CHAPTER 1 THE EVENING NEWS On the first night of spring a cold wet snow fell onto the Wayne Manor courtyard Inside the grand mansion billionaire Bruce Wayne settled into his chair He took the final sip of his nightly tea picked up the television remote and flicked on the news Another cold night in Gotham City reported anchor Spring O’Hara Later in the weather forecast we’ll tell you about a possible warm-up headed our way A welcomed change Wouldn’t you say Master Bruce said a voice from the door 4
Bruce looked over his shoulder Alfred his loyal butler entered the room I’ll believe it when I see it Bruce said These reporters never get anything right He turned down the volume on the television I hope the noise didn’t wake you Alfred Not at all sir said Alfred I just came by to offer you another spot of tea The butler placed a silver serving tray on the table He held up a steaming teapot and began pouring before Bruce could reply Thanks Alfred said Bruce Anything to get rid of this chill Yes Alfred said Although this chill may be ridding us of another problem Alfred pointed toward the television On the screen Bruce saw the headline in bold letters GOTHAM CRIME RATE DECREASES 5
Bruce reached for the remote to turn the volume back up Then suddenly outside the frosted window a spotlight shined through the darkened sky In the bright beam of light was the symbol of a bat Both men knew exactly what the Bat-Signal meant What did I tell you Alfred said Bruce quickly rising from his chair These reporters never get anything right He turned and exited the room heading toward the Batcave The underground cavern contained the equipment he used as Batman Gotham’s greatest crime fighter VROOOOOM Moments later Alfred felt the loud rumble of an engine thunder beneath his feet He looked outside the window Through the falling snow he watched the Batmobile speed away 6
