Chapter Two
The phone rang.
"Wayne Manor," I say formally, though it's just me in the big house now.
"Mr. Pennyworth?" the man on the other end asks.
"Yes," I reply. "Alfred Pennyworth speaking."
"Mr. Pennyworth, this is Mr. Earle, CEO of Wayne Enterprises."
What can he want? I think before replying. "Of course, Mr. Earle. How can I help you?"
"Alfred—can I call you Alfred?" he continues on without waiting for an answer. "I want to talk to you about the possibility of declaring Mr. Wayne officially dead."
My heart freezes.
"Absolutely not," I reply coldly.
"Alfred, think about it!" Mr Earle exclaims. "He's been missing for five years! In this town, people are declared dead after being missing for five days. It's beyond hope that he'll come back now!"
My eyes move to the picture on the table by the phone. Master and Mistress Wayne, and young Master Bruce. I shut my eyes tightly, thankful that the house is empty, so no one will see my tears.
"No," I say quietly but firmly.
"I'm afraid you don't have much of a choice in the matter," Earle says, and abruptly hangs up the phone.