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 Thirty-One
Selina walked into the main hall on Daggett's arm and almost immediately, she was bombarded by the blinding flash of cameras and large crowds. When the press questioned who she was. Daggett's reply made her loose her appetite. "This is Miss Kyle my fiancé."
"How did you two meet?"
"Selina was actually working as my secretary and her quick thinking helped saved the lives of several of my employees."
"Is this true?"
"Yes."
"Well, how long should we expect to wait until the marriage takes place?"
"We haven't set a date yet," Selina replied.
"Well, best of luck to you." Selina and Daggett made their way across the room to the dance floor and a moment later they were swaying with the music. Selina focused her attention to the crowd and spotted in the midst of it Bruce Wayne. Her eyes filled with longing and sorrow as her focus fell solely to him. Bruce made his way through the crowd, needing to talk to her if only for a moment, Zanah's words echoing around in his mind. Daggett spotting his approach turned Selina's head and kissed her passionately forcing his tongue down her throat. Selina felt acid rise in the back of her throat as rage seeped into her, but she remained motionless knowing that retaliating in public would only lead to further difficulties. Daggett broke the kiss pretending as if he'd just spotted Mr. Wayne rather than having already noted him. "Bruce, I believe you know Selina," he said with a huge smirk.
"Daggett," Bruce bit out coldly as if the word were something vial.
"What brings you by Mr. Wayne?"
"I came to wish Selina well," he whispered before his eyes met with hers and whispered of feelings that couldn't be spoken aloud. He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. The moment though brief was far more interment than the stolen kiss moments before. "Selina, I'm glad to see you're well," he whispered. His use of her name was a loving caress; his every action secretly conveyed his undying love.
"Thanks Bruce, I want you to know, there are no hard feelings," she whispered returning the same care with his name, her eyes returning her love. "I wish you the best," she said before returning the kiss.
"If you ever need anything…" Bruce began gently wanting to convey he was there for her, but Daggett seeing his next opportunity to separate them interrupted him.
"She won't Mr. Wayne, she's my fiancé."
Bruce's eyes flew to hers in question and her green eyes made it clear the claim was not true. "Congratulations," he said before taking her hand and raising it to his lips. He kissed it gently caressing the hand with his fingers.
"Thanks," Selina whispered.
Bruce turned and left fading into the crowd and Selina watched him go with an overwhelming sense of loss.
"Why do you love him? He seems not to care for you at all. Why protect him?"
"He's a good man."
"So good, he let you go without a fight."
"You can't understand him, because you're nothing alike."
"Watch where you step."
"I have to go. It's time for me to tend to my cat." Selina whispered glancing at the clock.
"Fine, when I get home we will speak again," Daggett warned.
"Yes, we will," She hissed softly in agreement.
"Good night Selina."
"Night."
Bruce watched from the crowd as Selina left Daggett's side and withdrew from the party; he too left noting the time. Her new pets were a blessing in disguise, an excuse for her to escape from Daggett's watchful eyes. His temper flared as he thought about what had happened earlier. It was bad enough he'd had to witness the man's advance on Selina knowing it was all to get to him, but then to endure a second lash at his claim of their false engagement. Now he did indeed understand what she had said earlier. I'm defiantly going to try and push forward the timetable I'll need to speak with Jim this evening and put things in motion quickly. Bruce thought as he got in his car and drove back to the manor.
Selina's Room Later…
She had just finished tending to her cub for a third time when one of the guards knocked on her door and informed her Daggett wanted to see her. She got up from the bed and moved down stairs into the dinning room.
"I told you not to speak of Mr. Wayne."
"You opened the discussion."
"I suppose I can let it go."
"You kissed me, which was in direct breach of contract. Next time you pull a stunt like that I won't let it go."
"It was necessary…"
"No, it wasn't. You only did it to get under his skin! Next time you want to goad him leave me out of it," Selina roared.
"Fine, but don't think this for a moment makes things any different, because it doesn't."
"I understand. Is that all?" Selina asked.
"Yes, you may go."
Selina turned and left heading back to her room relieved the day was over.
She woke the next morning to a loud bellow, followed by a harsh pounding on her door. A moment later the tiger cub began to whine. Selina sighed as she looked over at the clock and she noted it was a little after eight. Bundling up the cub and grabbing the empty bottle she climbed out of bed and made her way to the door. Opening it she was met by a pair of angry suspicious steel gray eyes.
"Something wrong," she purred.
"The police have seized Wayne Enterprises an intend to return it to Wayne due to evidence suggesting the board was manipulated by Tetch."
