Disclaimer – You recognise it, I don't own it.

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"How may I help you, detectives?"

"When did you last hear from Mister Drake-Wayne?"

"That would be approximately three months ago." The butler replied, "I have reached out to him on numerous occasions since them, including four days ago. However, I have had no reply, detectives."

"You didn't press any further?"

"I have found that attempting to press Master Tim into something that he does not wish to do is generally a pointless activity. However, detectives, if I continue to make sure that he is aware that I am interested in establishing contact he will eventually cave. He is too kind-hearted to ignore me for long. I anticipated that he would contact me at the very latest next month, when my birthday occurred."

"Do you know of any enemies?"

"While I know that his position as CEO lends itself to enemies, I cannot image Master Tim having any personal enemies, detectives. He has always come across to me as a soft-spoken young man, more prone to using words to get the result he desires than actions. He is a born diplomat and negotiator, capable of making everyone believing that they have gained the best outcome possible. Even as a young man he was capable of such feats, talking down bullies from their targets without seeming to be overly interested."

"How did he do that?"

"He is capable of seeing multiple sides of a situation, detectives. He can also see potential outcomes of events and can phrase things so he can gain the optimal outcome, Sir."

"He manipulates people?"

"That would be one way of phrasing it. However, I would remind you that everyone has free will and the option of choosing a different path to the path Master Tim desires, Ma'am. All he uses are words and he never lies in the words that he chooses. In fact, Master Tim rarely lies at all; at least to me."

"Is that your opinion of him? That he is a manipulative young man?"

"I am appalled that you are interpreting my words that way, Ma'am. Master Tim is a compassionate young man, who cares more for others than he does for himself. A young man who would willingly sacrifice everything he is for the sake of another, even a stranger. An intelligent and bright young man, who is capable of so much good in this world. Yes, he is capable of deception, but he will only do it in the cause of protecting people. He forgives all too readily offences against himself, in my humble opinion. However, offences against those he cares for are not so easily forgiven. In addition, simply because he forgives, does not mean that he forgets. He does not trust easily a second time. I fear, I may have betrayed that trust, and I doubt I will be able to win it back so easily."

"What do you think you did?"

"I do not know. However, I do know in retrospect that I have not given him the support he needed. I also have not commemorated his last birthday in the manner he would expect from me. I fear he may believe I have forgotten him, Sir."

"Do you believe that anyone in this house could have harmed him?"

"While I acknowledge that they have had their differences in the past, Sir. I do not believe that any of them would cause such harm now."

"I have noticed that you refer to each of the members of the Wayne family by their full first name, but Mister Drake-Wayne you use a nickname?"

"Master Tim finds his full first name something that displeases him. I have seen him flinch when I utilized it. I make a concerted effort not to use it, in order that he does not associate me with whatever bad memories his full first name evokes."

"Do you know what caused that?"

"I am afraid that I am not able to illuminate you any further."

Montoya and Allen exchanged glances; clearly Alfred was too loyal to the Waynes to give any further information. It was possible that he wasn't even capable of believing they would harm each other.

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"I don't know where Timmy is." Brucie declared, "And none of my boys would harm him. Have you talked to Lucius? He might know of a ransom demand or something."

"Do you know of any enemies he might have?"

"No. Timmy's a good kid. He doesn't make enemies. He works hard. Harder than I ever did. Lucius loves him. He's a brilliant CEO. The Board don't have any issues with him."

"Any ex-girlfriends?"

"Nobody who would do anything like this. I mean, Stephanie and he used to date, but they're just friends now. There was Ariana, years ago; they broke up and stayed friends. Also Zoanne, they tutored each other for a while. But it never went very far. There was Darla, I think she was linked to the Mafia, but that was a long time ago; and I think she got shot by a stray bullet. There was Greta, many, many years ago; thought I think that was a one-sided crush on her part. He didn't think of her that way."

"That's… Impressive." Allen blinked, "I wouldn't have expected you to remember anything quite so detailed."

