Chapter 10
It was just after 9 A.M. when Terry's phone rang. He looked down at it as it was on the floor next to the couch where he was asleep. He saw it was Bruce and answered, exhaling a deep breath, "Yeah?"
"How is she?" Bruce asked.
"Still asleep. Hopefully, she'll wake up just fine." He slowly sat up.
"And how are you?"
"Pissed. Basem tell you everything?"
"He confirmed that Gold handed her the drink but he admits that he didn't see him drop anything in the glass, firsthand. Can we be sure that it was him that slipped it in her drink?"
"Well, I didn't see him, no. But you know Max. She's not a heavy drinker. Sally was with her all night. Sally said she and Max had one together and Basem only saw her have one other and that was from Ket."
"I believe you."
Terry sighed, rubbing his face. He dropped his hand. "Bruce. You know how I feel and you know what I wanna do."
"But you can't."
"I know but…" Terry exhaled.
"I understand." Bruce was silent for a second. "Have you taken her to the doctor yet?"
"Not yet. We just got her home so nothing else happened."
"Good. Let me see what I can do to deal with Gold."
"You want to?"
"After the talks we've had, you were right: she is more than just an asset. And we don't let our friends get hurt and not do anything about it."
"Damn right."
"I have an idea."
Later on that morning, Terry was in the kitchen, making breakfast and humming a tune.
Sally walked into the room and, before she greeted Terry, caught the sound of him humming. She smiled, immediately. "'Count On Me.'"
Terry stopped and smiled.
"Bruno Mars. I love that song."
He went back to cooking. "How'd you know?"
"My brother, Ray, used to sing to me all the time when I was little. Said that I'd always be able to count on him, no matter what."
"Hm."
"Have you been humming that a lot?"
He paused for a seconds before resuming his actions. "Only when it comes to Max."
Sally walked around the counter and looked at him. "You really care about her, don't you?"
"Yeah. I do."
"She's lucky, then."
He chuckled, softly.
"When we started on a more regular basis while she was in Hill High, all she could ever talk about was you. I can't say how grateful I am that you came to her life. Her family tended to suck at the time."
"Just a little. But she helped me too."
"Oh, yeah?"
"Oh, yeah. She was there for me all the time. I really needed it. She came into my life not long after my dad died and… man, did I need it." He exhaled. "I don't know. There's just… always been something special about Max. Right from the start. I just never realized how much then. The more I got know her… the more special I realized she is. I'm just grateful I ever met her." He went back to cooking.
She smiled. "I'd kill to have a guy look at me the way you look at her, even how you look when you just talk about her."
"How do I look?" he asked, never looking up.
"Like you would do anything for her. Like you'd fight the entire Legion of Doom, go to the end of the earth, or, the worst of all, go buy her feminine products."
He looked up at her. "I have bought her feminine products."
Her eyes went wide. "Shut up."
"More than once."
"She's asked you to do that more than once?"
"Did it once because she mentioned she was running out and had no time to go to the store." He paused. "I have no idea why I told you that."
She looked toward Max's room then leaned over to him. "If you don't convince her to marry you, I'm going to slap her like she owes me money."
"Now, now. No need for violence."
"Like hell! I've only asked two men to buy that kind of stuff for me and that's my dad and Ray. And that was because my mom was out of town."
He laughed.
"How'd you guys become such good friends?"
"She never told you?"
"I mean, yeah, she has. But… what about from your end?"
He turned on burner and let the skillet sit before leaning against the counter. "My life is hectic. Always has been. I wasn't really looking for a circle of friends at the time but Max came along and… well, she was the one thing I didn't even know I needed. But, when she got there, man, I was grateful. She helped me in every aspect of my life, from job to my girlfriend at the time to my family." He shook his head. "I wouldn't have made it this far without her. She's been one thing that's anchored me down all this time. I'm just grateful for her."
She could hear it in his voice. He really thought highly of Max, in more ways than one. "Terry, level with me and I swear it stays between us: do you have a thing for Max?"
