Bonus Chapter: Redoing my Life, Gotham Nights Radio #2

Some bad news first  244 and 245 will only be finished by Saturday. I need to plan ahead before I finish them.

I’ve been busy this past week, so my schedule is a bit off. I’ll post those two then. One will end Cassie’s plotline, and the other will begin Daniel’s directorial debut. 

So here’s a bonus chapter to read until then.

I’ll have some reactions to this and the first one in the coming chapters.

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[Intro music crackles through, old jazz riffs layered over city noise, sirens faint in the background. Static fades.]

Jack Malone:
“Welcome, welcome, Gotham — my fellow Gothamites. You’re tuned in to Gotham Nights Radio. I’m your host, Jack Malone, and as always, I’m joined by the one and only Big Mike Donovan.”

Big Mike (gruff, booming):
“Evening, Gotham.”

Jack:
“And, of course, Eddie ‘Slick’ Russo.”

Eddie (quiet, subdued):
“Hello, Gotham…”

Jack (somber tone):
“Well, folks… we’ve been on hiatus for three months. And I’ll be honest with you these last few months have been… traumatic for the city. I don’t even know where to begin.”

Mike (cutting in, fired up):
“Well, I do. I’ve been saying it since day one. The Bat. The so-called protector of Gotham. We all bought into the myth, didn’t we? But he fooled us. Fooled everyone. And in the end? He killed Gotham’s true hero. Our White Knight. Harvey Dent. And for what? For what reason? That savage—”

Jack:
“Alright, Mike, let’s not—”

Mike (snapping back):
“Let’s not what, Jack? Tell the truth? Did Harvey Dent not die? Did Commissioner Gordon himself not admit that Batman is being investigated? The city’s greatest hope cut down in his prime and who did they find standing over him? The Bat!”

Jack:
“No charges have been filed—”

Mike (slamming the desk, voice rising):
“No charges? Jack, they caught him at the scene! And now? Now he’s vanished. Gone. If he’s so innocent, then why isn’t he here proclaiming his innocence, huh? Why is he hiding?”

Mike:
“And what about you, Eddie? Hm? Not gonna defend your hero this time?”

Jack:
“Come on now, Mike—”

Eddie:
“I will, Mike. I will.”

Mike (incredulous, angry laugh):
“Even now? Even after all this? How could you, Eddie? How could you?”

Eddie (voice trembling, breaking but defiant):
“Because I don’t believe Batman could ever do what they’re saying, Mike. I can’t.” [he swallows hard] “Jack, you know. You were there. You were hurt during the riots.”

Jack:
“…Yeah. I was.”

Mike:
“And who caused that, Jack? Who?!”

Jack:
“Look, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time—”

Mike (cutting him off, shouting):
“Just tell the city! It was the Batman! His reckless chase through the streets that night! That’s what sent your car into a wall, isn’t it?”

Jack:
“That’s not what happened, Mike.”

Mike (snarling):
“So what now, huh? You’re on the murderer’s side too?”

Eddie (exploding, slamming a fist on the desk):
“He’s not a murderer, Mike! He saved me! If it weren’t for him, my daughter and I would be dead!
There’s no way, no way  that Batman, who’s done so much for this city, who’s never once killed even the worst of Gotham’s criminals, not even that monster Joker… why the hell would he kill Harvey Dent?!”

Mike:
“The evidence says so!”

Eddie (furious, shouting):
“What fucking evidence, Mike?! Tell me! What evidence?!”

Jack:
“Alright, alright, let’s—”

Eddie:
“Why would Batman kill Harvey, huh? They were on the same side!”

Mike:
“Maybe… maybe he was jealous. Maybe the Bat couldn’t stand that Harvey Dent didn’t need to dress up like a goddamn freak to clean up this city! Maybe he realized Harvey was going to finish the job, make Batman irrelevant. And so? He snapped. He killed him.”

Eddie (disgusted):
“That’s bullshit, Mike. You know it is.”

Jack:
“Alright! Enough! Enough! We’re going to take a break. We’ll be right back, folks don’t go anywhere.”

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[Ad music plays  smooth strings layered with a steady drumbeat. A polished male voice begins speaking.]

