Chapter 31: Slag It

It was only a matter of time before Dad would show up to punish me. I didn't have to wait long. I hadn't even gotten through my first cup of coffee the next morning before school when he showed up. And he was not pleased.

He slid his phone across the counter to me. It was opened to an article in the New York Times about my adventure to MedCorp. It just elaborated on the news story I had watched, and what it meant for the company's integrity. I couldn't help but be pleased at the doubt the article seemed to place in the company. Good. Victoria could stand to be knocked down a peg or two.

"I can't even begin to express how angry I am with you," He started, "I'm pretty damn sure I raised you better than to pull something as reckless and stupid as this."

I just stared at him over the top of my mug, indifferent. I knew nothing I could say would get me out of whatever punishment he had already settled on.

"I've tried to be patient with you after everything that has happened in the last month. I thought it would be nice for you to spend the holiday somewhere familiar. You manipulated me and Bruce so you could pull off something illegal, not to mention dangerous. What were you thinking?"

"I guess I was just following the examples set for me," I snapped. Wrong answer.

Dad slammed a hand on the island counter, making me jump.

"Is a joke to you, young lady? Because I'm not laughing. Neither is Bruce or Cass. There is no excuse for what you did. Lying, stealing, breaking and entering, manipulation. You know better Jamie."

"You know, we could sit here all morning arguing about this, like we usually do," I glared at him, "Normally in those situations, I admittedly, deserve whatever punishment I get, and I usually regret my choices. Not this time," I felt a surge of anger growing in me.

Everyone else in the family got take matters into their owns hands, but when I do it, it's suddenly irresponsible and thoughtless. I met Dad's scowl with an icy glare of my own.

"I know you went after Tony Zucco even though Bruce forbid you to. How is me trying to stop my mother any different?"

"You're inexperienced, more short tempered than I ever was, and have an actual record that would work against you if you got caught," He argued. Then he frowned, "You know what, I don't need to explain my logic to you. I'm your father and what I say goes."

"Only on paper," I muttered. I didn't miss the hurt that flashed across his face. I couldn't bring myself to care.

"In addition to Bruce's punishment, you're moving to the gym. Maybe that will help you avoid any more temptation."

"What! What happened to taking all the time I needed? To me needing stability?"

"I'm not an idiot, Jamie. I know the only reason you wanted to stay here was for the cave," He snapped, "I'm keeping you close so you don't do anything else stupid."

I stood up abruptly, knocking over the stool I was sitting on. I couldn't even form a coherent sentence, I was so incredibly furious at him. I had done at lot of stupid things, but this so far from my normal pointless lawbreaking, I felt completely justified in this. I could feel my nails digging into my palms, my fists were clenched so tight.

"You're exactly like Bruce. A hypocritical bastard," I bit out through clenched teeth. I knew comparing him to Bruce would get to him. I took a dark pleasure in the pained and shocked expression he had.

Deciding I was done with the conversation I stormed out of the kitchen, and gave the door a satisfying slam.

I spent most of that morning fuming, ignoring the blatant looks of concern from my friends. Max and I were working in a computer lab at lunch when Dana and Terry appeared.

"Whats that?" Dana asked Max as she printed something.

"The results of a compiler program I've written." She handed the paper to Terry.

"About Batman?" he asked. I looked up from my robotics project and gave him a worried glance. What happened if Max's program worked?

"Yeah. I needed a hobby and it beats macrame," She lifted the ID card from around her neck, "I hacked my ID so I could stay after hours to work on it. The program searches the grid for specific information about Batman."

Dana took the paper from Terry and read it, "He's between 5'6 and 6 foot, between 16 and 36." She looked at Max, "How can he be that young if he's been around for so long?"

"I figure the guy that's been around lately, is a brand new Bat."

Terry looked more and more distressed as Max continued to talk.

"A lot people would fit this description," Dana noted, handing Max the paper back.

"Maybe. But everyday another bit of data helps narrow it down. Eventually I'll have the guy pegged," Max was very confident.

"If it is a guy," Terry tried to throw her off.

"It's a guy. And he's connected to our school. I'm sure of it." I could see a slight look of panic growing on Terry's face.

"He's like a teacher?" Dana asked. These two really needed to stop.

"A teacher, or phys ed coach, or even a student," She smiled.

Terry walked over to me.

"What do we do?" he asked quietly.

"What do you mean 'we'?" I whispered, "I'm not even allowed in the cave anymore. This is between you and my ass of a grandfather," I didn't mean to be so harsh, but I was still pissed.

"You're not? What happened?" So Bruce hadn't told him anything.

"I don't want to talk about it," My hands curled into fists on the desk. He looked worried.

