Chapter 9
Author's Note: M- related material ahead. Read at your own risk.
xxx
They woke up in her bed entwined. Artemis ran her fingers over his warm arms currently wrapped around her torso. She rolled over and was greeted by wide awake bright green eyes.
"Hi," she spoke softly.
"Hi," he smiled.
"You smell like a campfire," she chucked, tracing a finger down his jawline, pulling back and showing him her soot covered fingertip.
"You smell like pizza," he chuckled.
A grumble escaped his stomach and she laughed. "I wish I still had some left, but I told you not to be late."
Mild panic washed over Wally's face until a smile broke out on the archer's. "Calm down Wal-man, there's plenty left."
"So last night…" Wally cautiously began.
"Yeah," she replied, her face brightening.
"It was really...nice."
"It was ok," she smirked, and Wally reached over for a pillow to hit her with as she grabbed his wrists and climbed on top of them, pinning his hands under his knees. Their faces were inches apart when his arms snaked free from her grasp and wrapped around her back drawing her closer.
"Last meant a lot."
"To me to," she replied
"So where do we go from here?" he asked.
"I don't know." she replied. "Where do you want to go?"
"Here is nice." he smiled
"Yeah it is, isn't it?' she answered her head snuggling into his chest while his hands gently stroked her hair. "It really is." She was surprised how easy it had become to block out Tigress's screams of warning.
xxx
Bruce Wayne sat at his desk on the top floor of Wayne Industries looking over the latest stock reports. His company was trading at an all-time high and he knew his shareholders would be pleased. Several accountants had floated the idea of a stock split for the first time in the company's history, and Wayne continued to crunch the numbers seeing if it was feasible. Despite the recent recession, his company had never been more profitable and it was time to reward those who had invested for so many years. He laid the report down on his desk and walked over to the large bay window that overlooked the cityscape of downtown Gotham, wondering if his father, in his wildest dreams would have ever had thought his company would have grown this big. Bruce knew the success was not his alone, he had hired incredibly talented and intelligent people who had guided the company in directions Wayne would never had thought to, it was time those people were rewarded properly as well.
He was deep in thought when the intercom in his office came to life. "Mr. Wayne….uh…Mr. Grayson is here to see you."
"Marla please show him in," Bruce announced quizzically. Dick didn't need to be announced. In the small circle of people he trusted, Grayson was the only one who had unfettered 24/7 access when it came to Bruce Wayne or his alter ego.
Marla walked ahead and handed Bruce some papers quietly sighing. She mumbled under her breath. "I told him to go in, but he wouldn't until you gave him the ok, I'm so sorry."
Bruce whispered back," It's fine Marla, thank you."
Dick walked in hesitantly and shook Wayne's hand. "Bruce," he spoke formally.
"It's good to see you Dick, I wish I'd known you were coming, I would have made us reservations over at the Palms."
"Yeah…sorry. I…. I should have," Dick tailed off, not really knowing what else to say.
"So what's up?"
"I want to cancel the defense contract with Maxwell Lord. I know on paper it looks profitable, but something just doesn't feel right."
"What don't you like about?" Wayne asked curiously.
"Too much of his revenue streams are off the books, too much money in accounts we can't trace. We both know he does dealings with countries that Wayne doesn't trade with. It's just too dirty and something I don't think we should be a part of. I …just wanted your approval first to cancel the deal."
"Dick you don't need my approval. You have my trust. If you don't like it, it's over, done. This is your company too."
"Thanks. It's just a big contract. I just…just wanted to do this face to face. I'll let you go; I'm sure you're busy."
Dick stood hesitantly, extended his hand, trying to leave, but Bruce wouldn't acknowledge it. Grayson was exhausted, vulnerable, and Bruce used this opening to force his way in on a topic they had been side stepping for over a year.
"Dick we've been avoiding this for some time, talk to me…please."
"I don't know what you mean," Grayson replied, but Bruce remained committed, non-judgmental eyes locked squarely on his former partner.
Dick let out a long exasperated sigh. It had been a long time coming, subconsciously that was probably the real reason he'd come to Gotham. Sometimes he forgot he and Bruce were more than partners, they were family, and right now that's what he needed most.
