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Chapter 17: Batmans Renal Crisis

The solemn psychological consultation that Schiller was conducting with Gordon came to an abrupt end the moment Bruce opened the door.

The three men exchanged surprised glances, and Schiller inquired, "Well, Mr. Wayne, as I mentioned, you've already used up your allotted time for psychological counseling this week, haven't you? Why didn't you call ahead to check if there were any appointments at the counseling room?"

Bruce felt a touch embarrassed. He hadn't anticipated Gordon's presence here. He had only come to deliver an invitation to Schiller. Bruce was aware that his cover with Gordon might have been compromised, but the fact that Gordon hadn't come to find him at Wayne Manor implied that he didn't distrust Batman entirely.

This left Bruce somewhat disheartened, as he knew Gordon was a genuinely good police officer. Yet, this faction within the Gotham Police Department seemed to harbor an inexplicable hostility towards him. Bruce realized that Batman needed to do more, to undertake truly meaningful actions to change the perception.

Schiller suggested, "It seems fate has brought us together. Since we're all here, why don't we have an open and honest discussion?"

"We all know what happened that night. I understand that none of us entirely trust each other, but that doesn't matter. We can still unite temporarily for a common goal, such as putting my colleague, Dr. Jonathan, the creator of the fear gas, behind bars."

Gordon realized there was little left for him to hide. If he couldn't handle this situation and his superiors and the police station's commissioner found out about his covert investigation into the plot to hire Jonathan, he would be in dire straits. Regardless of whether it was Schiller or Bruce, Gordon could only hope that they would at least remain neutral and provide some advice if they couldn't offer direct assistance.

Frowning, Gordon said, "The situation may be worse than you imagine, Victor... oh, the current police station commissioner. He was once charged with trafficking high-potency tranquilizers, but he was never convicted. Instead, he has risen through the ranks. Some speculate that Sal is backing him, but there's no evidence. My immediate superior, Lantolos, I've seen him frequent the club where the Red Crows gang operates, but these old cops are too crafty to be caught."

Schiller sighed, aware that Gordon had left some dignity for the Gotham Police Department. From top to bottom, the police station in Gotham was infiltrated by gangs. Even the kindest of officers merely took gang money and did little else.

Gordon furrowed his brow for a moment and replied, "Are you talking about the logistics guy at the police department who smokes cigarettes and drinks heavily? What about him? Do you know him?"

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Harvey Brock was depicted as a slovenly, heavyset man who smoked cigarettes and drank excessively in some Batman comics. Gordon's description wasn't entirely wrong. However, in most comic settings, he was a corrupt cop masquerading as a good one, appearing to be in cahoots with the gangs but secretly aiding Gordon. In one particular comic, he even teamed up with Gordon to defeat the Joker without Batman's intervention.

Schiller explained, "I've heard of him. I've collaborated with police in several cities, and I was told he attended the police academy in Star City. An old Metropolis cop mentioned him to me once, saying that Harvey wanted to be a good cop but faced retaliation. To protect himself, he had to adopt a facade of decadence and even cooperated with the gangs to seek protection."

"Do you think he's trustworthy?" Gordon asked.

Bruce interjected, "You can't continue this battle alone within the Gotham Police Department. If you don't have any allies there, you'll struggle to bring down your superiors and the police station commissioner, not to mention the gangs they're connected to."

"I believe you should try to reach out to Harvey, but don't reveal everything to him. If he's truly trustworthy, he might provide some assistance discreetly. You two can operate in the light and shadow, at the very least creating obstacles for your superiors," Bruce suggested.

Gordon said, "I'll look into it."

Bruce added, "As for your police station commissioner, I'll investigate him too, but under my other identity, as you're aware."

Bruce had no intention of keeping his identity hidden from Gordon from the outset. He knew that gaining the help of a police officer within the police station was nearly impossible without revealing his identity.

"As for the gangs," Schiller said, "whether it's Sal or the Red Crows gang, I can look into both."

Both men turned their attention to Schiller. Gordon hesitated before saying, "Professor, I know you've traveled through various cities, but I must remind you that Gotham's gangs are unlike any in other cities. They are ruthless, disregarding all laws and morals, a pack of vicious wolves."

"Yes, which is precisely why I must act promptly. Keep in mind that Gotham University is about to begin its final exams, and I won't have much time then."

