Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Wayne Legacy: Rise

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 06:

Star City

As soon as Kara had left the building, Diana stood from the table and reached for her brother’s hand. “You danced with Kara. Do I not deserve the same opportunity, brother?”

Bruce hesitantly reached out and tried not to wince when she squeezed, popping some fingers and pulling him forcefully from his seat.

The two reached the dance floor and began a waltz. Like with Kara, Bruce fell in step with his twin like they had been partners for years which, before Bruce left, they had.

Dancing had always annoyed Bruce, but Kara loved it and Diana insisted it would be important for events such as this, so he learned to make his sisters happy. In true Wayne fashion, they did not learn just to dance but were trained by professionals in twelve types of ballroom dances and variations of each.

“I admit I was worried when Kara finally forgave you, that you might find some new way to hurt her, but I am impressed. Your actions are ensuring she never forgives you.” Diana informed him sarcastically, a satisfied smirk on her face as she began to tick off his transgressions. “You took her plane, embarrassed her in front of strangers and forced her into a situation she could not get out of, effectively ambushing her while not respecting her wishes.

“Bravo, brother. You still haven’t lost your touch for alienating people.”

Bruce took a deep breath, holding back his anger at Diana’s tone. He expected her anger, but she was nearly giddy at the mistake he made tonight. “It has been over a week. Alfred has told me not to bother her, to give her time. I thought maybe if I showed up unannounced she may… talk to me.”

“So… you just assumed it would be ok to steal her plane, which she hasn’t even flown yet, on the off chance she might speak to you… in public… you are such an idiot, Bruce. She may kill you the next time we are alone… if there is a next time. For your sake, I highly suggest avoiding her for the foreseeable future.” Diana said in a tone that was anything but a suggestion. “And please tell me Alfred did not know you took her plane. Things are going so well at the manor, I don’t want there to be tension between the two.”

Bruce huffed. “Glad to hear Steve is settling in so well. Alfred is innocent. He was off this weekend. At least the guards at the gate don’t keep me out of the manor.”

“I told them as long as Kara was not there, you could come in whenever you wish but that will change because I obviously can’t trust you and I won’t have Kara upset.” Diana informed him. Shifting the subject away from their younger sister, she said, “I am surprised as to why you haven’t reached out to me. I thought you would ask me for lunch or coffee.”

“You told me you weren’t interested in anything I have to say, remember?” Bruce replied sarcastically at her tone through his faux smile.

Diana squeezed his hand once again, causing him to hiss. “I told you I wasn’t interested in what you have been doing for the last six years out of respect for Kara’s wishes, although I can hazard a few guesses. You could still come by, visit my office when Kara is away, ask me how my day has been though it is probably best you haven’t. I can’t seem to keep myself from being angry at you.”

Bruce spun Diana around they continued to dance across the floor, cameras flashing all around them. There would be many photos in the papers and magazines tomorrow of Bruce Wayne dancing with his sisters.

“If you would let me explain what I have been doing, why it had to be done, maybe you would understand!” he whispered harshly, managing to keep his smile in place for the cameras. “Alfred knows.”

“And does he approve?” Diana asked, eyebrow raised.

Bruce said nothing. Alfred supported him as much as he could, but he knew the man’s feelings about his actions. “Please, give me a chance to explain, ask Kara to listen. We’ve missed… I’ve missed so much, and I don’t want to miss more.”

“Who’s fault is that, Bruce? It isn’t mine or Kara’s. You left us without a single word and no contact for six years.” Diana stated heatedly.

“Diana, please!” Bruce implored her. “I…”

Diana shook her head, her anger ramping at his self-centeredness. “I, I, I. All I hear from you is about what you want. What’s even more pathetic is I can see right through you, brother. You don’t give a damn about making up for missed time.

“Based on your blathering the other night about your ‘mission’, I can surmise that you want to use me and Kara as tools to further your obsession. You need me for my abilities and Kara for her mind. That is all you are interested in and the only reason why you pretend to give a damn about us.”

“That isn’t true!” he said quietly.

“And I suppose if we had moved the main headquarters of Wayne Enterprises, to Coast City, or Paris, or anywhere else in the world, you would have moved there to be with us?” Diana asked, her eyes flashing. “Don’t lie to me, Bruce. If we weren’t in Gotham, you would have still come here, wouldn’t you?”

Bruce was silent, not sure how to respond, her words slamming into him as if she had physically assaulted him.

Diana was asking if he had come back for his mission or his sisters and he knew the answer, even if he tried to deny it. If they had been anywhere else, he still would have come to Gotham, moved into the manor and use the massive underground caverns as a base of operation.

Diana nodded knowingly. “Go to hell, Bruce. Do your best not to embarrass our parents’ memory on your way there.”

The dance ended and Diana walked to the table, pleased to see Silver there, speaking to Malcolm Merlyn.

Silver looked up at her friend then her eyes locked onto Bruce. “Bruce, it feels like it’s been years since I’ve seen you.”

