Avenger: Blind Justice

by Buck Ink

Gotham City. A place where Justice is indeed blind. A shadowy organisation arises against Batman, Commissioner James Gordon, and the entire city. When Michael Rivers is killed by this organisation; his son, Riley Rivers, plunges into Gotham's dark underworld in a battle that threatens to tear the city of Gotham apart. Disclaimer: I don't own DC/Marvel Comics.

4. Chapter 4: Court of Law

Chapter 4: Court of law.

It has been an hour since the explosion at the Russian warehouse in the Narrows. While the city is dealing with this issue, Lauren Winters was on her laptop with the thumb drive she recovered earlier that evening.

The walls of her house were a cream colour and a white celling. In the living room were a small TV and a fire place. Lauren was sitting on her sofa while her laptop rested on a glass table.

-Lauren-

From the window of my house, I can see smoke and fire coming from the Narrows. Right now, I'm in my living room at my computer, watching Miss Vale cover the story.

Vicki: "This is Vicki Vale, reporting live from the Narrows. Earlier tonight, there was an explosion which has reportedly killed 13 men. Commissioner Gordon has not released any more details as to why the explosion has occurred..."

Man, I'm glad I'm not there now... There was a lot of people that are often hurt or killed in the Narrows. That place has the worst crime in Gotham...

Then again, saying that while I live in my house with my mother... I'm lucky, aren't I?

But, after what happened in Sally Martini's mansion, almost getting caught, scared me. But, if people like Sal Martini are allowed to roam free, all of Gotham could end up like the Narrows.

That's why I have to find out what is on this thumb drive.

As I place the drive into my computer, Miss Vale placed her hand on her ear. The news station are providing new information.

Vicki: "This just in; A man has been found dead in a nearby alleyway. It is unknown how he got there,
but he was found tied to a pipe."

A dead man tied to a pipe? How did he get there and how did he die?

On the TV, Miss Vale walked up to police Commissioner James Gordon.

Vicki: "Commissioner Gordon! Do you have an idea as to what happened here?"

Gordon: "No comment at this time."

Vicki: "How do you respond to rumors that the GCPD is corrupt?"

When Miss Vale asked that, another man went up to her. It looked like Detective Bullock. He started pushing her away.

Bullock: "Okay. You heard the man. No comment."

I can't believe that the GCPD would run from this. After Miss Vale published that story about Sally Martini's trial, the GCPD, the District Attorney, and even Major Hamilton Hill, have been suspected of corruption charges and as a result are under the microscope.

But, what connects them? Who is pulling the strings?

I finally managed to access the thumb drive... Now what's on here?

-Hamilton-

Gotham City Hall... A place where only the best of the best in Gotham can go and have a say.

But, it's also a place where people pay the most attention to. The people of Gotham are starting to suspect not just me, but my allies to. That puts the plan to rid Gotham of it's 'undesirable' features.

I throw the Gotham Gazette's newspaper, which contained rumors of foul play on my part, in the bin.

Even though, Mr Martini hung himself in prison, the Gotham vultures known as journalists are still on our case!

Not to mention, thanks to this new Vigilante, the Russians are now running loose in the Narrows. Although, if the Narrows is blown to hell, it might help this city's image a little...

As I think that, a young woman, young enough to be in college, walked into my office... Who is this, I don't know this woman! How did she get in here?!

?: "Hello, Hamilton my dear. How are you today?"

This woman had blond hair and light blue eyes. She was wearing a white business suit with a skirt. Her appearance made her pass for a model.

Hamilton: "Who the hell are you? Why are you in my office?!"

?: "Now, now. Calm down. I'm only here to talk."

This young woman say opposite to me.

Hamilton: "Who are you?!"

I was starting to get frustrated and I was about to call security.

?: "Where are my manners? Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Emma Grace."

Hamilton: "G-Grace?"

Grace?! As in Winston Grace?! This woman is too young to be his wife... His daughter perhaps?

Hamilton: "I don't believe you. Prove it."

Emma: "If I must. You work with my father and worked with the Russians to covertly increase weapons trading..."

She knows that much?! Did Winston tell her or has she seen my thumb drive?! But only Winston and Sal knew.

Emma: "Not to mention that Maria Mercedes is working wit my Father in a elaborate scheme to take Gotham for ourselves."

She sounds like she knows everything. She's who she says she is, but why is she here?

Hamilton: "Okay, then why has the daughter of Winston Grace come to City Hall?"

