Allie sat on the high wooden bench and gently moved the fabric through the sewing machine. Sighing herself, she quickly rubbed her tired eyes. She had not moved for the past several hours. The costumes were to be done in excellent detail, so much that each individual stitch was a separate style. Smiling at her work that was to be showcased the next day, Allie shut the machine off and pulled the prongs from the material. The dress was a reflection of the pre-French Revolution era, the black lace was handcrafted and stretched by her own hands. The work that went along with making it was a secret, Allie would never reveal her working algorithm. That was her secret, and most people respected her privacy. After all, it was her bread and butter. If her work and elaborate style matched by anyone she would be out of work. Her work was plentiful, and she had many jobs to fulfill. Most clients wished to wear her dresses, she was wary when people asked to replicate something. Her explanation was simple, no style would ever match 100%; that is what she told anyone who wished her to copy previous styles. She was asked to do many events and create dresses. She had been doing this since she was twelve. Many had asked for her secrets, but she would never tell them how her lace was stretched or how her dresses were made. The materials were sparse and she often bought those that were not well known. Hell, she had even constructed one for someone not to be named with equal parts lace as with Kevlar.
Dropping the skirt on the wooden bench, she stood up. The blood rushing back to her legs was almost painful. She had not had anything to eat or drink in a while, she would not allow anyone, not even her faithful assistant bring any food or drinks-even water on the premises. She would thoroughly filter through items and deem them safe or not to be in her workspace. Water, food, any polyester were on the blacklist. She would indeed cry and never get over it if anything God forbid happened to her work.
It was to be showcased in the historical gala that night to be precise. Allie regarded her surroundings, she had selected a light tone for the walls, the lightest shade of lavender she could find. The tiles on the floor were a white marble and scratched from her movement with the wooden workbench. Her worktable stood in the center of the room and in direct light of the windows. The sunlight that made its way through the studio was a marvel. The rays set on the table, providing the best of light for working conditions.
As of now, it was early morning, the sun was just beginning to rise in the city skyline. Quickly grabbing her phone that was tucked away in her pocket, she snapped a photo of the skyline turning a flaming orange. This was beautiful, seeing the skyline and witnessing the sun rising.
Before she could hand-stitch the skirt to the top piece her assistant, Leith rushed through the door holding a few documents.
The younger girl was out of breath and red faced, "Allison Lynn Blais we have complications!"
Allie raised her eyebrows, Leith had not ever barged in, except for when there was a threat in the building.
Allie gestured for her to continue, carefully placing the skirt in a black durable bag and took the top from her model dummy in the corner of the room.
"They've upped the dinner historical gala to tonight. Wayne demanded it be today! What are we going to do?"
"THEY'VE WHAT?!" Allie felt herself scream hoarsely from her scratchy throat.
"I don't know what to do, I've ordered a car to pick up the remaining finished dresses and transport them here! But the models! What can we do? The event starts in 14 hours! I can't get anyone other than Emily to travel from Bludhaven. You have 14 dresses complete, all of the historical era, and no models and no makeup artists. Allie, what are we going to do?!"
Allie felt her knees go weak, "We have to cancel the event."
Leith felt the blood rush from her face, "Allie, no. We can't do that! You've worked over six months on these dresses, each one taking more than eight days. Please don't lose hope now. I'll get more models, I promise."
"Leith, if we can't rustle up a makeup artist…. at least one in the next two hours, we're done. Listen, you find more models, and I'll look for a-well two qualified individuals, okay?" Allie nodded, hoping Leith would work her magic.
"Good luck Blais." Leith stated carefully, running out of the studio with her documents in tow.
Allie wanted to have a few words with Mr. Wayne, but she knew she'd be thrown in Blackgate if she stumbled upon the man.
She would have a few other things to say to that playboy billionaire who thought it was his right to interfere with set dates. Oh how she wished she could randomly run into him. No bodyguards would ever mess with a woman hell-bent on dragging Mr. Wayne through her apartment building to her studio where she could show him how difficult it was to tailor to the elite.
Oh, if she could only see him now. Yet revenge was the last thing on her mind, she was to find two qualified makeup artists that could cater in high stress situations.