“Hello, Silver.” He said warily, still reeling from the truths Diana had thrown in his face.

“Were you not aware this was a party by invitation? I already had to fire the poor boy you bullied into letting you in. I have found a place for you. Moira’s daughter fell ill and had to leave. I know she and Walter would love to spend time getting to know you.” Silver informed him pointedly.

Bruce looked across the room at Moira and Walter entertaining an Asian man. “I think I would prefer since Kara left…”

“This way, Bruce.” Silver told him, her voice cold, a tone he had heard often in their youth and one she had no doubt learned from Diana. If Silver was asking him to politely leave, it was her way of Diana saving face by not kicking him out.

Diana watched in satisfaction as Bruce was led off until she realized she was at the table alone with Malcolm Merlyn, a man who had always given her a bad feeling.

“Awkward moments tonight.” Malcolm observed. “I take it things are not well with your brother’s return.”

Diana simply smiled at the man, remaining silent.

Rather than being dissuaded, he leaned on the table, moving closer to her as if to share a secret. “Do you mind me asking, has he told you where he has been all this time?”

Diana met his eyes with a steely gaze. “Do you mind me asking where you disappeared for two years after your wife’s death, leaving Tommy in the care of the Queens?”

Malcolm sat back quickly, shocked that she would bring that up.

“All of us have secrets, Malcolm. You won’t pry mine from me.” Diana stood up, her expression even, giving nothing of her distaste for the man away. “I believe I should mingle with the crowd. Remember to thank Moira for seating you with me and enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Diana stood and walked into the crowd, taking in faces and listening to conversations as only she could thanks to her enhanced hearing. Diana did not rely on her powers to get through life, preferring to use her mind. Having the ability to eavesdrop on anyone did have its advantages though and she was not too proud to make use of it.

Bruce was being grilled by Walter Steele about his future plans and his possible position at Wayne Enterprises which amused her.

Bruce hadn’t taken his studies seriously before he dropped out of college. It’s not that he wasn’t capable, or couldn’t learn, he just didn’t care to apply himself towards anything business related. As a result, there were few positions in the company for which he was qualified. If he were not a Wayne, he wouldn’t even be given the chance if he ever changed his mind, which didn’t seem likely.

Silver stepped up beside her and Diana could hear her heart racing. “First of all, Moira changed the seating arrangement without my knowledge right before you arrived. I suspect Merlyn pressured her.”

“Is she intimidated by him?” Diana asked, wondering what relationship the two had.

“Yes.” Silver answered bluntly. Diana loved that about her. While Diana trusted her feelings, Silver had the ability to read a room and analyze people and relationships. It was part of what made her such a successful event planner.

“Did you really fire the poor child who Bruce charmed his way past?” Diana asked, looking at her friend with an amused smile on her face, her eyes twinkling in mirth.

Silver shook her head, obviously relaxing now that she knew her friend wasn’t upset. “I just wanted to see if there is any remorse in him. What he pulled on Kara was bullshit. Say the word Dee and I can make him hurt.”

Diana shook her head, staring towards her brother. “Bruce was an excellent hand to hand fighter before he left, and I suspect he has gotten better. Best not to physically attack him head on. If you want to cause him harm, sneak up behind him with a blunt object… a fire extinguisher perhaps.”

Silver was silent for a moment then cleared her throat. “I meant like emotionally, verbally, that kind of thing.”

Diana raised an eyebrow, still taking in the room. “Oh… alright, but I’m seriously considering the fire extinguisher route myself.”

“Okay, Dee, a little extreme, though deserved.” Silver replied.

“Who is that?” Diana asked suddenly.

Silver followed Diana’s gaze to a dark-haired beauty across the dance floor near the far wall. It was hard to pin down her ethnicity, but she was exotic looking. What had caught Diana’s eye was the calculating look the woman had given her more than once over the evening.

“I have no idea. I should know everyone here. Perhaps she is a plus one.” Silver answered. “Speaking of, where the hell is Steve?”

“He hates these things.” Diana said quietly, her eyes locked on the woman.

The woman smirked and gave her a little wave then walked into the crowd, blending in and disappearing.

“Want me to find out who she is? She apparently knows you.” Silver asked.

“No. I will be leaving though. Bruce’s appearance gave me temporary insanity and I allowed Kara to go off with Tommy Merlyn of all people.” Diana said shaking her head.

“You allowed Little Bit to go off with a guy?” Silver asked, shaking her head. “I thought you were going to watch how you word things regarding her… remember? She’s twenty-one now and you need to tone it down a bit.”

Diana sighed, knowing the two friends had spoken of this and Diana agreed to be better aware of how she verbalized her overprotective nature concerning Kara.

“I know and you’re right, but I still need to go find her.” Diana said. “Could you find someone who arrived on a motorcycle and offer them a thousand dollars if I could borrow it for an hour or so?”

Silver shook her head. “Absolutely not. If you are going to blow this party, at least you are going to do it in style. You know a motorcycle is not going to be good for that dress.”

