She walked with ease to the secretary's desk in the bright office. "Excuse me," she said.

"Yes, ma'am." The secretary answered looking up from her computer.

"Is Mr. Bruce Wayne in his office?" the mystery woman asked.

"Yes, he is Miss, but he's in a meeting with Wayne Enterprises CEO, Mr. Fox and can not be interrupted."

"Ah, I see. I can wait. If possible, could you give him this gift? He will understand the meaning."

"Yes, miss." She stood up from her desk and knocked on the black office door.

"Come in, Jessica." A man's voice called.

She entered and spoke, "Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Wayne. A very attractive European young woman is waiting for you, sir. She did not give me her name, just this gift. She said you would understand it." Jessica gave Bruce Wayne the gift as Lucius Fox looked on curious.

"How do you know that the young woman is European, Jessica?" Bruce asked wondering how women knew things about each other by looks alone.

"I recognized classic Chanel suits anywhere. Actually, she looks as if Chanel is her only designer." Bruce smiled shaking his head as he opened the package. He pulled out a small display case. Sitting inside was a small gold carriage.

"What is it, Mr. Wayne?" Lucius and Jessica both asked.

"It is a replica of the Coronation Coach from the Imperial Easter Eggs designed by Faberge." He replied. "Mari!" he whispered as he rose from his seat and walked quickly to the door.

The waiting woman turned as he walked out the door. "Mari, it is you." Bruce said. She smiled and laughed as he pulled her into a hug. "What are you doing in Gotham City, Mari? Last time I saw you, you were the toast of St. Petersburg, Countess."

"Well, Bruce" Mari started. "Your sudden return to Gotham has been the talk everywhere. Once, I knew you had surfaced from wherever you disappeared to I only knew I had to see you again. There is much for us to talk about, Cherie."

Bruce smiled and thought back over the past.

After the confrontation with Chill in the Narrows, Bruce left Gotham to figure out where he stood and who he wanted to be as Rachel suggested. In his travels, he arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia.

There he entered society and began to bump into a new Countess that was the talk of the town. Dr. Anastasia Robins had just completed a through restoration of the Faberge collection and the Crown Jewels of the Tsars still owned by the Russian Government. She was able to return the luster to fading enamel and the restored treasures were known to be more beautiful than other privately owned collections.

Bruce was impressed by her intelligence and was drawn to her on every occasion they attended. Their brief romance put St. Petersburg on its ears. But Bruce, knowing his search was not finished, had to end things. The September night was crisp and moonlit.

"Mari, I hate to change topics but we need to talk." He said quietly.

"Bruce, what is it?" she looked at him seeing his pain.

"Mari, your spirit and intelligence is what has drawn me to you. The more I know you the more my heart belongs to you. But I have to be honest with both of us."

"Bruce, you're scaring me."

"Mari, you know I left Gotham to search for who I am and what it is I am supposed to do. I arrived here in St. Petersburg as a part of my search. But I am not finished with that search. You know that I am trying to find myself."

"I know, darling. I appreciate that. But what does this have to do with us?"

"Mari, I have to leave here and you." She gasped as he continued, "Darling, I want to be with you but in order to be the man you deserve I need to know who I am first. I am sorry that this causes you pain but I had to be up front and honest with you."

Pulling herself together, "Bruce, I know that you have your search. And as much as it hurts me, I have to let you go. I can only pray that you come back to me. Never forget how much I love you. If the time comes and I come to you, I'll leave the Coronation Coach as my calling card to remind you of here. Would you see me if this happens?"

"Of course love." He kissed her deeply. She stepped out of his arms and walked out of his life.

Bruce faced his friend who had helped him in his quest to clean up Gotham and said, "Lucius, may I introduce, Dr. Anastasia Robins, or Countess Robins as St. Petersburg knows her." Lucius smiled at her as Bruce spoke again, "Mari, this is the man who I trust Wayne Enterprises to, Mr. Lucius Fox."

Anastasia spoke then, "There is only a minor correction to that introduction, Bruce. My last name changed. It's actually Strickland. It hasn't been changed yet as the divorce is still in process."

"Divorce?!" Bruce said. "When did you get married, Mari?"

"Five years is a long time, Bruce. Lives went on while you were gone. But that time is almost over so that makes our reconnection perfect."

"I hate to cut this short, Mari. I have so much to do with the business but we need to talk. Where are you staying? I'd love to see you tonight."

"I'm at the Gotham Tower. Call me when you are free." She said as she turned to leave.

"No, Mari. Wait." Bruce said grabbing her arm to stop her. Mari cried out in pain and she pulled her arm away from him. "Mari, what's wrong with your arm?"

"It's nothing. Just leave it alone, Bruce." She said with tears coming to her eyes as she looked to the floor. He gently pushed up her face and looked her in the eyes.

"That's bull and you know it. Don't try to lie to me, Mari. Now let me see your arm."

"Please just don't do anything. It's over with and he'll be out of my life soon. Promise me, Bruce."

"Just let me see your arm, Mari." He pushed her jacket off her shoulders and on her arm a large and deep bruise appeared around her elbow. "Jesus, Mari." Bruce whispered. "What happened here?"

"I just can't talk about this now. Please, Bruce. I'm asking you, please." In her eyes, the pain was clear as well as in the wavering voice.

"Alright, Mari. I give. But later we will talk about this. I'll come by to pick you up tonight and we'll talk then." She nodded and smiled. He hugged her and watched as she walked out of his life again but only for a short time.