Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Wayne Legacy: Rise

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 09:

Gotham City, Downtown

Tommy walked the streets of downtown Gotham aimlessly, thinking about the blonde girl who seemed to have become the focus of his every waking moment in addition to his dreams at night.

He had ridden in to Wayne Tower with Kara, Steve Trevor and John Diggle thinking he could spend some time with her between meetings, but it was not to be.

Kara apologetically told him he wouldn’t be able to visit with her at all nor could he simply hang out in her office on the off-chance she got a moment to see him as she would be conducting ‘top secret’ business meetings from there with Steve for most of the day.

Seeing his understanding smile while obviously trying to hide his disappointment, she offered to let him use the downtown penthouse so he could hang out, but Tommy declined, wanting an opportunity to take a tour of Gotham City from the street level. He assured her he would be fine, and she promised to contact him as soon as she was done for the day.

It really didn’t matter to Tommy. He was still surprised he had gotten to spend more than a lunch with her. Sure, he may have pushed his way into staying for a couple days but he wasn’t taking any of it for granted, especially now that he understood Diana could cut short any extra time he may wish to stay. He had to walk a fine line with the older sister, but he was willing to do whatever he needed to do… because his entire world had changed when he first saw Kara.

It seemed as if the sun had risen after a never-ending, moonless night. All the bullshit he thought he enjoyed about life -the women, the boozing, the expensive things he didn’t need- seemed pointless at that moment. She was a shining light in the darkness before he had even said a word to her.

Then he held her hand in his, the other on her waist and they danced. She knew who he was and could have easily made fun of him or dismissed him. He may have been Tommy Merlyn, billionaire and heir to Merlyn Global, but to her he was no one special, just another spoiled rich kid among hundreds that fell well below the Wayne family in stature and power.

Yet, she had told him she saw great things for him, and he couldn’t help but believe her. Something had clicked inside him.

An hour later, the two sat in Big Belly Burger, her wearing an extremely expensive evening gown and him in a tux, enjoying each other’s company, ignoring the stares the two were receiving. She made him laugh and feel lighter in a way that he hadn’t felt since Oliver died. Not even her sister arriving and whisking her off could take away his high.

It had taken him five days to work up the nerve to contact her again. For the first time, he wondered if he was worthy of being in someone’s presence, even taking her time that was so much more valuable than his. In the end, he decided he had to try, or he would regret it forever.

And since he had not called her as she had asked, something else was required, a grand entrance to catch her attention.

Seeing her the day before, in glasses, hair tied in a simple ponytail, wearing a conservative black dress, he fell for her even more. This was the real Kara Wayne, no pretenses or specially styled hair, no tasteful makeup other than the bare minimum. Without concealer he could see a tiny scar next to her eyebrow. He could see the light freckles on her cheeks and nose. He saw her imperfections and they were perfect. They enhanced her beauty rather than detracting from it.

He was enchanted by her. No other woman had ever caught his attention the way she had. He had been with a lot of women, desired them even, but none made him forget how to breathe .

By some miracle, she seemed to enjoy spending time with him as well.

The problem was her very tall, immensely powerful, insanely overprotective sister who also happened to be the richest and most influential woman in the world.

Diana saw him for what he was and was not afraid to call him out on it no matter who was around. In fact, she seemed to take a sadistic joy in pointing out his shortcomings, which he had to admit, were many.

Though he had not spent much time around Wayne Manor, the dynamic was easy to read. Diana had an almost obsessive control over her sister and Kara seemed to not only put up with it but welcomed it.

He also knew Kara had been sickly for the better part of her life and knew that she lived in fear of being ill again and whenever she had been sick, Diana had been there. Diana made sure she got the best treatment, gave her a strict regimen to follow so she could live as normally as possible.

Diana may have been obsessed with Kara, but Kara was comfortable and happy following Diana’s every command because her older sister made her feel safe and loved.

Tommy wanted to commit to this. He wanted to pursue Kara for more than some fling. To win her, he needed two things: he needed to see her often without needing a jet to get here and he needed to impress Diana.

Steve Trevor thought Diana liked him and was testing his resolve. Tommy thought the Air Force captain was being generous in his assessment of Diana’s feelings about him.

