Undercover
Rachel walked into the police department the next morning. She walked over to the elevators and pushed the up button. The elevator opened up a few seconds later. Going inside she pushed the button to her floor. Once she reached her floor Rachel walked over to her desk. When she got there a vase of almond, apple blossom, baby's breath, blue violet, camellia, cherry blossom, and daisy's on top of her desk. Inside was a card signed by Richard Grayson. She let out a tiny smile and as fast as it came it was gone. Karen then walked up to her desk.
"Hey, Rachel," said Karen.
"Hey," Rachel replied.
"Who are the flowers from?" asked Karen smiling.
"They're from Mr. Grayson," Rachel said non-chantly.
"What!" Karen almost shouted. People in the precinct looked in their direction. Karen blushed from her little outburst then people went back to what they were doing.
"Why don't you shout it to the whole world why don't you," Rachel said sarcastically with a smile.
"Ha- ha very funny. So Richard Grayson has a thing for you," Karen said smiling.
"He does not have a thing for me," Rachel said.
"Keep telling yourself that," Karen said.
"Are there anymore leads to the case?" Rachel asked getting down to business.
"There are a few people. A guy named Slade Wilson, Vandal Savage, and Clark Kent," Karen said.
"Where are Logan and Nix," Rachel asked.
"Logan went to talk with Mr. Wilson and Nix went to talk to Mr. Savage. We're suppose to head over to Mr. Kent's place," Karen said.
Karen and Rachel left the precinct and went into Karen's car. They made it to Style Drive where Clark Kent lived. The apartment building was very tall that had 53 floors. They walked in and saw that the floor was made of blue marble. The walls were painted a light blue with a mixture of red. They walked up to the front desk to find out what apartment he was in. Going over to the elevators Karen pressed the button for the 30th floor. Walking down the hall to apartment 30Z Rachel knocked on the door and waited a few seconds. There was some shuffling going on inside before a man opened the door. The man was tall about 6'4, short black hair, wore glasses, and had on a blue suit.
"May I help you?" asked the man.
"Yes, I'm Detective Beecher and this is Detective Roth. We're here to ask you a few questions," Karen said.
"Oh, yes. Come in," the man said.
Karen and Rachel walked into the apartment. There was a crystal coffee table in the middle of the living room. White couches were put into a circle, the kitchen was to the left, and there were pictures of the sea hanging up. It was hard to believe that a criminal lived here. It looked like a descent person lived in the apartment they were in. They took a seat on the couches and began their interrogation. After an hour past they were done with their interview and left the apartment.
"What did you think?" Karen asked as they were driving back to the department.
"I think he was telling the truth. He doesn't seem like the type of guy who would kill people," Rachel said.
"So I guess he's out. That just leaves Richard Grayson," Karen said.
"Why do you assume that he did it?" Rachel asked.
"Well I'm not saying he did. I'm just saying he's n the suspect list. We still don't know about Slade Wilson and Vandal Savage," Karen said. "You don't have to get defensive."
"I'm not defensive," Rachel said.
"Well don't put your hormones in the forefront of the investigation," Karen said.
"I never put my emotions in an investigation," Rachel said.
The rest of the ride was in silence. No one said a word at all. Karen took a sideways glance at Rachel who was looking out the window. She thought that she may have been too hard on her and for accusing anything.
"Look, Rachel, I'm sorry for what I said. I should have never made those accusations," Karen apologized.
"No you shouldn't but thanks for the apology," Rachel said.
They finally arrived back at the police department. They went to their floor and waited for Garfield and Garth to get back. About an hour later they returned to the precinct. Everyone compared notes with another on what they concluded.
"So are suspects are Slade Wilson, Vandal Savage, and Richard Grayson," said Garth.
"Shouldn't Mr. Grayson be off the list? He was somewhere else when all the killings happened," Rachel said.
"That's true but he does have ways of doing things," said Garth.
"But he doesn't seem like the type to kill anybody," Rachel persisted.
"Maybe she's right," Karen said.
"What! Are you crazy? He's the most wanted criminal. They all seem like they aren't capable of doing something at first," Garfield said.
"I'm just saying we don't have to accuse him of every crime that comes up. Rachel did make a good point," Karen responded.
