Chapter 288: Batarang
After one month's interval, New York's various district police stations became lively again.
Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn... Police cars—sirens wailing—roared through streets and alleys, bringing those criminals who—after Batman's violent interrogations—would rather surrender than continue facing that cold-blooded vampire back to stations.
Like last time, after criminals were brought to stations, beyond confessing their crimes attempting exchanging longer detention periods, even sentences—
The words they muttered most remained "Batman," "Ghost," "Vampire," and similar terms.
"Augie, any leads?"
Inside Manhattan Precinct, Captain George Stacy forcibly restrained yawning impulses while wearing police uniform, asking his assistant.
"What leads could I have..." Assistant Augie grimaced. "Who knows what wind that vampire's drawing now?"
Captain George Stacy finally couldn't restrain yawning. Several minutes ago he'd just finished dinner with wife and daughter at home.
Just as he prepared bathing and properly resting one night, nighttime-duty switchboard operators' phones were blown up.
This still wasn't what most gave Captain George Stacy headaches. Rather, it triggered another matter:
"Regardless whether he's vampire or not, NYPD hands all Batman-involved cases to our Manhattan Precinct handling—only because that individual's first appearance was in Manhattan."
"Continuing this way, Rikers Prison will soon overflow." Assistant Augie said difficultly. "Can't just dump criminals wholesale into North Suburb's mental hospital, right?"
"I'll apply upward for constructing new prisons containing criminals." Captain George shook his head. "From objective perspectives, Batman's appearance should count as good thing."
Assistant Augie pouted. He didn't believe that vampire causing trouble again—bringing along entire precinct overtime—counted as any good thing.
"You and I both know how rotten beneath New York's bright glamorous exterior. Criminal incidents occur almost incessantly."
Captain George Stacy said:
"If Batman's existence can lower crime rates, perhaps he isn't our enemy—rather cooperative partner."
Assistant Augie observed Captain George seemingly still not awakened—speaking like dream-talk:
"Captain, I need reminding you... Until now we haven't genuinely seen Batman even once."
Captain George Stacy also realized this statement was somewhat inappropriate. After all, Batman was NYPD's listed wanted criminal. He himself was one police officer. Both parties' identities naturally opposed.
"Keep my previous words secret. Incidentally, collect switchboard operators' records—observe whether obtaining useful information from those surrendering criminals' mouths." Captain George Stacy said.
Assistant Augie nodded, departing the captain's office.
"One month ago, you defeated Kingpin at Oscorp Group, then crazily sending criminals to stations. Then I could still understand you not wanting Kingpin's remnant forces reorganizing into new gangs."
After Assistant Augie departed, Captain George Stacy pulled open his desk drawer—extracting from innermost areas one slightly-finger-longer, sharp-edged batarang.
This batarang had originally been inserted into "Green Goblin" Norman Osborn's armor.
Later—after Norman was identified as split personality, sent to Ravencroft Institute—this batarang was privately hidden by Captain George Stacy.
Procedurally this behavior wasn't legal or reasonable. But Captain George possessed other thoughts.
He wanted finding Batman through this batarang. Though currently unsuccessful thus far.
Outside the captain's office, footstep sounds, paper-turning sounds, plus telephone ringing sounds rose and fell—chaotic like bars.
"Norman Osborn was released. He returned to Oscorp Group. This caused Oscorp Group employees crazily submitting resignation letters—fearing Oscorp Group's previous tragedies descending upon their heads again."
Captain George played with the batarang, ears automatically screening external complex sounds while carefully contemplating.
"Perhaps I should visiting Norman Osborn—observing whether indirectly contacting previously self-proclaimed SHIELD Agent Coulson, or Batman, through him."
Currently naturally not possible. Presently was late night. Moreover Batman was still outside continuously sending criminals to stations.
Within thoughts, over ten minutes passed. Augie returned carrying one stack of documents, handing them to Captain George:
"Indeed there's news. Nearly all criminals without exception mentioned 'Batman seemingly searches for one woman.'"
Batman finding women?
Captain George Stacy's first reaction was suspecting he'd misheard. Second reaction—this plot seemed somewhat familiar.
Last year, great writer Stephenie Meyer published one book named "Twilight''. Inside seemingly also contained vampires conflicting with other forces over women.
Captain George hadn't read this book. But his daughter Gwen Stacy was Twilight's loyal fan. When books just released, Gwen frequently shared book plot details with him during dinner times.
"Did Batman mention that woman's specific appearance to them?" Captain George asked.
"Approximately 5.5 feet tall. White female. Good physique." Assistant Augie flipped through switchboard operator-compiled information. "...Entire New York possesses millions of women meeting these requirements. Batman's seeking might only be one among them."
Captain George picked up phones. While dialing number keys, he addressed Assistant Augie:
"Augie, investigate whether missing-person cases matching these characteristics occurred during this period. Since Batman's inquiring about her whereabouts through criminals, that woman definitely won't be properly lying on some bed sleeping now."
"Additionally, dispatch personnel to our previous precinct address—get that searchlight for me. I'll need it shortly."
Assistant Augie nodded, placing documents on desktops while turning to depart the office.
Precisely this moment Captain George Stacy's call connected. The phone's opposite end transmitted somewhat lazy female voice—obviously awakened by calls:
"Dad?"
"Gwen, remember that book whose plot you constantly shared with me last year? Twilight—novels about vampires and human females."
Phone's opposite end, Gwen Stacy groggily—not completely awakened from sleep—still didn't know her father Captain George currently felt overwhelmed by Batman matters:
"Books are in my room. If you want reading, come in taking them—bookshelf second level leftmost. Remember closing doors, Dad."
"Gwen, I'm currently not home." Captain George rubbed forehead. "Tell me that story segment, alright?"
Lying in bed, Gwen Stacy rubbed eyes while sitting upright:
"Which segment do you want hearing?"
"After the story's female protagonist disappeared, that vampire crazily searching for her—that segment." Captain George said.
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