Batman: Man Made of Nothing

Chapter 15: Hello There

A week has gone by since what the news media was calling the Devastation of Gotham. The clean up was underway with the news still talking about the events that took place with Downtown Gotham. The news outlets blamed Basil Karlo for the destruction of the city. Bodies were still being recovered from the rubble of the demolished buildings. The body count numbered in the thousands. All forms of emergency services were stretched thin. Wayne Enterprises called on their construction sector to assist in clearing out debris and finding people in the rubble. Batman and all in his circle worked tirelessly to do what they could to help Gotham and its citizens through this time of shock and turmoil. This was an event that united the whole country to send aid and assistance to Gotham. When the dust started to settle, the citizens of Gotham would begin to mourn their losses. At Wayne Manor things were somber and quiet. Carrie left her room dressed in a black dress and black shoes with her short red hair made up nicely and wearing a little eyeliner. She made her way to the main lobby where Alfred awaited her. When she made it down the steps Alfred spoke.

"Ms. Kelley, are you ready to depart?", he asked.

"I am Alfred thank you for this", Carrie said, with a small smile.

"After the week you've had Ms. Kelley, any request you have is of no consequence", said Alfred, in his proper tone.

Carrie gave Alfred a small hug as Alfred accepted. Before they headed out the door quick moving footsteps raced from the kitchen. Dick was carrying flowers as he rushed over to Carrie and Alfred.

"Wait, Carrie! I have flowers for your friend", Dick said, catching his breath holding white and red roses quickly regaining his composure. "Here, these are for Michelle. I wasn't there for her funeral and wanted to show my support somehow", Dick said, handing Carrie who looked confused, but thankful taking the flowers in hand.

"Thank you Dick. I appreciate it and I know Michelle would too", Carrie said, giving Dick a thankful smile.

"Of course, it was no problem. If you'd like I could accompany you", Dick said, in a friendly tone.

"That's alright. It's sweet of you to offer, but it's just going to be a quick trip and then we'll be back. Plus, Bruce may need you more than me right now. And Dick even though I still owe you a few more shots to the face. Thanks for having my back at the pier", Carrie said, as she walked over to Dick giving him a hug. Before walking away she punched him in the shoulder.

"Ow! That was a cheap shot", Dick said, comforting his shoulder.

"Round two won't end in the draw", joked Carrie, as she and Alfred exited the front door.

After Dick watched Carrie and Alfred drive off as he headed down to the batcave. When he made it to the bottom he saw Bruce working on the bat-computer looking through the Stagg files. Dick made his way over to Bruce noticing files on Basil Karlo as well as files on other subjects Simon Stagg tested on.

"Hey, Bruce. How are you holding up", Dick asked, curiously.

"As well as one could in the situation we're in. Is Barbara with Jim", asked Bruce, in a curious tone.

"Yeah, she heard her step-mom was coming home and wanted to be there. But seriously Bruce, how are you doing?", Dick asked, worriedly.

"Between dealing with the catastrophe, locating Plastique, and confirming Basil Karlo's demise. Plus, how to go about dealing with the crimes Simon Stagg has committed on these files. There's much work to be done", said Bruce in a tired tone.

"Yes, but we will tackle one thing at a time. We can deduce Plastique was the one who detonated the bombs that night. Leaving Clayface to take the fall for it all", said Dick, as he sat up against the desk of the bat computer.