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Batman: The Long Halloween Part 10 Father's Day
Batman
The Long Halloween
Part 10
Father’s Day
Based off the Comic Book miniseries The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
Prologue
Gotham City
Twenty years ago…
Bruce Wayne knew better then to be up at this hour, it was late and an eight year old should be in bed sleeping at this hour but as with many young kids he was woken up by the sounds of thunder and soon after that the loud knocking at the front doors brought Bruce from his room and out into the front landing where he saw his father Thomas Wayne at the door letting a larger man into the house. Two more men followed the big man in between them another man was carried he seemed to be hurt. Even at his young age Bruce knew the injured man had been shot.
“Doctor Wayne,” The big man took off his hat and held it in front of him. “Looks what’s happened to my boy.”
“Alfred get my bag,” Thomas led the group towards the long table that was used for special events. “He should go to a Hospital.”
“No Luigi Maroni will finish the job he started,” The big man watched as the two men laid the younger man on the table. “Just save my son.”
“You know who I am?” Thomas Wayne went to work on the injured man.
“I know you are a very rich man,” the big man stood at the end of the table and watched as Thomas worked on his son. “But Vincent Falcone is a powerful man Doctor Wayne. And a man like you could always use powerful friends.”
“I wasn’t talking about compensation,” Thomas pulled a bullet from the man’s chest.
“Everyone wants something Doctor,” Vincent Falcone’s voice remained even.
Thomas never knew Bruce had been watching the whole thing and when he was finished Vincent and his goons took his son and left. Bruce thought about that night several more times that summer never knowing just how his life would change. Only a few months after that night Bruce’s world was destroyed forever. His parents were murdered right in front of him and he could do nothing. The skills his father had shown so expertly on that table could do nothing to keep them with him. At the Funeral Bruce sat as Vincent and his son Carmine Falcone gave their condolences and promised it wouldn’t go un answered. A week later a two bit mugger named Joe Chill was found dead in the streets Thomas Wayne’s wallet in his jacket. Bruce devoted his life to justice that night searched the world over for the best teachers of their fields. For almost 20 years that night was rarely remembered. Until the night Bruce Wayne was arrested for having ties to Carmine Falcone. That night Bruce Wayne realized that had Thomas Wayne not been so good at his career he wouldn’t be locked in this jail now.
Gotham City
June
It was had come to this Bruce Wayne’s fate was in the hands of the person he had come to trust as Batman. All those years ago Harvey Dent was the first ally he had made as Batman, before Gordon had come to trust Batman. If he only knew the truth this would never happen. Outside the court room press from all over had come to see if the case would move forward. The Trial was expected to be quick despite the charges Bruce knew a long drawn out trial would only cost more lives as he’s on the shelf leaving Batgirl and his newest partner Robin to defend the city on there own. They were good but they weren’t good enough to crack the Holiday case.
“In a move that surprised few Bruce Wayne has gotten a new lawyer,” Court reporter Robert Kane stood in front of the court room as he gave his report to News Anchor Vicki Vale. “Now this is a standard move, the lawyer who had been representing Mr. Wayne is a civil Lawyer more at easy dealing with the business world. His new lawyer was flown in from New York this morning; Defense Attorney Matt Murdock has quite a rep for winning his cases and proving his clients are innocent what makes his story all the more amazing is that he has been Blind since suffering an accident at the age of Fourteen. The Judge has just entered the court room lets go to live footage now.”
The Court Room was packed as a white haired man wearing the black judges robes entered the room and took his place behind the Bench. With a bang of his gavel Harvey Dent gave his opening statements, followed by Matt Murdock who wore a pair of red sun glasses over his eyes. Once the opening statements were over Harvey called his first witness Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce’s long time butler and friend.
“Now Mister Pennyworth, how long have you known the Defendant?” Harvey walked to the witness box as he asked his question.
“I have known him all his life; I was hired by Thomas Wayne nearly 30 years ago.” Alfred didn’t look happy to be on the stand.