"I didn't say a word about it. My guess would be Batman turned over the evidence we collected."
"You had nothing to do with this." He demanded.
"I'm not as foolish as to bite the hand that feeds me," she whispered hoping to calm him knowing in his current state he was a threat to her. Daggett grabbed her by her free arm and held onto her with a vice like grip. "Be sure not to claw me either Miss Kyle. You'll find I don't handle traitors kindly," he warned. The cub growing impatient whined again and struck Daggett's hand with sharp claws.
"Sorry, the cub is hungry."
Daggett withdrew his hand quickly and glared briefly. "Breakfast as soon as you're done. We need to discuss your itinerary for today."
"Fine," she purred as she glanced at the angry red prints on her wrist relieved he had let go and his temper had been controlled with relative ease.
Daggett turned and left her to get herself together. Once alone Selina's thoughts turned to the matter that had so ruffled Daggett's feathers. Well, played Bruce. His anger suggests that loosing anything to you is something he doesn't like. He won't tolerate it for long love. He is obsessed as I've said and because he knows how I feel about you his loosing to you on any level will only serve to enrage him. We'll just keep pushing at him a little bit at a time and eventually he'll crack. Selina thought as she moved towards the kitchen. She heated a bottle for her fussy pet and then made her way to the dinning room. She took her seat at the table opposite Daggett and sat silently. Not touching her food at first because she was busy with her pet's needs. "Are you planning on eating this morning dear?" Daggett asked.
"Yes. I just don't have a free hand at the moment," she replied.
"If you'd allow it kitten I could give you a hand provided you show some gratitude and are hospitable."
"That's not necessary thank you," Selina whispered in reply.
"Well then, lets discuss business for the day."
"Fine."
"First after Breakfast we have a meeting with the press concerning the news of the loss of Wayne Enterprises. You are to be on your best behavior. No doubt we'll see Mr. Wayne this morning due to the circumstances. No games Selina, you're to appear as mine remember that. Following the meeting I'll go to work for a few hours and you'll come back here. We'll meet in public for lunch and then dinner is at six of course and I expect you on time this evening and no sitting at the far end of the table we'll have the press in tonight to interview us here about our up coming union. The maid will pull out what you're to wear today and do make sure to cover those bruises dear we don't want any negative light thrown on our up coming happy marriage."
"Of course not," Selina replied.
"Good after they leave we'll spend the rest of the evening together. Until I'm ready to turn in the rest of the week will be much the same so I suggest you get used to being nice to me Miss Kyle you're going to be around me a lot."
"I'll behave as long as you do," She replied as the cub finished off her bottle. Selina put the empty bottle down and set to the task of eating her breakfast.
Daggett fell silent and after he was finished rose from the table heading for his room to get ready to face the day. When Selina was finished she left the room returned the kitchen refilled the bottle and heated it before returning to her room to change. As Daggett had said laying on her bed waiting was short slinky blue dress.
Laying with the garment was a pair of black nylons and garters as well as underwear. You're really pushing it Daggett, but you won't make me uncomfortable, as I'm sure you intend to. Playing dress up with me isn't going to work like you want it to. All it's going to do is make me angry, Selina thought as she moved behind the changing screen and got ready to face the day. Once dressed Selina studied herself in the mirror she looked beautiful and she knew it after carefully applying makeup to cover her bruises. She picked up the tiger cub and stepped out onto the patio and closed the doors. Instantly he appeared out of the shadows and wrapped his arms around her protectively.
"Good morning," she purred pleased to see him.
"I take it he didn't like the news this morning," Batman said having witnessed the scene earlier.
"No, he didn't. That was a great move by the way."
"I figured as much. The way he reacted to me last night I get the feeling that losing to me is something he won't stand for long."
"You're right."
"So, I guess I'll see you at the press meeting later."
"Yes, and I'll be out to lunch this afternoon and then I've got an interview here tonight as well."
"He's going to use your engagement as a way to distract the press from ugly speculation."
"Yes."
"I'll be sure to make an appearance during your lunch date. I figure the more he sees of me the more frustrated he'll get."
"Just be careful not to make it look too obvious why you're there. We need him to believe what you said last night that you're not going to put up a fight for me. He'll think he can manipulate me then."
"I won't lose you to him, if you think he suspects get out of here."
"Batman…"
"Selina I mean it. The second it becomes too much I'm getting you out of here. I will not let him destroy you," He said lifting her chin so that they were eye to eye. He then kissed her gently. Before letting her go. "I love you," he assured her before vanishing again.