"Bruce I can't do it anymore. I can't hide anymore. I'm no good to you professionally or personally…I can't live like this."
"Tim told me he came to see you."
"Yeah and I was an prick to him," Dick replied regrettably.
"Maybe it's time for Nightwing to take a break and just focus on being Dick Grayson for a while."
"That just it, he's the one I hate. I am doing everything I can to stay as busy or engaged as possible, but I can't hide from me. I've destroyed friendships, relationships, hell even marriages, to hide from the fact that….Bruce it's my fault. It's my fault he's dead."
"Dick," Bruce sighed. "It's not and you know it."
"Everything about the mission went off the rails. All I ever felt I was doing was playing catch-up. You were gone; Kaldur had gotten in too deep too fast. He and I both thought it would take so much longer for Manta to trust him, and when he brought Aqualad in early, any timetable I had was shot to shit."
Dick continued. "He was my fucking best friend, I should have come to him first, let him know how important, how big all this was, but instead I went behind his back and asked Artemis. I asked her not to tell him, to keep him in the dark, but she wouldn't even consider it unless he knew. Some fucking friend I was huh?"
"You were afraid he'd say no?" Wayne questioned.
"Oh, I was sure of it. He let everyone know in no uncertain terms that they had left the life behind, Tula and Jason saw to that. He couldn't handle the thought of that being Artemis in that casket, of losing her, and I respected that, but this was huge, I don't have to tell you that, and I couldn't risk him saying no, because….. I knew she wouldn't. I treated them like soldiers, like pawns to move around some chessboard instead of like my closest friends, my family."
Dick flopped down on the couch away from Bruce's desk, the weight he had been carrying for so long on full display.
"I'm so damn angry," he said closing his eyes, searching his own soul, "and I feel so fucking guilty about that. Look at all the damage I did with that one phone call."
Bruce walked over and sat down opposite of Dick on the dark leather chair. "Dick you saved this world from a fate I don't want to even think about, those words can't even begin to do justice to what you all accomplished, to the sacrifices your team made. You're right, you were in deep, it happens and no matter how hard we try, how much planning and preparation we put into a mission, sometimes it's just out of our control."
"Everyone's moved on, I think even Artemis has but I can't. I want to so damn badly but I just can't."
"Why do you think she's moved on?" Bruce asked.
"She won't admit it, but she's found someone. I can tell, and that's good. She shouldn't be alone forever."
"And you should? Dick no matter how much you want to punish yourself, you are not responsible, the Light and the Reach were. But know this, Wally made a choice. He made a choice and paid the ultimate price, but that's something we all know can happen when we put on these masks. He sacrificed his life and saved millions of people, and do you know why? Because he was a hero, and that's what we do. If you or I had been in the same position, if something we could have done would have made a difference, we would have done exactly the same in a second despite the risks, and you know it as well as I do."
Bruce got up from his chair and knelt down in front of his one-time partner and looked directly in his eyes. "I've been where you are, it's dark and cold and lonely. You'll never get over it, but you can learn to live with it. I think of Jason every day, I make a point to. He will always be a part of me and I will always feel that loss, that guilt in my heart, just like I do for my parents, and you for yours, but you live with it, learn from it even, but you can't move forward until you deal with the underlying issue. It's not just about guilt is it?"
Dick had done everything he could to avoid eye contact with the Dark Knight, but Bruce had an uncanny ability to look past the eyes and into a man's soul sometimes. Dick hated that about him.
Dick stood and walked away from Bruce, staring out the bay window overlooking the city.
"So you're Canary now all of the sudden?" He asked sarcastically. "You're my own personal shrink?"
"If I need to, no matter what you think, you didn't cause Wally's death; you didn't push Artemis down the path she chose. They had choices, and as sad as you are about them, you have to respect them.
"He was going to marry her," Dick spoke quietly shaking his head. "I was the only one he told. He had planned to do it after graduation, but when all this came up he wanted to do it as soon as the mission ended. Paris I think."
