"I would shun the light share in evening's cool and quiet, who would trade that hum of night"

"THIS IS NOTHING LIKE THE STAKEOUTS THAT I'VE SEEN ON TV."

"Sorry to disappoint you," Gordon replied.

Rosalind was sitting in the passenger seat of Gordon's car. They were parked outside of the Iceberg Lounge, watching who went in and out. It was pouring rain once again. Batman had instructed them to radio him when they saw Penguin leave.

Sitting there with Gordon was awkward. Rosalind knew the man probably had a million questions for her. After all, he had seen her with both Bruce Wayne and the Batman in less than 24 hours.

"So," Gordon said. "You have some... interesting friends."

"I could say the same about you," Rosalind looked at the man."I mean, come on. Look who we're both working with."

"I guess so," Gordon chuckled. "I forgot you were close with the Waynes. I remember always seeing the two of you in the paper."

"Gossip columns you mean," Rosalind rolled her eyes. "Could barely go outside together without someone snapping a picture and slapping an assumption on it."

"Oh so you weren't- you're not...?" Gordon trailed off, trying to find the right words.

"No!" Rosalind shook her head. "God, no. We're friends. He's my best friend. We grew up together, stayed close, y'know."

"Ah," He nodded. "Reclusive kind of guy, Bruce Wayne. Keeps to himself. Pretty surprising to see him out yesterday."

"He's always been quiet," Rosalind shrugged. "But there's a lot more to him than people realize."

"Really?" Gordon scoffed. "Like what?"

"He's smarter than he lets on," She said. "He's really observant, like he analyzes every step he takes. He's funny when he wants to be. And he's... a good friend. He always has been. He's a big softie deep down."

"Is he really?" Gordon chuckled again.

"Big time," Rosalind couldn't help but smile. "I remember when we were in high school I did all the shows they put on. Bruce always said he couldn't make it but there were flowers in my dressing room every single night. Pink roses because one time I told him I hated the red ones. I told him that exactly once... and he remembered. He still does. I got them from him again for my birthday last year."

"Anything yet?" Batman's voice came through the radio.

"Not yet," Gordon replied before turning back to Rosalind. "Sounds like he's sweet on you."

"You're not the first person to think that," Rosalind laughed and shook her head. "But no. Oh but you should have seen him when I left for college."

"What are you talking about?" Batman chimed in.

The radio had been left on.

"Rosalind is giving me the inside scoop on Bruce Wayne," Gordon replied. "Stuff the gossip column could never tell me. What happened when you left for college?"

Rosalind knew that Bruce was listening but couldn't do anything about it or else his cover would be blown. But she didn't care. It was fun to tease him, she had been doing it her whole life. Besides, this was her favorite story to tell.

"He practically broke down my door the night before I left," She told Gordon. "At almost three in the morning. Begging me not to go."

"I don't believe it," Gordon laughed.

"Rosie," Rosalind imitated Bruce dramatically, putting her hands over her heart. "Please don't go! You don't need college. You have so much potential! Don't just throw it all away for a place where you won't be appreciated. Don't leave!"

Gordon was laughing and Rosalind descended into giggles. The radio beeped.

"I don't think he'd do that," Batman grumbled.

"He did," Rosalind said. "And I'm glad he did... It showed me just how much he cared. And he cares a lot. Maybe too much sometimes. But... but I appreciate it more than he'll ever know."

It was quiet for a moment. Rosalind felt her face heat up.

"He's also a huge fucking dork." She said.

"That one I can believe," Gordon nodded. "What about the two of you? How did you get mixed up with Batman?"

Before Rosalind could make up an answer, the door of the club opened. Both people in the car snapped to attention. They watched as several people exited the club.

"Kenzie and the twins coming your way," Gordon said into the radio.

"There's Penguin," Batman said.

"I wonder what's in the bags," Gordon said. "You want to move in?"

"Let's follow," Batman agreed.

"Here's where the ride along gets fun," Rosalind pumped her fist as Gordon pulled the car out of the shadows and began to follow. "What's next? Car chase? Shootout? Should I lean out the window and shoot their tires?"

"Stay in the car," Batman told her.

"I'm kidding-"

"Stay in the car." he repeated. The radio clicked off and Rosalind crossed her arms with a huff.

"You got weird taste in men, kiddo," Gordon told her.

"Shut up and drive, mustache."

They wound up driving to a seemingly abandoned warehouse. Gordon eased the car slowly into the shadows. That combined with the rain gave them a better cover. They watched as the garage door of the warehouse opened up.

"They stopped at Waterfront Street," Gordon said into the radio. "The recycling plant."

"I'm here," Batman replied.

