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Description
BATMAN: SOUTHERN KNIGHT
A GREATER EVIL, PART ONE:  “THE CAT AND THE EAGLE”
Based on the DC Comics Characters created by Bob Kane

The Mall of Gotham, the new Mecca of superior shopping and mass impulse buying that the entire town of Gotham Hill had been anticipating (or dreading) for over three years, was finally about to open to the public.  It would have been open sooner if it hadn’t been for the constant big business bickering over the sudden name change (the original proposed name being the Gotham Central Mall).  But now it was finalized; every last detail set in stone, and the insanely wealthy corporate mogul Christopher Maxwell, the “man behind the mall”, saw to it that the big day was going to be a smashing success.  The night before, he had armed guards and police officers all about both the interior and exterior.  He had specially-picked security surround the mall’s highly acclaimed and very expensive centerpiece; the solid gold and jewel-encrusted Gotham Eagle.  Maxwell felt that this bird symbolized how the mall would finally catapult the “big small town” of Gotham Hill into national recognition.
“Ya know,” said one of the Eagle’s guardians to his chubby associate.  “I don’t understand why we’re making such a big hoot and holler over this place.  I mean it just about looks like that mall in County Place.”
“Yep,” said the other, “Like the one in Finder’s Mill too.  All these blasted malls look the same; same department stores, same novelty shops, same crap served up in the food court.”
The two guards’ light laughter was suddenly interrupted by a startling “meow”.
“What the heck was…” began the guard until he found his answer.  In front of the duo, as well as the other guards, was a beautiful, black cat.
“Awwww,” said the chubby guard.  “You must have escaped from the pet store, little lady.  Guess it’ll be okay to leave my post and take you ba…”  The cat hissed before it sprang onto his face and proceeded to scratch him.  Before the other guards could come to his aid, they looked up to see a small army of the cat’s companions charge at them as well.  Soon, the “specially-picked” security” had fallen to these “cute and furry” felines.  The other guards throughout the mall were soon to follow.
The growls and clawing then ceased at the crack of a whip.  The guards who could still see looked up to view a gorgeous woman in a skin tight purple body suit with black boots, belt, and gloves.  Her hair was long and blonde with black streaks throughout, and the top half of her face was covered by a black horn-rimmed eye mask.  She also sported two pointed purple “ears” on the top of her head.  With another crack of the bull whip in her hand, she kept one foolish guard from getting to his feet.
“Don’t try to be the hero you’re not,” said the sexy newcomer in a mocking, yet seductive voice.  She then pointed to the beast beside him.  “Besides, Jezebel there doesn’t like it when her prey puts up a fight.”  The men around her indeed remained helpless as she used her whip to remove the Gotham Eagle from its twelve foot “perch”.  She caught it, and then returned her attention to the underpaid human scratching post.
“By the way, send your boss Maxwell a little message for me,” she said as she dug the heel of her right boot into his chest.  “He and all the other rich rats have played in Gotham Hill for far too long.  Now it’s time to clear the field for… Catwoman.”

