Jeremiah Arkham sits alone on a bench outside a slightly dilapidated corner store, wearing casual attire and a baseball cap as not to be recognized at a momentary glance. She doesn’t desire for anyone to witness good Dr. Arkham consorting with a vigilante and it’s practically delusional to expect that the Batgirl would show up in something discreet. The responsibility to make their meeting unknown is upon herself, Jeremiah had concluded.
Thinking back, choosing a public location was a mistake, a decision made rather hastily. Even so, Ozzie’s is vacant of customers a majority of its hours. It’s a wonder that the locally owned corner store has stayed open for this long in Gotham. Small miracles, she muses, a true symbol of hope. The ability to hold on despite every adversity faced is something to be admired.
I drop down from the roof of the building across the street, cape folding in behind me as my boots hit the pavement with a soft thud. The area is quiet. A couple cars pass by, but nobody pays much attention. That’s one advantage of Gotham. People learn pretty quickly not to stare. I spot Dr. Arkham sitting outside the corner store and start walking over. When I get close enough, I stop beside the bench and rest my hands on my utility belt.
“Well, this is already going better than most of my meetings.”
The corner of my mouth twitches into a small smile.
“Nobody’s tried to rob the place, set anything on fire or release fear toxin into the neighborhood.”
“But I guess we’ve still got plenty of time for Gotham to disappoint me.”
My cape shifts slightly in the evening breeze as I look back at her.
“I appreciate you actually showing up, by the way. Most people invite me somewhere and then spend the next hour trying to arrest me, trick me, or blow me up. Usually in that order.”
I pause for a second and nod toward the empty space on the bench.
“So… here we are. No hidden agenda, no interrogation, no elaborate scheme… just a conversation
My tone stays easy. I look toward the store again.
“Although I gotta ask. Why Ozzie’s? Out of every coffee shop, diner, restaurant and questionably legal establishment in Gotham, this is the place you picked.”
“There’s probably a story there.”