"Detective Allen," Brucie turned a slight glare towards him, "I may be a lush and a fool in the eyes of the world. But I do care for my children. I know about their friends and particularly their romantic liaisons. I have to check, because they can be leverage points against us. I keep records of the romantic liaisons I have. However, I am more personal when it comes to my children."

"But you don't know of any enemies?"

"No."

"What about Tamara Fox? Weren't they engaged at one point?"

"Not officially. That was an ill spoken remark by a harried young woman in front of a media representative. There was no official engagement. It was all a show."

"And could Tamara Fox have reacted badly upon realizing that Mister Drake-Wayne had no intentions of going through with her statement?"

"No chance. She never saw Tim that way. Besides, she'd never hurt Tim. Tim doesn't have enemies. He never did. He's not that sort of person. Everyone likes Tim. He's going to be a great man one day. Please… Find my son. Bring him home."

"Do you know of anyone who would try to hurt Tim to get at you?"

"If they were going to, they would have sent me a message by now. I don't know who could have Timmy. I don't know why they would take him. But I want him home safe. Please… Please bring my boy home."

The amount of desperation in Brucie's voice wasn't something that could be easily faked. Montoya doubted that Brucie had the ability to simulate the emotion needed.

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"You believe I had something to do with Drake's disappearance." Damian stated rather than asked.

"It is well known that the two of you had issues with each other. It has been extensively reported."

"In tabloids and news outlets barely worth the name." Damian was dismissive, "I currently have no interest in the removal of Drake from this family."

"Is that because you know he will never come back already?"

"Sir, I must protest!" The butler spoke up from his corner where he was observing, "Master Damian would not get involved in something like that."

"If I desired Drake's death I would make it as clean and as quick as possible." Damian declared firmly, "However, I am not involved. I desire no harm to come to Drake. It is not in my best interest to harm him. While I have, in the past, desired his removal from the family, it is not my current desire. Indeed, I would prefer it if Drake would become a greater part of this family; however, I will not force him in that direction. Nor will I allow him to return while there is a chance that he might become discarded in the manner he has been already."

"You deem him to have been discarded?"

"Correct. I believe he has been forgotten by most members of the family. While I originally did not object, by the time I realized the value Drake provides to the family it was too late. I could not bring him back by my own actions. He believes that I am happier the way things are and will not return at my request."

"What changed your mind?"

"I confronted him about his position as CEO approximately eight months ago." Damian started.

Then he paused, clearly trying to figure out what he wanted to say.

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"Look!" Timothy snapped; some small part of Damian was pleased at having made the usually soft-spoken and even-tempered teenager lose his famous cool.

"I get it. I get it! I don't have a place in the family. I know that. But someone has to be CEO. And the Board won't throw me away just yet. Answer me this Damian, if I am not in charge, who will be?"

"I am the rightful heir."

"You are also just a kid. Maybe not in experience, because God knows you've seen things that most kids your age haven't. And you've done things that they haven't. But you're still a kid. The Board looks at you and they see an arrogant, outspoken child! They won't let you run the show at the moment. For all that you are the true heir."

"Tt. Then the Board should reappoint Father."

"The Board dismiss Bruce as a fop. A fool. An idiot. We know the truth, but the rest of the world, they only know Brucie. Who, quite honestly, is so overplayed by Bruce it's a miracle they ever let him foster Dick, never mind the rest of us. As far as the Board is concerned Brucie had been a puppet dancing on his master's strings as CEO. And the puppet-master was Lucius Fox. Now, he's good at what he does. Runs the company like a dream, has a Midas touch; but there are many members of the Board who deem him an upstart. He's not one of them. They were more than happy when he stepped down and made me CEO. Not because I am Bruce's adoptive son. But because I'm not him. They deem me to be more controllable. Someone they can direct and shape. I cause fewer scandals than Brucie and am deemed to present a far better image in the Press.

