Hello loves! Firstly, I apologize for my lengthy absence. My new job has taken a major toll on my free time. When you working 60-70 hours a week, you have very little time to write! With that being said - I haven't given up on you all completely! Though it isn't my favorite chapter of the series, you'll find the latest edition of Holding Out For a Hero! I have outlined the final three chapters of the series and hope to have them all written and posted before Thanksgiving! Please be patient and keep on the look out for updates! I thank you all for your kind words, reviews, favorites and more! They mean more than you know and I hope you continue to enjoy! Happy reading! - trs0010
Chapter XVII: Kiss, Kiss …Bang, Bang
Time was not a luxury. It was slowly running out for the citizens of Gotham. The countdown to the final stage of Bane's plan had hit 24 hours. There was no longer time to scheme. There was no longer time to prepare. For the select few that were brave enough to push back against Bane's reign of terror, the time for action was now …or there would be no tomorrow to fight to protect.
Cassidy and Gordon poured over a map of Gotham, mapping out the know route Bane's tumblers traveled and finding alleyways and alternate paths to cover them from the mercenaries that still heavily roamed the streets.A handful of cops that were lucky enough to avoid being trapped under ground the day Bane put in place his new world order scattered around the empty office building that served as their temporary headquarters. They always had to keep moving, never staying in once place for too long in fear that Gotham's last shining hope would be stomped out.
With every creak, Cassidy snapped her head towards the door. It wasn't for fear that an unwelcomed visitor would make an appearance, but in fear that who she was expecting wouldn't return. They were late, and Cassidy try to fight back the dread building within her.
"Where the hell are they?" Gordon muttered as he checked his watch. "It's not like we have a lot of time here."
"He'll show," Cassidy replied, though she wasn't sure if was trying to assure Gordon or herself.
The unrest in Gotham was only growing worse. Being out on the streets along was a suicide mission.
"How long?" came the question from a nearby cop.
"The bomb goes off tomorrow," Cassidy supplied. "We have about eighteen hours to do something."
"To do what?'" the same cop questioned again.
"We mark that truck," Gordon explained as he returned to the map before him. "Get a GPS on it. Then we can start thinking about how to take it down."
If only it were that easy, Cassidy thought. Getting close enough to the tumbler to mark it was a struggle on its own. With limited access to fire power and supplies strapped enough as it was, Cassidy wasn't sure they had the ability to make a dent into the tumbler to overtake it.
The battle may be lost before it truly began, but if she was going to die either way, Cassidy was going to go down swinging. They all were.
The door swung open as Blake led about a dozen cops inside to strengthen their numbers by a small margin. Cassidy let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Blake walked to her side a discretely squeezed her hand, letting her know he was fine. They broke apart as Gordon neared them, counting the new troops Blake had rounded up.
"That's it?" Blake could only look at his boss, not sure what to say. Gordon's face harden as he realized one particular cop was missing from the ranks. "Foley," he muttered. "Where's Foley, damnit?!"
Gordon stormed towards the door. "You shouldn't be out on the streets," Blake called to his retreating form, but the slamming of the door silenced him. His warning fell on deaf ears.
"Let him go," Cassidy warned. "It's bigger than this." She waved her hand around the near empty room. The bad blood has been boiling between Gordon and Foley for many years as differing styles to the job butted heads.
"He's the best symbol we've got," Blake muttered chasing after Gordon. "He shouldn't be out there alone."
Cassidy let out an audible sigh as she rolled her eyes. "Men," she muttered. She turned to face the handful of soldiers she had in her ranks. They looked as forlorn as the abandoned room that became their headquarters. "If you're expecting a glorious speech, you've come to the wrong place," Cassidy began.
"You don't need me to feed you any lies," she continued as she paced in front of them while staring at her boots. "We all know what we are going up against. We're outmanned, out armed and out of time. Chances are we aren't going to see past tomorrow either way, so we might as well make the most of it and go out in a blaze of glory."
Cassidy smiled to herself as she loaded her gun. "I'm going after those two lunatics. We'll need. You've got about ten minutes before we do one of the stupidest things we've ever done. Do what you need to do to square things away and pray to whatever god you know."
Cassidy took a deep breath as she bolted out the door and into the sharp cold of Gotham, sticking to the shadows as she chased down the direction of Gordon and Blake.
The hair on the back of her neck stood on end as the tension flowed through her body. If she was smart, Cassidy would take what precious time she had left to flee the city, leave Gotham before it turned into a bed smoke and ashes.
She could start over once more leave behind the ghosts of Bruce and the Joker. Move thousands of miles away where no one new her name or the tragedy that was her past. She could close the door on all the mess that was her time in Gotham. Why should she save this city when all it ever did to her was hurt her?
