Post by Bruce Wayne - The Batman on Jul 25, 2015 2:59:59 GMT
It had been close to three weeks since making my return to Gotham City and it's been a ride to say the least. I've managed to touch base with John Blake who was now serving Bludhaven as a guardian known as 'Nightwing.' Old foes like The Joker was still around, causing chaos whenever he got the chance- new criminals this Anarky individual who thinks of himself as a revolutionist has popped up and taken control of Gotham's airwaves a few times.. all in hopes to spread the message that they are in control. Someone also was using cryogenics to prove a point that they wouldn't be taken for granted.. with a 'Redface' vigilante who had the right idea by eliminating crime but doing it in a manner I couldn't respect with murder. And when speaking of control, how could I forget to mention dumb and dumber in Cobblepot and Sionis, they finally grew up and got their gang together to form a formidable force in my absence. It seemed like the shots didn't stop rolling in, whether it was an attempt on Cobblepot's life at a festival that was supposed to celebrate sacrifice- or Harvey Dent's resurrection.. even the death of innocents with The Grayson, the city needed someone to and I would give it to them. Bruce Wayne had always been a polarizing figure, I portrayed myself as a not-too-bright playboy that did donate large sums of cash to different charities but the public perception of me was that I was stupid- unable to form a coherent thought and needed Alfred to do everything for me.. and it was time to shift that focus. Requesting Vale was my idea, it was time that Gotham learned I was alive and well and in an attempt to draw some attention away from Cobblepot's campaign that had momentum behind it.. I would walk out of the shadows.. just like I did 10 years ago when I returned to Gotham from hell on Earth with Ra's. I made sure to keep myself concealed as I didn't want to tip off my presence, all as Alfred took center stage in the main living quarters- the camera crew and Vicki Vale was getting everything figured out. While the camera-man looked for the perfect shot, Alfred was beneath the light and for the first time in a while I managed to see how much he had aged over the course of the three years I was gone. The bags beneath his eyes wasn't just from a lack of rest, but from his body not being able to withstand everyday events. I had taken for granted that he'd be around forever, he was Alfred after all.. a man I believed to be immortal. Vale hadn't changed a bit since the last time I saw her, she still had that pretty face and loud red-hair, I didn't know what it was with Gotham and red heads but it seemed to be a thing these days. Setting up a stool directly across from Alfred, I saw Vale cue the camera-man to kill the bright light above him.. it dimmed as the camera man gave Vicki the thumbs up, all as she begun to speak.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, my name is Vicki Vale.. welcome to a special edition of a live broadcast for the Gotham Gazette. Earlier this evening we were sent a request from Mister Alfred Pennyworth, all in hopes to.. well.. I don't know. Mister Pennyworth, why are we here tonight?"
Running my hand over my freshly shaved face, I'd let Alfred milk the situation for a bit before it'd all go down as we planned.
"I'd like to first thank the fine publication that is the Gotham Gazette to give me the opportunity to have the platform to speak on such an important matter. In no way, shape, of form did I mean to take away attention from any of the other events happening through Gotham City but I felt that this would be the best chance to lay everything out on the table."
"And what exactly do you have to lay on the table? For those who do not know who Alfred Pennyworth is, please- introduce yourself to our audience."
"I've served as a butler for the Wayne Family since 1959. Originally, I worked for Mister Thomas and Missus Martha Wayne until Master Bruce was born."
"And since Bruce Wayne's disappearance in 2012 during the incident that left Gotham crippled, you were named the sole heir of the Wayne Estate, correct?"
"That is correct."
"Now that we've got that into the open.. before we move any forward, there's been a recent spike in activity in renovation here at Wayne Manor, what's going on? We've been told that in Bruce Wayne's will, he left the deed to Wayne Manor to the city as long as it was used as a home for displaced children and teenagers, did you regain custody of the property when the city decided to vacate the premises and use a different location for the orphanage?"
"That is also correct. Master Bruce's wishes were not met.. this is no time to get into specifics, but it was listed through the legal jargon that yes, I would receive the deed to the land and home back if the city decided to not honor Master Bruce's wishes."