"Don't even try with Dick or Jason. Jason, they see as beneath them, because of his heritage and his manner of speaking. They don't see how much he has achieved to overcome all the obstacles in his path. And Dick's a common cop as far as they are concerned. If he as a detective, then yes, they'd be more interested in him being in charge than me. More because of the fact that he is charming than anything else. I'm good at what I do, but it takes a lot more work for me to build the type of contacts that come easily to Dick. God, if he had any interest in running the business, he'd be putting other companies out of business all the time. He'd charm them so much that they'd lie down and let him walk all over them. He'd be worse than Luthor. Him and Lucius together? Dream. Team. Trust me on that.

"But the Board won't fire me or let me stand down in favour of you, at this time. You're too young. Too inexperienced. If I stand down, without a named replacement, they will replace me with one of them. And then you won't get the CEO position until you're at least forty. Trust me on that. At least while I stand as Regent for you, the position is waiting for you. I'm just the stand in. The Replacement. The Interrex. The position will wait for the Prince. Take your time over it. I'm not going to usurp you. There's no point for me to do that. The Board will go your way in time.

"So grow up. Be a child! Learn. Grow. Study. Broaden your mind. Get a degree. At least a Bachelor's. But you're smart enough for a Master's; be a shame to waste your mind. Particularly with your work ethic. Whatever you want you work at it, until you get it. You could study at any university and study any subject. The Board would give you the CEO position when you were finished. I mean literally. Your graduation day would be my last day as CEO. I'm serious on that. I don't see this as a long term thing."

"What is to stop you from destroying the company? You are certainly capable of it. You could destroy my legacy."

"And why would I do that? I destroy it, and the Board will fire me. I destroy it and when I'm looking for my next job, I'll be lucky if I get a job stacking shelves in a Mom and Pop store. I have to keep the company going. For my future. If I walk out of this job with the company thriving, I can pretty much walk into any job I want after that. I have to show I have the experience and ability to do what is necessary.

"That's the logical reason why you should believe me when I tell you I'm not going to ruin the company. The illogical real reason why is simple. I may not be part of the family, but I still care for all of you. If the business is succeeding you have the funds for the best equipment… For the best protection. I am keeping you all safe, by helping the company to grow. And I still care. As stupid as it is. Even though I am not part of the family, I still care. And I don't ever see myself as stopping caring. You need me, I'll be there. No matter in what capacity you need me; I'll come when you call. That is something you can take to the bank!"

"Why?"

"Because even if you don't think of me like that, you'll always be my brother to me. And I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

"What if someone else steps forward to take the job?"

"Bruce, I'll step down. Dick, the same. Jason, I'd fight. He doesn't really know how to lead a group of people as a superior without sex or violence. Actually, I'd probably pay to see Jason up against the Board."

"What is your plan?"

"Pardon?"

"Tt. You have a plan. You always have a plan. What is your plan?"

"I increase the profitability of the business. I can already see some new directions and improvements we can make in current projects. Maximise income, while minimizing expenditure, but not at the cost of the rank and file employees. You come into the business regularly. We get your face known. You don't come in and work with the managers though. You're the mail-boy, the tea-boy, the kitchen staff."

"That is beneath…!" Damian started.

"It's necessary!" Tim cut him off, "Currently you have a bad image amongst the employees. They see you as an entitled brat. A miniature Brucie, but without any of the positives. If you want the best out of the company, you need to be loved. They need to like you. So, we have to work on that. That means a lot of getting your face out there. A lot of Community Projects. Not just ones where you turn up to cut the ribbon or dig the first spade. Ones where you are there from start to finish. Where you put in the hard graft. I'm thinking Habitat for Humanity and ASPCA. We turn your image around. Make them love you."

"Why? Tt. You don't need love to rule. Grandfather does not need to be loved by his people."

"No. He doesn't. He rules by fear. I've seen it. He assigns ninja to ensure his investment in people. But he doesn't watch the point of betrayal. He watches their wives. Their children. Fear is not a good way to rule. Particularly in a situation where you do not have the force to back up your threats. You have money and power, but there will always be someone stronger than you. Someone who will find a way to get around your protection. Who will counter your fear. Fear cuts deeper than swords, but it is not fatal. And people will rise against you. But if you are loved? They will follow you to the ends of the earth."

