GCPD: The Animated Series - Wayne Manor
The following posts were made in alt.comics.batman in the realm
of the
BTAS continuity. This means that all of the animated characters' histories
apply, not the ones found in the mainstream Bat-books. You should
recognize a few of the other characters from the various GCPD threads that
have been compiled elsewhere on this site. Hope you enjoy the story!
Chapter One - Happy Birthday, Mr.
Batman...
February 19, 1999
<...Loren wrote...>
Summer: Only two weeks ago, all of the hearts of Gotham City's single
women were broken, when billionaire playboy
Bruce Wayne
announced his engagement to Sarina Wade.
In honor of this momentous event, Mr. Wayne
invited Gotham's
elite to a party which would coincide with his
own birthday.
That party is tonight, and we here at Channel 9
will be bringing
you an exclusive inside look at the
festivities.
Several members of the Gotham City Police
Department are on hand
to ensure the safety of everyone here,
including Police
Commissioner Gordon, but Mr. Wayne and his
fiancee have yet to
make their appearance...
Loren: Alfred, let me know when Barbara arrives, will ya?
Alfred: She's already here, sir.
Loren: Damn, I'll bet Dick found her before I did...
Alfred: As a matter of fact, lieutenant, she's standing over by the
punch bowl, as we speak. I haven't seen Master
Dick, yet.
Loren: Thanks, Alfred! Wish me luck!
Lieutenant Loren T. Di Iorio of the GCPD's Special Investigations Unit
slices his way through several snobby partygoers, until he comes upon
Barbara. But he's not the only one...
Dick & Loren: Barbara, can I offer you some...
Barbara looks up at the two tuxedoed gentlemen, and provides a coy
smile.
Dick: Oh...hello, Loren.
Loren: Yeah, hey, Dick. Fancy meeting you here.
Babs: And no-one's got the courtesy to say hello to me? :)
Dick: Well, Babs, I was just about to get you some punch.
Loren: Actually, Dick, I think *I* already offered it to her first.
Babs: Sorry, guys. As much as I'm flattered that you two are fighting
over me, I've already had more than enough punch that would
get
even Bruce drunk. :)
Barbara walks away, leaving the two men staring after her.
Loren: Well, whaddaya make of that? I better go make sure she's alright.
Dick: Wait a second there, Mr. Serve-and-Protect. Before you go running
after my girl, I think we've got some trouble...
Loren: What do you mean *your* girl?
Dick: Forget about that for a second. I was just on the balcony out back,
and I found --
But Dick is cut off by a loud gong.
Alfred: Ladies and gentlemen, pardon the interruption, but, if I may have
your attention...
It takes a few seconds before the gathering quiets down, and then all
eyes are on Alfred, near the phenomenally wide split-stairway.
Alfred: Allow me to present to you, the future Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Wayne...
<...Sarina wrote...>
All eyes turn toward the staircase to get a good look at the woman who
has captured the heart of the elusive billionaire. On Sarina's well-
proportioned body is a beautiful dress, color of lilac, backless. The
length is rather short for such an occasion, but Bruce doesn't seem to
mind.
On her feet are a pair of Stuart W. custom-made, Australian crystal-
covered 3" heels, drawing attention to her long, beautiful legs. Her hair
is up in a lovely do; around her neck is an amethyst and diamond necklace,
in her ears are the matching earrings. And on her left ring finger, an
engagement ring with a diamond the size of a small paperweight. ; )
Bruce is dressed in the appropriate apparel for such an occasion and
looks absolutely gorgeous, as usual.
Before they begin their descent to the party, Sarina quickly licks her
thumb, and rubs off a little spot from the corner of Bruce's mouth. He
looks at her questioningly.
Sarina: (mouthing) Fudge.
He nods understandingly and they start their descent of the staircase.
At the bottom, they are surrounded by friends and associates offering their
congratulations. After proper exchanges, the group breaks up somewhat and
Sarina walks over to Loren.
Sarina: Loren, may I speak to you for a moment?
Loren: Sure, Sarina.
(to Babs) Excuse me, Barbara, I'll be right back.
Dick: (smiling) Take your time, Loren!
Loren gives Sarina a quick "this better be good" look. They walk
through
the foyer and on into to the study.
Loren: You look great, Sarina.
Sarina: Thanks, this won't take long...
Loren, I'm so glad to see you're keeping
Barbara busy. I wanted
to thank you for diverting her attention from
my fiance --
Loren: (smiling) Sarina, I really don't think --
Sarina: (seriously) It's no secret, Loren. She's had a schoolgirl's crush
on him for ages now. She only would have
ended up being... hurt.
Loren: (chuckles) I think you're --
Sarina: You know, Loren... Andrea, Talia, Zatanna...they're all gone.
Seems there's some lunatic running around town
clocking women who
have been previously interested in my hus -- I
mean, my fiance.
I wouldn't want to see anything happen to --
Loren: (looking concerned) To Barbara? Sarina, what are you talking about?
I'm very aware of the slasher case, and I'm also
certain that the
person responsible will eventually be caught, so if
--
Sarina: Don't waste your time.
Sarina stretches out her left hand and makes a fist, moving it until
her engagement ring comes very close to Loren's face.
Sarina: (slowly) I have a feeling...that this person is very well-
connected...and very, *very* well-protected.
Sarina moves closer to Loren so she's whispering right in his ear.
Sarina: Protect Barbara.
Loren is trying very hard not to look like someone just dropped a brick
on his foot. Sarina backs away from him and just in time, too, for Bruce
is walking over to get his fiancee. Sarina looks over at Bruce and back
to Loren.
Sarina: Enjoy the party.
Bruce reaches them.
Bruce: (smiles at his fiancee) What are you two up to?
Sarina: (smiles, puts her arm around Loren)
Well, Bruce dear, Loren and I were just
wondering where Selina
Kyle is this evening. It's not like her
to miss a party of this
magnitude.
Bruce: (thinks) You're right, I haven't seen her. That is strange.
Sarina and Bruce, arm in arm, walk back into the main room.
Sarina: (smiling over her shoulder to Loren)
I *wonder* where she could be...
As Sarina and Bruce are walking out of the study and into the foyer,
the doorbell rings.
Sarina: (to Alfred) I'll get it!
Sarina opens the door with Bruce standing behind her and who should it
be, but the aforementioned cat-tramp Selina Kyle.
Sarina: Speak of the devil.
Selina pretends not to hear.
