Batman Return of the Dark Nights

Written by: Panthera

Disclaimer: The characters within this story belong to DC Comics and Warner Brothers I have just borrowed them for a while. No harm is meant I will return them unharmed when I'm finished the only character contained within that is not DC is that of Zanah she is an original character created by me and my friend.  Now, on with the story.

Chapter Fourteen

Selina woke to the sensation of one cat rubbing it's soft head against her face while a second pounced on her feet.

"All right, I'm up," she whispered as she climbed out of bed moving into the kitchen she pulled out the carton of milk and fed the many cats before returning to the bed room and pulling out a suit for the interview later that morning.

After showering and getting dressed she left for her interview at Daggett industries.

Upstairs Zanah hearing the door close crept out of bed and made her way to the kitchen. She made a quick breakfast and then picking up the phone called Dick Grayson.

Across Town at Wayne Manor…

Dick woke to the sound of the phone ringing. Lifting the receiver, on his bedside table, to his ear he said, "Hello."

"Dick."

"Yes."

"You sound tired did I wake you? It Zanah."

"No, not at all. How are you?"

"I'm fine. Got a place to stay."

"Good, glad to hear it," Dick said but found it difficult to act enthusiastic. He had hoped she'd be back. "Are you going to be busy later?"

"No. Why?"

"Well I was wondering if you wanted to grab a bite to eat later."

"Sure I'll see you later then."

"Bye Zanah." Dick hung up the phone and went through his morning routine when he reached the bottom of the steps he was met by Alfred.

"Is Miss Zanah all right sir?"

""She's fine Al."

"Good, did she say where she was staying?"

"No but I'm meeting her later."

"Tell her I hope she's well."

"I will Al."

"Tell her I hope she get everything straightened out," Bruce said on his way out the door for work.

Across Town…

Selina  stepped into Daggett Industries and made her way towards the main desk. Feighing nervousness was easily done because the whole place set her on alert. Fear pulled at her trying to get her to leave. The image of walking into a snake pit came to mind but she pushed it away.

"May I help you?" A small brunette behind the desk asked.

"Yes I'm here for the interview for the secretary position."

"And you are?"

"Selina Kyle."

"Mr. Daggett is in his office. Take the elevator to the twelveth floor and it's the last office off the main hall. He's expecting you."

"Thanks."

Turning Selina got on the elevator and pushed the button that would take her to her destination.

Several minutes later Selina stood in front of the door leading to Daggett's office. As she knocked nervousness again filled her.

"Miss Kyle?"

"Yes," she replied with a tense smile.

"Have a seat," Daggett instructed.

His steel gray eyes running over her figure in a predatory fashion that made her skin crawl.

Selina sat down and put her resueme in front of him. Much to her relief his focus moved to the paper and she watched as his eyes skimmed over the normal details, taking note of her qualifications. He paused making a mental note her marital status was single. "Are you seeing anyone?"

The question put her on edge faster than any physical contact could have. It was an overstepping of bounds to ask and she knew it. Yet she let it slide. "I was. It's an on again off again relationship."

"This job entails late hours, run from midnight ton potentially. Can you work those hours comfortably will it cause trouble between you."

"I can. No."

'Good when can you start?"

"I could start now."

"Fine. Thank you very much for your time Selina. I'll call you later to let you know if you got the job."

"Thank you Mr. Daggett," Selina said before she rose from the chair and left.

Once she was gone several men in suits issued into his office for a meeting.

"Hello, as you know I asked you all here because I'm interested in purchasing your shares in Wayne Enterprises."

"Yes we know and we made a decision. We are going to sell," the board members said in a mechanical voice.

 "Thank you so much. You won't regret this decision gentleman," Daggett said as they filled out all the legal documentation and made the trade.

The stockholders then left and Daggett turned his focus back to the resumes piled on his desk taking Selina's off the pile he let his mind drift back to the leggy blonde ad smiled he picked up the phone and dialed her number.

"Miss Kyle it's Roland Daggett after reviewing the resumes again I'm pleased to inform you that you will be my new secretary. You start tomorrow."

Selina smiled pleased with her accomplishment. Step one was complete she was now working for Daggett. Now all she had to do was dig until she found the evidence to prove he was dirty.

At the Same Time…

Zanah pulled up in front of the small diner where she and Dick had first shared a meal and noted his motorcycle sitting on the curb.

Getting off her bike she walked into the diner and spotted him in a boot at the back. She walked to the back and slid into the opposite him without a word.

"Hello," she said once settled.

"Good morning, I'm glad to see you're okay. Al said to say he hoped you were doing well."

"Tell him I said I was fine, and that I said hello."

"I'm sorry about Bruce…"

 "Don't it's not your fault. I knew I'd have to leave…"

"Why? I don't understand."

"It's better if you not get involved."

"Not get involved Zanah.."

"Please just trust me."

"I do."

"Then believe me when I say my silence on the matter is for the best."

"But I have friends… conections… I know people…"

"This is my problem to deal with. Let me handle it my way."

"Okay just be careful," Dick said resting his hand on hers.

"I will."

"So where can I reach you at?"

"You can't. I'll contact you. The person I'm staying with doesn't want her location or number passed around."

"Why?"

'I'm not sure. I think she may be hiding from someone."

"Zanah…"

"Relax I'm safe for now."

"You're sure.

"Yes."

"If you need anything…"

"I know who to call."

The two ordered lunch and then sat in companionable silence until they were done eating. After which they parted company but made plans to meet again later that week.

That Night at Daggett Industries…

A shadowy figure crept down the halls to the records room. Once securely in the unwatched room Catwoman returned the cameras to their natural feed. Opening the filing cabinet she set to the task of looking for anything unusual.

Using the computer she called up a couple old files also. She was still looking when an alarm sounded. What the hell? She woundered. As she closed out her search and made her way out of the building. As she left she spotted a figure clad in black from head to toe. In one hand was a katana blade in the other was a fierce claw. Catwoman immediately recognized her as the woman who rescued her at the catfood factory.

Almost as quickly as she appeared the figure vanished as if she'd never been there at all. Who ever she is, she's good.

Meanwhile at Wayne Manor…

    Bruce and Julie sat in the living room talking.

"Julie I'm really sorry I've been preoccupied lately."

"It's okay Bruce you've had a lot on your plate."

"Look I've been thinking about what you said before and I'd like to set the date for around Christmas."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Oh Bruce… I'm so happy. I'll get started on the plans."

"you can have whatever you want. I don't care what it costs."

"Thank you."

"No need. I love you Julie."

"I love you too."

Julie rose from her seat and left ready to set off on the task of getting plans in order for the upcoming wedding.

At an old Theatre Across Town…

Jervis Tetch sat reading an old clipping about Bruce Wayne's announced engagement to Julie, at the charity ball.

"You can't have Alice, Mr.Wayne she mine. I'll make her forget you and pay back Mr. Daggett in full at the same time. Soon I'll have my revenge on everyone who put me in Arkum, especially the Batman.