"Do I even need to answer that?"
She smiled. "No. Just good to know that I was right." She walked over to the table and leaned on it. "Why don't you tell her?"
"Because I don't wanna lose her. It's a big risk. Gotta make sure it's worth it first."
She nodded. "I get that but I don't think you have to worry about that."
"Well… I'll just wait until I'm sure. And until I know she knows."
"I think we can wait forever and, at the end of the day, she'll be your girl."
"We'll see."
The first thing Max could feel was the warm light of the sun hitting her skin. She slowly opened her eyes and realized where she was: her bedroom in her apartment. She looked around, trying to remember how she got there. Slowly, it came back: the party, the shot, the dancing, the sudden feeling of a total loss of equilibrium, Ket's hands being in places they shouldn't have been, and Ket's evil smile. 'Something must've been in that drink.' She groaned. 'Damn you, Ket.'
She heard voices coming from the kitchen. She started to move, not finding that to be the easiest thing at first on account for still being a little dizzy, but her balance came back as she sat up. She looked to see that she was in a black tank top and her favorite flannel pajamas that Terry got her as a gag gift for her birthday one year. She lied and told him she hated them.
She gasped. 'Terry…' She remembered how he came to her rescue last night. Not Batman. Terry. She walked out of her bedroom to see Sally sitting at the table and Terry messing around in the kitchen.
Sally took notice of Max first. She smiled, thankful she was awake. "Hey, smarty."
"Hey," Max greeted. She looked over at Terry to greet him but nothing came out. She was just too overwhelmed.
"Hey, Max," Terry smiled, relief in his voice.
She ran at him and threw her around his neck and hugged him as hard as she could, burying her face in his shoulder. Terry was surprised, at first, but he, slowly, put his arms around her and hugged her back. It was not tight enough to hurt her but it was a firm.
Max thought about all the things that could've happened to her last night. "If you hadn't been there…"
"Don't," Terry cut her off. "I don't even want to think about that."
She scoffed. "I so hate I was the damsel in distress."
He chuckled. "It can stay between the three of us. Oh, and Basem."
"Just us four."
"You got it."
She giggled but stopped and hugged him tighter. "Thank you, Terry." She sighed. "I love you."
He chuckled. "I love you, too."
She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Always the hero."
"Ever the brain." They released the hug.
Sally shook her head, "You two are so weird."
"Said the girl with five ear piercings," Max joked.
"Oh, yeah. You're okay."
Max smiled then looked at Terry. "I couldn't stand up straight if I had a cane and could barely speak above a whisper. How'd you find me?"
Terry leaned on the counter, "I saw you off balance and shoving Ket then disappear. I was being overprotective. You can be mad, if you want."
"Like hell. If you ever be that overprotective again, I'm buying you a car."
"No need. Got one."
Max smiled. She frowned then shook her head, "I can't believe Ket. I'm gonna kill him."
Sally raised her hand, "I'll burn and bury the body."
"Roll it back, Expendables," Terry chided them both. "You're not gonna kill him."
"Well, that's not fair! You got to punch him!"
Max blinked and looked at Terry, "You what?"
Sally grinned, "Oh, Max, it was awesome! He knocked out a tooth!"
"And I missed that?! Damn it all!"
"I'm sure someone has a video of it somewhere."
Terry shook his head.
"Anyway, what are you gonna do about this? Ket drugged Max! Are we going to let him just get away with nothing more than a busted-up jaw?"
"Of course not but we are going to do this the right and smart way."
"Says the guy who punched him."
Terry shrugged, "I was in the moment."
Max giggled. "What other way do you have in mind?"
"I do work for Bruce Wayne. Who's more connected than him?"
"How's he gonna help?"
His cell phone rang. "Ah! Perfect timing!" He answered. "What's the word, Bruce?" He fell silent. "Awesome. So, what do we need to do?" He was silent for a little longer. "Got it. Will do. Talk to you soon." He hung up and looked at Max. "Up for going to the hospital?"