But how does someone like him impress the powerhouse that is Diana Wayne? He knew if Diana didn’t approve, her control over Kara was so great that he would never stand a chance.

So he walked the streets of Gotham alone, deep in thought as to how to impress a woman who had achieved as much as Diana Wayne. When she took the reins of the family business, she wasn’t satisfied maintaining the status quo. On the contrary. The brilliant businesswoman had turned Wayne Enterprises into a world-wide dynasty.

Her long-time boyfriend, lover, partner, was a damn Air Force fighter pilot turned test pilot, not exactly a regular everyday guy. Trevor didn’t have billions so obviously Diana didn’t care if someone had money. She and Kara had all the money a hundred generations of future Waynes would need.

Diana was impressed by heroes, risk takers. She was impressed by a guy like Steve Trevor, a fearless combat pilot.

He thought it might be a little late to join the military or figure out how to fly a normal plane much less a jet fighter. Judging by Diana’s opinion and little hidden disdain for his father, working for his father’s company would not endear him to her either.

Besides, working in Star City would mean less time to see Kara and the whole point was to try to win her, to prove himself worthy of her so Diana didn’t shut the door in his face… or more likely, shove his face through the door. She looked like the type of woman who would do that.

When he turned the corner, he nearly missed it as he walked by… a ‘For Sale’ sign in the window of a two-story shop front.

Carmen’s Grocery and Deli.

The store was open so he slipped inside, deciding since Kara would not be free for lunch, a sandwich would be great.

The line to the sandwich counter was long, nearly to the door and it was only 11:15. Before he was halfway to the counter, his phone rang.

Tommy groaned when he saw who it was but decided to answer since the man would not leave him alone until he did.

“Hello, Dad.”

“Son. I thought when the jet returned to Star City, you might be on it. Where are you?”

Tommy rolled his eyes. “Let’s not play games, Dad. You know exactly where I am. I’m honestly surprised you care.”

Tommy heard a condescending chuckle on the other side of the line. “Tommy, don’t sell yourself short. I have always told you that you could do more, make something of yourself if you were motivated enough. I never thought you would make it this far though. You managed to stay the night at Wayne Manor. I knew Kara Wayne found you charming, but I understood Diana was the gatekeeper who kept her in a glass cage at all times away from the unapproved, undeserving and unwashed.

“You have outdone yourself, son. Keep it up.”

Tommy felt a bit sick. “You think I am here for some business connection? I’m here to see Kara, nothing more.”

“That doesn’t mean it can’t be more.” The elder Merlyn said. “Tommy, no one does business with Wayne Enterprises. They refuse all partnerships. I think if we could become closer to the family…”

“Dad,” Tommy stopped him, “they refuse all partnerships because they don’t need any partnerships. They crush other companies, they don’t join forces with them. I know shit about business, and even I know that.

“As far as closer relationships, Diana finds you repugnant. I’m not making that up either. That’s a direct quote. Outside of charity galas, she is brutally honest and has made no secret of her opinion of me or you.”

He heard a sharp intake of air from his father. “She’s only met me twice and we have had no business dealings. Why would she be hostile towards me?”

Tommy chuckled. “She is a good judge of character. By the way, I’ve done some soul searching the past few days. I’m not coming back to Star City and I’m cutting up my cards. Let’s keep in touch, maybe a phone call at Christmas.”

“You’ve talked your way into moving into the manor?” Malcolm asked with a hint of satisfied glee.

Tommy shook his head, not that his father could see it. “Nope, gonna make my own way. Gotham is a beautiful city and near Metropolis. It seems like the area has a lot of opportunities for a guy looking to make his own start in the world. No one knows me as Tommy Merlyn here. It’s been eye-opening and a refreshing change of pace.

“You were always right about one thing, Dad. I did need to grow up. I just never had the right motivation before.”

Malcolm’s laugh on the other end was a sound that made Tommy sick. “Enjoy your time there, Tommy. Make the most of it and be your own man. From what I understand of Kara Wayne, a bad cold could kill her, and you will be back in Star City, begging for money and screwing the first two models who cross your path.

“I’ll be waiting for you when you return with a desk at Merlyn Global.”

Tommy was struck silent for a moment, not believing that his father had just said that… or not wanting to believe it. He knew his father had a coldness underneath his veneer of civility but had no idea it was that low.