Yet Cassidy kept plowing forward towards Foley's home. She knew she couldn't give up Gotham if only for Bruce. It was the one thing he was always willing to give everything for – even his life. He protected the city and brought it out of the darkness. Bruce wasn't here to save the day like he was always was – now it was her turn. She had to carry the torch that Bruce left behind, and she couldn't let him down.
There was another reason keeping her trapped within the deathtrap that became Gotham and that was a hotheaded cop turned detective that had weaseled his way into her heart. She wouldn't leave without him, and Blake was just as stubborn as Bruce when it came to saving Gotham.
Cassidy hated to admit it, but knowing how limited her time on this earth may actually be – she couldn't think of anywhere else she would rather be in her final hours than by Blake's side fighting an impossible fight.
She slowed down as she came to Foley's stoop, but the trio she met wasn't exactly what she was expecting. "No Foley?" Gordon's face darkened. It was the only response Cassidy needed. "What she's doing here?" Cassidy asked incredulously at the surprise third member of the trio standing behind Blake.
"My company built this bomb," Miranda Tate began. "Bruce built it," Cassidy spat.
"And he wanted to destroy it," Miranda continued carefully after Cassidy's outburst. "It was me who didn't listen. Please." She shot pleading looks towards Gordon and Blake, ignoring Cassidy. She knew how to play the crowd Cassidy thought.
Gordon nodded firmly. "Let's go," he ordered. Cassidy cocked her gun as followed Gordon back towards their ransacked office. "Hey princess," she called after Miranda. "Don't fall behind. We don't have time to babysit."
"I can handle myself," Miranda answered defensively. "We'll see about that sweetheart," Cassidy smirked.
"What did I say about playing nice?" Blake whispered as he strode by Cassidy side, falling silently in step with her to bring up the caravan around Miranda. "When am I anything but nice?"
"No comment," Blake laughed for a moment before the gravity of the situation returned. "Blake," Gordon called as he motioned towards an apartment complex. "I want you climb up there. Be our eyes. Williams, you're our cover. You two need to be separated from us in case the worse should happen. That way we still have a chance."
Blake looked like he was ready to argue, but Cassidy placed a firm hand on his shoulder. He instantly relaxed and remained silent. Gordon was right. Without Foley, the trio of Gordon, Cassidy and Blake was Gotham's best hope. If all three were out in the open, Bane and his goons could squash that hope in an instant. This gave them a chance for a back up plan.
Gordon and Miranda entered the abandon office building to rally their troops into teams in their one chance to take down the tumbler. Cassidy scooped the street for the best cover, finding an alley that gave her protection with a perfect view of the street, so she could follow Gordon's movements.
Before Cassidy could move into position, Blake grabbed her arm and pulled her back towards him. "Be careful," he warned. "Always," Cassidy winked. Blake planted a kiss firmly against her lips before turning towards his post. Before he began to climb the fire escape, he turned back to see Cassidy still standing in the same spot with a dazed look on her face.
"Forget how to walk, Williams?" he called with a teasing tone. "Go to hell, Blake," she called with a blush on her face. "I'll save you spot, dear."
Cassidy smiled to herself as she disappeared into the shadows. Her smile slowly disappeared as Gordon emerged. Two teams began heading down the street in opposite directions. Cassidy remained trained on Gordon Miranda, who was holding a Geiger counter. He whispered instructions to her, but Cassidy was too far away to overhear, but she wasn't sure how much she trusted Miranda Tate, especially with a mission this important.
"Heads up," Blake's voice called from the radio. Cassidy stiffen from the unknown that was approaching. One of Bane's tumblers rumbled down the street. A team of Gordon's men ventured in front of the tumbler as if they were merely crossing the street.
The tumbler barely slows. Cassidy cocked her gun and held it aimed at the tumbler as she noticed from the corner of her eye that Miranda give Gordon a signal. This was it.
As the truck passes by his location, Gordon tossed a magnetic GPS locator at the lower part of the truck. Before crossing the street to regroup with his team. "Got it," he called over the radio as he checked his GPS monitor.
The celebration ended before it truly began. "Cass," Blake hissed over the radio. "Stay." Cassidy, who was leaving her post to join Gordon, froze. She slinked back into the shadows unsure of what was the matter. She took the risk of scurrying up the fire escape of the nearby building to see the source of Blake's warning.
As Gordon, Miranda and the team crossed down the next street to return towards their headquarters a dozen of mercenaries were waiting, weapons trained towards the group. It was an ambush.
"Blake," Cassidy called on the radio. "We have to do something!"
"We can't," Blake answered conflicted. "You know what Gordon said."
He was right. Even if she did do something to counteract the mercenaries, they were outnumbered. She would be trapped just like Gordon. It didn't make the situation any easier as she watch the mercenaries roughly guide the group away. This was exactly why Gordon wanted to separate them. Blake and Cassidy were now all that Gotham had left.
