Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Wayne Legacy: Knightmare

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 15:

Wayne Memorial Hospital

The room was deathly silent, waiting on the doctor’s word.

Alfred helped Gertrude stand and accompanied her as she stepped towards the doctor. “I’m her mother.”

The doctor smiled and placed a hand on the frail woman’s shoulder. “It was touch and go but she is alive and stable. We have stopped the bleeding and she was very lucky the knife did not strike any major organs. We will keep her sedated for twenty-four hours just to give her a chance to recover.

“Is the officer who came in with the paramedics in the room?”

The group looked towards John Blake. He raised his hand slightly and stood.

The doctor nodded, his smile wider now. “You should know that your quick actions saved her life, officer. Thank you.”

Gertrude looked towards Blake and walked over to him, much quicker than it appeared she would be able. When she reached him, she threw her arms around him. Blake gently returned her hug though he was obviously uncomfortable.

Gertrude stepped back and touched his cheek with a watery smile and moved back to the doctor.

Bruce caught Diana’s eyes then moved outside. She took his cue and followed him. He kept walking deeper into the parking lot and finally stopped at the end of the rows of cars, seeing no one around them.

“That’s a relief.” Diana said. “When the doctor came out, I was afraid… she is going to be okay.”

Bruce looked at her and even in the dark, his rage wasn’t hard to see. “Did you know Gertrude was sick?”

Diana nodded, a little guarded given his demeanor. “Silver told me when she asked if Rachel could find work in Gotham. She said Gertrude didn’t want anyone to know.”

Bruce clenched his fists. “You knew Gertrude was dying, and you put her daughter in harm’s way regardless? What is wrong with you, Diana?”

“She was given a choice and chose…”

“Stop it!” Bruce yelled. “You and your damn rationalizations. You know damn well she was in that asylum because you put her there! Lie to yourself but do not lie to me! Everybody knows you did this! Not Harvey Dent, not Jim Gordon, but you, Diana! Crane may have stabbed her, but you pushed her in his path!”

Diana turned her back to him, her own rage rising up at his accusations warring against the little voice in the back of her head telling her he was right. “Back off, Bruce. I’m not in the mood. Do you have any idea where Crane may have gone? Did he say anything?”

Bruce said nothing and Diana turned back to him.

“You really are a Greek goddess, aren’t you?” Bruce snarled, his voice low, his words biting. “Is Kara truly the only one in this world that isn’t expendable to you? Humans are just pawns to you, aren’t they?”

Diana’s face turned red, anger heating her body. “Don’t take some moral high ground, Bruce. You are the one who trained under a mass murderer, slept with his daughter then left when you no longer needed them. You looked past their actions to get what you needed, so you would know about using people as pawns.”

“I never used friends.” Bruce snapped back, “And though you’ve obviously forgotten, she was once your friend.”

“She betrayed us!” Diana said angrily.

“She betrayed you! She didn’t even make the choice to release that murderer! She just talked to you, and you destroyed her! Now she is half dead in a hospital room while her dying mother is in the waiting room, wondering if she is going to outlive her daughter!”

Diana was livid. “It wasn’t my fault! She was told not to engage! She decided on her own to leave her tracker on her desk and go exploring the most dangerous area of the asylum! I didn’t make that decision for her!”

Bruce crossed his arms and closed his eyes, shaking in anger. “You have always said everything you do is what Mom and Dad would have expected of you. Look at their photo tomorrow morning. Stare at them and be honest. Ask if this is really what they would have wanted. Think about what Mom would say about tonight.”

“I know exactly what Dad would have wanted, and Mom may not have been happy about it, but she would’ve agreed.” Diana threw back at him, mirroring his position by crossing her arms. “Why don’t you think about what our parents would say about…”

“Yeah, about me leaving.” He countered, knowing she would bring it up. “You’ve brought it up damn near every time I disagree with you. I get it already so find a new line. They would be furious with me. Dad would be disappointed. He probably wouldn’t recognize the person I have become. Mom’s heart would be broken. At least I can admit that. I know I screwed up.

“What about you, Diana? Can you admit to yourself that you were wrong? What would Mom think about you driving Rachel into poverty, only letting her come to Gotham because her mother was dying and then placing her into an asylum to investigate a madman? Do you think she would be proud? Do you think Dad would be here tonight, patting you on the back? Do you truly think this was something Dad would have done? Did you know a different man than I did? Dad may have banished her for hurting the family, but he never would have placed her in a position where she had to hunt a madman.

“You take vengeance to an extreme. You didn’t get that from Dad. You got that from the king of the gods and the queen of the Amazons.”

Bruce had finally pushed too far as Diana lost control and grabbed her brother by the throat.

“There is that anger that you claim Dad would be so proud of.” He whispered challengingly, his breathing shallow against her pressure against his throat.