Selina: Happy Birthday, Bruce!
She hands him a present, no doubt as tawdry and tasteless as she is,
and Sarina promptly intercepts it. With a flick of the wrist, it goes
sailing across the room, hits the far wall, and plop! Right into a trash
can below.
Sarina: (sarcastically) Oops! (smiles) I'm sure he'll get it out later.
Sarina continues to stand in the doorway.
Selina: (like the tramp she is) May I come *in*, Sarina?
Sarina slowly opens the door the rest of the way and Selina walks in.
Sarina: (under her breath) Doggy treats, right over there.
Selina: (like a vicious vamp) Excuse me??
Sarina: (most graciously) Scooby snacks, straight ahead. You help
yourself, Selina.
Selina, with a nasty look Sarina's way, walks into the room.
Bruce: (not serious, knows the answer) Is that really necessary, Sarina?
Sarina: (smiling) She started it!
Bruce: (whispers in her ear) Behave, or I'll take you downstairs and
spank you.
Sarina laughs and kisses Bruce on the cheek, as she closes the door to
find a smiling Loren standing behind it.
Loren: (smugly) Well, now we know where Selina Kyle is.
Sarina: (caught) Yeah, ha ha. (laughs) I had you going, though, I had you
going! You thought I was bumping off
Bruce's exes! Admit it!
Loren: (laughing) No, no...no way! I knew it when you said --
Sarina: (laughing) "Protect Barbara." Ha ha ha! I had you
going! You
should have seen the size of your eyes!
(gestures) *Priceless!*
Loren: (laughing) "Where's Zatanna?" She's not even missing! I knew it;
there's no way, no *way* you can fool me! I was
on to you!
Sarina: Come on, let's find Babs. I want to tell her, she'll get a good
laugh out of this!
At this point, the three friends turn and walk back to where the rest
of the guests are enjoying the party.
<...JC wrote...>
Meanwhile, outside the manor, a figure gently lowers himself to the
ground. For a couple of seconds, he almost seems to be rearranging himself.
He seems to grow heavier, maybe even shorter. But it must be a trick of the
light. He walks quickly over a window which he knows leads to a little used
study. Prepared for the security measures that have been put in place, it
is the work of moments to open the window and slip inside, unseen.
He quickly crosses the room, nimbly evading all the motion detectors.
His eyes are closed. He knows when to jump, when to duck, when to crawl.
He reaches the door. A quality electronic lock. This has been upgraded.
His information is out of date. He curses softly, thrown off balance for
a moment. But only a moment. He crouches by the lock, and from his belt -
he smiles to himself at the irony - he removes a small device of his own
design. He waits for the merest hint of a click and then straightens up.
Slowly, slowly, he opens the door a fraction of an inch. He's in luck.
All eyes are on the main entrance as Selina Kyle makes an unwelcome
appearance.
He opens the door further and slides into the ballroom. He scans the
room for familiar faces. Alfred Pennyworth is facing away from him. He's
glad. Even hidden behind a disguise, he's not sure that he could escape
the notice of the butler, who is something of an expert on these matters.
Talking to Selina are Bruce Wayne and his fiancee, Sarina. He spots several
members of the GCPD, including Loren Di Iorio.
A look of concern crosses his face. He'd taken a considerable risk in
hacking into the GCPD computer system and removing Loren's name from this
assignment. Although he doesn't consider him an enemy, Loren's presence
could be... inconvenient.
It's at this moment that Loren turns round and looks over. No time to
hide.
Loren: Excuse me Sarina, there's something I need to take care of.
Sarina: Come on, Loren, enjoy yourself. You work too hard, you need a rest!
Loren: (sternly) Sarina, a member of the Gotham City Police Department
never rests.
Sarina is isn't sure whether he's joking or not and Loren uses the
opportunity to slip away and investigate the mystery guest.
Loren: Excuse me, but haven't we met before?
JC: No, I don't think so. I'm terrible with names, but I don't usually
forget a face. I'm Jonathan Clark.
Loren: (Dripping sarcasm) Loren Di Iorio, pleased to meet you. How long
have you had a beard, Mr. Clark?
JC: What a question! Are you a policeman or something?
Loren flashes his badge.
Loren: As you well know, Mr. Clark. Or should I say...Mr. Allaway?
JC looks uncomfortable at the mention of his real name. It's been a
long, long time since anyone used it.
JC: I'm sorry. You've lost me, Mr. Di Iorio.
Loren: Don't play games JC, or should I call you Owen? You're not the
only one who can use a computer.
JC: I suppose not. You wouldn't be referring to a certain red-haired
vigilante would you?
Loren: Keep your voice down! How much do you know? What are you doing here?
JC: I know as much as I need to know. And I'm simply here to enjoy a party.
I didn't get an invite, but I couldn't miss it. We may have different
agendas Mr. Di Iorio, but mostly we share the same goals.
Loren: I don't trust you, and I don't like that 'mostly'. But I don't want
to spoil the occasion. You're free to stay, but I'll
be keeping an
eye on you.
JC: Thank you. And please call me JC. It's a name I've grown used to over
the years. It defines me better than the other one.
Loren nods curtly and returns to the main group, looking back a couple
of times on the way to make sure JC gets the message.
JC follows. As he gets closer to the massed party-goers, he breaks into
a broad smile...
<...Loren wrote...>
Summer: ...Ms. Wade has managed to evade every news camera in Gotham,
and ever since the announcement two weeks ago,
she has denied
us the opportunity for any interviews. This is
the first time
anyone other than those in the Wayne household
have seen her,
and she certainly knew how to make her first
appearance.
We will provide a full report on the Wayne
engagement/birthday
party tomorrow evening at six o'clock. This is
Summer Gleeson,
GBS News, reporting live from Wayne Manor. Back
to you, Jimmy...
The camerawoman signals to Summer that they're off the air, and the
equipment is rounded up, so that those present from GBS can now enjoy the
party.
Summer: Hello there, Mr. Grayson...
Dick: Oh, hi, Summer. Please, call me Dick. How're you enjoying the party
so far?
Summer bats her lashes, and smiles squarely.
Summer: Now that work's through for the night, I couldn't be happier.
Did you see the rock on that woman's finger?
Dick: Yeah, Bruce sure does know how to pick 'em.
Summer: What? The women or the jewelry?
Dick: I'll leave that for you to figure out. You *are* a reporter, aren't
you, Miss Gleeson? :)
Summer smiles again.
