Maria: "For all I know, anywhere. But, they did set up shop in the Narrows. But,
we need to be smart. Going in there could really be bad for your health if you're a cop."

Fish gave me a drink of whiskey.

Bullock: "I'll drink to that."

We made a toast to each other and drank our glasses.

-Riley-

Grace and the Russians... Grace. I think I heard that name before.

I'll look into it later, but for now, I need to track down Daniel Marco.
If he's set up shop in the Narrows, then I need to find him. The last thing this city needs is more weapons on the streets.

-Lauren-

I just had to climb over the back wall to avoid the GCPD who are guarding the gate. They're still searching the place for evidence.

Somehow Sal Martini went from employee to Gotham crime boss. There has to be something here that will lead to finding out the connection between Martini, Daniel, and maybe it could involve Grace Enterprises.

I had to be careful getting into the building. There aren't many GCPD here, but the place looks ransacked, as if they were looking for something desperately.

"Have you found it yet?"

"No. But, the boss said it'd be around here somewhere. Keep looking."

I overhead two GCPD officers talking. What are they looking for? And who were they working for?

As I asked those questions I entered the building through an open window. I really had to be careful, if I get spotted by the officers here, something tells me I won't be taken to the station.

Recently, there seems to be a rise of corrupt cops on the police force. Maybe,
there may work for someone other than the city of Gotham.

I started to search the house... Really, Sally had a real nice house. Maybe,
I am in the wrong business. No, the stuff he had to do to get all this must have been really bad.

I started to search his fancy dining room and living room. All the draws, underneath his table, under the giant TV. Nothing...

I went upstairs hoping for better results to my investigation. As I got up there... A creaking sound was made by the floorboard under my feet!

"Whose there?!"

Oh no! They heard me! One GCPD officer was in the room next to where I was which was the hallway. I quickly went into the room opposite that room. It turned out to be the bathroom. I quickly hid in the bathtub and pulled back the curtain...

I heard the officer come into the room.

"If someone is here, you better come out. You're trespassing in a crime scene."

He was walking around slowly, trying to find a sign of where I was.

I, for one, am terrified! I mean, I hid behind the shower curtain! I've watched enough horror movies to know that this doesn't end well.

As I think that, he was making his way towards the bathtub! T-This could be it!
There's no way he wouldn't notice me!

He pulled the curtain back! He looked around but not inside the bathtub...

"Must not be anyone here."

He walked away and out of the bathroom.

I breathed a sigh of relief. I thought I was done for there... I leaned up against the tiled wall as I couldn't feel my own legs.

My elbow hit the wall. But, when it did, a weird hollow noise could be heard.
I quickly inspected the tile that made the noise and I found it was loose, so I pulled it out. Inside was a thumb drive.

Why would this be hidden? But, I've had enough excitement for one night. I better leave before I'm discovered.

-Maria-

After Harvey had left my office, I received a phone call from Mr Grace.

Maria: "Hello, Mr Grace. How do I honour this phone call?"

Grace: "I would like to ask why the issue with Matthew isn't fixed yet. I seem to remember leaving his 'silence' in your hands."

His voice sounded distorted. It always is when he makes a phone call.

Maria: "Is this a secure line?"

Grace: "Of course. Why else would I call the District Attorney?"

This old man really thinks he is on top of the world here. I'm the one with the power here.

Maria: "There was a... Complication. But, it seems that a potential leak closed itself instead of being captured."

Grace: "And yet, your methods have been loud as of late. Suspicion is rising with the Gotham ranks. Our partners are worried that The Batman may be onto us. And we can't have that. We have come so close to restoring Gotham to the old ways before Batman and Gordon destroyed everything."

Maria: "We will have Gotham soon. Matthew went into hiding after the first failed attempt. But, even if the case makes it to trial, he won't be able to escape prison."

Grace: "If it makes it to trial, the police will be forced to hand in evidence towards the case, and there is some which may prove Matthew's innocence."

Maria: "Can't we have it destroyed?"

Grace: "Make it happen."

Grace then put the phone down. Looks like I have another phone call to make...
But soon, I won't have to deal with this. I can rule Gotham if I play my cards right.

-Batman-

Everything is starting to unravel in Gotham. I've been preoccupied with Penguin's latest schemes in the Diamond District. But, apparently something else is going on.

Since Mayor Hamilton Hill was elected, more and more gang violence has been quelled.
Normally, this would be a good thing, but now ordinary gang members have been gaining military hardware that is being brought into Gotham, most likely by the Russians.

Sally 'The Don' Martini. A low level thug who was jailed for robbery then went onto become a assistant at Grace Enterprises and then a Crime Boss who is aiding the Russians. It doesn't add up. Winston Grace isn't a man that is capable physically and mental to pull something like this off. He had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and therefore isn't a suspect in this case. This isn't publically known as of yet.

