Phantom Kid in the American Comic World
28. What Happens Will Happen

"I wonder if something will happen when Queen Elizabeth comes to Gotham?", Mathison laughed ironically.

“She's the queen, strong protection should surround her. What do you think will happen to her?”, Barbara asked in surprise.

Pointing to a certain sentence in the newspaper, Mathison said, “See, it is written here that the Queen wears the legendary necklace, Tamil Ruby, when she travels. Let's see, now, hmm.. didn't Gotham recently appear a thief who specializes in stealing big gems?”

"You mean the Phantom Kid!"

Barbara shut her mouth in surprise, “That is the royal necklace of the Queen Elizabeth family we are talking about. It's basically different from Cat's Eye Emerald and Adam's Star, did Kid really dare to steal it?"

"That's what I think, no matter how brave the strange thief was, he couldn't possibly offend the country directly."

Mathison is secretly relieved that she has finally managed to distract Barbara.

But, in fact, the reason Barbara did not continue the conversation was not because she believed what Mathison said; instead, she thought very seriously about the possibility of the Phantom Kid taking action.

For some reason, Barbara's instincts tell her that, even if the Phantom Kid isn't the real Mathison, there will at least be something connecting them, still, Barbara doesn't want to believe this.

With all her might, she wants a chance to prove that Mathison is not the Kid.

The easiest way to do this is to have Mathison and Kid appear simultaneously.

If Kid really pays attention to the Tamil Ruby, then a teaser letter should be released immediately.

"When that happens, I'll invite Mathison to meet with Her Majesty Elizabeth ..."

Thinking about it, Barbara gave a sneering grin that gave Mathison goosebumps on her back.

"Hi!"

Wait a minute, Mathison suddenly realized something very strange.

“Barbara, if you're just wandering around, then how did you get into my house? And why do you have the key? I didn't hear you knocking on my door.”

"Huh?"

It was an awkward situation for Barbara. Why does he have the keys to Mathison's house? Clearly, he was secretly making copies!

He thought Mathison might be hiding some of the tools he used as the Phantom Kid to commit his crimes. And because she didn't hear any noise, she sneaks into Mathison's house, knowing at this time that she's usually not there.

At this time, Mathison will go to the castle to practice, arguing that she has a new magic teacher and is learning new tricks. She's done this a lot in the last ten years, so Barbara doesn't suspect it.

But it was impossible for Barbara to find anything at Mathison's house; everything Kid-related had been moved to her fortress in the Edinburgh district. Mathison's consideration proves correct: Barbara suspects him.

After all, Barbara unlocked the door and stormed the house. Who knew that a glance would reveal Mathison sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper with a confused expression on her face.

Thinking of Mathison's unusual behavior at school today, Barbara involuntarily rushed over.

It was an embarrassing moment.

It could only be blamed on the fact that the two were too familiar with each other, so familiar that they were completely familiar with each other's presence.

Otherwise, if it was a random person sneaking in, Mathison would have heard their footsteps before they reached the door.

”Eh... I was actually knocking on the door, but you didn't hear me before I entered.”, said Barbara stiffly.

“For the reason why I have your house key, of course, you gave it to me earlier!”

"Have I ever given you the key?"

"You didn't give it to me?"

"I don't remember anything like that."

"Maybe you forgot?"

Mathison: “...”

Barbara: “...”

"Well, maybe I forgot, then" said Mathison, turning her eyes away.

She suspects that Barbara is mostly trying to investigate him, but can't say anything about it. After all, she was not worried that Barbara would see anything suspicious around her.

It is only this incident that reminds Mathison of the fact that she is too easily caught off guard with Barbara and that, sooner or later, things may go wrong.

He had to change his habits now, even in the presence of Barbara, he must not forget his poker face.

”Gosh, it's getting dark and I'm hungry, so forget all the irrelevant stuff and start cooking!”

Barbara shouted while pointing at Mathison.

"Barbara, this is my home."

Mathison's eyes came out, what did she do?

”Gosh, this is not my first time eating at your house, and you know I like your oriental cuisine the most.”

“Food in Chinatown is too expensive and it doesn't taste as good as yours.”

Barbara pulls Mathison's hand and pushes her into the kitchen.

"Did your father know that you were going to eat at my place tonight?"

"I spoke to him before I came!"

Meanwhile, Gordon is busy at work, outside Gotham City Hall Plaza.

Queen Elizabeth comes to Gotham for a visit and this place is a must.

That's pretty empty. But, on the day of the Queen's visit, it would be so crowded that no one could imagine what kind of person would be present.

That's why it's so important to secure the area, with snipers from the GCPD at the height of every building around.

Tens of thousands of police were stationed on every street and alley around the town hall.

The main road was even directly laid out with a large number of GCPD-trained honor guards, standing neatly on either side of the road to the end of the road.

"Jim Gordon, Gotham's only light of justice, I've long heard great things about you."

At that moment, a young lady in her late thirties, dressed in a neat suit, approached Gordon and started a conversation with him, as if praising him with her words.

"If I'm not mistaken, Your Honor is Agent Clarice Starling of the FBI, I've heard a lot about you."

Gordon raised his head to look at her. The only people who could enter the square at this point could have been sent by the FBI or CIA to help.

At this moment, both sides indeed had to arrive soon as well.

Only the CIA confirmed that they would not send a female agent on their side, so, it could only be someone from the FBI.

"Agent Bob hasn't come yet?" asked Starling.

”Not yet, still about half an hour from the agreed time.”, replied Gordon.

”Ha, how true about the CIA..”, Starling refers cynically. 

   The FBI and CIA have always looked down on each other, not only because of the massive conflict between the two agencies in recruiting personnel, but also because the CIA often interferes with FBI missions during international operations.

Within the borders of the country, the CIA is ruthlessly suppressed by the FBI.

The two sides have a long history of tearing each other apart, and it's just the norm to mock each other now.

Gordon has seen it too often and has not sided with the FBI or the CIA at all.

"Did the people from the FBI just say spiteful things about the other person behind them?"

At that moment, a magnetic voice broke out between the two of them, and at a glance, he looked like a middle-aged man.