Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Wayne Legacy: Knightmare

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 01:

Blue Lagoon Retreat

Iceland

Diana and Kara sat on their terrace, looking over their private lagoon. They had been at the Blue Lagoon Retreat in Iceland for the past four days- days filled with laughter, relaxation, yoga sessions, soaking in the thermal pools and spa treatments, not to mentions the best amenities in Iceland.

The two sisters shared a Lagoon Suite while Barbara and Alex had a Moss Suite facing the otherworldly moss covered lava fields. The two girls were preparing for dinner, while Kara and Diana relaxed after a long soak in the Blue Lagoon.

“It’s amazing here.” Kara said wistfully, enjoying their view.

Upon their arrival in Iceland, the blonde had disembarked the jet with a big smile and that smile had not left her face since.

“I’m glad you like it.” Diana told her fondly. “You chose the perfect destination, this place is wonderful. Perhaps I will be over my frustration with possible immortal deities soon and we can visit Egypt.”

Though tinged with a worry that would probably always be there, Diana felt comfortable enough after a month of tests that Kara would be fine.

This was the first trip Kara had ever taken to another country. With the exception of their private island, she had never been out of the continental United States. Diana herself had tried not to leave the U.S. except for the few times she had to for work. Even then, her trips were short, and she spent no time on tourism, not wanting to leave Kara with only Alfred.

It was an overseas vacation, something Diana never honestly believed would be possible. All she had to do was incinerate a titan and barter with Fate, using her own life and immortality as a make-weight for Kara’s.

Steve hadn’t been thrilled when Diana told him the exact details of the bargain and that she had no plans to tell her little sister. He thought Kara should know so she wouldn’t take advantage of her newfound health and act recklessly. Diana was insistent though, and he admitted to understanding her point. If Kara knew Diana’s life was tied to hers, she would once again be terrified of dying and probably shut herself off from the world so she wouldn’t hurt her older sister.

Only Steve, Dig and Bruce knew everything, and Diana wanted to keep it that way.

“I love it!” Kara exclaimed, breaking Diana’s train of thought. “So, after dinner, drinks right?”

Diana rolled her eyes though she had a slight smile. “I won’t ask you to limit yourself but please remember you are still a light weight, and I will not allow you to accept any drinking challenges from Barbara. The girl is a professional partier and you, my dear Bunny, are still an amateur.”

Kara snorted, remembering two nights ago when Babs had quite a bit to drink in the sisters’ room and began dancing on the table to extremely loud rock music. Surprisingly, no other guest complained to management about the noise. It was humorous until a greatly intoxicated Babs fell off the table and into Diana’s arms.

“Barbara and Alex are dressing for dinner,” Diana told her. She and Kara were a bit faster at preparing and simpler in their choice of clothes. “While we wait, I need to speak to you about business.”

Kara rolled her eyes. “Way to go, Buzzkill. I don’t want to talk about business. You said you had everything under control while we are away. Are we still rich?”

“Yes, Kara.” Diana replied.

“Do people still have to do what you tell them to do?”

“Yes, Kara.”

“Are my factories still being constructed? Have any of my labs been blown up?”

“Everything at the office is running fine, Bunny. I believe you will like what I’m going to tell you.” Diana said, giving her a sharp look. “I’ve been wrapping myself up in the minutia of everyday workings of the company and micromanaging for years. Now that you are healthy, I don’t want us to spend all our days stuck in offices which is why I haven’t increased your work hours. I have been planning this for a while, even when your health was precarious, because I’ve wanted to spend more time with you and Steve.

“There is a young woman I have had my eye on for a while. She was passed over for promotion to Chief Operating Officer at Axis USA recently. I want to talk to her about the Vice President position. The company is growing, and we need someone to oversee some of the company divisions because I can no longer do it all with these new contracts. I also want someone who can handle the small details and oversee the entire company when we are away on trips. I’ve been watching her closely and had extensive background research done on her.”

“What’s her name?” Kara asked.

“Samantha Arias. She is a thirty-two-year-old, single mom to a fourteen-year-old daughter and is brilliant in business. She worked her way through college while caring for a baby on her own with no family support of any kind. She is smart, tough, and from what I can tell, has a conscience and strong values. That is not something easy to find in one who has worked her way so high in such a short time. In fact, it is nearly impossible.”