"What is wrong with you two?" Garfield asked.
"We're just keeping our options open," Karen said.
"Well he's apart of it no questions asked," said Garth.
"Whatever," Rachel said.
They continued to go through all the evidence they had. It took some time to get everything sorted out. It was now lunch time and everyone decided to go out to get away from the precinct.
"Hey, Rachel. The guys and I are going to 'Time Space' for lunch you wanna come," Karen asked.
"No thanks," Rachel monotoned.
Karen, Garth, and Garfield left a few minutes later. Rachel grabbed her purse and started walking to the car parking lot. She walked down until she reached the section she parked her car at. When Rachel made it to her car she saw a guy next to it. At first she couldn't make out who it was until she came closer and saw it was Richard Grayson.
""What do you want?" Rachel asked as she came closer.
"I thought we could go to lunch together,' Richard said.
"And why would I do that," asked Rachel.
"For my good charms and great charisma," Richard said.
"Try again," Rachel monotoned.
"I thought we could get to know each other better since we'll be seeing each other more," Richard said with a smile.
"If I say yes will you shut up," Rachel asked.
"Yes," Richard said smiling.
"Whose car are we taking?" Rachel asked.
"Mine," Richard said.
They walked out of the garage parking lot to a BMW Hybrid. Getting in they drove out of the parking lot and down the street.
"So where do you want to go?" Richard asked.
"Anywhere I guess," Rachel replied.
Richard drove around for a bit until he came upon a small café. He parked in the parking lot and got out of the car. Walking around to the other side he opened the door for Rachel to get out. Closing the door behind her they walked into the café. They found a seat in the back where it was nice and quiet.
"This is a nice place," Richard commented.
"Yes it is," replied Rachel.
"So how do you like Gotham so far," Richard asked trying to create conversation.
"It's ok I guess," Rachel said.
"Well if you ever need an escort then I'll be happy to help you out," Richard said.
"That would be nice," Rachel said.
A waitress came and took their order. She returned a few minutes later with their drinks and food. The atmosphere was peaceful. There were only a few customers in the café.
"I'm sure you have a boyfriend back home," Richard said.
"No, I don't," Rachel replied.
"Really then how 'bout you and I go out to dinner tomorrow night," Richard asked with a cocky smile.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Rachel said.
"Why not?" asked Richard.
"Because you're a suspect and I'm a detective," Rachel said.
"That's just an excuse," Richard said.
"Well it's a good excuse," Rachel said.
"True but I'm not the bad guy."
"Says you."
"It won't kill you to go on a date with me."
"I don't know about that."
"Ha-ha very funny."
"You're not going to give up are you."
"Nope."
"Fine if it will make you shut up."
"That's all I ask."
They continued to talk and eat their lunch. When they were done Richard drove Rachel back to the precinct. The car ride was very short and pleasant. He finally pulled up front of the precinct.
"Thanks for the ride and lunch," Rachel said.
"No problem. I'll pick you up at 8 tomorrow," Richard said smiling.
Rachel closed the door behind her and watched him drive off. She walked into the precinct and sat in her cubicle. Karen walked up to her when she saw her came in.
"So where did you have lunch," Karen asked.
"At a small café,' Rachel replied.
"Alone," Karen pressed.
"No. I was with a friend," Rachel said.
"With Richard Grayson," Karen asked.
Rachel just looked at her and said "Yes."
"Rachel what were you thinking," Karen nearly shouted. Garth and Garfield were walking up to them.
"Hey, guys," Garfield said.
"Something wrong," Garth asked sensing the tension.
"Rachel just went to lunch with Richard Grayson," Karen said.
"What?!"Garth and Gar said in union.
"Why would you do that?" Garth asked.
"Because he asked me," Rachel said as if it were no big deal.
"And you thought it would be ok. He's a prime suspect in our investigation," Gar said.
"Well for your information I'm a big girl and I don't need anyone to baby me. I can take care of myself," Rachel said getting angry.
"We're just trying to look out for you," Karen said in a soothing voice.
"I know but I know what I'm doing," Rachel said calming down.
"Ok if you say so," Karen said.