Diana raised an eyebrow, not giving a damn at the moment. Kara’s choice of companionship may have been questionable, but she had the right idea about leaving the gala.

Silver rolled her eyes knowingly and called one of her assistants to carry out Diana’s request.

Meanwhile, at Big Belly Burger, Tommy and Kara were enjoying themselves and getting to know each other.

“What was your favorite comic?” Tommy asked.

The two had been in the diner for over an hour, long past their meal being over. Kara knew instinctively that the fundraiser would be done soon, meaning Diana would be without a car.

Despite that, Kara had no desire to go back.

Bruce was there and, despite her wishes to be left alone, he had literally shoved his way into her path, admitting he was aware she would embarrass Diana if she yelled at him. To find out he took one of her planes had sent her into an emotional tailspin with extreme anger being the primary emotion. As much fun as she was having with Tommy, a large part of her couldn’t wait to call Alfred and find out if he allowed this or Bruce acted on his own.

Alfred had forgiven Bruce as if the man had been gone for a weekend without telling anyone. If Alfred had allowed this, Kara would be extremely hurt given he was there when she told Bruce to stay away from her.

She shook those thoughts away and focused on the handsome man in front of her. “Comics? I’ve never been into comics. I played a lot of video games growing up. I still do but I consider it beta testing now.”

Tommy looked at her for a moment in disbelief. “C’mon, you had to have watched some on TV at least. Cartoons, right?”

Kara shook her head sadly. “From the time I could walk, I had this compulsive need to take things apart and rebuild or upgrade them. When I played video games, I looked for ways to beat them, or improve the graphics or make my own mods and cheat codes. If there was a set of tools around me, I would be working on something. Diana resorted to locking them up in the garage just so I would take a break.”

Tommy was impressed. “When I was a kid, if my toy broke, I cried until a servant brought me a new one. You say you had a compulsive need. Do you still feel it?”

Kara thought for a moment then shook her head. “It hasn’t been as bad in the last couple years. I’ve been very healthy so… I think it was more of a coping mechanism. My mind still constantly thinks of new innovations or machines, but I don’t feel the constant longing… or the fear.”

Tommy raised an eyebrow at that. “What fear?”

Kara sighed, wondering why she was speaking openly with this man about things she would normally only speak to Diana about. “I’ve always been scared of getting sick. I try to not let it show, make people think it doesn’t bother me, but it does. When I am building something, I am in control. I can make it what I want or fix whatever is broken. It gives me a sense of power. I may not be able to fix my own body, but I can fix a car or build a plane. I can make weapons that strike fear into bad guys.

“When I am building, when I am dreaming, I’m not the reclusive Wayne kid, the bubble baby, the one that is always sickly. I am in control and people look at me with respect.

“I guess since my last major illness I’ve been feeling stronger. I exercise, I work, I am respected outside of being Diana’s little sister. I don’t feel the need to constantly be in my basement or garage looking to take back control of my life through a project. I’m just me now.”

Tommy looked at her for a moment and slightly shuddered. Kara was like no girl he had ever met. The biggest worry they all seemed to have was whether their lip shade matched their shoes.

“Tell me about your life. It must be wonderful, right?” Kara asked, in a hopeful tone, almost like a child asking for a bedtime story.

“Wonderful? You met my Dad tonight.” He retorted. He admitted to himself though, compared to her life, his must have seemed wonderful and in many ways it was better.

“Beside your Dad. Do you always go to clubs for fun? Every night?” Kara questioned him, a genuine expression on her face.

Tommy shook his head. “Nope, sometimes I prefer a night in.”

“Do you go overseas much? Have you ever been to London or Paris? What about Egypt? Have you ever seen the pyramids?” She asked enthusiastically.

Tommy thought for a moment. “Yes, yes and no. Have you never been overseas?”

Kara’s face dropped a bit. “No, too many foreign virus strains so the risk is too great. Diana has promised me some trips this year but up until now, the only place I have traveled beside the U.S. is our island.”

“Your island?” Tommy asked confused until he remembered who he was talking to. “Of course, you would have your own island. Where is it?”

Kara brushed his question aside. “It’s in the middle of the ocean. Tell me about England. Have you seen all the sights? What is the Palace like? I’ve seen photos of course. Did you go to the Louvre when you were in Paris? Didi has promised me a trip there if my immune system stays strong for another year. I want to see the Eiffel Tower at night so badly. What’s it like?”

Tommy leaned back and thought for a moment. “It’s beautiful. At its core, it’s just a big metal structure that seemingly has no purpose. Maybe it’s the city around it or the way it lights up at night, but it is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life. I’ve always told myself the next time I went back, it would be with someone special. I think seeing it alone doesn’t have the same impact.”

Kara’s eyes were a bit dazed listening to his words, her mind transporting her to the giant steel structure she had always dreamed of visiting.

