Chapter 3: Amanda Waller
"Mr. Wayne?" Waller asked.
"Yes?" Bruce asked.
"A lot of people said you died during Bane attacking Gotham. I thought otherwise." Waller said.
"And you are?" Bruce asked.
"Waller. Director Amanda Waller of our government's Agency." Waller said.
"And what's you want from me?" Bruce asked.
"First up my condolences for your loss. Second. Your story is one I heard so many times. But you got the habit of faking your death a lot. After Bane I knew it wasn't the first time." Waller said.
"Yeah well back then I was grieving for my parents." Bruce said.
"Indeed. However, that's not why I'm here… Lucius Fox…was your closest friend…your father Dr. Thomas Wayne's…even your…former butler Alfred Pennyworth over there. The people of Metropolis suffered great losses too Mr. Wayne which is why I'm quiet on giving them closure. You see…you and I have many enemies in common. But our main one…is not from our world." Waller explained.
"You're talking about Superman?" Bruce asked.
"He's a threat to all of us. Intentionally or not he must be held accountable. My people want to bring him in…but knowing he's a wrath of God I stated that the only thing he dreads is what Lex Luthor dragged out of the 's been inspecting anything related to alien invasion." Waller explained again.
"Lex Luthor? So what'd you need me for?" Bruce asked.
"Because there's no one who can get more on Luthor or Superman better…than the man in the mask." Waller said.
Bruce had a feeling where she was going…
"Yes…I believe you and I will be working very… closely. Batman." Waller said.
Shocked, Bruce stood in silence.
"First thing you need to know. I can keep your secret. Second I know when Bane attacked Gotham John Dagger took your family wealth which is why I will refund it back. I'll restore Wayne Wealth, clear any records of your supposed death and then… you're back on top." Waller continued to explain again.
"Why in the world would you return my money?" Bruce asked.
"Because without it Batman can't return. Applied Sciences is disabled and criminals won't have anything to fear… except that cape friend of yours out there. He's no Batman which is why I can't ask for his help." Waller continued to explain more.
"What'd you want from me, Waller?" Bruce asked.
"The same thing you want. Superman faces trial but he's immune to prosecution. And if he takes his power too far he might possibly attack the White House. I'm not your enemy Bruce. All I want is to insure our people's safety." Waller said in more explanation.
"Say I agree to this. Even if you refund my family's legacy, Applied Sciences will reinstate my position in Gotham…how do I know…you won't take my secret to the government." Bruce said.
"Because like I said I want Superman to face justice as you do. We overpower him, take him alive and then…your secret remains with me." Waller said.
Bruce thinks for a minute he sees Alfred talking to Lucius's family, even his coffin flashbacking of Superman fighting Zod in the sky and clenched his fist.
"I'll do it." Bruce said.
"Good. I'll get to work on your records right away. Special Agent Iman Avesta will take any questions you have. I should warn ya… she's very eager." Waller said.
Waller walks out as a redhead woman: Agent Iman Avesta.
And her partner, a man in her mid forties man, approached him.
Bruce observed them curiously as Alfred looked over after he walked the Lucius's out.
"You two seemed to hit it off." Avesta said.
"Wouldn't say that." Bruce said.
"Special Agent Iman Avesta. This is my partner: Vernon Blake." Avesta said.
"Mr. Wayne." Blake said.
"Blake…? As in John Blake?" Bruce asked.
Blake was confused and unsure who Bruce was referring to…
"Never mind." Bruce said.
"I trust Director Waller told you about our case on Superman. Do you have anything on the take?" Avesta asked.
"Waller said you would answer for me." Bruce said.
"By all means." Avesta said.
"What is your take on Superman?" Bruce asked.
"Classified information. But since Waller prefers you in the loop I suppose there's no harm in telling you. We believe Superman's capabilities were created by our own atmosphere. The rock Lex Luthor fished out seems to only make him as fragile as us. Maybe that's what made him normal. But we're still trying to figure that out." Avesta explained.
"Hmm…" Bruce said.
"I'm Gotham born and raised too. In fact in college I…used to admire you." Avesta said with a smile.
"Appreciate it." Bruce said with a smile.
"I read a lot of your files and I noticed you were Gotham's biggest supporter. But you also took a lot of hits. Mansion burned down by Ninja's. Company robbed by terrorists…and supposed mob bosses taking your money." Avesta explained again.
"I guess someone like me would attract unwanted people." Bruce said.
"Like this guy?" Blake asked.
Blake shows Bruce a picture of the Joker back when he was sitting in the cell at the Major Crimes Unit…
"Name unknown but calls himself the Joker. And from what we read…he killed another close friend of yours. She was an attorney for the DA Rachel Dawes?" Blake asked.
Bringing up Rachel and seeing a picture of the Joker made Bruce on edge than he already was…
"What'd you know about him?" Bruce asked.
"During Bane's conquest of Gotham he escaped from Arkham Asylum. Evidently he kidnapped a doctor unidentified but presumed dead." Avesta said.
The Joker was back, Superman was out there and Bruce knew for certain he had to redawn the cowl…
Blake would be no match for both of them…
"Rachel was my oldest friend…and the love of my life. I want nothing more than to ensure her murderer is in a panic cell." Bruce said.
"Understood." Avesta said.
Avesta typed a note on her eye pad.
"We'll be in touch." Avesta said.
"Agents." Bruce said.
Avesta gave Bruce a mildly flirty grin as she and her partner turned away and walked out the church.
Bruce made a smirk at her watching them leave he then turned to see Alfred looking over his direction.
Bruce and Alfred made a silent stare at one another from across the church.
Bruce then turned away and left the church making Alfred… assume the obvious…
To Be Continued…
Happy 4th of July Everyone!