Rosalind's eyes scanned their surroundings. She didn't see him or the car anywhere. But then she looked up. Illuminated by the lights on the roof stood the Batman looking down at the scene.

"Look at him," Rosalind pointed him out to Gordon. "So goddamn dramatic."

They watched him turn and walk further back onto the roof. It was quiet for a few moments, the only sounds being the rain against the car.

"It's a drug lab," Batman said suddenly. "Drops. This is a buy."

"Looks like they got Maroni's operation up and running again," Gordon sighed.

"Or they never shut it down at all," Batman replied.

"What are you saying?" Gordon asked. "The biggest drug bust in GCPD history was a fraud?"

"I mean," Rosalind winced. "It isn't like drops have become obsolete. You can get them anywhere these days. Not just in Gotham either."

The sound of an approaching motorcycle interrupted them. Rosalind and Gordon turned in their seats to see the bike pull into the lot and behind some trucks.

"This just got complicated," Batman said.

"Why?" Rosalind asked. "Who is it?"

"Rosalind, it's a friend of ours." he replied.

Selina. Rosalind frowned. She was still a bit mad at the woman for leaving her alone in the club the other day. But if she was here, then she was in danger. These guys would not hesitate to kill her. Rosalind turned to Gordon.

"You got a gun?" She asked.

"What?" Gordon stared at her. "Kid, I am not giving you-"

Rosalind looked down to see one in the holster in his belt. She looked around and opened the glove compartment. Sure enough, there was another one. Gordon was a cop after all, of course he had extras. Rosalind grabbed it and threw up her hood of her jacket before sliding out of the car and into the rain despite Gordon's protests.

By the time Rosalind had reached Selina, she had taken out both of the twins and was opening the trunk of one of the cars. Rosalind slid up beside her.

"Come here often?" She asked.

Selina jumped, moving to take her down too. But then she realized who it was and deflated a bit.

"I could ask you the same question, Rosie," Selina said, putting emphasis on the nickname she had heard Batman use the last time. "I'd say let's get outta here but I don't think your boyfriend would like that much. Where is he?"

"Hell if I know," Rosalind glanced up at the roof, looking for a glimpse of him. "And he's not my boyfriend. But what the hell are you doing?"

"What does it look like?" Selina replied, opening one of the bags in the trunk to reveal piles of cash.

"Dangerous crowd you're stealing from," The Bat's voice came from behind them, making both women jump.

"Jesus," Selina grumbled before turning back to the bags. "Is this how you get your kicks, hon? Sneaking up on girls in the dark? Unless Rosie here is into that, I dunno."

"Is this why you work in the club?" Batman asked. "It was all just a score?"

"Oh the same club she abandoned me in?" Rosalind tapped her chin, pretending to think.

"Look," Selina snapped at the two of them. "You know, I would love to sit and go over every gory detail with you both, Mr and Mrs Smith, but uh, those assholes are coming back-"

Selina stopped mid sentence, her breath caught in her throat. Rosalind gasped as well, slapping a hand over her mouth. In the bag Selina had just opened was the dead body of Anika.

Before they could do anything, gunfire rang out. They all immediately ducked behind the car. Rosalind cocked the gun she had taken from Gordon, readying herself. She looked to the side. Selina was huddled against the car while the Bat was on the ground. Her eyes widened.

"B-" She caught herself before she said his name. "Batman! Shit-"

Furious, Rosalind crouched just so she could see above the car and aimed her gun, taking a few shots at the men. She hadn't shot a gun in years, the drawback making her shoulders ache. She saw one man get hit in the shoulder, give a loud cry, and go down.

She looked to her side again. Selina had crawled to the other side of the car to get out of the line of fire. But Batman was gone. Great.

Gordon's car roared behind them, driving right up to the action. He shot at them as well, taking one down instantly. Rosalind followed suit, taking down another. She half ran, half rolled over to Gordon's car, opening the passenger side door to cover herself as the shootout continued.

"Hey vengeance!" Penguin yelled, shooting threateningly. "You think you can come after my money, huh?"

The shooting had stopped. Rosalind watched as Penguin and his men moved around the car, closer and closer to where Selina was. Before she could stop herself, Rosalind jumped out from her spot.

"HEY!" She said, pointing her gun at them.

"Rosalind!" Gordon snapped at her. "No-"

"Hey!" Rosalind called again. "Happy feet! Over here!"

Penguin practically snarled at her when he turned around. With his back turned, Selina scurried away back towards her motorcycle.

"You again?" Penguin groaned. "You're in way over your head girly!"

They all aimed their guns at her. But before anyone could shoot, the sound of a roaring engine thundered. They all turned to the side of the warehouse. Batman's car revved its engine and Rosalind almost cheered. She turned to Gordon who was still hidden behind his door.