“He would… and that is what you fail to understand.” Diana whispered back, her eyes flashing in rage, squeezing slightly before abruptly letting go and stepping back. “Don’t you have a serial killer to catch, Batman? How did he get away from you? Six years of training and what good did it do?”

Alfred hurriedly walked up to the two, having heard enough even from a distance thanks to their raised voices. “That is enough! You are both emotional. This has been a stressful night.

“While you two have been throwing blame at each other, Officer Blake passed out in the waiting room. The doctors said he provided too much blood and is being taken care of by the ER staff. Gertrude is upset, as is Silver. Crane is out in the world, on the run and desperate. Placing blame is not what is needed right now.”

Bruce and Diana stared at each other, neither looking away.

“Enough!” Alfred yelled. “What has happened is in the past, it cannot be changed, so let it go. Who was right, who was wrong, it doesn’t matter right now!

“I have listened to the two of you bicker for years before you left us, Bruce. We may be the most dysfunctional family in history, but we are still a family, and we will act like it! Am I understood?”

Bruce and Diana looked down.

“Apologize to each other.” Alfred told them.

Both pointed at the other and protested until Alfred clapped his hands once more and stared pointedly at his two, recalcitrant children.

“I said… enough.” Alfred ordered through clenched teeth.

“Sorry.” They both mumbled toward each other.

“Diana, I am sure you want to talk with the Chief of Staff about Rachel’s care and arranging accommodations for Gertrude.” Alfred told her, then looked at his other child. “Bruce, your friends could use your support. I suggest you go home and rest. Crane won’t be found tonight. We need a new strategy.”

Diana spoke up, her tone much subdued. “Bruce, you should pick up your suit wherever you left it. Kara won’t be happy knowing you left it on a rooftop.”

Bruce nodded and headed back inside to check on Blake and touch base quietly with Gordon. He would retrieve the suit, take it to his cave then return to sit with Rachel.

Diana walked next to Alfred, deep in thought.

“Diana… I know you are feeling guilty.” Alfred said, taking her hand and stopping her.

“Shouldn’t I? Was he wrong?” She asked, her expression despondent.

Alfred sighed and gently squeezed her hand in comfort. “When you went after Finch, the judges, the mayor… Rachel… I did nothing. I said nothing. Neither did Kara for that matter. Bruce wasn’t around to give an opinion.

“We were all angry. Rachel could have simply stood against Finch. It wouldn’t have made a difference, but she would have stood with the people that always took care of her, knowing we would continue to take care of her. By saying nothing, Kara and I approved of your actions by default… right or wrong, we agreed with what you did. Bruce left… he doesn’t get to judge our actions.”

“I never thought Crane would hurt her, Alfred. I swear.”

“I know that, Diana.”

Diana wiped a tear from her eye. “Was Bruce right?

“About what?” Alfred asked carefully.

“Would Mom and Dad be ashamed of me? Am I not human?” Her tone was as broken as he had ever heard it.

Alfred smiled gently. “You are the daughter of Thomas and Martha Wayne. You are strong and fierce, but also loving and protective.

“You are also not perfect. No one is, Diana. I’m not, Bruce isn’t, and neither is Kara.”

Diana smirked. “You are wrong… Kara is perfect.”

Alfred rolled his eyes, softly chuckling. “She makes missiles that turn into swirling razor blades when they hit the ground and shred the people in the nearby vicinity. Her anger at your parents’ murder is hidden by a smile but it can manifest in her in unexpected ways. She is immature and we have done a poor job preparing her for living a normal life. I have done a poor job preparing everyone.

“But one thing I can promise you, Diana. You are human. You wouldn’t be feeling guilt right now if you weren’t.”

“Thank you, Alfred.” Diana said, a small smile appearing though her eyes were still sad. “You will never give up on me, will you?”

“Never, my beautiful princess.” Alfred smiled and touched her cheek, wiping a stray tear with his thumb before it fell. “You should talk to Gertrude.”

Diana shook her head. “I’m the last person she wants to talk to. I will arrange for her a place to sleep though, then I should leave.”

“Speak to her before you go, Diana.” Alfred reiterated.

“And if she blames me?”

“You’ve killed hundreds of monsters and a Titan. You make decisions every day that can affect the world. You can speak to Gertrude and handle what may come.”

Diana sighed and walked inside, catching Silver’s eye and calling her over, then walking with her to the security guard that had driven her to the hospital.

“Silver, until Crane is caught, Mr. Dobbins will be your shadow. Mr. Dobbins, your team will be assigned to Miss St. Cloud for the foreseeable future. I want all of you to have gas masks and adhere to the same protocols as Mr. Diggle has laid out for Kara. Crane has had psychos working for him in the past and may again. Unless Silver knows a person, do not allow them near her.”

Silver raised an eyebrow and held up a hand. “Diana, I’m not sure…”

“I have always admired your stubbornness and following your own agency, but this isn’t up for discussion. Until he is caught, you will be protected.” Diana stressed.