Emma: "My father was unable to come to you personally, so he gave me the honour instead."

Hamilton: "As much as I respect the fact that Mr Grace is a busy man, you can't expect me to reveal crucial information to you?"

Emma: "You have a point. But, at the same time..."

Emma pulls out a small device from her sleeve.

Emma: "It seems like I can't trust information to you."

Hamilton: "What is that?"

Emma: "It seems like your office has been bugged."

Bugged?! B-But, who would... Who could... Looking at the device, it was shaped like a bat.

Emma: "The Batman is onto us. Or you perhaps?"

Hamilton: "I-It can't be... How could he know? There wasn't any evidence to link back to me!"

Emma: "My dear, Hamilton, everything links back to you. Now that Miss Mercedes who was your handpicked representative to become District Attorney, anything that she does right or wrong links back to you. The public want you out of office and apparently so does Batman and the GCPD."

Hamilton: "Then what should I do?! If public opinion isn't swayed my way, then the city council will force me from office and then the plan will fail."

Emma reaches over and caresses my cheek with her hand.

Emma: "Don't worry, dear. Everything will be fine... As long as you listen to me."

-Gordon-

After Detectives Bullock and Montoya brought in one of the Russians in for questioning,
I once again broke my rule to stop smoking on the roof.

That's when my phone rings... It's Barbara.

Gordon: "Hello, Barbara."

Barbara: "Hey, dad. How are you? I saw the news."

Gordon: "Yeah, it wasn't so good in the Narrows."

Barbara: "When is it ever? But, are you okay?"

Gordon: "I'm fine, Barbara. Just thinking about some things."

Barbara: "You aren't smoking again, are you?"

I immediately drop my cigarette and grind it into the ground with my heel. She has this way of knowing...

Gordon: "No. I said i would stop."

Barbara: "That's good. Stay safe, dad."

Gordon: "You too. See you tonight Barbara."

I put down the phone. I better see what Harvey and Renee have found out.

When i go downstairs, i see Renee pulling Harvey away from the interrogation room.

Montoya: "Look Harvey, you can't go around hitting suspects, as much as i do as well."

Harvey: "He can speak English, but he's speaking in Russian!"

Gordon: "Then get an interpreter on the line."

I walk up to the two who are arguing. Renee and Harvey have been partners for a while now and they get along.

Harvey: "I know, why don't we call Batman while you're at it? Since you're so fond of him!"

Harvey walks away from us after making that sarcastic speech. Harvey has never had any liking for Batman or any vigilante.

Montoya: "Are you sure about this, Commissioner?"

Gordon: "About what?"

Montoya: "This city seems to be like the old days. Before Batman came around.
And the Russians only seem to be a part of it."

Gordon: "We've been fighting for this city for a long time, Montoya. We can win this battle. But, we need to know how far the Russians go."

Montoya: "What about Batman? Where is he in all this?"

Gordon: "He's dealing with this just like we are."

After a short while, the Russian interpreter arrived at GCPD.

Interpreter: "Hello, Commissioner Gordon. Pleasure to meet you."

We both shook hands as he looked at Montoya.

Interpreter: "Why hello, miss?"

Montoya: "Montoya. Detective Renee Montoya."

Interpreter: "That's a lovely name."

I was starting to question my own thinking. This man wasn't acting like a professional.
Even Renee looked at me as if she was questioning me.

Gordon: "Can we go see the suspect?"

Interpreter: "Of course."

We then went to the interrogation room, where our Russian friend was handcuffed to the table.

?: "Gde vash zhir glupyy drug?"

He was again speaking in Russian and we didn't understand. But, the Interpreter did.

Interpreter: "He's asking where your fat stupid friend is."

In that instant, Montoya tried to dive at the Russian, forcing me to hold her back.

Gordon: "Montoya! Enough."

The Russian smirked as he began speaking again.

Montoya: "Translation?"

Interpreter: "He's asking where Matthew Austin is."

Gordon: "You know him?"

The interpreter questioned him again and translated the Russian's words.

Interpreter: "Yes. I saw him gun down his wife and I wanted to see him."

Why would he want to see him after he gunned down his wife? Who is this man?

Interpreter: "He says his name is Nikolai Vostok. He wants to make a deal."

-Riley-

*Two days later*

After the recent explosion in the Narrows which killed 13 people, I've been working on a new uniform for myself for my 'nightly' activities. I ordered some Kevlar thread online and went and brought black cloth.

I haven't finished it yet, but I'll be finished by tonight.