"Tt. You are certain of this? It seems silly. Typical of your Western culture."

"Your culture too. Consider this Damian, I will give you two names, and you will tell me who has had a greater impact upon the world and why."

"Tt. Simple enough."

"Saddam Hussein and Diana, Princess of Wales."

"Saddam Hussein has inspired much violence and changed the political map of the Middle East. Princess Diana was never in a position to do such. Clearly Saddam Hussein is the victor in this contest."

"I wouldn't say that. Did you know that Princess Diana was a teacher before she was a Princess? She married into her position. And later, she and Prince Charles divorced. Upon the divorce, legally she was no longer a Princess. And yet, she is still called such, even to this day. Even though, legally the position is held by Prince Charles' current wife; Camilla. It is so strongly associated with Diana, that Camilla instead uses the title Duchess of Cornwall. She was no longer residing at Buckingham Palace when she died, but she was so loved by the people that they left over ten tonnes of bouquets there, over sixty million flowers in her memory. There is a charity in her name to continue her work. Even now her name is still spoken with love. Who mourned Saddam's demise? Not very many. Those who go out and commit violence in his name? They do for their own sakes. For their own fame. It is more about them than him. But with Diana, it is all about her."

"You want me to be Diana not Saddam?"

"Absolutely. People work better for a boss they like than for one they hate. If they hate you, they will be more likely to leave the company. We just need to change your image."

"Change my image?" Damian growled; eyes narrowing in anger.

"Change your narrative." Tim explained further, "Right now you're an entitled kid who came from nowhere and is the owner's son. We change your narrative. We keep as close to the truth as possible, but we change details."

"Such as?" Damian challenged.

"You were born a Middle Eastern Prince. Your Grandfather is the head of the family and very traditional. His oldest legitimate child is your mother and he has no legitimate sons. Thus, making you his heir. Unfortunately, there was an attack on the family and your mother, fearing for your safety placed you in your father's keeping. A father who was unaware of your existence until that moment."

"Tt. So far I do not see anything that is changing my narrative."

"Once the danger was past, your mother went to reclaim you, only to learn that you had embraced some of your father's ideals."

"Again no change."

"This caused your mother to disown you. Disinherit you."

"I fail to see what you are doing apart from airing my dirty laundry, as Grayson would say."

"This has caused you to lash out at people. You are afraid of getting too close to people, because if your own mother could treat you like that, what would other people do? You're not arrogant. You're scared of getting hurt again. You're not dismissive. You're trying not to get close. You're not entitled. You're hurting. You're scared and trying not to show it. Because you were taught to never show weakness. But if people want to see you… The real you, they just need to see how you treat animals. How you care for creatures that cannot hurt you and simply return your love. You're rallying against the culture you were raised in and the one you find yourself in now. It is such a big change that you're finding it hard to adjust and you're trying not to let anyone see how out of your depth you are. You're also struggling to find your place in a family where Bruce adopted children. He chose them; you aren't certain that he would make the same choice with you. Which is why you lash out at me. We play the whole Big-Ego-Hidden-Depths trope to the max. It won't take much acting from you. And it won't take much from me either. You won't even have to change how you act towards me. We'll make me the focus of your anger."

"You believe that will work? What will it require?"

"You volunteering on a semi-regular basis. You decide how much, when and what for. Though I would recommend the animals at first. Photos will get out. Trust me on that. All you have to do is be yourself around animals. I'd suggest kittens or puppies. That would really help sell your image. But also horses would help."

"Horses?"

"Royalty rides horses. Showing your competency in that area will help spread the story. I have a few twitter accounts under false names that will help put your image out. I make a few comments here and there about how frustrating it is that your mother completely sacrificed your personal life, and thus your development of social skills, in order for you to learn things far beyond your age. Which was all done in an attempt to impress her father. You spend time with Dick learning those skills that she neglected in her belief that you would never need them."

"You believe rumours and pictures will make me more… More likeable?"

