The Batman (2022) | Oneshots

2. Defense Mechanisms

When Bruce arrives at the GCPD, Gordon is waiting for him by the bat signal as usual.

"Glad you could make it, Batman," Gordon says. He looks tired as he pinches the bridge of his nose. "I, uh... I figured you'd want to know about this."

"What's happened?" Bruce asks.

Gordon lets out a heavy sigh. "Looks like we've got another Riddler copycat on our hands."

"Another one?" The disbelief in Bruce's voice is barely audible.

"Yeah," Gordon confirms. "That maniac really made an impact with the lowest dregs of society."

Bruce nods. "So another murder?"

  "Unfortunately. The body was found mutilated and strung up in an alley in Drescher," Gordon explains. "They wanted us to find it."

  "What makes you think it's a Riddler copycat?" Bruce asks.

  "Well, the attention seeking, for one. That, and the victim's face and appendages have been duct taped up." Gordon levels Bruce with a look. "They even left the signature question mark."

"They're getting bolder," Bruce mutters, frustrated.

"But luckily, they're not as smart as Mr. Nashton. Makes them easier to catch," Gordon says. "Can I drive you to the scene?"

Bruce nods and follows as Gordon walks towards the elevator. He hits the button and the doors slide open.

"Oh, one more thing, Batman," Gordon adds as they step into the elevator. He hits the button for the underground parking. "Detective Bullock's recently been assigned to this case, so there's a good chance he'll be there."

"Why are you telling me this?" Bruce questions.

"I know you two aren't the biggest fans of each other. Thought I'd give you a heads up," Gordon says.

Bruce is silent for a moment, thoughtful. He's always taken aback when Gordon does something kind for him, no matter how small it is. He supposes that, even after all this time, he's surprised that Gordon continues to put his trust in someone he doesn't really know.

"Thank you," Bruce finally mumbles.

He doesn't miss the small smile that appears on the Lieutenant's face. "Don't mention it."

/ /

As Gordon pulls up to the scene, Bruce notices there's quite a large police presence for only one murder. Wondering why there's so many people, Bruce looks to Gordon for an answer.

  "Department gets nervous anytime one of these copycats show up," Gordon supplies. "They don't want any of them to escalate to Nashton's level, so they throw everything and everyone at it."

  "That seems like poor management of resources and manpower," Bruce says.

  "Hey, you don't have to tell me that," Gordon says as he pulls the car to a stop. "But orders are orders."

  As Bruce steps out of the car, many officers cast suspicious eyes towards him. His collaboration with the GCPD is still tentative and new. His appearance is unexpected and even unnerving. Most cops don't trust him, at least not like Gordon does. Some opinions were swayed because of Batman's help on the Riddler case, but not enough to truly make a difference.

  Bruce doesn't mind. He's not doing this job for the cops' approval.

  He and Gordon approach the crime scene tape where Officer Martinez is dutifully keeping watch. His eyes widen as he sees the Batman approach.