Sirens tore through Gotham's curtain of rain as the E-350 Patrol Van charged down the slippery streets like an enraged bull.
Li Jie sat in the passenger seat, one hand gripping the receiver of the vehicle's phone.
"Anna?"
"It's me, sir! We're outside the bank. We've already exchanged fire with the robbers!"
The female officer sounded not only nervous but decidedly helpless. "Sheriff Quizzle has already... gone in alone..."
"Understood. Stay safe. I'll get there as fast as I can!"
He hung up and pulled out his phone, swearing under his breath. "This won't do. We need backup from Central Headquarters."
"Backup?"
Wilson, who was driving, tilted his head to glance at him. "Hasn't Harleen already charged in?"
"Why else do you think I'm asking for backup? Someone has to help clean up the mess!" He dialed Gordon's number. After a few rings, a subdued voice came through. "Jay?"
"Jim, Kane Memorial Bank. Armed robbery. At least six suspects with fully automatic weapons."
He glanced outside as the tires rolled through a puddle, throwing up a person-high spray. "I need backup. As much as you can send."
The background on the other end was silent. Gordon sounded somewhat troubled. "I can't leave right now, but I'll send people to help you immediately."
Couldn't leave? James Gordon, the tireless workhorse, wasn't leading the charge today?
"What's wrong, Jim?" Amid the rattling and jolting, Li Jie leaned toward the window, watching the fine trails of raindrops on the glass as he asked quietly, "Did something happen?"
"Maroni's initial hearing. Harvey is formally prosecuting him today," Gordon replied. "I may need to testify in a little while. Don't worry, I'm not in any danger. You're the one who needs to be careful."
Maroni? Sal Maroni? Was it him?
A fragmented image flashed through