I have also redone this chapter and am much happier with it, now I'm off to finish chapter 3


Chapter 2: Hot In The City

A couple of days later and a lot of hard work the day came for the big grand opening of the club. Ali sat up and stretched, she had promised Sean yesterday that she wouldn't go near the club till tonight; he reassured her that he had everything under control, including the VIP table for Bruce Wayne. It was decided to keep the table for others who may wish to book a VIP table. Ali made herself a coffee and went out onto her balcony, the balcony was large enough for her to put a small table and chair out there so that she could enjoy the fresh air.


Bruce Wayne entered the Wayne Enterprises building he had a meeting with Lucius Fox, he wanted to show Lucius the blueprints he had discovered about the underground of Ali's club, when he did some digging around about Ali's club. He wanted Fox to create some sort of device that would trigger a signal to his bat cave or on his cell whenever someone used the tunnel for whatever the reason.

Lucius looked up at Bruce. "How are you going to get inside to plant these devices?"

Bruce smirked at Lucius. "Because I am Batman."

Lucius looked at Bruce with an amused smirk on his face. "Perhaps you should find a way for Batman and Ali to meet. Would make it easier for you to gain entry into her basement."

Bruce looked out the top floor window in thought. "That is a good idea, timing has to play a factor in our meeting it's not like I can just approach her and say hi, I'm batman and I'm here to help you." Bruce also realized that he would have to make sure Ali knew he wasn't some sort of crazy stalker. "I'll find a way for the meeting to happen." Bruce was amused at thought of another meeting it wasn't every day someone got to meet twice for the first time.

"If you could get inside and have a look at the passages under her club, I could create something that will blend in and be undetected." Lucius responded. "But I will need some pictures to see what it looks like down there."

Bruce nodded. "I will get them as soon as I can." Bruce stood up from his chair. "Now you and I have another meeting upstairs with a few shareholders." Bruce walked over to the elevator and waited for Lucius to join him.


At the club Tess walked through the door and gave Sean a big hug. "How is everything going here?"

Sean returned Tess's hug and responded. "It's hard keeping that girl out of the club, I made her promise not to come in till after 5pm."

Tess chuckled. "She's going to be so thrilled to see me." Tess looked around the club; she was impressed with what she saw. "She has such an attractive place here, I am almost jealous."

Sean nodded. "It took a lot of work getting it this far and Ali worked tirelessly at it and deserves success."

Tess smirked while looking at the stage. "Oh, she will be once the citizens of this city listen to that voice of hers." Tess commented. "I miss that girl terribly."

Sean reached behind the bar and brought out the Gotham times and shows Tess a clipping on page three. "There are a few citizens in this city who have already gotten an example of her talent at a Bruce Wayne charity."

Tess took a moment to read the article and shook her head when she saw the picture of Ali and the Billionaire Bruce Wayne together. "She does have a big talent for attracting the rich men. I hope that she is careful with this one."

"I have done some reading up on Bruce Wayne he seems like a good man." Sean explains how Bruce lost his parents at a young age and that they were very well respected citizens of Gotham City. "Mr. Wayne is going to be here tonight he has the VIP table booked."

Tess smiled. "Good I'll check Mr. Model citizen out for myself." Tess walked over to the stage and looked at the girls. "Are you ready for rehearsal?" The ladies nodded at Tess and got into position. Ali didn't know it yet but Tess was going to make a special appearance and do the opening number for Ali. The music began…


Ali decided to take a walk to keep herself from going to the club, it was on her mind to go and make sure Sean didn't need help with any of the small details. After changing her clothes Ali stepped outside her hotel, the sun was hot, but not overbearing as a gentle breeze helped to keep the day cool. Ali walked a few blocks and was coming up on Wayne Enterprises she slowed down a little when Lucius and Bruce suddenly appeared through the front doors of the large building. Bruce immediately noticed her when he looked her way at something. He smiled at her and was a bit surprised to see her. "Ali, hello what are you doing here?" Bruce knew that Ali had walked a long distance from her hotel to be here.

Shrugging Ali responds. "I thought I'd go out and take a walk, it is such a beautiful day and I haven't seen much of Gotham so I thought I'd take a small tour, and get to know it a little."