Bruce Wayne sighed as he leaned against the Rolls Royce parked outside Wayne Plantation and read the morning paper.  The strike at the mall and the announcement that its grand opening would again be postponed was all over the news, as if it were some devastating storm or factory explosion.
“I wouldn’t worry about not being present to prevent that overrated robbery,” said Alfred, Bruce’s faithful butler, from the front seat of the vehicle.  “Batman was of greater need keeping watch over the church charity banquet.  At least that money is going to serve a noble purpose.”
“I could personally and professionally care less about Maxwell’s mall,” said Bruce.  “He makes it sound like this is the greatest thing that ever happened to this town.  But I believe he’s created a host of problems that a two-story fountain and a fancy indoor carousel can’t solve.”
“Then why the look of distress, sir?”
“Alfred, many of the guards there, innocent men and women, were seriously injured, some hospitalized.  Batman could have prevented that.”
“I understand that, sir, but you are only one man in a rapidly growing community.”  Alfred then looked at his pocket watch.  “Oh dear, sir, you are almost late for Ms. Kyle’s presentation at Town Hall.”  Bruce sighed again as he looked at his own wristwatch.
“She’s already losing support for her wildlife cause,” he said as he hopped into the back of the Rolls Royce.  “If I’m not there on time, she’ll sink her claws into me.”
“Speaking of which, sir, I am quite curious as to why you don’t seem concerned by the nature of the guards’ assault,” said Alfred as he pulled out of the plantation driveway.  “Or the thief’s odd description.”
“Alfred, it wasn’t too long ago that I took down a corrupt mayor, two homicidal maniacs in face paint, and a seemingly unbeatable crime syndicate.  I seriously doubt some lone ‘Catwoman’ is going to give me much trouble.”
“Spoken by the same fellow that’s intimidated by his own current lady love,” mumbled Alfred.  Bruce blushed a bit, but then sneaked his long-time servant and friend a smile.

“A Catwoman?”  Commissioner James Gordon shook his head at his officers as they walked about the Mall of Gotham, which was now a filthy, fur-filled mess.  “When is this freak show going to stop?”
“Well, we rounded up some of the cats and took’em to the shelter,” said an officer.  “But nothing’s led us to the head kitty.”
“I’m sure this won’t be the last time she…”
“Gordon!” yelled the voice of Christopher Maxwell.  The Commissioner looked over to see the tall, skinny, wild-haired man storming toward him.  “This was supposed to be the biggest day in this hick town’s entire history, and your boys and girls in blue ruined it because you couldn’t even take out a bunch of mangy felines!”
“Not to argue, Mr. Maxwell,” smiled Gordon politely.  “But if you had read the morning paper, there was a lot more to it than…”
“Oh yeah, some crazy lady thief!” snarled Maxwell.  “A woman, Gordon, a woman!”  He began to walk off, but then turned back.  “One more chance, Gordon!  But if this happens again, I’ll sue you, your officers, that new mayor of yours, and anyone else I see fit!”
“It won’t happen again, Mr. Maxwell.”  Gordon was hardly intimidated.
“And get me back my damn Eagle!”
“Should I tell him his insurance doesn’t cover the cleaning bill for all this fur?” asked another officer.  Gordon tried in vain not to laugh.