"Then why the renovations?"
"That's why you're here tonight Miss Vale. As you know, Master Bruce always was a fan of your honesty, even when you targeted him as a 'selfish, self-centered pig.' He found your writing articulate and truthful, which is why it was decided that you were the one that would break the news to the rest of the world. Feel honored Miss Vale, this is a great victory in your career."
Vicki and I had a few dates in the past, but nothing ever came of it. She wanted to further her career and I didn't have time to be that leaping-pad. That article that Alfred referenced? It was done because I broke up with her on Valentine's Day.. it was scathing. I did like the portion of it where she called me out for being an immature, self-centered child in an adult's body.. and to think, had I kept the reservations at the bistro in the city, I'd had been portrayed in a different light. I couldn't help but to let a smile cross my face, Vicki was beautiful- she had a sharp tongue but she did manage to get herself into trouble with some of the tigers of the concrete jungle due to her inability to NOT leave well enough alone.
"Well.. I can't appreciate the honor unless I know.. what it is.."
"Very true. So in that case.. Miss Vale, allow me to relinquish the light and give it to the man who deserves it.."
Alfred stood up and looked toward the door I was standing behind.. I caught the glimpse of Vale and her crew trying to figure out what Alfred was talking about.. but within seconds, they knew. I moved past the door, her eyes lit up as I noticed a cold chill in the air.. it was as if the crew had seen a ghost. Their faces went flush- all coloring was loss as I moved forward and exchanged a handshake and light hug with Alfred before taking a seat across of Vicki Vale.. the look on her face was something I had seen before- she fumbled for thoughts, attempting to figure out what exactly could be said to get ANYTHING out of her lips.
"Uhh.. y- you're.. alive?!"
"I am. It's nice to see you again Vicki."
I could see the headlines popping up across the screen now.. "BRUCE WAYNE.. ALIVE" and it caused me to smile- but Vicki would take it as she was the reason behind it.
"Br- Wow.. Where have you been!? You were declared dead by the city!"
"I.. It's complicated. To Alfred's knowledge, I was in fact dead.. he didn't know where I was and what had happened, but I'm going to break it down for the world right now. During the incident, Wayne Manor was stormed and I was taken against my will by a group of thugs who wanted to use me as a hostage to gain themselves a nice pay-day. In order to protect Alfred from the situation, I had sent him home on vacation as I was dealing with disparaging and threatening letters regarding what they would do to me if I didn't pay them a specific sum of money."
"How much did they want? And who are these people!?"
"They wanted five hundred million dollars and for me to sign over my share of stock of Wayne Enterprises to their organization. Who they are.. that's where it gets complex. They don't go by one name, it's a multi-layered terrorist organization. To protect myself and those close to me, I won't name them."
"You said you were held hostage, how did you get free?"
"I don't know where exactly I was being held, but I was there up until two nights ago. I was safely returned back to Gotham by two individuals- one of whom I understand works as a.. protector of Bludhaven, a vigilante by the name of.. Nightwing?"
"Soo.. Nightwing saved you!?"
"He did."
Blake, you owed me for this one.
"And who was the other man?!"
"The Bat."
"HE'S ALIVE?! I THOUGHT HE DIED IN THE EXPLOSION!?"
"Vicki.. What he did was best for Gotham City at the time. He knew that by being here, he would bring forth more of those who wanted to destroy the city.. and in his absence, he knew crime would grow but he has absolute faith in the Gotham City Police Department to keep it in check. As I was brought back, he spoke very little but he did manage to inform me that Commissioner Jim Gordon was doing all he could with all he had to keep the city as safe as possible."
"So you're.. now a liaison between The Bat and the City?!"
"No.. Absolutely not. I wouldn't want to be a man who spoke for him."
"Why has he been gone since 2012? Why did he feel the need to fake his death?"
Answering this would be tricky as a too thought out reply wouldn't just kill the perception I've built for myself as a numb-skull with money, but a smarter criminal might get the idea that I was The Bat.. and the last thing I needed was more attention being brought to Wayne Manor. I kept the house under lock and key, managing to hide away its most valuable secrets, but it only took one to keep digging.. eventually they'd find something.
