Chapter 23

Two days had passed, and Bruce had seen enough to understand the full scope of Mark’s operation. The casual cruelty, the mind games, the way he turned the children against each other through manufactured scarcity and false promises. Yesterday, Mark had orchestrated a situation where one of the younger boys—maybe twelve—had been caught “stealing” extra food. The beating that followed was methodical, designed to send a message to the others while Mark maintained plausible deniability that the boy had brought it on himself.

Bruce had watched it, holding back his anger even as something cold and furious built in his chest.

Each morning, Mark would return from the ATM with exactly five hundred dollars, his mood improving with each successful withdrawal. Today was different. Today, Mark had handed Bruce a battered cell phone.

“Time to make that call, Mr. Rich Man,” Mark said, settling back into his chair. “I want to hear you set up that big transfer we talked about.”

Bruce took the phone, acutely aware that Mark was listening to every word. He dialed a random number and waited for the connection.

BC, he thought, I need you to play the part of my banker. Mark’s listening.

Of course, Mr. Wayne. Linking to phone.

“Wayne Holdings, Private Banking Division,” BC’s voice came through the phone speaker, perfectly modulated to sound like a professional banker with just the right amount of deference.

“Yes, this is Bruce Wayne,” Bruce said aloud. “I need to arrange a large transfer as we discussed.”

“Of course, Mr. Wayne,” BC replied smoothly. “We have everything prepared on our end. The million-dollar transfer will be completed within twenty-four hours. I’ll also ensure your ATM access is upgraded to accommodate the full withdrawal amount.”