It was only quarter to six, yet Allie found herself hanging to the phone on the cord.
She had grabbed the phonebook and began to furiously flip through pages and pages of independent artists, until she landed on a duo team that claimed to be qualified. She wrote down a few more numbers and dialed their numbers.
Allie held her breath as the call rang through, she was met with an annoyed voice.
"This better be important I swear to God." A younger male voiced in a threatening way.
"I'm sorry for the disturbance, if I could talk to a Reid Williams; that would be great." Allie found herself struggling to put words together in a coherent manner.
"This is he lady, better get to the point quickly, or I'm hanging up."
"How would you like to make 600 dollars for one night of work?" Allie stated carefully hoping the money would bait him in.
He sounded flabbergasted, "Six hundred…for the night? Who is this, did Donnie put you up to this?"
Allie paid no attention to the man's question instead deciding to inform him the details of the job.
"Listen, Mr. Williams. My name is Allison Blais—" Allie found herself stating before she was interrupted.
"The historical dressmaker?" Reid asked skeptically.
Allie had to stop herself from smiling, "Yes. That would be I. I'm calling because the event scheduled to take place in a few days has been moved up to tonight, we just received word little over an hour ago. I would be offering 600 dollars for the night, assured that you would be able to tend to 15 models in a short amount of time. You will be practicing on myself to see if you are qualified for the entirety of the job. You will also be compensated for the mock trial. Would you be interested? That being said, you must have your own makeup and supplies. Along with the knowledge of multiple eras in history. The event is taking place at the Iceberg Lounge, the museum in the Bowery is where the dresses and models will be displayed. Are you up to the task, Mr. Williams?"
Reid took a little while to respond, "When do you want me in? Is your place still located in Park Row near the courthouse correct?"
Allie held in a gasp, "How do you know that?"
Nobody was supposed to know where her studio and apartment were. She tried her best for others to remain discrete.
"The tabloids feature you coming from your apartment quite a lot, I'm surprised you still come from the front door." Reid informed trying to gauge her reaction from her voice.
"I thought they wouldn't publish my address, after all, public figures are often in peril in this forsaken city." Allie stated bitterly, suddenly angry at Leith for not keeping up and looking out for her best interests.
"We don't know the exact address, but I can manage to guess the building based on the few shots near the courthouse." Reid explained carefully.
"If you can figure that out, who's to say that others can't? It's the building next to the courthouse, Harvey Dent's campaign office is downstairs, just take the staircase up and I'll unlock the top floor. Can you manage to get here within the hour? Traffic will be horrid at this hour."
"Yeah, it's fine. I'll try to be there around seven, if you don't mind I'll ask you for your cell phone so I can call when I arrive." Reid replied.
After exchanging cell phone numbers, Reid had one more thing to say.
"Ms. Blais, I'm sorry for being so rude this morning I was-" Reid was cut off.
"Please call me Allie, Ms. Blais is for the elites, Allie for everyone else. You're really doing me the favour, this event was supposed to take place a few days from now, but with all that's been happening I'm surprised I found someone so quickly." Allie explained trying to lessen his guilt.
To be completely honest, Allie didn't know if this would work. She had her best makeup artist on standby, but she said she had a job in Coast at the moment.
"Allie, thank you for this, this is just what I need right now." Reid sincerely proclaimed.
"You're welcome, it's no problem. I'll see you when you get here, Mr. Williams." Allie replied a small smile etched on her face.
Allie was happy that she could be helping someone for a change. Everyone ended up helping her, so she jumped at the chance to help anyone else.
"It's just Reid, Allie." Reid responded.
"Reid, then." Allie tested his name.
…
The next few hours flew by in a blur, Reid proved to be worthy, and she happily hired him for the full job. The dresses were not going to arrive until half an hour before the show would start. Prompting Allie to have a minor panic attack in front of Leith. Leith remained sympathetic and stated she managed to have found a few people to model the dresses. However, she only managed to obtain the information of 10 models. There were fifteen dresses to model, and to be technical, Leith and Allie could model as well, leaving them minus three for the show. It was now twelve in the afternoon and the preparation time for the show was starting.
Leith had ensured a dressing room was set for the girls, located in the heart of the Lounge. They would have access to full electricity and running showers and quality vanities. That was a miracle, thank God that the man running the planning seemed competent enough to be called a manager.