“Calm down, Selina,” said Bruce as he practically chased his girlfriend down the sidewalk of Gotham’s Historical District.  “You can’t let those stubborn old men get to you.”
“I’m fine!” bellowed Selina Kyle, who at least looked professional in her black business suit and pony-tailed blonde hair.  She then turned to him and grasped his hands.  “No… I’m not fine.”  She looked at him with eyes that could melt a heart of steel.  “I’m frustrated.  I’ve put my heart and soul into keeping the wildlife preserve open.  I don’t want those noble creatures to be transported to some zoo… or, Heaven forbid, a game ranch.”
“You know I’m doing everything I can to help you,” said Bruce.
“I know you are, Bruce.”  Selina then kissed him.  “But you’re the only one who seems to be backing me up.  All those other corporate clowns at the presentation are behind Maxwell one hundred percent.”
“Oh,” chuckled Bruce.  “So I’m a corporate clown now?”
“You know I didn’t mean that.”  The two embraced as Bruce spotted one of the stores by the corner, a place with a multi-colored sign that said “Nygma’s Puzzles and Games.”
“Well, what do you know?” said Bruce.  “Eddie’s opened the shop back up.  Let’s go say hi.”
“Who’s Eddie?”  Selina was a tad bit irritated by her beau changing the subject, but didn’t show it.
“Friend of the family.  My father helped his father open the store.  It used to be all the rage with the kids.”
“Hiya, Bruce!” squeaked the tall, lean red-haired man in green suspenders behind the counter.  “It’s been a long time.”  He then gave Selina a bit of a goofy wave.  “And who’s this beautiful lady?”
“Selina Kyle… Ed Nygma,” said Bruce.
“Nice to meet you,” nodded Selina.
“Pleasure,” blushed Ed.  He then shook Bruce’s hand.
“Good to see the place open,” said Bruce.  “I was worried that mall had shut you down as well.”
“Ah… no,” sighed Ed, but Bruce could tell something was wrong, especially when he noticed that the three of them were the only ones in there.  “Had to take care of Ma.  She’s been a little under the weather.  You know me… she and this store are my life.”
“You know the offer still stands, Eddie,” whispered Bruce.  “I’d be more than happy to help pay for her treatment.”
“Oh, gosh no, Bruce.  You’ve done so much for me already.”  Ed then grinned again.  “Oh… I’ve got something to show you, made it myself.”  From under the counter he removed a funny, green-suited doll that resembled Nygma himself.  “I call him ‘Mr. Riddle’.  When you pull the string, he gives you a riddle.  Pull it again, you get the answer!  Try it!”  Bruce let Selina do the honors.
“What is large enough to hold a pig, but small enough to hold in your hand?” said the doll in a voice that sounded half-robotic and half like Nygma’s.  Selina pulled the string again.  “The answer is a pen.”
“Very cute,” said Selina.
“The kids are gonna love this,” said Bruce.
“Well, it’s not for sale just yet,” said Ed.  “This is the only one of its kind for now.”
“Let me know if you make anymore.”
“Sure thing, Bruce!”
Nygma stayed in good cheer as he walked Bruce and Selina to the door and bid them farewell.  However, once they were gone, a long frown formed on his face and his shoulders slumped.  He didn’t even move as the phone in the back office rang.  The answering machine took the call for him.
“Hello, Mr. Nygma,” said a nasal voice.  “This is Wanda with Maxwell Corporate Properties, reminding you about your appointment tomorrow morning with Mr. Maxwell.  Be there at nine o’clock sharp.  Mr. Maxwell does not accept tardiness.”
Ed sat at his desk and rested his chin on his fist.
“What do you call a man who gains much, but is worth nothing?” he sighed.  “A Sell-out.”

Like his mall, Maxwell kept his mansion and ranch in rural Gotham Hill well-guarded.  Unfortunately, this security didn’t keep away the Catwoman either.  Once Maxwell departed for another mixer at his country club, the master thief crept across the lawn out of the view of spying eyes, both human and electronic.  And as swift as a cheetah, she prowled around the house until she found an unobserved window to slip into.  Once inside, she knew it would not be as easy to avoid the guards’ attention, so she decided to eliminate a few via a chloroform-soaked cloth.  She then made her way over to Maxwell’s bedroom safe to claim her prize.  This time, it wasn’t a fancy golden bird, or even money or jewelry.  Catwoman licked her lips as she opened the safe and removed a manila folder packed with multiple recently dated documents.  Her claws flipped through it until she found a developmental contract.
“Just call me your little deal-breaker, Maxwell,” she whispered as she removed a lighter from her belt.  However, several attempts to ignite it were thwarted by a sudden icy breeze.  While most of Catwoman’s “breed” would be shaking in their boots, she simply dropped the lighter and smiled.
“Well, well, she said as she turned to yet another dark figure in the room.  “I was wondering when we would meet.”
“You’re not the only one who takes advantage of the night,” said Batman as he stepped into the moonlight.
“I assure you, I am not the villain here.”
“Maybe not, but given your present actions and those of last night, you aren’t exactly innocent either.”  Catwoman then drew closer to him and playfully pawed at his chest.
“Coming from one who is guilty of trespassing and breaking and entering as well,” she said with a slight laugh.  “Face it… Batman, is it?  You and I are one and the same.  We walk on that fine line between both sides of the law… because we have chosen to take that same law into our own hands.  Together, we could take down the real evil… scum like Christopher Maxwell.”
“Those guards you had assaulted were not evil,” said Batman coldly.  “I’m here for them.”
“Aw… a few of my friends just wanted to have some fun.”  When Batman did not respond to the little joke, Catwoman rolled her eyes and lifted her hands.  “Oh… okay, you got me… but be gentle with your cuffs.”
Batman found himself temporarily hypnotized by her gaze.  Her eyes were so beautiful, so hypnotic… and somehow familiar.  He finally snapped out of it, and proceeded to cuff her when a mist of strange perfume sprayed from a small tube under her right wrist.  The next thing the dark hero knew, the room was spinning and his entire body was numb.  Catwoman then blew him a kiss as he collapsed to the floor.
“Like my new fragrance, Love?” she asked.  “I call it… Cat Nap, eight enchanted hours of sweet slumber.”  She then turned her attention back to the contract.  “Well, enough flirtation I suppose.”  She ignited the lighter.  “Back to work.”