“Thank you, Dad, for finally proving to me that you aren’t worth trying to redeem.” Tommy replied, not bothering to hide the anger in his voice. “At least Mother can’t see the monster you have become. Forget what I said about the call at Christmas.”

Tommy hung up, furious, sick, and sad at the monster his father had let show for an instant with one sentence. That laugh when he talked about Kara dying… it was chilling and shook him.

He finally reached the counter and ordered a cheese steak sandwich though his appetite had taken a hit after that call. He sat in the little area reserved for those who preferred to dine-in rather than take their lunch to go as most did.

Once he was finished with the amazing sandwich, he sat for a while instead of leaving. He was impressed by the traffic the store was generating. Not only was the deli counter continuously full, but the grocery section itself stayed busy, no doubt solicited by neighborhood folk who lived in the historic houses just outside the downtown area. Tommy had no idea places like this still existed, much less within walking distance of the great center of the city, Wayne Tower. A privately owned deli and grocery that wasn’t a chain, was nearly unheard of today.

So why was it being sold?

At 1:15, the traffic at the deli had died down and the man behind the counter was cleaning up. He was in his late fifties, perhaps early sixties, heavy set with white hair and a solid frame. Two other employees were present, one behind the register handling the customers and the other organizing and straightening items on the shelves.

Once the man was alone and seemed to be caught up, Tommy approached him. “Excuse me, sir? Could I have a moment?”

The older man nodded but said nothing.

“Do you recognize me?” Tommy asked.

The man shook his head. “Am I supposed to?”

Tommy grinned widely. “I don’t know but I think it’s great that you don’t. Can I ask, why are you selling this place? It looks like it does great business.”

“What is your name, young man?”

“Tommy… Merlyn.” He told the man, waiting for the fall out. A few seconds passed by and it seemed the man didn’t recognize his name either.

Instead, the older man stuck out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Tommy. I’m Bill Carmen. I’ve owned this place for the last twenty years. I inherited it from my Dad who ran it for thirty years. My kid doesn’t want to take over and I want to retire while I’m still in good enough health to enjoy it. So, I figure it’s time to let it go.

“I’ll admit, it’s hard and it wasn’t a decision I made lightly but there is a time for everything, and the time for me and this store has passed. I got an offer the other day from Walgreens to turn it into a drug store. They are paying more than I asked. I’m going to accept it, sign the papers next week and that will be that.”

“Walgreens? Why not a Starbucks?” Tommy muttered, shaking his head.

“Walgreens offered more.” Bill told him.

Tommy took a deep breath and looked around at the place. It had a lot of history, enough that repairs were probably needed. It had a good customer base in a prime location that served those who lived in high rises in the downtown areas and the smaller houses just out of the downtown area. Sure, the sun was blocked by Wayne Tower but what in Gotham wasn’t?

“How much are they offering you?” Tommy asked.

The man looked at Tommy strangely but answered anyway. “Four hundred thousand plus legal and closing costs.”

Tommy looked around once more. “I’ll make you a better offer.”

“A better offer? I’m not sure this place is worth four hundred thousand.”

Tommy nodded slightly, pretending he had an idea of what the place was worth. The guy could have been lying to him for all he knew.

“I’ll give you four-ten, plus closing and if I ever sell, your kids or grandkids have first option to buy at same cost. The name stays the same.”

Bill raised an eyebrow, not quite believing this. “You want to keep Carmen’s open? You ever been here before? I don’t recognize you.”

“Nope, but I am a sucker for home grown stores and I just have this feeling about this place. I’ll keep it open, keep the name and give your family first option in the future if I sell but I want something from you in return.”

The man looked at him suspiciously. “What would that be?”

“Wait six months before you retire and teach me how to run this business. I’ll pay you as manager on top of what you get from the sell. I know nothing about business, much less running one. You’ve kept this place running for twenty years. Show me how. Teach me. Give me six months. I’m a fast learner.”

Tommy reached out his hand. The man looked at him hard for a moment then smiled. “You make good on your offer and Walgreens will lose a location.”

“Glad to hear it.” Tommy told him. “I’ll head to the bank now and have the papers ready to sign by the morning. At least, I think they can move that fast. I’m new in the city so don’t have any connections but I do have excellent credit.”