Tommy asked a question that had been bugging him. “Would you really get sick if you traveled overseas?”

Kara shrugged. “I don’t know… I doubt it, but Diana says there is a higher chance, and my doctor has no way of knowing how I would react to foreign viruses. Still, she promised we would one day so long as Eliza… Eliza is my doctor… so long as she comes with us. One day soon, I will see Europe and then maybe Egypt. I’m fascinated by pyramids. I know Diana is very interested in Greece and Italy. Once things have settled in at work, we are taking a long vacation, at least a month. We can always work remotely.”

“Sounds like fun. Let me know when and I can meet you in Paris. No one should have to see the Eiffel Tower alone.”

Kara smiled. “I’m never alone. I have Diana. She is always with me.”

Tommy raised an eyebrow. “You and Diana are awfully close obviously. You seem too…”

“Don’t.” Kara said, her tone direct. “Just don’t. I know how our relationship can look. I’ve heard the quiet remarks, even from my own bodyguards when they thought I couldn’t hear. ‘Kara doesn’t jump unless Diana tells her to. Kara follows Diana around like a puppy. Diana tells Kara when to speak, eat and sleep. ‘ I’ve even heard it from my two best friends. They don’t understand either.”

She leaned back, wondering how best to describe the most important relationship in her life and why, most likely, it always would be. “Diana keeps me alive. She keeps me safe. She has always been there for me, no matter what. She is always looking for ways to give me a more normal life without compromising my health… even going against her own wishes at times.

“Dying is scary and there were times I thought I was going to die. The two times I came closest were the two times I did something she asked me not to do.

“So yeah, I listen to her, but I am not some puppy or her possession. I just… sometimes when I’m not sure what to do, I go with what she wants because I know she has my best interests in her heart. That’s all. If Diana says I’m not ready for Europe or the Middle East, then I’m probably not. She will let me know when I am.”

Tommy relaxed, glad that had gotten out in the open. He didn’t know her well, of course, but the more they had talked, the more obvious it became that Diana was a huge influence in her life.

“So… you have two best friends.” Tommy commented. “That’s one more than I have. Since Oliver… died, the only friend I’ve really had is Laurel Lance. She is an attorney for a charitable organization and is constantly busy. That leaves me clubbing with a bunch of hangers-on. Who are these two friends of yours?”

“Barbara Gordon and Alex Danvers.” Kara’s replied, her face brightening in the love she obviously had for the two. “Barbara is my age and the head of our cyber systems division, a position she’s had since she graduated high school. She is a genius with anything computer related. Alex is the daughter of my doctor. She is living in California right now, attending graduate school at Stanford. I’m hoping she moves back to Gotham when she is done but she isn’t sure. Me and Babs though, we hang out at work all the time.”

Tommy huffed, his easy smile letting her know he was pretending to be annoyed. “So not only do you make me feel like an underachiever, but your friends do as well. I really need to get an impressive job. Any other high achievers I should know about?”

Kara thought for a moment, then smiled mischievously. “My sister’s boyfriend is a fighter pilot in the Air Force.”

“Of course he is.” Tommy mumbled. “You and your brother… I’m guessing it wasn’t a happy reunion?”

Kara’s expression was suddenly reserved for someone so normally expressive. “You loved Oliver like a brother, right?”

Tommy nodded carefully.

“So how would you feel if your found out that he wasn’t dead but willingly hid himself from you for all these years?” Kara asked.

Tommy thought for a moment then nodded. “Point taken.”

Seeing he had no follow up questions, Kara relaxed, thankful he was letting it go.

“I kind of consider Winn a friend. He is the head of our digital arts department.” Kara remembered.

“Digital Arts?”

“Video Games and Apps.” Kara explained. “He was the main designer for the best-selling video game of all time.”

“Yes! Dark Asylum! Great game.” Tommy said enthusiastically, happy to know what she was talking about. “I couldn’t get past the first ten minutes but the ways you can get killed in that game are extremely frightening and gruesome.”

Kara laughed at his expression. “Thank you for your money, anyway. I didn’t take you for a gamer. You could have tried on easy mode.”

“That was easy mode.” Tommy told her unabashedly. “The damn clown is tough to get past. How would you feel…”

Tommy’s question was cut short when the roar of a large engine was heard just outside the window. They both looked out and it wasn’t clear which of them was more surprised at the sight of Diana, her long red dress hiked up her legs, straddling a large Harley.

They watched the woman walk in, regal as always, her beauty catching the eyes of everyone including those who had been staring at Kara Wayne and Tommy Merlyn in their finest evening wear.

Diana slid into the booth next to Kara. “Hi. Sorry to drop by but that party was very dull, and I thought I would slip out. Then I remembered I didn’t have a car, so I borrowed a motorcycle to come fetch mine. Have you two been having fun?”

“More fun than you have.” Tommy told her.

Diana thought about responding, but changed her mind, turning to face Kara. “Any chance we can leave? I would really love to return to the hotel and get out of these uncomfortable shoes.”