Right now, I was in the bathroom getting changed after a shower. I was looking at my gunshot wound from a few nights ago. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be,
although it still hurt like hell.

As soon as Mom went to sleep after I burnt my old uniform, I had to reopen my old wounds and stich them up with my mom's first aid kit. I should be able to cover up the stiches disappearance since mom hasn't used the kit in a long time. I remember when dad would come up and sometime he would be beat up. The life of a police officer in Gotham was dangerous after all. I remember that dad was say that he was proud of his work even if he did get hurt, it was a step closer to saving this city.

Dad would often show me his fighting moves... The way he moved was like a ninja!

As far as I can remember, Dad taught me how to fight and he would often clock me square in the face and asked me if i was gonna cry, because a condition of him training me was that if I cried, he would stop training me...
But, I never cried and I got back up. Honestly, I think I impressed my dad back then.

After I got changed into a black suit with a red tie, I picked up my briefcase and when downstairs to leave.

Today was the trial of Matthew Austin and i got a message from Kieran that there was new evidence that i should have a look at. He was surprised that I went forward with the case instead of taking the deal, but i believed that Matthew Austin was innocent even if circumstances didn't show it.

When I got downstairs, mom was waiting for me.

Kerry: "Where are you going, Riley?"

Riley: "I have to go to work. I'm gonna defend a client today."

Kerry: "Not without breakfast."

Mom had made two hard boiled eggs and some soy bread for me.

Riley: "Mom, you didn't have to..."

Kerry: "My son isn't going to his first trial without some food in his belly."

I couldn't help but smile at that. After everything that's been going on with the Russians, i haven't really stopped to eat much.

I sat down and picked up some soy bread.

Riley: "Mom, thanks for this."

Kerry: "Anytime, sweetheart."

I happily ate my breakfast as mom watched with a proud look on her face.

After I ate breakfast, I went to work at Kieran's law firm.

As I walked in, I bumped into someone.

?: "Hey, watch where you're going!"

I noticed his face and recognised him and he recognised me.

?: "Bro! I'm sorry, I didn't see you there."

It was my half-brother Rick. I haven't seen him or Charlotte since my dad's funeral.

Riley: "Rick, I didn't expect to run into you here."

Rick: "I know. How are you holding up?"

Riley: "I've made peace with it. I've got some distractions."

Rick: "Hey, hey. Is it a girl?"

Riley: "No. It's called work."

I didn't mention that Rick can be a player at times. He's older than me by six years which would make him twenty-three now. He already has a child called Hunter with a woman that he has a on and off relationship with. He's been sleeping around since Hunter was born.

Rick: "Seriously, you don't know what you're missing."

Riley: "I'm sure you'll tell me. But, why are you here?"

Rick: "My dad... I swear he doesn't care if I die in the gutter."

Riley: "You haven't paid rent again?! What do you spend your money on?!"

Rick: "Drugs, women, all sorts."

Riley: "Seriously..."

I rub my head. Rick lives with Kieran and Charlotte. But, he always enjoys his nights on the town and always runs out of money as quickly as he gets it from his carpentry job. He plans to move to the Narrows when he has the money since there is low rent apartments there, but that's because of the fact it's so crime ridden.

Rick: "Hey, did you hear about the explosions?"

Riley: "Of course I did. It was all over the news. You shouldn't really move to the Narrows, Rick."

Rick: "I can't afford anywhere else and I'm not sleeping with sis or dad for too long."

I hate it when Rick is like this, he doesn't listen and can be very stubborn.

Rick: "Look, I've gotta go. But, we should go out for a beer or something."

Riley: "I'm seventeen, I can't drink yet."

Rick: "... You are such a drip."

With that, Rick walks off while waving. I walk into Kieran's office and he's drinking a glass of what seems to be whisky.

Riley: "Bad talk with Rick?"

Kieran: "You spoke to him? I hate that kid sometimes. He's already got a kid of his own, can't he grow up?"

Riley: "Dunno. It sounds like a mess to me."

Kieran: "Heh, you got that right."

Kieran tosses a file to me after he puts away a bottle on his table.

Kieran: "GCPD apparently arrested one of Mr Austin's Russian comrades on the night the warehouse exploded. Apparently, he has agreed to testify on behalf of the defence.
This is what they had to send over."

I checked the file and smiled a bit. I think I can work with this.