"Miss Vale, I am extremely uncomfortable speaking for him but I can say that from my perspective, he didn't want to serve as a threat to Gotham City any longer. I don't mean to insult who he is and what he has given this city, but under his tenure as 'guardian' or whatever he wanted to call it.. we've dealt with several domestic and foreign terrorist attacks. The Joker managed to raise chaos through the city, destroying Gotham General in the process all as he took countless lives. Then of course, there was the incident.. then I was kidnapped all in the same time period.. I feel that The Batman, whoever he may be.. realized that he wasn't doing the city any favors and wanted to exile himself to spare it from any more problems. That's my honest guest, I really have no idea why he's decided to leave and not come back. Maybe Nightwing.. the man he was working with has a better understanding?"
"I see.. and we'll have someone attempt to get a word with him. But.. now that you're back Bruce.. what are you looking to do?"
"I'd.. like to eat a nice pizza for starters. I haven't had a properly prepared meal in quite some time. I also would like to check out the Gotham Knights and the new stadium and I've heard that they're good and are doing the city justice in their name. Other than that, I just want to have my life return to the way it was before it all went to hell.."
I don't know if Vicki thought I was making a reference in her direction about having things restored to what they were, but I surely was not. My heart was set on Selina, and despite her disappearing.. AGAIN, she'd pop back up and find a way to catch my attention.
"What happens now in regards to Wayne Enterprises? Lucius Fox has one a superb job running the company since you've been gone, are you going to take control back?"
"Mister Fox and I will sit down and talk business once everything calms down. I appreciate Mister Fox's effort to grow Wayne Enterprises, he's done- as you said- a superb job and if the decision is made to appoint myself back to the board of trustees and regain my position of CEO, Lucius Fox's sacrifices will not be forgotten, I can assure him that."
Did I want to run the company again? No.. But it was all about public image, and to be Bruce Wayne the business-man, I might have to. Lucius and I have had several conversations since I've gotten back and he's told me that it'd best if I do regain control of the company, but it's not something I want to do just yet. I wanted to be able to step out in Gotham without having to sign documents and make calls to buy or sale stock in companies. For the first time in a while, I wanted to experience freedom.
"Well.. Bruce.. Mister Wayne.. I'm sure you've managed to send the world into an uproar, it seems as if hash-tag Bruce Wayne is trending on Twitter as we speak. In regards to the city, have you had the chance to catch up with recent happenings? Like, the tragic events at The Grey Knight Festival? Oswald Cobblepot's return to Gotham and pledge to run for Mayor and turn the city around? Or even the recently returned Harvey Dent after it was announced that Mister Cobblepot had kept him alive and in a medically induced coma!?"
"I.. have not. Oswald returned? Wow.. It's.. been a while since I've seen him, I can't wait until we can sit down and talk about old times!"
"Indeed Mister Wayne, Mister Cobblepot is said to be the heavy favorite heading into the election..."
.. oh, he was heavy alright.
"That's.. I don't even know what to say about it all. Between Oswald and Harvey's return, it's a great day for Gotham. Together, I know that we can make this city great again. Dent has proved that he is a valuable part of the cog that makes the machine tick and Oswald has a track record of being successful as a politician. What a great time to return.."
"So you're endorsing Cobblepot for Mayor!?"
".. I didn't say that. I don't know who will be running against him, that wouldn't be fair to his opponent for me to blindly endorse Oswald's run for Mayor! Miss Vale, as you know.. I'm all about fairness and equality, if I am not.. I'd be setting a terrible example for the children."
"Understandable. But Bruce, we've gone over the half an hour mark and need to get back to regularly scheduled programmed television.. is there anything else you'd want to say to the people of Gotham City? I know you've been gone for a while, held prisoner against your will.. but now that you're back.. is there anything on your mind?"
"Yes Vicki, there is. In regards to the tragic event at The Grey Knight Festival with The Darin' Flyin' Graysons, I understand that they left behind.. their son?"
"That is correct- seventeen year old Richard "Ricky" Grayson."