“Is there a reason to think he would come after me?”

“Until I have proof that he won’t, you won’t be alone.”

Silver nodded, knowing it would be futile to argue with Diana when she is like this. She would be protected regardless of whether she wanted it or not. It was what Diana did for those she loved.

“Gertrude wants to talk to you.” Silver said, changing the subject.

Diana felt a coldness in the pit of her stomach. “I need to arrange her a room here so she can rest. I’m sure she won’t want to leave Rachel’s side.”

“Talk to her first.”

“I should check on Officer Blake.” Diana pointed out, trying to divert her friend.

“Bruce already is. Please, Diana. Talk to her.”

Diana sighed in defeat and looked across the room to Steve. He was too far to hear but with a look, she knew he understood.

He walked over to the two women. “Something wrong?”

Diana nodded towards where Gertrude sat with her back to them. “Silver says she wants to talk to me.”

Steve understood. He held his hand out to her and she took it. The two walked towards the woman while Steve did his best not to cringe as Diana nearly broke his hand. Usually, she was very aware of the density of his bones but in times of stress, she felt the need to cling closer to him and often forgot her strength. It was fine. Sometimes she needed this, and he was privileged to be the one she clung to.

He just hoped she would let go soon.

They took a seat across from the older woman who looked older than her years. It was easy to see the worry, the heartbreak and emotional pain on her face, just as it was easy to see the physical toll the cancer had taken on her body.

Diana wondered how many days or weeks this situation took away from her life. She felt a fresh wave of guilt wash over her.

Gertrude met her eyes and, to Diana’s surprise, smiled and reached for her hand.

Diana took it gently, hyperaware of the woman’s brittle state.

“It has been too long, child. I wish it wasn’t something like this to bring us together again.” Gertrude greeted her. “Silver has kept me apprised of everything you and Little Bunny have accomplished.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Diana grinned at hearing Gertrude call Kara ‘bunny ‘.

“Kara has been doing well.” Diana said carefully. “Her health is much improved.”

“I still have that costume.” Gertrude told her. “Martha asked me to throw it out when Kara finally got tired of wearing it. She was so relieved, she wanted it gone, not just put away. I took it home and placed it in a box in my closet. If you ever want it, feel free to come by, or I can send it with Silver. Whatever you feel comfortable with.”

Diana was shocked by her words. Not just that she had kept something of Kara’s for so long, but the kindness in her tone.

“I didn’t want Silver to tell you about my health.” Gertrude said.

“I know.” Diana said quietly.

Gertrude took a shuddering breath. “I can still read you like a book, little princess. You wear many masks, even as a young girl but I could read them all… you are feeling guilty.”

Diana tried to think of something to say and had nothing. Instead, she stayed quiet and looked at the floor.

The older woman’s voice was gentle as she continued. “That whole thing was a mess. It broke my heart to see your friendship torn apart. It was a tragedy… almost as big a tragedy as your parents’ death. I saw sisters torn apart. It hurt me, it hurt everyone.

“I worry about you, child. I worry that one day it will become too much of a burden for you to carry.”

“What are you talking about?” Diana asked, truly confused at her words.

“Your anger. Your anger at your parents deaths. Your anger at being different. Your anger at the world.” Gertrude said knowingly. “Anger can be good at times. It can be used. But once it is used, it should be thrown away. Carrying it with you… that is no way to walk through life. I have told Rachel the same. I’m not sure you will listen any more than she did.”

Diana once again said nothing, just continued to listen.

“Rachel was doing fine at the tax office. I told her not to go to the asylum. She told me she wasn’t going to do it to get some better job in the future or hope Dent kept his promises. She was doing it because it needed to be done and she was determined to bring a monster down. That was why she did this, why she put herself in his path. It’s why she almost died and why her life still hangs in the balance. She did it because she felt it needed to be done, not because you put her there.”

Diana shook her head. She wished that could alleviate her guilt. “Dent didn’t offer anything. I did. I knew she was in no position to turn it down and offered it to her.”

Gertrude snorted. “She was in no position? You aren’t the only one who hangs on to hate, Diana. Rachel could have turned you down out of spite. She certainly didn’t go after him because you forced her into that position.

“You and Rachel… the two of you were so close because of your similarities. Those same similarities are what drove you so far apart.”

Gertrude paused a moment and took a deep breath though it wasn’t as deep as it should have been. “As she grew, Rachel became more and more angry. She was angry at being a maid’s daughter, angry at not being you, angry that she felt she had so much to prove to people who looked down on her.

“And you… so angry about losing your parents, trying to fill their shoes, at being different than everyone and not knowing why. It fueled you but it also weighed you down.”

Diana took a moment before one of Gertrude’s statements caught her attention. “You’ve said that twice. Different?”