"Sure."
"What's that gonna do?" Sally asked.
"It's gonna get the ball rolling."
"For what?" Max asked.
Terry just gave a knowing smile.
Hours later.
After hastily packing a few bags, Ket hurried out of his dorm room. He knew he had to get out of town before anything more happened to him. After Terry's punch, he wanted to be gone by last night but his lack of equilibrium prevented him from going anywhere. He didn't even bother with going to a hospital because he didn't want to explain how he got the injury. He walked, in earnest, toward his car, going through the Quad, and right past Basem, who was casually reading a newspaper. Ket was in so much of a hurry that he didn't even recognize the man he met just last night. Once Ket passed by him, Basem folded up his newspaper and followed after him, discreetly.
Ket got in his car and tried to start it only to find it wouldn't start. Ket kept trying to start the car but gave up after two more tries. He hit the steering wheel and growled, rubbing his chin. He got out of the car, slamming the door, and walked back toward his dorm.
Chuckling, Basem pulled out his phone. He dialed and pressed the phone to his ear. "Terry. Yeah, he's not going anywhere. Short circuit to his car worked like a charm." He was quiet for a few seconds then smiled. "Really? Oh, don't worry. I'll be sure to get a front row seat."
Ket threw his stuff across the room, trying to figure out how to get the hell out of Gotham. He pulled out his cell phone to get a taxi to take him to the airport so he could go anywhere but here. After scheduling a taxi, he purchased a plane ticket for Metropolis then sat down to wait for the cab. After an hour, Ket checked his watch and headed out of the door. He walked down the stairs and went to meet the cab.
He was walking across the quad when he heard sirens echoing through the school. He kept walking to wear the cab was supposed to meet him but stopped when he saw a cop car talking with the cab driver. He doubled back but noticed cops everywhere he turned around. He headed for the main social building to try to avoid the police. He was walking through the hallway, where most the students were, and kept trying to find a way out but kept seeing cops at every entrance and exit. Ket started to panic and rushed to the large open atrium at the front of the building.
Basem watched him from the second floor of the atrium, enjoying watching this rat panic in the trap. He smiled when he looked up and saw the most welcome person walking through the main entrance. Ket was headed toward the front door but stopped in his tracks and stared at who he saw.
Walking through the front door, in her favorite brown coat that she was never without, no matter the weather, came Commissioner Barbara Gordon.
Ket wanted to run but every exit was covered. He had nowhere to go.
Barbara walked right up to him and asked, "Ket Gold?"
Ket broke out in a cold sweat. "Uh… yeah?"
She pulled out her badge, "Commissioner Barbara Gordon, GCPD."
"What… what can I do for you?"
She put her badge away and placed her hands in her pockets. "You're in a lot of trouble, young man."
"What do you mean?"
The students in the forum were starting to stop their own activities and follow this scene.
"Are you familiar with a street drug called Lights-Out?" Barbara asked.
Ket opened his mouth but words escaped him for a second. "Uh… uh, n-no… never heard of it."
"Hmm." She walked up to him, circling him. "It's a new drug, really. Only been on the streets about a year, which, as far as narcotics go, still makes it new. It's powerful, nearly three times as strong as Rohypnol, also called roofies." She stopped behind him, "Basically, it's a date rape drug. Highly illegal. But it's even worse. Have you heard that one milligram can even be considered lethal? The drug's effects are so random that it's considered a capital offense to even be in possession of it."
He had no idea what to say.
"A few of days back, we picked up a drug dealer called Rush. He said that he sold Lights-Out recently and proved it. He gave us photos."
Ket's eyes went wide.
"Apparently, he doesn't trust his clientele. I can't say that I blame him. Now, think long and hard before you answer this next question: have you ever been in possession of Lights-Out?"
He opened his mouth and was about to deny it, "I…"
"Maxine Gibson."
He shut his mouth and his eyes.