Kara nodded and Tommy noticed the confident woman he had been talking to seemed to shrink a little in Diana’s presence. Kara said people didn’t understand her relationship to Diana and he could see why. He understood her reasoning, but Kara was different the second Diana sat next to her.

“Whatever you want, Diana.” Kara acquiesced. “It is getting pretty late.”

Diana smiled brightly and placed a set of keys on the table. “I borrowed the bike from one of the valets. Would you mind taking it back to him? If you can’t, I can arrange for someone else to do it.”

“Be glad to.” Tommy nodded, not about to admit he wasn’t great on a motorcycle. “Kara, I had a wonderful time. Think I could have your number? I’d like to give you a call when I make it over to Gotham.”

Diana’s smile dimmed. “What reason would you have for coming to Gotham? I doubt you have any business concerns there.”

Tommy gritted his teeth, biting back a retort. He wasn’t really sure what he would say regardless. He didn’t have any business dealings in Gotham… or anywhere.

To his pleasant surprise, Kara reached her phone towards him, and, like magic, her information was on his phone, and he had no doubt his was on hers.

“I’d love to talk again, Tommy. I hope you do make it to Gotham. I could show you the Tower and…”

“And we should be going.” Diana told her in a kind tone.

Kara sighed and motioned for Diana to move so she could get out. “I’m going to the restroom. I’ll be right back.”

Diana looked around the place and reminded her to use a lot of hand sanitizer.

Once Kara was gone, Diana smiled at Tommy once again, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Erase her number and forget about her.”

Tommy smirked. “Yeah, that’s not going to happen.”

“Yes, it will.”

“No, it won’t.”

“Yes, it will.” Diana insisted, barely keeping a growl from her voice.

“No, it won’t…”

“Okay!” Kara said, quickly coming back. “I’m all ready to go. So, Tommy, you will call me?”

“Absolutely.” Tommy assured her, winking at Diana. The two sisters left, leaving Tommy with a set of motorcycle keys and a strong desire to follow Kara to her hotel.

He decided against it, knowing now wasn’t the time. He was fascinated by Kara and wanted to know more about her… away from the motorcycle riding CEO of Wayne Enterprises. In the small amount of time he’d spent with her, he knew Kara was worth the risk of going against the will and might of Diana Wayne.

He also knew, he was seriously going to have to make some changes in his life if he stood a chance with the brilliant woman and for the first time in his life, he felt willing to make them.

---

Wayne Tower, Gotham City

Upon her arrival to the office on Monday morning, Kara entered Diana’s office as her sister’s cryptic text message had asked her to.

“Are we having a meeting? Like a business meeting?” Kara asked curiously.

“I suppose we could have a dance off but no matter how much fun we would have, Terry actually caught us doing that last week so perhaps we should shelve that activity for a few days.” Diana suggested. “Please, Kara, have a seat.”

Kara sat carefully, straightened her glasses and put on her best, serious businesswoman face.

“Why did I receive word from Acquisitions that you have instructed them to make an offer for a professional football team?” Diana asked, her head cocked to the side, genuinely inquiring, not the least bit upset with her sister’s actions other than they went against normal acquisition procedures. “I checked with Steve this morning after I received the call and he told me the Gotham Knights are the worst team in professional football.”

Kara cleared her throat and fiddled with her glasses once more. “First of all, I did not tell Acquisitions to make an offer, I told them I wanted that team, no matter what it took. I realize they are the worst team in football which means the price we can negotiate is below market value for the team.

“It also means we get the first pick of the draft. That means Victor Stone.”

“Victor who?” Diana asked, not recognizing the name at all.

Kara’s eyes widened. “How the hell can you not know about… Diana, you are constantly working to make Gotham great. Another way to do that is to bring our citizens together through organized, professional sports teams. It builds community and makes citizens feel pride in their hometown. Yes, they do suck right now, but I know of a talented general manager I can hire away from Chicago who can build this team from the ground up into winners if we give him the resources.

“Victor Stone is a hometown hero, born in Gotham and played college football in Gotham. He is the best college quarterback in the nation and is going to be the future of this team for the next ten years, but it is going to be a bleak future if I can’t hire someone to build a strong team around him.”

Diana closed her eyes, wishing she had never encouraged Kara to watch sports when she was young. At the time, she was finding anything to keep Kara from constantly building or fixing things and sports seemed to be something that would interest her analytical mind. Statistics were second nature to her, and baseball and football had the most statistics.

Opening her eyes, she saw the hopeful look on her sister’s face. She didn’t want to shoot the prospective acquisition down outright, no matter how much her instincts told her to, but she was going to make sure Kara had at least thought this proposition through. “This team has lost money for the past ten years. The stadium is a wreck and merchandise sales are nonexistent. I learned all this on the drive to work after I got the call. It’s not a good investment.”

Kara leaned back and crossed her arms. “I know the numbers, Diana but I also have ideas how to turn that around with some initial investments that will cost less than you think. I’ll have that team making money in two years, three tops. You’ll see.”