“Thirty-two? That’s kind of young to be Vice President, isn’t it?” Kara asked.

“This from the girl who earned multiple PhDs for fun at eighteen? I was only twenty-five when I took over from Lucius.” Diana reminded her.

“Yeah, but you are… you.” Kara told her older sister, blushing slightly at Diana’s praise of her accomplishments. “There aren’t many people like you. Actually, there is no one like you.”

“She can be, once she is given the opportunity and my guidance.” Diana explained. “Axis Chemicals passed her over for promotion because they felt the board would not approve of one so young in such a position of power. Now they have a less capable person in that position and, I would believe, angered their greatest corporate asset all while assuming they will retain her skills.

“They have made a big mistake, and we are going to take advantage of it.”

“Have you contacted her?” Kara asked, greatly intrigued. Diana did not say things like this about anyone. If Diana was impressed, this Samantha must be phenomenal.

“I thought we would visit her.” Diana replied. “She lives in Philadelphia where Axis’s main office is located. I’m thinking we give her a call and ask if we could stop by for a visit.”

“You want to ambush her.” Kara said knowingly, aware of all her sister’s habits.

“I want to ambush her.” Diana agreed. “I want to meet with her before she has a chance to prepare for typical interview questions as I already know what I need to know concerning those. I don’t want her to have time to think about what we want to hear. I want to see her in a natural environment.

“So, what do you think?”

“If it means we are out of the office more, I’m all for it.” Kara said, a huge smile lighting up her face. “When are we going?”

“At the end of this trip. You and I will layover in Philly while Babs and Alex return to Gotham. The two of us can meet with Samantha and then maybe take a quick tour of the city before heading back.” Diana replied.

“Ohhhh, that will be fun! I can check into what we can cram into the day on the flight.” Kara said, obviously happy to extend their vacation even if it was primarily a recruiting stopover.

Diana chuckled at her enthusiasm, cocking her head to the side, listening to something only she could hear. “Speaking of our traveling companions, they are almost prepared. Let’s go to the dining room. Remember, just because you don’t need to have such a strict diet doesn’t mean you have to go to the other extreme so try not to have too much dessert. Diabetes is real. Look it up, genius.”

While Diana and Kara were discussing adding a major new piece to Wayne Enterprises and Kara’s newfound love of sweets, Barbara and Alex were finishing off their application of makeup. They were both starving after a long day in the thermal pool and the restaurant here lived up to the hype.

Tomorrow, they would be moving to a luxury hotel in Reykjavik and begin touring the other scenic places in Iceland such as the waterfalls, volcanic craters, going snorkeling, hiking and taking helicopter tours before returning to the States.

This trip was amazing and everything Kara could have dreamed of… which confused Alex greatly.

“I don’t get it. You don’t find this strange?” Alex asked Babs.

“I can’t wait to visit the clubs in Reykjavik.” Babs said instead of answering, continuing to put on eyeliner while obviously becoming a bit defensive.

“I’m serious, Babs. This is weird. Mom won’t even tell me what happened. She said she made a huge breakthrough in treating Kara but couldn’t talk about it. Supposedly, Kara is fine to travel now. Nobody makes a breakthrough that major so quickly. I know she has worked for years and made a lot of headway but to allow Kara to travel off the continent is crazy!” Alex replied.

“You should be happy.” Babs said avoiding her implied questions. “I can’t wait to get Kara in a club. Our last club outing didn’t end so well. I think Diana is getting us a private room over a dancefloor. She mentioned Kara still doesn’t do well with noise and crowds so we can ease her into it. I’m sure Dig will have security all over the place.”

Alex continued, not letting Babs blow off her questions “Diana let Kara order for herself last night. Kara ordered a steak and Diana didn’t even give her a look or veto it like she always does. Kara ate a baked potato and Diana didn’t ask if it was grown organically. Kara has been around people all day and Diana seems happy rather than borderline hysterical and homicidal.”

Babs let out a frustrated breath, realizing Alex wasn’t going to let this go. “Alex, please, just be happy. It’s Kara’s medical issues and she deserves the right to privacy. If she is feeling better then great! Your mom has been working with her for years and was bound to make a huge breakthrough one day.

