An Approaching Storm
"Master Wayne is here." Alfred appeared in the doorway to my bedroom. I sat up and looked at Bruce as he came in, impeccably dressed as always.
"Grace?" He came over and hugged me. Overwhelmed by the events I had just gone through, I began to cry. Bruce kissed the top of my head. "Your dad told me what happened. I'm so sorry."
"Why?" I asked, wiping my face dry.
He looked at me. "I promised your parents I would protect you and I didn't do that."
"You can't be everywhere at once, Bruce." I pushed a lock of hair out of his face. "Besides, it's my own stupid fault. If I had just kept a clear head and not run out…"
"So then we're both to blame." Bruce said before turning to Strange. "Dr. Strange? I was told that you helped my wife."
"It's a pleasure, Mr. Wayne." Strange shook Bruce's hand. The look in the doctor's eye changed. It was now a…glee…an excitement…I would've chalked it up to the enthusiasm of meeting one of the richest men in the world. But there was something darker behind it.
That's when I decided that I didn't like Strange. I didn't like him one bit…
"I will take my leave, then, now that you're here, Mr. Wayne. Here is my number, Grace." Strange said, giving me a business card. "Please, don't be afraid to call me if you need anything."
"I won't forget and thank you again, Dr. Strange." I said, watching as Alfred escorted Strange out of the room. I looked at Mama and Papa. They looked older and more tired than I had ever seen them. "Why don't both of you go to bed and get some rest? I'll be all right."
"Thank you. Good night, dear." Mama kissed me on the forehead. Papa did the same before both of them left for the guest bedroom.
Now they were alone. "What happened, Grace?" Bruce asked, turning down the sheets on his side and sitting down.
Grace bowed her head. "It was during intermission. I was in the green room, chatting with Harvey and Rachel when Josephs brought in a bouquet of roses. I thought they were from you, until I opened the attached card. The only thing on it was the three hash-marks in red ink."
Bruce had finished taking off his shoes and his coat, sitting next to Grace as they had done every night. She looked frightened and ashamed at once, not looking at him. Her green eyes were dull.
"I began to panic. My heart was pounding. I was shaking and felt like I was being smothered. I needed to breathe. Excusing myself, I ran upstairs and stood in the doorway to the alley until I had calmed down. That's when I decided to go looking for you. Then I felt like I wasn't alone. And when I turned around…that's when I saw him…"
A tear rolled down her cheek. Bruce put one arm over her shoulder and pulled her close. "He was tall, thin as a lathe, dressed in a blue pinstripe suit. He had a crude burlap mask over his face. I could see his cold blue eyes in the eyeholes. I screamed and then he held his hand before my face. A white mist sprayed out, blinding me. I couldn't breathe…then…he looked like…like…"
"It's ok, Grace." Bruce soothed.
"He looked like you, but cold, dark, cruel. I ran. He followed. The last thing I can remember was huddling in the corner, wanting to wake up and discover it was all a bad dream." Grace sniffed. "Excuse me."
"What you saw was Jonathan Crane, commonly called Scarecrow. Remember the fear toxin attack last year? He made the toxin, that's what he attacked you with. It makes you see your deepest, darkest fear. But he won't be troubling you anymore; I called Gordon after the attack."
"Why didn't I keep a cool head? Why did I run outside?" She shook her head.
"Grace," Bruce gently put his hand underneath her chin and pushed it up. "There's something my dad told me when I was little. 'Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.'"
"You were close to your dad, weren't you?" Grace asked.
"He was my hero." Bruce said, remembering when his father rescued him from the deep well and the bats. They lay down, still in an embrace. Her breathing was slowing into a peaceful sleep. Bruce felt himself growing tired too.
"Bruce?" Grace asked in a faint voice.
"Hmm?"
"Thank you, for saving my life."
"You're welcome." Bruce kissed Grace on the temple.
I saw my parents off to Guibileo the next morning. After all, my father had a new government to run. Bruce had to work. At least I had the comfort of knowing that they were safe and that Bruce and I were welcome any time.
As Alfred was driving me home, Bruce called my cell phone. "Bruce? Is something wrong?" I asked.
"I hate dumping things on you suddenly like this Grace, but, I need your help."
