Bruce Wayne

Chapter 26: Plans and Oversights

Bruce and Alfred returned to Wayne Manor with a brief stop in the docks to retrieve their cameras and microphones. Bruce also picked up his satchel of surveillance gear from the trash can where he'd camouflaged it. Once back at the house, Bruce dropped off the satchel in the dining room and collected the papers he'd written about his plans to help Gotham. Knowing he wouldn't be carrying a badge, a few items would need adjusting, but the rest were good enough to stay as they were. Bruce intended to put some of them into action right away.

"Alfred," Bruce said. "We're going to need a few things if we're going to take back Gotham. While you're making copies of the evidence for Gordon, I think I'll start collecting them."

"Might I offer a suggestion, Master Bruce?" Alfred requested.

"Certainly," Bruce agreed.

"Fighting crime can be expensive in terms of equipment," Alfred reminded. "The Gotham Police are funded by the city, but if you are intending to go it alone, might I point out the resources of your family's company, Wayne Enterprises, might be useful for providing the monetary funds you require, possibly even some of the equipment as well."

"Fantastic idea, Alfred," Bruce praised happily. His mind spun with the possibilities of turning the multimillion dollar company toward helping Gotham. With such potent research facilities and money making industries in one company, Wayne Enterprises was perfectly suited for being the launching pad for his war against crime and corruption. Bruce had taken extensive business courses during his private education at Wayne Manor, so the nervous tension about entering the unfamiliar waters of the corporate world were lessened greatly.

Bruce stifled a yawn, and it reminded him he had yet to go to bed. The two of them had been working to set up his surveillance taps on the GCPD, eavesdropping on the meeting between Fairbanks and Cunningham, and launching a rescue mission to keep Gordon from getting killed.

"Perhaps," Alfred posed an idea, "your taking command of Wayne Enterprises can wait until you're fully rested. I'll make the copies of the evidence for Gordon and wait for his arrival, Master Bruce. Why don't you get some sleep?"

"Another good idea," Bruce said, getting only the first word out before a second yawn intruded. He needed to retrieve his supplies, but they wouldn't do him any good if he fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed.

                                                                                                 ***

Bruce slept most of the day, his exhaustion being greater than he'd expected. His dreams weren't peaceful, but they were satisfying. His thoughts related to his intentions to bring justice down upon the heads of the criminals preying on the innocents of Gotham. As he slept, his mind fashioned the thoughts into the possible futures awaiting him.

When he finally did awake, Bruce was eager to make his dreams into reality. The citizens of Gotham had lived far too long under the constant fear of the criminals roaming the streets, and he thought it was considerably overdue for the deplorable situation to change. Despite his eagerness to begin, a look out the window showed he would have to wait longer. The sun was hanging low in the west, signaling an end to the day. If he wanted to take command of Wayne Enterprises, it would have to wait until the start of business tomorrow. Still, there were things he could do now so as to not waste time.

Bruce hurried downstairs and found Alfred in the dining room, intensely looking through the papers Bruce had written earlier about his plans for the city. Alfred looked up when Bruce walked in.

"Good evening, Master Bruce," Alfred said in greeting. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, I did," Bruce answered. "What do you think of my ideas?"