Schiller glanced at Bruce and continued, "Many students here would rather go clubbing before dawn than put effort into studying."

Bruce awkwardly rubbed his nose, and Gordon gave him a once-over, saying, "Though I'm not much older than you, I'll still remind you: if you intend to keep being that caped crusader, it's best to keep your personal life more discreet. Half of Gotham's women have been in your bed. Do you think there might be a few Black Widows among them?"

Bruce replied, "Alright, I'll be more cautious. Thank you for the advice."

Bruce's "notorious reputation" was well-known throughout Gotham City. Even at the age of 18, Bruce was astonishingly handsome, a fact that couldn't be denied. Despite lacking the weathered demeanor of someone who had experienced the trials of life, his striking good looks alone could capture the hearts of countless admirers. Gotham's entertainment newspapers frequently featured gossip about him, yet Bruce's companions in photographs never repeated.

Schiller wasn't particularly concerned that Bruce might be assassinated by gang mistresses. What worried him more was Bruce's kidneys. He believed that even as Batman, continuing on this path would inevitably lead to kidney problems.

Unfortunately, as soon as Bruce returned to Wayne Manor, his old butler, Alfred, informed him, "I've taken the liberty of canceling your appointments for this evening, sir, as the results of your last medical examination were rather concerning."

Bruce paused for a moment, recalling the peculiar eye contact between Commissioner Gordon and Schiller earlier that day. He cleared his throat awkwardly and said, "Cancel all my evening appointments for this month, please."

Alfred hesitated for a moment, and then his gaze grew stranger. He said, "Master Wayne, you invited Miss Christine to dinner two months ago. Are you sure you want to cancel her appointment as well?"

Bruce waved his hand dismissively and said, "Of course, I don't have the time for any dates right now."

Alfred's gaze became even more peculiar, and he hesitated before saying, "If there have been any changes in your sexual orientation, I hope you'll inform your loyal butler promptly."

Bruce sighed, covering his forehead, and said, "I need to investigate something these evenings... Alright, don't cancel Miss Christine's appointment. She's truly captivating and alluring."

After Alfred left, Bruce noticed that his telephone was ringing, and to his surprise, it was a call from Schiller.

He answered, and Schiller asked, "You have a date with Christine, the captain of the Nightingale Cheerleading Squad?"

Bruce was taken aback. Did Schiller have mind-reading abilities?

However, he quickly realized he was overthinking it. Schiller said, "She bragged to her sisters that she hooked the little Wayne, but she disappeared two days after saying that. Her sister reported it to the school, and Anna from the personnel department asked me to contact you."

"I haven't had the date yet," Bruce replied. "Our date is scheduled for two weeks from now. You know, my... schedule is quite packed."

"That's strange then, her disappearance is unrelated to you?" Schiller inquired.

Bruce became alert and said, "Could it be related to Jonathan's case? Was she close to Jonathan?"

"Of course not," Schiller responded. "How would a young lady like her be close to Jonathan? She's a beautiful social butterfly, while Jonathan is cooped up in his office all day."

Schiller continued, "Well, Bruce, you have a new task now. Find your future date as soon as possible, preferably before the date you set."

"But I..."

"The Nightingale Squad is a symbol of Gotham University, and the disappearance of their captain has had a significant impact on them. The All-American League playoffs are just two weeks away. If you can't find her, I'll hang your GPA by a thread."

"Hey, Professor, you can't... Hello? Hello?"

Bruce sighed in resignation and hung up the phone. He decided to visit the school in person to learn more. He discovered that Christine was popular among the members of the cheerleading squad, and many of the girls were looking for her. Without their captain, they couldn't arrange their routines, causing frustration among the football team members as well.

With Jonathan's recent arrest and the school's efforts to quell the public outcry, everyone was busy. Schiller, the new professor, had been drafted into service.

And then Batman was drafted into service by Schiller.

Bruce began to ponder the disappearance of a beautiful young lady in Gotham. The outcome seemed clear, but Schiller's words about Christine being cautious and rarely leaving school made him suspect a connection to Jonathan's case.

Bruce had never been one to worry about threats as feeble as Schiller's. When had he ever cared about failing a class? Aside from his psychology course, which he would attend to save face for Schiller, he spent his time either at the bar or simply going through the motions in his other classes.

As he contemplated this, Bruce remembered one thing Schiller had said: Christine had mentioned her upcoming date with him. Could this be related to her disappearance?