"Kathryn Prescott please?" asked the male caller.

"This is she" replied Kit.

"Miss Prescott, I hope you remember me. My name is Doctor Jones, we met briefly when you came in for your amniocentesis a few weeks ago?"

"Yes Doctor, I remember, Is anything wrong?, I was told that the results of the test were normal"

"Please, do not concern yourself. I am only calling today as we seem to have encountered an error in our computer system, which has led to the loss of your records. I have today spoken with your regular doctor's staff and they are arranging for a copy of your file to be sent to us, ready for when you visit us to deliver. My call today is merely to advise you of this and to assure you that there is no need for concern".

As she was carrying the child of the world's most wanted terrorist and mercenary, whose body had not yet been recovered either dead or alive, Kit was automatically suspicious of the loss of her medical records. So, she had to check that this matter was a routine incident "Yes, Miss Prescott, unfortunately, the financial constraints of the UK National Health Service do not always result in the most effective computer systems being used. Please, don't concern yourself any further on this matter?"

"All right", replied Kit, "Thank you for letting me know" and with that, she ended the call. Still wary, she decided the time had come to confront her follower. Although he was a trained and able member of the League of Shadow's (as Kit had learned Bane's organisation had been called via several news reports), she had the home turf advantage. She knew that on this day of the week, his vehicle would be parked about 25 yards down the dirt path that ran alongside her rented cottage and if she was careful, she could actually reach the passenger side window before he could ever realise what she was doing.

When she did this, indicating that Barsad should lower the window, she saw his surprise followed by a dogged resignation. "Hello Barsad, I thought you might appreciate a cup of proper Yorkshire Tea" she said, handing him a covered mug. "It's pretty cold today and sitting in this car, no matter how well equipped it is, must get rather chilly".

"Thank you Miss Prescott" he responded, taking the mug from her and reaching across to unlock the passenger door.

As Kit seated herself, with a little difficulty due to her ever-increasing stomach, she sighed. "So" she continued, "Your observation of me, is it related to the loss of my medical records from the hospital?"

"I'm sorry, Miss Prescott, but what are you talking about?"

"I've just been called to say that the notes held by the hospital I intended to have this baby at have been lost. I assumed this meant that someone in your organisation had taken it upon themselves to gather information on my baby. Which is completely ridiculous as this child has nothing to do with you, your organisation, or HIM!"

"Are you saying that Bane is not the child's father?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I am saying. I was a prostitute Barsad, I had sex with more than one man you know!" she stared at him, but before he could respond, she spoke again "Wait...you said IS?"

"Again, I'm sorry, Miss Prescott, IS what?"

"You said Bane IS the father, not WAS. Is Bane still alive?" "

Yes, he is alive, but not fit and well. Otherwise I have no doubt he would be here himself to oversee your care and protection. I also have no doubt he would have made a better and more covert job of this task than I have" he said with a small chuckle to his voice. However, Kit did not return his laughter. Instead, she sat in silence and started to weep slow tears. Barsad reached out and put his arm around her tentatively. "I thought you knew, Miss Prescott. All the reports worldwide have confirmed that a body had not been recovered in Gotham. Surely, you know that a man such as him would not expire so easily?". His tone was soothing and complacent, but it was lost on Kit.

Suddenly angry, she flung Barsad's arm from her and shouted "And you are telling me this now? Why didn't you let me know sooner? It's been over six months, during which time I've adjusted to a future life as a single mother, to the child of possibly the planet's most dangerous criminal, whose former comrades would probably attempt to abduct my baby as soon as possible to continue his legacy. At least, that's what I began to think when you showed up a couple of weeks ago!"

Barsad looked at the woman and suddenly understood his brother's continuing fascination with her. She was very astute, could bare faced lie when necessary, managed to sneak up on him and even now, when swollen with child, she was luminous and radiant. "Miss Prescott..."