*Two hours later: At the Solomon Wayne Courthouse*

When I arrived at the courthouse, and I entered the court room along with Matthew, I saw Commissioner Gordon and a woman with him, along with another attorney. When I got a closer look at the woman, I saw her badge. Detective Renee Montoya.

I sat at one of the front oak desks on the right hand side of the courtroom next to Matthew.

Matthew: "Is this really gonna work? There's a lot of evidence against me."

Riley: "And there's evidence which suggests otherwise."

Matthew: "You are a strange kid."

Riley: "No doubt that isn't gonna be the first time I hear that."

The trial started soon as the judge entered the room. We all rose for the judge's arrival.

As we sat back down, the prosecution's witness which I instantly recognised as one of the Russians! I must have miscounted the number back in the warehouse.

Matthew: "That's Nikolai Vostok! He's working for the mob!"

Riley: "I see. Lucky i came prepared."

The prosecution's attorney began to question the witness alongside an interpreter.

Since the witness was speaking in Russian, only the interpreter could understand.

Judge: "Please repeat his exact words please."

Interpreter: "My name is Nikolai Vostok. I worked alongside my boss and I was often working with Matthew Austin. I received a phone call that he needed to be picked up from his house. When I arrived, I saw Matthew gun down his wife on the streets. That poor, poor woman..."

With that, Matthew stood up.

Matthew: "You son of a..!"

I blocked Matthew from leaving the table.

Judge: "Matthew Austin. If you disturb the court like that again, I will cite you for contempt."

Matthew sits back down and the attorney from the prosecution smirks as he returns to his table.

I decide to cross-examine the witness.

Riley: "Mr Vostok. You say that you had worked alongside my client?"

Vostok speaks and the interpreter repeats his words in English.

Interpreter: "Yes. I worked alongside my boss and Matthew for a while."

Riley: "How long have the two of you worked in the Russian mob?"

Interpreter: "A couple of years."

I open the file given to me by Kieran.

Riley: "Because, I've looked over your file and according to records, you arrived in Gotham two months ago. My client has worked in Gotham for nearly eight years.
How do you respond?"

Vostok's face became slightly heated up and he quickly started talking.

Interpreter: "That's a lie! I've been working here for years!"

Riley: "So you're accusing me of lying, even though I have the documentation right here. My client has his birth certificate while you don't even have a visa.
Can you prove that you were here? Maybe any legal documentation?"

Vostok didn't respond as I gave the documentation to the judge. He looked over it and gave a look over the paperwork.

Judge: "All of this appears to be in order. Does the defence have anything left?"

Riley: "Yes, your honour. Does Mr Vostok even know the name of who he's working for?"

Vostok quickly speaks.

Interpreter: "That's got nothing to do with this."

Riley: "It does. Because if your story was true, then you should have equal status with my client. So you should know your boss' name."

The jury started to murmur. Vostok didn't really have anything to say.

I then returned to my seat.

The prosecution's attorney then stood up and called Matthew to the stand. He was questioned on the events of the day his wife was killed.

Matthew: "It was the day after i left the Russian mob. I told Rio that i was going to use the money to move out of the Narrows with her. The next morning,
i heard a gunshot outside my house and i got my gun. I ran outside and... She was down. I didn't know what to do. I just shut down."

Prosecution Lawyer: "You 'shut down'? You mean before or after you killed your wife?"

Riley: "Objection, your honour."

Judge: "Sustained. Does the prosecution have any further questions?"

Prosecution Lawyer: "I do."

The lawyer went over to the prosecution's table and pointed out a piece of evidence:
The gun which was wrapped in a plastic bag.

Prosecution Lawyer: "Even if your story is true. Why has the smoking gun got your fingerprints on them?"

Matthew: "Because it's my gun. But, i never fired it."

Prosecution Lawyer: "But now, Rio Austin is six foot under because of this gun.
Your honour, no further questions."

They think that the evidence is overwhelming, but i think they made a mistake.

Riley: "Your honour, I have a question for my client."

I stood up and went over to the prosecution's table. I took the gun out of the bag. Commissioner Gordon stood up.

Gordon: "Careful, that gun is loaded."

Riley: "I know."

I showed the gun to Matthew.

Riley: "Mr Austin. What type of gun is this?"

Matthew: "That's a Makarov. It's a standard Russian pistol. I owe this one legally."

Riley: "Yeah, you have a license for it. You said you didn't fire."

Prosecution Lawyer: "Objection! This has nothing to do with the case."

Judge: "Overruled."

Riley: "Thank you, your honour. Back to the point, how many bullets does a Makarov have?"