Gertrude grinned and looked around to be sure no one was in earshot. “I remember dusting in a hallway outside the second floor reading room. Little Bunny was running around at full speed with her arms spread out, pretending to be an airplane. She must have been three. She was looking at the ceiling for some reason and ran right into a pedestal holding a glass vase. Her arm struck the pedestal and it tipped over, but she kept running.”

Diana remembered that moment. She hadn’t thought of anyone being near. She hadn’t learned at the time to regulate her hearing. It was either shut it off or open it up to everything. She had heard Kara running and making her airplanes sounds past her door and listened. She knew her Mom loved that vase, so she didn’t want it to shatter or for Kara to hurt herself.

“I caught it.” She admitted.

Gertrude laughed.

“Caught it?” she said quietly. “You appeared out of the blue, set it back in place and blurred away after Kara. I paid a bit more attention to you then. You were good at hiding it. I never saw you do anything else extraordinary, but I could see it in your eyes. Your soul was older than your body and you carried around the knowledge and responsibility that comes with great power.”

Diana cleared her throat. “Did… did Rachel know?”

Gertrude shook her head. “I keep Wayne family secrets. It comes as part of the job, working at Wayne Manor. I’ve never told a soul and never will, Diana. Not Rachel or anyone. Satisfy an old woman’s curiosity. Have you ever found out why?”

Slowly, Diana nodded.

She expected Gertrude to ask more but instead the woman patted her hand. “Good. One less thing to be angry about. Now to work on the others. What happened to Rachel isn’t your fault, Diana. It isn’t really anyone’s fault but the man who did it.”

Gertrude leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “I do hope one day the two of you can find your way back to each other. It may never happen, but I am an eternal optimist. If Bunny is doing better, bring her by one day. I would like to see her before I move on to what is next.”

Diana nodded, tears running down her face. She leaned over and kissed Gertrude’s cheek. “Thank you.”

Gertrude gave her a smile and let go of her hand. Diana stood and went in search of the Chief of Staff to ensure the woman had comfortable accommodations.

She walked down the hall to the Chief of Staff’s office, expecting him to be here if she were, despite the late hour, and realized she was alone. No nurses, patients or doctors were present. The area was dim and quiet.

Diana leaned against the wall, slid down and began crying. Soon she was sobbing, unable to move, letting the pain out.

The night had been hell.

Knowing her brother was next to a bomb, Rachel had been stabbed, a killer was on the loose in her city, Bruce’s words to her and Gertrude’s conversation with her were hitting her all at once.

Diana prided herself on always being in control. She never broke down. If she broke down, so much more broke down.

But at times in the past, especially with Kara’s illness and other stressful nights like this, the bundle of emotions she kept pushed down deep inside her, burst out and her tightly held control was shattered.

Now she couldn’t move, didn’t want to stand or even open her eyes.

She wasn’t alone for long. Steve sat down next to her and pulled her into his arms. She buried her head in his chest and soaked his shirt with hot tears.

“Let it out, Di. Just let it out.” He whispered and she did, crying even harder.

Diana was not sure exactly how long she had stayed there. She remembered Steve waking her where she had dozed off, sitting on the floor leaned into him and they moved to a more comfortable set of chairs in the waiting area.

It was four a.m. when the Chief of Staff arrived. She, Steve and the Chief OR doctor met with him in his office.

“I assume you know that Gertrude Dawes is to be treated as a VIP.” Diana informed the man. “She needs a comfortable visitor’s suite and around the clock care, including meals, laundry and whatever else she requires. If she asks for fresh lobster from Maine for breakfast, I expect someone to be in Maine as the boats are coming in buying lobster and express delivering it to Gotham. Do you understand?”

“Of course, Miss Wayne.” The Chief of Staff assured her.

Diana then turned to the head surgeon. “What condition is Rachel Dawes in?”

The man appeared nervous. “I… hospital regulations and state health regulations only allow me to share that information with immediate family, Miss Wayne.”

Diana nodded. “I can respect that, just as I am sure you can respect that I own this damn hospital and if you don’t tell me what I want to know immediately, your next job will be in a third world country working out of a tent.

“I don’t need details. I simply need an overview.”

The man held his breath for a moment and looked towards the Chief of Staff.

Seeing no help there, he shrugged. “She was stabbed twice, both wounds were low, obviously meant to cause a slow death. She was very lucky. She will be in the hospital for at least two weeks while we monitor the wounds for infection and the repairs. The next twenty-four hours are critical.”

“When will she wake?” Diana asked.

“We are keeping her sedated for now, but we will reduce the sedation later today, so perhaps in the next ten hours or so.” The Chief of Staff replied. “I also have to ask… her mother appears very ill. Is she receiving care for an illness?”

Diana nodded. “She has stage four cancer and is not receiving care by her choice. If she requires pain medications, I expect her to receive them. Her doctor’s name should be in the system so make contact with him.

“I wish to be notified immediately when Miss Dawes is awake. I also want to be kept abreast of every change in her condition.