"Sure, what is it?"
"Every year, the Wayne Foundation has a fundraiser benefitting the children's homes of Gotham. Lucius and I were wondering if you were willing to be hostess this year."
I was…touched…that they thought of me. "Bruce, I'd love to."
"Good, we're shooting for the end of this month. We have all the numbers for the catering, invitees, everything."
"I can handle that." I said with a smile.
The next three weeks flew by in a frenzy. Grace took the role of hostess very well. She made up the invitations, called the caterer and set up the traditional silent auction, even inviting Harvey and Rachel to come. Between that, the music lessons at the children's home and the opera company, Grace was understandably very busy.
Yet…she came up with various excuses for his absences. She still stayed up for him when he went on his patrols as Batman. She helped Alfred dress Batman's wounds. She even managed to stay awake and listen as he described various things.
She was there.
She was always there.
The evening of the fundraiser was also on the same day that Rachel and Dent brought charges against the mob members, helped in part by the testimony of Lau. Bruce felt lighthearted. He could finally see the end of the Batman coming. Harvey Dent, Gotham's White Knight, would keep Gotham safe. Bruce could hang up the cape and cowl and live a normal life. A life with Rachel…
Except he wasn't so sure if he wanted a life with Rachel anymore. True, they made a promise to be together when Gotham didn't need Batman anymore. But that would mean giving up Grace. He had gotten used to waking up and seeing her sleeping there beside him, her playing her violin, her gentle touch as she took care of him, her laugh, her smile…that would be all gone.
He didn't realize he would miss all those little things.
So that's why he wasn't surprised when he opened the safe in his bedroom and took out the small blue rectangle case. It felt so cool in his hands. Again, something he had meant to save for Rachel. But he wasn't so sure about that anymore.
"You'll be giving those to Ms. Grace, Master Wayne?" Alfred asked from the doorway of the bedroom.
A small smile crossed Bruce's face. "It seems right."
The fundraiser was about to start in a half-hour or so and I was in my bathroom, putting the final touches on my makeup. I had changed into a lacey off-white straight line dress. My hair was already done, rolled into a loose bun based off the Gibson girl pinup from the early twentieth-century. Simple yet elegant, I thought as I added some blush.
"Knock, knock?" Bruce appeared in the doorway to my bathroom. He was dressed in a black suit, sans jacket. His collar was turned up; the tie lay around his neck.
"Come in. You look nice, Bruce." I said, smiling and putting down my brush.
"And so do you, Grace." Bruce cleared his throat as he walked. I picked up the pelican choker and prepared to clasp it around my neck. "Why a pelican?"
"Excuse me?" I asked, clasping the buttons.
"I know your family symbol is a pelican but why that as opposed to, I don't know, a lion or something like that?" Bruce gestured to the silver pelican.
"Well, it goes back to a common belief from the Middle Ages. You see, the pelican was believed to pierce its own breast in times of famine to feed their young. The idea behind it was that the Montellos would sacrifice everything for the people of Corte Maltese. Even our lives." I said as I fastened my pearl earrings and put on the ebony bracelet. "Do you need help with anything other than your tie, that is?"
"I have something for you; in fact, it can go over your choker." Bruce took a small blue rectangle case out of his pocket. "It belonged to my mother." He said as he put it gently in my hands.
I opened it, inside was an elegant strand of pearls. The light caught off of them and they seemed to glow in the warm afternoon light. They were perfect in every way. I gasped, Bruce smiled, pleased at my reaction. "Bruce…they're beautiful…but…I can't wear these."
"Why not?" Bruce asked as he lifted the strand out of the case and rested it gently across my skin. The pearls felt cool against my skin. "You're my wife and I think Mom would want you to wear these." I admired my reflection as Bruce kissed my cheek. It was time I did something nice for Bruce. "Are you nervous?" He asked as I stood up and began tying his tie.
"Why should I be? I've done these before. What about you? Are you nervous?" I said.
"I've taken down a global terrorist group, the mob, lunatics, common thugs and a guy who dresses like a scarecrow. Compared to that, this is a cakewalk." Bruce chuckled.