The man in charge of everything however, was causing more problems, "Mr. Cobblepot, Sir, the show cannot start a moment earlier." Leith argued, hoping for his sake that he would listen.
The man seemed incapable of truly understanding why, "So, Blais has finally lost her touch, after all of these years, eh?"
Leith felt a surge of anger rush through her at the mention of her boss losing her ability, "No Sir, she is just very exhausted. She won't tell you any of this because she is too modest, but she has not slept in the past 24 hours. She knew that the venue was an option for work, yet she has all of her materials in her studio. She simply cannot move everything here. As I speak she is desperately trying to finish her last historical dress. So please, Mr. Cobblepot, show Ms. Blais your consideration and I will ensure she considers helping with your historical attractions."
Mr. Cobblepot looked intrigued by the deal, "The show will start at the same time; I trust she will call me as soon as this event is over?"
Leith nodded, "I will ensure a meeting between the two of you. Now Sir, if you'll excuse me, I need to speak with Ms. Blais about three more models for the show."
Mr. Cobblepot's eyes met with Leith's for a few ghastly seconds before he dropped his glare, "You mean to tell me that she is missing three models?! This attraction means everything to the museum! Girly, you better have a damn good reason for why this hasn't been solved."
Leith felt herself stumble for words, "I, uh, the event was pushed up ahead of schedule. Wayne Enterprises is making a donation, and this was the only night they could establish the show. I'm afraid that there is indeed a hierarchy, Mr. Cobblepot, even millionaires have to answer to billionaires."
The look of disgust Mr. Cobblepot gave Leith made her immediately bow her head down, yet something told her that Mr. Cobblepot's anger and contempt was not directed at her.
He seemed to have a personal vendetta against Mr. Wayne, Leith noticed cautiously.
"Go and tell Ms. Blais that her models are here, a few of the waitresses are suitable, pick them out and I will tell them to come to you. Tell Ms. Blais, I consider this a favor." Mr. Cobblepot threatened.
Leith nodded, this would have to do, Allie would hate her for this, but this job was the best paying event that they had ever done in years.
If all went well they could end up with over 500'000 dollars from the dress auctions and money raised. Leith knowing Allie the way she did, she would keep hardly a cent of it. Most would go to various charities and the needy. Leith knew that Allie had a heart of gold, and a mind that would never bend for anything.
Leith decided she would check to see how Allie was handling with rushing the last dress, knowing her she would be breaking all of her rules about drinking beverages in her studio. She would be drinking all the coffee she could possibly get her hands on. Knowing Allie the way she did, she would be extremely careful not to get anything on her materials.
When Leith rushed into the studio, she never knew that this could happen: Allie was sleeping on her workbench, her dress left on the bench and the door ajar.
Not to startle her, Leith quietly removed the dress from her hands and rubbed her arm to awaken her loyal employer.
"Allie, Allison, please wake up." Leith continued to rub her arm up and down to wake her up.
Slowly, Allie muttered something about polyester and clawed at her eyes.
"Leith, what's going on? Have the dresses arrived? What time is it?" Allie asked everything appearing hazy in front of her.
Leith remained stoic, trying not to show any anxiety around Allie, "Allie it's now four, the show starts in four hours. The dresses have just made it past Keystone. As of what's going on, you're exhausted, is the dress finished?"
Leith pleaded and begged to God inwardly, desperately hoping Allie had accomplished the impossible. Allie would have to be finished the dress by now, she prayed to God once again that Allie had the strength to complete her task and do the best she could.
Allie coughed and rubbed her forehead, "Yeah, Leith, I'm finished with the Victorian dress. Have all the models been selected?"
"About that," Leith began carefully hopping to assuage her worries, "Calm down Allie, please. I have all the models, but you will have to be in the show. Only three of Cobblepot's waitresses fit the specific measurements, so this relies on you and me to see this through."
After Leith's explanation, Allie felt slightly better about the entire event.
"Alright, the two dresses that we'll have to model are the Victorian and the medieval one. You'll look better in the Victorian, Leith. Listen, the models need to be prepared and instructed of how to walk in them, most of the dresses are of the time periods—you already know this. I need you to drive me to the Bowery and I can explain everything I need to, okay?" Allie sighed.