“Good day, gentlemen.”

Diana said goodbye to Silver and had Steve drive her to the manor.

Once there, she was greeted by an agitated Kara. “Didi, what’s going on?”

Diana looked around and, seeing servants moving about the house, told Kara to follow her to the basement.

Dig and Steve joined them, and Diana explained the events of the night before. Kara had only heard that Rachel had been stabbed but had fallen back asleep. It had been a miracle she fought off her sedative long enough to tell Bruce which wire to pull.

Once the whole situation was explained, Diana asked where Bruce was. Kara turned towards the giant monitor on the basement wall and had Athena bring up his location. He appeared to be driving around Gotham with no real destination in mind.

“Tell me he isn’t in his suit and on his bike in broad daylight.” Diana groaned.

Kara shook her head. “His systems aren’t active, and Alfred is in bed still asleep. Only the tracker is working. He is most likely riding with his suit in a bag, so I am guessing he’s in some kind of car. Hold on.”

Kara waved her hands and a holographic keyboard appeared in front of her.

“New ring.” Kara grinned, wiggling her fingers.

Diana noted the silvering on her pinky finger. It was an interactive piece of jewelry like all her accessories except her ponytail bands. Each piece had some technological use. This ring was integrated into Athena and allowed her access to a keyboard at any time. Her bracelet had a sonar ping in it, her necklace was a tracker along with her earrings, and her glasses… they helped her see.

She pulled up a traffic camera and found Bruce in a black, 1969 Mustang Mach 1 Fastback that had seen better days. It was a car Kara had become familiar with at the manor lately, belonging to John Blake.

She avoided Bruce’s room whenever Blake was around. The man set her on edge. Whether it was positive or negative, John Blake always elicited a powerful response from her.

“That’s not good. Blake passed out in the waiting room a few hours ago. He shouldn’t be driving. He needs rest.” Diana said quietly to Steve.

“He passed out?” Kara asked, having heard her.

Steve nodded. “He carried Rachel out of Arkham and set up a blood transfusion. He gave too much of his blood to keep her alive and after the adrenalin wore off, just collapsed in the waiting room. My guess is he and Bruce are searching for possible locations Crane may be holed up.”

Kara called Bruce immediately.

“Yes, Kara?” Her brother answered.

“He shouldn’t be driving.”

“He won’t let me drive. It is his car.”

“Give him the phone.” Kara ordered.

Diana smirked as Kara gave Blake strong words about him being out of the hospital so soon and driving, pointing out that he could have a wreck and harm her brother. This led to a heated conversation in which Blake told Kara he knew what his body was capable of, while she pointed out that he obviously didn’t and to pull over and let her brother take him back to the hospital or at least home.

Steve leaned over to Diana and whispered, “You ever get the feeling they are going to be married one day?”

Diana nodded, having suspected the same. “Yes, if they don’t drive each other insane first.”

“I feel bad for Tommy.” Steve said.

Diana shrugged her shoulders. “I do as well. He truly loves her but…”

“She doesn’t love him… the passion isn’t there.” Steve guessed and Diana nodded.

On paper, Tommy would be the perfect match for Kara. He was familiar with their world, he worshipped her, treated her like a queen, was hardworking and willing to be his own man. They got along well, liked the same things, listened to the same music, enjoyed the same movies. The man Tommy was growing into would be the perfect match for Kara.

But the heart didn’t always work that way. Kara’s great love was still out there. She needed someone that inspired passion, someone who didn’t treat her like glass. She needed a guy who made her feel alive, challenged her, disagreed with her.

She needed her own Steve and John Blake was similar to Steve.

On paper, Steve and Diana made no sense at all when they began dating. They were from two different worlds, had nothing in common other than an attraction to each other and the constant need to push themselves to be better every day. He didn’t ballroom dance, own a tux, or ever use more than one fork at dinner. She had never hung out in old bars or cared to play pool or cards with other pilots in Air Force hangouts.

None of the mattered to her.

She followed her heart and the only man who every truly inspired her heart to feel fire was Air Force Captain Steve Trevor, a man whose sole desire in life was to rocket through the sky, at faster than the speed of sound, with metal and a large engine wrapped around his body.

Kara finally ended the call after she had convinced Blake to allow Bruce to drive him back to Eliza’s office for a quick checkup.

“I need you to stay home today, Kara.” Diana told her, then turning to Dig. “Threat level red, John. I also have a team protecting Silver. I need teams assigned to Barbara, Eliza, Alex and Tommy. Until Crane is caught, we are on a tight lockdown. I assume he has lost all of his toxin, but we must act as if he has more. The air detectors will protect the Tower and Executive Suites, but he doesn’t know that. Both could be good targets if he wanted to cause maximum damage and we should be waiting.”