Matthew: "Nine in total."

I took the gun and I took out the clip.

Riley: "If this was the smoking gun, it would have eight bullets. But, this gun has nine. A full clip. Therefore, Matthew Austin didn't fire this gun and his prints are on it. No further questions, your honour."

The trial was swinging in our favour. The prosecution's case was as strong as they thought. It came time for closing arguments.

Prosecution Lawyer: "Matthew Austin is a man with known connections with the Russian mob. A man that would stop at nothing for power and money. He didn't leave the Russian mob, he was kicked out. And in his rage murdered his own wife in cold blood. The gun could have easily been reloaded to avoid suspicion. I beg the jury to see this murderer behind bars."

Riley: "Ladies and gentleman of the jury. The evidence against Matthew Austin in substantial, at first sight, but when you look at it, you must consider the facts: A gun that hadn't been fired with Mr Austin's fingerprints. Do you think, that he would reload his gun to avoid imprisonment? Matthew Austin made bad choices, but that was for his family. This man cared about his family. His wife. The witnesses never saw him kill Rio Austin. Only a man cradling his wife in her last moments. I've lost family before. I know what that was like. The only witness that 'saw' the murder, is likely lying based on what has been said. He claims to have worked here for years, when he came to Gotham illegally two months ago. Can you trust that man's statement? No, you can't. If you send Matthew Austin to prison, you will condemn an innocent man to prison for a crime he never committed while the real killer runs free. Please consider the facts: that gun was never fired, we have no reliable eyewitnesses, and a man's wife is dead. A loving husband killing his wife... Is that really a fact based on what we've seen today?"

After that, a short break was given and the jury went to convene. After the break,
it was time for the jury to reach a verdict. The juror stood, holding the slip of paper which contained the verdict.

Judge: "Has the jury reached a verdict?"

Juror: "We have, your honour."

We all stood as the jury reached their verdict.

Judge: "In the charge of murder in the second degree, how do you find?"

Juror: "We find the defendant, Matthew Austin: not guilty."

Detective Renee Montoya groaned in dissatisfaction as the judge slammed the gavel down which brought an end to the trial.

A short time later, i walked with Matthew on the streets outside the courthouse.

Matthew: "I don't really know what to say, Riley. You saved me there."

Riley: "It isn't a problem. You're innocent, so thank you for allowing me to defend you."

Matthew: "You should be a little careful."

Riley: "Careful?"

Matthew: "The fact that Vostok is here means that they wanted me behind bars."

Riley: "Why would the Russians want you behind bars?"

Matthew: "So that the boss, Winston Grace, can have me killed."

Winston Grace?! The head of Grace Enterprises? He's involved in all this?!

Matthew: "I know what you're thinking, but you can't tell the police. Grace owns half of them. You should be safe since they'll think you're an ambulance chaser, but get too involved and they will kill you."

Riley: "Where are you gonna go?"

Matthew: "Away from Gotham. I don't have anything here anymore."

Matthew stopped walking and faced me. He held out his hand.

Matthew: "Thanks for giving me a second chance."

I felt pleased with myself in that moment. This is what I wanted, to help the innocent. I gotten closer to the goal of saving Gotham.

I shook his hand.

Riley: "You're welcome."

Matthew then turned around and walked into the crowd where I lost sight of him.

But now, I know that Winston Grace is involved. And if the Russians are operating in the Narrows, i need to stop them and find out all I can about Grace.

I need to find Daniel Marco. That suit is gonna be put to the test tonight.

-Daniel-

It has been quite an eventful past few days. After the explosion at the warehouse,
I found out that Viktor was found dead in an alleyway, a few blocks away. I don't know if that costumed vigilante got a hold of him, but those masks don't kill people, so who did?

Right now, I was in a meeting with Maria 'Fish' Mercedes in a parking. I wasn't too happy with her actions.

Daniel: "I have no idea why Grace hired you to handle the legal matters in Gotham.
Matthew Austin was not meant to walk free."

Maria: "I do my job and I do it well. I simply underestimated Rivers' skills in the courtroom."

Daniel: "Yes, you lost to a teenage ambulance chaser. Now, Matthew could be hiding now and he knows quite a bit about my operation."

Maria: "That's a shame. But, if your operation is shut down, then we can find someone else."

Fish smirked as she was about to get in her car.

Daniel: "Matthew also knows about Winston Grace."

That stopped Fish in her tracks. But, she continued to get into the car.

Maria: "It will be dealt with."

