Harvey Dent stood outside in front of a microphone stand, ready to talk when he noticed Bruce's car pull up which made him smile. Bruce exited his car once he parked and was immediately surrounded by photographers and interviewers. "Mr. Wayne! Right here! Over here!" He heard people shouting. Bruce walked through the train of traffic to get to the podium where Harvey stood along with the Zellerbach family.
"Good morning, everyone." Bruce said as he walking. Once he reached the podium, he greeted Harvey. "Morning, Mr. Dent."
"Hey Bruce. You mind if we swap cars?" Harvey joked. "I mean, mine isn't fast and the paint's rusting off...but boy does she have charm. We didn't bring you all out here to discuss cars, honestly. We're here about Arkham Asylum. Ever since it opened its doors, Arkham has been a breeding ground for the criminally insane." Bruce suddenly got a text from Alfred that said he needed to talk. Bruce quickly thought of a reply. He asked what's up. As Harvey talked in the background, Alfred responded.
"Call me ASAP." The text said. Bruce said okay and focused back on Harvey's speech.
"But today, with a sizable contribution from this man here we break ground on a state-of-the-art mental health care facility. One that will improve the well-being of Gotham, and its citizens, for years to come." The crowd applauded him not too loudly. "Mr. Wayne has a few words he'd like to say. Bruce?"
"My parents loved Gotham. They invested their blood, sweat and tears into this city. You know, when I was ten years old, my parents took me to see a movie about a hero in a mask. It was about a hero who stood up to oppression and defended the people from injustice, no matter the cost. That night, my parents paid the ultimate cost defending me from a man...who needed the kind of help this facility will provide." Bruce stopped for a few seconds. "Let us honor their memory with this new facility...in the hope that a night like that never happens again." Bruce finished and let Harvey speak.
"Today, we dedicate this facility to Thomas and Martha Wayne, and usher in a new era of healing for Gotham."
"I'm sure you all have questions about the new hospital, so let's open it up." Bruce said. A crowd of hands raised in the hand to called on. Bruce noticed a famous Gotham news reporter named Vicki Vale and he called on her. "You first, Miss Vale."
"Thank you. With the opening for this new hospital, what does this mean for Arkham Asylum? What happens to the old building?" She asked.
"I think Arkham has only done harm to Gotham. It's made criminals unstable, put our citizens in jeopardy. We can do better." Bruce called on the next person.
"My sources tell me that you welcomed alleged mob-boss Carmine Falcone into your home." The woman asked.
"I don't make friends with gangsters. He was an unwelcome guest--that's all. Next question, please." Bruce said.
"Let's keep our questions on topic, people. We're here about the hospital, remember?" Harvey interrupted. Bruce got a text from Alfred and he decided to read it.
It said, "Urgent! GCPD is here." Bruce didn't reply and he waited for the next citizen to ask their question.
A man with buck teeth said, "This morning, the Globe received evidence of an off-shore bank account managed by Carmine Falcone and your father, Thomas Wayne."
"What exactly are you implying?" Bruce asked.
"Transactions connected to organized crime, going back years...and continuing to this day. The papertrail ties your family directy to the mob. Care to comment?" The man asked like he knew everything.
"Did anyone else receive this 'evidence'?" Bruce asked.
"The Globe..the Gazette. We all did." The know-it-all said. Suddenly, everybody broke out into questions.
"I think you should check your source. It sounds to me like an intern is finally putting their creative writing minor to good use." Bruce commented. As the people kept asking questions. Harvey spoke.
"I'm sorry about this, Bruce. I don't know where the hell it's coming from. Damage controls my territory. We'll talk later." Bruce walked away as Harvey tried to calm down the crowd of determined people. Bruce had heard his phone ringing and he finally picked up. An angry Alfred spoke.
"Bruce! I've been trying to reach you. The police are inside the manor."
YOU ARE READING
Batman: Hero of Gotham
ActionAfter witnessing the death of his beloved parents in front of his face, billionaire Bruce Wayne vows himself to protecting the good people of Gotham City against evil forces that threaten the city.
