Gotham's night grew deeper and deeper. Savage stood before the floor-to-ceiling window of his room at the Sokworth Grand Hotel, watching the city's lights wink out one by one. Yet a few places remained brightly lit, construction sites bustling with noise throughout the night.
Gotham's massive construction projects had naturally not escaped Savage's notice. He believed he had chosen an excellent time. If Gotham happened to be renovating its public infrastructure, the city would surely become even more chaotic, making it easier for him to fish in troubled waters.
He had already sent Pied Piper out to survey the areas around the construction sites. If they could throw a little sand into the gears of the infrastructure, they would have more chips for negotiating with the gangs later.
Just as Savage turned around to rest, he noticed a dark figure by the window. He instinctively sidestepped, and with a whoosh, a Batarang sliced past his neck.
Savage turned and saw a shadow with pointed ears behind him. Just as he opened his mouth, a fist was already in front of his face.
Batman had no intention of reasoning with Savage. When people were driven by money, there was no need for excess words. Bruce Wayne was no exception.
Savage leaned back, reaching with one arm for Batman's wrist. But the moment his hand touched the Batsuit, there was a crackle as electricity burst forth. Savage jerked his hand back and saw smoke rising from his fingertips.
The sharp pain spurred him on. He stepped back with his left foot to steady his balance, then swung into a spinning kick aimed at Batman's neck. Batman gave no ground, ducking under it before closing in again and again until he forced Savage into a corner of the room.
Savage snorted coldly and