“If there was something to worry about, Diana wouldn’t let her be here. If Diana isn’t worried, we shouldn’t be. We should just have fun. I haven’t ever seen Kara this happy and there is no reason to question it. We need to enjoy spending this time with our bestie.”

Barbara Gordon was one of the most curious people Alex knew. Barbara wasn’t asking questions, meaning she must know something.

“You don’t find this suspicious? Bullshit, Babs. What do you know?” Alex asked accusingly.

Barbara turned on her, exasperation clear. “I do know something. I know a few things. I know that if Kara was in danger of getting sick, Diana wouldn’t let her be here. I know that Kara is happy and most importantly, I know not to question Diana. If Diana says it’s fine and not to worry about it, then I won’t. It’s best this way.

“I know it’s hard for you, Alex, but just for once, let this mystery go, please? We don’t need answers. Kara is living her dream and we are along for the ride. The three of us have talked about traveling the world for years, even if we weren’t sure it would ever happen. Kara has lived in a cage her whole life… she deserves this. There is no reason to ruin it with pointless questions that aren’t our business.”

Alex realized she was wrong. Barbara didn’t know exactly what was going on. She only knew something was strange but not specifics. She didn’t ask for specifics because Diana told her not to.

Alex was not afraid of Diana.

She also wasn’t stupid.

Alex wondered how long it would be before Diana had a talk with her, suggesting she not ask questions.

As much as it killed her inquisitive mind, she would try to let it go. Babs was right in some respects. Kara did deserve this.

“I understand the hotel we are staying at the next several days has a fancy suite waiting for us with separate bedrooms. No offense Babs, but you still snore. I thought you were using nasal strips to help with that.” Alex remarked, finally changing the subject. “I can hear you even though we have separate bedrooms on opposite sides of this suite. I wish I could have stayed with Kara here, she doesn’t snore.”

Barbara snorted, knowing that wouldn’t happen. “Two bedrooms per suite means only Diana stays with Kara. Besides, even if she would let Kara out of her sight, I’m not sleeping in a suite with Diana.

“Did you see how good I looked in my white bikini? I looked amazing, right?”

Alex shrugged. “I suppose. It supported your bust better than other suits you have worn.”

“Exactly!” Babs exclaimed. “I felt really good about myself, right up until the elder Miss Wayne comes out, wearing a black bikini, all seven feet of her, most of which are her legs and suddenly I’m feeling like an extra in a spring break movie. The last thing I want to do is accidentally see her naked. I may never look at myself in the mirror again. It’s no wonder Kara has body image issues when constantly comparing herself to Diana.

“I suspect Tommy Merlyn is making her feel better about herself though. I saw her talking to him this morning and she was blushing.”

Alex snorted at that. Knowing Tommy’s past and Kara’s mostly innocent nature, she could imagine what was said. Alex knew of Kara’s limited past experience with men, meaning a single weekend with Ryan Choi, but this was her first real relationship.

“I can’t believe Diana is letting this go on. It’s going to end in heartbreak for Kara. I don’t think Tommy would do anything like cheat on her, he isn’t suicidal… but we all know it’s never going to work in the long term.” Babs said after applying her lipstick. “Even he has to suspect that on some level. Diana will end it sooner or later.”

Alex was surprised. “I thought you said Diana didn’t have a choice and this was Kara’s decision?”

Babs looked at Alex in disbelief and shook her head. “You’ve been gone too long if you believed me when I said that. No matter how much better Kara feels, she will always be under Diana’s control. It’s too ingrained in her now. I think it’s ingrained in both of them.

“Diana hates most other rich families and she certainly hates Star City elite. Tommy may have cut himself off from his father but what is he doing?”

“He’s running a grocery store. He’s learning business. Diana has to respect that.” Alex pointed out.

“Yeah, but he isn’t a fighter pilot, or a brain surgeon, or a firefighter, or a cop.” Babs pointed out. “Diana admires guys who are heroes. She loves Steve Trevor, ace fighter pilot. Before Steve she had never been in a real relationship, but she certainly had three brief flings. Who were they? The cop, the firefighter and the brain surgeon. She likes alphas despite being one herself. She respects equals. She is not going to let Kara marry a small business owner, especially with his past and his family.”