They went over every possible answer. Tonight they were going undercover to a party that Slade Wilson was throwing. They each got position and know what they had to do. Gar and Garth were still a little bit shaky on the fact that Rachel was spending time with Richard. Karen and Rachel left early to pick out something they could wear to the party.
Karen and Rachel went into this fancy clothing store. It was called Perfect Paradise. Walking in there were all sorts of gowns and tuxedos. They seemed a little bit out of place. Looking through the gowns it was hard to choose.
"Looking for something special," a deep voice said behind them.
Turning around they came face to face with Richard Grayson.
"What are you doing here?" Karen asked a little shocked at seeing him.
"I'm just looking for a tux for a party I'm going to," Richard said.
"What party?" Karen asked.
"It's hosted by Slade Wilson. Where are you going/' Richard said.
"The same one," Rachel said.
"Really, do you need dates or are you going with your partners," Richard asked.
"No we're not going out with our partners," Rachel said.
"Really, then maybe Victor and I could escort you two," Richard said.
"That would be great," Rachel replied.
"We'll pick you up around 8," Richard said as he walked away.
"Why did you tell him that?' Karen asked.
"What! He would have seen us there anyway," Rachel said looking through the gowns.
"That's true," Karen sighed.
They finally picked out their dresses and left the store.
"Oh I just thought of something. Where are they going to pick us up?" Karen asked.
"We can wait at my apartment," Rachel suggested.
"Ok," Karen said.
Karen drove to Rachel's apartment on the other side of town. It took them three hors to get ready for the party. Karen wore a flowing red dress with spaghetti straps. She wore high heels and a sterling silver charm bracelet. Rachel wore a midnight blue evening gown with spaghetti straps and elbow length gloves. She wore a locket necklace and high heels. The guys finally arrived and took them to the party.
When they arrived the ballroom was filled with people. There was a big chandelier hanging from the ceiling. They walked over to one of the table to sit down.
"So where's your other guard, Roy," Karen asked.
"He's coming soon. He just had to pick up his date," Richard said.
"Oh," Karen said.
Everyone was talking and dancing. The whole room was very magnificent. Roy finally arrived with his date and joined his friends.
"Hey guys this is Kori," Roy introduced his date.
"Hi," everyone said.
"It is very nice to meet you," Kori said in an accent.
Richard and Rachel headed toward the dance floor while the others sat and talked.
"So where's Detective Logan and Nix?" Richard asked.
"Keeping watch outside," Rachel said.
"And you guys are investigating Slade Wilson," Richard asked.
"Yes," Rachel said.
"Good choice," Richard said.
"And why is that?" Rachel asked.
"We have history. He almost bankrupt me until I caught him on to his game," Richard explained.
The song ended soon after. They walked over to the balcony for some fresh air.
"What else can you tell me about him?" Rachel asked.
"He likes to do things his own way a bit too harshly that's about it," Richard said.
Karen had excused herself from the table. She kept a close watch on anyone who might be suspicious. She noticed that Richard and Rachel talking out on the balcony. Going towards the back of the room Karen saw a door. Opening it she went through and walked down the long corridor. The hallway was barely lit as she continued down. At the end was a door with a staircase leading up. Climbing up the stairs Karen started to hear voices. The voices started out soft but then got louder when she kept going up. At the end of the staircase was a brown door. Putting her ear close to the door and tried to make out the conversation the people were having. From what she could tell it was two men having an argument.
Roy and Victor were sitting at a table talking while Kori went to the restroom.
"So what do you think?" Vic asked.
"About what?" Roy asked.
"About Richard and Rachel," Vic said rolling his eyes.
"What about them?" Roy asked.
"About them being a couple," Vic sighed exasperated.
"Richard's a big boy. He can choose whoever he wants o date," Roy said looking towards the balcony where they were.
"You are something else Roy. You get angry when people accuse him of a crime and then act all at ease when he's going into a relationship," Vic said shaking his head.
"Well I'm sorry if I care more about my friends' well being," Roy defended.
"Hey take it easy. I care about Richard too," Vic said.
"I know. I think they'll make a great couple," Roy said smiling.
"Me too," Vic said.
"So when do you think they'll get married."
"In a month or two."
"So soon."
"Man, dating Kori made you soft."
They kept talking for a few more minutes until Kori came back from the restroom.