Bruce remained silent, waiting him out as Dick did his best to avoid the subject, the secret he held in his heart that was killing him, eating him up inside. God Damn You Bruce he cursed mentally. He tried but couldn't keep up the wall anymore.
"Fine!" he yelled. "I'm pissed at him, so fucking mad at him. I'm so full of hate for his stupid ass I just want throw up."
Bruce remained calm and eased the truth out of his partner. "Why is that?" he asked softly. So very un-Batman like.
Dick turned to Bruce as a tear rolled down his face. "I'm angry because he never forgave me all right! He never forgave me for going behind his back, for bringing her back in. He told me he would have never done that to me. He fought me the entire damn time, questioned every decision, criticized every plan. He even took a swing at me at the Hall, can you fucking believe that?!" he answered with venom.
"I'd ask him to join us for missions and he'd refuse. All to make sure I knew what I'd done to him, to make a point. I'm pissed at him because he was pissed at me, and now he's fucking dead and we never got to…". Dick couldn't finish the sentence.
Batman was as cold as they came. The living embodiment of vengeance, constant as the northern star and as merciless as time itself, but Bruce Wayne was different. He may wear the playboy facade, but deep down he was an incredibly compassionate and understanding man, especially when it came to his family. He embraced the younger man and held tight, trying to ease the anger and guilt that he himself had lived with his entire life.
Dick choked, "I told Mary and Rudy long ago that I'd keep him safe. After the funeral I couldn't even look them in the eye. I just miss him Bruce….I miss him so damn much. I can't do this anymore. I…I just want to come home."
"I'll have Lucius Fox take over Wayne Tech in Bludhaven for a while, he's been itching to get away from me for years," Bruce chuckled. "The official word will be I've asked you to head up a new division here in Gotham for an undetermined period. You'll go back when you're ready, perks of being the boss."
"I'll arrange to get your things; a car will be waiting for you in ten minutes to take you back to the manor. Alfred has always kept your room exactly the way you left it. Maybe he can even whip up that Chicken Parmesan you used to like so much."
Bruce concluded, "I have some League business to attend to tonight and a ridiculous function over at the Ritz tomorrow night for Judge Faden's reelection campaign, after that it will just be us, in costume or without, your choice. Go home and relax. I'll see you later this evening."
Dick wiped his eyes. "Thanks Bruce. Thanks for…..everything." Dick replied with a relief in his voice that Bruce had not heard in ages.
Xxx
Artemis dressed in her room while Wally flipped through channels, finishing off the pizza from the night before.
"Wally", she spoke through the cracked door, "I have a crazy idea. I have a few things to wrap up business wise, but when I'm done let's take a trip, get out of Gotham for a while. I know we need to be searching for your folks and we will, but maybe we could go out West, see the coast. Maybe go to San Francisco or something, find that old house you remember, any place just as long as it's you and me."
"That would be….That would be awesome," he smiled.
The prospect of that trip excited him, but nothing prepared him when Artemis stepped out of her room in the dark green cocktail dress.
Wally's mouth literally dropped as she strolled into the room with the extremely form fitting tight dress with matching pearl necklace and bracelet.
"You like?"
He was speechless and she grinned as he fumbled looking for his words.
"I mean..you uh..ok..wow ." He paused to gather himself while never taking his eyes off of her. "You look amazing," he answered as a blush formed on her face.
"Silver tongued devil," she chuckled.
"How about this smarty pants? You're the most beautiful woman I've ever stalked."
"That will do," she smiled.
"I've left you some money. All the delivery numbers are on the fridge, and do me a favor, if you do go out, stay away from the library for a while. See the sites, have fun, just give the books a break ok?"
"Ok mom," he groaned with a sparkle in his eye. "Do you want me to wait up?"
"It might be late." she replied.
"I don't mind."