Alex shook her head. “Diana respects him, or she wouldn’t be allowing this… unless…”

“Exactly. He is tame and would do anything to impress Diana if it means getting to be with Kara.” Babs finished Alex’s thought. “Diana wants Kara to have relationship experience. First loves are not usually last loves.”

Though everything Barbara said made perfect sense considering the same thought had occurred to her, Alex waved it off. “I don’t believe that. Kara is breaking out on her own. She is growing up. She won’t always be under Diana’s control.”

“Then why have we been discussing her love life and the only person we talked about was Diana and what she would want?” Babs asked knowingly. “It doesn’t matter regardless. I’ve seen enough to know that, while he is great for her self-esteem, she doesn’t love him. He is head over heels for her and she is infatuated with him because he’s the first guy who gives her all his attention instead of mooning over Diana when she is in the room. Wait until he tells her he loves her. One hundred dollars says Kara panics and clams up.”

Alex let out a breath. “I’m not betting on my best friend’s love life.”

“I thought it was my turn to be your best friend?” Babs complained jokingly.

“Not today.” Alex replied with a smirk. “Let’s go eat. Then we can watch you drink way too much and dance on Diana’s table. Just please take off your heels this time. Diana had to catch you and I was embarrassed for both of us.”

The two met Kara and Diana at the Lava Restaurant, already sitting at a table with the best view of the moss fields.

Dig was at a nearby table despite Kara’s insistence he join them. This was a girls trip, and he did his best to ensure it stayed that way. The man had been a constant presence, always within reach of Kara but doing his best to blend in so this remained a girls trip.

Alex knew his eyes only left the blonde to scan the immediate area and, while he had security guards all over this place, Dig looked ready to jump in front a bullet or fall on a grenade to protect her at all times. When Babs told Alex he was dedicated, she could tell what her friend meant. He took Kara’s safety as seriously as Diana did.

Despite telling Barbara she would let it go, Alex noticed Kara ordered a steak for herself and Diana looked pleased, unusual for her. A man in the back of the restaurant coughed and Diana didn’t motion for security to remove him. She wasn’t insisting on the silverware being cleaned again before allowing it to be used. She wasn’t asking the origin and growing methods of the food being prepared.

Alex brushed it off for now because she had important life-changing news to share with her two sisters after informing her mother before they had left on their trip.

“I have something I would like to announce and now is a good time.” She said, drawing the focus of three sets of eyes. “As you all know, I’ve finished my coursework and my graduation is in a month. I will begin my PhD studies and start working on my thesis. I decided several years ago I wanted to focus on mutations in human genes and have been recruited by companies from all over the world. I’ve had several offers and after giving it some thought, I’ve accepted an offer to work in one of the best medical research labs in the world.”

“Congratulations, Alex.” Diana said with a pleased smile, not surprised in the least at the younger woman’s many options.

Barbara and Kara were not so pleased. They had mirroring looks of extreme anxiety on their faces. Alex had said the world, meaning she could be going to any corner of the globe.

“Wayne Enterprises has the best medical research lab in the world. That means you are coming home, right?” Kara asked in a hopeful yet pleading tone.

Alex nodded, grinning. “I love California but I’m a Gotham girl, born and raised. I miss my city, my mother, my sisters and l want to come home. I’ll be in the biomedical research division of Wayne Enterprises as an intern and PhD candidate. I’ve already been assigned a faculty advisor at Gotham University.”

Despite the quiet and relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant, the two girls squealed loudly, jumping from their seats and hugging a still seated Alex tightly.

“Okay, okay! This is a five-star restaurant. Let’s have a little decorum.” Alex said, laughing at their excitement.

The two girls moved back to their seats, but the smiles never left their faces.

“A wise choice, Alex.” Diana told her, happy to have her home as well. “I’ve always felt you were the smartest out of you three.”

Barbara took playful offense. “I didn’t even need to go to college, unlike these other two losers.”

Diana raised an eyebrow, a smirk gracing her lips. “Barbara, I suggested you not go to college because I was afraid too many college parties would kill your brain cells, not because you were more intelligent than Alex.”

Babs threw a napkin at her as the others laughed.

The celebration continued through dessert, a late-night dip in the Lagoon once again and more cocktails in Alex and Babs’ room, where the red head told them about the college parties she attended at Gotham U despite not being a student.

