Batgirl #14

Issue Details

Synopsis

SUMMER OF LIES PART ONE Batgirl and Nightwing have gotten a odd message text summoning them up on a specific rooftop -"the source of all the mischief"- at night. When both heroes get to the rooftop, they are ambushed by a pair of costumed villains. Those villains have no chance against Batgirl and Dick, but they don't intend to win but send a message. After declaring "her" blood is on their hands and they'll be punished, both girls leap off the roof.  As an ambulance is taking the bodies away, Babs and Dick note those girls were suspiciously familiar. They looked like Barbara's old friend Ainsley. But Barbara doesn't believe Ainsley is behind that incident. Barbara and Dick suspect Mad Hatter, who knew what happened, is still holding a grudge.   Barbara has a flashback. Several years ago, when she was a newcomer in both Gotham and Gotham County High School, she befriended a substitute teacher and computer geek. Later Barbara has already created the "Batgirl" identity, but she's still the school pariah and doesn't get along well with Robin.   Back in the present day, Batgirl and Nightwing search for Mad Hatter. Breaking into one of his hideouts and checking his files they find photos of both girls, nicknamed "Beanie" and "Beret". Batgirl blames Mad Hatter for their deaths, but Nightwing reminds her that being teenagers doesn't mean they were innocent. Kids do bad things, too. They did something bad back then, even though he and Barbara were trying to do the right thing.   Further checking reveals Mad Hatter is in the hospital. Batgirl and Nightwing head out, and Barbara has another flashback.   Barbara took a summer job as a waitress in "The Olive Garden". It was by coincidence her ex-substitute teacher, Ainsley, was already working there, but Ainsley befriended Barbara again. Ainsley was also working on a software project and needed an assistant. Barbara agreed to help her out.   Later Barbara gets in an argument with her father and gets grounded. She goes to her room, puts on her Batgirl costume and sneaks out of her bedroom. She is found by Robin, and after a bit of heart-to-heart talk, he mentions he is going to a stakeout because he's got a lead on a case involving drugs and her school's cheerleaders. Barbara is happy to go with him.   Present day. Batgirl and Nightwing meet Mad Hatter. Someone has beaten him within an inch of his life, but he manages to babble the "Red Queen" did this and is coming for Batgirl, too.