Diana had made sure Wayne Tower and the Executive Suites across the street that held her top developers and executives were as impervious to terrorist attacks as possible. One area she considered vital was the air vents. Wayne Tower and other buildings Kara visited often had air quality sensors placed in all the air vents. The sensors detected viruses or any other substance not natural to the environment. If something were detected, the vents would be shut in airtight sections immediately and the substance isolated while security would swarm the likely point of entry.

“Have you picked a head of security for Sam?” She asked Dig.

He nodded. “She is reporting today. Sasha Bordeaux has the highest marks of all current security personnel. I’ve spoken to her and set up a meeting… today as a matter of fact. She is currently working as field guard of the Pharmaceutical Department next to the Hospital. Should I reschedule?”

Diana shook her head. “No. Have her report to the Tower. I have a meeting with Sam, so it’s a good time to introduce them.”

“I understand.” Dig told her.

“Are we in danger?” Kara asked. “I mean is Crane coming specifically for us or Wayne Enterprises?”

“Until I know he isn’t, or he is caught, we will act as if he is.” Diana told her. “Now… Steve and I are going into the office. We have to make a decision today about the tire factory location with Sam. Would you like to be on conference call, or do you care?”

“I just want it built quickly. I need special tires for my next gen vehicles and until I can have them made and tested, I am at a standstill. I could give a damn if its Hub City, Keystone City or Central City. Let’s get it done.” Kara replied nonchalantly.

Diana smiled and left her sister with a kiss. She and Steve changed clothes in their room, then drove to the Tower.

Once they were in Diana’s office, they invited Sam in and briefed her on what had gone down the night before at Arkham.

“Shit.” Sam said, eyes wide.

“Wiser words have never been said.” Diana agreed. “To that, your new Chief of Security is coming in this afternoon. John speaks very highly of her.

“So… have we made a decision on the location for the tire factory? Kara has officially voted for ‘don’t give a damn, just get it done’. Sam, you have no doubt been pouring over the proposals. What do you think?”

“Once Central City pulled their heads out of their ass and acted like grown-ups, they put together the best presentation. I’ve triple checked the numbers. As far as I’m concerned, Central City is the ideal location.” Sam replied.

“I had the same conclusion.” Diana nodded, turning to Steve. “Does the military have anything to add?”

Steve shook his head.

“Done. Sam, could you call the mayor and give him the good news then begin taking bids from the major local construction companies? They have two days to prepare bids. I want the land that was offered signed over to us in three days. Put the real estate legal department on it. I want ground broken within two weeks. My little sister has planes that need new landing technology. That means we need to be in business. Authorize twenty-four hour, seven days a week work limits if it means we are up in under six months.” Diana finished giving out instructions.

“Absolutely.” Sam agreed.

“I’m having Cathy contact Mike Spencer. He is the state senator for the Gotham City district. I want him and Andrew Garcia in my office this afternoon after lunch.” Diana told her. “I would like you to sit in the meeting, Sam. I’m going to give you a demonstration on how to make politicians do what you want. It won’t be pretty, but it will be fun.”

After the morning meeting, Diana asked Tatsu to enter her office and briefed her on the Crane situation.

“Do you wish me to hunt him down? I am a good tracker.” The woman asked, completely sincere.

Diana thought for a moment, wondering if that would be wise. Tatsu would do what Bruce wouldn’t. She would punish Crane eternally and ensure he was no longer a problem.

But this wasn’t why she hired Tatsu. Diana didn’t want her as a personal assassin. She was working as a bodyguard so she could focus on raising a teenager and assist John should anything supernatural attack them.

“No. As much as the idea of unleashing you on criminals appeals to me, you are my bodyguard and that is it.” Diana told her. ‘Small gas masks are being brought up that only cover the nose and mouth and then fold where they are small enough to fit in your pocket. Keep that on you. Not even Soultaker can fight a gas. Stay with me while I am at the Tower. John will be with Kara at the manor until Crane is caught. Sam Arias will be meeting her personal guard this afternoon. John recently had tryouts among our security personnel and Sasha Bordeaux won.”

Tatsu nodded and took her place outside where she insisted on standing all day, despite everyone’s offer to provide her a chair.

That afternoon, Diana and Sam sat in Diana’s office with Andrew Garcia and Mike Spencer.

“So, we have a disaster, environmentally and public relations wise.” Spencer started. “How do you plan to spin this, Garcia?”

“You will call him Andrew or Mayor Garcia.” Diana corrected. “This is my office so never speak as if I am not here, do you understand, Senator Spencer?”

Spencer was startled by the sharpness in Diana’s tone. He had never heard her speak with anything less than charm and was taken back.

“I apologize to both of you.” The chasten man said.

“You met Samantha Arias, Vice President of Wayne Enterprises, at her welcoming party. She has been doing a phenomenal job in our business units, but it is time for her to learn about the rest of our company.

“Today for instance, she will be learning about politics and the importance of friends. Hearing you say we have a disaster is disappointing, Mike.”