Kara herself couldn’t remember the last time she had so much fun. She was so excited. Life was looking up. Alex would be back in Gotham soon, where Kara felt she belonged. She hadn’t died from poisoning, Diana hadn’t been killed and, though Diana gave up her immortality, both sisters were alive.

The blonde was now overseas in one of the most naturally beautiful spots in the world. She thought she might be falling in love with Tommy, she was fairly certain he loved her, and her departments and projects were doing well.

Everything was perfect.

But in the back of her mind, she was waiting for what would come next to tear it apart. In her life, she had learned to always expect the worst.

Regardless, she would do her best to maintain a positive attitude. Kara had a new lease on life, and she was not about to waste it.

---

Gotham City

Residence of Harvey Dent, District Attorney

Harvey Dent had turned in early after a long day at the office. He was preparing briefs on one hundred and twenty-six cases of criminals deemed unfit to stand trial that were current residents of Arkham Asylum.

The judge was not hard to convince, signing off on the reevaluations. Harvey had casually let slip that Diana was very interested in this process and keen for it to start. The judge owed his election and continued reelections to Diana Wayne so that was all it took.

Even with the judge’s approval, paperwork had to be done. Issuing orders to reevaluate that many cases involved a lot of red tape.

Additionally, Jim Gordon’s major crime task force had been making incredible busts, adding to Harvey’s already bursting workload. Gordon was getting information about an underworld Harvey didn’t know existed in Gotham. He had thought that major organized crime had been run out of Gotham but there was something even seedier under the surface. While not the typical mobs who liked to flaunt their power and disregard for the law, these criminals were ghosts from all over the world.

The police had acted on anonymous tips and raided hideouts of Triad drug manufacturers as well as Bratva holding cages for kidnapped girls. The docks had more corruption than he thought possible but somehow Gordon was cleaning it out at an unprecedented rate.

When Harvey asked Gordon about his new found fountain of knowledge, Gordon uncharacteristically told him it was better if he didn’t know. Jim and Harvey had always been a team, sharing information to best serve the city they both loved. If Jim was keeping something from him, it must be big.

As a result of all these arrests, Arkham had been put on the backburner, but Harvey didn’t want to test Diana’s patience regarding some movement on the Arkham issue.

He had just about drifted off to sleep when his phone rang. He thought of not answering it but saw the Caller ID was from Illinois.

He had contacted a Dr. Hugo Eller, from the Remwood Sanitarium for the Criminally Insane in Remwood, Illinois two days ago. Harvey had wanted information about why Jonathan Crane was let go. If Harvey could get enough probable cause, he would be able to get warrants to plant bugs in Arkham, deepening his search for what was going on behind those iron doors.

“This is Harvey Dent.” He answered.

“Mr. Dent, this is Dr. Eller. We spoke two days ago.”

“Yes, I recognize your voice.” Harvey replied, fully awake now. “You told me you had nothing to say. Have you changed your mind?”

“Yes. I have changed my mind.” Eller’s voice sounds anxious, perhaps even frightened.

If Harvey could see the caped man in black standing behind Eller, literally twisting his arm, he would be afraid too.

“Why have you changed your mind?” He asked.

“Because… ahh! Because it is the right thing to do, and I have information that could save others.” Eller said, as if reading from a script.

“Okay… Dr. Eller, is someone coercing you into speaking to me?”

“No! No, why would you say that?!” The man said frantically. “Don’t say that! No one is here. It’s… it’s ridiculous that you would ask. Do you want to hear about Crane or what?”

“I would love to hear about Jonathan Crane. Would you mind if I record this conversation?” Harvey asked. “I know you were concerned about confidentiality agreements.”

“Do whatever you want! Can we please just get started?” Eller whined.

Harvey began recording on his phone and had the man say his name and position. “Dr. Eller, can you tell me why Dr. Jonathan Crane was released from his contract at your facility?”

The man groaned painfully then calmed his breathing. “Yes… there were rumors that he was experimenting on patients, using new drugs he had made. Two patients died within two weeks from what appeared to be natural causes. They experienced cardiac arrest, but both were in relatively good health, no history of heart problems. Those in cells near them reported that Dr. Crane had treated them late at night. Janitors reported hearing the men screaming in terror on the night of their deaths.