"Get in the car," She said. "We gotta go now."

Gordon didn't have to be told twice. And neither did anyone else. Penguin and his men and jumped in to their cars and pulled out of the lot like bats out of hell. Batman's car peeled off after them, passing Rosalind and Gordon on it's way out.

"God that's so fucking cool," Rosalind mumbled as Gordon started the car and began to follow.

Rosalind had seen that car before. She had never been inside of it, never ridden in it. But she wanted to. Who wouldn't? It was a cool fucking car.

Rosalind and Gordon shot off after them. But they were already so far ahead.

"We're never gonna catch up," Gordon said.

"Hey fast and furious," Rosalind said into the radio. "Wait for us!"

There was no answer.

"They're headed on the highway," Rosalind pointed. "Take the streets, we'll meet them halfway."

And from the streets they saw several things. Cars swerving and crashing to avoid the chase. Driving on the wrong side of the road. Giant trucks toppling over causing an explosion that made Rosalind cry out in shock until they saw Batman's car literally leap out of the flames and back on track.

"Jesus christ," Rosalind said as they finally pulled onto the highway, cutting off Penguin's now upside down car. "Fucking hot wheels over here, huh?"

"Sending you a location," Batman's voice came through the radio. "Meet me there. We have some questions to ask this guy."

"Think this ride along is boring still?' Gordon her asked as they drove off.

"I mean we're no Blue Bloods," Rosalind shrugged. "But I enjoyed myself. Can cross it off the bucket list."

"Glad I can make that happen for you, kid."

Batman had beaten them there. The Penguin had his hands and feet tied up and was pinned up against a piller. Gordon and Rosalind got out of the car and made their way over.

What the hell is this?' Penguin spat at them. "Good cop, batshit cop... not even a fucking cop?"

"Whos the Riddler?" Batman asked him.

"Riddler?" Penguin repeated. "How should I know?"

"Let's make it easy for you, Oz," Gordon said. "Cops caught you doing something. They were gonna shut you down, put you away. So you gave up a bigger fish to save your ass."

"You ratted out Salvatore Maroni," Batman said. "His drops operation."

"But the cops," Gordon continued. "The city officials, the mayor, the DA, they got greedy, right? Wasn't enough, a big career-making bust. They wanted to take over the drops business too but they needed a minor league mope like you to run it."

"How convenient you happen to own the place where drop sales skyrocket," Rosalind said, crossing her arms.

"You don't just work for Carmine Falcone," Batman said. "You work for them too."

"What are you, crazy?" Penguin said.

"That why you killed the girl?" Gordon asked.

"I didn't kill no girl!" Penguin exclaimed.

"Her name was Anika," Rosalind said. "She worked for you at The 44 Below."

"But she got too close, right?" Gordon asked. "Found out from Micthell that you were the rat so you killed her. But somehow Riddler found out too. He knows so much about you. You must know about him."

"Who is he?" Batman asked.

"Someone as goddamn nosy as you has got to know just about everyone," Rosalind said.

"Boy you guys are a hell of a trio here," Penguin said. "Why don't you start harmonizing? There's only one problem with your little scenario, okay? I ain't no rat! You got any idea what Carmine Falcone would do to me if he heard this kind of talk?"

"Oh you don't wanna talk about rats, huh?" Gordon said, reaching into his pocket. "Maybe we can talk about what they did to my partner's face."

Gordon pulled out a photo from the crime scene that had used the Lost Silence. He shoved it towards Penguin whose eyes widened.

"Holy God what are you showin' me here?" Penguin exclaimed. "Come on!"

"Open your eyes!" Gordon shouted.

"Who is the Riddler?" Rosalind asked firmly. Penguin looked at her.

"You know, you surprised me, girly," He said. "You got a lot more guts than I thought you did. You got in with a whole lotta people in some high places. Bad enough you were slinking through my club the other night. If you were looking for a job, you're out of luck. I have enough working girls there. Although you'd certainly make a pretty penny. But why don't you put this in one of your books, bitch: Fuck. Off."

Rosalind surged forward to punch him but Batman was faster. His arm wrapped around her torso and pulled her back. He shook his head at her and she settled for staring daggers at Penguin instead.

"And don't even get me started on whatever the two of you got going on," Penguin said, looking between Rosalind and Batman. "Tell me, missy, does Bruce Wayne know about your little side piece here?"

"Are you El Rata Alada?" Gordon interrupted.

"El Rata Alada?" Penguin repeated.

"Yeah," Gordon said. "A rat with wings. A stool pigeon. That's not you? They symbols in the maze, right here. It says 'you are El Rata Alada.'"