Narrator:
“Gotham… we’ve endured hard times. The city attacked. Factories closed. Lives lost. Families shaken by tragedy. But in these dark times comes opportunity. At Sionis Exports, we believe in building back stronger. And right now, we’re hiring.”

[Sound of typewriters and factory hum in the background.]

Narrator:
“From warehouse supervisors to dock workers, logistics managers to office clerks we have open positions for hardworking men and women ready to be part of Gotham’s future. Competitive wages, safe facilities, and the promise of steady work.”

[Soft chime as music shifts to a lighter tone.]

Narrator:
“And that’s not all. Our subsidiary, Janus Cosmetics, is also expanding. Whether you’re a chemist, a marketer, or simply looking for entry-level opportunities in one of Gotham’s fastest-growing industries, Janus has a place for you.”

[Music swells.]

Narrator:
“Sionis Exports. Janus Cosmetics. More than just businesses. We’re neighbors. We’re family. We’re Gotham. Apply today, and be part of rebuilding the city we love.”

Narrator:
“Sionis. A Gotham company.”

[Ad fades into static before the radio show returns.]

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Jack:
“Alright, we are back. And before we dive in again, let me just say this  Sionis Industries, despite the tragic loss of many employees during the recent attacks, is offering a golden opportunity to Gothamites. Jobs are open at Sionis Exports and their subsidiary Janus Cosmetics. Folks, if you’re looking for stability, now’s your chance.”

[Paper shuffle. Chair creaks.]

Jack:
“Now, back to business. Mike, Eddie I hope you’ve both calmed down?”

Mike:
“Yeah.”

Eddie:
“Yes.”

Jack:
“Good. Because let’s do this properly. We’ve been off the air for three months. Gotham knows why. Essential broadcasts only, while the city clawed its way back to order. And personally? Eddie and I… we were injured during the Joker’s rampage.”

Jack:
“But that’s behind us now. Gotham Nights Radio is back, and we’re here to entertain, to inform, and maybe keep you sane in this madhouse of a city.”

Mike:
“Damn right.”

Jack:
“So. Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The Batman. The allegations against him.”

Eddie:
“Thank you for saying it that way.”

Jack:
“As you all know, Batman has been accused of the murder of Harvey Dent. Even Commissioner Gordon, the man who’s worked closest with Gotham’s caped crusader for the past three years confirmed that Batman is the prime suspect.”

Mike:
“Of course he did! Because Gordon was there. He saw it.”

Jack:
“No charges have been filed, Mike.”

Mike:
“Jack, they caught him at the scene. If Batman’s innocent, where is he? Hm? He’s gone. Vanished!”

Jack:
“Easy, Mike. Easy. Let me finish. According to the numbers, sixty percent of Gotham believes Batman’s guilty.”

Mike:
“Sixty percent? That’s a joke!”

Jack:
“But before we say more, let’s take a moment. Harvey Dent deserves it. Gotham’s true hero, taken from us too soon. A few seconds of silence, folks.”

[The radio goes still. Only faint static hum.]

Jack (after pause):
“Harvey Dent. He fought the crime families, tore into Gotham’s rot with everything he had. Brave enough to put a target on his back when he stood before the world and claimed he was Batman  just to save us from the Joker’s madness. That kind of courage… that kind of sacrifice… Gotham won’t see its like again. Harvey Dent was and will remain Gotham’s greatest hero.”

Jack:
“That brings me to the topic I wanted to talk about tonight  the very thing everyone in Gotham, hell, the whole country has been talking about: the Dent Act.”

Mike:
“Finally.”

Jack:
“The Dent Act. Now Mike, since you’re the one with the law enforcement background, why don’t you explain it to our listeners?”

Mike (clears throat):
“Simple. The Dent Act is the end of organized crime in Gotham. No more mob bosses walking free, no more revolving-door prisons. This law will put them away for good. No parole. No loopholes. Harvey Dent wanted it, he fought for it, it was his life’s work. And if it wasn’t for that savage in a cape, he would’ve lived to see it through.”

Eddie:
“The Batman did not kill—”

Jack:
“No, no, Eddie. We are not doing that again. Tonight we’re talking about the Dent Act.”

Eddie:
“Come on, Jack. How can you support something like this?”