Fish got into her car and sped off.

I then got my phone out of my pocket and dialled one of my numbers.

"Mr Marco, are we ready?"

Daniel: "Yes. Tonight, we spread death and destruction in Gotham. We are taking the Narrows."

"What about Grace?"

Daniel: "He'll be focused on finding Matthew to bother being prepared for us."

-Lauren-

As I took a very tiring walk to work, my mind feels like it's gonna break.

I broke into Sally Martini's mansion and I found evidence supporting the rumors that Mayor Hamilton Hill is working with some of Gotham's crime lords. On the thumb drive, someone is pulling the strings of Gotham's organised crime syndicates... Could it be Grace? Who else could it be? But, nothing on the drive points to Grace.

I was shaking when I saw GCPD officers on the streets. If they worked for Grace and they found me with the thumb drive, they'll kill me.

But, I need to remain calm. They won't even know who i am.

As I walked past them, one called out to me.

"Hey, miss?"

Lauren: "Y-Yes?"

Did he see me shaking?! Could he read my mind?! How did her know about...

"You dropped your purse."

He handed me my purse.

Lauren: "O-Oh. Thanks, officer."

I quickly took my purse and walked away... That. Was. Scary.

I managed to reach the Gotham Gazette safely. Almost there...

I quickly found Miss Vale sitting at her desk.

Lauren: "Miss Vale!"

Vicki: "Lauren? Good morning, but you look terrible. What happened?"

I handed Miss Vale the thumb drive.

Vicki: "What's this?"

Lauren: "Proof that your story about corruption is true."

-Harper-

After a few nights ago, I met Avenger. Twice in one night! First he saved me and Cullen from a beating from Trevor and then i saved him from blowing along with the warehouse.

I was researching him from my computer and i even had a few images of him thanks to the Gotham Gazette.

What I notice about him was that he seems to be somewhere between the age of fifthteen and nineteen, but he moves and fights like a well-trained martial artist. He also seems to avoid the streets even when riding his motorbike.
He spray-painted the license plate so there isn't a way to track him through that and his bike looks like a normal superbike. He doesn't seem to be working with Batman at all.

Cullen: "Are you at it again, Harper?"

Cullen walked into the room. He had gotten a tattoo of an 'A' on his arm since Avenger doesn't seem to have a logo of his own.

Cullen: "Shouldn't you be asleep?"

Harper: "Hey, did you know that Avenger could be close to our age?"

Cullen: "Yes... Cause you told me enough times. Seriously Harper, I get the obsession. Especially since we know nothing about Avenger, the fact that he's making a difference is clear enough. Even since he shown up, I've been hearing less gunfire at night. And I've actually been able to walk home without worrying about anyone giving me crap. I love Avenger... But, you've been like this since that night. Don't you think you should give it a rest?"

Harper: "I just want to thank him. Somehow."

Cullen: "What are you? His sidekick?"

Harper: "His sidekick?! Do you think he'll let me?"

Cullen sighed at that. But, become Avenger's sidekick? Although i don't really like sidekick, i could totally become a vigilante.

It was then that we started hearing trucks outside. When we looked outside my window, Cullen turned the lights off.

Harper: "What are you doing, Cullen?"

Cullen: "Turning out the lights! Those are the Russians!"

Harper: "The Russians? You mean those arms dealers that Avenger's been fighting against?"

Cullen: "It looks like they want blood."

I looked at the faces of the drivers of the trucks. They looked determined to do something, and even some of the passengers had rifles of their own.

The police were reluctant to come into the Narrows, so not that many people would even risk trying to be a hero.

Harper: "If only we had an 'Avenge-signal'

Cullen: "Are you coming up with these in your head?!"

If only we could signal him...

-Gordon-

Bullock: "So let me get this straight: the two of you and the attorney had your asses kicked by a seventeen year old on his first day in court?"

Harvey was laughing about it like it was funny. Montoya wasn't as angry, but she wasn't happy that Matthew Austin is now free.

Gordon: "I did say that Michael's son would become a hell of a lawyer. But, now we can't interrogate Matthew since he just left town."

Bullock: "Yeah, that's not suspicious at all."

Montoya: "Can the sarcasm, Bullock. At least we have Vostok."

We need a lead in order to combat the Russians. It's clear that they are behind the weapons trading in Gotham, but who are they working for? Even Batman doesn't know and he's investigating that.

Bullock: "Yeah, but the guy isn't too talkative. Like he's scared."

That caught my attention.