Lucius smiled at the Blonde. "There is a lot to be learned about this city, you picked a pleasant day to do so."

Ali smirked as her eyes grew a bit large. "Yeah, tell me about it. I did some rather interesting reading last night. I found some old newspaper clippings online."

Bruce was interested in listening to what Ali said then asks. "So what did you find so interesting?"

"Oh, just a man dressed up in rubber suit calling himself Batman claiming to be saving the city." Ali felt stupid saying it. "I think it's just some powerful rich guy who has too much time and money on his hands."

Lucius and Bruce exchanged knowing glances. "Lucius, this is Ali with no last name and Ali this is my employee and friend Lucius."

Ali accepts Lucius's hand and they shook. "Nice to meet you Lucius." Ali spoke.

"The pleasure is all mine, Ali with no last name." Lucius mocked.

Bruce then adds. "Lucius and I were going back to my manor for lunch; would you care to join us?"

Ali thinks about it. "Uh, I… Don't know." Ali was looking for an excuse to say no, she remembered all too well what happened with the last rich guy she went to dinner with.

"It would be nice to have a pretty face to look at, rather than this one." Lucius joked as he pointed at Bruce.

Ali shrugged. "Well, okay, since I can't go to work till 5pm." Ali couldn't find the excuse to say no, and she didn't want to be rude.

Bruce frowned at Ali. "Why can't you go to work till 5pm?" Alfred pulls up with the Rolls Royce.

Ali explained to Bruce and Lucius about Sean as she climbed into the back of the Rolls Royce with Bruce and Lucius took the front seat beside Alfred. "Can you believe it? I got threatened to be kicked out of my own club by someone who works for me." Ali, Bruce, Alfred and Lucius all chuckle.

"Well sounds to me like you have good people working for you who care about you." Lucius advised her.

Ali nodded at Lucius. "Sean is very capable of running the place without me and there isn't really much more that needed to be done." Ali knew that her sidekick Amy would be there helping out and she trusted her as well.

On the way to Bruce's manor Bruce points out some of the structures in Gotham and how his parents built the monorail and made them affordable to those who couldn't afford their own transportation. Soon they are driving through the gates of Wayne manor and all three of them got out and were led out to a table that was set up outside. Alfred sat up another spot for Ali, Alfred was delighted that Ali came back for a visit. Alfred joins them for lunch.

"So tell me Ali, how did you get started in the Burlesque business?" Lucius asked her wanting to get to know Ali a little.

Taking a deep breath Ali sat back in her chair and began telling her story. All three men listened to her intently from how she started out working in a bar in a small town in Iowa and how her old boss owed her a lot of back pay that she had stolen before leaving. Ali finished her story and lifted a coffee cup up for a sip of the hot liquid. "So I decided that I wanted my own club and a place opened up here in Gotham City and decided to go into business myself. I signed an agreement with your mayor that my club will be the only Burlesque club in Gotham for as long as the place remains open."

Bruce looked at Ali with his blue eyes he seemed impressed with her business sense; it was smart to make a deal such as that. But even the mayor was corrupt and felt that he soon would call on a favor from Ali for making that deal. "Did you ever find out who robbed you?"

Ali shook her head and she had thought about it. "No, but I do have a sneaky suspicion that it could be my old boss, he may have found out where I was living and stole his money back."

"Do you still want to try and figure it out?" Bruce asked her, knowing that he would try and help her.

Ali looked down at the table in thought then back up at Bruce. "You know it was so long ago, and I'm doing well for myself now, it doesn't really matter anymore, I just want to keep going forward and not look back on what was. I just want to focus on the future."

Even Lucius was impressed with Ali, he stood up and adds. "Well, I have to leave the company of such a lovely lady but I must be getting back to work."

Alfred stood and went to get the Rolls. Ali also stood up. "Well, I am ready to go as…"

Bruce gently placed his hand on Ali's arm. "I would really like it if you would stay here with me for the afternoon, I'll make sure you get back before 5pm."

Ali looked down at Bruce, he was still sitting she was surprised by his invitation, but she was kind of enjoying the quiet surroundings. "Sure, why not I have nothing to do till then. I could use the distraction."