Carmen chuckled. “New to the city? How long you been here?”

“A couple days.” Tommy replied.

“Wow… you certainly move fast. Where are you living?”

Tommy thought for a moment. “I have no idea. I’m staying with a friend at the moment, but I can’t stay there permanently. I’m also giving you all the money I have, so I’ll need someplace cheap. Any ideas?”

Bill looked at the ceiling. “Both stories are yours. There is an old apartment upstairs my grandfather lived in when he first opened the place. The utilities are tied in with the rest of the building, so you don’t have to worry about water or electricity. I keep a lot of storage boxes up there we can move to the trash. It’s yours if you want it. It’s not pretty but it’s yours.”

Tommy shrugged his shoulders, thinking it wouldn’t be so bad. He followed Bill to the back and up a set of wooden stairs that creaked and bent with every step he took.

The room was… covered in dust. There were over twenty storage boxes on the floor and on top of the one dresser. A small bed a little bigger than a cot with a very thin mattress was in the room as well as a window looking out on the street below.

Bill switched the lights on, and it looked even dirtier. He noticed a closet, a small kitchenette with a fifty-year-old refrigerator, a stand-alone sink and two doors. One was to a small closet and the other to a bathroom with a shower he was afraid to step into, and a toilet filling up a room that was the size of a small walk-in closet.

“It isn’t the Ritz.” Bill admitted.

Tommy grinned. Normally he wouldn’t be caught sober in a place like this.

He liked it.

“It’s a start.” He told Bill. “I’m going to find a bank and would like to start tomorrow. What time do we open?”

“Seven a.m. but we get here at six to prepare for the day.”

Tommy sighed. Six a.m. wasn’t a time to wake up. It was usually when he went to bed.

But that was the old Tommy Merlyn. This Tommy Merlyn was a person no one in Gotham City recognized or cared about. “I’ll be here. I think I will wait till tomorrow to move in, but I want to clean tonight. Think you can give me a key?”

An hour later, Tommy walked into Gotham National Bank and met with a loan manager. A quick run of his name and this man knew exactly who Tommy Merlyn was. He supposed while he may blend in with the Gotham public, banks would be another thing. His name allowed him to bypass a number of steps that would normally be required to buy the property and sped up the legal process by weeks.

A short while later, he had signed a mortgage for twenty years on a small grocery store he hoped to pay off much sooner. It would be sink or swim. It wasn’t glamourous by any means, but he would make it on his own or fail on his own.

He had no intention of failing.

With a spring in his step, he smiled the whole way back to the grocery.

While Tommy had been in the bank, Diana had sat in her office listening to reports from the security man she had following Tommy as he told her of his extended time in the grocery store and then a sudden walk to Gotham National Bank. A quick call to the bank and Diana knew exactly what was going on though she still had a problem believing it.

The woman shook her head. Between her brother fighting Russian thugs in a Halloween costume, the knowledge that a human trafficking ring had been operating in her city, the heated discussion with the leaders of the city this morning, then the maddening fight with Bruce, her head was killing her. She had taken one of Eliza’s high dosage pain killers that would put a regular person in a coma, but it still wasn’t easing up.

Now Tommy Merlyn appeared as if he were staying in Gotham City permanently. She had honestly thought he would be here a few days, realize this wasn’t his home, that he and Kara led very different lives, then leave.

She had invaded his privacy by listening in on his call with his father courtesy of the bug she planted in his phone the night before while he was in the garden with Kara, but she didn’t give a shit. He was interested in her sister and staying in her home. In Diana’s world, that meant she could listen to any damn thing she wanted to.

Malcolm’s reaction to Tommy’s location was exactly what she thought it would be.

But Tommy had pleasantly surprised her. He had stood up to his father and, if he were to be believed, had suddenly decided not to rely on the man but forge his own path.

After thinking on this for a bit, she knew her sister did have a way of inspiring the best in people. Kara’s employees certainly loved her. People were drawn to Kara as they were drawn to Diana but for entirely different reasons.

People respected and feared Diana. She used her beauty, her confidence, her intelligence and the predator instinct she seemed to have been born with to convey a feeling of awe in others and succeeded through sheer force of will.