Mike:
“What the fuck are you saying, Eddie?”

Jack:
“Eddie, this law ends organized crime. It’s what Dent died for. Don’t you want to see Gotham finally safe?”

Eddie:
“Safe? This isn’t safety, Jack. This is power unchecked. You’re talking about locking people up without a trial. Without due process. That’s not justice, that’s tyranny.”

Jack:
“There will be trials.”

Eddie:
“Mock trials, Jack. Rubber stamps. Once the Dent Act passes, anyone — anyone  could be thrown in a cell. All it takes is suspicion.”

Mike (laughs bitterly):
“Oh, listen to you. You’d rather let the mob keep running the streets, huh?”

Jack:
“Sorry, Eddie. But the truth is, the Dent Act is the only way this city can be saved. The Bat is gone. Whether he was guilty or not he’s gone. We can’t rely on him anymore. It’s on us now. Gotham needs law, order, and the courage to enforce it. So I’m saying this to all of Gotham tonight: support the Dent Act. Push it through. Let’s make this city safe. Crime-free.”

Jack:
“Because right now? There’s a new gang calling themselves the Joker Gang, running amok in the Narrows and parts of Burnley. They’re painting their faces like the Joker and terrorizing your fellow Gothamites.”

Mike:
“And don’t forget those biker fuckers the Street Demonz. You pass the Dent Act, you’ll see them all rotting in a cell where they belong.”

Eddie:
“I’ll tell you now this won’t end well.”

Mike:
“No one cares what you think, Eddie.”

Jack:
“Alright, alright, let’s end this bickering. Let’s do what we came back here to do. It’s been three months, Gotham, and I want to hear from you. Call in and tell us what’s life been like during these trying months for our city? First call… you’re live on Gotham Nights Radio.”

Caller (thick southern accent):
“H-hello? Hello, Jack.”

Jack:
“You’re our first caller in three months. Tell us, friend, what’s your name?”

Caller:
“Name’s Earl. Earl Watkins. Born ’n raised in Florida. Moved up here a decade ago, and lemme tell ya I may be Floridian by blood, but I’m proud as hell to be a Gothamite now.”

Mike (annoyed):
“Alright… where are you going with this?”

Caller:
“I’m gettin’ there, don’t rush me. See, back in old Florida, we had gators everywhere. Big ones. You’d hear ’em hissin’ out the toilets sometimes. You’d see ’em in the sewers. They was just… there. Part of life. But here? In Gotham? Nothin’. Not once in all my years did I see a gator.”

Eddie (laughs):
“Because there aren’t gators in this part of the country.”

Caller:
“Well, now there is. I heard it first, down in the sewers near Grant Street. Thought it was just pipes rattlin’. But I looked, and I swear on my momma’s grave  I saw it. A gator. Big as a truck. Walkin’ on two legs. Weren’t no ordinary gator, no sir. It was a man-gator.”

Jack (chuckling):
“That’s not possible.”

Caller:
“It is! Legends say man and gator can mix, makin’ somethin’… somethin’ unnatural. I saw it! Gator eyes, gator teeth, but with man’s hands. Lurkin’ in the muck. Now it’s in Gotham.”

Mike (groaning):
“Jesus. Of course we get crazy right out the gate.”

Jack (laughs):
“Classic Gotham, folks. Sewer gators, man-gators… what’s next, zombies? Earl, thanks for the call. Stay safe out there.”

[Caller still ranting faintly in the background before Jack cuts the line.]

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Ads

[Upbeat jazz mixed with sizzling grill sounds.]

Voiceover (cheerful, warm):
“Gotham you’ve had a rough night or two, but Big Belly Burger is here to put a smile back on your face! That’s right  the nation’s favorite burger joint is opening its doors right here in Gotham City… again!”

[Grill sizzling louder, spatula flip.]

Voiceover:
“From the classic Big Belly Cheeseburger stacked high with double beef patties, to the legendary Belly Buster Bacon Melt, to our fan-favorite Triple Belly Bomb we’ve got the flavors that keep America coming back for seconds. And the best part? Prices that won’t break your wallet.”

[Crowd cheering, kids laughing.]