But, also is the rise of corrupt cops in the GCPD. Just today, a cop tried to kill one of Gordon's prisoners, but Gordon hasn't released the name of the suspect as of yet. There is more to that story.

Finally, in the middle of all of this, is Avenger. He's appears to be Tim's size and age based on his voice alone. But, at the same time, he seems to be closer to this than anyone. I've been checking up on him after what happened at the docks, but it looks like he is avoid city streets and his motorcycle appears to a standard model. We can't find out his name based on that alone.

If he is after the Russians, then he may be in serious danger.

?: "Is everything okay, sir?"

Alfred comes into the room holding a sliver tray.

Batman: "It's fine, Alfred."

Alfred looks at the Batcomputer screen.

Alfred: "Avenger, sir?"

Batman: "Whoever this is, he seems to have an idea of what's going on in Gotham."

Alfred: "Besides the usual?"

Batman: "There's been more corrupt cops and everyday thugs are using weapons they shouldn't be able to afford. Something else is going on in Gotham."

At that moment, the alarm went off.

Alfred: "Oh my word! What's happened now?"

Batman: "One of my equipment caches... It's been opened."

Alfred: "Without authorisation? Who even knew where those were?!"

Batman: "I don't know."

*Present time*

-Third Person-

In a well lit warehouse in the Narrows, Russians were loading weapons into crates and putting them into a van which read 'North Refrigeration'.

In the office, Daniel Marco was standing talking to another person.

Daniel: "Viktor, are we ready for Cobblepot's order?"

Viktor: "Not just yet, but there is a complication."

Daniel: "Matthew Austin."

Viktor: "Correct. It appears that Winston's contact didn't get the job done."

Daniel: "It seems that way and without my brother, we can't be sure that we can safety enter the country with the weapons without expecting the police."

Viktor: "Then why are we giving away the last of our arsenal after we sold the expensive weapons cheap?!"

Daniel: "Because, if I can't have this city, then Winston Grace can't either."

Viktor: "Is destroying Gotham really going to avenge your brother's loss?"

Daniel turned around and his back faced Viktor.

Daniel: "No, but it will make me feel better."

After that, the lights went out inside the warehouse. Daniel and Viktor quickly turned on their flashlights.

Daniel: "What was that?! Did the power go out?!"

The sounds of a physical skirmish and gunfire was going on inside the warehouse storage area.

Those were the sounds of Avenger attacking the Russians. Avenger was able to take down some of the Russians using martial arts and his baton. Whacking the Baton into the leg or grabbing the arm of a enemy and then delivering a knee to the head or simply a punch to the stomach or face was Avenger's game plan.
However, even though the warehouse was dark, the Russians were able to retrieve guns from nearby crates and started shooting. The flashes did give glimpses of Avenger's position, but he was gone the next second.

Meanwhile, Viktor went outside to check on the substation providing power to the building. It appeared to have been tampered with.

Viktor: "Who are we dealing with? A mechanic?!"

?: "More like an electrician."

Viktor turned around to see a young teenage girl with piercings and purple hair.

Harper: "Did it myself. It cut power to the building without cutting the other buildings."

Viktor then walked towards Harper Row with the intention of hitting her, but Harper got out her taser from earlier and used it on Viktor, knocking him out.

Harper: "You got your ass kicked by a teenager."

Back at the warehouse, Avenger managed to take down the last of the Russians there, but...

A gunshot was heard and Avenger went down. A small hole was in the lower part of his stomach and back. It missed his organs but it hurt and he was bleeding.

Out of the darkness came Daniel Marco.

Daniel: "So you're the vigilante that took down my brother. You don't look as impressive as you did the other night."

Avenger was trying to hold his wound to ensure that the blood loss was slowed as Daniel approached.

Daniel: "I never expected to be found this soon, but that doesn't matter. You aren't working with anyone, are you?"

Avenger: "I don't need to. I'm gonna bring you down before this is over."

Daniel: "I could just shoot you. Which I'm gonna do."

Daniel aimed his gun at Avenger, but Avenger just swung his baton into Daniel's arm, causing him to drop his gun. Avenger got back to his feet and began to fight Daniel. But, he was better at fighting. Avenger landed more hits than Daniel,
but Avenger was losing blood and he collapsed on all fours.

With that, sirens could be heard in the distance.

Daniel: "(Russian) Police!"

Daniel ran for it as Avenger got back to his feet. The smell of diesel filled the air. Daniel was going to blow the building up!

Harper: "Psst! Over here!"

Harper Row appeared in a manhole in the corner of the building. Avenger seemed to be confused, but he followed her.

The police were nearby as the entire building exploded.