Summer: Yes, I am. And it makes me wonder whether Bruce Wayne's one time
ward has the same --
Loren: Uh, sorry to interrupt... Oh, it's you, Miss Gleeson...
Summer: Lieutenant Di Iorio. What a pleasant surprise. Have you come to
keep me from badgering people again?
Loren: Not this time. Dick, could I talk to you for a minute?
Dick: Sure... Would you please excuse me, Summer?
Loren: Oh, I'm sure she won't mind...
Dick and Loren walk off. Summer starts to mutter to herself...
Summer: Yeah, *sure*. Thanks a *lot*, Lieutenant. :(
Loren: Dick, we've got trouble.
Dick: Yeah, I was about to tell you the same thing, until Sarina and
Bruce came down. You first.
Loren: There's an acquaintance of mine who's successfully found his way
into the Manor, without an invite. I'm not sure why
he's here, but
he wouldn't just show up without a *very* good
reason. He's the guy
over there, with the fake beard.
Dick: I'll try and keep an eye on him.
Loren: Good...so what did *you* find?
Selina: Oh, detective...?
Dick is prevented from divulging his imperative news once more.
Loren: Miss Kyle.
Dick: Excuse me, Loren, I think I see Barbara going for the punch again.
She's tipsy enough as it is...
Loren: Dick...! Dick!
Loren tries to stop Dick from getting to Barbara before he does, but...
Selina: I thought you were talking to *me*, officer.
Loren: Well, it's been a while since I've had to bring you in for
questioning down at the precinct.
Selina sports a wry smile.
Selina: And we had a whole lot of fun, then, didn't we? :) So...what
do you think?
Loren: Red is a different color for you, Selina. First blonde, then
black...why the change? Not that I'm complaining or
anything.
I've always liked redheads. :)
Selina: Well, Valentine's Day was a few days ago, if you'll remember.
Loren gets a flash of memory, and instantly knows he's in trouble.
Selina: Oh...that's right -- you didn't. I had the apartment all set
up, I colored my hair, and...
Loren: Listen, Selina... Gordon threw another shift at me --
Selina: Yeah, and I'll bet I know just *which* Gordon it was, too...
The good-cat/bad-cat slapped Loren forcefully, and confidently walked
away.
JC: You're a real lady's man, aren't you, Lieutenant?
Loren: Oh, funny. Listen, JC, I don't know what you're up to, but I just
thought you should know, there's more going on at the
Manor than
you or I realize. Keep on your guard, 'cause I've got
a feeling
things are gonna get weird.
JC: Is this a warning?
Loren: Think of it as a favor.
JC: I'll remember that. Now, if you'll pardon me, I'm going to go see what
kind of expensive grub they've got down at the buffet table.
Loren: Something's not right about tonight...I don't know what it is...
Elsewhere, a bright beacon shines in the black sky, outside the Wayne
residence. Alfred walks over to Bruce, and briefly motions toward the
window. The billionaire walks over to Dick, and takes him away from
Barbara.
Bruce: The signal's on, but I don't know who could have lit it, since
the Commissioner's here.
Dick: Did you want me to check it out?
Bruce: That's exactly what I was thinking. I'm not in any position to
leave a party like this.
Dick: Sure, I'll let you know when I get back.
<...Sarina wrote...>
Back at the Wayne party, a few gossiping ladies are chatting about the
mysterious Miss Wade...
Woman #1: God, I can't believe he's actually getting married to her!
Who *is* that woman?
Woman #2: I don't know. She's certainly his type, though. Shallow,
gold-digging little...
Woman #3: You know, it sounds suspicious to me. Remember when he fell
in love with that plant creature of
Poison Ivy's? Maybe she's
another plant.
The two other ladies look incredulously over at their friend, and yes,
she's quite serious. They then look at each other, rolling their eyes.
Woman #1: Well, she sure seems to have him hooked. (pauses) I wonder...
All three ladies get the same light bulb over their heads.
Woman #2: (smiling smugly) Well, there's only one way to find out!
Woman #1, 2, and 3: Summer!!
They walk over to join Summer Gleeson and start giving her their theory
on the relationship as Summer starts scribbling madly in her steno pad.
Meanwhile...
Bruce returns from speaking with Dick and Alfred. He nods to Sarina,
who is across the room. She walks over to him, and he takes her hand,
leading her to the dance floor. They're very close together, romantically
swaying to a slow song. They speak quietly to each other.
Bruce: The Bat-signal is on and I'm having Dick check into it. If I have
to leave the party, you'll have to go, too; it'll
look better if
were both gone.
Sarina: I understand.
The music plays on in the background as they continue to move together.
Bruce: In the meantime, Sarina, how are you enjoying high society life?
Sarina: (smiles) It's interesting, to say the least!
Bruce: You're doing very well.
Sarina: (smiles) Really...? Summer Gleeson is driving me crazy! She's got
to be the nosiest woman in the world. And
the questions she comes
up with!
Bruce: You should have seen her when you were at the door with Selina.
She was loving every minute of it.
Sarina: (smiles) I'm beginning to see why you're not a big fan of these
parties... You know, I should have been nicer
to Selina. She's
having a rather bad month. First our
engagement, then Loren
forgets Valentine's Day...
Bruce: I know you aren't serious. : )
Sarina: (laughs) Nope, not in the least.
Bruce: Hopefully, we can get this over with tonight...satisfy everybody's
curiosity.
Sarina: You know, I love living here with you in this house, and I feel
safe and happy here. (smiles) But I do
miss those warm summer
nights...in my old apartment building...the top
floor...when my
window was unlocked.
Bruce: I remember it well.
Sarina: God, it was fantastic. We'd spend the whole night together, and
you'd disappear before daybreak, just like a
dream. We were the
only two people in the world then...
Bruce: You don't have to live in downtown Gotham for me to come through
your window, you know.
Sarina: (smiles) For you, my window is always open. After that first
night with you, I never locked them again.
Bruce: That wouldn't have stopped me anyway.
Sarina smiles. The music continues.
Bruce: Seems strange to see that jewelry out of the safe. It hasn't been
out since my mother wore them to a charity ball a
long, long time
ago.
Sarina: Thank you for offering them to me, Bruce. I feel very honored to
get to wear them.
Bruce: She looked absolutely stunning that night. She just lit up the
room... Much like you're doing now.
Sarina: (remembering) She could light up a room with her smile, she was so
beautiful. I remember as kids, when she'd
come by, word would
spread through the whole building.
