Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Pursuers
After the transaction was completed using the computer in Gregor's office and Arias's encrypted account, the two started heading back to the master bedroom. But as they got closer, they heard crying, which made Gregor's eyes widen as he rushed toward the door. He halted when he got there, though, as he saw Arias pointing the gun at him.
"Why the rush?" Arias asked directly, not seeming surprised by what the groaning indicated.
Gregor waited for Arias to approach him at the door before he finally opened it. When he did, he discovered Cynthia on her knees with Dmitri sitting on the edge of the bed, an imploring expression on her face. Dmitri continued to hold the gun firmly in one hand while holding a phone in the other to record everything.
"Dmitri!!"
Gregor, enraged, wanted to rush Dmitri, but Arias only needed to give him a backhand slap to send him flying across the room. Cynthia paused out of fear, but Dmitri encouraged her to keep going by tapping the gun on her head.
"What caused this?" Arias asked Dmitri as Gregor struggled to rise after taking the hard hit.
"She was worried we'd kill her, so I asked her to list all the reasons she deserves to live. As for the video, I don't know, leverage, I guess."
Dmitri spoke casually, but it was clear from his expression that he was still upset about what had transpired.
"I suppose there's no harm in having greater leverage. Be quick, though; we still have a lot to do." Arias understood Dmitri's reasoning, though he had initially thought she was being sexually assaulted rather than just crying and pleading for her life on camera. He was more amazed that Dmitri had gone to such an extent, but given how much he despised the woman, it made sense as his own form of retaliation short of killing her.
Dmitri quickly grew weary of her pitiful wailing as she even offered her body in exchange for her life, capturing the entire moment in high definition. He gave her a repulsive glance, centered the camera on Gregor, and panned it over to show the helpless man who could do nothing as his wife faced certain death. Dmitri didn't stop recording until he handed the phone to Arias.
"I made sure our faces weren't seen. We can just edit out the part where he yelled my name, making it leverage that can't be traced back to us even if we leaked it." Dmitri continued, causing Gregor to scowl even harder.
Arias put the phone away after acknowledging that Dmitri was spot-on with his approach.
"Nice job. Now grab him; we need to leave." Arias ordered, gesturing toward the frail-looking Gregor.
"He's coming with us?" Dmitri was perplexed, questioning whether they might indeed be planning to kill him.
"He's going to drive us out of here; otherwise, he'll just have his goons chase after us once we leave."
Dmitri nodded and approached his father with his gun ready after realizing what Arias was thinking.
…
Meanwhile, in Batman's lair, the Batcave, four individuals stood in front of multiple large monitors. Batman naturally took the lead, approaching the sole seat available and starting to enter some information. Alfred, his personal butler, stood beside him, watching with his hands behind his back. Behind the two stood Batgirl, who appeared to be paying close attention to what was going on, and Robin, who continued to look bored.
"I don't see how these two could have possibly disappeared. All traces point to them returning to Gotham, but then it all goes silent from there." A profile was displayed on two different monitors as Batman spoke in a grave, stone-like tone.
[Dmitri Ivanov, 22 years old, son of mayoral candidate and businessman Gregor Ivanov and Maria Deschamps.
Born and raised in Russia until the age of 10, when they migrated to Gotham.
Attended Gotham Heights Middle School and High School, where he received average grades but performed exceptionally well in sports.
Has no criminal record aside from a few speeding tickets and unconfirmed fights during his school years.]
[Arias Vladimir Markovic, 21 years old, son of Gunther Rosenzenky and Anastasia Markovic, both deceased.
Born in Serbia before relocating to the country at the age of 6. Lost his mother at the age of 10 to a domestic homicide committed by his father, whom he then went on to kill in an effort to protect her.
Received a scholarship to attend Gotham Heights at the junior and senior levels, where he thrived with high marks after being placed in the Miller Orphanage.
Reported missing six years ago after failing to return to the orphanage on March 6th. Last seen at the Ivanov residence, according to official police documents, before going missing.
No criminal history until this year. Currently wanted on numerous counts, including kidnapping, theft, and attempted murder.]
"Your summary is there," Batman said, turning to face both Robin and Batgirl as he displayed the condensed facts on the screen.
"Not exactly the profile of a deadly criminal duo, if I must say." After skimming over the information, Alfred made a comment.
"Exactly. We already know one side of the story, but we don't know theirs. If they're wanted dead that badly, then there's a good chance they have some detrimental information on Gotham's crime families." In response to Alfred's remarks, Batman nodded and offered his opinion. He knew not to trust the witnesses who had thus far given testimonies to the police about what occurred—they could have easily been bought. It was clear there was corruption at play, but the specifics eluded him.
"So you want us to search the entire Gotham City for where they might be hiding?" Robin asked with a pronounced frown.
"Yes. The risks are low, but the importance is high depending on how much they know. If you can't even find two missing criminals, then maybe you are really far from being ready." Batman stated bluntly, and Robin responded by averting his eyes in displeasure.
"Oh yeah? In that case, we'll find them in just a day. Come on, Barbara." Robin said fiercely before pulling away with a bewildered Batgirl in tow.
Alfred questioned Batman after the two had left. "Master Bruce, was it really necessary to agitate the boy?"
"It'll act as motivation. Provide them with as much support as they'll need. I need to go to Washington for the official public announcement concerning the formation of the Justice League."