Mrs. Bruce Wayne stood wrapped in her night robe as her husband got ready for work. She scoffed every time he donned an overcoat on top of his suit jacket, no matter the weather. The men's fashion she couldn't understand, but the wardrobes of rich women fitted her well. Just like Bruce hoped to fill in his father's shoes, Selina aimed to live up to the picture set by the previous Mrs. Wayne, her mother in law. Their goodbye kiss lasted longer, as neither of them wanted to part, finally having a purpose to their love making. Bruce promised to be home early, and soon a his car was past the gates, Selina went back to bed.
He didn't play lyrical music as he drove the long drive to the downtown office. His mind was sharp as a tack in any situation, but he found his best thinking worked in silence, maybe even a bit of classical music in the background; after all, he was raised in a rich family. The music alone got him thinking, would his kid have any interest in the classics? Both he and Selina had a passion for the great arts, though she learned it out of necessity and he per his mother's wishes. Would Jr. learn the piano? After or before lessons in combat. Would they let their children into their double life? Could they be a normal family if they kept secrets from their children? Would their kid be a vigilante, a thief, or something else entirely? As he pulled up to the main entrance, he was sure of one thing: this child would be the heir of Bruce Wayne, and hell would have to freeze over before Bruce Wayne let another tragedy happen to his family.
At work, his employees and coworkers congratulated him on the success of his new machine, but it was time to move on to the next project. Which meant more presentations, more paperwork, more touring through the different departments and subsidiaries. All in all a very busy day for the CEO of Wayne Enterprises. As he flipped through some papers at his desk, the news channel covered the jewelry store heist thwarted by the Batman. No news to Bruce Wayne, but it gave him an opportunity to escape the confines of his office as he went gift shopping for his wife.
The store was in the same complex as the Selina's gallery, but she had other errands to run that day, and wasn't at the gallery. Who knew how many obligations came with being Mrs. Wayne, and Martha Wayne's daughter in law. The store was open to the regular customers the employees knew and there was more police and security, but they didn't trouble Bruce Wayne, who financially backed the jewelry store. The old manager nervously approached Bruce, as if last night's events were a reflection of his ability to run the store. The man intended to keep his boss happy, but couldn't give Bruce what he'd came for.
"I'm looking for an anklet. Apparently my wife has her heart set on it." He laughed inside at his own remark. The poor manager had no idea what he'd meant.
"Silver, with a band of rhinestones and pendants. I've been told it might have bells too." he tried his best to remember the description Selina had given him.
Bruce's smile was not returned by the old man, who frowned and led Bruce to a desk that had the catalogue.
"If it's the one I think you're looking for, I'm afraid it's a customer's already bought it. If you wish, I can put a back order on another one, or personally arrange for you to sit with our best designers to create a more personal piece for the Mrs. That's the road your father took often, if I may humbly suggest." The manager nervously offered a solution, as if it might cost him his job.
Bruce did frown, but only for a second, and then gave a chuckle that eased the man's worries.
"I like this idea better, actually. I'm afraid work beckons me back today, but keep an eye out for me, I'll stop by soon. And I'd appreciate it if my wife didn't find out any of this."
"As you wish, Mister Wayne. We are at your service."
It was four hours since Bruce had gotten back from the store, back to the rut of meetings and presentations and paperwork. It landed on him to please the industrial sectors while managing to keep within the budget suggested by the financial departments. He was listening to a presentation, argument really, when Jessica came into his office.
"Mister Wayne, detective Blake is here for you, sir."
"Have him in the lobby. I'll be a moment."
"I'm afraid he's here on duty, sir."
Bruce looked at her with a crooked brow and the managers in his office quietly looked at each other. In their first agreement since sitting in his office, they packed up their files and willingly walked out, nodding to Blake as he was led in by Jessica. John watched them leave and Jessica closed the door behind her.
Bruce stood up and walked busily around his office.
"You're here about the jewelry store?" He asked without acknowledging John.
"I'm hoping not, for your sake."
John's casual statement irritated Bruce and he finally gave him all his attention. He went over to the window and turned down the blinds, leaning on the armrest of the sofa.
"You're talking to me." Bruce acknowledged. John was not addressing him as the Batman.
"As you well know, the jewelry store was hit by Catwoman last night. This morning we got a call about a homicide in an uptown apartment. The place looked like an animal ravaged it, particularly one with claws and a taste for milk."
"Catwoman does not kill." Bruce stood up, refusing to bring in his wife's name in the conversation.
"I know. I got Gordon to keep it under radar, but that only gives you so much time to figure out what's going on. I respect you, Bruce, and Selina, and I'm hoping I don't have come up to the manor."
"You won't have to. I'll get right on it. Has the site been cleared yet?" Bruce said as he prepared to leave.
"Pretty sure Commissioner's waiting for the Batman's insight on this one."
"Don't let Selina know." Bruce warned and left his office, telling Jessica he won't be coming back.
Meanwhile at Falcone's house:
"Boss, there's a lady here to see you!" Victor Zsasz screamed over his shoulder as he predatorily stared at the unannounced guest.
One of Falcone's managers led her through security and brought her to wait in the living room.
"What can I do for you, my dear?" Carmine Falcone announced as he came into the room with a security detail.
"Actually, I'm here to tell you what I can do for you."
Falcone amusedly laughed, "and what do you think you have?"
"Mmm, just a little way for you to strong arm Bruce Wayne." The woman nonchalantly said, as if she wasn't having tea with Gotham's biggest crime lord.
Falcone reclined in his seat, realizing something.
"I recognize you. We crossed paths at his success party. Tell me, why do you wanna help me?"
"Nothing personal, just the enemy of my enemy..."
Falcone, irritated by the waste of time, leaned forward, his annoyance reflected in his tone.
"I'll be your friend if I like what you have to say,"
"Bruce Wayne is raised by Gotham city. He's a cement wall. Won't bend easy."
"Not news to me," he growled.
"You still haven't sent him a wedding gift, as I recall." The lady got to her plan.
Falcone smirked, "I'm listening."
"You want his mind? Strike his heart. Give him a little motivation, a benefit to partnering with you. You go after his wife..."
"He's liquid again."
"For you to mold."
Falcone stood as he laughed his approval. "I like your style"
"Glad you think so! My plan's already in motion," The lady threw papers on the table that brought Selina Kyle and Catwoman into one sentence, something Falcone wasn't slow to pick up on. "but you can bring new hurdles into this maze."
"Well my dear, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Gives me an opportunity to clear my vendetta against the Catwoman too!"
His last statement offended his guest, and she stood up with him.
"Nothing that kills her though!" she addressed him sternly. "If she's dead, my reason for doing this goes bust, and then you and I won't be friends, Don Falcone, do you understand?"
Her comment ticked Falcone's security detail, and Zsasz stepped up brandishing his favorite weapon, but Falcone put a hand up to stop them all.
"For the sake of our new friendship, I'll let that slide." He calmly said as he picked up some papers from the table, which included a homicide report filed this morning.
"You're framing her for murder..."
"It'll hurt him more than it will her. The police will eventually figure it out, but the damage will be done by then."
"Disgraceful! I think you and I will have a long friendship."