Bruce smiled at Ali and stood. "Great then it's settled, how about a tour around the manor?" He held out his arm for Ali to take. "You don't need your friend on how to do this do you?" He joked.

Ali laughed. "No, I don't need my friend here to show me how to take you arm." Ali took Bruce's arm. "Didn't it go something like this?" Ali realized that Lucius and Alfred had already made a quick exit, not realizing that they were making an effort to leave her and Bruce alone.

"Well done." Bruce answered. "Just one small detail." Bruce pulled Ali a little closer to his side she was standing a bit far from him.

Ali laughed and they went about touring the manor. "You have a beautiful home Bruce." Ali was impressed with the large fireplace when Bruce took her into the living room to sit. The grandfather clocked chimes out 2pm making Ali realize that she and Bruce had been walking around for at least an hour.

"It's a nice home but even with it filled with nice things, it still feels empty." Bruce commented.

Ali looked at Bruce, for some reason he didn't seem like the lonely type. "Where are all those girls you hang around with? Aren't you Gotham's playboy?"

"I've not enjoyed their company as much as I'm enjoying yours." Bruce answered truthfully.

Alfred had returned to the manor a while ago and walked into the living room, finding Bruce and Ali sitting on the couch chatting up a storm. Alfred really hated to interrupt. "Master Wayne there is a phone call for you in the den."

Bruce looked a bit annoyed at the interruption, but got up. "Alright, thanks Alfred." Bruce looked at Ali. "Make yourself at home, I won't be long." Bruce rushed off to take his call.

Alfred gave Ali a warm smile. "Can I get you anything to drink dear?"

Ali nodded. "Water would be nice, thanks Alfred."

Alfred nodded and walked out of the room to go to the kitchen.

Ali stood up and looked around the living room to find a radio; she switches it on and turns the dial looking for some good music. She stops when she hears a song by Kelly Clarkson called Dance With Me. The fast beat encourages her to begin dancing in time with it; she kicks off her shoes and began to lose herself in the music and the rhythm.

Bruce returned from his phone call to find Ali dancing about looking so elegant with her moves he leaned against the doorway and smiled while he watched her, he could watch her do that all day. It has been a while since this manor had some joy in it.

Ali spun around and is slightly startled when she spotted Bruce standing there she smiles at him, and sang along with the song. "No one's fighting anyone; we're all dancing on the ground." Ali dances toward Bruce and continued with the chorus.

"Come on and dance with me, come on and dance with me.
Feel the music like a lover's kiss. Feel the rhythm like a warm embrace…."

Ali spun around in front of Bruce then she took both of his hands into hers and coaxes him further into the room to dance with her.

Bruce playfully gave her some resistance, but joined her, he thought that he was much better at fighting than dancing but he could hold his own. They dance around the room Bruce spins Ali around a couple of times while Ali continued to sing along with the song till the song came to an end. Ali and Bruce stood in front of one another chuckling when Alfred walked in with the water.

Alfred felt hope for these two when he saw the way they were both smiling at one another. "Your water." Alfred had put two glasses on the tray with a pitcher in case Bruce wanted some.

Ali thanked Alfred for the water and picked up a glass, and waited for Alfred to pour her and Bruce a glass she grabs both of the glasses and offered Bruce one. "You do have a lot of energy stored up in that little body." Bruce commented.

Ali laughed. "Little?" Ali finished taking a big drink of water. "I always have had lots of energy. But the dancing and the music that's in my soul. It has been a passion of mine for a long time." Ali walked back over to the couch and sat down. "So tell me Bruce what are you passionate about? Besides Wayne Enterprises."

Bruce gave Ali a small smirk if only he could tell her the whole truth. "Well, I do have a collection of old cars I could show you sometime." Bruce sat down beside Ali and continued. "I also like to work out on my exercise equipment"

Ali and Bruce end up talking the afternoon away getting to know one another more as they share funny and not so funny stories. Alfred walked in and cleared his throat. "Sorry to interrupt again sir, but it is time for Ali to get back to the city." At the same time the clock chimed out 4pm.