Mike cleared his throat. “We have a hazardous waste clean-up crew at the largest insane asylum in the state, a murderous doctor on the loose, an ADA nearly killed, and prisoners being evacuated to other overcrowded facilities all over the state and in some cases, out of state.

“Forgive me, Diana, but this is not an ideal situation.”

Diana grinned. “I disagree. You are seeing this as a negative. I expected better of you. Andrew, what have you come up with this morning while Mike has been fretting over what a disaster this is?”

Andrew smiled at the man. Diana knew Garcia wanted Congress one day and then a run at the presidency. Spencer may well be his opponent for a U.S. Congressional bid.

“I will be having a press conference in two hours, detailing the corruption in Illinois that allowed a murderer to slip prosecution and obtain employment in Gotham without his former employer giving any warning or concerns.” Andrew began to explain. “I will then laud our Police Department and District Attorney’s Office for discovering Crane’s past and acting quickly by having a District Attorney investigate him. Our police officers discovered his scheme of staying behind while allowing a patient to imitate him. This was unfortunate and the staff will be investigated for a lack of security, perhaps even incompetence but that will be downplayed. Our officers took over Arkham in time to save our ADA who Crane had stabbed, another testament to the Gotham City Police Department’s effectiveness and decisive action.”

Spencer was impressed but he doubted Garcia came up with that story all by himself.

“Place the blame on Illinois and take the positive publicity. It’s a good plan.” Spencer approved. “I suppose you would like me to hold a press conference to the same effect?”

Diana leaned back in her desk chair, expressing total ease but all in the room knew better. “I didn’t bring you here to ask you to hold press conferences for Gotham. We can handle that on our own. The fact that you spent the morning lamenting over what a disaster this was, rather than looking at the positives, tells me you should perhaps stay out of it. I need you for something else.

“Those prisoners and patients are never coming back to Gotham. The buildings on asylum land will be completely torn down.”

Spencer tensed, having suspected something like this but hoped it wasn’t the case. “Diana, the state…”

“Won’t be happy reopening a house of horrors in the most important city and believe me, we are more important than Metropolis.” Diana said, cutting him off. “In three years, S.T.A.R. Labs will be out of business and a new research lab will sit on the land Arkham Asylum currently occupies.”

“Excuse me?” Spencer asked, utterly confused at this point.

Diana explained, a satisfied smirk lighting her face. “S.T.A.R. Labs receives most of their revenue, almost seventy-five percent, from government research contracts that do not fall under our current weapons contract. The government’s contract with S.T.A.R. will end in two years. By that time, I will own the largest, most advanced research lab in the world, sitting right in the heart of Gotham. I believe my sister deserves a lab of that caliber. I have been assured I will receive the new research contracts along with that income from the nation we so proudly serve.”

Spencer raised an eyebrow. “You would put S.T.A.R. Labs out of business. That would be a large blow to Metropolis.”

“Luther can worry about that. My concern is Gotham City.” Diana responded.

“And I assume Andrew has found a loophole that will allow you to take ownership of the land?”

Diana shook her head. “He didn’t have to. Arkham is a risk, one the U.S. Government cannot abide by considering a special weapons development facility and a military aeronautics facility is being built in Gotham. By the end of the month, the U.S. will claim imminent domain over the area and give it to me, free of charge, as part of our weapons development contract. Per the contract, I have the right to own all factories. That means if I plan to develop a single weapon at my new research lab, I have the right to own it. Kara could make a potato gun during her lunch break onsite and it meets the terms.

“Your job, Mike, is to build another Arkham far away from my city.”

Spencer sat back and thought for a moment. Diana had her bases covered and had obviously been planning this for a while. Crane was an unfortunate happening that she was now using to push along her plans.

He cleared his throat, offering an argument he hoped could change her mind. “Gotham needs an asylum for the criminally insane nearby. Defendants classified as possibly insane will be held there within easy access of their lawyers while waiting for trial. The state has mental health facilities for the criminally insane near every large city.”

“Lawyers have nice cars. They can drive.” Diana countered, not impressed with his logic. “You need to draw up a proposition to build a new asylum. I don’t care where so long as it isn’t near Gotham. Either way, the land will not be available again. Use that as justification if you must but build a new asylum elsewhere. When we get rid of scum off our streets, I expect it to leave our city. Don’t you agree, Andrew?”

Mike closed his eyes, thinking about the pain this would cause. The prisons and mental health facilities were already overcrowded and all security around the state would now be double-checked because of the Arkham incident. To make a proposition and ask the citizens of the state to pay… he wasn’t happy with his options.

“What if I convinced the Arkham estate to level the buildings, with the knowledge the land will be taken by the U.S. Government if they aren’t. We build a new, state of the art facility…”

“Mike,” Diana interrupted him, “when I donated to your campaign I told you I would never ask for favors or try to change your politics or votes. Do you remember that?”