“We questioned Dr. Crane as to why no reports of treatment had been filed that night. He denied taking the patients from their cells or delivering any type of medication. Autopsies picked up no abnormal drugs but did pick up trace amounts of an unknown toxins in their lungs. Dr. Crane’s office and lab were searched and notes on the chemical makeup of a new type of gas were found in his safe.”

Harvey felt a chill. “So, he was making some sort of poisonous gas and testing it on patients. It went wrong and killed them.”

“Or it went right.” Eller countered. “Crane was a weird guy, even for this place. He knew we didn’t have enough proof even though we knew what had happened.”

“Why didn’t you go to the police?” Harvey asked.

Eller paused and Harvey thought he was going to shut down until he heard a hiss on the other end of the line.

“If it came out that Crane was responsible, this place would have been shut down by the State. We swept it under the rug and cut him loose. He was under contract so we all agreed that he would leave without problems, and we would all sign confidentiality agreements, avoiding legal litigation on either side.”

Harvey thought this might be the case. “Do you have proof that a poison was used on the two inmates that matched the gas Crane was developing?”

“No.” the man admitted. “Crane took his contents with him, including the formula and the bodies were incinerated. There were not enough traces of the toxins in the lungs to prove a cause of death regardless. The incidents were written off as myocardial infarctions.”

“Dr. Eller, you do realize I will have to report this to the State of Illinois, and you could possibly face serious legal repercussions. Are you willing to sign a sworn affidavit regarding the details surrounding the termination of Jonathan Crane?”

“I’ll be doing so in the morning and have it sent to you and the Illinois State Board.” The man grudgingly admitted. “Are we done?”

“I’ll be in touch.” Harvey told him and ended the call.

Harvey wasn’t sure what to make of it. The man sounded frightened and in pain at times. He didn’t sound as if he was lying though. Something had happened to convince him to talk. Regardless, it was the break he needed to open a full-scale investigation into, not only patients, but Jonathan Crane himself.

Any charges at this point would have to come from Illinois and even with Eller’s sworn statement, there was no concrete proof to charge Crane with a crime. Because of Eller’s actions, everything would be hearsay.

Still, he had enough probable cause for wiretaps and other investigative methods considered unconventional. If he came at Crane directly now, the doctor would simply clean up after himself and move on to another state. He wanted a solid case before he took him down.

---

Downtown Gotham

The next evening, Harvey sat at a corner table in a dimly lit downtown bar with Rachel Dawes. Wayne Tower could be seen a block from where they sat, and Harvey thought perhaps he should have rethought his choice of location.

“I’ve only been back in Gotham a month and it has been full of surprises. First, my old friend Silver calls and offers to find me work, now the District Attorney that once fired me for no reason wants to speak with me.” Rachel greeted him sarcastically.

“How’s your mother doing?” Harvey asked.

“You don’t give a damn.” She told him, a biting edge in her voice. “What do you want, Dent? Tax law may be boring, but it is grueling, and an eight hour day can feel like a twenty-four hour day. I’ve got work in the morning so get to the point.”

Harvey shrugged and began telling Rachel what he had learned about Jonathan Crane. Rachel was mildly intrigued but did her best to maintain a bored façade.

“Sounds like you’ve gotten a mad doctor living and working right in the middle of the Wayne Empire.” Rachel remarked. “I can understand how this would be a problem for you. What I don’t understand is how it is my problem?”

Harvey decided not to sugarcoat it. “I need an A.D.A. on the inside, reviewing cases, finding what they can about the innerworkings, planting listening devices and going through every file in that place. I have warrants for all of it. No one in my department has that kind of skill. It was suggested that you may be a good candidate.”

“Suggested?” Rachel snorted. “You need a spy in a dangerous asylum full of the criminally insane, investigating a mad scientist who is probably experimenting on his patients. You need someone expendable. Of course, Diana would ‘sugges t’ me. I was told that after my mother died, I was to find work elsewhere, away from Gotham.”

Harvey shook his head. “I don’t know anything about that, Rachel.”

“Like you haven’t known I’ve been blackballed all over the nation? Like you didn’t know the judge who approved the Chill deal couldn’t find work as an attorney after he lost reelection? Like you didn’t know Carl Finch couldn’t find work and eventually killed himself? Don’t insult my intelligence by lying to me. You are as much her stooge as anyone. Don’t pretend otherwise.” Rachel accused him knowingly.