Ali felt a bit disappointed at how fast the afternoon went by so quickly as did Bruce. "Well, I do have to get ready for work; I will be seeing you there later tonight. Your table has been made ready for you."

Bruce stood and offered Ali his hand to help her up off the couch. "I look forward to it." For a moment they looked into each others eyes and it seemed that they were going to kiss, but Ali felt a bit afraid of a kiss right now and she turned it into a heartfelt hug instead. Ali pulled away and picked up her shoes and headed out while she spoke. "Thank you for the afternoon Bruce I had a wonderful time."

Bruce smiled watching her leave. "Yes, as did I we will do it again sometime very soon." Bruce was feeling a bit robbed of a kiss but he was going to be determined to get one sooner or later.

Ali stopped went back and looked around the door at Bruce. "I would like that very much." Then she quickly rushed out to the Rolls.


Back in the city Sal Mahoni sat at his desk looking at The Joker, who sat across from him. "I want you to find out who owns that club. That building is vital to my business.

The Joker didn't even appear to be mildly interested; in fact he looked rather bored. "And why should I care about this club you're so interested in? May I remind you that you had better not be wasting my time on this because Sal, you don't want me to be getting bored, and do you want to know why?" The joker brought out a knife from his inside jacket pocket and waved it around. "I find ways to amuse myself, in an ugly fun kind of way."

Sal Mahoni didn't show any sign of being afraid of The Joker as the clicking sound of guns being cocked could be heard all around him. "I think you may be outnumbered here." Sal leaned forward. "Besides, I thought you'd like to cause some trouble somewhere it has a tendency to bring out the big black bat.

The Joker gave a big smile and then suddenly became interested. Now we are talking, what do you want done?"

Sal Maroni leaned forward. "Talk to some of the workers, do not harm anyone just yet just want to rattle a few cages to find out a bit of information." Sal Maroni instructed. "Do your job right and I'll pay you handsomely for it." Sal was counting on the fact that The Joker still needed money to survive he was still some sort of a human being.

The Joker started to laugh as he stood. "I will get it done." Perhaps with a little kidnapping in the process, that really brought the bat out. He would have to get in close to know who was who at the club and he would have to hire some idiot off the street to help him out.

Sal Maroni placed a newspaper clipping onto his desk with Ali's picture on it at the Bruce Wayne charity and pushes it across the desk in front of The Joker. "Might want to start with her." She works at the club.

The Joker picked up the newspaper clipping and stared at the picture of Ali. "Such a pretty little thing isn't she?" The Joker laughed again. "I do like the pretty ones; they do seem to be a bat magnet." Anyone in the city would do to bring out the bat, The Joker just fancied the ones who were cute they were more fun to terrorize.

Sal gave The Joker a stern look. "Remember, no hurting anyone." Sal Maroni reminded The Joker as he watched him leave his office, Sal hears The Joker's crazy laugh as he walked down the hallway.

"It's going to be hot in the city tonight." The Joker commented before getting inside of his car and sped off.


Ali was dropped off in front of her club, she went home to change into her costume to be ready for her first number. She arrived at her club at exactly 5pm and scoped it out to see if anything was changed or if anything needed changing. Ali was all excited that this was the big night her club was going to be open for the first time. Ali went into the back room and smiled at Sean. "Hard at work already?" She saw him standing by a clothes rack filled with costumes, he seemed to be putting the final touches on one of the costumes.

Sean looked at Ali and gave her a smug look. "Well… I'm surprised that you could actually stay away all day."

Ali smirked back. "I had a really good looking distraction today." Ali couldn't help but remember those blue eyes that looked at her.

Sean's mouth dropped open and gave Ali a surprised look. "Well, that was fast work but it doesn't surprise me. So do tell who did you see today?" Sean stopped working for a moment and waited for Ali to answer.

Ali places her purse inside of a cupboard with a lock on it and locked it with a key. "Oh I just spent the afternoon with Bruce Wayne, that's all." Ali looked back at Sean with a smile.

Sean gave Ali a jealous look. "How is it that you get all the really good looking and super rich ones?"

"Oh, ha-ha! Sean, we just had lunch together and hung out is all." Ali wasn't about to share the near kiss she and Bruce almost had.