The following day was the worst one of Ed Nygma’s life.  It started off nice enough:  Birds were singing, the sun was shining, and his mother greeted him with her usual warm smile as he brought her breakfast to her bed.
“Big day for my angel, huh?” she said between the series of coughs that came in the packaged deal that was her cancer.
“Big day for both of us, Ma!” smiled Ed.  “I know Mr. Maxwell’s gonna let me move the store into one of those new shopping centers by the mall, and that means a lot more business.  Soon, we’ll have enough money for the operation, and then we can take that vacation to Hyde Island, just like you always dreamed.”
“That would be lovely.”  Nygma’s mother gently caressed her son’s cheek.  “I’m so proud of you, Edward.  Your father would have been too.”
“Oh gee, Ma,” blushed Ed.  “You know it’s only because I love ya.”  He then kissed her on her forehead.  “Well, off I go!  Wish me luck.”  Ed’s mother tried to say something, but was cut off by another series of coughs.

“Riddles and puzzles?” laughed Maxwell inside his main office at Maxwell Corporate Properties once Ed was done with his proposal.
“Yes, Mr. Maxwell,” gulped Ed.  “I figured with all the kids that will be coming to that area, it would be something fun and educational.  Children sure did love it back when my father was running things.”
“Mr. Nygma, have you even talked to a kid lately?  Kids don’t want their minds to be nourished.  They want them to rot on pointless cartoons and violent video games!  And if that’s what they want, that’s what I give to them!  If you love education, why don’t you talk to the public school system?”
“Mr. Maxwell, this store is my calling.  I can think of no other life for me.”  Ed seemed as if he were on the verge of tears.  “Please don’t take that away.  If I can’t move that store near your mall, then it’s doomed.  I will have no idea where to go, what to do.”
“Well, look on the bright side.”  Maxwell grinned like the devil himself.  “That’s another riddle for you to solve.”
Ed stood beside the large cardboard box which contained his belongings as he watched his father’s store… his store close for the last time.  His had suffered the fate of many other family or independently owned business in Historic Gotham Hill; another victim of Maxwell’s mall.
Then came the final blow to Nygma’s sanity.
“I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news, Ma,” he said as he stepped inside the bedroom.  “A lot of bad news.”  He then froze at the sight in front of him.  His mother, the only love he now had left in the entire world, lied there gasping her last breaths.
“Ma?”  He knelt down beside her and grabbed her right hand.  “Ma, stay with me!  You can’t leave me now!”
“I love you, son,” said the mother in a nearly inaudible voice.  “You’ve made me so pr…”  Then, she slipped away, and Ed broke down.  He cried and sobbed at first, but then rose and screamed in a rage.
“Damn you, Maxwell!” he howled.  “Her blood is on your hands!”  Then, he suddenly calmed and seated himself in the living room next to his box of belongings.  He looked inside, picked up his self-made Mr. Riddle doll, and studied it.
“Riddle me this, Mr. Maxwell,” hissed Nygma.  “What’s blind yet sees into the souls of all?”  He then rose again with a smile just as wicked as the one Maxwell had given him.  “Justice.”