Diana bit back a laugh, pushing back enough to ensure Kara would continue to make her case. “No, I won’t because we won’t be buying the team.”

Kara scowled at her. “I am buying the team. I own a third of this company. I get to buy businesses too.”

“You need my signature to buy any company.” Diana told her, frowning at Kara’s response. This isn’t what she was wanting to hear. She wanted her sister to have a solid game plan for turning the team around and wasn’t just wanting to buy it on a whim. Kara wasn’t giving her any specifics.

“You don’t need my signature to buy anything!” Kara countered.

Diana stared at her in disbelief. “Yes, I do! We are both owners of this company! Even an offer for an acquisition requires both our consent.”

Kara stood up and leaned over Diana’s desk, her eyes flashing in annoyance. “Then why do you never ask my permission before buying anything?”

Diana closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair, finally realizing something she should have considered long ago. Shaking her head, she opened her eyes and leaned forward, feeling a little dejected. “Kara, do you even read the papers Terry hands to you every morning?”

Kara backed away, sensing her sister’s sudden change in emotion and regained her seat. “The papers? The ones with the little sticky notes with an arrow next to a highlighted area where I have to sign and sometimes initial?”

“Yes, those papers. Do you read them?”

Kara shook her head slightly, her confusion evident. “Terry says you need them signed, I sign them and then I get back to work… oh… I see…”

“Exactly. You can’t blame me for you not reading paperwork… although I guess I shouldn’t have assumed you were.” Diana said, somewhat resigned.

Kara shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. I want your signature, or I’ll stop giving you mine.”

Diana blinked rapidly, her expression incredulous. “You want to prevent me from buying a fertilizer factory that will provide enough jobs to save a small Kansas town and boost our bottom line by giving our Ag division much needed resources?”

Kara looked at her hands in her lap and whispered, “Damn you, Diana.”

“I love you too.” Diana smiled and sat back, knowing her sister understood her point before pushing her a bit further. “Now, we are not buying a sports team.”

Instead of furthering her case, Kara stood up and turned her back on her sister. “It’s just as well. I doubt you could handle the competition. I suppose Luthor will just keep beating Gotham for years to come.”

Kara was almost to the door when Diana told her to stop.

Turning, she asked innocently, “Yes, Diana?”

Diana knew she was being played, but somehow Kara name dropping Luthor set something off in her competitive nature she couldn’t control. “What do you mean, Luthor?”

Kara shrugged her shoulders. “Sorry, I forgot you know nothing about football. Luthor owns the Metropolis Sharks. They have been league champions two years in a row. It would take a couple years but with Stone we could be better than them… but you are right. I’m not sure you could take a couple of rebuilding year losses on the way to building a dynasty that will crush Luthor’s team for the next decade or more.”

“Two years in a row?” Diana asked quietly, her business instincts battling her competitive ones.

Kara nodded.

“Fine. Give me a rundown of your ideas later and I promise to seriously consider buying the damn team, okay?” Diana capitulated a lot easier than she liked but understood Kara knew exactly how to manipulate her when she really wanted something. “You will be responsible for hiring this general manager, but you have enough on your plate so whoever it is needs to be competent. Don’t forget, we are signing the initial contract this week to start construction for the new plant.”

“Thank you.” Kara said, her smile lighting up the office. “I’m off to the ballistics lab.”

“I’d rather you didn’t just yet.” Diana told her. “When this contract is signed, it will become public knowledge. The man Sam suggested to head your security teams will be here in a few moments for an interview. If I like him, I want you to meet him.”

Kara raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t I interview him as well? He is going to be my head of security.”

Diana laughed and shook her head. “Absolutely not. The last time that happened you disregarded two perfectly good candidates because they liked kangaroos and I had to take over the interview process. Bunny, you know I keep you safe. Let me talk to him. If you absolutely hate him, I can find someone else, but you never hate anyone. Just hang out in your office this morning, okay?”

Kara assured her she would. Diana sent an email to Acquisitions, instructing them to make inquiries into the football team, then told her assistant to bring up her potential new employee.

With a final glance through the man’s background and referrals, she murmured to herself, “Alright, let’s see what you are made of… Mr. John Diggle.”

The object of Diana’s interest was busy making his way to the highly secured, private elevator that would take him to the executive floor that held the offices of Wayne Enterprises’ Chief Executive Officer and its President. As co-owners of the company, the Wayne sisters were two of the most powerful people in the country, if not the world. In spite of this fact, John Diggle was not a man to be intimidated.

He had served three tours of duty overseas in some of the worst regions in the world. He was a highly trained, special operations soldier, the best of the best. He was respectful, professional, slightly stoic and never intimidated.

That assertion was being questioned the longer he sat in Diana Wayne’s office.

When he had entered her office, the CEO was standing in front of her desk and what he saw was more than he expected.