Sean walked over to Ali while carrying one of the costumes. "That my dear is how it all gets started. " While examining the costume Sean then says. "You had a message come in earlier today; it's on your desk in your office."

"Thanks Sean." Ali took a look at the costume in Sean's hand and nodded in approval, she then went upstairs to her office. Ali opened the door and looked in surprise seeing the back of Tess standing there as she faced the wall. It took a moment for Ali to realize it really was Tess.

Tess turned around with a big smile on her face. "Well, I see you still don't knock before entering."

Ali chuckles. "Up yours Tess this is my office." Ali quickly walked over to the tall and black haired woman and gave her a big hug. "So you're the reason Sean didn't want me here today."

Tess was amused at Ali's surprised look when she first saw her, and hugged Ali back. "Guilty as charged." Tess rubbed her back, if only she could kidnap her and take her back to LA. "Do you know how much you are missed in LA?"

Tess let Ali go and Ali stepped back. "Yeah, I figured as much, but I need my own space I needed to get out on my own."

"Well, I wish you all the best here but for some reason if it doesn't work out for you my door is always open to you Ali." Tess was sincere in her offer she would take Ali back in a heartbeat. It was this girl who helped to save her club.

Ali appreciated the offer. "Thanks Tess I'll keep that in mind, but I hope to be a big success here." Ali then asks. "You are going to do the opening number tonight?"

Tess crosses her arms. "Is that you telling me, or asking?" Tess teased.

"This is me asking." Ali giggled with her answer.

Tess walked passed Ali to open the office door. "Then the answer is yes, and I have to get ready."

Ali turned around to look back at Tess. "It is really good to see you again."

Just as Tess opened the door Sean was on the other side ready to knock he was holding a large bouquet of roses. "Oh for me?" Tess pretended to act surprised.

Sean looked around the flowers at Tess. "You wish, no these came for Ali. Probably from her new billionaire boyfriend."

Tess looked at Ali. "Oh, Ali not again you need to stop playing with those boys, they usually spell trouble." Tess looked at the roses and was impressed. "There must be at least 20 roses here. Mr. Model citizen must really be into you."

Ali sighed. "Tess you be nice he has been really nice to me"

Tess gave Ali a stern look. "Yeah, and I remember a certain Marcus, who you thought was a perfect gentleman too, and you know how that turned out. Just be careful Ali, rich people can't always be trusted." Tess warned her. "They like to play games and mess with you for their own enjoyment, then dump you like yesterday's news, and this one likes to advertise publicly that he's just a man who likes to play."

Ali hadn't made up her mind if what Bruce showed to the public was really him or if it was just for show. He had told her about his past lovers when she spent the afternoon with him and how he was dubbed as Gotham's playboy. Ali needed to be sure that Bruce was true to his word. "I will take it slow Tess don't worry." Was all Ali was going to say on the matter, she didn't want to argue about Bruce Wayne with Tess.


A couple of hours later Tess is on stage to start the opening number to a filled room, she was pleased to see Ali was going to do well on her first night, she scoped out the reporters watching with interest and cameras ready. While she performed her song Welcome To Burlesque song. Tess also spotted out who was obviously Bruce Wayne who sat at the VIP table with another colored man. Tess finished her song and the crowd clapped and whistled while she took a bow.

Lucius looked at Bruce. "Well, that was interesting." He enjoyed the first number.

Bruce nodded; he was more interested in seeing Ali even though the lady who performed just now was really good. Just then the lights go down and the shadowy figures of ladies taking the stage could be seen, then a spotlight shines on Ali and she began to sing.

Ooh, oh yeah yeah
Oooh yeah yeah

The room went silent and everyone stared at Ali as she continued.

I need a tough lover, yeah yeah yeah
I need a, a tough lover, woo
I need a, a tough lover, yeah yeah yeah
A tough lover, ooh yeah

When he kisses me, I get that thrill
When he does that wiggle I won't keep still
I wanna a tough lover (yeah, yeah)
A tough lover (woo)
I need a tough lover (yeah, yeah)
Tough lover (hum, hum)

Ali kept herself from looking over at Bruce while she performed her number she didn't need to be any more nervous than she already was. After the song and dance was done she looked over at Bruce briefly, she saw a big smile on his face while he clapped as hard as he could. Ali exits the stage with the rest of the dancers to make room for the next number. Minutes later Ali walked out into the crowd still in her costume to go and speak to Bruce. Ali was pleased to see the place was full, they even had to turn a few people away at the door and was told there would be another show the next night.

