Batman and Spider-Man

Chapter 4

As soon as the picture got leaked, the media swarmed towards the Wayne manor like flies on rotten meat. Lights flashed across the massive fence, there was excited murmuring and chatter and journalists and reporters almost trampled over each other in order to get the scoop. There were even vans and trucks all the way from different corners of America like Metropolis and Star City all eager to leap into this scoop.

As soon as the Wayne family butler stepped out of the manor holding a megaphone the media was abuzz with questions.

"What do you know about...?"

"How long have you...?"

"Where is Mr. Wayne...?"

The butler cleared his throat and spoke. The megaphone let out a squeal of life.

"Master Wayne is currently unable to make himself available for questions owing to an important business trip in the Swiss Alps," Alfred said. "For my own peace I kindly request you vacate the premises otherwise legal action will be pursued against each and every one of you."

However, all that statement managed to encourage was the media taking a few steps back from the giant gates that separated them from the manor. They still continued asking questions and taking photos of the Alfred and the mansion.

Alfred let out a defeated sigh and retreated back into the mansion. Once he was sure he was clear of their sights he took a secret elevator down into the Batcave where him and Jason were holed up ever since the media circus began. They were told not to leave by Master Wayne and await further instructions. Jason was busy pacing around the silver walkways impatiently when Alfred descended down into the Cave.

"What's happening up there?" Jason asked.

Alfred shook his head solemnly. "Nothing good, unfortunately."

"Is it true?" Jason asked. "What they're saying?"

Alfred placed a hand on Jason's shoulder. "I don't know, dear boy. I don't know."

It was at that moment the Batmobile crashed through the waterfall, screeching to a halt. Master Wayne almost broke the door open as he got out of the vehicle. He threw his mask aside, storming towards the Batcomputer.

"Computer," Master Wayne growled. "Run that photo through every check imaginable. Make sure it isn't forged, edited or whatever with one hundred percent certainty."

"Commissioner Gordon is calling," droned the Batcomputer.

"Tell him I'm busy."

Alfred took cautious steps as he tried to close the distance between him and Master Wayne.

"Sir..."

Master Wayne was hunched over the computer, a dejected look on his face. He didn't meet his eyes. Instead, he just asked one question.

"What did you know about this, Alfred?"

"Sir I..."

"What did you know about this Alfred?" Bruce snapped like a wild beast.

"I don't know anything about this," Alfred said. "I..."

"You've known mum and dad for longer than I have," Bruce said. "There's no way you don't know anything about this now stop lying to me and..."

"I'm not lying to you!" Alfred snapped back. Something he had never done before. "Look into my eyes, Master Wayne, does it look like the eyes of a liar to you?"

Alfred met Master Bruce's intense glare with a glare of his own. At that, Master Bruce's stance relaxed but just barely. "I'm sorry, Alfred. It's just..."