"Good, although I know how boring they can be." I folded the corners of his collar down. "There." I said, straightening out his tie. "Now we're ready."
He kissed me; I enjoyed the scent of his cologne. For that brief second, I felt like we were the only two people in the world. Just like it was when we first kissed…it was broken by Bruce looking over my head. "What is it, Alfred?"
I turned around and saw the familiar figure standing in the doorway to my bedroom. The normally stoic figure was visibly shaken. "You might want to check the news."
"Why?" Grace asked as Bruce picked up the remote and turned her television to the news station. It was a shot of City Hall. There, dangling like a piece of bait, was a figure wearing hockey pads and a Batman like cape and cowl. The body was being lowered from its noose. A breaking news ribbon across the bottom read BATMAN DEAD?
"…we just received this footage. Be warned, the images are disturbing…" Mike Engle, the evening news anchor said.
The television turned to a shaky handheld camera. It looked like a butcher shop. Sitting in a chair tied up and without his mask, was a pudgy man dressed in hockey pads. He was scared.
"Tell them your name." A singsong voice said off camera.
"Brian…Douglas…" The man said, clearly on the verge of tears.
"Are you the real Batman?" The singsong voice asked in a childish tone.
"No," Douglas cried.
"No? No? Then why do you dress up like him?" A gloved hand yanked the cowl off of Douglas' head. The hand proceeded to wiggle the makeshift cowl in front of the camera, the voice giggled.
"He's a symbol…that we don't have to be afraid of scum like you." Douglas said as the cowl was thrown at him.
"Yeah? You do, Brian. You really do! Huh? Yeah…" The voice turned threatening. Douglas whimpered. "Oh, shush, shush, shush." The gloved hand stroked Douglas' chipmunk cheeks before slapping them gently. "So, you think Batman's made Gotham a better place? Hmm? Look at me…" Douglas looked away, clearly terrified. "LOOK AT ME!" The voice turned into a demonic growl.
Bruce felt Grace grip his hand. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. She was visibly shaken. "It's ok, Grace." Bruce said as he draped an arm over her shoulders. Grace moved closer to him.
The camera was turned around to show the holder. It was him…the Joker…the face splattered sloppily with white makeup. Limp and greasy dull green hair. Raccoon eyes. Red lipstick smeared over his scarred lips into a smile. "You see, this, is how crazy Batman's made Gotham! You want order in Gotham? Batman must take off his mask and turn himself in. Oh, and every day he doesn't, people will die. Starting tonight. I'm a man of my word." The Joker cackled, the sound chilling. Douglas began screaming as the camera fell and the feed cut out.
"God…he's sick…" Grace whispered. "You're not seriously going to turn yourself in?" She looked up at him, clearly disgusted.
"Of course not." Bruce said, still horrified.
After the Joker's frightening video, I kept the disturbing images out of my mind by keeping busy with the final details of the fundraiser. I made sure the first trays of appetizers were ready to go, the champagne and wine cases sitting on ice and the music set. After a while, everything was perfect, just in time, as the guests began to arrive.
I was about to take my place at the door to greet guests but Bruce gestured me over. We left through the private elevator, heading down to the basement garage. "Where are we going?" I asked as we walked to Bruce's Lamborghini.
"We've got to make a dramatic entrance, after all. I have to keep up an appearance." Bruce winked at me as he unlocked the car and we got in.
"Otherwise, people would think you've turned domestic?" I teased as Bruce laughed. "We don't want that."
"Not at all." Bruce said as we drove through town, towards Kane Municipal Airport. The sun was beginning to go down as we pulled into the Wayne Enterprises lot. A helicopter was waiting for us, the W logo emblazoned on the door. Lucius was waiting for us dressed in a nice suit. "What better way to make a dramatic entrance than by helicopter?"
"Guess not." I said as we got out. "Lucius. How are you?" I said, shaking his hand.
"Very well, Grace." Lucius said as he opened the door. "Ladies first." I got into the spacious and comfortable cabin, Bruce and Lucius right behind me. Once the doors were closed and we were buckled in, the pilots turned on the rotor blades and we slowly rose. Bruce closed the door between the pilots and us so we could have some privacy.
"You're in a cheerful mood today Lucius." Bruce commented.