"Well.. Alfred and I decided in my short time back that we'd open Wayne Manor up and use it in the light that it was SUPPOSED to be used as- so I'm going to be holding a fundraiser for Ricky Grayson to cover all expenses of his parent's funeral, and also- if he decides- that all money raised will be put forth to an account that can be used to pay his way through college."
"Wow!"
"We have yet to decide when the fundraiser will be, an official announcement will be made soon regarding that.. and the public is invited."
".. Bruce.. why the renovations? It started last week, why are you having Wayne Manor fixed?"
"After a property assessment, Alfred was notified of termite infestation, so construction needed to be done to clear it out. Also, you've gotta figure that after a fire ravaged my home ten years ago and the estate itself being close to one-hundred sixty-three years old.. it's always nice to spice things up a bit."
Winking in her direction as I shot a smirk off, I saw her blush just a bit.
"Well Bruce.. Welcome back! But my name is Vicki Vale and on the heels of this historic evening, we have to let you go. On behalf of The Gotham Gazette, Alfred Pennyworth and of course, Bruce Wayne.. Good night Gotham!"
The camera man signaled the line being cut, all as they kept looking at me like I was a specter. I enjoyed it, there wasn't stupid questions that'd prod into my story, I didn't need to worry about stumbling over my own feet to keep my true past hidden. As I stood up, Alfred gave me a confident nod and smile, all as Vicki stood up as well and stepped toward me.
"I've missed you Bruce.. let's have dinner when you're free.. we should catch up."
"I'd love to Vicki, once everything settles down.. you'll be the first person I call- I promise."
I fired off another nod in her way, all as she did the same as she turned around and helped her crew pack up. As they were busy doing so, I moved toward the door that lead into Wayne Manor and for the first time in close to 1,095 days.. I opened it and stood there, breathing in the smell of pollution, crime and havoc.. but it was what made Gotham City special. After a few minutes, Vicki and her crew headed out, she gave me one last smile before stepping into the van- the driver took off down the driveway, leaving just Alfred and I.
"You think they bought it?"
"Hook.. Line.. and Sinker, Master Bruce."
"Good. Now that's out of the way, I'm able to move around freely and figure out what's going on with this Anarky person.. and also how we're going to fix the Wallace West problem at hand. So much to do with so little time.. Feels like the old days Alfred!"
"Indeed it does."
"You think Selina saw that? The overly flirtatious wink.. it's a way to let her know who's boss."
"Oh, I'm sure Miss Kyle was seated somewhere.. with hands full of diamonds and gold while eating the finest can of caviare in the city just loathing the fact that Vicki Vale currently is in Bruce Wayne's cross-hairs!"
"Sarcasm, Alfred?"
"Ir's what we do, sir."
"Excellent point."
Alfred chuckled and stepped out of the room, leaving me to be alone in my thoughts of the moment. It was good being back.. it wouldn't be good having people lined up at my door to get a word with me for their publication or news feature.. but it was the risk I had to take. Hiding in Wayne Manor didn't work so well, not when I continued to get the visitors I did. But that was all in the past, it was a new day and.. with Bruce Wayne back- it was soon time to pay the orphanage a visit, Ricky Grayson and I needed to sit down and talk.. there's a lot we could learn from each other.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, my name is Vicki Vale.. welcome to a special edition of a live broadcast for the Gotham Gazette. Earlier this evening we were sent a request from Mister Alfred Pennyworth, all in hopes to.. well.. I don't know. Mister Pennyworth, why are we here tonight?"
Running my hand over my freshly shaved face, I'd let Alfred milk the situation for a bit before it'd all go down as we planned.
"I'd like to first thank the fine publication that is the Gotham Gazette to give me the opportunity to have the platform to speak on such an important matter. In no way, shape, of form did I mean to take away attention from any of the other events happening through Gotham City but I felt that this would be the best chance to lay everything out on the table."
"And what exactly do you have to lay on the table? For those who do not know who Alfred Pennyworth is, please- introduce yourself to our audience."
