CHAPTER 1 CLEAR AS DAY At twilight a long line of cars began to arrive at Gotham City Conservatory Limousines and expensive cars delivered well-dressed guests to the front of the glittering glass building The conservatory had been closed to the public for several months for major restorations Now everyone was excited to go inside the newly remodeled building to see the display of plants presented by the Conservatory Campaign Bruce Wayne’s black town car was the last in line As the billionaire climbed out wearing a tuxedo no one suspected that the Dark Knight Batman was actually in their midst Safe in his secret identity Bruce paused took a deep breath and admired the building The restoration had been a success Then the mogul looked toward Robinson Park one of the city’s largest green spaces The park was next to the freshly redone conservatory and stood in stark contrast For years Robinson Park had been neglected and poorly maintained Paths and bridges were in disrepair Trash littered the ground and the plants that had managed to grow needed pruning But all of that was about to change Tonight’s event was a fundraiser by the Conservatory Campaign to benefit Robinson Park Bruce hoped it would raise enough money to return the park to its former glory Tim Drake the secret identity of Batman’s crime-fighting partner Robin climbed out of the car next Disguised as Bruce Wayne’s ward he was also dressed in a tuxedo for the formal event But Tim was in a much bigger hurry to get inside He gazed up at the elegant building Three stories of glass framed in white glowed in the twilight WHOOOO Tim let out a low whistle
The conservatory looked like something out of a fairy tale The display inside the huge greenhouse was sure to be just as wonderful Tim cleared his throat to let Bruce know he was ready to go in Sorry Tim Bruce smiled at the boy and placed a hand on his shoulder I thought I smelled something
At the end of a red carpet waitstaff carrying trays of glasses and appetizers