Leith nodded and carefully placed the bag over top of the elegant dress. Most people considered dressmakers to be such antiquated people, but Allie knew that her profession was beneficial. She made her own clothes, much to the ire of the gossip magazines. There were no 'who wore it better' segments, but there were several critics that knew no bounds. She had to keep her studio location discrete because of what had happened in the past.
Early in the same year, an overenthusiastic fan caught wind of where Allie and her team were situated for a few months as Keystone wanted her dressmaking services for a photo shoot. Allie agreed to the terms and they set her up with a temporary apartment for as long as it would take. During this time, as she was out of Gotham, several news reporters and writers for the Gotham Gazette entertainment division tried to scope out her location. During this time a young man, who went by the name Lee Smith, stole a press pass and followed Leith until she inevitably led him to Allie. He demanded several items of hers and threatened Leith to give her the dress designs. He wished to make his own tailored suit, and needed Allie's assistance. According to authorities he had several firearms in his vehicle, and a suitcase full of blueprints for the apartment she was staying at. As soon as Allie found this out she never disclosed the location of her shoots. She had hid her location and had several pseudo workplaces that she could travel to discretely, compliments of a Sherman Fine, a broker that was very confidential for the right dollar amount.
While she was reminiscing over the past, Leith continued to pack away materials. Allie focused more on getting to the car if anything. Her head spun and she felt her knees grow weak. Walking down the stairs took more effort than walking in a straight line. Allie balked at the sight of the car, it was a limo, despite her pleas for her own Honda. Dammit Leith, she thought bitterly.
She had a few items in her tote bag, but Leith was carrying the dress. Allie sauntered over to the limo carefully and opened the backseat door. Sighing to herself she leaned into the seat and dug her back comfortably trying to find a better position. She sat up more alert when she heard someone in the back seat with her clear their throat.
Allie turned to the man beside her, the full figure of a handsome man was right beside her, his bright blue eyes boring into hers curiously. His hair was jet black and his features sharply defined.
Allison had never felt more embarrassed in her entire life, Mr. Wayne, the man who had her running rampant trying to meet the shortened deadline was right here, and she was in his limo.
Allie felt her cheeks turn crimson, stuttering to form words, she quickly apologized.
"Mr. Wayne, I am so sorry! I thought-I figured this was my ride and way of getting to the Bowery! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me, I'll-" Allie was cut off.
"Are you alright Ms. Blais?" Mr. Wayne asked his brow furrowing.
"This is the average day for me I'm afraid, I'm a little tired. Please forgive me, I'll be on my way. I'm so sorry for the intrusion." Allie cursed her headache and tired looking appearance.
"I would be happy to have my driver escort you to the Bowery, how about it? I would be happy to accompany you there." Mr. Wayne offered smiling his signature look, a look he often saved for the paparazzi and reporters.
"I'm afraid I'm in a bit of a rush, I wouldn't make very good company. You'll have to forgive me once again, Mr. Wayne." Allie insisted.
Taking one last look at the billionaire philanthropist she made her way out of the limo carefully. Before she could step out however, she felt an arm snake around her wrist.
Mr. Wayne had cleared his throat once again, "Will you be alright Ms. Blais?"
Allie could no longer remain civil, "I will be Mr. Wayne, but as for future reference, I would not suddenly change set dates as if they are nothing. Its hell in a handbasket to keep up as it is, it's especially hard for those organizers to deal with erratic behavior. Giving generous donations or not, you should consider the work of your loyal employees and those who help you and those that do not work on your behalf. Have a nice day, Mr. Wayne."
Allie shut the door on an astounded Bruce Wayne's face and felt no remorse. Why should she? That man had everything going for him, hell, he was even born with a golden spoon in his mouth. He knew only a life of privilege, she doubted he even had a sense of humility. Goddamn playboy, Allie thought to herself bitterly.
Before she knew what was happening a loud voice proclaimed, "ALICE I HAVE FINALLY FOUND YOU!"
Allison turned around to see a small man in a green tailored suit that resembled the Mad Hatter in Lewis Carroll's children's book.