“Now let me take you back to a day some 20 years ago,” Harvey turned back to the desk and picked up a folder. “Do you remember the night when one Vincent Falcone brought his wounded son to the Wayne doorstep?”
“Yes I do,” Alfred didn’t know where this was going but he did remember that night.
“Can you tell the court what happened,” Harvey leaned back on the table.
“Vincent Falcone brought his son to the manor after he had been shot; Vincent claimed it was Luigi Maroni.” Alfred recounted. “Thomas placed the boy on a table and saved his life.”
“Did Vincent repay Doctor Wayne for saving his son’s life,” Harvey leaned forward.
“No he did not,” Alfred stated.
“Need I remind you that you are under oath,” Harvey stood up and approached the desk.
“I am aware of that Mr. Dent and I’ll tell you again, Thomas Wayne never took once cent from Mr. Falcone. He was a good man, one of the best men I have ever known,” Alfred remained calm.
“Then explain to us the relationship between the two sons, Bruce Wayne and Carmine Falcone,” Harvey leaned forward.
“As far as I know they have none,” Alfred looked over at the jury.
“Then please Alfred why didn’t Thomas report this crime to the police?” Harvey stalked back to his desk. “Why did he allow Luigi Maroni get away with shooting Carmine Falcone and allowing The Roman to rule Gotham City’s underworld.”
“Maybe Doctor Wayne did file a report,” Alfred hung his head. “But Gotham City was different then, The Police even the DA’s office was filled with corruption on all levels. Several months later Doctor Wayne as his wife were gunned down on these very streets to this day there has been no justice for the two most decent people I have ever known. Perhaps Gotham isn’t all that different.”
“No more questions for this witness,” Harvey dent retreated to his desk looking at Gordon who was standing at the back of the room. He could read Gordon’s lips as he commented on what happened. Harvey couldn’t help but agree with Gordon’s assessment that would cost him big time. As he sat down Matt Murdock stood up and made his way to the stand.
“Mr. Pennyworth can’t you tell this court what you know about Mr. Wayne and Mr. Falcone,” Matt leaned slightly on his cane.
“Mr. Wayne was the leading voice in keeping Mr. Falcone’s dirty money out of the Bank on which he serves as board president.” Alfred looked more comfortable on the stand with Matt asking the questions. “He also donated money to both the mayor and Mr. Dent’s campaigns knowing that they were declaring war on The Falcone crime family.”
*****
The trial only lasts a week as Matt Murdock destroys the city’s case against Bruce Wayne; before a verdict could be reached Harvey Dent arrived to the court room with evidence that cleared Bruce of all the charges he had brought forward. Only four people knew that the new evidence came from Batman and that it proved the Roman had framed Bruce in an effort to distract Harvey Dent and keep Bruce from the Board of directors for the bank. With the charges dropped Bruce Wayne left the court room a free man and faced the press expressing his joy at being proved right.
Harvey Dent returned to his office and threw the files off his desk and slammed his fists into the top of it. He had let The Roman distract him from his true goal, well know more from know on it was war and by God he would be the last one standing. Throwing himself into his chair he opened his desk drawer and pulled out a silver dollar. He had gotten it from his father years ago when he worked at the Mint, it was an accident, and the face had been put on both sides of the coin. He had called it two faced; he rescued it from the trash and kept it as a good luck charm. When Harvey graduated law school he gave it to him, it was no longer in good condition, one face had been scratched but it served him well enough. Flipping the coin into the air it landed in his open hand smooth face up. Cleaning up the mess he made, he stacked the folders back on the desk before slipping the coin into his pockets and left his office to go home.
Bruce Wayne held a single glass of brandy, his father’s favorite drink as he looked at the last family painting that had been done of them. It was done for his parents wedding anniversary, only a month before that fateful day. Father’s day wasn’t that far away, if things went as they had gone Holiday would strike again. But Bruce didn’t worry about that know he reflected on that fateful day almost 20 years ago when a wounded Carmine Falcone was brought to the front door.