She was every bit what General Lane had told him to be prepared for. She was exotically beautiful… tall, with long, dark, wavy hair, and dark, piercing eyes that seemed to look through him as much as at him.

What had him a bit off-kilter was the innate power he felt radiating from her as he walked into the office. While he didn’t understand what he was feeling, he knew beyond a shadow of any doubt, she was not someone to be trifled with.

After a pleasant hello, Diana had offered him a seat, then took her place behind her desk.

Now she was staring at him, a smile on her face, her eyes full of mirth, yet not speaking.

It was a technique he knew from interrogations he had seen in the past. Silence was sometimes more effective than questions. A human being could be uncomfortable with silence during new situations. They would usually fidget, look around the room, clear their throat, and sometimes, begin speaking about the first thing that came to mind.

She was testing his measure and it was beginning to weigh on him. Despite this, he kept his eyes locked with hers, unmoving, not fidgeting, calm and composed.

“Very nice, Mr. Diggle.” Diana finally said.

The voice almost caused him to show surprise, but he hid it well. “Thank you, Miss Wayne.”

Diana smirked and picked up a file in front of her without opening it. Dig suspected it was for show. He figured she had that entire file memorized and had more information on him than she was initially given.

His suspicion was proven fact when she started speaking without referencing the file. “Special Forces, Green Berets, Master Sergeant. No stranger to war. You served two tours in Afghanistan, were married briefly, then divorced and returned for a third tour. You are an expert marksman and leader.

“My father’s good friend, General Samuel Lane, has suggested you for this job. This is a newly created position that has come about due to some recent developments in the company.

“We have negotiated a contract with the government that makes Wayne Enterprises the exclusive weapons dealer to the U.S. Armed Forces among other things. This will become widely known around the world because of the Freedom of Information Act. The initial contract will be signed soon, and my sister will officially become the brains of the U.S. Military and Intelligence Services.

“I am sure you are familiar with my sister?”

Diggle nodded. He had done his homework as well when preparing for the interview, but everyone knew the Wayne sisters. “Kara Wayne, President of Wayne Enterprises and Head of Research and Development. She is also co-owner of the company. From what I understand, she is a bonified genius that puts Einstein and Hawking to shame. Twenty-one years old. Graduated college with multiple degrees at eighteen, despite suffering… setbacks.”

Diana was pleased with the discrete way he answered the question. “So, you know of these setbacks?”

Diggle nodded. “Only what is written, which is mostly conjecture I’m sure.”

“The conjectures are mostly true. Bodyguards and servants in the past have talked to media.” Diana huffed quietly. Settling back in her seat, she explained things a little more fully, watching the man intently. “My little sister is special. Her mind is truly a wonder of the universe in my opinion. She also suffers from a severe immune system disorder. While she has the best care money can provide, even the best care requires her to live a more rigid lifestyle than most young women her age.

“I have always wanted her to be able to live as normal a life as possible. Because of her routines in regard to diet, exercise, treatment and medication, she can live in this world without constant fear but there are concerns. Her body does not do well against unfamiliar strains of viruses. Cuts can lead to infections quickly, her eyes could become infected if she wears contacts too long… in short, she must be extremely careful. We walk a tight rope every day.

“Now, she will be a target of every terrorist in the world who wants to cause a blow to the U.S. Military. Her bodyguards of the past are not enough. I need a team of soldiers, the best of the best, not currently on active duty, loyal to the two of us above all. I need someone I can fully trust to lead that team. General Lane tells me you are the best, that you fit the profile I am looking for and you had expressed an interest in this field. Is that true?”

Diggle nodded. His brother had told him the field was lucrative if you were good at your job and built a reputation. Protecting spoilt, rich brats hadn’t been his ideal career move but the money would help him get on his feet. “Yes, Ma’am. I like to think that I am very good.”

Diana stood and walked to the large office window, her back to Diggle, standing quietly as if looking out over her kingdom. When she turned back to him, the smile on her face was gone. “I have one major concern about you, Mr. Diggle. I know your ex-wife, Lyla Michaels, is an A.R.G.U.S. agent. I have met Amanda Waller recently and that woman is reprehensible. I want A.R.G.U.S. to know nothing of personal details in regard to my sister’s life, details you will be privy to. In fact, I don’t want A.R.G.U.S. to know anything about my family or our company. Is this something that will be a problem?”

“I don’t speak to Lyla often and when we do, it is never about work.” Diggle assured her. “Her work is of a sensitive nature and my work is none of her business. I have no affiliation, nor have I ever had any affiliation with A.R.G.U.S.”

Diana peered into his eyes and finally nodded. “Mr. Diggle, would you humor me for a moment?”

Dig raised an eyebrow. “Humor you?”

“Yes. When I was a very young girl, my grandmother on my mother’s side gave me a gift. It was a rope, and she told me if someone closed their eyes and held the rope in their hand, they would always be truthful. I know it is an old superstition, but it brings me comfort. Would you close your eyes and hold my grandmother’s rope while I ask you the most important questions I have?” Diana asked, her eyes intent on his face.