The man was being escorted by several police officers yet he managed to run from them, even with the handcuffs binding his hands.
He was headed straight for Allie and she had nowhere to turn, her studio was across the street but that was in his path. Behind her there were several fences, blocking the way. Hell, oh God I'm going to regret this tomorrow!
In hindsight, Allie realized it was kind of a pathetic move on her part, but she was in danger and Leith was watching her actions from the front of Dent's Campaign office. She ran behind the limo, halfway between jumping on the trunk and sliding behind it. She heard the window roll down and barely saw Mr. Wayne's concerned face before she jumped on the fence. The metal dug into her palms, but she didn't stop climbing. She wasn't sure who was after her, but if he had handcuffs on his hands, then he was certainly a threat. She was soon over the fence much to the smaller man's chagrin.
"Does Alice still wish to evade me? I was hoping we could have tea, what an experience that would be!"
The police cruisers were abandoned for a few precious moments before he was once again apprehended.
One of the officers looked at Allie in admiration, "For a socialite, you can sure run."
Allie felt her brow furrow, "Who is that man, and why did he call me Alice?"
The police officer once again looked over to where the short man was standing, staring admirably at her. He was being placed in the back of the police car, this time before he could escape the police once more, the door was shut quickly.
"Oh, him? He escaped from Arkham Asylum a few days ago, his name is Jervis Tetch, that crazy lunatic thinks he is the Mad Hatter."
"From Alice in Wonderland?" Allie inquired interested.
The police officer nodded, smiling at her, "Yeah that would be the one. Anyway, are you alright Ms. Blais?"
Allie muttered a quick yeah and made her way back over the fence. She didn't see the limo; figures Wayne would leave where there was trouble lurking around the corner.
Leith rushed over and hugged her viciously before anyone could come between them.
"Allie, I don't care what you say, tonight I'm driving your car. There and back, come on, we're going to be late for setup, let's go!"
Allie managed to nod to the officer and he resumed his stance near the courthouse. Together Leith and Allie walked to her car parked in front of the campaign office.
Leith unlocked the car with a push of a button and helped Allie in the car. Turning to her employer, Leith spoke, "I know now is not the best of times, but Mr. Wayne says he wants to speak with you and it's urgent. He is at the Bowery and has demanded to see you. It's regarding the auctions and such."
Allie sighed theatrically, "I made a powerful enemy today, Leith."
Leith smiled at her friend, "No, he may like you. Not many people have the guts to stand up to him. Your actions were admirable and commendable. I'm proud of you, Allie."
Allie smiled genuinely at Leith, "I suppose I did tell that Man-Whore off didn't I?"
Leith laughed a booming laugh that made Allie feel special, she never laughed like that unless she was at complete ease, "I wouldn't recommend you calling him that to his face though, Allie."
"Of course not," Allie commented dryly.
The rest of the car ride was in silence, Allie preferred it that way, in all actuality.
She soon found herself drifting off in the quiet of the car. But before Allie could enjoy any more precious moments of slumber the car was being parked and she witnessed the similar limo pull up beside her beat-up Honda.
"Ugh, I'm in hell." Allie moaned, trying to unbuckle her seatbelt.
Leith took the cars from the ignition and assisted Allie in removing the buckle. She regarded Allison's pale reflection and lifeless eyes. She didn't need this stress right now, she needed sleep, and lots of it.
"Leith, find me a gun and load, don't stop shooting until I stop twitching. Please?" Allie begged Leith.
Leith found this unamusing and shook her head curtly. Leith got out of the car and noticed Mr. Wayne doing the same.
Allie scratched her face and tousled her hair out of her face. Walking out of the car was one of the most difficult things she could do today.
She smiled proudly like nothing had happened before and began to walk towards where Mr. Wayne and Leith were talking quietly.
"Mr. Wayne, this event is happening tonight whether you want to go back on it or not. I'm sorry, we have come too far to stop everything now." Leith argued pointing out the flaw in his logic.
"I'm sorry I caused this much stress on the planners. Mr. Cobblepot mentioned tonight that it would be fine. I had to pay another hefty fee, but nothing I can't afford." Mr. Wayne apologized rather genuinely.