"Good." she replied. He rose to his feet and they stared at each other, unsure what to do. They were in a half embrace, but both wanted more, and they knew it. Wally didn't want to let her go, but started to feel a bit too clingy. He sighed and kissed her cheek. "Have fun, I'll see you later." He walked her to the awaiting cab. She got in and waved goodbye watching him shrink off into the distance as she rode away, completely unaware that across the park, she was being watched as well.
xxx
Megan Morse, or Ms. Martian as she was known within the League, sat alone in the monitor womb of the Watchtower serving her allotted shift on the duty schedule. With a roster as big is that of the Justice League, team members only had to do monitor duty once every few months. In all honesty she didn't mind it, it was always at night, practically deserted, and gave her plenty of time to be alone in her thoughts without distraction, which for a telepath was peaceful.
The many holographic screens surrounding her represented almost every news outlet, local and federal law enforcement agencies and surveillance satellites situated around the globe. At a moment's notice if trouble or disaster struck, a simple push of a button would dispatch some of the world's most powerful heroes to the scene in minutes. That power humbled her, and also made her immensely proud to be a part of an organization like that, to be a hero.
The timer went off in the commissary and the smell of fresh baked cookies permeated the air. Cooking was a hobby she picked up early when she first arrived on Earth, it made her feel more human, more accepted, but as her discomfort faded and she finally felt a part of something, cooking just relaxed her, allowed her some sense of control in a world surrounded by chaos. She rarely ate her own goods, but sharing was always the overall goal anyway.
As she entered, the tray was already out of the oven with two cookies missing, currently being consumed by the only other member on board the satellite that evening.
Guy Gardner smiled as crumbs fell out of his mouth while the baker stared annoyingly at the Green Lantern.
"Sorry Megs, but I was about to head out when I smelled them and I haven't eaten all day."
Ms. Martian sighed, the goal was to share after all, but Guy had a habit of taking without asking, rubbing people the wrong way, and generally being a giant pain in the ass. If the cookies satisfied him and got him to the Zeta Tubes faster, she would likely have given him the whole pan.
"It's ok Guy. Glad you like them. I was afraid I'd put way more brown sugar in than I should have and they'd be too sweet."
"Not as sweet as you sugar," he chuckled and grabbed a handful more heading for the exit and soon after planet side. "Later tater."
Megan sighed relieved and grabbed the two remaining cookies. She decided to finish them off herself instead of leaving them in case Guy returned unannounced.
She wandered the halls of the watchtower, the monitor alerts set on automatic if anything came up. She had not seen Conner Kent in days, and had actually enjoyed the break somewhat. They were no longer a couple per se, but the relationship they now found themselves in had become casual, extremely causal, and that was ok. Neither one had time for anything serious, but she enjoyed knowing he was there for her at a moment's notice. It was a relationship without actually being in a relationship and that suited them both.
She continued on lost in her thoughts when she found herself in the Memorial of the Fallen. Megan hadn't meant to enter, but subconsciously she knew what had drawn her there. The Martian walked around each hologram respectfully, reverently. She'd never met Ted Kord, was friendly with Tula, but not really friends, and despite working together briefly, barely knew Jason Todd.
Wally West was a whole other matter entirely and it still hurt. Megan finally made her way over to his memorial. She looked up at the enchanting green eyes, they heroic stance that most Leaguers embarrassingly had to pose for, she looked at the small traces of that cocky smile he wore, and closed her eyes as the memories began flooding in.
Not as sweet as you sugar.
She loved the speedster. She had practically grown up with the man, watched him mature from the skinny flirtatious teenager, to the loving and heroic man he had become. They were more than just teammates the original six; they carried a bond so special that no matter the distance, time, or circumstances they would always be there for one other, because that's what families do.
As much as it hurt to see him, it hurt more remembering herself holding the inconsolable archer in the snow as Artemis's world crumbled beneath her. It wasn't fair, it would never be fair. They had all given up so much, sacrificed and fought and bled. He was supposed be here. Joining the League was something he dreamed of; at least he did when he was younger, before a silly thing like love got in the way. Megan really did enjoy the thing she had with Conner, but who wouldn't have wanted true love like Artemis and Wally shared. Two stubborn, bull headed, fiery tempered people that couldn't have been more different, more opposite, two people who couldn't have been more perfect for each other.
"I miss you Wally." she spoke and laid a cookie on the floor next to the holo-projector. It was a silly gesture, but it made her feel good.