Everybody wanted to see her.
Her loss was very devastating to a great many
people.
There is quiet between them as the music plays.
Sarina: I've been thinking... I'm going to go to the Gotham City Child
Protection Services and volunteer.
Bruce: It won't be easy for you to go back there.
Sarina: No, but I think I should. I know what it's like. I think I can
make a difference.
Before he can answer, there's a commotion heading their way. Sarina
looks up over Bruce's shoulder.
Sarina: Oh great... Here comes Summer again.
Summer and a gaggle of curious ladies speedily make their way to the
couple. Bruce and Sarina stop dancing and turn to see what Summer wants
now.
Summer: Miss Wade...? Summer Gleeson, Gotham Insider again. Tell me,
is it true that you're having Bruce's love
child?
Sarina: (rolling her eyes, like they're morons) Ladies... think about it!
It takes more than *brains* to catch a man like
Bruce!
The women look horrified, except Summer, who continues her barrage.
Summer: Does this engagement mean the end of your rumored relationship
with Batman?
The entire party seems to get quieter as they wait for an answer.
Even Bruce looks interested. Sarina tortures them with a very generous
pause before she replies.
Sarina: ...Batman and I - we have a very "unique" relationship... And I'd
be a very, *very* foolish woman to give that
up.
Summer: So you mean --
Bruce: (like he's peeved) Now, wait a minute, Sarina! I'm not going to --
Sarina: (losing patience) Bruce, I told you - Batman and I are just friends
now. And you're just going to have to get
used to it!
He's looking down at her like he's pissed off.
Sarina: If it bothers you that much, dear, then lock the bedroom window!
That seems to be not what he wanted to hear.
Bruce: We need to talk...NOW! Excuse us, Summer.
Bruce grabs Sarina by the hand and leads her from the dance floor into
another room. Summer Gleeson gleefully writes down every detail in her
steno pad. The whole party starts chatting about what just happened,
as Bruce and Sarina find Alfred and Loren.
Bruce: Well...what did Dick find?
<...Loren wrote...>
Loren: I dunno. He never got the chance to tell me.
Alfred: And he won't be back for a while.
Sarina: Maybe someone's trying to crash the party.
Bruce: Then I suggest we end everything a little early. Alfred...
the cake...?
Alfred: I'll bring it into the gallery, sir.
Alfred heads for the kitchen, and the others return to the gathering.
Moments later, Alfred wheels the candelit cake into the party area, and
everyone present stares at the size of it. They all begin to sing Happy
Birthday, and when they're through...
Sarina: Blow out the candles, Bruce!
Bruce: With *that* many of them, I'd have better luck if I was
Superman. :)
Taking a big breath, Bruce manages to blow out all of the candles.
The lights in the house go along with them, leaving the partygoers in
nearly complete darkness. The Commissioner tries to shout out over the
commotion of the crowd...
Gordon: Everyone, remain calm! This is Commissioner Gordon. We've opened
the main doors at the entrance, so if you could
please slowly make
your way there, we'll have everyone out of here
without any
problems.
Mr. Wayne, if you'll follow me...
Bruce: Actually, Commissioner, I think I'll --
Gordon: I'm sorry, sir, but it's for your own safety.
Bruce: Sarina...?
Sarina: I'm right behind you, Bruce.
Suddenly, a loud siren goes off in the house...
Bruce: The lockdown protocols...somebody's activated them!
The flood of people feverishly try to exit all at the same time, and
Sarina and Bruce are parted from one another.
Gordon: We'll sort this all out at the precinct, Mr. Wayne.
Bruce: But my fiancee, she's still in there! I've got to find her before
the Manor closes up!
Gordon: Please, sir, step into the car...
Bruce breaks free of the police around him, and runs toward the
entrance, with the last few people making their way out.
Bruce: Sarina!
Still trying to make his way through the group, he spots his fiancee
lying on the floor, unconscious. He also sees Loren picking her up, heading
for the door. Bruce waits at the doorstep for him to rush out with Sarina
in his arms, but Loren isn't fast enough - a reinforced steel door slides
across the opening with a clang, and similar barriers fall into place over
every conceivable entry into the building.
Bruce: Noooooo!!
Alfred: Master Bruce...
Bruce: Alfred, I've got to get in there!
Alfred: Sir, you of all people know that isn't possible. The Manor is
locked down. Miss Wade is in superlative
company, with Detective
Di Iorio.
Gordon: I'll vouch for that. If anyone can get your fiancee out of there,
Mr. Wayne, it's him.
Bruce: He *has* to, Commissioner...he has to...
<...Pi wrote...>
As the last clang of metal resounds through the building, an elegantly
suited (and uninvited) guest emerges from the shadows. Casting a quick
look around the now empty hall, he reaches into his coat, removes a
small radio, and speaks quietly into it.
Pi: I'm inside. Situation?
Radio Voice: The whole building's been locked down. Security was just as
you
described. The whole gig went down smooth as silk.
Pi: Keep an eye on the GCPD, especially any of those I pointed out to you
earlier.
Radio Voice: Sir... Detective Di Iorio is inside with you! He stayed
inside,
protecting the Wade woman!
Pi: Ah! This could prove tricky. Any sign of the Gotham 'nightlife'?
Radio Voice: Nothing yet.
Pi: Remain calm and standby. I've got a feeling there's something else
going on here...
Replacing the radio, Pi begins a slow sweep of the ground floor. He
discovers he's well and truly locked in, so he begins to search for alarm
controls. However, rounding a corner, he comes face-to-face with a
shadowy figure...
<...Loren wrote...>
Meanwhile, inside Wayne Manor...
Loren: Sarina... Sarina, can you hear me?
Loren slowly makes his way over to a large couch, and places Sarina
down, then politely slaps her face a few times, to try and revive her.
She blinks her eyes open, and comes to.
Sarina: Wha...?
Loren: Sarina, it's Loren. Are you alright?
Sarina: Loren...? What...what happened?
Loren: The lights went out, and everybody panicked and ran for the door.
You must've been struck down, trying to get out. Can
you move?
Is anything broken?
Sarina sits up, then cautiously stands, checks her balance, and sits
back down again.
Sarina: I'm fine, just a little dizzy.
Loren: Listen...there's a slight problem: the emergency lockdown protocols
that Bruce installed in case of an intruder seem
to've been
initiated somehow. That means we're stuck in here.
