I knew Batman

Chapter 9 -- The Charity Ball

"You look amazing, sis! All those billionaires will be stunned by you!" said my brother to me.

I was getting ready for the Charity Ball organised by the Wayne Foundation to renovate the emergency department. The Wayne Foundation was really generous. They didn't just donate a huge amount of money to finance the rebuilding but also organised a ball for the richest people of Gotham to collect some more. I hated balls. All those small talks with uninteresting people...  But it was obligatory for the heads of hospital departments to take part. And I felt my responsibility, so I decided to grit my teeth and try to be nice during the event.

I rolled my eyes and grimaced at my brother's comment.

"Don't mock me! I wear a bridesmaid's dress, which I wore at my colleague's wedding two years ago. And you know that I hate balls." Even if I had the money - which I didn't  - I wouldn't have bought myself a fancy dress just for this evening.

My brother shrugged his shoulders. "I still think you look great. And who knows, maybe you meet a nice guy tonight." 

I punched my brother's shoulder playfully and we both laughed.

I called a taxi and went to the venue. I was late intentionally, the less time I have to spend there the better. I put my coat down in the cloakroom and entered the big hall. Against all my prejudice for balls, I had to admit that the Wayne Foundation put itself out there to host this event. The interior of the hall looked amazing with all the small lamps and glittering decorative elements. Pleasant music was played, some people were dancing, others were talking at the tables or at the bar. I recognised some of my colleagues around the room but most of the people were unknown to me. I wasn't familiar with Gotham's upper class.

One table caught my attention. People around it were especially loud, they laughed uproariously. A man was at the centre of attention at the table, he was telling some story about a pool party, where they wanted to fill the jacuzzi with champagne but couldn't decide which one. In the man, I recognised Bruce Wayne from the newspapers, Gotham's most famous billionaire playboy. He was surrounded by model-like women who were hanging on his every word.

I felt a slight disdain. How shallow these people are. The most important topic is a pool party? And I am supposed to be nice to them and ask for their money? It is humiliating. 

I went around and talked to some of my colleagues for a few words. But then I recognised Jim Gordon at one of the tables. I was happy to see him, at least a friendly face in the crowd. I sat by him and asked about her daughter, and he asked about my brother.

"I didn't know you were invited,"  I told him.

"Well, the Police Department got the invitation and I drew the short straw..."

Gordon looked around to ensure that nobody listens to us before pulling closer to me and whispering.

"Look, Dr Newman, I know that you are working with Batman. He didn't tell me but I put two and two together. Analysing the autopsy results, the tank at your hospital, bringing my daughter to you... it was you, wasn't it?"

I hesitated to answer. But Batman told me that Jim Gordon can be trusted, so I decided to tell the truth.

"Yes."

He nodded. " I thought so. I'm happy that there is a doctor, who can be trusted. I know that our own coroner is dirty. But be careful, you have the habit of putting yourself into dangerous situations."

"Don't we all?" We both laughed and started to talk about something else because someone else just sat down at our table. I let Gordon talk to this billionaire, excused myself and went to the bar. I saw our paediatrician, Noah Greese sitting alone there. I joined him, thinking that this way maybe I can avoid the mingling, small-talking crowd.