A Day Out Turned Hostage Crisis

Of course, Zucco denied any involvement in the crime. In the past, he had always either destroyed the evidence or made others take the fall for him. Batman and Avery had worked together to collect the necessary evidence, but they still needed one final piece to seal Zucco's fate.

Eventually, they caught Zucco in the act while he was trying to extort a businessman. When the businessman refused to comply, Zucco resorted to violence. That's when they stopped him, took incriminating photos, and forced him to sign a confession.

With that, the case was finally closed.

The next day, Bruce took Dick on the promised outing. By the time Avery finished washing dishes and emerged from the kitchen, the two were already dressed and ready to leave. They didn't even need Alfred's help—they just hopped in the car and drove off.

Before they left, Dick, who had grown less shy over the past few days, even waved goodbye to Avery and said, "See you later."

Avery smiled in return, secretly hoping they wouldn't be recognized. If they were, the media would be a nightmare to deal with. Unfortunately, while the local tabloid reporters failed to recognize the disguised Bruce Wayne, someone else did—and that person wasted no time taking action.

In the end, things didn't go as smoothly as expected. Less than three hours after they left, Avery received a distress signal from Bruce.

Avery: "..."

The trouble had begun when Bruce decided to take Dick out. Ever since the boy's parents had died, he had been understandably downcast. While it was possible that with enough time, Dick might eventually come to terms with his loss and move on, it would have been irresponsible to leave him to his own devices. That's why Bruce had decided to take him out for some fun.

He ruled out any overly extravagant places, as it hadn't been long since Dick's parents had passed. After some thought, Bruce settled on taking him to an amusement park, followed by a visit to Gotham's Children's Museum.

No one could have predicted what would happen next. Despite the museum being a perfectly legitimate place with a good safety record, that day they encountered a group of terrorists. The motives behind the attack were baffling—after all, there was little to gain from robbing a children's museum. The security was tight, and the items on display weren't worth much. It would have made far more sense for the terrorists to rob a bank instead.

Bruce found the situation perplexing, but his confusion turned to suspicion when the leader of the group headed straight for him. At that moment, Bruce realized two things: first, the attack was probably aimed at him, and second, he had no idea why.

"Come with us, Bruce Wayne."

The leader was a burly man nearly two meters tall, with a scar running down his right cheek. His muscles bulged under his clothes, and he carried a gun, making him look like someone you definitely wouldn't want to mess with. In comparison, Bruce Wayne, standing in front of him looking scared, seemed weak, pitiful, and utterly helpless.

The parents in the hall, hearing the name "Bruce Wayne," gasped in surprise and couldn't help but glance at the low-profile young man wearing a hat. Soon enough, they realized it was indeed Bruce Wayne.

As for the child standing beside Wayne, they figured it must be the orphan he had recently adopted after the tragic loss of his parents.

Despite his outward appearance, Bruce Wayne was actually quite calm. After all, Batman wasn't one to be intimidated by a small situation like this. But Bruce had a public image to maintain—one of a carefree playboy. Even now, he had to stick to his role as an actor (?), which led him to appear far more rattled than his own adoptive son.

Naturally, onlookers couldn't help but feel a bit disdainful.

And as for the adoptive son himself…

Dick thought: This dad may be a bit cowardly, but I've already accepted him, so I guess I'll make do.

Bruce had no choice but to go along with the group. But simply following them without any resistance would make it seem like he had no survival instincts. Luckily, he had a communicator hidden in his pocket, and just a moment ago, he had used it to send a message to Avery.

Knowing Avery's style, he wouldn't waste any time unless it was absolutely necessary. Bruce felt confident leaving things to him, though that didn't mean he wouldn't try to save himself if an opportunity arose.

With his hands raised, Bruce followed the group of men. But, as fate would have it, things took an unexpected turn. Just when he thought the situation couldn't get any worse, the leader of the gang suddenly called out, "Wait, take the kid too."

The leader nodded toward Dick, signaling his men to bring him along as well.

Without hesitation, the thugs grabbed Dick, tied him up, and carried him to one of the cars waiting at the museum entrance.

Standing there, Bruce's voice trembled slightly as he protested, "Isn't it enough to take me? Why involve the child?"

The leader shot him a cold look, then sneered, "Why? Because I don't like your face, that's why! Today's target is you, rich boy."

Bruce, sounding desperate, tried to bargain, "If it's money you want, I can—"

"Shut up!" the leader barked, cutting him off. "This isn't just about money! Get him in the car!" he shouted angrily.

Without giving Bruce another chance to speak, the gang members swiftly tied his hands behind his back and threw him into the same car as Dick.

With Bruce and his adoptive son secured, the gang holstered their weapons and left the children's museum. The terrified civilians inside looked around at the wreckage, then quickly called the police.

It was certain now—Bruce Wayne would make tomorrow's headlines.

The kidnappers climbed into their vehicles, the engines roaring as they sped off toward unknown destination.