Sarina: Isn't there any way that Bruce can override them?
Loren: Nope. I helped set them up. The only way to reverse them is by
getting into the Cave.
Sarina: Well, let's go, then!
Loren: You're sure you're alright?
Sarina: Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, Loren. Y'know, I seem to remember a time
when you weren't this concerned about me...back
when you almost
had me arrested for pickpocketing?
Loren: Yeah, I remember. I nearly had the cuffs on you, until *he*
showed up. He sure knows how to freak a guy out. I
mean, I'm used
to it by now, but you should tell him not to scare me
like that!
Sarina: I think he gets a good laugh out of --
Not far off, a woman's sharp scream comes echoing down one of the
halls, breaking the otherwise congenial mood between the two friends.
Loren: Come on!
The future Mrs. Wayne follows closely behind, as Loren runs quickly
toward the source of the scream. They approach one of the bathrooms, since
it is the only room in the hall whose door is left ajar. Loren draws his
pistol from the holster strapped around his shoulders and kicks the door
open, darting into the room instantly. In half a second, he sweeps the
perimeter of the room with his gun, but no-one is there. Sarina whispers
to him...
Sarina: Loren...the shower!
He carefully approaches the shower, grabs the curtain, and throws it
open, with his gun pointed.
Woman: Aaaaaaaaaah!!
Loren drops his arms, and replaces the gun in its holster.
Sarina: Oh my god...
Loren: Summer... Holy geez...
Investigative reporter Summer Gleeson lay crouched in the bathtub,
with her own blood flowing from a number of cuts to her arms. She starts
crying, helplessly.
Loren: Here, Summer...come up out of there. It's okay, Summer. It's okay.
You're safe now...
Summer: Oh God, Loren, it was... it was...
Overcome with fear and pain and who knows what else, she struggles to
embrace the lieutenant, trying to ignore her suffering arms, and continues
to sob. All Loren can do is hold her for a moment, but he realizes that
she needs medical attention.
Loren: Sarina, where's there a medkit?
Sarina: In the kitchen.
Loren: Summer, honey, listen. We've gotta get to the kitchen.
Sarina can patch you up no problem; come on...
Summer: No!! I'm not going out there! He's gonna get me again!!
Loren: Shh...shh... Don't worry about that. He won't come after you
anymore.
With the danger over for now, the trio painstakingly makes its way
toward the kitchen, in darkness once again...
<...Pi wrote...>
Pi quietly runs down the stairs towards the main hall, radio in hand.
Pi: Abort. I repeat, abort! There's too many people wandering about for
a thorough investigation. Unlock the system.
Radio Voice: ...
Pi: I said unlock the system, damn you!
Radio Voice: ...
Meanwhile, outside...
Bruce Wayne stalks up to the huddle of police outside the front
entrance, looking like a cross-country runner after his exploration of
the area surrounding the house.
Bruce: What's this about an intruder?
Gordon: Bruce, yes, some kind of cat-burglar, hiding just inside the
grounds. Seems to be working backup for
someone or other.
We're running him through the files now, seeing
if we can find
prior associations, criminal record, that kind
of thing.
Bruce: How d'you know he's working backup?
Gordon: He was carrying all sorts of interesting devices: night-vision
goggles, something that appears to be some kind
of automatic
lock-picking device...oh, and this small
tight-band radio.
Bruce: Any sign of...
Suddenly a woman's scream from the inside of the building tears through
the night air. Gordon is immediately alert, dispatching officers to try
and pin down where the noise came from.
Gordon: Don't worry, Mr. Wayne. Loren's with Sarina, I'm sure everything's
alri... Oh, he's gone. Now where
did I leave that radio?
Back inside the building...
Replacing the radio, Pi moves into the centre of the main hall.
Footsteps above confirm the presence of two, perhaps three other occupants
moving in his general direction. A quick glance confirms that the pre-
arranged exit window is still locked down. Pi is trapped inside just
like the rest of them.
Pi: Bugger. Well...since I'm here for the duration, I may as well get
something to eat...
As he moves off towards the kitchen, a second mysterious Englishman
waits momentarily before silently following...
<...Liana wrote...>
An ocean away, a quiet figure sits within the imposing dome of the
Radcliffe Camera, wearing the guise of a typical Oxford student, fumbling
her way through a routine essay crisis. Casting a quick glance around the
History section, she sees only an amorous couple giggling in a far corner.
The rest of the dome echoes with their muffled emanations. With a sigh of
annoyance, she turns to her laptop and logs on to a channel known only to
herself and a few key personnel...
Liana (typing): Mission - aborted. (muttering to herself) You just can't
trust an Englishman....
A message flashes in urgent red on the screen: Backup plan - NOW.
Her fingers hover tentatively over the keyboard, about to execute a
crucial command, when a second, vaguely English-looking figure slinks onto
the real-time surveillance screen of the main hall in Wayne Manor.
Liana: Who the hell...?!?
<...Sarina wrote...>
Meanwhile, Loren, Sarina, and Summer struggle down the hall to get to
the medkit in the kitchen. In the complete blackness of the steel-
enshrouded house, it is a rather arduous undertaking.
Sarina: (whispering) Loren, where's Bruce?
Loren: (whispering) Outside with Commisioner Gordon.
Sarina: (whispering) Maybe we should wait here. With the generator out...
the stairs, the broken glass on the floor...
Loren: (whispering) I don't want to leave the two of you here alone.
Sarina: (quietly) We won't be alone for long. Go on. I can take care of
Summer --
Summer: (loudly) No! No, I want to go with Loren!
Sarina and Loren calm Summer, then continue to struggle in the darkness
toward the kitchen. Sarina, meanwhile, removes the jewels from her neck,
ears and finger. As they walk down the hall toward the stairs, Sarina
feels along the wall. She finally comes to the huge plant she was looking
for and digs under the potting soil to bury the gems.
Loren: (whispering, disbelieving) What are you doing?!?
Sarina: (whispering) These are his mother's! I'm not taking any chances!
Loren: (whispering, annoyed) Thanks for that vote of confidence!
Sarina: (whispering) You know what I mean!
Suddenly, there's a loud noise downstairs, as the wheeled cart that
earlier held the birthday cake is bumped into a precariously perched buffet
table. The table crashes to the ground, sending trays and dishes flying.
Summer screams and Sarina covers her mouth futilely, as she feels back
along the wall, and drags Summer into the nearest bedroom. Loren moves off
towards the stairs, gun drawn.