"I've served as a butler for the Wayne Family since 1959. Originally, I worked for Mister Thomas and Missus Martha Wayne until Master Bruce was born."
"And since Bruce Wayne's disappearance in 2012 during the incident that left Gotham crippled, you were named the sole heir of the Wayne Estate, correct?"
"That is correct."
"Now that we've got that into the open.. before we move any forward, there's been a recent spike in activity in renovation here at Wayne Manor, what's going on? We've been told that in Bruce Wayne's will, he left the deed to Wayne Manor to the city as long as it was used as a home for displaced children and teenagers, did you regain custody of the property when the city decided to vacate the premises and use a different location for the orphanage?"
"That is also correct. Master Bruce's wishes were not met.. this is no time to get into specifics, but it was listed through the legal jargon that yes, I would receive the deed to the land and home back if the city decided to not honor Master Bruce's wishes."
"Then why the renovations?"
"That's why you're here tonight Miss Vale. As you know, Master Bruce always was a fan of your honesty, even when you targeted him as a 'selfish, self-centered pig.' He found your writing articulate and truthful, which is why it was decided that you were the one that would break the news to the rest of the world. Feel honored Miss Vale, this is a great victory in your career."
Vicki and I had a few dates in the past, but nothing ever came of it. She wanted to further her career and I didn't have time to be that leaping-pad. That article that Alfred referenced? It was done because I broke up with her on Valentine's Day.. it was scathing. I did like the portion of it where she called me out for being an immature, self-centered child in an adult's body.. and to think, had I kept the reservations at the bistro in the city, I'd had been portrayed in a different light. I couldn't help but to let a smile cross my face, Vicki was beautiful- she had a sharp tongue but she did manage to get herself into trouble with some of the tigers of the concrete jungle due to her inability to NOT leave well enough alone.
"Well.. I can't appreciate the honor unless I know.. what it is.."
"Very true. So in that case.. Miss Vale, allow me to relinquish the light and give it to the man who deserves it.."
Alfred stood up and looked toward the door I was standing behind.. I caught the glimpse of Vale and her crew trying to figure out what Alfred was talking about.. but within seconds, they knew. I moved past the door, her eyes lit up as I noticed a cold chill in the air.. it was as if the crew had seen a ghost. Their faces went flush- all coloring was loss as I moved forward and exchanged a handshake and light hug with Alfred before taking a seat across of Vicki Vale.. the look on her face was something I had seen before- she fumbled for thoughts, attempting to figure out what exactly could be said to get ANYTHING out of her lips.
"Uhh.. y- you're.. alive?!"
"I am. It's nice to see you again Vicki."
I could see the headlines popping up across the screen now.. "BRUCE WAYNE.. ALIVE" and it caused me to smile- but Vicki would take it as she was the reason behind it.
"Br- Wow.. Where have you been!? You were declared dead by the city!"
"I.. It's complicated. To Alfred's knowledge, I was in fact dead.. he didn't know where I was and what had happened, but I'm going to break it down for the world right now. During the incident, Wayne Manor was stormed and I was taken against my will by a group of thugs who wanted to use me as a hostage to gain themselves a nice pay-day. In order to protect Alfred from the situation, I had sent him home on vacation as I was dealing with disparaging and threatening letters regarding what they would do to me if I didn't pay them a specific sum of money."
"How much did they want? And who are these people!?"
"They wanted five hundred million dollars and for me to sign over my share of stock of Wayne Enterprises to their organization. Who they are.. that's where it gets complex. They don't go by one name, it's a multi-layered terrorist organization. To protect myself and those close to me, I won't name them."
"You said you were held hostage, how did you get free?"
"I don't know where exactly I was being held, but I was there up until two nights ago. I was safely returned back to Gotham by two individuals- one of whom I understand works as a.. protector of Bludhaven, a vigilante by the name of.. Nightwing?"
"Soo.. Nightwing saved you!?"
"He did."
Blake, you owed me for this one.
"And who was the other man?!"
"The Bat."
"HE'S ALIVE?! I THOUGHT HE DIED IN THE EXPLOSION!?"
