"And this is…"
Standing in the hallway, Gordon was subtly sizing up the man walking behind Batman.
The scholar-like man was tall, roughly similar to Batman, but much thinner. He didn't appear robust, but his demeanor was refined and elegant. His suit was perfectly tailored, the fabric reflecting luxury even under the dim lights.
In a society built on wealth, symbols of affluence always impart extra elegance and unassuming confidence. Gordon immediately recognized him as a high-class scholar with a traditional style.
Intriguingly, Schiller didn't seem to be fearful or angry, which seemed unsettling.
Batman seemed omnipotent, but Gordon knew that even he occasionally relied on professionals. After all, there are countless scholarly disciplines in the world, times when anyone with an ounce of intellect would understand, it is sensible to leave it to the professionals.
However, Batman's approach to asking for help was not always gentle, those accompanying him rarely maintained their dignity.
Considering this anomaly, Gordon pieced it together swiftly, understanding it was Batman's deliberate ruse.
Batman had not resorted to any violent actions towards the man and allowed him to appear before Gordon with utmost grace and calm. The underlying cause was an implicit warning to Gordon- he is useful and not easily dealt with.
After grasping these nuances, Gordon couldn't help but scrutinize Schiller like a criminal, reaching a conclusion within a second that Batman's insights remained as correct as ever.
At the same time, he was awestruck by Batman's audacity, turning to another fearsome serial killer to combat others.
Within seconds, Gordon sorted out his thoughts and approached Shiller with an unhurried and steady stride, shook his hand and said, "Hello, May I know how to address you?"
"Schiller Rodriguez, currently a psychology professor at the Federal Bureau of Investigation internship special agent training institute."
Gordon tightened his grip, shaking Schiller's hand up and down, "It's a pleasure, Professor Schiller."
As Schiller introduced himself, Batman didn't glance in his direction, as if he hadn't heard at all, which evidently improved Schiller's mood.
He then volunteered, "I've heard about recent brutal killings in this city. Is there anything I can assist with?"
"Come, this way, please." Gordon led the way for Shiller, keeping a suitable distance ensuring Schiller could hear him, his measured footsteps chiming with his words.
"God help us, it's not the best time for you to visit. The shadow of murder cases looms over the citizens, everyone feels an uncontrollable situation brewing. But you know, Federal agents don't often come here, people question their capabilities and intentions..."
"Don't worry, Director Gordon. I'm here strictly due to a coincidence. Whatever transpires here is not within my remit and would not attract additional attention because of me."
Gordon sighed in relief. The three men quickly moved downstairs. Standing at the door of the morgue, Gordon said, "There's still a body that hasn't been moved yet. That doesn't bother you, does it?"
"Of course not, but I also need to ask, you wouldn't mind, would you?"
"You mean, your forthcoming opinions on the body could be shockingly unconventional, or your statements about the killer could be astonishing?"
Batman again asserted in the affirmative. Schiller stared into his eyes for at least ten seconds, then looked away, "You nailed it."
"We are far from lacking in startling detectives here." Gordon smiled, casting a glance at Batman. He made a light-hearted joke that the trio easily understood.
Then, in the relatively easy-going atmosphere, the morgue door was pushed open. It was a typical morgue, cold but unexceptional. The body that was brought out was just the same.
Gordon and another officer pulled the body onto the central examination table, and Schiller immediately moved closer.
Batman turned his head to see Scholars staring at the body with a gaze as tangible as a solid object. The concentration in his gray eyes far exceeded the realm of normal attention; it seemed more like a connection.
Not with the body, but with the killer, with the process of death, he was deciphering death, trying to understand death.
Batman was quite sure this was not an interpretation based on observation; he had done it that way in the past and knew that no detective would stare only at the corpse's eye, especially when sharp blade wounds were clearly present in the chest.
As Schiller's focus peaked, both Gordon and Batman felt an icy and gloomy aura emanate from him, like a pine tree in the snow night, its interior composed of pale, resilient hardwood.