Prince of Darkness ~ Gotham

~ Chapter Fifty Three: On My Own ~

"And then I looked at the stars and considered how awful it would be for a man, to turn his face up to them as he froze to death and see no help or pity in the glittering multitude," Bruce spoke as he looked down at the book on his lap. As the young boy's voice echoed off into the distance, Holly could feel her eyelids grow heavier and heavier. She had been feigning sleep for almost 23 hours now, and it wouldn't be long before she finally caved in.

"That's cheerful," A voice commented from the door. Bruce gasped and quickly slammed the book shut as he turned around. Leaning against the doorframe, was none other than Selina. What the- how did she find us? Holly wondered, slowly sitting up on the couch coated with white and the ugliest shade of green. "What are you doing here?" Bruce asked, taking the words right out of her mouth. "Ivy sneaks in a few times a week and steals food from the sickies," Selina shrugs before taking a bite from her apple. "She spotted you two. He okay?" Selina asked, gesturing to the hospital bed.

But Bruce didn't speak a word, his gaze turning back to Alfred, still asleep and snoring lightly. We're keeping an eye on him. Trying to hope for the best," Holly answered. Selina slightly nodded, acknowledging Holly's words before she leaned in and hugged Bruce, a soft "I'm sorry," escaping her lips. "Thanks," Bruce replied as they pulled away. "Alfred was stabbed. It was a friend of his from the army," "Wow, that sucks," Selina quietly sighed. "I think he was there because of me," Bruce admitted.

"What are you talking about?" Selina questioned. "Yeah, what do you mean?" Holly joined in, Bruce had yet to tell her about his speculations behind the attack, with good reason of course, given his panic and already fragile mindset. "I had a meeting with the board of Wayne Enterprises to tell them I was investigating them, so they sent someone we'd trust to spy on us," Bruce explained. "What was he looking for?" Selina inquired. "Some of my files were missing. I think the other things he stole were cover. If I find him," the young boy answered. "I could find out who hired him. He's the key to everything,"

"You're gonna track him down?" Selina scoffed. "Really? You? And I'm guessing you're gonna drag her into this?" Selina pointed to Holly. "I have to know! This... this is my fault!" Bruce insisted. "Kid, you're out of your mind! Look at him, is that where you want to end up?" But rather than answering her simple question, Bruce picked up the book resting on the chair and sat back down. "I don't expect either of you to understand," he mumbled. "Bruce, we understand perfectly. But Selina has a point. This is a dangerous game you're playing," Holly admitted.

"I'll help," Selina offered. "No! I can't risk anyone else getting hurt on account of me," Bruce shook his head. With a slight eye roll and one last look at the two kids, Selina stepped out of the room, telling them they knew where to find her. The door closed behind her harshly, making Holly slightly jump at the noise. "When did you meet with the board?" She questioned after a brief moment of silence. "A few days ago," Bruce answered, flipping through the pages as he recovered his last stopping point. "And?" Holly asked, having a faint idea already of what went down.

"They denied everything. Even after I recounted and detailed their corruption, bribery, racketeering, and unethical medical research," Bruce explained. "Did you provide them any proof? That could explain a potential motive?" Holly reasoned. But Bruce exhaled sharply, briefing stopping.  "No disrespect, Holly. But I'd rather get back to reading this than answer your endless questions," He spoke, his voice containing just a hint of frustration.

"I'm just trying to understand. I'm-" Holly tried to protest. "Well, you don't have to worry about me, okay? I don't want any help! Not from you, not from Selina, and not from your dad! I can handle this on my own!" The tone of Bruce's voice made Holly flinch. As she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, Bruce's eyes softened, and the change in her demeanor only confirmed he frightened her. "I'm sorry," He whispered. "Maybe I should go..." Holly reached for her coat hanging off one of the couch arms. "Holly, please," Bruce pleaded. "You said it yourself! You can handle Reggie on your own. Clearly, you don't need me!" She reminded, her voice trembling.