"You are El Rata Alada?" Penguin repeated. "It says that?"

"Why, you got something to tell us?" Gordon snapped.

"Yeah!" Penguin exclaimed. He took a breath. "It's like the worst Spanish I ever heard."

"...What?" Gordon said.

"It's 'La'." Penguin said. "La rata. What is this Riddler stupid or something? Jesus, look at you three. World's greatest detectives! Girly, you write mysteries and you couldn't figure that out? Ain't Riddler stealing your ideas, too? Am I the only one here who knows the difference between 'el' and 'la'? Jesus! No habla español, fellas?"

"Do me a favor shit head and shut up!" Gordon snapped before turning to Rosalind and Batman. "You think he made a mistake?"

"He doesn't make mistakes," Batman shook his head.

"A rat with wings?" Penguin said. "You know what that sounds like to me? A friggin' bat! Huh? You ever think of that?"

"You are El Rata..." Batman said.

Something clicked in Rosalind's mind and she slapped the two men on the arm.

"URL," She said. "Anybody got wifi out here?"

Gordon had his laptop in his car. They typed in "Rata Alada" as the URL. The screen went black.

"Maybe it was a mistake," Gordon shrugged. "Maybe he isn't as smart as he-"

The computer beeped. A flashing green question mark came onscreen.

DID YOU FIND HIM<?>

"Holy shit..." Gordon said.

"Answer," Rosalind urged Batman. He began to type.

EL RATA ALADA?

YES<?>

MAYBE.
IS A PENGUIN A RAT WITH WINGS?

INTERESTING.
YOU'RE MISSING THE BIG PICTURE<?>

"What the hell does that mean?" Gordon asked. "Is he or isn't he?"

I NEED TO SHOW YOU MORE FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND
MY NEXT VICTIM IS THE BIGGEST PIECE OF THE PUZZLE YET<?>

VICTIM?
DEAD?

HE WILL BE SOON
HERE'S A CLUE TO WHERE YOU CAN FIND HIM...<?>

"I grew up as a seed," Gordon read. "Tough as a weed. But in a mansion, in a slum, I'll never know where I come from. Do you know what I am? ...Any idea?"

"Yeah," Batman said. "It's an orphan."

A horrible thought came to Rosalind's mind. Riddler was going after big names. Who was the most well known orphan in Gotham? Well he was standing right next to her.

AN ORPHAN?

GOOD BYE<?>

"A mansion in a slum," Batman repeated. "He's talking about the old orphanage."

"The one that burned down?" Gordon asked.

"It was part of the Wayne estate," Batman said. "They donated it after they built the tower."

"Let's go," Gordon nodded.

"Let's go to the creepy abandoned orphanage?" Rosalind said. "Yeah great idea, I say we split up and search for clues, gang. I'll even check the basement all by myself!"

They all began to head back to the cars. Rosalind inclined her head to Batman, silently asking to ride with him. He hesitated but nodded. Rosalind hid her smile at the prospect of being in that car.

"You guys realize I'm still here, right?" Penguin called after them. "You gonna untie me? How the hell am I supposed to get outta here?"

They ignored him and got into their cars. From the passenger seat Rosalind watched Penguin waddle towards them.

"Penguin," Rosalind chuckled as they pulled away. "I get it now."

"You made some really stupid moves back there," Batman scolded. It certainly wasn't Bruce right now.

"I had it under control," She replied. "They were gonna get Selina!"

"They almost had you!" he snapped. "Rosie, you could have been killed."

"But I wasn't," Rosalind sighed.

"Because you got lucky," he said. "Don't pull anything like that again, you hear me?"

"You sound like my father right now," She said.

"Good."

They sat in an angry silence for a moment. He stole a glance at her.

"Since when can you shoot a gun?" He asked.

"Dad taught me when I was like fifteen," She said. "I mean, we live in Gotham. It comes in handy."

"If you have to fight, don't use a gun," he said. "You're a lot better hand to hand. I've seen it. Stick with that."

"And what if I can't?" She asked with a huff.

"Then you call me." He said simply, sounding a lot more like Bruce than Batman for a moment.

There was another strained silence. Rosalind looked around at the car. The engine roared loudly in her ears. Yeah, still really fucking cool. Despite herself, she sighed and looked at him.

"Your car is fucking awesome." She admitted.

It might have been a trick of the light, but Rosalind swore she saw him smile.

JILLIAN SPEAKS!

Coming out as a Penguin apologist this man invented comedy. I cannot wait for his show

As always, don't be a ghost reader! Leave any questions, comments, concerns you may have. I love reading them!

Until next time, love ya!