She walked back to the monitor womb and sat down. She pulled out her phone like she had done a hundred times before and dialed. Megan already knew the outcome, but she did it anyway. That's just what earth sisters did.
"Hi It's Artemis. Leave me a message"
"Artemis, It's Megan. I just….I just was thinking about you and wanted you to know I missed you. I know you're probably busy, but I wish you'd call me back. Maybe we could do lunch or dinner, or…something. Anyway when you get this message could you give me a call? Thanks. Bye."
xxx
Artemis arrived fashionably late for the party held in Faden's honor. Most of Gotham's social elite were either about to leave or wishing they could. The Mayor, members of the City Council, Presidents and CEO's of some of the most prominent businesses in Gotham, all came to pay their respects and write checks for ridiculous amounts to ensure the Judge's re-election campaign was flush with cash. Notably absent was Police Commissioner Gordon, no fan of the man or his shady connections, but hardly anyone noticed.
She grabbed a champagne flute off the nearest waiter and walked outside to the terrace, patiently waiting for the moment she could draw the good judge's attention to herself. She looked amazing and she knew it.
Faden was still inside shaking hands and doing the political gamesmanship that was expected of a man running for office, all the while keeping his arm tightly wrapped around the stunning brunette who was most definitely not his wife.
Artemis turned to glance out towards the city, the cars and street lights tiny glowing dots from her vantage point. Despite the sultry smile she threw at every guest that passed her, she despised being there, despised being around these people that were just as likely to have hands as dirty as Faden's. She wanted this night to be over, wanted to be home, but refused to think about the man waiting for her when she got back, not allowing any weakness or distraction to take her away from the matter at hand. She knew she was being checked out by every man that found reason to walk past her; it was just a matter of time before the guest of honor noticed her as well.
She was watching the clouds drift by the full Gotham moon when a familiar voice approached from behind her.
"Well Ms. Crock. What a surprise."
She turned to face the handsome billionaire.
"Mr. Wayne"…she replied. "You look well."
"And you enchanting." he complimented the stunning blonde, taking her wrist and kissing her hand.
"Always the charmer Bruce."
"What brings you here?" he asked curiously. "I had no idea you were so interested in politics."
"What can I say? I dabble here and there any many socially conscious endeavors. Faden with his political ambitions is very much a man I'm interested in."
Bruce grinned at the double entendre, more than aware of the meaning behind them.
He drew closer and spoke under his breath for only her to hear.
"Dick's worried about you."
"I'm fine. Dick needs to worry about himself." she replied sternly.
Bruce nodded in agreement. He was more than aware of Faden's connections, and if she'd be forthcoming about why she was here, perhaps he could assist, possibly prevent her from doing something foolish, but at that moment the Judge and his companion walked on to the terrace to a round of applause from their guests.
Faden cleared his voice and began what he hoped would be his final speech of the evening. "Thank you all for coming. It means a great deal to me that people such as yourselves believe in what I do and care so much to come out to these silly things. Your kindness and generosity is much appreciated as always, and I look forward to being your Judge again for the next eight years. Please enjoy the horderves and drinks, and of course enjoy yourselves. Thank you."
Artemis took out her compact, checking out her appearance and touching up her makeup one final time.
"Well I believe that my cue, nice to see you again Mr. Wayne. I'm sure will run into each other again soon."
"I'm sure we will. Take care Ms. Crock."
The crowd around the judge began to disperse and it was finally time for Artemis to make her move. She needed to find a way to detach the stunning brunette from his arm, but this late in the evening she wasn't sure how. Faden had noticed her now, she was sure of it, and the glances and suggestive smiles he had sent her way were now being mimicked by his date as well, glances that Artemis eagerly reciprocated despite the fact that it made her skin crawl, but this was a mission and all options were on the table. She knew just what she had to do.
Artemis made her way over to the man. "Judge Faden, I'm sorry for interrupting your evening, but I just want you to know how much I admire you and your career. I think you're making a real difference in Gotham and I'm... well just a big fan."
"Well thank you darling. What is your name?"