“This would have been so different had my father not helped Carmine that day,” Bruce drank from the glass.
“Your father would have done the same for anyone who came to his door step,” Alfred walked up behind him.
“I can’t help but wonder what might have happened,” Bruce turned away from the painting and left the room.
“It would be as fruitless as my wondering what your life would have been had I been a better father,” Alfred watched him leave. Following him he found Bruce setting on the stairwell over looking the very table Thomas had saved Carmine on.
“I miss him Alfred,” Bruce hung his head and stared into the glass of brandy.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t miss my dear friends Master Bruce,” Alfred placed a hand on Bruce’s shoulder and just stood there.
Father’s Day
“Carmine Falcone, it all leads back to him, had I taken him out all those years ago we wouldn’t be in this mess,” Luigi Maroni was an old man, well into his 70’s had retired a few years earlier to allow his son Sal “The Boss” Maroni to lead the family. Through all that time he had advised Sal on all maters that had come up. During the Holiday killings Luigi followed the news and waited for his son to come to him for advice. That day had come during Sal’s Father’s day visit. Standing in his garden he worked on his plants as Sal told the whole story.
“Cause of this Holiday goon, I’ve lost almost all my men, the whole Zucco thing didn’t help me at all either,” Maroni hung his head as he stood before his father. “I don’t know what to do pops.”
“You can grow up,” Luigi pulled a fresh tomato from one of his plants. “This is about Falcone; you got to get him before he gets you. Think about it, he kills his own men first then fakes his son’s death or even offs the runt to keep the focus off him. Then once he’s clear after Alberto’s murder he takes out your crew one by one until you’re all on your own. Then you can’t win, and you’ll be kicking yourself for being stupid.”
“But I was with him when Alberto died,” Sal tried to wrap his head around his father’s logic.
“He hired people to do the job,” Luigi picked a couple grapes and tasted them.
In the shadows all was calm but a single sound startled several of the guard dogs who had been lounging in the warm June sun. When there were no other sounds the dogs laid back down. A lone figure crept through the shadows of Luigi’s large estate faintly hearing Luigi and Sal discuss how to take care of The Roman. The figure pulled out a case from under his long coat with one hand while the other held a .22 caliber pistol. When Luigi bent over to check out some more of his plants the figure fired three times before tossing both the package and gun out into the field in front of the Maroni’s. Sal watched in horror as his father fell to the ground clutching his chest blood pouring from his wounds dropping to his feet he cradled his father’s head staring at the lone package at Luigi’s feet. A stripped tie lay next to a still smoking pistol along with the shells and a rubber baby bottle nipple.
*****
Across town at the Roman’s Penthouse, Carmine Falcone sat at his desk reading over the files that lay across the top. He was in a sour mood with Bruce Wayne getting off even after all he had done to set him up. He had underestimated Bruce’s ability to get out of trouble. He would know have to get his money into the bank in another way. But the Roman was never one to be with out a back up plan, and at this moment it was already under way. Looking up at the door as his daughter knocked and entered the room, she had been the one to break the news that Bruce was acquitted. She looked a little happier though tonight, entering the room she pulled out a package from behind her back.
“I thought you should know, Luigi Maroni was shot and killed tonight by the Holiday.” Sofia walked towards him.
“Holiday,” Carmine gave a sly smile as he took in the news. “I have Business to attend to, Daughter. I’ll be back later.”
Unbeknownst to the two figures in the office they were being watched from across the street. A figure clad in a skin tight, purple body suit zoomed in with the binoculars as she repositioned the headset. Catwoman had been spying on The Roman for several weeks now. Now she listened in as Sofia handed the gift to Carmine.
“I,” Sofia paused slightly as she handed the gift over to him. “Happy Father’s Day.”
“Sofia?” Carmine opened the gift to reveal a purple tie. “I appreciate the gesture.”