… To Be Continued

Description
BATMAN: SOUTHERN KNIGHT
A GREATER EVIL, PART ONE:  “THE CAT AND THE EAGLE”
Based on the DC Comics Characters created by Bob Kane

The Mall of Gotham, the new Mecca of superior shopping and mass impulse buying that the entire town of Gotham Hill had been anticipating (or dreading) for over three years, was finally about to open to the public.  It would have been open sooner if it hadn’t been for the constant big business bickering over the sudden name change (the original proposed name being the Gotham Central Mall).  But now it was finalized; every last detail set in stone, and the insanely wealthy corporate mogul Christopher Maxwell, the “man behind the mall”, saw to it that the big day was going to be a smashing success.  The night before, he had armed guards and police officers all about both the interior and exterior.  He had specially-picked security surround the mall’s highly acclaimed and very expensive centerpiece; the solid gold and jewel-encrusted Gotham Eagle.  Maxwell felt that this bird symbolized how the mall would finally catapult the “big small town” of Gotham Hill into national recognition.
“Ya know,” said one of the Eagle’s guardians to his chubby associate.  “I don’t understand why we’re making such a big hoot and holler over this place.  I mean it just about looks like that mall in County Place.”
“Yep,” said the other, “Like the one in Finder’s Mill too.  All these blasted malls look the same; same department stores, same novelty shops, same crap served up in the food court.”
The two guards’ light laughter was suddenly interrupted by a startling “meow”.
“What the heck was…” began the guard until he found his answer.  In front of the duo, as well as the other guards, was a beautiful, black cat.
“Awwww,” said the chubby guard.  “You must have escaped from the pet store, little lady.  Guess it’ll be okay to leave my post and take you ba…”  The cat hissed before it sprang onto his face and proceeded to scratch him.  Before the other guards could come to his aid, they looked up to see a small army of the cat’s companions charge at them as well.  Soon, the “specially-picked” security” had fallen to these “cute and furry” felines.  The other guards throughout the mall were soon to follow.
The growls and clawing then ceased at the crack of a whip.  The guards who could still see looked up to view a gorgeous woman in a skin tight purple body suit with black boots, belt, and gloves.  Her hair was long and blonde with black streaks throughout, and the top half of her face was covered by a black horn-rimmed eye mask.  She also sported two pointed purple “ears” on the top of her head.  With another crack of the bull whip in her hand, she kept one foolish guard from getting to his feet.
“Don’t try to be the hero you’re not,” said the sexy newcomer in a mocking, yet seductive voice.  She then pointed to the beast beside him.  “Besides, Jezebel there doesn’t like it when her prey puts up a fight.”  The men around her indeed remained helpless as she used her whip to remove the Gotham Eagle from its twelve foot “perch”.  She caught it, and then returned her attention to the underpaid human scratching post.
“By the way, send your boss Maxwell a little message for me,” she said as she dug the heel of her right boot into his chest.  “He and all the other rich rats have played in Gotham Hill for far too long.  Now it’s time to clear the field for… Catwoman.”