Bruce saw Ali out in the crowd and stood up to motion for her to come and sit with them, he gazed at her admiringly at her outfit. "I thought you were great, a tough lover huh?" Bruce joked.

Ali sat down beside Bruce. "Only for those who can handle it Bruce." Ali joked, if only she knew who she was talking to. "I'm sorry I can't stay long I have another number to get ready for. I just wanted to thank you for the roses they are very beautiful."

Bruce looked at Ali. "I am glad you liked them, but they pale in comparison to your beauty." Bruce complimented her.

Ali and Bruce exchange another look then Ali suddenly stood back up. "Gotta go I have to make a quick change."

Bruce chuckled and mutters under his breath. "I know all too well about having to make a quick change." Bruce stood with Ali and nodded. "Will I see you after the show?" He asked.

Ali looked over to where she needed to go and responded. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Lucius thank you for coming out tonight. I hope you are enjoying the show."

Lucius looked at Ali. "I am enjoying the show." But he was enjoying the show happening between her and Bruce more than the one on stage.

Ali waved goodbye to the two before she left for the dressing rooms. Bruce continued to look around the bar he was looking for any of Sal Mahoni's men. "Looking for someone in particular?" Lucius asked.

Bruce responded while he still checked out the club. "I'm not seeing any of Sal's men here, makes me a bit worried he should be having this place well scoped out."

Lucius scanned the crowded room himself. "Well, it could be Sal hired someone to his dirty work for him."

Bruce had already thought of that as well. It was making his job as Batman a little more challenging; it meant tightening up the security around Ali a little more. "Keep a look out for anyone looking suspicious."

Lucius took another look around, and smirked. "Yeah, that shouldn't be too difficult."


One of the reporters at the club was who Bruce and Lucius needed to keep an eye on he actually worked for The Gotham Times so he didn't look to be the suspect. The Joker had approached Alex earlier that night and gave him a lot of cash up front and he was told that there would be more in it for him once he reported something worthwhile listening to. Alex was busily writing down names as he learned them, and who did what but he couldn't get anyone to answer to who owned the club. Everyone didn't seem to know, it made him nervous because he knew it was what The Joker wanted to hear.

The rest of the night was close to an end when Tess approaches Bruce's table. "Hello gentlemen, I hope that you have enjoyed tonight's show."

Bruce smiled at Tess. "I have to admit the night went by very quickly, there are some very talented dancers here."

Tess turned her attention to Bruce, her face motionless. "I gather you are Bruce Wayne, those flowers you sent Ali were very impressive. You know, she's like a daughter to me and I have looked out for her for a really long time, so you better be sure whatever you've got in that billion dollar head of yours make sure you do not hurt her. Or I'll come back looking for you." Tess turned and walked off.

Bruce wasn't fazed by Tess's little warning, but respected that Tess was trying to look out for her close friend. "Well, I do have my job cut out for me." Bruce stood.

Lucius watched the black haired lady walk off. "I would say, you better watch out for that spitfire."


After the show was over Alex was able to track down Ali for a short interview for The Gotham Times. Ali had agreed and sat with Alex to answer his questions. Alex asks her his first question. "This place seems very classy and your voice is amazing to the ear." Alex smiled at the blonde lady sitting across from him.

Ali smiled at Alex. "Thanks, uh, Alex was it?"

Alex nodded. "Yes, Alex it is." Alex then asks her another question that he is desperate to hear an answer for. "So tell me Ali, who signs your pay cheques?"

Ali immediately wondered why he wanted to know that information and she felt like keeping it quiet that she was the owner. "Well the owner wishes to remain anonymous."