Inside the room, Sarina slowly walks with Summer until they bump into
the bed.
Sarina: (whispering) Sit down, Summer, it's all right. Loren's going to
take care of it. Don't worry.
Sarina turns and feels her way back to the barely open door. She stands
there for a moment, listening intently. Nothing. She returns to Summer.
Sarina: (whispering) You've lost a lot of blood. I'll find something to --
Summer: (sobbing) I never thought it would end this way!
Sarina: (whispering) Shhh, Summer, it's okay. Help will be here soon...
I know he will...we've got to stay here until
he comes! Try to be
quiet now. We have to listen!
Both women turn and look toward the door. It slowly starts to open...
<...Pi wrote...>
Silhouetted in the doorway, his suit still retaining some of its
crisp characteristics, Pi slowly turns his walking cane in his fingers,
and the silver handle and tip gleam in the half-light.
Pi: Ah, Mrs. Wayne! I beg your pardon, Ms. *Wade*... So nice to make your
aquaintance. Summer... glad to see you're recovering...
Summer emits a scream, and dashes for the far corner. Her leg collides
with a table-leg and she falls. Rubbing the bruised shin, edging away
from the doorway, and still whimpering, she stares in horror at the two
figures.
Sarina: Who the hell are you? You're not on the guest list!!!
Pi: No, I'm afraid not. I was pressed to the rather unfortunate action of
gate-crashing your little soiree, by the failure of my invitation to
materialize - an oversight on your part, I'm sure. I'm afraid
that
there were simply too many opportunities available for me not to turn
up. You see, I've been trying to pin down your Mr. Wayne for
quite a
while.
Sarina: Why? What do you want with Bruce?
Pi: Well, not exactly "Bruce" himself, more the contents of his house.
There're many, many treasures that he and Thomas... that's his
late father, you understand...
Sarina: I *know* who his father is, you pompous, overbearing British twit!
Pi: ...yes, quite. Anyway, there's a collection of rather unique items
littered around the house... A picture or two that will fetch a
surprising amount on the black market... Some little mementos from
here and there. Nothing particularly immense, you understand, but
possibly of interest to certain...collectors.
Sarina: You mean you've engineered all this just for petty theft?
Pi: (Laughs) Oh, *believe* me, there's nothing petty about it. But no,
that's not my only interest...
With a flick of his thumb, a catch on the cane is released...
Summer: Oh no...
Pi: You see, there's an awful lot of security in this building, much
of it cutting edge...military in design and application...
With the sound of metal running over silk, the handle of the cane
slides outward, revealing a thin sliver of metal within...
Summer: Oh please, god, no...
Pi: ...far too much protection for the contents of this house, even too
much for the life of an idle billionaire playboy...
The blade now fully released, the sheath drops to the ground with a
clatter...
Pi: ...so I was hoping, dear Sarina (examining the blade) whether you
wouldn't consider it a great imposition (leveling the blade at
Sarina's throat) to tell me just what it is that dear
"Brucie"
considers so valuable...
And from the hallway beyond the door, a figure launches himself out of
the darkness, onto Pi's shoulders...
<...Loren wrote...>
Caught by surprise, Pi falls to the floor, with his blade narrowly
missing Sarina's throat. Loren pins Pi to the ground, and bangs his fists
against the British man's sword-arm, causing him to release his weapon.
The cop throws the sword toward the door, out of Pi's reach.
Loren: That's no way to treat a lady, buddy.
Pi: Ah, so you're my friend! I was beginning to wonder why you've got
that gun aimed at my head. :)
Loren picks Pi up, and forces him to confront Summer.
Loren: Is this the guy who cut you up, Summer?
Summer: Get him away from me! Please!
Pi: Come now, my dear, do I smell *that* bad? :)
Loren: That's enough outta you, whoever you are.
Pi extends one of his hands...
Pi: You're right, I haven't had the pleasure -- you may call me Pi...
Loren: Save it. Why'd you do it?
Pi: Whatever do you mean?
Sarina: You cut Summer up like that, didn't you?
Pi: Dear lady, I could never harm a girl like that.
Summer: It's him, it *has* to be --
The reporter starts to get dizzy, and tries to make it to the bed.
Summer: Loren, help...me...
She falls against the bed, and ends up on the floor.
Loren: Summer!
Loren rushes over, forgetting about Pi, who makes for the door, picks
up his sword and its sheath, and recedes into the dark hall.
Sarina: Loren, he got away!
Loren: Don't worry about him. Summer's unconscious. Listen, Sarina --
I'm gonna go to the kitchen to get that medkit. Take
this, and
don't be afraid to use it.
The detective hands Sarina his gun.
Sarina: But Loren...
Loren: I'll be alright. Just keep the door closed, and when I knock, say
"Barbara Gordon" and so you'll know it's
me, I'll answer with
"...loves Loren." :) If anyone says
anything else, shoot 'em.
Got it?
Sarina: Yeah, but...
Loren carefully lifts Summer up onto the bed, and whispers into her ear:
Loren: Don't worry, kid. After you're all better, I'll take you out to
the Palais Royale. How's that sound?
He brushes some of the hair away from Summer's face, and kisses her
lightly on the forehead.
Loren: I'll be right back. Just remember what I told you, Sarina.
Sarina: Please be careful, Loren!
And with that, he closes the door and heads for the kitchen. Once he
reaches the main stairway, he feels a gun barrel pushed against the back
of his neck.
JC: Stay right where you are.
Loren: JC, is that you?
JC lowers his gun.
JC: Hello, Lieutenant. I've been wondering where you've been...
Loren: There's another guy running around here. Says his name's Pi.
JC: What's *he* doing here?
Loren: You know him?
JC: I've...dealt with him before. I wonder...
Loren: Hey, JC...!
JC disappears, leaving Loren at the stairway. He treads down the
stairs, and sees the light on, somehow, in the kitchen. Pushing the swivel
door slightly open, he tries to see who's inside. He can only see the back
of the person's head.
Loren: Holy geez!
The lieutenant vaults toward the person, but he is rewarded with a
kick to the face, before he can get near enough.
Selina: Oh my god! I'm sorry... But then, I guess that gets you back for
forgetting about me last week. :)
Loren: Owwww!! Dammit, Selina, why're you still here?
Selina: Are you *that* naive? I'm a cat-burglar, remember?
Loren notices a long cut on Sarina's right arm.
Loren: Don't tell me he got to you, too... What happened?