"Are you sure? You've been pretty quiet all day. I know you been through a lot recently and-"

"I said I don't want to talk McGinnis," I bit out. He finally got the hint and left me alone.

Dad or Bruce had left some boxes in my room while I was at school. Packing would have to wait though. I had a pile of homework to do. Teachers had hit us hard for our first day back. I ended up falling asleep doing chem homework and didn't wake up until the next morning. Dad would have to get over it.

It was like that for the next two days, just seemingly endless homework. I didn't even get to do any research on MedCorp or Victoria. Even if I wasn't grounded, I probably wouldn't have left my room much. It was a welcomed distraction, but it was starting to piss Dad off.

"I'm starting to think you're making excuses Jamie," Dad said over the phone after I explained again that I was overloaded with homework.

"I'm not," I snapped, "Teachers are prepping us for application season. Especially since the GATs scores came in. So sorry not sorry I'm prioritizing my future over your stupid demand for me to move. Now I have homework to do. Bye." I hung up.

I was walking to robotics the next day when I was pulled into a classroom.

"What the- Max? Jeeze, warn a girl next time!"

"Sorry, but I need to tell someone."

"Tell someone what?" I asked. I had so much going on already, I hoped this was minor.

"Here," She shoved some papers in my hands. It was a list of names labeled 'Double Lives' and at the top was Terry's name.

"What's this for?"

"Potential people who could be Jokerz. Terry tried convincing me to delete the program last night. Now I know why." She said. I burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"You really think Terry is part of the Jokerz? He breaks in the school to vandalize it? That dork? You know him better than that," Damn I really needed a good laugh.

"He fits the criteria. And him wanting me to delete the program only adds to it." She was so convinced.

"Max, I'm telling you right now that Terry is not a Joker. Bruce doesn't give him enough free time for him to even consider it."

"I'm still not convinced," Max took the papers back.

"Okay if I can't convince you. Maybe your own data can. That list just says double lives, not Jokerz. Just a thought," I said, walking out of the room.

The bathroom smelled strongly of hair dye when Dad walked in.

"So instead of doing what I told you to do, you're dying your hair."

"Well when my description is floating around for the police, I wanted to take a precaution. Forgive me for covering my tracks," I snapped, putting a towel around my shoulders.

"What wild color are you doing this time?" He picked up the empty box, "Green? Maybe blue? Or red to make a state- Just black?" He looked confused.

"Yes. Just black. Time for me to grow up," I said, turning the faucet to the tub on so I could rinse my hair, "Did you have something important to say or are you just here to pester me about moving? Because I still have a ton of homework. I just took a break to do this."

"I came to tell you that if you don't at least start packing, I won't hesitate to hire movers to do it for you."

"For one room? Are you serious?!"

"I've had enough of your games Jamie. This is your last warning. No excuses," He turned and left.

No no no no no. He couldn't do this. Not yet! I hadn't even had a chance to sneak into the cave and get the suit back. Or use the Bat-computer to look at the file shark. I needed more time! Damn homework!

The next day at school, everyone was talking about how Carter Wilson was the leader of the Jokerz that were vandalizing the school. Apparently he was pissed Max beat his GAT score and was out for revenge. Petty brat.

Max seemed fine, unfazed by the whole thing. Terry gave nothing away when she was telling us how Batman had saved her last night. I didn't miss how she kept giving Terry sly glances. If she didn't already know, I had a feeling Max was close to figuring out McGinnis' alter-ego. That was something he could deal with when the time came. I had my own secrets to keep.

I have never had an empty threat from Dad in my life. He's one to always follow through on his word. So when I got to the manor after school, I really shouldn't have been surprised to see my room completely empty of all my stuff. But I still wasn't expecting it to happen so soon. I thought I'd at least have the weekend before I'd have to worry. Guess not.

"He came this morning after you left and packed everything. Didn't take him very long."

I jumped at Bruce's sudden appearance. Those were the first words he had said to me since I stormed out on him almost a week ago. Not that I was actively trying to talk to him.

"And no one bothered to warn me?" I snapped.

"I didn't realize he was here until he asked to borrow a truck." We both knew he was lying. Nothing happened in the manor without Bruce's knowledge.

I was also suddenly aware there was absolutely no reason for me to even be at the manor. I didn't ever have to see Bruce again. I just stood there, stunned at my realization.

I wanted to scream. At Bruce, at Dad. At Jason for giving me up, at Victoria for what she was doing at MedCorp. At Anni, for being so damn stupid to follow her father like that. At Ko for probably being right about the police. A the world in general for letting bad things happen.

I didn't say anything, I just turned and left without a word.

I didn't really care that I was grounded. It's not like I'd ever been one to follow the rules. I'd face Dad's wrath later. Right now, I really needed a friend.

"Jamie? What are you doing here?" Max answered the door.

