Read Online Enemies & Allies by Kevin J. Anderson - Free Book Online Page B

Drayling was gone, his desk cleaned out beforehand, his office dark. He would have to dig deeper, seek out the man so they could have a real conversation in private.
    Back inside the Cave, surrounded by shadows, he found that his concentration always improved. This was far more than just a cave—it was a nerve center from which he kept watch and truly observed what work he needed to do to clean up his city. The cave roof high overhead was jagged with sharp stalactites. He had electric lights, surveillance cameras, an extensive library, all the information he could possibly need at his fingertips. Communications systems monitored police radio bands. The sophistication of his whirring, cutting-edge computer banks surpassed anything the U.S. government would admit existed. Part of the Cave was a chemistry lab; another grotto held an engineering bay and a machine shop. Small periscope cameras were hidden at strategic points on Gotham’s prominent buildings, their images viewable from his command center.
    Since he needed to be present at the gala reception above, he didn’t plan to go out hunting, and so he had not taken the time to don the uniform. But the persona was always there. The Batman within gave him a different perspective, helped him think clearly and make difficult but necessary decisions. The dark suit remained on its stand nearby, always there as a reminder.
    So many crimes in Gotham City were not obvious, and virtually the entire police force was corrupt, especially under Commissioner Loeb. Graft and blackmail ran rampant. Strong-arm tactics were used against anyone who accidentally witnessed activities best unseen.
    He activated the high-tech cameras and receiver screens. As the cathode-ray tubes warmed up, he observed a black and white image fed directly from the boardroom of Wayne Tower. Hidden microphones had captured every word uttered since his departure and recorded everything on reel-to-reel tapes, gathering information. Now he watched the recent recording of these men, who had thought their conversations secret once Bruce left for the day.
    Surprisingly, the directors did not seem concerned about the loss of Drayling. The conversation was more about Bruce and his increased interest in running Wayne Enterprises.
    “Do you think he’s been meddling more lately?” asked Dennis Huston, vice president of applied technologies.
    “Maybe he’s started believing the title on his office door,” answered Frank Miles with a snort. “We’ll just have to deflect him. Point him toward a new crusade, find a famine in Mongolia or something. He’s like a magpie—show him a bright and shiny object, and he’ll chase it. Then we’ll be able to do the real work without any interference.”
    Bruce was not surprised by the scorn in their voices; he’d been hearing it every week, but lately he had suspected that something truly fishy was going on, and Drayling’s resignation had convinced him even more.
    Alfred had to clear his throat a second time to make himself noticed. “Excuse me, Master Bruce. This evening’s first guests will be arriving within the hour.” The butler frowned disapprovingly at his rumpled clothes. “You might wish to change into more appropriate attire.”
    “I see your point.” Bruce rose, switching off the monitor. He would review the recordings in much greater detail later. He turned to the butler. “Alfred, you knew Richard Drayling well.”
    “Well enough, sir. He was an acquaintance of your father, and he and I have remained in touch. He is, after all, the last member of the ‘old guard,’ as it were.”
    “He resigned today. He said something vague about not believing in the company anymore, but I get the feeling that something’s happened. ”
    Alfred frowned deeply. “I’m very sorry to hear that. He was a good man, one of the last good men on the board.”
    “I agree, but I don’t think he respected me. My public persona fooled him completely.”
    “You are quite