-Gordon-

It's like things weren't bad enough for this to happen. There's a body count of almost 13 people. There are scraps of weapons all around the area. It looks like a another weapons cache, but nobody wanted us to have it.

Bullock: "Hey, Commish."

Gordon: "Harvey. Have you found anything?"

Bullock: "Nothing. We know that the fire was started with diesel, but everything else is burnt or destroyed. But, this was clearly a weapons cache."

Gordon: "So we don't know how this happened? This could just have been an accident..."

Bullock: "But, you don't believe that, don't you?"

Gordon: "A weapons cache was busted the other night. And now we find signs of another here?"

?: "It's the Russians, no doubt."

Renee Montoya then came up to us, she was dragging someone who was bleeding from the head and in handcuffs towards us.

Bullock: "Montoya? Weren't you out of town?"

Montoya: "I came back just an hour ago."

Bullock: "And now you're dragging some poor guy around. Welcome back, Montoya."

Harvey was clearly being sarcastic and Renee knew it also.

Gordon: "Has he said anything?"

Montoya: "Just cursing in Russian so far, but at least someone can provide answers."

-Avenger-

The explosion destroyed a portion of the tunnels we used to escape, but we managed to escape the blast and right now, this girl who I saved earlier was catching her breath.

Avenger: "Now, who are you exactly?"

?: "H-Harper Row."

Avenger: "Well, Harper. Thanks for the save, but you shouldn't have come here.
What if the Russians saw you?"

Harper: "One did. But, I tasered him."

Harper pointed out a man who was unconscious against the wall.

Harper: "You need someone to interrogate, don't you?"

Daniel Marco blew up the warehouse. There's no way I could have saved those that were there. Marco is gonna pay for this, and it looks like Harper Row saved my next lead.

Avenger: "Look... Thanks, Harper. But, from now on, just stay out of trouble.
You could have been killed tonight."

Harper: "But, you did something for me tonight. I had to repay the favour."

Avenger: "You did. Now, just stay out of trouble."

I picked up the man and I walked away. I was having trouble since I was still bleeding though.

Once I got far enough away, I wrapped my wound up in a disinfectant bandage.
Lucky I decide to take this with me when I got out.

I drag the Russian man out of the tunnels and onto street level and into an alleyway.
No one is here, so I should be able to interrogate him... I don't know how to make an interrogation, but i have to in order to find out where Daniel is heading.

I tie him to a pipe and I wait for him to wake up.

When he does, I stand in front of him.

?: "(In Russian) What the hell are you supposed to be?!"

I punch him in the stomach.

Avenger: "I don't speak Russian, so you better hope you speak English or this is gonna take a while."

?: "Who the hell are you?"

Avenger: "The guy you're gonna answer some questions to."

?: "Viktor doesn't deal with vigilantes."

Avenger: "Well, Viktor is about to be beaten if he doesn't talk."

Viktor: "Is that the best you have? You aren't gonna get anything from me."

Avenger: "You do realise that your comrade, Daniel, tried to blow you and his weapons with an explosion, don't you?"

With that, Viktor glared at me.

Viktor: "Daniel wouldn't do that. He's earned the respect of my comrades."

Avenger: "And yet, you're tied to a pipe in an alleyway in Gotham after the warehouse exploded and now 14 of your men are dead."

Viktor: "Lies!"

Viktor tried to break free of his restraints, but it didn't budge.

Avenger: "If your men put their trust in Daniel Marco, and he broke it, shouldn't you avenge them by telling me where he is?"

Viktor: "... You can't. He's selling his weapons cheaply on the streets."

Avenger: "Why? Why would Marco selling million dollar hardware so easily?"

Viktor: "That's part of his plan to take control from..."

He paused. He looked as if he didn't want to say who.

Avenger: "Who? WHO?!"

I punched Viktor in the face. I wanted that name.

Viktor: "His name is..."

BANG!

A spray of blood covered my entire mask as a gunshot sounded and the next second,
Viktor just stopped.

Avenger: "Viktor!"

It was obvious that Viktor was dead. A bullet went through his head.

I quickly took cover. There was a sniper here! Working with the Russians?

I looked at where the sniper was and I could see light gleaming on whatever scope he is using. He shot another bullet my way and i managed to get back into cover.

After a few moments, he was gone.

I can't believe that the Russians would kill Viktor like that... Or was it the Russians?

I heard sirens coming this way... There's no way I can explain the blood on my clothing so I decided to run.

I got changed out of my vigilante gear and placed it in a bag. I made sure not to take off my mask till I was sure that no one was coming. When I got home, I burned my gear.

If I am gonna continue this, I'll need something that could provide better protection.

Kerry: "Having a bonfire, Riley?"

Riley: "Yeah, had some stuff I had to burn."

Kerry: "Tough day at the office?"

Riley: "Something like that."

Chapter 3 End.