The blizzard in Gotham had just stopped, and the weather had warmed slightly, so the snow was beginning to melt. But thawing weather was even colder, and with the roads iced over, most people chose to stay home.
In any other city, logistics would have come to a complete halt at a time like this. But Gotham's truck drivers were never deterred by hardship. The moment the weather improved even a little, they went back to work.
Still, not every truck driver could get back on the road yet. Some were forced to stay home for one reason or another, Jack among them.
The reason he could not work was simple. The Car Accidents at the central roundabout had not only involved Schiller and Bruce's family, but Jack as well.
He had not been in the center of the roundabout. He had been waiting at one of the side roads for the signal. When a green light that should not have come on lit up, Jack did not hesitate. He slammed on the accelerator and shot forward.
Actually, he knew it was not a real green light at all. But how could he pass up such an open invitation to play bumper cars?
Playing bumper cars came at a price, though. The truck he had been driving was damaged and could not be repaired anytime soon, so he could only stay home.
In an apartment attic on Elizabeth Street in the East End, the stove made from an oil drum had gradually gone out. Cold wind blew in through the window. The figure on the bed turned over, smacked his lips, and shivered slightly, yet remained immersed in his dream.
In the dream, he was playing in an enormous amusement park. It had bat carousels, bat bumper cars, bat houses,