"Mr. Wayne, surely you must understand that we are accustomed to this business. We know how to recover from sudden changes. Albeit rather stressful, we can alter plans very quickly." Leith countered, trying to make him feel better about the shift in schedule.
Allie made her presence known by speaking up, "I need to do a few things Mr. Wayne, please walk with me?"
Mr. Wayne turned to the younger tired woman and fell in place beside her. Leith knew what to do from there: gather the models and give them the details, and gather Reid's supplies. They had much to do before the show. The job was to model the dresses in the specific attractions and scenes. Each dress was symbolic to the era, and the models were to remain motionless and stand on an elevated piece of background for better viewing. That would hopefully incite higher bids for the dresses themselves. If the dresses got enough bids they would have their name on the plaque in the museum. That would do very well for those wishing to stay relevant.
Allie didn't stiffen at all when Mr. Wayne put his hand on her lower back to walk alongside her.
"Ms. Blais, I'm sorry about earlier, I shouldn't have let my driver flee from the scene. I must say, quick thinking on your part to hop the fence, how you managed in those shoes is beyond me." Mr. Wayne apologized quietly, trying to keep his voice down.
Allie heard the shoe comment and couldn't hold in her low laugh, Mr. Wayne turned to see her fighting to keep her laughter to a minimum.
"These shoes are intense, I must say. You know what? I'm going to have to apply makeup regardless." Allie mentioned stopping them from walking in a busy corridor by moving to the corner.
She told Mr. Wayne to stay still and she carefully took off her high heels, relishing in the blood going back through her feet normally. She took her hand off Mr. Wayne's shoulder and held her shoes in her left hand.
"Anyway, the 'Alice' thing had me worried, after all, he managed to evade the police. The officer mentioned he was in Arkham Asylum. I felt I had no choice but to go over the fence." Allie joked, shrugging the experience from her shoulders.
Mr. Wayne stopped to look at Allie, his eyes staring into hers, "You could have climbed back into the car, you know that right?"
Allie swallowed the nervousness down, "I'm sure you have other damsels in distress to save, I refuse to be one of them."
Mr. Wayne gave her a strange look before going back to walking.
"That aside, you proved to me you could take care of yourself, Ms. Blais." Mr. Wayne commented dryly.
Allie smiled, "For God's sake Mr. Wayne, you're making me feel old; it's Allie. Please, just call me Allie. This Ms. Blais nonsense has me thinking I'm a lot older than I am."
Mr. Wayne flashed another one of his smiles, "Then I insist you call me Bruce."
"Bruce it is then." Allie replied, clearly enjoying saying his name.
"So, Allie, how old are you? You weren't in Gotham for your entire life were you?" Bruce asked curiously.
Allie didn't like when people asked her about her past, she preferred to give the shortened version of everything. That way, the press would have to mull over the limited details and fill in their own gaps with lies. If they knew the truth about her, it would destroy everything she worked towards doing.
"No I moved here with my aunt, she died a few years ago. But I gained an inheritance almost as tall as me. I'm afraid my talents are only dressmaking and tailoring items." Allie informed.
"Surely not only that, you've become quite the philanthropist yourself, if I do say so myself. Not to mention the fact that you're a fashion icon for the elite here in the city." Mr. Wayne objected.
Allison laughed crudely, "Please, Bruce, you're killing me. Me a philanthropist? I barely give a dime to the less fortunate."
Mr. Wayne sounded surprised, "So you don't mean to tell me that you have invested over one million dollars to the Wayne Foundation? Not even you are that good at getting others to cover your tracks. Yet, the anonymous donation went far that year. You want a ditzy persona for the press so you can do what you need in disguise."
Allie felt her blood run cold, if he knew that much from his resources, what was stopping him from revealing the entire truth.
Allie decided she had to fight back, with anything she could. She needed to ensure that her story stayed in the shadows, oh God I hope this works.
"Bruce, you flatter me with your misinformation. That was Leith's decision, she found me past out with bottles and bottles of alcohol in my room. She figured that she could instill hope in my lost partied out soul by helping others and me seeing the results. You know what I'm talking about, taking shot after shot until you can't count anymore. I'm surprised the media hasn't publicly crucified me yet." Allie lied, trying to sound convincing.