Mike nodded, feeling sweat suddenly beading on his brow.

“I’m not asking for a favor now.” Diana told him almost sweetly. “I supported you because I wanted to be friends. The Change Initiative Political Action Committee also supported you. In other words, I did. I practically paid for your election because I knew you were the right man for the job.”

“And I have always been grateful for that Diana.” Spencer replied carefully.

“Do you know how Alice Greenville is?” Diana asked.

Mike nodded.

“I told you I would never ask you for a favor because friends don’t have to ask each other. Friends should just do nice things for each other.” Diana reminded him. “There is a general election coming up in six months. I think Alice might become my new best friend.”

“She is a Democrat.” Spencer pointed out, feeling queasy now.

Diana raised an eyebrow. “I vote by the same standards as I hire. I support who I believe is the best. I don’t care what political party, race, creed, religion or sexual orientation a person is. I support who I think would be best for the job and become their friend.

“If you believe an insane asylum should be in Gotham City, I don’t think we can be friends any longer. Do we understand each other, Mike?”

Mike gulped and nodded. “I understand. Your plan sounds reasonable.”

“Then I suppose we can remain friends.” Diana said, feigning relief. “Perhaps a press conference tomorrow announcing your plans to remove the asylum from Gotham City and the intention to build a new facility elsewhere would be appropriate.”

“I understand. It is good to see you again, Diana. I hope we are still friends.” Spencer said, a pleading tone in his voice.

Diana nodded. “I suspect we can continue to be friends, Mike. Thank you for doing this without being asked. Cathy will show you to the elevator.”

Mike walked towards the door but was stopped by Diana’s words. “Aren’t you going to say goodbye to Samantha and Andrew? You are a friendly person who always wants to make new friends. You want them as your friend, don’t you?”

“Goodbye, Andrew. A pleasure to see you again, Samantha.” Spencer walked quickly out of the office, ready to reach the elevator so he could wipe the sweat off his brow.

“Holy shit.” Samantha finally said, breaking the silence in the room.

“That is how big business and politics can work together to build a better world.” Andrew told her.

“I’ll be glad when you decide to run for Congress, Andrew. He will no doubt run against you, and we can take that sniveling bastard out and end his political career.”

“Soon, Diana. We still have work to do in our home.”

Diana smiled and winked at him, appreciating his attitude and love of Gotham City above all else.

“Why do you support him if you don’t like him?” Sam asked Diana.

“Lesser evil. The incumbent was corrupt, taking bribes from Lex Luther.” Diana explained. “Spencer’s politics were sound, and he had no great skeletons in his closet. I tend to stay hands off with politicians until it is time for us to work for the greater good. I support good people and trust them.

“Andrew here is one of the best people I know. He will be president one day and he won’t need any special interests groups to get him there. He will have me. I will get him there and he will make America better. That’s another way Wayne Enterprises makes the world better.”

“Diana, you flatter me.”

“I don’t flatter, Andrew.”

Cathy walked in and told Diana she had a call from the Chief of Staff of her hospital.

Diana answered the phone immediately.

“Miss Dawes is up, Miss Wayne. She wants to see you.” The man reported.

Thirty minutes later, Diana pulled up to the hospital, Tatsu by her side. She made her way quickly to the Intensive Care Unit.

Rachel looked like hell, not that Diana would have expected any less considering what she went through twenty-four hours before.

“I won’t ask how you feel.” Diana told her. “I have an idea. Has your mother seen you?”

Rachel shook her head. “She is sleeping, and I needed to talk to you immediately. Crane is going after you. He told me before he nearly killed me. He wants to ‘make god feel fear’. His words, not mine.”

Diana nodded. “Good. I won’t have to chase him.”

Rachel closed her eyes and smiled. “I don’t give a damn about you. He could tear you to pieces, gas you, do whatever he wants.

“He also threatened, in his words, ‘your blonde puppy’. Kara doesn’t deserve that. She doesn’t deserve to be hurt and she has lost too many people in her life. Watch her closely.”

Diana felt her blood boil at Crane’s threat. “Thank you for telling me.”

Rachel tried to laugh but it was a broken sound.

“Coast City.” Rachel whispered.

Diana leaned closer so she could hear. Even with her enhanced hearing, Rachel was extremely quiet.

“What about Coast City?” She asked.

“After mom is gone, I’m going to move to Coast City, live by the ocean on a beach, work as a prosecutor. I am so sick of Gotham City. I’m sick of you, this city, the psychos, the rain… I hate the rain. I’m going to Coast City… you and Harvey are going to keep your promises and we will never have to see each other again.

“Do we understand each other?”

Diana nodded. “Perfectly. Rest, Rachel. Crane will be dealt with.”

Diana left with a fire in her step. Jonathan Crane’s days were numbered because she would be damned if she let a threat to Kara walk the Earth.