Dig shrugged his shoulders. “If it would make you happy, I would be glad to do it.”

The man knew the rich could be strange and as far as strangeness went, holding a rope from her grandmother didn’t seem bad if it would make her feel better.

He closed his eyes and heard Diana walk around her desk, a drawer opened, and he felt a warm, smooth material in his hand. He grasped onto it, and it felt slightly warm but not uncomfortable.

“Don’t open your eyes, Mr. Diggle. My grandmother insisted that was important.”

“Yes, Miss Wayne.”

“Are you ready?”

Dig nodded.

“John Diggle, if I hire you to be my sister’s bodyguard, would you ever leave her side, no matter how desperate the situation seems to be?”

“No, I would not leave her side.”

“Would you die for her?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I consider this job a mission. When I commit myself, I do not fail. I will keep her safe until my last breath.”

“This next question is particularly important. You understand I am the one hiring you. I will be the one paying you. I expect you to give me detailed reports on my sister’s day whenever I ask. Would you have a problem doing this?”

Dig nearly said he had no problem with it but was surprised when whatever he was holding warmed up noticeably. “Yes, I would have a problem with it… I will protect her with my life, but I would be uncomfortable telling you something if she asked me to keep it private. There needs to be trust between us and that will never happen if Kara sees me as a spy.”

Dig couldn’t see it, but Diana nodded approvingly, happy with his answer. “It may surprise you but that pleases me. I am not as controlling as those around me think I am. Would you tell me if there was a threat to her health or she seemed even a bit ill?”

Dig nodded. “Absolutely. Keeping her alive would be my mission, not just from terrorists but any other danger as well.”

Dig felt the rope pulled from his hands.

Diana opened the drawer again then closed it and asked for him to open his eyes.

The man felt a bit disoriented from the sudden daylight that seemed to suffuse the large office.

“That was interesting.” He admitted. “Can I see the rope?”

Diana shook her head, smiling. “Grandma said it would spoil the magic if anyone other than me and her looked at it. It’s a silly thing, but I appreciate you humoring me.”

Diana had a seat and leaned back in the chair, looking pleased. “If you accept this job, you will not only be head of Kara’s security, but her personal bodyguard. You will be with her at all times except in the manor. Kara’s office is the only other one on this floor with only our assistants allowed access. Special permission is required to even be allowed on to this floor. Despite that, I can hardly keep her out of the R & D areas so keeping her secure can be a little more challenging.

“You will also be in charge of her security teams. I want every member evaluated. Those you deem unacceptable will be reassigned to different departments and you can recruit who you wish.

“You will live in the manor in a room across from hers. This is a twenty-four hour, seven day a week job, Mr. Diggle. If you need time off, that can be arranged of course but I expect you to be her shadow.”

Dig was surprised by the amount of commitment this would take but not displeased. He had planned to get an apartment in the city but living in Wayne Manor would certainly cut down on bills and commuting every day, making the job less stressful and keeping him near his client.

Diana was watching him intently. “I am not seeing any annoyance on your face so these terms must be acceptable to you so far?”

Dig nodded his head. “Yes, Miss Wayne.”

“When she is in this building, her lunch is delivered to her by the same woman everyday no matter where she is. She has been vetted. No one else may deliver her food.” Diana told him, continuing to the most important point she wanted to make. “I will take no chances with her life. She is everything to me… do you understand?

“I am not giving you a job, Mr. Diggle… I am giving you my heart to keep safe.”

Dig was struck by the sincerity of her words and the deep emotion evident in her eyes.

Kara Wayne was Wayne Enterprises’ biggest asset, but he was not listening to a CEO wanting that asset protected. He was listening to a sister, an orphan whose little sister was the single most important thing in her life.

“I understand perfectly, Miss Wayne.” He replied with all the sincerity he could muster.

She smiled, obviously satisfied with his reply. “Please, call me Diana. We will be living together after all. I will call Kara in to meet you. She does have the final say on your hire, but I foresee no issues. She’s much easier to please than I am.

“Now to your compensation package. The salary is five hundred thousand the first year, one million afterward, assuming all goes well, with a percentage escalation if you continue on with us. Cars, living expenses and room and board are free, as well as any equipment you prefer or need.

“You will be given a quick, painless scan every week while Kara is in treatment to ensure you are not carrying any viruses. If you are sick, you will be put up in an apartment at the Downtown Suites until given the all-clear by Kara’s physician.

“So… do you have any questions?”

Dig barely kept his mouth from dropping as she spoke. Sam Lane told him the job would pay well but the amount was more than he dreamed. “I have no questions. I am anxious to meet her.”

Diana shook his hand and sent a text to Kara. While they waited for her to arrive, Dig stepped to the giant window overlooking the city. “What of your security, Diana? Do you have someone I need to coordinate with?”

Diana shook her head. “I am my own security. Keeping Kara safe is all that matters.”