Batman: Year one

Chapter Three: Ashes on the waterfront

As the first light of dawn broke over Gotham City, casting a pale glow over the docks, the area was cordoned off with police tape, swarming with officers and investigators. Among them stood Lieutenant Jim Gordon, a figure of quiet authority, his eyes scanning the aftermath of the night's chaos.

The remnants of the burned-out truck smoldered in the morning light, a stark reminder of the violence that had unfolded. Gordon moved through the scene methodically, his experienced gaze taking in every detail – the charred debris, the bullet casings scattered on the ground, and the distinct odor of burned chemicals lingering in the air.

The police officers and forensic team worked around him, collecting evidence, taking photographs, and discussing the possible sequence of events. Gordon listened intently to their conversations, piecing together the puzzle of what had transpired.

One of the forensic technicians approached Gordon, a grim expression on her face. "Lieutenant, we've found remains in the truck. It's... not a pretty sight."

Gordon nodded solemnly, a sense of weary resignation in his eyes. "Any identification yet?"

" We're working on it, but the condition of the body makes it difficult. We'll need dental records or DNA to confirm the identity," she replied, her voice steady despite the grim nature of her work.

As Gordon surveyed the scene, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of foreboding. This wasn't just another gang-related incident; the level of violence and the calculated destruction of the drugs pointed to something more. And the white rose found at the scene – a calling card typically associated with Carmine Falcone's operations – added a layer of complexity to the case.

Gordon's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of another officer, who approached with a sense of urgency. "Lieutenant, we've got reports of an incident involving Carmine Falcone's men on the other side of the city. Looks like retaliation."

Gordon sighed, the weight of the situation settling on his shoulders. "Coordinate with the other units. We need to prevent this from escalating further. And get me everything we have on Falcone and Penguin's recent activities."

The officer nodded and hurried off to relay the orders. Gordon turned his attention back to the docks, his mind racing with the implications of a gang war brewing in Gotham.

Lieutenant Jim Gordon stood over the remains of Charlie Carver, the harsh reality of the docks' violence laid bare before him. Charlie's association with Penguin's operations was well-known to the Gotham City Police Department, and his presence at the scene was a significant piece of the puzzle.

Gordon's eyes surveyed the area, his mind working through the details of the crime. The brutality and overt nature of the attack were puzzling. Carmine Falcone, known for his rivalries in Gotham's underworld, had always operated with a certain level of discretion and strategic finesse. This level of violence, this open declaration of war, was out of character for Falcone.

As he pondered the possibilities, Gordon couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this incident than a simple turf war. The use of the white rose, Falcone's calling card, seemed almost too obvious, too convenient. It was as if the perpetrators wanted to draw attention to Falcone, to frame him for an act that was uncharacteristic of his usual modus operandi.

Gordon crouched down beside Charlie's body, examining the surroundings. The positioning of the body, the scattered bullet casings, and the remnants of the burned truck – everything told a story, but it was a story with missing chapters.

"Any word on the other body from the truck?" Gordon asked one of the forensic technicians nearby.

"We're still working on it, Lieutenant. The fire did a lot of damage, but we should be able to get something soon," the technician replied, her voice tinged with the grim reality of her task.