She needed this image to stay afloat, after all, she couldn't be the angel in the darkness when the media followed her disguise too closely.
"You're an alcoholic?" Bruce asked confused, not believing a word she stated.
"Yes, just a few days ago Leith had to fish me out of the pool at Diamoni's hotel. Say, isn't that one of your hotels anyway?" Allie asked carefully.
Bruce looked horrified, "That was you?!"
Allie had to stop herself from laughing, "I'm damaged beyond repair, Mr. Wayne."
Before anyone could say anything else or add any dialogue to the conversation, Leith grabbed Allie's arm and gave a nod to Mr. Wayne.
As she was half-dragged away, she called out to Mr. Wayne, "It was good talking to you, Brucie! I look forward to it again! You know where to find me once this is over, if you know what I mean." Allie giggled, hoping that would sell the stupid blonde ditz act.
Bruce Wayne looked less than amused and tugged at his tie around his collar.
When out of sight and earshot, Leith spoke up, "What the hell was that, Allie?"
"He was getting too close, Leith. Far too close for comfort. If he thinks me an idiot, then I'll stay an idiot. He knew about the donations, all the anonymous donations. I need to keep this façade up, it's dangerous to break out of character. You of all people know that, Leith." Allie explained.
Leith sighed, "Yes I do, but please be careful. Just because your father is under Cadmus' control doesn't mean you are safe. You would do well to remember that."
…
Later that evening, everything appeared to be going as predicted. Reid was doing an amazing job multitasking the numerous models, clearly enjoying his work. He laughed and joked with the women, most adored Reid, thankfully. He had previously clients that were more than difficult to deal with. He was thankful that he received Allie's call early that morning. He sent the models out in a succession, one after the other, after the other. His backstage setup was perfect, the dressing room was fairly large enough to hold them all in comfortably.
The vanities were all glowing and his supplied strewn about the countertops. The floor was a sparkly white with different coloured sequins within. He thought that it wasn't tacky, but tasteful. Reid ordered the models to be brought out in the order they were going to grace the stage. The last model he worked on was indeed Allie herself.
She had gorgeous long hair that was a pale blond and light green eyes. Her cheekbones were high and she looked stunning, but her eyes lacked warmth, and her frown lines were evident. Reid covered all of her flaws quickly: the bags under her eyes, the stress and frown lines, and the wrinkles that came with a high pressure job.
Reid covered her face with makeup, but in a discrete way. She looked beautiful even without makeup, yet was glowing by the time Reid was finished.
"How are you feeling, honey?" Reid asked carefully finishing up the last remaining piece of work, her eyes.
Allie smiled, "Tired, Reid, very tired."
Reid noticed that too, it had been hell trying to cover her lines under her eyes, it took much more makeup than usual.
"You don't look tired anymore, Allie." Reid winked before helping her off the black elevated chair.
Allie smirked and said she had better not, before proceeding to make her way out to the stage.
Leith had written a script for the announcer's to say before Allie had emerged from the hidden corridor. Leith made the impossible possible, she was a dear friend that knew a lot about organizing events and planning ahead. Allie knew she would be lost without her.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our final historical interpretation of the era for the night. She walks with the regal tone and she is certainly going to catch the eye of any king. Representing the medieval era of kings, feasts, and the occasional regicide…"
The audience laughed at that moment.
"Is our very own dressmaker and tailor herself, Ms. Allison Blais!"
The audience clapped loudly and a standing ovation was graced upon her. As she turned to do a royal curtsy, the lights flickered and went out. This was not part of the show, we practiced, what could have happened? Allie questioned herself.
"What we have here is a simple case of damsel in distress, how fitting, don't you think?!" A loud voice boomed next to Allie onstage.
Allie fought the urge to scream, instead she followed the heavy breathing and brought her fist to the figure. Several of the lights came back on via generator and what she saw frightened her.
A man with a mask stuck to his face was coming upon her quickly. The hit made him stagger slightly and only managed to stun him for a few seconds. He quickly back-handed Allie with such strength she fell to the ground, her small frame crumpled on the side of the stage.
The audience was frightened. Most were screaming as the windows of the Lounge were broken and henchmen were huddling inside clutching automatic assault weapons.