"Vicki.. What he did was best for Gotham City at the time. He knew that by being here, he would bring forth more of those who wanted to destroy the city.. and in his absence, he knew crime would grow but he has absolute faith in the Gotham City Police Department to keep it in check. As I was brought back, he spoke very little but he did manage to inform me that Commissioner Jim Gordon was doing all he could with all he had to keep the city as safe as possible."
"So you're.. now a liaison between The Bat and the City?!"
"No.. Absolutely not. I wouldn't want to be a man who spoke for him."
"Why has he been gone since 2012? Why did he feel the need to fake his death?"
Answering this would be tricky as a too thought out reply wouldn't just kill the perception I've built for myself as a numb-skull with money, but a smarter criminal might get the idea that I was The Bat.. and the last thing I needed was more attention being brought to Wayne Manor. I kept the house under lock and key, managing to hide away its most valuable secrets, but it only took one to keep digging.. eventually they'd find something.
"Miss Vale, I am extremely uncomfortable speaking for him but I can say that from my perspective, he didn't want to serve as a threat to Gotham City any longer. I don't mean to insult who he is and what he has given this city, but under his tenure as 'guardian' or whatever he wanted to call it.. we've dealt with several domestic and foreign terrorist attacks. The Joker managed to raise chaos through the city, destroying Gotham General in the process all as he took countless lives. Then of course, there was the incident.. then I was kidnapped all in the same time period.. I feel that The Batman, whoever he may be.. realized that he wasn't doing the city any favors and wanted to exile himself to spare it from any more problems. That's my honest guest, I really have no idea why he's decided to leave and not come back. Maybe Nightwing.. the man he was working with has a better understanding?"
"I see.. and we'll have someone attempt to get a word with him. But.. now that you're back Bruce.. what are you looking to do?"
"I'd.. like to eat a nice pizza for starters. I haven't had a properly prepared meal in quite some time. I also would like to check out the Gotham Knights and the new stadium and I've heard that they're good and are doing the city justice in their name. Other than that, I just want to have my life return to the way it was before it all went to hell.."
I don't know if Vicki thought I was making a reference in her direction about having things restored to what they were, but I surely was not. My heart was set on Selina, and despite her disappearing.. AGAIN, she'd pop back up and find a way to catch my attention.
"What happens now in regards to Wayne Enterprises? Lucius Fox has one a superb job running the company since you've been gone, are you going to take control back?"
"Mister Fox and I will sit down and talk business once everything calms down. I appreciate Mister Fox's effort to grow Wayne Enterprises, he's done- as you said- a superb job and if the decision is made to appoint myself back to the board of trustees and regain my position of CEO, Lucius Fox's sacrifices will not be forgotten, I can assure him that."
Did I want to run the company again? No.. But it was all about public image, and to be Bruce Wayne the business-man, I might have to. Lucius and I have had several conversations since I've gotten back and he's told me that it'd best if I do regain control of the company, but it's not something I want to do just yet. I wanted to be able to step out in Gotham without having to sign documents and make calls to buy or sale stock in companies. For the first time in a while, I wanted to experience freedom.
"Well.. Bruce.. Mister Wayne.. I'm sure you've managed to send the world into an uproar, it seems as if hash-tag Bruce Wayne is trending on Twitter as we speak. In regards to the city, have you had the chance to catch up with recent happenings? Like, the tragic events at The Grey Knight Festival? Oswald Cobblepot's return to Gotham and pledge to run for Mayor and turn the city around? Or even the recently returned Harvey Dent after it was announced that Mister Cobblepot had kept him alive and in a medically induced coma!?"
"I.. have not. Oswald returned? Wow.. It's.. been a while since I've seen him, I can't wait until we can sit down and talk about old times!"
"Indeed Mister Wayne, Mister Cobblepot is said to be the heavy favorite heading into the election..."
.. oh, he was heavy alright.
"That's.. I don't even know what to say about it all. Between Oswald and Harvey's return, it's a great day for Gotham. Together, I know that we can make this city great again. Dent has proved that he is a valuable part of the cog that makes the machine tick and Oswald has a track record of being successful as a politician. What a great time to return.."
