Electra's Web

A Final Betrayal



THE FOOTAGE of Electra’s press conference played over and over on its repeating loop from the plasma TV screen above his head as Batman studied the files in front of him.

 He glanced up at it now and again and smiled with grim satisfaction as she stood answering the various questions from the journalists.

 Robin’s curt message still lay unanswered on the Batphone.

 “I’ve decided to leave for a few days following the latest events,” the Boy Wonder had intoned. “I think it would be the best for the moment.”

 Of course, thought Batman as he’d listened to it – I’ll enjoy your apologies later on dear friend.

 The majority of Anneka’s files had revealed little he didn’t know already. A variety of campaign donors all with known but unproven links to organised crime. Various policy documents so vague as to be meaningless.

 But the one gem: A list of Electra’s outgoing calls and a transcript of various e-mails which at first seemed entirely meaningless but soon coalesced into exactly what he’d been looking for.

 And to his immense satisfaction he realised her final outrage before the election would come tonight.

 He shot one last look at the TV screen as he rose and noted Electra’s confident smile as she walked off the stage.

 The thought of that smile dying on her lips within the next few hours was like nectar to him.

 It was a thought still running through his head as he sat in the Batmobile watching the front compound of the National Bank from his secluded location.

 The frustration, anger and growing sense of inferiority Electra had carefully worked to instil in him had all departed. Oh, she’d been clever all right – but he was even more clever than she could ever be and now her plot was about to unravel.

 He tensed as he saw two dim figures approach the bank gates. One attached a device to the electronic control panel fixed to the tall concrete pillar between the two gates and stood back.

 Batman smiled as nothing happened. He slipped from the vehicle and approached silently.

 The two figures appeared to be conferring frantically and attaching and reattaching the device to the panel with a sense of growing frustration.

 The Dark Knight stretched himself to his full height, flexing his muscles as he did so and boomed: “I’m afraid Electra’s had a change of plan gentlemen.”

 The two men whirled round in shock to take in the gigantic figure of a rejuvenated Batman standing imperiously before them.

 He stared down at them triumphantly savouring the moment. Until……

 “No, no there’s no change of plan. Why would I change such a perfect plan Battyboy?”

 He wheeled to face the voice – and saw Electra standing before him with a look of supreme satisfaction on her face.

 Batman froze in horror as he took in the sight of his tormentor - dressed in the same leather basque, black tights and gloves she’d worn when she’d assaulted him in that dark alley so long ago.

 “Oh dear,” she leered mockingly. “Looks like I’ve ruined thicky-boy’s party again doesn’t it?”

 Batman’s mouth gaped open but in an instant he took a step towards her raised his arm ready to strike – blind hatred coursing through his body.

 “Not this ti……”

 His words were caught short as a lasso sailed over his head and the rope pulled taught around his neck.

 He stumbled backwards his arms desperately trying to slacken the tightening pressure that seemed to be choking the life out of him.

 Electra strode forward looking appreciatively over the stricken crimefighter’s shoulder as he reeled in agony.

 Her eyes met Robin’s as he tightened the rope in his hands making Batman’s body jerk this way and that.

 “Perfect my lover,” purred Electra as she blew the Boy Wonder a kiss.

 “On his knees please.”

 The young crimefighter yanked the lasso one more time and Batman crumpled to the ground.

 Electra stood arrogantly in front of him and breathed in deeply. She reached down, cupped her hand under his chin and forced his head up to face her twinkling, malevolent eyes.

 “You really are so pathetic aren’t you Batman?” she said softly.

 “A real loser. Sometimes I almost feel guilty tormenting you so.

“But it’s so easy – and such fun.

 “Night, night sweetheart.”

 There was one final tug on the rope around his neck and Batman collapsed to the ground his eyes closing as he sank into unconsciousness.

 Electra sneered at his prostrate body at her feet and then raised her eyes to Robin and mouthed: “I want you.”