"Now what?" Cassidy radioed as quiet fell on Gotham. "Rendezvous at the safehouse to regroup and plan our next move," Blake suggested. "I'll meet you there."
"Where have you been?" Blake questioned as soon as Cassidy closed the door to Bruce's former penthouse and locked it secure. Blake did not turn to face her as he lent against the window frame and gaze upon the quiet city. Darkness had fallen on Gotham for what could be the final night if Bane wasn't stopped.
His shoulders were hunch from carrying the weight of the world upon him. He'd never admit it, but Cassidy could tell he felt a tinge of defeat. He was visible exhausted. They all were.
"I made a pit stop," Cassidy answered as she settled down on the couch covered with a sheet to protect it from dust. Hudson, her golden, who was charged to guard the safe house during the day – jumped on the couch and curled up beside her.
Blake turned to face her, still leaning against the windowsill. He raised an eyebrow in her direction inquiring her to elaborate on her vague answer.
"Wayne Manor," Cassidy answered and she absent-mindedly scratched the dog's ear. "Thought I might find something – closure maybe. Might be my last chance to see home."
"Cass," Blake cooed. "We'll beat Bane."
"How?" Cassidy sighed frustrated. "There are only two of us. What's the plan Blake? I don't see any way out of this alive."
"We free the cops underground," Blake answered as he rubbed his hand over his face. "Then we have the numbers."
"I'll pretend to overlook the issue of constant guard of mercenaries and the lack of fire power to blow up a wall of stone," Cassidy muttered. "Unless we've got a weapons experts underground, we still have a nuclear bomb ready to blow come daylight."
Cassidy threw up her hands in frustration. Blake moved to stand directly in front of her, a determined look on his face. "Giving up Williams?"
"Either way, we die tomorrow," Cassidy spoke somberly. "Do you want to spend your last hours on this earth fighting a losing battle. I've been doing that my entire life, Blake. I think in my last hours I deserve a break."
Blake softened a bit. "What do you want to do then, Williams?"
"Spend it with you," she whispered. It was the most vulnerable and honest answer she could have ever given. Blake felt his heart swell and break within him. Facing their final hours on this earth, Cassidy had finally fully given herself to him in the most real way. She had let him inside her ivory tower she built to protect herself.
Blake fixed his patented smirk upon his face and plop himself on the arm of the couch – mirroring the way he would sit on the corner of Cassidy's desk at headquarters.
He dramatically checked his watch. " Whelp, Williams – it's after five o'clock on a Friday afternoon. It's my favorite part of my week."
A sad but sweet smile broke across Cassidy's face as she tried to fight back a few tears from Blake's touching and special gesture.
"Still with this shtick?" Cassidy laughed, her voice breaking revealing the true emotion. "I need a date for the end of the world, you interested?"
"Tempting, but I heard you had a date recently with that hot cop," Cassidy teased. "That I did," Blake played along. "She spent the whole night crying, so think it went pretty well."
"You have a wonderful way with women, Casanova," Cassidy deadpanned. "Think she'll take me up for a second date?" Blake asked with a grinned. "Tomorrow night," Cassidy smiled through the tears, knowing neither one would live to see it. "Don't be late."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Blake smiled with that tinge of sadness. "Now about the end of the world," he offered his hand to her. Cassidy grabbed it firmly as Blake pulled her tightly in his arms. "If we go, we go together. I promise you that, Cass."
Cassidy buried her face in the crook of his neck, drinking in his scent. If she was going to die, in Blake's arms wouldn't be the worst way to go. As she opened her eyes, she caught sight of the Gotham skyline through the large glass door that led to the balcony. A flash in the sky caught her eye.
"Blake…" she said in shock. Blake pulled away from his hold on her to look at Cassidy. She stared past him with her mouth agape and an amazed and confused look on her face. "What is it…" he trailed off as he caught the reflection in her eyes.
He turned towards the door as well. He blinked a few times to make sure he wasn't seeing things. As clear a day, a fiery bat symbol lit up the night sky.
"We have to free those cops," Cassidy said breathless as she bolted towards the door. By the time Blake turned around, Cassidy was already gone. "That's my girl," he laughed with a shake of his head as he trailed after her.
Hope was restored and he may have that second date after all.
Mercenaries paced the main entrance of the sewer system. Rocks and debris made it impossible for anyone to get in or out, but there was just a big enough hole to drop supplies down below to maintain the survival of the cops trapped below.
One of the mercenaries guarding the entrance caught sign of the Bat Symbol. As he moved for a better look, he struck from behind and rendered unconscious. "Hey – he was mine," Cassidy pouted as she moved out of the shadows, taking on another mercenary of her own.
"You snooze, you loose Williams," Blake called as he ducked a swing from a second mercenary and delivered a crushing blow to the head.
Cassidy delivered a hard kick, hearing the sickening snap of a broken nose as she pushed the disoriented body of one of Bane's thug hard into the brick alley wall.