Voiceover (excited):
“Come celebrate our grand opening this weekend at our brand-new Midtown location! The first one hundred customers get a FREE Belly Bomb combo meal on the house!”

[Chorus, upbeat and catchy jingle]

“Big Belly, Big Taste Big Belly Burger!”

Voiceover (quick, playful):
“Big Belly Burger. Now serving Gotham. Open late because this city never sleeps.”

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Narrator:
“In a city that never slows down, opportunity can pass you by in the blink of an eye. At Cobblepot’s Mutual Loan Services, we believe no one should be left out in the cold. That’s why we offer fast approvals, discreet consultations, and terms tailored to fit your needs.”

[Pen scratching a signature on paper.]

Narrator:
“Whether it’s starting something new… or making sure old accounts are properly settled, we’re here to help Gotham’s ambitious go-getters step into their future.”

[Ice clinking in a glass, faint chuckle.]

Narrator:
“Cobblepot’s Mutual Loan Services. Don’t get left out in the cold.”

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Jack:
“Alright, Gotham, we’re back and let’s do one more call before we wrap things up for tonight.”

Mike:
“Yeah, I’d say today was a good day. Less Bat talk, more real discussion about the Dent Act.”

Jack:
“Alright, caller, you’re on. What’s your name?”

Caller (male voice, breathless, panicked):
“My name’s Chuck and listen, listen, you won’t believe this the Batman is back! He just saved me!”

Eddie (perking up):
“Wait, what? Really?”

Mike (snapping):
“Where, Chuck? Where are you? Call the cops that freak is wanted for murder!”

Chuck (insistent):
“No! No, I won’t call the cops. The Batman saved me. I was cornered  those Joker freaks, they were gonna kill me and he came out of nowhere. He saved me!”

[Ruffling sound, static like the phone is being grabbed.]

Woman’s voice (frustrated):
“Give me that, Chuck. Idiot.”

Jack:
“Alright, who’s this? Ma’am, your name?”

Woman:
“Jenny. His wife. Don’t listen to him. My idiot husband wasn’t saved by the Batman. It was someone else.”

Mike (groaning):
“Oh, great. Another wannabe vigilante?”

Eddie:
“Are you sure, Miss Jenny?”

Jenny:
“Yes. I talked to him. He was young  just a kid, really. And he wasn’t even dressed like the Bat. He called himself… Robin.”

Jack:
“Robin, huh? Cool name.”

Eddie:
“Could this be the Batman’s companion? We all saw during the hostage crisis there was someone else fighting alongside the Bat  saving hostages from the Joker and even from the SWAT team as well.”

Mike (furious):
“Oh, that’s just great. Fucking great. Another freak in a mask.”

Chuck (cutting back in, insistent):
“No, no, I’m telling you this was the Batman. He just changed his name, rebranded himself after killing Dent!”

[The phone line dies.]

Jack:
“Ohhh, now that’s a possibility…”

Mike (snapping):
“That’s it. I’m calling Gordon myself. He needs to know there’s another nutjob running around. We’ve gotta catch this freak.”

Eddie:
“Crazy couple, huh.”

Mike (snorting):
“No just a crazy man.”

Jack (chuckling):
“We’ve all dated a little crazy in the past. I know I have. Back in college, there was this girl I dated… she was kicked out after they found she was using pheromones to control men. Yeah  I think she had me under her pheromonic spell too. But hey… it happens.”

Eddie:
“Hold on, wait. That’s awful! Pheromones? Like what… what do you mean she controlled you?”

Jack (clearing throat):
“Well… I don’t like to think about it too much. She got expelled, and I haven’t seen her since. Let’s leave it at that.”

Mike:
“Understandable, Jack. understandable.”

Jack (settling his voice):
“Alright, Gotham. We’re out of time tonight. But make sure you tune in over the coming weeks — because yours truly, Jack Malone, is working to secure an exclusive interview with one of the doctors at Arkham Asylum. In particular, the ones assigned to the Joker himself. Maybe then we’ll finally get some answers about what goes on in that twisted monster’s mind.”

[Low, moody piano notes fade under his words.]

Jack:
“I’m Jack Malone, with Big Mike and Slick Eddie, signing off. Stay safe out there…

[Outro music fades, static crackles, broadcast ends.]