Batman: Hero of Gotham

28- Penguin's Plans

Bruce drove his car down to the batcave. There was only an hour until the debate between Harvey and Mayor Hill would start. Bruce needed to find out what Penguin was plotting. Bruce took out the phone that had Hill's message on it. "I wonder what else is on here." Bruce said. He plugged the phone in to retrieve the data on it. Alfred walked up behind Bruce.

"As per your request, Lieutenant Gordon has tripled security at the debate." He spoke.

"Thanks, Alfred." Bruce thanked him.

"But...Gordon heard about your surprise visit to the mayor."

"Thanks for the heads up." Bruce brought up a map that would found on the phone.

"It's the plan of the old Monarch Theater."

"The auditorium where the debate is being held. Hmmm. I hacked into the image feeds from the security cameras at the auditorium. "

"Just to be safe."

"Exactly. Just to be safe."

" Hill's details about your father-- they must have been quite upsetting. I can't imagine how you must feel."

"To be honest, Alfred, nothing can shock me anymore. Not when it comes to my parents."

"I wish I felt the same way. But I suppose no good can come from wallowing-- the city needs Batman now more than ever. I'll...leave you to it, then." Bruce clicked on a screen that showed the news.

"Gotham district attorney Harvey Dent appears to be hitting some potholes on his way to the mayor's office. Despite the backing of billionaire Bruce Wayne, rumors persist that the candidate is having trouble paying his campaign staff and making ad buys. A Dent spokesperson said these rumors are nothing more than a smear tactic perpetuated by the incumbent Mayor Hill's campaign." The news woman said. Then, a different man came on who Bruce knew as Rodney Taylor, a news reporter who was quite famous. 

"In other news...nobody goes to Gotham's dive bars expecting a quiet night out, but police say a brawl tonight at the Stacked Deck in Otisburg was the rowdiest one in recent memory. Reports say multiple arrests were made, with all suspects taken into custody while unconscious. Police are seeking an unidentified man and woman who were seen in conversation with the assailants shortly before the fight." Bruce exited out of the news and checked more on the phone he had taken. He observed the security cameras that were set up. 

"Wait a minute...the images on these cameras haven't changed. Something's wrong." Bruce noticed.

"Penguin's men may have commandeered the cameras on their end. We could just be looking at what they want us to see."

"Warn Gordon that he may have visitors. I have to get down there. Now." Bruce quickly got changed into his Batman suit and hopped into the Batmobile.

"Harvey needs to get out of there." Batman said as he drove fast on the road.  He called Harvey up.

"Hey, Bruce." Harvey answered. "Man, I'm glad you called-- I needed to talk to you, actually. Something's come up. Something's that's not exactly pleasant."

"Harvey-- listen to me. Your life is in danger." Batman acted as Bruce.

"Because of Penguin and his thugs? Thanks, but there is an army of security here. They have me in some back room until the debate begins. 'For my own protection' they said. A little bit of overkill if you ask me."

"It's NOT overkill, Harvey. It's a real--"

"Please-- I need to get this off my chest. Uh, look, Bruce. I didn't want to do this over the phone. But, my advisors are telling me I need to...distance myself from you. Until all this mess with your family blows over. They're afraid it's not a very good optic."

"I get it, it's the smart move. But let's talk about it later--"

"I'm glad you see it that way. With the allegations in the press and now this mess with Falcone-- you're a liability." Bruce sped his car up. "But here's the thing, Bruce. Without your money, I am dead in the water. I know this is a delicate topic-- but I need you to keep me afloat. I may have to trash you in public...but you and me, we'll know the truth about our friendship."

"No matter what, we need a new mayor. Hill needs to be removed."

"I knew you'd see it that way. Listen, I hate to push you but I need to know...can I count on your money, Bruce? Whatever it takes to save Gotham...that's what we wanted."

"I'll always support you, Harvey."

"Thank you, Bruce, thank you. You don't know how much this means to me-- to Gotham. I'm sorry, Bruce. The make up person is here. I guess she needs to put on my face. I hope you can still watch the debate somewhere. No matter what I have to say tonight, remember, you are always my friend." Harvey finished and hung up.

"Harvey?" Bruce asked as he didn't know he had hung up. He realized it and pushed harder on the pedal of the Batmobile. He has to get to the debate as soon as possible and he has to stop Penguin.