Gordon: "What do you mean scared?"

At that moment, one of the officers burst in.

"Commissioner! Vostok just started screaming like he's in pain!"

Bullock: "What?! What happened?!"

"I don't know! He just fell down clutching at his stomach!"

Montoya: "Really? A stomach ache?"

Montoya was sceptical, but I didn't want to leave anything to chance.

Gordon: "Call an ambulance. Find out what's wrong."

As the police officer left, I tried to piece together what's going on.

-Riley-

At home, I was congratulated on my first successful trial by mom. But, I told her that I was tired and wanted to sleep.

Mom's going out tonight so I shouldn't worry about her.

I took the time to finish my new uniform, just a few more stiches.

I weaved in the Kevlar into the fabric which had a skin-tight black suit without sleeves. I preferred my arms to be free so i could move around better and punch faster. I even made a new mask which covered the top half of my face leaving openings for my eyes which were covered over by a transparent white material,
meaning people can't see my eyes, but I can see just fine.

I made a holder for my baton and I made a pair of gloves with extra grip.

Also I made a hook and rope with the left over material. Sturdy enough to support my weight and has enough give so that it won't dislocate my shoulder at terminal velocity.

With mom out for the night down her friend's house, I can head over to the Narrows.

Riding my motorcycle through Gotham, something caught my eye... In the sky was a symbol of an 'A' which had the left side of the A going down longer than the right side.

Is someone trying to contact me?

-Harper-

I managed to use the light on top of our apartment building and supercharged it with enough force to shine into the sky. It should hopefully call Avenger here.

Cullen: "Harper! Are you insane?! The Russians will be able to see that clearly!
They'll come and kill us!"

Harper: "If this works, then Avenger should arrive soon..."

That was what i thought...

I was staring at a man with a rifle aimed at me and Cullen.

"What is this, i wonder? Calling someone?"

He smirked as he got closer. Cullen was scared to death and...

Cullen: "Oof!"

He was bashed in the head by the Russian! I pulled out my taser and tried to fry him with it, but he grabbed my arm and twisted it around my back!

"Die, trash."

He coldly said that as he pressed his gun against my head...

But from above, a figure in black arrived. He kicked away the Russian and using his baton whacked the armed man across the head, knocking him out.

?: "Didn't I tell you to stay out of trouble?"

When I got a close look at him, at first I didn't recognise him, but his voice reminded me. It was Avenger with a new look!

He walked over and helped me off the floor.

Avenger: "Is he okay?"

I looked down at Cullen and he was bleeding from the head!

Cullen: "I'm fine. But, what just happened?"

Avenger: "You tried to bring me here, but I was already on my way. You almost got yourselves killed."

Harper: "But, we saw the Russians! We needed to let you know."

Avenger: "I know the Russians are here. I'm going to take them down, but i can't worry about you guys. Get someplace safe."

Avenger was about to walk away, but I called out to him.

Harper: "Wait!"

I threw my taser at him and he caught it.

Harper: "You might need this."

Avenger looked at it for a bit and tested it before looking back at me.

Avenger: "It'll help. Just stay safe, Harper."

Avenger then ran off the side of the building and he jumped off. I quickly ran towards the edge and saw him using a rope and hook to swing down to street level and then he got onto his motorbike and rode off.

Cullen: "Harper?"

I looked at Cullen and I saw his bleeding and swollen face!

Harper: "Cullen, we better get that seen to."

-Lauren-

As we were writing the story, Miss Vale kept questioning me.

Vicki: "How the hell did you find this? There's no way that you just stumbled on it, Lauren."

Lauren: "Well~... I kind of... Broke into Sally Martini's mansion, snuck past the cops working for Grace and stole the thumb drive."

Vicki: "You did what?!"

Miss Vale's outburst attracted attention from everyone in the office. Miss Vale smiled awkwardly and apologised. She then turned to me.

Vicki: "You could have been killed. Those cops are as dirty as they come."

Lauren: "I know. But, it paid off, didn't it?"

Vicki: "The fact that Mayor Hill is working with various criminal organisations is big news! I'm gonna write the story now."

I simply just watched Miss Vale type! It was like poetry in motion! She knew what she was gonna write before she even knew it herself.

This city was gonna change for the better! I just knew it!

-Batman-

It's been a while since I've heard of a resurgence of the weapons trading in Gotham. Quite often nowadays, the criminals of Gotham are mainly into the drug business. But after that incident at the warehouse, I've recently learned that Penguin is receiving weapons from the Russians.