It was true, Lucius was normally relaxed but from the sparkle in his eye and the amused grin, he looked like he had experienced something amusing.
"Well…we did have a blackmail attempt today." Lucius said. "One Mr. Coleman Reese discovered the plans for the Tumbler and tried to get ten million dollars a year out of us. Fortunately I…persuaded him that it wouldn't in his best interests."
I giggled. "How'd you do that?"
"I simply asked him about the wisdom of trying to blackmail one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the world who might spend his nights beating criminals to a pulp with his bare hands."
Bruce laughed. "I would've loved to have seen the look on his face."
"A proverbial deer in the headlights." Lucius chuckled. He and Bruce began talking about something. I wasn't paying attention because I was looking outside. It was twilight and the lights were coming on. Gotham Bay seemed to shine with the dim light of the sinking sun.. There was something…beautiful about it. "Grace, did you hear Bruce?" Lucius asked me.
"Hmm?" I asked, looking up. Both of them were looking at me. "Sorry, was just lost in thought. What was that, Bruce?"
"I was asking what had your attention but looking out now, I can see why."
"It's so strange, isn't it? How one of the most crime-ridden and dangerous cities in the world can look so beautiful at night?" I returned to looking out of the window.
"Looks can be deceiving." Bruce said, gently resting his hand on mine as we landed on the helipad outside the penthouse.
Time to put on appearances, Bruce thought as he helped Grace out of the helicopter. Except this time, as they held hands and followed Lucius into the penthouse, it didn't feel so fake. Grace was genuinely smiling at him. She looked beautiful tonight, especially with Mom's pearls above her heirloom choker. The silver pelican looked like it was part of the necklace.
A hush descended the room as they stepped into the main living area of the penthouse. Now they had to make the customary speech. Bruce had planned on doing the traditional 'thanks for supporting the children's homes' spiel. But then he saw Harvey and Rachel together, remembering that Grace had invited them. Harvey was impeccably dressed, every inch Gotham's White Knight. Rachel was dressed in a dark green dress, her hair twisted into a side bun. He might as well pay tribute to Dent, his spiritual successor.
"Well, first off, I want to thank everyone for coming for tonight's event. I know what you're all thinking, here we go into the whole 'thank you for supporting the children's homes, time for some fun' and it is. But…I want to recognize someone tonight. Actually, two somebodies. As all of you know the mafia was taken down today and are facing justice. All of this was made possible by my friend Rachel Dawes and Gotham's own White Knight, Harvey Dent. Everyone knows what happened to me, that the streets weren't safe. Now there's finally hope that the children of Gotham will be able to live without being afraid of getting hurt or worse."
Harvey and Rachel appeared touched. Bruce and Grace picked up two glasses of champagne. "So here's to you, Harvey and Rachel. Thank you." Everyone raised their glasses before drinking the customary toast.
With Bruce's toast, things finally kicked into full swing. Everyone stood by and chatted amicably, enjoying the music and hors d'oeuvres and making bids at the silent auction. I made the rounds, thanking everyone for coming and chatting. While this was a role I had done my whole life, this was the first time I had organized everything. Back home, this was Mama's domain. I was allowed to help but had never been put in charge of the various events.
I got so wrapped up in the rounds that I had forgotten that Bruce had slipped outside. That was until Harvey asked me something. "Grace, where's Bruce? Rachel said she was going to talk with him about something."
"Sure, he's…" I looked around, he was nowhere in sight. "Huh, where'd he go?" Then I caught sight of him and Rachel standing outside, talking. "Oh, there they are." I said. That's when I noticed that Harvey was acting nervous. His face was flushed and he was fidgeting with his tie and coat. "Are you ok?" I asked.
"Oh yeah…well it's…I'm going to ask Rachel to marry me." Harvey took out the box and opened it. Inside was a beautiful silver ring inlaid with a round cut diamond.
I smiled. "I've seen the way she looks at you, how she finishes your sentences, she even blushes whenever we talk about you. Harvey, I know she loves you."
"Thanks, Grace." Harvey chuckled, apparently reassured. "Weird, isn't it? I've faced death threats from the mob without batting an eyelash, yet I'm nervous just before I propose to my girlfriend."