"Yes. A lie will run around the world, before the truth has got its boots on. Give it a while of doing things like that… Maybe a few candid shots of you volunteering at a children's charity… People will start asking about the apparent change. They'll start asking me."

"Why you?"

"Because the Press knows that getting a straight answer out of Brucie is a waste of time. He's not aware of what's going on around him. He probably won't have even noticed the change."

"Father is far more aware than you are giving him credit for."

"Bruce is. Brucie isn't. It's the difference in a mask. Batman isn't the only mask he wears. Brucie is as much a mask as Batman. Only more people are fooled by it. The Press don't trust Brucie. They know he'll tell them anything they want, but they're never sure it's real. Because who would give a drunken fool valuable information? So they'll ask me as the public face of the Wayne family."

"What will you say?"

"Not a lot. I will let them infer a great many things. I will play up the angle of being your hated older adoptive brother. Long suffering and frustrated at your actions towards me. That'll give a reason for why I'm not living at the Manor. I'll stress that you adore Dick and find Jason tolerable."

"Why not tell them the story you want them to tell?"

"Because if I do that, they won't believe it. Give them too much, too easily, too soon they'll think it's a cover. Hiding some bigger secret. I'll keep as much back as possible. They'll fill in the blanks on their own. That way they'll think they're uncovering great secrets."

"What if they want to know who my grandfather is?"

"There's several thousand Middle Eastern Princes. They'll never be able to narrow it down. And even if they try, I'll just counter every suggestion. You may end up as a Prince of a Nomadic Desert Tribe. One completely off the records."

"That would be acceptable. You will stand down when the time comes?"

"Absolutely. Hopefully by that time I will have expanded the company further and replaced the Board with people you can work with, rather than the power hungry vultures currently in position. I will do whatever I can to make your life easier in the future. You need me I'll come. You call. I'll come. Call on me as your Iolaus, as long as daylight lasts."

"And you will help me slay the Hydra?"

"I will do whatever you require."

"Then we have a deal."

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"We made a deal." Damian finally found his words, "I would study to take over the position. He would act as my Regent until the time when I was ready. He swore that he would not make me a Prince in the Tower. I have no need to antagonise him."

"You expect us to believe that?"

"It's the truth. I have nothing to do with this. Anything that has happened to Drake is not in my best interest. So why would I wish him harm?"

"Do you know of any enemies he may have?"

"None that I am aware of. However, Drake does not keep me informed of such things. I would suggest talking to Fox. He would have a better idea of the enemies obtained through Wayne Enterprises."

"Any personal enemies?"

"Again, none that I am aware of. However, Drake would not inform me of such things. I would recommend talking to his friends. I do not have the privilege of being classed as such."

"You are coming across very differently to how we were expecting."

"That is to be expected. What is reported in the media is often very different to reality, particularly when it comes to the personal lives of celebrities."

"Even Grayson thought you still disliked Mister Drake-Wayne."

"Grayson has been more focused on Todd to notice my current lack of antagonism towards Drake. This has been aided by Drake's reduced exposure to the family. Grayson has not been able to observe my interactions with Drake; thus he is unaware of the situation change."

"Do you know who his friends were?"

"I know their names. However, I will not give you their contact details. I will ensure that they are aware of your investigation and anyone who believes they have any pertinent information will contact you."

It was clear that Damian wasn't going to provide any more information; and they weren't really in a position to force anything out of him.

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Please Review.

I write stories because I can't draw. I have all these images in my head that I cannot reproduce. So I try and describe them with words. If anyone else would like to try to translate what I have written into what they think I saw in my head, they have my permission. I only ask that I be notified of it, so that I may look and go "OOoooh!".

Many thanks to my reviewers:

Sgtwist – Sorry that was my attempt at trying to write an accent. I really need to work on it. As for the time for picking up Damian, the detectives had someone picking up Damian even before they left Dick at the station.

Inthenightguest – You're welcome. Thanks for the comments about Jason's speech. I'm trying, but accents are hard. I don't know how people manage to do it so consistently.