One Last Hour

The Struggle Outside

***11:49 pm***

The city was quiet. Most people were asleep, besides the police and one other notable exception; with no idea of the malicious game that was about to take place. The police station was abuzz, calling in everyone they could.

The masked vigilante of Gotham was also wide awake. He had been notified immediately when the Joker had escaped. He'd been out all night, waiting for the Joker to make an appearance. The Joker hadn't waited long. Now, with the Joker's new plan, Batman had a much bigger problem.

"Alfred?" Batman said into his comm.

"Yes, Master Wayne?" The butler asked from the main computer.

"Any leads?"

"I'm afraid not. Everything is strangely calm."

"Right before the storm," Batman muttered to himself.

He hated to do it, but there was nothing he could do. He would have to wait until the Joker made his next move.

All those who had seen the Joker's video continued to watch the TV. The newscaster relayed the information on the Joker to the anxious citizens.

Sept. 15

***On the news***

"The police are trying to find the whereabouts of the Joker, but it doesn't seem to be working. We have looked into the names given to us by the Joker. We already broadcasted them to the public. If you know someone on the list, please contact the police and give any information you can. The police promise they are doing all they can to find them. We ask all citizens of Gotham to stay calm and to watch the news for mo-re-re inf-orm-or-mati--."

A second of static appeared on the screen before it cleared to reveal the Joker in the same room but it looked like a recording.

"Hello, Gotham. Are you ready for the FUN?" He burst out laughing.

"Your first volunteer is READY for the camera! HEHEHEHEHEHE!"

The screen changed again, cutting to the inside of an old apartment building.

1:00

An older woman, fifty to sixty, was tied to a couch in an abandoned apartment building. She was shaking uncontrollably.

"I-I-I" She swallowed, her voice raw with tears and emotion, "I just... I just want to say goodbye. To everyone I care about. To my kids and my grandkids."

Her voice broke again.

"I want you all to be good and amazing people. And I want you to live long and hap-(hic)-py lives..."

The first death was a Mrs. Rose Whit. Her sons and daughter, along with their children, were on vacation when her hour took place. The recording will be sent to her family, should they request it.

"Master Wayne, have you seen the news?" Alfred asked, his voice solemn.

"I saw enough. Alfred, I want you to search for the signal he's using and look into the names. Tell me what they're connected to."

"Yes, Master Wayne."

2:00

A young man, late teen to early twenties, was tied to a table in a restaurant. He was trying to look brave but he can't stop his lip from trembling.

"I want to apologize to you, Mom. I know that I messed up and that I hurt you. I'm so so sorry. I shouldn't have gotten mixed up with the bad people. I... I'm just so sorry I messed up."