Bruce Wayne sighed as he leaned against the Rolls Royce parked outside Wayne Plantation and read the morning paper.  The strike at the mall and the announcement that its grand opening would again be postponed was all over the news, as if it were some devastating storm or factory explosion.
“I wouldn’t worry about not being present to prevent that overrated robbery,” said Alfred, Bruce’s faithful butler, from the front seat of the vehicle.  “Batman was of greater need keeping watch over the church charity banquet.  At least that money is going to serve a noble purpose.”
“I could personally and professionally care less about Maxwell’s mall,” said Bruce.  “He makes it sound like this is the greatest thing that ever happened to this town.  But I believe he’s created a host of problems that a two-story fountain and a fancy indoor carousel can’t solve.”
“Then why the look of distress, sir?”
“Alfred, many of the guards there, innocent men and women, were seriously injured, some hospitalized.  Batman could have prevented that.”
“I understand that, sir, but you are only one man in a rapidly growing community.”  Alfred then looked at his pocket watch.  “Oh dear, sir, you are almost late for Ms. Kyle’s presentation at Town Hall.”  Bruce sighed again as he looked at his own wristwatch.
“She’s already losing support for her wildlife cause,” he said as he hopped into the back of the Rolls Royce.  “If I’m not there on time, she’ll sink her claws into me.”
“Speaking of which, sir, I am quite curious as to why you don’t seem concerned by the nature of the guards’ assault,” said Alfred as he pulled out of the plantation driveway.  “Or the thief’s odd description.”
“Alfred, it wasn’t too long ago that I took down a corrupt mayor, two homicidal maniacs in face paint, and a seemingly unbeatable crime syndicate.  I seriously doubt some lone ‘Catwoman’ is going to give me much trouble.”
“Spoken by the same fellow that’s intimidated by his own current lady love,” mumbled Alfred.  Bruce blushed a bit, but then sneaked his long-time servant and friend a smile.

“A Catwoman?”  Commissioner James Gordon shook his head at his officers as they walked about the Mall of Gotham, which was now a filthy, fur-filled mess.  “When is this freak show going to stop?”
“Well, we rounded up some of the cats and took’em to the shelter,” said an officer.  “But nothing’s led us to the head kitty.”
“I’m sure this won’t be the last time she…”
“Gordon!” yelled the voice of Christopher Maxwell.  The Commissioner looked over to see the tall, skinny, wild-haired man storming toward him.  “This was supposed to be the biggest day in this hick town’s entire history, and your boys and girls in blue ruined it because you couldn’t even take out a bunch of mangy felines!”
“Not to argue, Mr. Maxwell,” smiled Gordon politely.  “But if you had read the morning paper, there was a lot more to it than…”
“Oh yeah, some crazy lady thief!” snarled Maxwell.  “A woman, Gordon, a woman!”  He began to walk off, but then turned back.  “One more chance, Gordon!  But if this happens again, I’ll sue you, your officers, that new mayor of yours, and anyone else I see fit!”
“It won’t happen again, Mr. Maxwell.”  Gordon was hardly intimidated.
“And get me back my damn Eagle!”
“Should I tell him his insurance doesn’t cover the cleaning bill for all this fur?” asked another officer.  Gordon tried in vain not to laugh.

