The next day, all of the Gotham media were out in full force, swarming the entrance of the Thomas and Martha Wayne’s Family Shelter. Microphones bristled, cameras flashed, and reporters jockeyed for position, alerted to a major announcement from Bruce Wayne.

Bruce stepped forward, his usual charismatic persona tinged with a solemn gravitas that commanded immediate attention.

“Good morning,” Bruce began, his voice clear and resonant, yet infused with a raw, unexpected vulnerability. “We stand here today to address a tragedy that, sadly, is far too common in our city. We recently laid to rest a young woman, a Jane Doe, who, like so many others, was seduced by the bright lights and big city. She lived as a prostitute when her dreams were unrealized, and she ultimately… she ultimately died alone in an alley.”

His voice broke slightly on those last words and a genuine tremor of pain rippled through the gathered crowd, silencing the usual press chatter.

Then, his voice ringing with conviction, he declared, “But I say to you today, NEVER AGAIN! Never again will a soul in Gotham be left to face such a desperate end alone. To that end, Wayne Enterprises is launching a new initiative. We have set up a number for people to call when they need help. No questions asked. Just dial 999.”

He gestured to his side, where Hailey stood, impeccably dressed and composed, a quiet strength radiating from her.

“It is with great pride that I introduce Dr. Hailey Smith, who will be joining Wayne Enterprises as the new director of the Thomas and Martha Wayne’s Family Shelter. Dr. Smith is a highly accomplished professional with a PhD in social work and psychology, a Canadian national who has recently moved to Gotham. Her exceptional expertise will be invaluable in expanding the shelter’s outreach and providing critical support to those most in need.”

Hailey stepped up to the microphone, her gaze sweeping over the assembled reporters.

“Thank you, Mr. Wayne,” she began, her voice clear and steady, yet laced with emotion. “Hearing the story of Jane Doe has deeply touched me. My heart breaks for a life that held such potential, only to end in such heartbreaking isolation. While my own background is in social work and psychology, focusing on trauma and recovery, my journey here to Gotham was not without its own challenges.” She paused, just briefly, a flicker of something personal in her eyes. “Losing my family… it teaches you the profound importance of connection, of knowing you are not alone in the darkest of times.”

She looked directly into the cameras, projecting sincerity.

“My commitment, as the new director of the Thomas and Martha Wayne’s Family Shelter, is unwavering. We will expand our services, reach further into the shadows of this city, and work tirelessly to ensure that every single person in Gotham knows they are not alone. That there is help, there is hope, and that there is a place where they will be seen, heard, and supported, without judgment. We owe it to Jane Doe. We owe it to each other.”

The Gotham media, ever diligent, wasted no time.

Behind the scenes, propelled by the intriguing launch of the 999 hot line and the sudden appearance of Dr. Hailey Smith, they dug deep. They researched her, pulling up every available digital footprint, every public record that Bruce and Alfred had so meticulously created.

Days later, the city’s newspapers carried short bios on their new, enigmatic figure. Articles detailed Dr. Hailey Smith’s Canadian origins, her tragic family loss in a plane crash, her impressive academic background with a PhD in social work and psychology, and her swift appointment as the director of the Thomas and Martha Wayne’s Family Shelter. Every detail was consistent, every reference checked out.

Hailey Smith, a woman with a past designed to evoke empathy and respect, was now unequivocally real.

***

Hailey hit the ground running. The Thomas and Martha Wayne’s Family Shelter, once a respectable but somewhat staid institution, began to transform under her dynamic leadership. She swiftly added new staff, bringing in compassionate professionals who shared her vision.

A fleet of vans was acquired, no longer waiting for those in need to find them, but actively going out to pick up individuals who called the 999 hot line, ensuring safe passage from dangerous situations.

The most noticeable changes were within the shelter itself. Hailey spearheaded a massive redecorating and remodeling effort, tearing down the sterile, institutional feel. Walls were painted in warm, inviting colors, communal spaces were filled with comfortable furniture, and rooms were designed to look more like cozy bedrooms than hospital wards. Bruce, true to his word, approved every change and wrote checks without question, trusting her judgment completely.

Hailey herself was a “hands-on” director. She wasn’t confined to an office; she was everywhere. She was often seen huddling in corners, talking quietly with women, offering a listening ear and a comforting presence. She played with the children, her laughter echoing through the halls. The children, perhaps sensing her genuine warmth and understanding, took to her immediately, affectionately calling her Dr. Hailey or Dr. H.

She had an uncanny knack for understanding everyone.

Within days, she knew every name and their story, their fears, their hopes, and the unique battles they were fighting. Her genuine empathy and sharp psychological insight created an atmosphere of trust and healing the shelter had never known.

Bruce and Alfred would visit regularly, not as distant benefactors, but as active participants. Bruce often helped with maintenance or played with the children, while Alfred could be found organizing supplies or offering a comforting ear to the women.

Sometimes, to the sheer delight and wide-eyed wonder of the children, Batman himself would make an appearance, a silent, comforting guardian in the night. Dressed in the original, less imposing grey and blue suit and driving the original, open cockpit Batmobile.

One quiet afternoon, as they watched Hailey, now truly Dr. Hailey Smith, effortlessly navigate the bustling shelter, a woman transformed, Alfred turned to Bruce.

“You’ve done a good thing here, Master Bruce.”

Bruce nodded, a rare, soft smile gracing his lips.

“I think so too, Alfred. I think justice has been served. Throwing her in prison would not have served the public interest. She’s made a difference. She’s done an incredible amount of good here. Her education and experience are a perfect fit for this shelter.”

“Your parents would be proud,” Alfred added. “As am I.”

© Copyright 2025 J.R. Geiger. All rights reserved.