Catwoman saw the disappointment cross Sofia’s face; she couldn’t help but feel sorry for the woman. Rising to her feet she packed up the gear she had been using she turned to look back at the window to find that Sofia had left. Taking a deep breath she shook her head and moved towards the other side of the building. Doing her best to stay out of sight she made her way to the apartment she had been renting.
*****
Jim Gordon was agitated, he had promised Barbra that he would be home early so they could celebrate Father’s day. While there were rumors that he was really her father, a result of a brief romance, he wasn’t the man she knew as her father. He died almost 5 years ago a result of a night of drinking. He took her in as his own even if he didn’t need to, that didn’t mater to Barbra though. She wanted to treat him to a nice father’s day. But Holiday had other ideas he couldn’t believe his eyes when he read the notice as it crossed his desk. Luigi Maroni had been shot dead in his own garden while his son looked on; no one had seen Sal Maroni since the call came in. Entering his house he found a package on the table along with a note, which in her usual way joked about not getting out of dinner that easily. Laughing as he placed the note on the table he opened the package to reveal a coffee mug with a picture of both him and Barbra from their last trip together. On the other side a simple inscription that said ‘For my Dad’ in large blue lettering. Placing the mug next to the note he walked up the stairs to Barbra’s room to check in on her. She was sound a sleep when he opened the door, smiling as he closed the door he went to his room down the hall.
*****
Across town at a simple warehouse two men were hard at work, at a large work table amongst books and vials of liquids. Doctor Jonathan Crane known the public as Scarecrow was mixing together several of the potions and poisons before him. It was on Mother’s day that he had escaped from Arkham Batman had almost caught him before he escaped but thanks to a decoy he was able to slip away. In that month he had been out he had kept a low profile rather then out doing what he does best. Instead he worked on a new fear toxin that would help his employer get what he wanted. Muttering a twisted rhyme as he worked he didn’t hear his partner enter the room until he reached the platform.
“Would you like some tea?” Jervis Tetch also known as The Mad Hatter was as insane as he was homicidal. A certified schizophrenic he suffered from delusions mostly revolving around the child hood story of Alice in Wonderland. He even dressed himself as the Mad Hatter and when Batman first encountered him killed several girls and had kidnapped the recently arrived Barbra Gordon. Batman was able to arrive in time to save her and the situation had allowed Barbra to become closer to Jim calling him dad for the first time. He had disappeared some time after he was admitted to Arkham and despite Batman’s best efforts he wasn’t found. When Scarecrow didn’t reply The Mad Hatter raised the try he was holding and repeated. “Tea?”
“Pat-a-cake, pat-cake, Bakers man,” Scarecrow stood before the Mad Hatter trying to scare him away.
“You could always have more,” The Mad Hatter said making no sense to anyone but himself.
“Gentlemen,” Carmine Falcone stepped out from the shadows flanked by his bodyguards. “I didn’t go through all the time and money to break you out of Arkham so you could argue about tea and cakes. We have business to attend to with the Gotham city bank.”
*****
Harvey Dent followed Vernon down the hallway towards his office, he had been enjoying a quite time with his wife trying to forget the whole Bruce Wayne mess when Vernon, his secretary, called telling him to come to the office that he had something to show him. Coming to his door he paused to turn to the little man.
“This had better be important,” Harvey turned the doorknob and pushed the door in.
“Mr. Dent believe me its very important,” Vernon stayed behind Harvey as he entered.
“Getting me out here in the middle of the night,” Harvey turned to look in his office to discover a blood covered Sal Maroni holding a red and black striped tie. “Maroni?”
“You want a piece of me,” Maroni raised the hand that was holding the tie. “We both want The Roman, maybe its time we worked together.”
The End
Coming next time…
-Holiday covers its tracks
-Bruce and Selina grow closer
-Dent faces the truth
-Sofia visits Sal
-Sarah Essen finds a suspect
-The Roman’s plan is foiled by an unlikely ally
--- 
Come and visit Rogues Holonet |
Dude.....and I feel sorry for Sofia....you are just making me twist in the wind. 