“Calm down, Selina,” said Bruce as he practically chased his girlfriend down the sidewalk of Gotham’s Historical District.  “You can’t let those stubborn old men get to you.”
“I’m fine!” bellowed Selina Kyle, who at least looked professional in her black business suit and pony-tailed blonde hair.  She then turned to him and grasped his hands.  “No… I’m not fine.”  She looked at him with eyes that could melt a heart of steel.  “I’m frustrated.  I’ve put my heart and soul into keeping the wildlife preserve open.  I don’t want those noble creatures to be transported to some zoo… or, Heaven forbid, a game ranch.”
“You know I’m doing everything I can to help you,” said Bruce.
“I know you are, Bruce.”  Selina then kissed him.  “But you’re the only one who seems to be backing me up.  All those other corporate clowns at the presentation are behind Maxwell one hundred percent.”
“Oh,” chuckled Bruce.  “So I’m a corporate clown now?”
“You know I didn’t mean that.”  The two embraced as Bruce spotted one of the stores by the corner, a place with a multi-colored sign that said “Nygma’s Puzzles and Games.”
“Well, what do you know?” said Bruce.  “Eddie’s opened the shop back up.  Let’s go say hi.”
“Who’s Eddie?”  Selina was a tad bit irritated by her beau changing the subject, but didn’t show it.
“Friend of the family.  My father helped his father open the store.  It used to be all the rage with the kids.”
“Hiya, Bruce!” squeaked the tall, lean red-haired man in green suspenders behind the counter.  “It’s been a long time.”  He then gave Selina a bit of a goofy wave.  “And who’s this beautiful lady?”
“Selina Kyle… Ed Nygma,” said Bruce.
“Nice to meet you,” nodded Selina.
“Pleasure,” blushed Ed.  He then shook Bruce’s hand.
“Good to see the place open,” said Bruce.  “I was worried that mall had shut you down as well.”
“Ah… no,” sighed Ed, but Bruce could tell something was wrong, especially when he noticed that the three of them were the only ones in there.  “Had to take care of Ma.  She’s been a little under the weather.  You know me… she and this store are my life.”
“You know the offer still stands, Eddie,” whispered Bruce.  “I’d be more than happy to help pay for her treatment.”
“Oh, gosh no, Bruce.  You’ve done so much for me already.”  Ed then grinned again.  “Oh… I’ve got something to show you, made it myself.”  From under the counter he removed a funny, green-suited doll that resembled Nygma himself.  “I call him ‘Mr. Riddle’.  When you pull the string, he gives you a riddle.  Pull it again, you get the answer!  Try it!”  Bruce let Selina do the honors.
“What is large enough to hold a pig, but small enough to hold in your hand?” said the doll in a voice that sounded half-robotic and half like Nygma’s.  Selina pulled the string again.  “The answer is a pen.”
“Very cute,” said Selina.
“The kids are gonna love this,” said Bruce.
“Well, it’s not for sale just yet,” said Ed.  “This is the only one of its kind for now.”
“Let me know if you make anymore.”
“Sure thing, Bruce!”
Nygma stayed in good cheer as he walked Bruce and Selina to the door and bid them farewell.  However, once they were gone, a long frown formed on his face and his shoulders slumped.  He didn’t even move as the phone in the back office rang.  The answering machine took the call for him.
“Hello, Mr. Nygma,” said a nasal voice.  “This is Wanda with Maxwell Corporate Properties, reminding you about your appointment tomorrow morning with Mr. Maxwell.  Be there at nine o’clock sharp.  Mr. Maxwell does not accept tardiness.”
Ed sat at his desk and rested his chin on his fist.
“What do you call a man who gains much, but is worth nothing?” he sighed.  “A Sell-out.”

Like his mall, Maxwell kept his mansion and ranch in rural Gotham Hill well-guarded.  Unfortunately, this security didn’t keep away the Catwoman either.  Once Maxwell departed for another mixer at his country club, the master thief crept across the lawn out of the view of spying eyes, both human and electronic.  And as swift as a cheetah, she prowled around the house until she found an unobserved window to slip into.  Once inside, she knew it would not be as easy to avoid the guards’ attention, so she decided to eliminate a few via a chloroform-soaked cloth.  She then made her way over to Maxwell’s bedroom safe to claim her prize.  This time, it wasn’t a fancy golden bird, or even money or jewelry.  Catwoman licked her lips as she opened the safe and removed a manila folder packed with multiple recently dated documents.  Her claws flipped through it until she found a developmental contract.
“Just call me your little deal-breaker, Maxwell,” she whispered as she removed a lighter from her belt.  However, several attempts to ignite it were thwarted by a sudden icy breeze.  While most of Catwoman’s “breed” would be shaking in their boots, she simply dropped the lighter and smiled.
“Well, well, she said as she turned to yet another dark figure in the room.  “I was wondering when we would meet.”
“You’re not the only one who takes advantage of the night,” said Batman as he stepped into the moonlight.
“I assure you, I am not the villain here.”
“Maybe not, but given your present actions and those of last night, you aren’t exactly innocent either.”  Catwoman then drew closer to him and playfully pawed at his chest.
“Coming from one who is guilty of trespassing and breaking and entering as well,” she said with a slight laugh.  “Face it… Batman, is it?  You and I are one and the same.  We walk on that fine line between both sides of the law… because we have chosen to take that same law into our own hands.  Together, we could take down the real evil… scum like Christopher Maxwell.”
“Those guards you had assaulted were not evil,” said Batman coldly.  “I’m here for them.”
“Aw… a few of my friends just wanted to have some fun.”  When Batman did not respond to the little joke, Catwoman rolled her eyes and lifted her hands.  “Oh… okay, you got me… but be gentle with your cuffs.”
Batman found himself temporarily hypnotized by her gaze.  Her eyes were so beautiful, so hypnotic… and somehow familiar.  He finally snapped out of it, and proceeded to cuff her when a mist of strange perfume sprayed from a small tube under her right wrist.  The next thing the dark hero knew, the room was spinning and his entire body was numb.  Catwoman then blew him a kiss as he collapsed to the floor.
“Like my new fragrance, Love?” she asked.  “I call it… Cat Nap, eight enchanted hours of sweet slumber.”  She then turned her attention back to the contract.  “Well, enough flirtation I suppose.”  She ignited the lighter.  “Back to work.”