"Jade," she lied. "I'm a second year law student over at Columbia, your alma mater I believe. I have an internship set up this summer in the D.A.'s office. Sometime if you're not too busy I'd love to just have a few minutes to….pick your brain, get your opinion on a few things," she smiled glancing down at her cleavage on full display, knowing the judge's eyes had been drawn there as well.
"I see," he replied with a satisfied smile. "I'm sure there are several things I'm well versed in you might find interesting, exciting even."
She began to blush at the attention, and knew her moment was at hand. "I minored in interesting and exciting," she answered with the sultriest look she could manage without throwing up.
"It just so happens my companion and I were about to retire for the evening and discuss those very topics, in a more... private setting. Would you be interested in joining us? Perhaps you could enlighten us on some of the more interesting aspects of your undergraduate studies, over a bottle or two of my private stock possibly?"
"And then see where the night takes us?" Artemis questioned.
"What do you think Natasha? Do you Jade here might be able to find something interesting and exciting for us to discuss this evening?"
The tall brunette, with her thick Russian accent purred. "I'm sure of it darling," clearly impressed with the alluring blond before them. Her eyes making her way down the plunging neck line of the archer as well.
"I have a room on the top floor. Come let's adjourn to a more…intimate setting for our discussion."
"One of many I hope," the archer smiled.
xxx
They sat in the couch drinking their wine silently, observing each other's subtle movements and body language. Moments passed until the judge rose to his feet. "Ladies if you'll excuse me for a moment, I'm going to change into something a bit more comfortable, might I suggest you do the same."
He stood and left the room as Artemis and Natasha continued drinking their wine silently, eyeing up the other. The archer realized her glass had become empty and reached for the bottle he left on the table for a refill. As she poured, the Russian extended her empty glass, in need of a refill as well.
They both sat silently until the brunette slid over closer to the blonde and began stroking her arm gently.
"You're nervous," she announced with her thick accent rolling her R's. 'Don't be, I will guide you. You will enjoy it I promise you, I'm quite good." Artemis smiled in encouragement, tolerating the brunette's fingers as they made slow circles on her bare muscular arms.
The judge returned in his silken bathrobe and sat down once more between the two women. "Getting to know each other I see. Good. More wine?"
They continued to drink when Faden finally announced, "Well I believe we should get started, don't you two?"
Natasha eagerly grinned while Artemis nodded, biting her lip nervously, just for show.
The Russian stood up and reached behind her neck and carefully undid the ties, freeing the dress from its hold on her as it slid slowly down her body. The judge kindly reached behind her and unclasped her bra, freeing her large breasts and tossing the bra aside. The brunette had the good taste not to being wearing any panties, and she sat down completely nude next to Faden, snuggling into him, as all eyes fell on the archer.
"So Ms...?"
"Just Jade," Artemis hummed nonchalantly, having no desire to provide a fake last name as well.
"So Ms. Jade, I believe it is your turn."
Artemis finished her wine and rose to her feet.
"I suppose so," she smiled.
She stepped to the center of the room, finding a light switch, and dropping the illumination to almost nothing, the only light source being the bright moonlight casting in through the open doors of the large balcony, throwing shadows all over the room.
Her theatrics excited the couple as they eagerly awaited the threesome that was soon to begin.
Artemis turned away from them and began unsnapping the emerald dress she wore. The moonlight cloaked parts of her body in shadow, and the now untied dress slid freely to the carpet. The Russian smiled in approval. "She is beautiful."
"She most certainly is," Faden replied.
They could tell their remarks had encouraged the blonde, as her body began to sway subtly, sensually, in an almost erotic trance. Her bra and panties slid to the floor and she turned her neck and smiled. "You're both a very attentive audience, that's exciting. Let me freshen up a moment and I'll be right. Don't start without me," she grinned.
She walked into the bathroom, grabbing her oversized bag, and turned on the interior light, giving her new friends a brief view of her exceptionally toned naked body.
"This is going to be a night you two will never forget, I promise." She threw back a lust filled smile and shut the door behind her, once again casting the room in darkness.