It was Kara’s light that drew others in. They were attracted to her happiness, her kindness in the face of hardships and her determination to beat the odds. She inspired those under her to be their best simply by being herself. If Kara could get out of bed every day and face the world with a smile, they had no excuses not to do the same.

Now she was inspiring Tommy Merlyn. She would say the man was going to extraordinary lengths to impress her sister, but Diana could not blame him.

Kara was worth it.

The problem for Diana was it had happened too quickly. He was moving more aggressively than anticipated and Kara was obviously taken with the man. If Diana were to end it, it would have to end now. If she were to accept it, then she could not control what would happen next.

It all came down to one simple question and from her research into Merlyn, it appeared the only person who could answer it was a woman named Laurel Lance.

Within seconds she was connected. “CNRI.”

“Yes, I would like to speak to Laurel Lance. Could you tell her Diana Wayne wishes to speak to her?” Diana asked pleasantly.

She heard a short laugh on the other end of the line. “Listen lady, we are very busy and don’t have time for phone pranks.”

The call ended.

Undeterred, Diana buzzed her assistant. “Cathy, call Cellular Services. Find out if a Dinah Laurel Lance in Star City has one of our models and connect me to her phone. Make sure our company name appears on her caller ID.”

A few minutes later the call was put through to Diana.

“Hello?” an unsure voice answered.

“Hello, Laurel. This is Diana Wayne. I apologize for calling you on your private number, but I had difficulty getting past your secretary at CNRI. May we speak for a moment?”

“Of… of course… Did you say Diana Wayne?” Laurel squeaked.

“Are you near a computer?” Diana asked.

“Yes.”

“Do you have access to the accounts funding CNRI?”

“Yes.”

“Please open the main account. First Bank of Star City, is that correct?” Diana heard the gasp she was expecting on the other end. “I suppose by your reaction the two million has reached your organization’s account?”

Laurel whispered, ‘holy shit, it is you’, and Diana supposed she thought she couldn’t be heard.

“We donate around ten million a year to worthy charities in addition to our own. You serve a very noble cause, one that the Wayne Foundation would be delighted to support.” Diana told her then switched to the reason for her call. “Laurel, I won’t take much of your time. I know of your past with Oliver Queen. You knew him well. How well do you know Tommy Merlyn?”

The surprise in Laurel’s voice was obvious. “Tommy? I’ve known him almost my whole life… we all grew up together. He and Oliver were hardly ever separated.”

“Please honestly answer one question, Laurel, yes or no. It is of the utmost importance… Is Tommy Merlyn a good man?”

She heard Laurel take a deep breath and the line was quiet for a moment. “Yes. Despite what you may see on tv or read in the tabloids… Tommy is a good man.”

“Thank you. That is all I needed to know.” Diana told her. “A number will be emailed to you. If your organization ever runs low on funds, please contact the number and the man on the other end will take care of you so CNRI can continue the important work you are all doing. Good day, Laurel.”

Diana ended the call, her decision made. She changed in her bathroom and left the office for the day.

Tommy had come back to the grocery store, papers in hand along with a check for Bill. The man read through all the paperwork, then signed over ownership on provision until the final sales contract could be completed in a few days, notarized and filed.

Tommy shook the man’s hand and walked out, standing motionless on the sidewalk, needing some fresh air to calm himself now that he realized the magnitude of what he had done.

He didn’t recognize her until she was standing in front of him. She was wearing worn jeans and a white t-shirt covered by a black leather jacket with a black baseball cap pulled low on her head.

“Diana?” Tommy asked in shock.

The woman met his eyes and then looked at the store. “When we were children during the summer, Dad would bring us to work with him sometimes. We would always stop here for lunch. Dad swore by their Spicy Italian. I was more of a cheese steak girl. Bruce loved the tuna fish.”

Tommy looked at her quizzically. “Have you been spying on me all day?”

Diana raised an eyebrow. “What do you think?”

Tommy let out a breath, feeling deflated though not surprised once he thought about it. “Do you think you could stop?”

Diana piercing stare was enough to unsettle the man, but he stood up to it as best he could.