"I can't go home right now," I sighed, feeling the weight of everything hit me full force.

"What happened?" She motioned for me to come in.

"Everything," I fell onto her couch.

"Hang on," She disappeared into the kitchen. She came back with two mugs and sat down next to me. I took a sip, hot cocoa and-

"Is there booze in this?" I looked at her. She gave me a sly grin.

"It seemed like you could use it. Now tell me everything."

"Okay, but you have to promise nothing leaves this room."

"Of course. Trust me, I can keep a secret," The way she smiled made me believe it.

So I told her everything. Starting from Thanksgiving with Anni's strange mood change and ending with Dad moving my stuff. She sat quietly, letting me talk and vent, and even cry over Anni. After a brief hesitation, I told her I knew Batman and had been working with him.

"I know about Terry," She admitted. I just stared at her, mouth agape. I shook my head to snap out of it.

"That twip! You knew and he didn't tell me," I pouted. Max laughed.

"Well I only found out last night. Told Terry this morning that I knew," She shrugged, "But he doesn't need my help apparently."

"That's true. He has Bruce. But me on the other hand..." I trailed off and pulled the file shark out of my bag, "am in serious need of my own Oracle. You want to help me take down my mother?"

"Someone has to look out for your reckless ass," She smiled. I hugged her.

"I thought it was pretty clear what 'only school and home' meant when you were grounded, but apparently not. Where were you?" Dad greeted me when I got back to the gym.

"Good evening to you too," I muttered.

"No, you don't get to have an attitude young lady. Unless you like being grounded," He shot back.

"Oh yes, because I just love being treated like an over emotional girl who can't get over her grief, when all I'm trying to do is get answers about the illegal activity my estranged mother is up to. God forbid I have a damn attitude when no will listen to me or do anything about it!"

"Jamie, Bruce is working on it. He even asked Damian for some help with MedCorp's overseas dealings. Just because you weren't told about it doesn't mean nothing is happening."

"And no one thought I would maybe like to know this?"

"Well maybe if you hadn't thought lying to me about why you wanted to go home, Bruce would feel he could trust you with this. Your behavior recently has proven how little we can trust you."

"I'm not sorry I did it," I spat, "My best friend was murdered and I'm trying to understand why. Don't you dare tell me I'm just grieving. Not with this family's history!"

"Can't you see I'm trying to protect you!"

"Protect me from what? My mother? Damn fine job you did there! She's got a fucking microchip in my skull! So what is exactly is after me that you and Bruce are so afraid of!" I demanded.

"I CAN'T LOOSE YOU TOO!" Dad shouted, putting his hands on my shoulders and hanging his head, "I've already lost too many. My parents, Jason, Alfred, Anni," he whispered, "I know some have come back, but that doesn't make the pain any less difficult. And you Jamie," he looked me in the eyes, "if I lost you, I don't- I don't know if I'm strong enough to live with that."

"Because all you see in me is him," I said quietly. It made sense. I kept hearing about how much alike we were."That's why you don't want me doing this. Why he didn't want me to know about any of this. All you see is Jason." I felt dejected somehow. Like I would never live out of the shadow of a man who had more of an influence in my life than either of us ever wanted. Just because I was too much like Jason Todd for them to ignore it.

"No," He said firmly, his grip on me tightened, "Because you're my daughter and I love you. Jason never had anything to do with that. I won't let you make the same mistakes I did, and I'm sure as hell trying to be better than Bruce," He hugged me, "You're everything to me, Little Bird."

I hugged him back, "Love you too Dad," I pulled away from him, "But I need to do this. I promise this will be the only time I ask this. I couldn't live with myself if I don't figure out what Victoria is doing. Please?" I pleaded, hopeful. I didn't want to keep doing this in secret. I was so exhausted by all of it. I didn't want to become him, or Bruce, but I would do everything in my power to prevent whatever Project Whisper was trying to achieve. With or without approval.

"Jamie, I can't," He sighed. Of course. I should've expected that answer, but I was still disappointed.

"I think- I think I'm gonna go to bed. Night," I rushed down the hall to my room.

My room wasn't set up at all, since Dad had just collected the rest of my shit today. I dug my laptop out, going to check if Max found anything on the file shark I left with her, when an alert for MedCorp popped up.

CEO Rogers plans to meet with Gotham team next week over stricter security measures following New York break-in.

She was setting me up, I could feel it. She wanted me to come see her. No one comes to Gotham if they can help it. This was a trap, just like New York.

"Well Mother," I whispered, "I accept your invitation."

Well a lot happened this chapter, but now Max knows everything! Woo! And what is Victoria up to?

Fun Fact: Jamie's costume (Damian designed it) originally had a cape, but it didn't make sense with camo mode, so Damian scrapped it.