"Just proves you're human, I suppose." I said, walking with him.
"Bruce, why did you say those things?" Rachel asked, suspicious. "I know you don't like Harvey that much."
"I meant every word of it, Rachel." Bruce said. It was true, he did. "You and Harvey have done so much for Gotham and it's time you were recognized for it." It was time…there was something he had to ask…part of him was afraid of the answer though. "Rachel…do you remember that day, that when Gotham no longer needed Batman? That day is coming."
Rachel shook her head. "Bruce, you can't ask me to wait for that."
"It's happening now. Harvey is that hero. He locked up half of the city's criminals…and he did it without wearing a mask. Gotham needs a hero with a face."
"What about Grace?" Rachel asked, her arms folded across her chest. "She loves you, Bruce. Can you really do that to her? Break her heart after all she's been through?"
Bruce was about to answer when Grace and Harvey came outside. "You know how to throw a party, Wayne, I'll give you that. Thank you for inviting us. Do you mind if I borrow Rachel for a minute?" Bruce nodded at Rachel to go ahead and leave with Harvey. They went inside.
Grace and Bruce stood outside, listening to the distant sounds of the city below. They leaned over the balcony and watched. It was almost completely dark. "So, I suppose we'll be saying goodbye pretty soon? Now that Batman won't be needed anymore." Grace said, almost sad.
"Yeah, suppose so." But Bruce was torn inside, between the nostalgic love for his childhood friend and the comforting love for his wife. That's when he noticed the simply carved bracelet she was wearing on her wrist, faintly smelling of Amarige perfume. He held her wrist, feeling the ridges and grooves on the wooden bracelet. "I remember making this. I'm surprised you still have it."
"You really think I would throw away my last connection to you?" Grace said, not looking at him. "Bruce, you are aware she's dating Harvey Dent and that it's pretty serious?" She turned to look at Bruce.
"I know…" He sighed. Each day, it felt more certain that he could live a life with Grace.
"Would you really do that to her? Force her to give up somebody she loves?"
Bruce didn't know how to answer her. Fortunately, he didn't have to. His phone rang. "Excuse me." It was Security for Wayne Tower.
I left Bruce to his phone call. My heart hurt, but I dared not show it. Stay calm, Grace. Stay still. Taking deep breaths, I allowed that all too familiar mask slip over me like a comfortable and ratty old sweater.
After everything that had happened…my husband's heart still belonged to another woman. I felt betrayed, like fate had slapped in the face after I had managed to get to my feet. I had lost my country, my friends, most of my family and the man I loved.
Maybe I should make up Bruce's mind for him and leave for Guibileo tomorrow.
It wasn't fair to him if he stayed married to a woman he didn't love. Even if the woman he loved might marry someone else.
It wasn't fair to me to stay with a man who didn't love me. Even if I loved him.
I ended up near the kitchen. Harvey and Rachel were talking, I saw his hand tucking into his coat pocket as he was asking her to marry him. Rachel didn't answer, I could see the conflict on his face. "Well, I guess no answer means no." Harvey said in a disappointed tone, taking his hand out of his pocket.
"Harvey…" Rachel sighed.
"It's someone else, isn't it?" Harvey asked. My worst fears were confirmed. Not only was my husband in love with my friend but she was in love with him. And I felt bad for Harvey.
"Harvey…" Rachel tried again.
I caught a shadow walking up on Harvey. "Just tell me it's not Wayne. The guy's a complete…" he didn't finish his sentence as Bruce put him in a chokehold from behind.
"What are you doing?!" Rachel and I said simultaneously.
"They're coming for him." Bruce said in a deep voice as he carried Harvey to the pantry. That was his Batman voice…I realized. DING! I heard the elevator bell ring. Oh no…Bruce slid a pipe through the door handles. "Stay hidden…" he growled at us as he disappeared.
BANG! A gunshot ripped through the air. People began screaming. Then I saw him step out of the elevator. Dressed in a tailored purple and green suit. Greasy green hair. Sloppily applied clown make up. Scarred lips a gross parody of a smile. Black eyes.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! We are…tonight's entertainment!"
The Joker…the Joker was here…