Harvey gritted his teeth then relaxed. He had been expecting this. “You want me to admit our department and the city works with Gotham’s biggest benefactor? I admit it. You want me to admit that she supports me and my department? I admit it. Diana Wayne does not make decisions in our department though. She supported election campaigns because she believed we were the people who should lead Gotham.

“Your choice is simple. Either you come back to work for the office, or you can go back to the tax office you are apparently loving so much.”

Rachel stared in disbelief. “How do you guys think working for her is any different than working for a mob boss? She tells you what to do, what to say…”

“If you think Diana Wayne’s support is no different than working for a mob boss, it’s no wonder you and your boss needed jailhouse testimony from a double murderer to convict Falconè. You obviously don’t understand organized crime.” Harvey shot back, greatly angered. “I get that you are bitter, but don’t feel sorry for Finch. He used you, and if you had any sense, you would know it.”

“Carl used me?!” Rachel asked incredulously.

“Yes, he used you.” Harvey asserted. “You were fresh out of law school and shouldn’t have had anything to do with a case of that magnitude. He knew what Diana could do to him, but he wanted Falconè’s conviction by any means necessary, even taking a short cut so the conviction would happen before the election. He picked you, fed you lies about it being the only way and hoped you could use your friendship with Diana to soften the blow, hoped she would understand and not come after him.

“So, yes, he used you and when it didn’t work, you went down with him. Maybe he blew his head off out of guilt for destroying your life.

“Now you are getting a second chance. Maybe it’s not right that she can ruin your life but it’s reality. You want back in the D.A.’s office, to make a difference, instead of doing accounting work? Then do this. Yeah, it’s dangerous but I’m not throwing you to the wolves. I’ve heard you had potential before you screwed up and let your best friend’s parents’ murderer out of prison. Do you have what it takes to pull this off or not?”

Rachel sat back and drained her beer, glaring at Dent. His accusation that Finch had used her hurt, especially since the same thought had crossed her mind a few times over the years.

She had seen Finch as a mentor who saw her promise and that was the reason why she was brought in. Wanting to convict Falconè quickly had nothing to do with reelection. It had to do with getting a ruthless crime lord off the streets as soon as possible before more lives were ruined or ended. She chose to talk to Diana and make her understand. It wasn’t Finch.

Diana Wayne was the villain in this story. Diana was the one she thought was her best friend and turned on her viciously because her feelings were more important than taking down a crime lord swiftly.

But Rachel desperately wanted to be a prosecutor again. She wasn’t happy with tax law or any other type of law. If she couldn’t be a prosecutor here, maybe she could be a prosecutor elsewhere. She wasn’t going to agree to anything without some assurances concerning her future.

“What happens afterward? When we take down Crane, I’m fired again, right?” She asked, probing to see what the man would say. “In other words, what’s in this for me?”

Harvey took a deep breath. The man knew the rules Diana had laid out for Rachel. He had spoken to her earlier in preparation for this meeting to understand what lines Diana didn’t want crossed and what she would allow.

“Your mother is taken care of. You will be too, as long as she is alive.” Harvey offered. “I understand you had a discussion with Silver St. Cloud on your future. You have opportunities outside of Gotham, but it won’t be easy. I can make it easy for you. Help us out and once this is over and your mother… help us out and I will get you hired on by a District Attorney’s office. You just tell me where, so long as it isn’t Gotham. Metropolis, Washington, Star City, National City, Coast City, anywhere and you are hired. It will be a fresh start, as if the past never happened.”

Rachel was quiet, mulling the offer over in her head.

“Take the offer, Rachel.” Harvey encouraged after a couple of minutes where she still hadn’t responded. “You are young and have the rest of your life to make your old dreams come true. Help us take down Crane. It’s the right thing to do and it gives you back a future you have always wanted.”

Rachel should have been offended. This man, a public servant elected by the people, was taking orders from a woman her age… a woman who had destroyed Rachel’s life. Now that same woman had put Rachel in a position where she would do what she wanted or have no future. Typical Diana Wayne. There was never a point in denying her because you would eventually do what she wanted. It sickened her to think she once considered Diana to be as close as a sister.