Natasha nibbled of the judge's ear, clearly as anxious to get her hands on the young blonde's beautiful body as Faden was. She moved up and began hungrily kissing the man while her hand untied the robe teasingly; beginning its journey downward towards his rapidly swelling manhood courtesy of two Viagra taken over an hour ago.
Natasha drooped to her knees directly in front of the judge, moaning slightly, rubbing the man's inner thighs, spreading them apart slightly for easy access. Faden closed his eyes in anticipation, eagerly waiting to open them again with the vision of the blonde and brunette ready to battle for his affection.
Natasha let out a shriek and the judge smiled, clearly proud of her reaction to his arousal. Her hand stilled and carefully withdrew, and the judge grew annoyed with her lack of stimulation.
He opened his eyes and his heart almost stopped. In front of him in his den stood and an orange and black clad masked figure, a gleaming saber resting directly on the Russians throat, shimmering against the moonlight.
Natasha, still kneeling, remained deathly still, swallowing hard as the blade pushed into her juggler slightly. The judge's eyes stood wide open, mouth agape in terror, unable to make any sound.
Tigress looked down at the kneeling naked women. "Get out," she demanded. "If you're not out of this building in one minute, I will hunt you down and kill you," she growled. "Say anything, do anything, and you will be dead by the end of the weekend, finding a Russian prostitute in this town is as simple as a phone call. Do we have an understanding?" Tigress purred, stroking the blade up and down the Russian's neck.
The brunette nodded her head nervously in acknowledgment.
"Now!" Tigress yelled and threw her dress to her. The Russian grabbed it and quickly ran out of the apartment without even glancing at Faden, choosing to dress in the elevator and heeding the assassin's every word.
The door slammed behind her and Faden felt a steel tipped boot land forcibly into his chest, violently slamming him and the couch on to its back, knocking the breath out of the man.
Tigress straddled the judge, grabbed his sweaty comb over and jerked his head forward.
"You know who I am don't you?"
He nodded nervously.
"Say it, say my name."
"Tigress," he whimpered.
"Say it!" she demanded.
"Tigress," he said loudly, clearly, his words turning to sobs for mercy.
"That's better," she replied.
"My good judge I'll be brief. I want Carmine Falcone's current whereabouts and where he lives. Not the P.O. Box he uses on his personal records, not the registered condo downtown, but the residence listed under his wife's maiden name somewhere out East, and I want it now."
"I have no idea," he hurriedly answered, perspiration dripping from his brow.
"Yes you do, and you and I both know it. Make no mistake, I'm going to kill him, but if you don't tell me everything you know right fucking now, you'll be waiting for him first."
"He'll kill us both," he shuddered in fear. "He has eyes everywhere."
"He can't kill you from the grave, besides I'd be more worried about your current predicament then hypotheticals at this point. If you know who I am, then you must know my reputation," Tigress smirked.
She placed the blade between his legs, barely nicking his manhood, drawing a few small drops of blood that quickly pooled around the robe he tried desperately to cover himself with. The man looked down in horror and within seconds spilled everything he knew; names, locations, associates, schedules, it never ceased to amaze Tigress the honesty men could produce when a titanium razor sharp blade rested against their testicles.
His breathing was haggard to the point she thought the obese jurist might pass out.
"I bet your rethinking those two Viagra's about now," she asked amusingly, staring at the terrified man's pitiful erection.
She dug the blade in deeper and Faden cried in pain. "You can't run, you can't hide. If one sentence, one word of this leaks out, if one syllable of this is a lie, I will kill you, your wife, and your two sons. I know where they live, where they go to school, who their friends and girlfriends are," she lied. "I know everything about you, you fat prick, and if you lie to me, your election will be the last thing you'll ever have to worry about. Carmine can't protect you if he's too busy protecting himself."
Tigress continued her threats. "Falcone doesn't care about you; he has ten Fadens waiting to take your place at a moment's notice. When he's dead you'll never hear from me again, if you tell a soul about this, you better have your eulogy written and ready. Are we clear?"
"Cl…clear," he stuttered shaking, his blood now forming large splotches on his couch.