"I know her. She was at the hospital, just this morning. She had traces of Lights-Out in her system. She called me and told me was at a party with you. Now, before you speak again, keep in mind, I know that girl very well. I know how she drinks." She stared into his eyes. "She's had 8 since she's turned 21 and one at the party besides what she had with you. The one you gave her makes 10. So, before you lie and say she's a party girl or she had it coming or anything of that nature, remember I know you are lying. And that will make this so much worse for you, you have no idea."
Ket looked at her in fear.
"Now, one more time, scumbag… have you ever been in possession of Lights-Out?"
He swallowed the lump in his throat. "Yes."
Barbara grabbed Ket's shirt and pushed him until she slammed him against a near wall, shocking all of the students. Ket let out shaky breaths of fear, impressed by her strength and speed.
Basem grinned wider and chuckled, "And they say there's no such thing as free, great entertainment!"
"I've got half a mind to lock you in a cell and throwaway the key!" Barbara shouted.
"But-but-but… I didn't do anything!" Ket declared.
"We have your dealer! He confessed to selling you the drugs. That's possession. If one milligram is missing, we can book you for attempted murder!"
"Murder?! Wha-no?! I bought three pills from the guy! THREE! They're in my room! All of it! I never used it!"
"Never?"
"I mean cut one piece in half and put it in Max's drink last night but she went home! I didn't do anything to her!"
"So, you admit to drugging her?!"
"Yeah, I did but…"
"And what did you do to her after that?!"
"Nothing, I swear!"
"You're lying!"
"I'M NOT!"
"You drugged that girl!"
"YES! I DID BUT THAT WAS IT! I DIDN'T EVEN TAKE HER ANYWHERE! THAT BASTARD, MCGINNIS, TOOK HER OUT OF THE PARTY BEFORE I…" He stopped. He closed his eyes when he realized that he confessed.
Barbara's fist started shaking. This man nearly did unspeakable things to a girl, even Barbara knew, was one of the few shining lights in the Batman world. She pulled him closer and spoke in a dangerous tone that would've made Bruce proud, "I don't know what's worse in this town: supervillains or punks like you with the world at their disposal and they throw it all away."
Ket opened his eyes back and stared at the commissioner. "I want my lawyer."
"You're gonna need him, kid." She yanked him by the arm toward her officers.
They placed the handcuffs on Ket and led him out of the building, past of all his fellow students. As they got close to the car, he looked to see Max standing with Terry, Sally, and Basem, who threw in a small, mocking wave. Ket glowered at all four of them. As Max stared at him, she thought about everything he would've done to her if she hadn't been cognizant enough to walk off the dance floor, fortunate for enough for Basem to give her a chance to escape, and blessed enough to have a best friend who cared for her enough to look out for her. That last thought made her slowly reach for Terry's hand. He readily offered it to her.
Sally gritted her teeth, "I wanna kick his…"
"Sal!" Max whispered, in a warning tone. She relaxed a bit. "I get first dibs."
Sally smirked.
They put Ket in the back of the squad car. He looked up and glared at Max, one more time, before the car took off.
Basem scoffed, "Whatever he gets, it's too good for him."
"Either way…" Terry took a deep breath. "I'm glad it's over."
"Me, too," Max said. She looked at her friends, "Guys…"
"If you say the words 'thank you'," Sally cut her off, "I will smack you. You don't thank friends for being friends."
"Just… it's schway to have friends like you guys. Despite the irritations."
"Part of the friendships."
Basem smirked, "C'mon. Lunch on me."
"Can you afford that?" Terry asked.
"Sure. But, to be on the safe side… everyone order off the dollar menu."
They had a laugh as they walked off.
A/N: One character who never got enough credit in Batman Beyond, in my opinion, is Barbara Gordon. Man, she is so tough! Remember, before kids had Lin Beifong, we had Commissioner Barbara Gordon.
Alright, you guys, I hope you enjoyed this. The next chapter is going to be very... interesting. Can't wait for you to read it. See you soon!