Allie caught Bruce's eye, and he looked furious rather than angry.
"Here's how it's going to be folks!" Black Mask cried, "I'm going to take Allison Blais off your hands, and she will be held for ransom. I'm demanding fifty million dollars for her safe return, or else every day I will be sending a limb back to the GCPD!" Black Mask threatened.
Allie shrieked in anger, "Like hell!"
She managed to get up off of her feet and drop kick Black Mask. She ran to one of the exits and was about to pry the door open until an armed henchman brought her back to the stage.
"Somebody help me!" Allie cried, as she realized no one was going to intervene.
Most were evacuating the Lounge as fast as they could, many tripping over one another to get to safety.
She sent a pleading glance towards Bruce, only to find him gone in the wind.
As she was brought towards the stage, Black Mask looked menacingly towards her.
"If you try that once again, I'll put a bullet between your eyes first. Screw the damn money, I will not be fighting with the likes of you, you rich bitch." Black Mask threatened his voice low.
Allie backed down, "Okay, I can give you money, just harm no one here, please. Put the gun down."
Black Mask sneered, "Of course sweetheart, boys, you know what to do!"
Suddenly a ring of shots sounded throughout the night. Many were caught in the crosshairs, but before long a lone figure came through the broken window that caused many men to start shooting together.
Black Mask roared, "So you finally show up!"
Allie felt herself being pulled up by the arm, she felt the barrel of the gun being pointed at her temple.
Jesus Christ, anyone, God please don't let this be my end.
Inevitably, tears began to form in her eyes as Black Mask clutched her closer into a headlock.
The figure that resembled a Bat spoke, "Let her go, now Sionis!"
"I don't think so, she is the key to all of this; she's going to make me very rich indeed. Why would I give her up?" the man named Sionis asked.
Batman stood menacingly, he knew if he attacked now she would die.
"Hang on, here's an insurance policy," Sionis stated.
Before Allie could think of what was happening she felt the gun on her spine. Allie didn't know what would happen if she tried to move, obviously get shot, but where would the bullet penetrate?
She noticed an opportunity when Sionis shot at the Batman. She quickly pulled a swift kick to his crotch and ran. She ran beyond the curtain and into the vacated dressing room the shots close to hitting her small frame. She felt a bullet graze her arm and she screamed an inhuman sound as she ran towards the safety of the dressing room.
She closed the double doors with inhuman speed and grabbed a broom from the small supply closet and shoved it between the handles of the door. Effectively creating a barrier.
Think, defense, think Allie. She scanned the room quickly, she would not be the victim for any longer. She saw that the vents were bolted in, if she could only get into the ventilation system she could find her way out of the ballroom and into a smaller remote area and get out of the museum.
Not in this dress, Allie thought cautiously, this wouldn't normally fit into anything.
Seeing her tote bag with black and white dots she nearly jumped for joy, she quickly cut the dress off her body, promising to replicate it to the best of her ability later.
She changed into black leggings and her flats and wore a loose fitting blue shirt along with her tight grey cardigan. Before she shrugged her cardigan on, she hastily wrapped a damp cloth over her arm where the blood was seeping out.
She tried her best to pry the vent off the bolts, yet her arms were not strong enough to pull it.
Suddenly she heard the shots at the door.
She couldn't help herself, she screamed a bloodcurdling scream of anguish before raging about to open the vent. She wasn't sure if this Batman character were saving her for the fun of it, but it would be an amazing moment if he showed up to help her.
Before she ponder much more, the vent revealed a slightly amused Batman.
"JESUS CHRIST!" Allie screamed, backing away from the vent.
"You may want to hold off calling for him right now." The Batman retorted wittily.
"What are you?!" Allie screamed.
"The cavalry, everyone else is out, but you. Come on, unless you'd rather go with them." Batman responded in his deep baritone-like voice. Referencing the henchmen at the door.
"Hell no. Lead the way…what do I call you?" Allie asked flustered.
"Batman." Batman replied, pulling Allie up like she were a ragdoll.
"Hey, put me down!" Allie cried as he brought her into the vent.
This is going to be one fu%^&* up night, Allie remarked to herself before following the Batman through the vents.