Ever since I've handled Alexander Amari. I've decided to take a small break from taking out trash in favor of hunting for a job.
Summer recently started so I have a ton of free time. And I can use the extra cash.
Long story short. My hunt for a job was horrible. Not many Gotham City places are willing to hire a 16-year-old high school student who's an orphan.
So I pulled some strings. And by pulling some strings I mean I convinced Angelina to ask her dad to get me a job. It was pretty simple.
So now I'm a glorified errand boy. It's not so bad. The pay is good for someone my age and the hours are manageable.
"Elias! How was your day?" Angelina hugs me and asks a question simultaneously. She not so subtly smells my shirt but I chose to ignore it.
We're currently in Gotham city mall. Believe it or not. But this is one of the few places where crime is mostly moot. So it's probably the safest place to be in Gotham.
Most villains and criminals see no point in fucking up a mall I guess. Doesn't matter. But the reason I'm here is simple. In turn for asking her father to give me a job. Angelina demanded I go to the mall with her.
Currently clinging to my arm we walk steadily as I try not to pay attention to small smiles from nearby people. Clearly thinking we're a young couple or something.
I don't mind her clinginess but it gives people the wrong idea. Hell, I'm pretty sure Angelina's mom thinks we're dating.
I sigh internally as Angelina drags me into a clothing store with excitement.
X-X-X-X-X
After 2 hours of non-stop shopping, we finally get ready to leave the mall. Angelina was kind enough to buy me some clothes. And latex gloves. Something she was curious about but I managed to divert her attention when I grabbed her hand.
I was running low on gloves. So it's good I got a whole new box, no matter. It's time to leave.
As I turn to exit the mall. Angelina still clinging to my arm happily. I feel a shiver trace my spine as I turn my head to the left.
Blue meets dark brown, I make eye contact with a woman. Pale skin. Long black hair, empty deep brown eyes. Her pale skin was almost inhuman probably some disease or mutation.
Passerbys give her odd looks. Most ignore her. In Gotham, she doesn't stick out that much despite her appearance.
But that's not what unsettled me. It's the way she looked at us. At Angelina. It pissed me off. I know that look. I recognize that hunger.
Looks like one predator meets another. Does she fit my bill? Who is she? I maintain eye contact. We remain staring for what feels like an eternity but is only a couple of seconds.
I keep my eyes locked on hers. Sending a silent message as I gesture to Angelina. She's mine. If she doesn't understand that she'll die, on my table.
After what felt like an eternity me and Angelina finally exited the mall. Heading to her mother's car parked just in front of the mall.
The 2 security guards waiting by the car nod and open the door for us. I let Angelina in first before sitting down. My mind running thousands of miles a second.
Who was that woman? That look, she's dangerous. Angelina is innocent. So she kills anyone it appears. But why her?
Is this premeditated? Or did she see Angelina and suddenly want to kill her? My eyes dart towards the mall entrance. Once again locking eyes with the woman who's now exited as well.
I silently growl. No one touches my stuff. If she wants to make Angelina prey she'll have to survive me first. I subconsciously note to remember the woman's appearance.
My eyes widen a bit as a man steps out from behind her. A horrible hunched back, clearly injured. He's missing an arm. And his eyes are glazed over. He looks like the average Gotham homeless man.
But I recognize another predator. They both stare at me silently. Partners in crime most likely. This isn't good. Two?
This may be the most difficult one yet. But that look in their eye irks me like nothing has ever before. I silently vow to have them both on my table by the end of this summer.
With my photographic memory, I mentally file their faces away to remember later. Ignoring Angelina's mother teasing the two of us.
Angelina is mine. And I'll be damned if I let these two get her. They've made her a target. I'll need to do some investigation.
X-X-X-X-X
After being dropped off home I promptly returned to the mall no less than 2 hours later.
One goal in mind. I have my powers activated, I walk through crowds like a wraith as I look for the familiar black-haired woman.
At first. I can't find her. Losing hope and assuming she's left the mall, that is until I spot her. And the man from earlier walking out of the mall brisket.
They seem to be in a rush. My mind blanks a bit as I stalk them silently. Contrary to belief they don't have a vehicle. Opting to walk through the run-down parts of Gotham I can tell they aren't used to the city. Tourist most likely.
The older man mutters something to the pale woman. They both make a sharp turn right as I tail them. Immediately my eyes widen as I see them stalk a young man. Not much older than me. Clearly on a jog. Balls of steel doing that in Gotham.
They speak amongst themselves silently. Low enough to where I can't hear. But I remain tailing them. That is until something falls out of the woman's pockets as she maneuvers through a small crowd with the man.
My focus shifts. Picking up the card from the ground. A license? No. It's a key card. Mall security. A smile grows on my face as I take in the details.
It seems a predator is going to become prey. Her name is Mona Linus, 28 years old. She's recently employed if the card issuing date is anything to go by.
I breathe out as I turn and walk off. I'm not a hero. That guy's their next target. Unfortunately for him, I'm not ready to take action. She and the man she's partnered with are two unknowns.
It doesn't matter. Whatever she's going to do to him I'll return the favor and do it to her soon. Very soon.
'I wonder how long it will take to have you on my table... Mona Linus.'
X-X-X-X-X
(Batman pov)
The Phantom Killer. A newer headache in Gotham. 15 confirmed kills. Every kill has some form of criminal history or has been morally corrupt.
Typing a few things into the bat computer I pull up the Gotham City police call logs. Commissioner Gordon told me Alexander knight was on patrol until someone called the police department for a supposed kidnapping.
It isn't hard for me to access the call log. Every police phone call is recorded for legal reasons. Also to make sure everyone is in check.
My eyes narrow as I turn on the log.
"Help! I've just seen three men carrying a screaming woman into their van!"
That voice... it's young. Too young. Is this the serial killers voice? He doesn't sound any older than dick. This can't be.
I feel a headache coming on as Alfred enters the cave.
"Master bruce... it seems you're busy on a new case. Wouldn't it be wise to rest? You just recently put every escaped villain back into Arkham." Alfreds voice holds concern as I shake my head.
"I'll nap later. The city still needs me." My voice firm. Leaving no room for argument as I can practically feel Alfred role his eyes.
"You need rest master Bruce. You are only human after all. I can tell the sleep depravity is getting to you. No matter how you try to hide it." Alfred scolds as I sigh.
Replaying the call. I try to wrap my head around this. The Phantom killer. Is more than likely a child. Intelligent. Obviously. You don't get away with 15 murders without being some form of smart. Or incredibly lucky. Bug I doubt luck has anything to do with it.
It wouldn't be bold to assume they attend a school in Gotham. I'll go through the school databases. Gotham academy's first. Its the school dick and Barbara attend and it's the home of many bright minds. I'll likely find a connection there
"My... such a youthful voice. He sounds fresh out of the nappy. Master Bruce. Please don't tell me this is the voice of the supposed Phantom of Gotham." Alfred asks but I nod a bit.
"I see."