As she turned to battle her next adversary, a cold, silver object struck the side of her face, causing her to fall to she tried to recover from the blow, resting on her hands and knees, she saw a pool of blood dripping below her. Her nose was bleeding and her lip busted. She heard a struggle to her left, but her vision was blurred.
Before she could make her next move, she was roughly pulled to her feet by her hair and roughly held in a chokehold by a mercenary. She tried to struggle, but the uncomfortable grip around only tightened.
As she took in her surrounding, she saw Blake in front of her. His arms were held behind his back and a weapon pointed to his head. He was struggling to break free as the threats from his captives fell on deaf ears.
Out of instinct, Cassidy rammed her head against her captive, snapping his nose. She was freed from his release and ran forward, taking down one of Blake's captive. Before she could make another move, she was smacked again by the butt of a gun and fell to the ground. A foot was placed against her neck, leaving her unable to move as the weight was pressed against her. She was spread eagle on the hard, wet ground at Blake's feet.
"Okay," Blake said calmly with his hands up, afraid to move with Cassidy caught in such a vulnerable position. Cassidy neck could easily be snapped in two with the right amount of pressure. "No more games."
"That's more like it," came the gruff voice of the mercenary with his foot pressed firmly into Cassidy's neck. "Wouldn't want me to snap this pretty, little bird's neck."
"Go to hell," Cassidy coughed. "Cass," Blake warned as he dared a look at her. The left side of her face was pressed into the ground, but she gazed back up at him. For the first time since knowing her, Blake saw fear in her eyes despite that mouth of hers always running.
"Two rats escaped Bane's trap," the merc with the gun pointed into Blake's back called. "More of Gotham's crooked cops to play with."
"You're doing a great job cleaning up the streets," Cassidy commented with sarcasm dripping heavily from her words. "Hope you enjoy your new world order, because when that sun rises …BOOM. It doesn't matter what side your own …we all are ashes."
"I know you," came a call from above Cassidy. "Joker's play thing, right? He paid a hefty reward for you."
He dug his weight heavily into her neck causing Cassidy to sputter. "LET HER GO!" Blake ordered.
"Have a little crush on the clown's girl, eh?" said the thug behind Blake as he jammed the barrel of the gun into his back. "Now this is precious. The last thing you'll see is us having some fun with your girl there and then she'll watch us blow your head off."
"Wait!" Cassidy shouted as best she could. "Mr. J doesn't want damaged goods. Trust me, I've seen what he does when someone touches his girl without permission."
The mercenary released some pressure from her throat as he digested her warning. "You said so yourself," Cassidy continued. "He's pay a hefty price for my head. Let the kid go. He's worthless. Let's go find my friend, boys."
"Leave one of Gotham's finest breathing? I'm not sold toots." The thug behind Blake roughly pushed him towards the ground with his gun press firmly against his temple. Blake and Cassidy's faces were inches apart now, pressed firmly into the rough ground.
They searched each others' eyes trying to find the answer on how they both get out of this alive, but neither one had the answer.
"He's not the cop you want," Cassidy pleaded."He does everything by the book and has never stepped a toe out of line. If you want to rid the world of a crooked cop – I'm the one you want."
"Don't do this," Blake muttered.
"I've seen horrible things and did even worse while undercover," Cassidy continued ignoring Blake. "I let innocent people die because it was part of the job. My brother and his family were slaughtered because of it. Old mob boss interrogated them about my whereabouts - a sister he hand't seen or heard from in years. My brother watched his wife and child be butchered before he died. I was too ashamed to even go to the funeral."
"Cold hearted bitch," commented one of the mercenaries.
"I thanked the clown that murdered my fiancée," Cassidy continued. "This kid," she motioned to Blake as best she could. "Spent years trying to break his heart because I could never love him like he deserved. Yet, he is still here about to do the one thing I've tried to prevent – die because of me."
Cassidy's words faltered with emotion. Her tear filled eyes look at Blake. "I never deserved you."
"Enough of this shit," the mercenary standing over Blake shouted as he cocked his gun. "Let's end this and put us all out of this misery."
Blake took a deep breath and readied himself. He reached for Cassidy's hand and grabbed it tightly, giving her a gentle squeeze. "It's going to be alright," he reassured her.
Tears poured down her face as the mercenary placed the barrel of the gun firmly against Blake's head. "Not like this," Cassidy whispered through the tears.
"I may not make that second date," Blake attempted to joke. "Just know I would have swept you off your feet." "Please, Blake don't…"
"I love you, Cass," Blake finally admitted after all these years, facing the end gave him the courage to say it to her face. "I've loved you since the first time you turned me down. Chasing you was worth every moment. I love you."
Cassidy smiled through the fear. "I know. I…"
BANG!
The echo sounded throughout the alley and all was silent.