Released May 2008

Detective Comics #844

Synopsis

CURTAINS Bruce is able to dodge Scarface's bullets, and even throw the doll out of the car's window, but from the front seat Moosie pistol whips him. Bruce awakens in the Ventriloquist's hideout, sitting with Peyton and Scarface, who was apparently retrieved from the street. Johnny Sabatino is gagged and wearing cement shoes. Peyton relates to Bruce the story of how she became the new Ventriloquist: Her father, a leader of the Irish mafia, had broken off an engagement with the man she loved to offer her hand in marriage as a peace offering to the heir to the Italian mafia (Johnny Sabatino). It was a loveless and abusive relationship, and one time she had actually met the original Ventriloquist in the line of business. Sabatino had been caught stealing, and the only reason Scarface decided not to kill both of them was because he had taken a liking to her. Later, Sabatino would have both her and her father whacked. Peyton survived the hail of bullets however, and was actually bleeding out in the next room when Arnold Wesker and Scarface were both murdered by the Tally Man. Upon investigating, she found Scarface had begun to "talk to her," and inspired, dragged herself to the hospital and made a full recovery. When the villains leave to go drown Sabatino, Zatanna appears, rescues Bruce and puts him back into his Batman costume. They confront the Ventriloquist and Moosie on the pier, and a struggle breaks out. Although Zatanna is almost able to talk Peyton back into sanity, she ends up sacrificing herself by jumping into the water while attached to Sabatino, killing them both. Back in the Batcave, Bruce and Zatanna lament Peyton's passing, and Scarface becomes the newest addition to the Trophy Room. The two discuss their feelings for each other. Although a large part of Bruce wants to open every door to Zatanna, the driving force behind him just doesn't allow that. Zatanna also agrees that if he's unable to be in a relationship, they probably shouldn't force one. The two of them part on good terms.