Masterstroke | The Dark Knight Trilogy

TWO - NEW ALLY

That night, while out for a run, Batman literally crashed at my feet. "Holy shit!" I exclaimed, rushing to his side.

He was disoriented, stumbling away from me. I tried to calm him, whispering, "I'm here to help." He stumbled into another alley, and I followed. He collapsed, fumbling with his belt and firing a gun with a wire, zipping to a low roof. I climbed after him.

His suit emitted smoke, and he was incoherent. "You're going to be alright," I whispered, trying to stabilize him. As he started sliding off the roof, I grabbed him, but he was too heavy. We both fell onto the dumpsters below.

Tires screeched, and Alfred Pennyworth pulled up. I approached his car, showing my badge. "Detective Carter. Move your car to the alley, please."

"Miss Carter, I—"

"Just do it, Mr. Pennyworth," I snapped, then returned to the alley.

Alfred moved his car closer. Together, we lifted Batman into the back of the car. "He isn't doing well," I rasped. "I'll explain everything once we get him to safety." I closed the door and took the passenger seat.

***

Wayne Manor was enormous, beyond words. Standing in the parlor, dripping on the opulent carpet, I felt completely out of place. Alfred appeared, offering towels. "Miss Carter, perhaps you would like to change into drier clothes?"

I accepted the towels gratefully. "Thanks, but I won't be staying. Sorry about the carpet."

"That would be Master Wayne's concern," Alfred said with a warm smile. "I don't think he would mind."

"How is he doing?" I asked, drying myself.

"He's calmed down, breathing regulated, and he's stopped mumbling," Alfred replied. "But he hasn't regained consciousness. He seems to be dreaming."

"What if he gets worse?" I asked quickly. "Just in case."

"I shall call Mr. Fox," Alfred assured me. "He will know what to do."

"Good."

"Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Yes, I'd like that."

After a few quiet minutes, I asked, "Can I use the phone to call a cab?"

"Of course, Miss Carter."

I headed to the kitchen, made the call, and was about to leave when Alfred called me back.

"Yes, Alfred?"

"What you witnessed tonight is to be—"

"It goes without saying, Alfred. His secrets are safe with me."

"Thank you."

"Don't wait too long before calling Mr. Fox," I advised. "Better to be safe."

***

"Wayne Manor."

"This is Nina Carter."

"Hello, Miss Carter."

"I wanted to check if Mr. Wayne was doing better."

"I called Mr. Fox this morning. He's making an antidote, but Mr. Wayne has worsened."

"You called Fox. He won't be like that for long," I said, trying to sound reassuring. "If you need anything, just call me."

"Thank you, Miss Carter, but I don't think we'll need anything."

"But if you do."

"I will."

"I gotta go. I'll call you later."