Post Diluvium

5

It's a cold and rainy night in Gotham. Just like every other night. I walk through one of Gotham's many shantytowns. The alleyways are practically empty beside a few people huddling around a fire to stay warm. I walk up to an abandoned building, pulling the tarp back, entering through a hole in the wall.

I turn on my night vision as I walk through the building, stepping over people. It's sad. It's infuriating. There are probably 100 people in this building alone. Kids. Elderly. Gotham continues to fail its people.

Many of the folks who are still awake, notice me. I hear shuffling, as people try to remain hidden. Others stand watch, guarding themselves and others. Distant coughs and a crying child echo through the walls.

I stand in the middle of the room, "I got a job, any takers?"

"Depends," A voice said, emerging from the darkness.

He's a young man, no older than 15.

"Depends on what?" I asked

"How much you paying?" He asked, looking me over

I hold up 200 dollars. His eyes light up. He walks forward, trying to grab the money.

"Hey, hold on." I said pulling the money back, "What's your name?" I asked

"Kurtis" He answered

"Ok, Kurtis. I need you to do something for me. It's very important that you do exactly what I say, so you don't get caught." I said sternly, pulling out an envelope, handing it over to Kurtis.

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The Bank of Gotham. Where all the rich and privileged keep the money of the people they exploited. Marble floors. Columns. Gold vault. Gaudy and tasteless in a city where a vast majority of its citizens live below the poverty line.

CRASH!

The glass door shatters as Kurtis runs away, laughing. The bank alarm wails, lights flash. Security pulls up on golf carts, guns and flashlights drawn. They step over the broken glass, sweeping the building making sure it was empty.

They spot a brick on the floor with a note attached to it. One of the guards grabs the note, reading the envelope. He taps the other guard on the shoulder, letting him read it as well.

"Oh shit..." The guard whispered, looking at an envelope addressed 'To The Batman'

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The bank goes on lockdown. Bomb squad exits the building. Swat surrounds all the exits. Helicopters circle around.

Lieutenant Gordon enters the scene, lifting up the police tape. He walks up to Martinez, a GCPD officer. Gordon looks over the brick and the note, reaching down, picking it up with a gloved hand. Everyone is on pins and needles. Cautious. Terrified of what this note may hold for Gotham.

Martinez shakily holds the flashlight for Gordon as he reads it.

Gordon looks it over, "What else did you find?"

"Nothing sir. Cameras just show some kid throwing it and taking off" Martinez replied

"Did you find him?" Gordon asked

"No sir. He must have known the guard schedule. He waited until they were changing shifts" Martinez answered

Gordon looks over to the vault, walking away from the brick "And nothing was taken?"

"No sir" Martinez informed

Gordon looks out the window, watching the bomb squad leave, "Bomb squad?"

Martinez shrugs, "They found nothing...Do you think it's the Riddler?"