The following day was the worst one of Ed Nygma’s life.  It started off nice enough:  Birds were singing, the sun was shining, and his mother greeted him with her usual warm smile as he brought her breakfast to her bed.
“Big day for my angel, huh?” she said between the series of coughs that came in the packaged deal that was her cancer.
“Big day for both of us, Ma!” smiled Ed.  “I know Mr. Maxwell’s gonna let me move the store into one of those new shopping centers by the mall, and that means a lot more business.  Soon, we’ll have enough money for the operation, and then we can take that vacation to Hyde Island, just like you always dreamed.”
“That would be lovely.”  Nygma’s mother gently caressed her son’s cheek.  “I’m so proud of you, Edward.  Your father would have been too.”
“Oh gee, Ma,” blushed Ed.  “You know it’s only because I love ya.”  He then kissed her on her forehead.  “Well, off I go!  Wish me luck.”  Ed’s mother tried to say something, but was cut off by another series of coughs.

“Riddles and puzzles?” laughed Maxwell inside his main office at Maxwell Corporate Properties once Ed was done with his proposal.
“Yes, Mr. Maxwell,” gulped Ed.  “I figured with all the kids that will be coming to that area, it would be something fun and educational.  Children sure did love it back when my father was running things.”
“Mr. Nygma, have you even talked to a kid lately?  Kids don’t want their minds to be nourished.  They want them to rot on pointless cartoons and violent video games!  And if that’s what they want, that’s what I give to them!  If you love education, why don’t you talk to the public school system?”
“Mr. Maxwell, this store is my calling.  I can think of no other life for me.”  Ed seemed as if he were on the verge of tears.  “Please don’t take that away.  If I can’t move that store near your mall, then it’s doomed.  I will have no idea where to go, what to do.”
“Well, look on the bright side.”  Maxwell grinned like the devil himself.  “That’s another riddle for you to solve.”
Ed stood beside the large cardboard box which contained his belongings as he watched his father’s store… his store close for the last time.  His had suffered the fate of many other family or independently owned business in Historic Gotham Hill; another victim of Maxwell’s mall.
Then came the final blow to Nygma’s sanity.
“I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news, Ma,” he said as he stepped inside the bedroom.  “A lot of bad news.”  He then froze at the sight in front of him.  His mother, the only love he now had left in the entire world, lied there gasping her last breaths.
“Ma?”  He knelt down beside her and grabbed her right hand.  “Ma, stay with me!  You can’t leave me now!”
“I love you, son,” said the mother in a nearly inaudible voice.  “You’ve made me so pr…”  Then, she slipped away, and Ed broke down.  He cried and sobbed at first, but then rose and screamed in a rage.
“Damn you, Maxwell!” he howled.  “Her blood is on your hands!”  Then, he suddenly calmed and seated himself in the living room next to his box of belongings.  He looked inside, picked up his self-made Mr. Riddle doll, and studied it.
“Riddle me this, Mr. Maxwell,” hissed Nygma.  “What’s blind yet sees into the souls of all?”  He then rose again with a smile just as wicked as the one Maxwell had given him.  “Justice.”

… To Be Continued