Alfred's life had taken a turn for the boring. Housekeeping hadn't been his dream job. Still he scrubbed a tea tray like he was polishing a royal crown. He worked efficiently but delicately. Soon he was on to the tea pot and then the tea cups.
Certainly it wasn't life threatening like his time in the British military. It wasn't exhilarating like spy work. But it kept him busy until Bruce came home.
So he placed the tea set in the cabinet and started dusting the candle sticks.
The fireplace creaked behind him.
"Good evening, Alfred."
"Back so soon Master Bruce?" The butler's voice dripped with sarcasm. It was half past midnight. Alfred didn't bother turning around and went back to dusting.
Bruce probably rolled his eyes before walking into the dining room. A second pair of steps scampered behind him.
"What's for dinner Alfred?" Dick's voice echoed through the halls.
"You'll be eating it regardless." Alfred called back. He truly enjoyed the Waynes. But he enjoyed the silence without them almost as much. "I've laid it all out on the table. I assumed you'd be famished, as usual."
"Thanks Alfred!"
"Why don't you relax for a bit and sit with us?"
"As you wish, Master Bruce." Alfred set down his cleaning tools and slipped into the dining room. He took the seat opposite Dick, who was shoveling food into his face at record speed. "Do slow down, Master Grayson."
"Mhhm-Sworry"
Alfred sighed. "It's as if you grew up in a barn."
Dick swallowed and cleared his throat. "Circus actually!"
That boy could be so dense.
"I've got something for you, Alfred." Bruce dug into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. "A woman came by my office today, a Ms. Crawford? She heard you were working for me. She left her number."
"Eww a girlfriend!"
"Dick." Bruce scolded.
Alfred took the paper wordlessly. He hadn't thought about that name in over a decade.
"She said she would be delighted to meet you for lunch and catch up. But obviously I never guaranteed anything."
"No-Thank you, sir. It was very kind of you to pass on the message. If you don't mind I'd like to reach out to her now."
"Of course."
Alfred stepped out a bit shell shocked. He didn't even notice the kissy noises Dick was making.
He shut the kitchen door and picked up the phone. He hadn't exactly left things on good terms with Hannah Crawford. Leaving without a word in the middle of the night hadn't been his smoothest move. Alfred felt he owed it to her to return the call.
He dialed the numbers slowly. He felt his breath grow shallower with ever ring.
"Hello?" She had the same raspy British accent as ever. It was low and warm. Alfred used to find it comforting. Now it made him nervous.
"Hello ma'am, um-Hannah. It's Alfred Pennyworth. We used to-"
"I know who you are Alfred."
"Right, right. Well, I received your message. I'm glad to know you're in the area and doing well. I-"
"Could I take you to breakfast tomorrow? Maybe a coffee?"
"Hannah do you really think that's-I...I'd love to go to coffee."
"Eight o'clock?"
"Eight o'clock."
"Goodnight, Alfred."
"Yes, goodnight."
Beep….beep….beep. Alfred still had the phone to his cheek. He wondered what kind of mess he had gotten himself into.