Selina: It's nothing.
Loren takes hold of Selina's hand. She starts to flinch, but then
allows him to look at her arm.
Loren: Selina, you're bleeding pretty bad.
Selina: I've had worse.
Loren: It was that guy with the sword, right?
Selina: No, it was --
The lights in the kitchen go out, before she can finish her sentence.
Meanwhile, outside...
Bruce: Dick, what took you?
Dick: I just came back from... Hey, what happened --
Bruce: Wait...
They walk away from Jim Gordon and a few other cops, so that they can
talk in private.
Bruce: Alright.
Dick: Bruce, I don't know who turned on the signal, but when I got there,
all I found was this.
The billionaire's face turns even more grim than usual, once he sees
the piece of jewelry that Dick brought.
Bruce: Sarina's in *extreme* danger...
Dick: Mind telling me what's going on? How did the Manor...?
Bruce: We're stuck out here, Dick, and someone you've never --
The Commissioner runs over to the duo, interrupting them.
Gordon: Dick, have you seen my daughter anywhere?
Bruce: You mean, she didn't make it out...?
Dick: Barbara!!
And back in the bedroom... <knock knock knock>
Sarina: "Barbara Gordon"...
There is an uneasy silence, until...
???: ...knows how to party!
Sarina wastes no time, and fires Loren's gun at the door. A body
clumps to the floor outside. Cautiously, Sarina walks toward the door,
and opens it.
Sarina: Oh my god... Barbara!!
<...Pi wrote...>
Rubbing the slight bruise on his temple left by Lieutenant Di Iorio's
pistol, Pi moves quietly back towards the main hall. He's had plans
which have gone astray before, but having 4 or 5 people still in the
building is just pushing the boundaries of credibility! Resolving
to not underestimate the inhabitants of Gotham again, he slides the
broken remains of his radio out of his jacket, and peers at it in the
half-light.
Pi: Hmm... Smashed beyond repair. Typical...
JC: You can use mine if you like.
Pi whips around, sword-sheath flying across the room towards the voice.
With a satisfying 'stap' noise, JC catches the cane, and drops it behind
him.
Pi: Oh, for crying in a bucket...! (raising hands to the ceiling) I mean,
is this some kind of sick joke? How many people can get trapped
in
a building?!?
(to JC) Ok, so whose side is the suave Bond wannabe on *this* time?
JC: I think that question applies to you better. What's your interest in
Gotham, Pi? You generally stick to the Midlands and North London.
America is surely too bright and sunny for someone of your pasty
complexion.
Pi: Why do you think I picked Gotham? :-)
JC: Enough of this rubbish... Why've you been attacking Summer and
Miss Kyle?
Pi: You too? How many times do I have to say this: I have *not* been
attacking defenceless women! What gave you that impression?
JC: The blood on your clothes and blade?
Pi: Ah, yes... Well, the only tussle I've been in tonight is with that
red-headed vixen upstairs. Managed to get a nick on her hand
before
she gut-kicked me and ran off. Ruined a perfectly good shirt
too...
JC: But you said you hadn't been attacking defenceless...
Pi: Believe me, she was anything but defenceless! Anyone taking me down
in less than five seconds cannot be classed in that category.
I believe it took you a good half-hour last time?
JC: (looking peeved) Let's see if we can better that time, shall we?
Pi: I don't think so. I may have a habit of underestimating the Americans
and their aggression, but when it comes to you...
Pi hurls his sword at the wall next to JC. Momentarily distracted by
the apparently sloppy throw, he's caught off-guard by a side-kick to the
stomach, followed by a heavy blow to the back of the neck. Stunned and
having difficulty breathing, JC goes down.
Pi: ...I think I've got your measure. Incidentally, nice beard.
Leaving the sword in the wall, Pi unscrews the tip from his cane, and
and removes a small circular device.
Pi: Right. Alarm system... entrance hall, I think.
Chapter Two - Lost Love is a Labour
April 26, 1999
<...Loren wrote...>
One gunshot echoes throughout Wayne Manor.
In the main hall, Pi immediately moves behind a stone pillar, thinking
JC was shooting at him, but JC, in a white tuxedo and a fake beard,
manages to get up from the floor where Pi had knocked him out, slinking
around the corner to the east wing. He waits there, thinking that Pi
was shooting at *him*.
Where the kitchen lights had been on, Lt. Loren Di Iorio of the
GCPD's Special Investigations Unit, and Selina Kyle, in her new look as
a redhead, stand there in the darkness.
Loren: Somebody must've tried to walk into the bedroom where Sarina
and Summer are! She must've shot him!
Selina: Who?
Loren: The guy who's been cutting everybody up... Dammit, I can't find
the the medkit in the dark!
Selina: I found it before you came bursting in here. I had to try and
stop my arm from bleeding.
Loren: Okay, grab it, and take my hand. We've gotta get to the other
two! I just hope Sarina aimed well enough to keep
whoever it was
from trying to kill her and Summer.
The police officer and the cat burglar walk hand in hand, out of the
kitchen, across the hall, and slowly toward the west wing of the Manor.
Loren peers around the corner to the bedroom, where he left Bruce's
future wife and Gotham's star reporter.
Loren: Holy...
Sarina: Loren...? Oh god, Loren, I didn't mean to do it.
Selina and Loren walk toward Sarina, and the body of Barbara Gordon.
Loren: You shot *her*...?!?
Sarina: I didn't know! I didn't know it was her!!
Loren: Oh damn...! It wasn't your fault, Sarina... It was mine...
Dammit!!
Loren tries to find out where Barbara was shot, when Sarina gets up
and runs away, full of guilt.
Loren: Sarina, come back! The killer's still out there!
Selina: I'll go after her...
Loren: No, I'll get her. Patch Summer up - she's in the next room.
The police detective rises, and starts after Sarina.
Selina: What about Barbara?!?
Loren: She's fine. Majorly drunk, and her right hand's cut a little,
but she wasn't shot. Must've passed out. Sarina's got
a lousy
aim, thank god. Put her on the bed next to Summer,
alright?
Loren rounds the corner to the hall, and sees a pair of a woman's
legs disappear into a room, further along the west wing. He quickly
approaches the door, only to find it locked.
Loren: Come on, open the door. I'm not mad or anything.
The police officer continues to try the handle of the door, but it
still won't open. He walks a number of paces from it, then runs back
toward it at full speed, bursting through it with his shoulder. The
woman screams.
Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Manor, the reinforced steel doors
surrounding the balcony slide open, and the French doors unlock. A strong
breeze from outside blows them partly open, and a redhead, in a short,
lilac-colored dress pulls the doors open further, walking through them
onto the balcony.
And across the ocean, an operative disguised as an Oxford student
watches her computer screen in disbelief - a display linked directly to a
hidden camera in the hall of Wayne Manor - as a recognizable figure walks
out of Bruce Wayne's kitchen, toward the balcony. Two other agents look on
in similar amazement, from opposite ends of the main hall.
Liana: What the --
JC: -- hell are --
Pi: -- *you* doing here?!?
Back in the west wing...
Loren: Ronnie?!?
Bruce Wayne's stiff-nosed neighbor, Veronica Vreeland, hid behind the
bed, fearing for her life.
Loren: Ronnie, it's alright, it's me, Loren. What're you still in the
house for?
Veronica: Some psycho slashed...my face! :(
Miss Vreeland starts to sob, and as Loren draws closer, he can see a
large cut, along the length of her right cheek.
Loren: That's a pretty nasty cut you've got there.
She cries a *lot* louder.
Loren: Listen, there's a medkit in a room down the hall. Selina Kyle's
in there, and she'll stop the bleeding for you, until
we can get
out of here.
Veronica: I'll never be able to show my face at the Ritz again! :(
Loren: You kidding? With your kinda money, a plastic surgeon can fix you
up no problem!
Veronica: Really?
Loren: Sure! You'll look even cuter than you already do!
Veronica: My face is *bleeding*! I can't possibly look beautiful now!
Loren: The blood'll be gone as soon as Selina fixes you up. You're a
ravishing woman, Veronica, and you can't let
something like this
change that. I'm telling you, you're gorgeous!
Miss Vreeland stops crying, and finally cracks a smile.
Loren: Now, listen...this is *very* important: who was the guy that did
this to you?
She looks down, thinks for a moment, then looks at Loren again.
Veronica: It was... Batman!
Chapter Three - My Guest Is Your Guess
July 18, 1999
<...Loren wrote...>
Sarina walks out onto the balcony, trying to catch her breath. She
still can't believe that she shot Barbara Gordon.
Sarina: Loren will never forgive me for that... Why wasn't I thinking?!?
Oh god - I actually *killed* someone... With a
gun! When Bruce
finds out, he'll *never* want to marry me!
A short distance behind her, at the entrance to the balcony, a shadowy
figure emerges...
???: SARINA WADE! ...Your angel of death awaits!!
Sarina: *You*!!!
The Phantasm starts toward Bruce Wayne's fiancee, who leans against the
railing. Andrea Beaumont removes her cape and cowl, and edges closer to
Sarina, axe-hand outstretched.
Andrea: It's taken me a long time to track you down, you tramp. You never
had your picture in the paper, you know...
Sarina: Bruce and I planned it that way, so I'd be safe from crazy freaks
like you!
Andrea: There was only one time when I might've been a little crazy, and
that was whenever Bruce and I made... well, I'm
sure he told you
*all* the juicy details...
Sarina becomes infuriated, and runs toward Andrea. Miss Beaumont kicks
Miss Wade clear across to the left side of the balcony, and Sarina
struggles to get up.
Andrea: I'm gonna enjoy this...
Loren: Andrea, stop!!
From between the french doors, and without his sidearm, the GCPD
officer garners the attention of Andrea Beaumont. Their eyes meet, and the
woman who operates as the smoke-laden Phantasm pauses a moment, as if both
of them, at that instant, were sharing the same memory...
***
On the deck of a cruise liner, sailing away from Gotham, a young patrol
officer on leave from the GCPD, beckoned to a somber-looking redhead...
Loren: I said, it's quite a sight...
The redhead turned slightly, to see who had been talking to her - the
patrol officer, in suit, tie, and party hat, held his champagne glass
toward the Gotham cityscape. Andrea turned back toward the city, clearly
in despair.
Andrea: Oh. Yes.
Loren: I'm sorry...did you want to be alone?
Andrea: I am...
Loren: ...care to talk about it?
Andrea: No. Thank you.
Loren: Look, I don't mean to be rude, but...
Andrea: Then leave me alone!
The melancholy redhead began to sob...
Andrea: I'm...sorry...!
...then she started to run away. Feeling that he was somehow at fault,
the young officer decided to follow her...
***
Andrea: Loren... It's been so long...
More than words passed between them that night long ago, and now,
another desperate situation had reunited them.
Loren: Andrea, why are you doing this?
Andrea: Please don't ask me that... I don't want to hurt you.
The special investigations officer takes several steps toward Miss
Beaumont.
Loren: I won't let you kill her.
Andrea: I *have* to! I never should have given Bruce his ring ba--
In the moment it takes Andrea to try and finally bare the truth to
Loren, a small, metallic object whirs through the air - a batarang! -
and hits Andrea behind her right shoulder. She staggers.
Sarina: *That's* for calling me a tramp!
Loren attempts to make a dash at Andrea, but she pulls a handgun out
from behind her back, aiming it at Sarina! Loren stops moving. Sarina
freezes, as she stares at the gun pointed at her.
Loren: Andy, *please*... Give me the gun.
She looks toward Sarina, then back at Loren, keeping her gun locked on
Miss Wade.
Andrea: I... I can't...!
Instantly, she jerks her head at Sarina, and pulls the trigger.
Loren: Andrea, *NO*!!
A smooth bullet races through the air, and finds its target... Andrea
falls to the ground. Sarina opens her eyes, to learn that she's not dead
after all. The gunshot came from somewhere else...but who...?
???: It's only fair that I get to scratch you back. But this time, you
didn't win our little catfight.
Sarina: Selina?!?
Loren and Sarina look toward Selina with relief and disbelief,
respectively. And while their backs are turned, Andrea hobbles to the
railing. Selina raises the gun she's carrying, and prepares to shoot at
Andrea again, but Loren blocks her line of sight!
Loren: No! Don't do it...
Selina: What're you doing?!? Get out of the way!
Loren: No...
Andrea: Funny... Just when I need you, you save me again...
I should've stayed with you, Loren...
And with that, she climbs atop the railing, and steps off it! Loren
darts over to the edge...but all he can see is the midnight water at the
bottom of the bluffs. On his face is the same look Andrea bore years ago,
back on the cruise ship, beyond the reach of Gotham's shadow.
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