Hours after hearing the news about Lucius Fox's abduction, Bruce Wayne was expected to make a statement to the press, on behalf of Wayne Enterprises. All morning long, Bruce had been in his office answering phone calls from concerned friends and co-workers, as well as Lucius's immediate family. Following addressing his staff privately, Bruce was visited by Commissioner James Gordon personally, along with Lt. Harvey Bullock.
"Mr. Wayne, thanks for meeting with us, I know it's been a difficult morning," Gordon began, "This is Lieutenant Bullock; I know you must be shaken up about Mr. Fox, but we just have a few additional questions we'd like to ask you regarding the abduction of Selina Kyle and Alfred Pennyworth."
"Of course, I'd be happy to help in any way I can," Bruce replied, "Was there a problem with the report I provided to Detective Allen? He and several other officers met with me early this morning at my home."
"No, sir. No problem at all, we just wanted to get an idea of who might have done this. The security footage you submitted from your property's front gate had been tampered with, and we haven't gotten a good look at the kidnappers or their vehicles," Gordon began, "The kidnapping happened at around 2:45 am this morning, but Detective Allen said you weren't home at the time? Could you elaborate on that a bit for us?"
"Well, Selina and I were at the mansion, staying up late and enjoying a late movie at home. Around 2 a.m., we both get a little hungry for a late-night snack, but Selina had this craving for this red velvet cake, specifically from Schwartz's Diner on Wein Avenue in SoHo," Bruce began, concocting a completely false alibi to explain his absence, "At first, I didn't think she was serious! As you can imagine, they wouldn't normally deliver to the Heights that late at night. Alfred was already asleep, and I wanted to do something nice for my lady, so I decided to drive out into the city myself. But I never made it, because when I got there, the whole block was barricaded off by police; I didn't know it at the time, but I saw what happened at City Hall on the news this morning! Absolutely barbaric."
"And Miss Kyle didn't want to ride into town with you?" Gordon asked.
"Oh no, she was too tired by that point, especially after a glass of red wine," Bruce remarked, before growing legitimately somber, "If I had taken her with me, she wouldn't have been taken."
"She's been living with you a few months, correct?" Bullock began asking, when Bruce nodded, "Do you have any idea who might have wanted to target her? Miss Kyle has certainly made a number of enemies in her…well, you know all about her old life."
"I suppose anything is possible," Bruce replied, feigning ignorance, "I know that in my line of work, I have received the occasional death threat from a disgruntled competitor or former employee here and there. It's possible that Lucius's being kidnapped might be connected?"
"We can't really discuss the details of the investigation, Mr. Wayne," Gordon explained, "We haven't found a clear ransom note or list of demands, but there have been several possible clues found at your home and at Mr. Fox's. We're going to find out who did this. In the meantime, we strongly recommend you come with us into protective custody; this is clearly the work of highly-trained professionals and we believe that you are a target."
"I appreciate your concern, Commissioner," Bruce replied, "But I've already taken the necessary precautions with a private security firm. I take these things very seriously; I don't need to remind you about what happened to my parents."
"Of course," Gordon acknowledged; he had been a rookie cop when Thomas and Martha Wayne were murdered. Their deaths shocked the entire city, and had made national news at the time.
"If you'll excuse me, Commissioner, Lieutenant, the press has been hounding me all morning to make a statement. After that, I'll be happy to answer any more questions you might have," Bruce replied, as he spotted Lucius's wife, Tanya, along with their children, Tiffany, Tamara, Timothy, and Luke, along with several extended family members in the office lobby. The Foxes were meeting with several of the employees, as the employees and staff offered their condolences.
"I think we're good here," Gordon replied, seeming satisfied with Bruce's answers thus far.
"We'll be in touch as soon as we hear anything," Bullock added before they left.
In the lobby of Wayne Tower, the press had gathered around a makeshift podium as Bruce, with the Fox family, approached to make a statement.
"Thank you all for coming here," Bruce began, "Last night, my home was invaded by an unknown group of abductors while I was away on a personal errand. Two people who are very close to me were taken from my home by force. Alfred Pennyworth has been the House Manager and caretaker of my family's estate since before I was born. He has been my Personal Assistant and Head of Security for many years; prior to working for my late parents, he was a British Special Forces agent and served under Her Majesty's Secret Service. More importantly, has been a mentor and friend that I have known my entire life. The second victim has been Selina Kyle; as many in the press are aware, Miss Kyle and I have been seeing each other for quite some time now. In addition to this, I am shocked and horrified to learn that Lucius Fox, the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, the company my family built, has also been taken from his home. Mr. Fox is not only a brilliant engineer, inventor, and businessman, but he has been my business partner and friend for over twenty years. He's also a husband, a father, grandfather, brother, and uncle; as you can see, I am joined here today by his beautiful family.
"I have spoken with the authorities, as well as my own team of private investigators, and we are looking seriously into this matter," Bruce continued, "If any of those who have perpetrated these heinous acts are listening to this now, I have only this to say: My primary concern is the welfare of Miss Kyle, Mr. Pennyworth, and Mr. Fox. If it's money you are after, I am willing to pay, with a starting offer of $20 million per victim, no questions asked, if Selina, Alfred, and Lucius are returned safely by midnight tonight. If, however, these three individuals are not returned, or are harmed in any way, I can guarantee you will be found, pursued, and punished to the fullest extent of the law. I can assure you that I am a very powerful man, with very powerful friends; many of whom have dealt with the greatest threats in the history of mankind. I strongly urge you to consider my proposition; if you don't, I promise you will live to regret that decision."
The press immediately began asking several questions before Bruce stepped down, asking him what he meant by that, whether or not he was advocating vigilante justice, whether the rumors were true that he had been financing the Justice League, and others. After security ushered Bruce out of the lobby, he began to return to his office, while checking his phone for updates. Using a highly-advanced VPN, Bruce made sure most of his calls, texts, and other activities were secure from any outside surveillance. One such text message came from his longtime friend, and co-founder of the Justice League, Clark Kent.
"Hey Bruce, I just heard about Alfred, Selina, and Lucius; I was on another case when it happened. I just did a sweep of Gotham from the above. So far, I haven't spotted anything yet. What can we do to help?" Clark's text read.
"Just give me another 24 hours," Bruce's reply read, "This is personal, but my team and I have got it under control for the time being. If I need backup, I'll let you know."
Bruce also scrolled down to check a secure, encrypted text that he used (as Batman) to communicate directly with Gordon. Gordon's message was attached with several pictures and documents, and read "I'm sure you've heard about the Wayne/Fox kidnappings by now. Found these at the residences. It looks like some sort of ancient language that none of us here can understand. Wanted to pass this on in case you had any leads before we turn it over to the Feds."
Bruce made his way toward Lucius's office to look for any more clues, before stopping suddenly in the hallway. To the untrained eye or ear, Bruce appeared to be alone in the office's waiting room, but his years of training told him otherwise.
"You might as well show yourself; I heard you coming a mile away," Bruce defiantly stated as he turned around to find an individual he knew all too well; a young, dark-haired Caucasian man in his early twenties, wearing a hooded sweatshirt, jeans, and a leather jacket. His right cheek had a new, distinct scar; his hair was longer, about shoulder-length and he wore a beard, but Bruce immediately recognized his former protege.
"Jason," Bruce acknowledged, with a hint of defensiveness and regret, the presence of Jason Todd; the first young man to succeed Dick Grayson in the role of Robin.