"It's Kit, Barsad. I think we have a lot to talk about and I don't particularly want you addressing me in a formal manner while we do it! In fact, why don't we go inside the house? My ankles are swelling and I need to elevate them. Plus, as always, I'm starving and need to eat before I kill someone". She said with a disgruntled look on her face. In response, Barsad quickly left the vehicle and Kit was pleasantly surprised when he immediately rushed to open the door for her, and offered his hand while she got out of the car.

They walked in silence to the house and when inside, Barsad guided her to sit and busied himself in her kitchen, preparing sandwiches and more tea. When he brought them to her, she was sat in an old-fashioned armchair with her feet on a padded stool. Her head was back and her eyes were lightly closed, with tears still running down her cheeks. Barsad gently cleared his throat, which prompted her to open her eyes. He placed the tray on the small table at her side and took a seat across from her. She quickly picked up a sandwich and a cup and began to eat and drink. He watched her quietly, allowing her the time to compose and satisfy herself. When she had finished, she looked at him and said "Bane is the baby's father, I'm sorry I lied before. I believed you were here to take him from me when he was born, you know, to continue his line or something...Oh SHIT, is that why he sent you anyway?" she asked, the panic evident in her voice.

"No Kit" he assured her. "My brother sent me only to find you and check on your welfare. The news of his impending fatherhood has merely become "the icing on the cake" as they say" he replied with a kind smile. "He wishes that no harm is to come to you and so, I have remained here in his stead to offer protection should anyone who is knowledgeable of your association with him becoming aware of your condition. The news that your records may have been accessed only gives credence to his suspicions. A fact which I believe requires immediate attention, if you will permit?"

"In a bit" Kit ordered. "I have some questions first".

"Then ask them".

"He knows I'm pregnant and that he is the father?"

"Yes"

"He's not well?"

"No"

"What happened and why did you only appear in the last two weeks?"

"Bane was shot at close range in the chest. He was technically dead for five minutes, until some of my colleagues discovered him and provided emergency medical intervention. After that, he was moved to a secure location, underwent several surgeries and was put in a chemically induced coma until such time as his body recovered enough to rouse him. I myself had been detained by the Gotham authorities and upon waking, my brother ordered my rescue so that I might assist him in his efforts to locate you. At present, he is in a private clinic in Switzerland that is owned by our organisation and is eagerly awaiting news of you and his son. He had previously stated that I should not approach you until after the birth, at which time I was to negotiate your reunion with him. However, given recent events, I feel that those plans may need to be brought forward, as I suspect that someone may have other ideas for your and the child's future".

"How do you mean" she asked, taking another mouthful of her drink.

"Kit, we have the means to access your records without leaving so much as a trace, You are right to be suspicious when secured medical records simply disappear, as that should not happen. To me, it indicates that someone else has not only attempted to gain knowledge of you, but to remove your details from your current care-givers. The only type of people who would do such a thing would most likely have nefarious reasons for deleting your personal information. Therefore, I am assured that Bane would wish me to ensure your safety as soon as possible".

"Someone like who?"

"I'm not sure yet but rest assured, we will discover this. In the meantime, please, allow me to make the necessary arrangements?".

Although Kit had only met Barsad a couple of times prior to today, he had kindness in his eyes despite his profession. This, along with the fact that he spoke in the same tone and cadence as Bane, and his clear devotion to his brother, led Kit to automatically place her trust in him. "Okay, what do you suggest?" she asked.

"I believe that the safest place for you is by his side within our organisation and so, we should go to him immediately. Could you please pack your things while I make some calls?"

Kit thought about his proposal carefully. She had spent the last few months back in her hometown and although it had previously stifled her, it would be a safe and calm place to raise a child. However, if Barsad was correct and there was a threat to her baby's future security, as indicated by the disappearance of her records, there was only one choice wasn't there? "Okay Barsad, give me 30 minutes and I'll be ready to leave" she told him, inwardly nervous at both the reunion with Bane and her now uncertain future.