Masterstroke | The Dark Knight Trilogy

FOUR - NEW CASE

I wore a soft t-shirt with lace detail, a cardigan, and a moto jacket over dark jeans and riding boots. My hair was down in loose curls, and my makeup was minimal, just enough to accentuate my features. The weight of my gun and badge on my hip felt oddly comforting as I carried out my routine stop.

As I approached Dr. Andrea Malones, who was sipping her coffee and fidgeting more than usual, my instincts kicked in. Something was off. I signaled one of my trusted officers to discreetly corner her car and approached her, my senses on high alert.

"Dr. Malones," I said, trying to keep my voice casual, "I noticed you seemed a bit... uneasy. Everything okay?"

She looked up, her eyes darting nervously. "Oh, it's nothing. Just a rough morning."

I wasn't buying it. "You know, you don't strike me as the type to fidget like this. Mind if I ask what's really going on?"

Her gaze shifted to the ground, her voice trembling. "It's just—my daughter's been having some trouble at college. It's nothing serious, just..."

Before she could finish, my officer discreetly approached us. "Ma'am, can I see your car keys?"

Malones hesitated, then handed them over. My officer slipped a tracking device under the car. I continued my questioning, pushing gently. "Dr. Malones, if there's something more, it's better to tell me now. I can help."

Her face crumpled with frustration. "They've demanded a ransom. $100,000 for my daughter's safe return. I'm scared, and I don't know what to do."

I nodded, keeping my tone steady. "We're going to get her back. Here's the plan. We'll use this phone to keep you connected during the exchange."

I handed my officer's phone to Malones, watching her clutch it tightly. The ransom exchange was set up, and as planned, I intercepted the kidnappers at the dockside restaurant. With my rookie officers, Blake and Connolly, we managed to apprehend the three men and shot one of them through the leg during the chaos.

Despite the successful operation, the inquiry into my use of force loomed over me. Commissioner Loeb seemed to disregard the complexity of the situation. I vented my frustration at the sandbag in my bedroom, my anger fueling each punch I threw at the sandbag.

The doorbell rang, breaking my focus. I opened it to find Bruce Wayne in a leather jacket.

"Come in," I said, motioning him to the couch.

Bruce sat down, his eyes assessing me. "A penny for your thoughts?"

"My thoughts aren't worth much these days. Gordon's overburdened, and some think I'm a hindrance," I said quietly.

Bruce leaned in, his tone serious. "I'm sure Dr. Malones and her daughter don't feel that way. And neither do I."

"If I can't do my job properly, what's the point? I'm considering resigning and heading to Bludhaven," I said, picking up my case folder from the kitchen island. "I've got my private investigation on the group. Might be useful for you."

Bruce took the folder, his gaze intense. "You're running away."

"I'm avoiding conflict," I shot back.

"You said you needed my help to pursue justice. What good is it if Gotham's best cop leaves?"

"Gordon's a good cop," I argued.

"He's overwhelmed," Bruce said firmly. "I need you as much as you need me. Gotham needs you."

"I'm sorry I'm letting you down," I said, my eyes falling away from his. Bruce stood abruptly and left, leaving the folder behind on the coffee table.