Alex was nervous about failing at getting the answer he was looking for. "Thank you Ali for your time, I must be going now." Alex went out of the bar, people were still leaving as Alex puts into an envelope the paper he was writing about the club, but no sign of the owner which he thought was a bit odd for the grand opening. He walks to an alley next to the club to meet up with The Joker.

"Well, tell me all the good stuff." The Joker spoke to Alex as he waited to get the juicy details.

Alex trembled in fear. "Well, I got some names." He handed The Joker the paper he was writing information down for him."

The Joker grabbed the paper and looked it over, and he did not look impressed. "Alex, can you tell me why there is a question mark beside the empty place where the owner's name is supposed to be?"

Alex swallowed hard and began to tremble even more. "Well... Uh the owner didn't seem to be around tonight, and nobody was giving that information freely, whenever I asked someone."

The Joker shook his head and held up a pocket knife. "Now you know that news is going to upset me, and now that means I have to do something to cheer myself up again, and do you know what cheers me up?" The Joker waved the knife around.

Alex trembled constantly only harder now. "I… I am sorry I tried, I really did." Alex reached inside of his coat pocket and brought out the money that The Joker gave him earlier. "Look… I didn't do the job you can have your money back."

The Joker grabbed the money from Alex and threw it onto the ground. "Do you really think I care about the money? I only care about mayhem, and chaos it is so much more fun. It tends to bring out the big black bat." The Joker laughed, and pushes the blade up against Alex's throat.

A cop walking by heard the commotion in the alley and stopped to have a look, he only saw shadowy figures as The Joker and his thugs scrambled. The cop shines a light down the alley. It looked to be a mugging. "Hey! What's going on here?"

While The Joker ran he looked back at Alex. "This isn't over." The Joker couldn't risk getting caught now, he had things to do. The Joker ran off with his thugs leaving Alex still trembling against the wall. Alex began to quickly grab the money that was thrown down onto the ground; the first thing he was going to do with the cash was to catch the first flight out of Gotham City. The cop approached him.

"Are you alright?" The cop asked.

Alex looked up at the cop. "Yeah… Yeah, I'm fine." Alex answered as he finished gathering up the money.

"Best not be walking around in dark places late at night with all that money." The cop advised and then walked Alex back out onto the sidewalk. "Have a good night." The cop said and left.

Alex nodded and rushed off to pack and make traveling plans.


Back at the club Ali was saying her goodbye's to Tess, Tess had plans to get back to LA that night. Tess warns Ali one more time to be careful with that Bruce Wayne guy.

"Yes, ma'am." Ali saluted her.

Tess smirked at Ali. "And don't call me ma'am, again." Tess walks out of the club and into a waiting cab with a constant smirk on her face.

Ali turned to go to the VIP table, but Bruce had already left. Lucius was there waiting for her and stood when she approached. "Bruce sends his apologies but he had to go early. He said that he would like it if you would meet him for lunch tomorrow." Lucius extends his hand to shake with Ali. "You really do have a lovely place here, you should do well."

Ali felt a bit disappointed that Bruce had left, but at the same time she knew he was a busy guy and he probably had something come up with business. Another lunch date more than makes up for it. "Thank you Lucius I will probably finish closing up here and go home, I'm beat."

Lucius knew the real reason why Bruce went home early he wanted Batman to patrol the streets a bit before keeping an eye on Ali walking home alone. "I look forward to coming back, have a good night." Lucius gave her a warm look and then left.

Ali and Sean finished up with things in the bar, he and Ali exit the building. "Well our first night was a huge success." Sean was proud of how things went.

"I just hope that it keeps up." Ali responded as she turned the key in the lock of the club's door, she heard the click of the lock sliding into place and she removed the key.

Sean looked at the cab waiting for him. "Well, I'll be here for another two weeks, then you're on your own, and I know you will do just fine."

Ali nodded and watched as Sean left in his cab before she turned and started down the sidewalk toward her hotel. A couple blocks away, as she walked she thought about what Tess said about Bruce and she thought about how well the club did on its opening night. She hoped that she will get good reviews, just as she was about to pass an alley The Joker stepped out in front of her with his crazy smile.

Ali came to a sudden stop and stepped back a little. "Who are you?" Ali gripped the strap of her purse tighter not sure if he was some sort of weird mugger.