Chapter 3: Lucius Fox
Hours later we came to the Batcave where Bats shrieking flew above.
Bruce is on the bat computer with Alfred coming down the stairs with his lunch.
Bruce was looking up the latest Riddler activities.
The first riddle read: "No matter where you go I will follow you but the less light there is the less you'll see me. What am I?"
"A shadow." Bruce said.
That led Bruce to learn they found the first Riddler trophy and second riddle somewhere shadowy.
Alfred sets Bruce's lunch on the desk and sits at the back desk.
"If I may, sir, this Riddler fellow sounds intelligent. Unlike the other two masterminds you faced before." Alfred said.
"That kind of arrogance will be his undoing. He'll answer for what he did to Harvey." Bruce said.
"Where do we even start?" Alfred asked.
"I found one of those question mark trophies at the wearhouse last night. I can't make it out. Get a hold of Lucius. I think he can ID it for us." Bruce said.
"Very good sir. Mr. Fox did call earlier this morning to ask: "Who are you taking to the charity circus next month?" Alfred asked.
"I'll get back to him on that. How's Selina's cat?" Bruce asked.
"She eats like a queen. It's into milk like any cat I know. Speaking of…" Alfred said.
"No Alfred, I didn't hear from her. But I know I saw her out there when we found her cat. I just wish I knew where she was." Bruce said.
"Even if she turns up...the police will likely apprehend her." Alfred said.
"I know Alfred. After Shrek's murder Chip skipped town. And GCPD raided her apartment and her records at Shrek Industries. Selina is just off the grid." Bruce said.
"Sounds to me you could talk that over with that lovely Dr. Meridian you told me about it. I checked her background like you asked. She's from Metropolis and a former intern student of Dr. Lesley Tonkins." Alfred said.
"My father's therapist?" Bruce asked.
Alfred nods and Bruce eyes back to the computer then looks up the Catwoman case.
"Where are you Selena?" Bruce asked.
We cut to that afternoon at Wayne Tower.
Where Bruce enters an office.
Greeted by a family friend and ally of Batman's mission to protect Gotham Lucius Fox.
"Bruce!" Lucius said, with a surprise.
"Lucius." Bruce said.
"How have you been?" Lucius asked.
"I looked worse, trust me." Bruce said.
"You're definitely your father's son alright." Lucius said.
Bruce mildly grins adjusting his glasses.
"So...what's our side project tonight?" Lucius asked.
"This." Bruce said.
Bruce holds up the Riddler trophy he mentioned he found at the warehouse.
"What's this?" Lucius asked.
"One of the trophies from the case I'm working on. Last night the man leaving these Riddles burned Harvey's face. Now he's made it personal." Bruce said.
"That's terrible. You two were thick as thieves long before Batman. This thing is nothing of my expertise but...I might know someone who can ID it." Lucius said.
Bruce and Fox take an elevator down the hall to a floor that holds a lab. Bruce has never been to a man on a chemical project.
"Edward?" Lucius asked.
The man Edward turned around seeing the two men approach Edward smiles putting down his pin.
"Mr. Fox, sir. Sorry for the mess. Another late night." Edward said.
"No worries, no sleep for the wicked. Bruce, this is Edward Nygma. Our analyzing researcher. Edward...well you know who is this." Lucius said.
"Ahh, the famous Bruce Wayne. It's an honor." Edward said.
Edward and Bruce shake hands Bruce felt he had a firm grip.
"That's quite a grip you got there Ed." Bruce said.
"Childhood habit. Let me just say while working under Wayne Enterprises your name was on my hiring slip. Mr. Fox confirmed you hired me personally. All though we never met before but I have condolences at science fairs under your personal leadership." Edward said.
"I appreciate it. But what can you tell us about this?" Bruce asked.
Bruce shows Edward the trophy which dropped his expression to curiosity.
Bruce observed his reaction.
"Interesting. Where did you get this?" Edward asked.
"Mr. Wayne has ties with the GCPD since he funds their precincts they know of our applied sciences and they gave it to us. And I know your expertise on these things. Perhaps you can aluminate for us." Lucius said.
"Of course. It's a fragment generator that translates power in advanced technology." Edward said.
"You know what or who makes that?" Bruce asked.
"Afraid who is beyond my knowledge gentlemen. But I do know what makes it tick. It links into any advanced machine beyond our makings. Something we can learn when we enter the early 2000's." Edward said.
"That's interesting." Lucius said.
"I know. Fascinating." Edward said.
"Well thank you for your time Edward. We'll leave you to it." Lucius said.
"Drop anytime. Mr. Wayne, it was an honor." Edward said.
"Likewise." Bruce said.
Bruce and Lucius walk out leaving Edward looking at them suspicious.
To Be Continued…