But there was one thing she never questioned about Diana’s character, Rachel knew she would keep her word. Silver said Rachel could leave Gotham City and do what she wanted, anywhere she wanted, all options would be open to her.

She also knew finding a job after not working as a lawyer for the past six years would be very difficult. She would need Harvey’s connections if she ever wanted the chance to be a prosecutor again.

Rachel had no choice. She would have to swallow her pride and it hurt. “I’ll be at your office on Monday, ready to go. I want your word, any D.A.’s office I want?”

“Anywhere outside of Gotham.” Harvey confirmed. “I will make it happen.”

Rachel stood up and left, not bothering to say goodbye.

Harvey sighed. It was the ending he wanted to a long day, no matter how exhausting it had been. He stood and walked to the bar, needing another drink, this one much stronger than a beer.

He had a seat on a stool and ordered, then closed his eyes and rubbed his head.

“Looked like a bad fight between you and your girlfriend.” A female to his left said. Harvey turned and saw a pretty blonde sitting at the bar, nursing a drink.

“She is not my girlfriend. She is just someone who made a mistake once and I’m trying to help her out. Her pride was getting in her way of seeing an opportunity to make amends and I had to convince her to set it aside.” Harvey explained as vaguely as possible.

She had started the conversation and Harvey was happy to talk with her.

The woman laughed softly. “She is lucky she is getting the chance. Some mistakes are unforgivable. Some mistakes you can never make amends for.”

“Spoken from experience?” Harvey asked curiously.

The woman shrugged and finished her drink, motioning for another.

“I’m Emily Parlow. I work with Kara Wayne at Wayne Enterprises.” She said, introducing herself unexpectedly.

“Harvey Dent, Gotham City District Attorney.”

“D.A., huh? Impressive.” She replied with a small smile.

“Not as impressive as working with Kara. I’ve gotten to know her over the past few years. She’s a good kid. One of the best people I know. What do you do with Kara?”

The woman smirked. “I’m not at liberty to say.”

Harvey understood. “Ah, one of her people working on military projects then.”

Emily shook her head. “Nope, though I suppose when you say it like that, I understand why you would think that, but Kara works on many projects she can’t talk about, mine being one of those.

“So, you know Kara. I’m assuming with your position, you know Diana as well?”

“Yes, I do.” Harvey replied, motioning for a shot for both of them.

“What is she like?” Emily asked, downing hers.

“Intense, passionate about making the world better… intelligent, strategic, intimidating, but caring. Tough as nails. You want her on your side in a war.”

Emily took that in. “Sounds like you are in love with her.”

Harvey laughed. “I couldn’t handle Diana Wayne. She is a good friend though, one of those friends you can always rely on to be there for you. She has done a lot for me and a lot for this city, more than most people realize. More than could be expected from others in her position. The most important thing about her is she is a good person. That’s all that really matters.

“If you work closely with Kara, I’m sure you’ve met her. What do you think?”

Emily shrugged. “I actually haven’t met her yet. I’ve only been there a few weeks and Diana has been extremely busy. She and Kara are off on a trip now which is a big topic around the tower. People are worried because Kara has never traveled off the continent, but most agree if Diana is with her, she will be okay.

“Everyone loves Diana apparently but it’s not the same as with Kara. The employees adore Kara, but they are in awe of Diana. Can I ask you a question about them?”

“You already have.” Harvey replied, suddenly unsure of the conversation. “Are you sure you are a scientist? You aren’t a reporter, are you?”

“Scout’s honor.” Emily promised. “I haven’t been working there long and I’m just curious. Is it true what others say? Does Diana control Kara to an extreme extent?”

Harvey frowned and shrugged. “I have no idea. Like I said, I know them, but I don’t live with them. I just know they are two of the nicest women I have ever met, and I owe a lot to Diana Wayne. She believed in me, saw something in me that others didn’t. She has given me opportunities to become my best self.

“Enough about the Wayne sisters, tell me more about you.”

“What would you like to know?” Emily asked, eyebrow raised.

“Whatever you want to share. Nothing more and nothing less. I won’t pry if you promise the same. We all deserve our secrets, right?”

Emily smiled at him. “Sounds good. First, I need another drink.”