Chereads / Marvel: Batman- Dawn of vengeance / Chapter 27 - chapter 26

Chapter 27 - chapter 26

Chapter 26: The Hidden Enemy

The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air as I lay in the hospital bed, the steady beeping of the monitor grounding me in the present. I had come out of the car crash relatively unscathed, but protocol dictated that I be checked for hidden injuries. As I stared at the ceiling tiles, thoughts swirled in my mind, primarily focused on the attempt on my life. It was unsettling, knowing that someone wanted me dead, and that they had targeted Alfred as well.

The door swung open, and in rushed Tony, his expression a mixture of worry and relief.

"I came as fast as I could when I heard what happened," he said, hurrying to my side. He examined me with those familiar brown eyes, a look that revealed his concern more than any words could.

"How are you feeling?" His voice softened, almost as if he were afraid of the answer.

"Not too bad. Did you think a simple car crash would kill me?" I offered a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

"Not exactly, but it can still get you hurt. And I, as a responsible older brother, have to look after you, even if I failed in the past." There was guilt laced in his tone, and I could sense the weight of his regret.

My smile faltered a bit. Yes, he had failed in the past, but I didn't hold that against him. We were both products of our circumstances, and we were still learning to navigate this world together. I had forgiven him long ago; it was time for him to forgive himself.

"I thought you were going to Afghanistan?" I asked, shifting the focus away from his guilt.

"Yeah, I still am. I just came to visit you." He glanced toward the door, almost as if he were reluctant to leave.

"Then go. I'm not keeping you waiting here."

He looked me straight in the eye. "I'm going, but don't do anything reckless. When I get back, we will investigate who tried to kill you… together."

"What do you think I am, twelve?" I chuckled lightly.

"In my eyes, you are." With a slight smirk, he got up and left the room.

Once he was gone, I turned my attention to my watch. "Oracle, did you find out who tried to kill me?"

"Sir, the assailant was identified as Mark Poni. He is a mercenary for hire. According to my sources, you have a bounty on your head," Oracle replied, her voice calm and efficient. "I tracked the account from which the bounty was issued to someone named Mr. Richards."

"Track Mr. Richards. I suspect that's a fake name."

"Understood, sir."

My mind raced with the implications. Who would want me dead? And why? The city felt alive outside the hospital window, bustling with energy and opportunity. But beneath that façade lay shadows, and I was determined to uncover them. Whoever wanted me gone had made a grave mistake—targeting me was one thing, but dragging Alfred into this? That was a line no one should cross.

As I pondered my next move, the nurse entered to check my vitals. I forced myself to relax, even as my thoughts churned with plans for what lay ahead.

The city had changed, yes, but so had I. I was ready to dive deep into the murky waters of New York's criminal underbelly. Whoever was behind this would pay dearly—not just for the attempt on my life but for threatening the people I cared about.

I was no longer just Bruce Stark, the billionaire CEO. I was something more—a guardian of this city, ready to face whatever darkness awaited. The hidden enemy was out there, and soon, I would reveal him for all to see.

A/N: sorry for the late up date, as my exams are coming near I can't update normally. So, it might take some time. But after the exams are over the update speed will return to normal.

And also I didn't have anytime to review the chapter so if you find any problems please inform me.