Tigress gathered her belonging and made her way to the balcony. She briefly turned and smiled. "I hope I don't have to visit you again. I hope you're a good boy and do what you're told, but just in case, this is to remember me by." She tossed the green cocktail dress and it wrapped itself around the judge's terrified head.
"Souvenir," she smiled and jumped from the balcony.
xxx
Artemis had lied to him. Time Square in downtown Gotham wasn't amazing on a weekend night; it was unbelievable, incredible, astonishing. Never had he seen a place with so much energy, so much life. The lights and sounds were mesmerizing. All around him billboards and marquees burst to life with their neon lights ablaze. Street performers and vendors stood on almost every corner, surrounded by crowds of people intoxicated by their talents and goods. In one small stretch of real estate, one could find iPad's, Rolex's and brand new movies still in theaters being sold, standing next to men and women playing drums, guitars, or sprayed from head to toe in silver, motionless as living statues. It was just the distraction he had needed.
On the 80 foot LED screen in the center of the square, advertisements, movie trailers, music videos, and Gotham Knight's highlights played nonstop, broken briefly by five minute world news snippets. Wally stood mesmerized, eating a bite of his new favorite food Chicken Whizzies, watching the screen as scenes from all over the world played out briefly before him. An attractive news anchor appeared on the video giving her bi-hourly updates. Conflict in the Middle East, political corruption, some feel good story, all squeezed into the small allotment of time she was granted.
For the first time in days he felt carefree, happy. He knew he was in denial and felt strangely fine with that, but it wasn't just the distraction of the city around him, it was her. Being around Artemis made him feel whole, made him feel complete, not someone hopelessly loss without a past. He discovered when she was happy it made him happy. Wally had no idea what they'd been to each other years ago, too afraid to ask honestly, but there was a connection, and it was more than just friendship that had sent him across the county looking for her. Denial wasn't a bad place to be he considered.
Still questions nagged at him. Perhaps there was a reason he was listed as dead, maybe he'd been forced to go into hiding, he was Meta after all, so anything was possible. Maybe it was for his protection, possibly hers too. There could be a hundred reasons for what he had found, but deep down there was only one true underlying issue. The cold, rational, scientific part of the speedster told him what he probably was, but his dreams weaved another story.
Right now he felt at home, at peace. Tomorrow would be another day, and eventually he'd have to talk to her openly, honestly, share with her what he had discovered and ask the tough questions he didn't want to know. Would she still want to be with him if she knew the truth, if the fear he kept inside was science fact instead of science fiction. Clone was such a hurtful word.
In his pocket rested the necklace he had purchased from one of the countless street vendors that covered the square. He knew it was a fake, but he loved the color, loved the way it would hang from her neck. Wally had bought it with her own money, but he hoped Artemis would appreciate the sentiment.
It had been a great night, but he was ready to get back to her apartment. He wasn't the slightest but tired, still full of energy and anticipation, a burning desire to be with her again, possibly the way they were last night.
Weekend nights in Gotham brought out all kinds, and after seeing every variety of life that mingled around Time Square, he felt nothing could possibly surprise him. Even after a short subway ride back towards Gotham West, people of all shapes, colors, and orientations, still poured towards the middle of town in the city that never sleeps. A prime example was walking towards him, down the sidewalk adjacent to the park, opposite the residences that lined her block.
Wally snickered inside at the amusing sight of the large muscular man that passed by walking the world's tiniest dog. Wally nodded respectfully and the silver haired man smiled back as they passed. He wasn't sure being without his memories, but he considered himself more of a big dog lover, like a lab or pit-bull, not a fan of the miniature whatever it was that had just passed him, but after all variety was the spice of life.
Suddenly he heard the man yell "Precious!" when at Wally's feet the dog sped by, having momentarily separated from his or her owner. Wally jogged slightly and easily captured the tiny canine and held him up to his face. The small dog bared their teeth and did not seem to appreciate his capture one bit.
Yep definitely a big dog person he agreed to himself.
He turned to show the hopefully relieved owner he had rescued his pet, when Slade Wilson pushed the sword through Wally's chest and out the other side.
"Hello Kid Flash. It's been a long time."
