It's been exactly a week since I asked Commissioner Gordon to help me get a license. So this morning, I headed straight to the Gotham City Police Department.
Luckily, James was there, and I officially became the proud owner of a driver's license. I feel like a full-fledged citizen again. The Commissioner asked me how his daughter was doing in her new position.
I assured him she was very responsible and that I was pleased with the results of her work. After exchanging a few more words, we said our goodbyes. I left the office and was heading toward the exit when a familiar female voice called out to me.
Turning around, I saw a dark-skinned girl in a gray hat smiling warmly at me.
"Hello, Renee," I greeted her. "How's my favorite detective doing?"
"You know, surprisingly well. I'd even say wonderful. She recently solved a very difficult case, so she's been in a great mood lately," said Ms. Montoya.
"Well, I'm happy for her. I wonder if she solved it herself or if someone helped her?" I asked with a slight chuckle.
"Someone actually helped… How did you guess?" she asked with mild sarcasm.
"Um… Experience?" I shrugged. "What?"
"I think that expression is a little inappropriate. Especially coming from you."
"Heh, I'm glad to see you again, Renee."
"Me too, Alex. Haven't had lunch yet? Come on, I'm treating you today."
We went to a small diner not far from the station.
"You remember my 'riddle' about the murder in the five-star hotel, right? Well, you were right. The killer really was her husband. Turns out, he never broke up with his ex-wife. They just pretended he married her rich friend so that, after her death, they could live comfortably and happily."
"Did you find out who turned off the surveillance cameras?"
"Yes, it turned out to be their good friend. He worked with the killer in a reconnaissance squad in the past."
"Reconnaissance?" I asked, slightly surprised.
"Right. That's how the killer managed to go upstairs and murder his wife despite the knife wound. He was highly trained. I might have missed it if not for your advice. So, thank you, Alex," she said, smiling tenderly. "You helped catch the criminals."
"No need for applause. You know, I'm quite pleased with my reward," I said, looking at the coffee and cream bun. "If the second reward is just as good, I wouldn't mind helping you with a few more things."
"Seriously? Next time I'll send the reward in a box."
"Oh, come on, that's completely different! This prize only shines when you're around."
"What are you saying… That's like nectar to my ears," she teased, looking at me playfully. "Is it just me, or are you trying to hit on me?"
"God forbid," I raised both hands.
"Hey! What kind of reaction is that? Am I not good enough for you?" she asked with a mock-offended face. "What do you say, highly respected writer and promising pianist?"
"No, I'm just afraid I wouldn't be able to handle a strong-willed woman like you. After all, I'm quite a fragile, creative person."
"Look how you got out of that one! Okay, let's say you win… By the way, I've been a devoted fan of yours for a while now. I watched your video 'River Flows in You.' I even subscribed to your In-Twitter page."
"Really? I'm flattered."
"So, let's check how things are going there," Renee said, pulling out her phone. "Your video already has… more than 9 million views! And that's in just two days. The last time I watched it, it didn't have that many yet."
That was far more views than I'd expected. It might seem small compared to the original video, which got over 50 million views in less than half a day. But we can't ignore some important factors.
First, the original video was released by Metropolis Music Group's official channel, which already had a massive subscriber base.
Second, the name of Heinrich Mortes was attached, which amplified viewer curiosity. My channel, however, was a blank slate.
I had no subscribers, and I didn't mention the name of that legendary composer. Yet, despite all this, I'd managed to attract so much attention. That's definitely a victory. You can't have everything at once. Step by step, you eventually reach the top.
"I see you're getting more and more popular," Renee continued, studying her phone. "Over 500 thousand people have subscribed to your In-Twitter page already. Oh, if only I could have your popularity."
"Are you serious? I can actually help you become famous," I said with a mysterious smile.
"Hm, I'll think about your offer. But not now," the detective replied, sipping her coffee.
We talked for about half an hour, but time waits for no one. It was time to get back to work. My relationship with Renee was growing stronger. She already saw me as a close friend. While we were still far from revealing our secrets to each other, we were getting closer.
As dusk fell, I hurried to the dark cave, where a familiar, shadowy figure with a piercing gaze was supposed to be waiting. But this time, there was a hint of blue alongside the darkness.
I was met by a young man, about my age. He wore a black mask around his eyes, a black suit, and a blue "V" symbol on his chest. He held two short sticks, one of which was pointed at me. Nightwing.
To be honest, I hadn't expected to meet him so soon. But at the same time, I was quite glad. I'd wanted to meet this member of the Bat-family for a long time.
"Uh, hi. I'm Alex Reath. Maybe you could take that stick away from my throat?"
"Nice to meet you, Alex," he said, lowering his weapon. "I've wanted to meet you for a while. You know who I am, right? You know about Bruce and Barbara."
"Yeah, I know who you are, Dick. I know a lot, so you don't have to wear that mask around me."
Honestly, I never understood the purpose of his mask. Really, what's so difficult about recognizing him? Batman's face is covered—fine. But here? His whole face is practically open!
What are the rules in this universe?! I still can't get over the fact that Superman hides his identity with glasses. Glasses! Are they some mysterious Kryptonian artifact? Magic glasses that alter perception?