The Fall

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: DOG DAY BATMAN screwed up his face as the bulb kicked into life. He'd spent two days alone in utter darkness and the sudden intensity hurt his eyes. His sides also ached from Jet's mauling and he was sick with thirst and hunger. His tormentor walked through the door and placed two metal bowls down on the ground. She sauntered over to him on the bed, grabbed hold of the front of his costume and pulled him upright. The Caped Crusader's vision slowly started to adapt to the brightness and he took in Jet's familiar form standing over him. "Some news Batman," she said matter-of-factly. "Police Commissioner Gordon appears to have had a mental breakdown. He was found gibbering like a baby in his own home. Isn't that a shame? And you know what? It all happened shortly after he refused my request for a police escort for mine and Robin's engagement party. What a coincidence!" A smile creased her lips and her voice took on a much happier tone. "But there is good news," she said elatedly. "Deputy Commissioner Ferris is going to take his place. And he's much more understanding. In fact he's an absolute treasure. The sort of man who really believes in making a woman happy." Batman sat there numb. He hurt like hell and felt half-dead but his brain registered the implications in Jet's taunting voice. Somehow she'd rendered Commissioner Gordon mentally unfit for duty while wheedling her way into Ferris's affections. He didn't know how but he knew she was capable of almost any evil. And his ordeal when she'd last been in the cell had planted the thought in his mind that perhaps he just did not have the ability to resist her. Jet kicked her foot against one of the bowls and said: "I've brought you some food Batman. I'm sure you must be hungry." He looked down to see a bowl of water and one filled with pieces of meat covered in a thick gravy. Despite his hunger his stomach almost turned. "Eat it up for me Batdoggy" said Jet gently. "On the floor and eat it all up. Otherwise you'll have to suffer again." Reluctantly Batman slid off the bed onto his knees and slowly lowered his head to the bowl grimacing from the pain in his stomach where Jet's legs had crushed his insides until he thought he was about to die. His tongue began lapping up the vile meat as she stood with her arms folded above him savouring every moment. It tasted awful but the very sensation of having food inside him somehow made it feel better. When he'd finished he moved his face to the other bowl and began lapping up water. "What a good doggy," said Jet cheerfully. She reached down and patted his head as he continued quenching his thirst. "You see Batman," she said. "It's much nicer when you do as I say." Batman was still slurping at the bowl like an animal as she exited his cell and locked the door behind her.