Bruce Wayne was surprised to see Clark Kent. But it stood to reason. Once he had discovered Superman's civilian identity, he had done some research on him. While it was not as extensive as the one he'd done on Superman, it had been comprehensive enough to include some of the articles written by the alien. Kent was one of the best reporters in the Planet. So, it made sense that the Editor would send him for an interview this big.

The mild mannered reporter persona was a convincing act, Bruce had to concede. That only made him more dangerous. For who would suspect that a powerful alien would be hiding as a journalist? And that too a journalist as innocuous as Kent?

Bruce answered Kent's questions mechanically. His brain was busy in plotting. If he could get Kent to reveal himself as Superman.... Perhaps he could try threatening the man in some way? But he discarded the option. He had nothing with him that would enable him to take down the alien even if did reveal himself. Kent might not know his true identity. That gave him a strategic advantage which he was not going to squander on half-baked schemes. He had to be patient. He had to get the Kryptonite from Luthor. He had to devise weapons strong enough to kill this alien. And then and only then, should he make his move.

In the meantime, he could smile, and answer the questions Clark Kent was asking as if he had no awareness of the alien's real identity. He smirked slightly at Kent as the interview drew to a close.

"Are you returning to Metropolis today?" he asked.

"I was planning to return in the morning," replied Kent, but there was a question there.

"Just looking out for my employees," Bruce said smoothly, putting a subtle emphasis on the word employee.

Kent smiled at that. "I can take care of myself, I assure you, Mr. Wayne," he said.

I bet you can, thought Bruce, but what he said was, "Gotham is not Metropolis. It is not exactly safe after sundown. I could drop you at your hotel."

"Thank you, Mr. Wayne, but I prefer to walk. Besides, it won't be dark for another hour at least."

Bruce smiled. "It is always dark in Gotham, Kent."

"I have good night vision," replied Kent as they shook hands again. Bruce wished he'd been better prepared. He could have got a skin sample. That would have proved beyond doubt that Clark Kent was an alien masquerading as a human. But he still managed to slip a tracking device in Kent's pocket. It would not help if Kent were to slip into his superman persona, but he felt that the reporter would not risk it. Not in Gotham.

Once Kent was out of the doors, Bruce buzzed his secretary and had his car brought to the front. He was going home, and then he was going to see if Kent was poking his nose where it didn't belong. And if he did, then God help him. Bruce did not care if Kent was Superman and that he had no Kryptonite. He would find a way to destroy him if he thought he could go about Gotham with impunity.

Alfred was waiting in the Bat cave for him. "Security cameras brought up this image five minutes ago."

Bruce swore under his breath as he watched the footage of Clark Kent being pulled into a truck. He recognized that truck. He was not worried about Kent's safety. He was superman after all. But the crime and criminals in Gotham were for the Batman to punish, not for Superman. Fortunately, he had the means to track Kent and could get to him before Superman had to make his presence felt in Gotham.

His lips were pressed together in fury as he changed into his Batsuit. Superman was not tearing Gotham down. Not on his watch.

"It is the Joker," said Alfred dispassionately as Bruce got into the Batmobile.

"I know," Bruce said shortly.