"So you're endorsing Cobblepot for Mayor!?"
".. I didn't say that. I don't know who will be running against him, that wouldn't be fair to his opponent for me to blindly endorse Oswald's run for Mayor! Miss Vale, as you know.. I'm all about fairness and equality, if I am not.. I'd be setting a terrible example for the children."
"Understandable. But Bruce, we've gone over the half an hour mark and need to get back to regularly scheduled programmed television.. is there anything else you'd want to say to the people of Gotham City? I know you've been gone for a while, held prisoner against your will.. but now that you're back.. is there anything on your mind?"
"Yes Vicki, there is. In regards to the tragic event at The Grey Knight Festival with The Darin' Flyin' Graysons, I understand that they left behind.. their son?"
"That is correct- seventeen year old Richard "Ricky" Grayson."
"Well.. Alfred and I decided in my short time back that we'd open Wayne Manor up and use it in the light that it was SUPPOSED to be used as- so I'm going to be holding a fundraiser for Ricky Grayson to cover all expenses of his parent's funeral, and also- if he decides- that all money raised will be put forth to an account that can be used to pay his way through college."
"Wow!"
"We have yet to decide when the fundraiser will be, an official announcement will be made soon regarding that.. and the public is invited."
".. Bruce.. why the renovations? It started last week, why are you having Wayne Manor fixed?"
"After a property assessment, Alfred was notified of termite infestation, so construction needed to be done to clear it out. Also, you've gotta figure that after a fire ravaged my home ten years ago and the estate itself being close to one-hundred sixty-three years old.. it's always nice to spice things up a bit."
Winking in her direction as I shot a smirk off, I saw her blush just a bit.
"Well Bruce.. Welcome back! But my name is Vicki Vale and on the heels of this historic evening, we have to let you go. On behalf of The Gotham Gazette, Alfred Pennyworth and of course, Bruce Wayne.. Good night Gotham!"
The camera man signaled the line being cut, all as they kept looking at me like I was a specter. I enjoyed it, there wasn't stupid questions that'd prod into my story, I didn't need to worry about stumbling over my own feet to keep my true past hidden. As I stood up, Alfred gave me a confident nod and smile, all as Vicki stood up as well and stepped toward me.
"I've missed you Bruce.. let's have dinner when you're free.. we should catch up."
"I'd love to Vicki, once everything settles down.. you'll be the first person I call- I promise."
I fired off another nod in her way, all as she did the same as she turned around and helped her crew pack up. As they were busy doing so, I moved toward the door that lead into Wayne Manor and for the first time in close to 1,095 days.. I opened it and stood there, breathing in the smell of pollution, crime and havoc.. but it was what made Gotham City special. After a few minutes, Vicki and her crew headed out, she gave me one last smile before stepping into the van- the driver took off down the driveway, leaving just Alfred and I.
"You think they bought it?"
"Hook.. Line.. and Sinker, Master Bruce."
"Good. Now that's out of the way, I'm able to move around freely and figure out what's going on with this Anarky person.. and also how we're going to fix the Wallace West problem at hand. So much to do with so little time.. Feels like the old days Alfred!"
"Indeed it does."
"You think Selina saw that? The overly flirtatious wink.. it's a way to let her know who's boss."
"Oh, I'm sure Miss Kyle was seated somewhere.. with hands full of diamonds and gold while eating the finest can of caviare in the city just loathing the fact that Vicki Vale currently is in Bruce Wayne's cross-hairs!"
"Sarcasm, Alfred?"
"Ir's what we do, sir."
"Excellent point."
Alfred chuckled and stepped out of the room, leaving me to be alone in my thoughts of the moment. It was good being back.. it wouldn't be good having people lined up at my door to get a word with me for their publication or news feature.. but it was the risk I had to take. Hiding in Wayne Manor didn't work so well, not when I continued to get the visitors I did. But that was all in the past, it was a new day and.. with Bruce Wayne back- it was soon time to pay the orphanage a visit, Ricky Grayson and I needed to sit down and talk.. there's a lot we could learn from each other.