He is using a front company called 'North Refrigeration' to receive the weapons and store them.

Tonight, I'm shutting Penguin down.

I'm standing on top of a small building overlooking the place where the truck has arrived.

Alfred: "Sir, didn't you see the signal earlier?"

Batman: "It's not mine, Alfred."

Alfred: "I know. Someone seems to be trying to compete with you for Gotham's top vigilante."

Batman: "Avenger recently has been getting more and more reckless. He's trying to take on the Russians and I have no doubt that he was there when Viktor Romanoff died."

Alfred: "Oh dear... Does that mean he did it?"

Batman: "No. The bullet's trajectory suggests that bullet came from a sniper. Someone wanted Viktor dead and didn't want whatever he knew to get out."

Alfred: "A sniper? Could it have been Deadshot? Deathstroke?"

Batman: "Deadshot often initials his bullets and the calibre is a lesser quality that what Deathstroke uses. This is someone else. I plan to speak to Avenger later. But, Penguin can't be left with those weapons.

With that, I dive off the building and I use my grapnel gun to reach the other building. Cobblepot is likely inside handing out his brand new weapons.

As I entered the building threw a small grate, I could hear him laughing.

Penguin: "I can't believe those Russians! Selling all this gear for peanuts! Hahaha! I couldn't believe my luck, they just handed these to me and said use them as you please!"

The Russians didn't seem like that had Penguin pay much for those weapons.
Why would the Russians sell weapons like this without demanding high prices.

Penguin: "Very soon, I'll be running Gotham. Not Black Mask, not the ol' man,
and certainty not Batman! Gotham will be mine for the taking and I am going to take."

It was time to make my presence known...

I dived through the grates and grabbed Cobblepot. In that instant, Penguin's men came into the room with weapons and explosives. I grabbed Penguin and held him in the air, they won't fire as long as i have Cobblepot.

Batman: "The Russians! Who's the supplier?!"

Penguin: "Batman?! Don't you ever use the front door?!"

Batman: "Don't make me hurt you, Cobblepot."

Penguin: "D-Daniel Marco! He works with the Russians and he sold me these guns!"

Batman: "Marco?"

Penguin: "Yeah, he's the brother of Jack Marco. The one that offed that cop over a month ago."

That's how they've been smuggling weapons into Gotham. It was an inside job.

Penguin's men were starting to get impatient and their fingers were on the triggers...

At that moment, smoke started to form around me. That wasn't from me. But,
I took the opportunity to take down Penguin's armed thugs, but I wasn't alone.

When the smoke cleared and all of the armed thugs neutralised, a familiar face stood across from me.

?: "You were cutting it a little close, weren't you?"

Batman: "I didn't need your help, Red Robin."

Tim Drake, Red Robin. One of the few who know who Batman is beneath the mask.

Red Robin: "When Alfred said you were going after Penguin alone, i had to at least make sure nothing went wrong."

Batman: "I wanted you to keep watch over Avenger."

Red Robin: "He's tough to track. He does his best to avoid CCTV and always seems to take care in his surroundings. By the time i catch up to him, he's long gone."

Batman: "What about the Narrows? Someone sent a signal to him."

Red Robin: "That's right, but..."

Batman: "What?"

Red Robin: "I think the Russians are on the move."

Alfred: "Sir? Master Drake?"

Batman: "We're here, Alfred. What's wrong?"

The way Alfred spoke was as if something just went horribly wrong.

Alfred: "You need to see this."

-Lauren-

What I was looking at was unbelievable... Even Miss Vale was so stunned that she stopped typing her story.

On the TV, Mayor Hamilton Hill was making a public statement.

Hamilton: "For reason I don't understand, our very own nocturnal vigilantes have turned against this city. Earlier today, I found a bat shaped device hidden in my office. This was a timed explosive device..."

A bat shaped explosive? When anyone in Gotham thinks of bats, only Batman comes to mind.

Vicki: "It can't be. He wouldn't do something like this."

Miss Vale denied it. She has been reporting on Batman for years now, so she may know better than anyone here. But, i don't know how much that matters now.

Hamilton: "I can only assume that this was an assassination attempt by Batman and his companions. As much as i didn't believe it, i had the device tested and it contained enough explosive to level the city hall. In light of this tragic discovery, i have no choice...

What we heard next stunned us to the core.

BOOOOM!

There was an explosion and the TV feed went dead.

W-What just happened?

Chapter 4 End.