After a moment, Diana tilted her head, her eyes continuing to seemingly peer into his soul. “You are a wild card, Tommy. I have Kara’s life scripted to the letter. I know everything she has to do to stay alive, I know when she needs fun, when she needs to go out and when she needs to stay in. I bought an island for her so she could enjoy the beach and the ocean without fear.

“I know everyone in her life, personally and professionally… those that she interacts with daily. Am I obsessive about my sister? Yes. Do I care if people are bothered by this? No, I don’t.

“Everything was going well until a charity ball in Star City a little over a week ago. Now you show up in Gotham, enthralling her, and everything is off balance… my plans are off balance. I hate for my plans to be off balance.”

“You want me to go away, huh?” Tommy guessed, shoulders slumping.

To his surprise, Diana shook her head. “No. We will see if this greatness Kara sees in you will come to pass. I hope so, Tommy. I haven’t seen Kara interested in anyone in a very long time and it always ended in heartbreak for her. I hope with all my heart that isn’t the case this time.

“There will be rules. If I see a photo of you in a club with another woman, hear a report of one even near you, you will never go near her again. You will see me though. Do you understand?”

“Absolutely.” Tommy nodded in agreement, relaxing slightly now that he knew she wasn’t outright throwing him out of her city, though recognizing her not-so-subtle threat.

Seeing his agreement, she continued laying out her demands. “You will make sure she follows her health routines. If you have the slightest cold, sniffles, stomachache, you will not come near her until it has passed, and you have been cleared by her doctor.”

“I don’t want anything to happen to her either, Diana. I wouldn’t put her in danger.” Tommy said as earnestly as he could.

Diana nodded, seemingly satisfied with his answer. “Do not let me down, Tommy Merlyn. Now, show me this place you have bought. It has been years since I have been here.”

When Diana and Tommy walked in, all movement in the store ceased. Tommy saw the wide eyes of Bill and his two employees along with the few customers who stopped their shopping to stare. Regardless of what Diana was wearing, she was easily recognizable to the people of Gotham.

Diana smiled politely and shook all their hands vigorously, speaking easily to everyone and it almost chilled Tommy how warm and welcoming she could be when she had been borderline threatening him moments ago. There were many sides to Diana Wayne, and he suspected he had seen but a few of them. One thing he noticed, among all her different shades of personality, was that Diana never asked permission and never apologized.

Diana spoke with those in the store for several minutes before begging off to follow him upstairs to see his new residence.

For once, Diana was speechless.

“Home sweet home.” Tommy said with a wave of his hand. “I’m starting fresh, and I’d rather sleep on the street than take any of my father’s money. The price is right. It just needs a little spit and polish and I think it could make a really beautiful loft. Once I own a few businesses I may…”

“It’s a dump.” Diana cut him off.

Tommy nodded. “Yep. But it will work until I can afford my own country estate.”

Diana reached into her jacket and pulled a small wallet out. She handed two-thousand in cash to the confused man.

“I’m not taking charity, Diana.” Tommy told her emphatically.

“It’s not charity. I expect you to pay me back within three months.” Diana replied, still looking around with raised eyebrows. “For now, you need some things for this room, work clothes and… cleaning supplies… a lot of cleaning supplies. Let’s see what we have downstairs and then we can start going through these storage boxes. You handle the trash, I’ll handle the dusting.

“You will stay in the manor until this is presentable enough for my sister to visit you. We should get started.”

A surprised Tommy realized she was serious when she took off her jacket. “You are going to help me?”

“Of course I am.” Diana confirmed. “For some strange reason, I am coming to see you as less of an irritant. You are making an effort and I admire that, so I don’t mind helping you. Besides, it is apparent that we are destined to be annoying each other for now at least and I am not letting Kara step foot in this place until it is perfectly clean. I know she will be curious.”

“Thanks, Diana.” Tommy said sincerely.

Diana winked at him, a genuine smile directed at him for once. “I expect better compliments every morning, and discounts on sandwiches.”

“Consider it done. So, you said your Dad brought you here as a kid? What was he like? Do you think he would have liked me?”

Diana snorted. “With your past? He would have broken every bone in your body before he let you get near Kara. Mom would have possibly liked you. She always had a soft spot for charity cases and lost causes.”

Tommy grimaced and started to work, deciding not to ask Diana’s opinions of him ever again for the sake of his ego.