Gotham's nights never lacked surprises, but when the night dispatcher shouted the details of a call to Li Jie, who was on duty in the station's front lobby, he still wondered if something was wrong with his ears.
"What did you say? Say that again?"
"The Gotham Natural History Museum called. The director claims... uh... claims Batman broke into the museum and apparently stole an antique." The officer on duty found it hard to believe, too. "But that's what he said."
"Batman? Stealing antiques? FUCK!"
Li Jie covered his face with both hands and rubbed hard. "Is this the beginning of some fucking bizarre story?"
"No idea, Sheriff. But the director called himself, and he sounded terrified and absolutely certain. He said he saw Batman's silhouette with his own eyes, along with a grappling hook and things like that."
"Fuck." Li Jie grabbed his keys and sidearm off the desk. "All right, I'll go take a look. Notify nearby patrol units to keep an eye on the area around the museum, but don't make any rash moves. That place is full of fragile things."
He had barely hung up when the front door swung open. Harleen Quinzel, who had changed into civilian clothes but had yet to leave the station, poked her head in, her face brimming with excitement and curiosity.
"I heard the radio! Batman stealing things? Take me along, Sheriff!"
"Harley, you're off duty." Li Jie tried to calm her down. "Besides, it's probably a misunderstanding, or someone impersonating him."
"I can earn overtime, right? Otherwise, a cop's salary won't even cover my expenses!" Without waiting for an answer, Harleen pulled on her uniform and ran out after Li Jie.
"All right." Li Jie thought it over; running into Batman wasn't that big a deal. "Stay close, and