"I love you too," she whispered as a scene of comfort surrounded her. She had told him originally to stay away but seeing him like this gave her the confidence that he indeed cared as he said. His concern for her safety made it easy to brush off Daggett's lies.
Selina stepped back into the house and was faced instantly with Daggett.
"Are you ready to go my dear?"
"Yes."
"If you're looking for Batman, don't waste your time Miss Kyle. He won't come the same as your Mr. Wayne he doesn't love you neither of them do." Daggett whispered resting his hands on her shoulders. "You're mine now Selina and in time you'll realize that we two are a perfect match." He said as he led her out of the room.
Selina repressed the urge to lash out knowing that for now his cold touch would have to be tolerated. He led her to the front door and helped her pull on a coat before guiding her to the waiting limo. Moments later they were on their way to Wayne Enterprises and the pending press conference.
Mean While at Wayne Manor…
Bruce has just finished changing when the phone rings. "Hello," he said calmly.
"Bruce, how are you I saw it on the news last night. I can't believe she left you for him," Julie said in outrage.
"She didn't." Bruce replied.
"But it says."
"It's an act Catwoman has set a trap for Mr. Daggett and she's the bait."
"Oh."
"Yea."
"Well, I hope she's okay."
"She will be."
"Good luck to you Bruce."
"And to you Julie," Bruce replied before she hung up the phone. He then left the manor and headed for Wayne Enterprises.
Several Minutes Later…
Daggett and Selina got out of the car together arm and arm and were surrounded by the flash of a million cameras. Reporters swarmed like locusts and asked a million questions all at once. "I will answer all of your questions in a few minutes," Daggett said smoothly turning on his charm.
"Miss Kyle…" the press began.
"My fiancée will also speak in a few minutes," he added guiding Selina through the crowd and towards the stage where Mr. Wayne already stood waiting.
"Good morning Daggett," he said calmly shaking his nemesis hand and showing no signs of the hostility he felt.
"Bruce. What is this all about?" Daggett asked showing the same restraint.
"I'm not sure," Bruce replied feigning ignorance. "Good morning Selina and how are you today?" He asked taking her hand and kissing it gently.
"I'm doing well Bruce," She replied as he let go of her hand.
"Well, we just have to see what's going on together then," Daggett said as he put a possessive arm around Selina's waist.
Bruce nodded and repressed the urge to pull him away from her as Commissioner Gordon stepped up onto the stage to join them.
"Good morning Commissioner," Daggett said shaking his hand.
"Morning."
"What is this all about?"
"Well Mr. Daggett we have evidence that the board members were tampered with."
"Really?"
"Yes, it seems Tetch used his devices to bring down Mr. Wayne's company because of Julie's attachment to him. Because they were under his influence at the time I'm afraid that the purchase of the company is invalid."
" Of course, but I find it hard to believe that he was able to get control of the entire board," said Daggett.
"Well, as the paper said the investigation is still pending, and there is evidence to suggest he had help from an outside source. As un pleasant as it is I'm afraid we'll have to investigate you and your employees as well as all of Mr. Wayne's major competitors."
"I'm sure you'll find nothing unusual going on at Daggett industries."
"I'm sure as well," Bruce added playing naive.
"Now that we're all up to speed what do you say we start this press conference?" Gordon asked.
"Yes, we don't need them starting any ugly rumors," Daggett said.
Gordon gave a nod and the main doors to the conference room were opened by a couple of cops. The press flooded in the room gathering around the stage like a group of vultures circling a carcass.
"Ladies and gentlemen as I'm sure you all know by now Wayne Enterprises has been seized this morning and will be returned to Mr. Wayne," Gordon said.
"Why?" The press asked in one voice.
"Jervis Tetch was in control of the board members at the time of the purchase. Mr. Wayne's main competitors will be investigated to see if they were in anyway connected to the manipulation."
"Mr. Daggett…" the press began.
"I am certain the investigation will turn up no sign of illegal activities at Daggett Industries and I hope that the Commissioner's investigation will turn up the persons responsible for this crime."
"Mr. Wayne why do you think Tetch would tamper with your board members?"
"Mr. Tetch was fixated on my fiancé Julie Mason and it's possible he did it because of her," Bruce replied.
"Where is Miss Mason?"
"Julie and I have separated."
"Why?"
"Because, someone is after me and due to her recent kidnapping we agreed it would be best for her to get away from me. I don't want to see her harmed."
"Miss Kyle, how will this newest turn of events effect your up coming marriage?"
"It will have no effect. I'm sure this investigation will show Roland Daggett's true character."
"Of course she's staying with him. It makes perfect sense. A crook marrying a crook," said Alexander Knox.
"Miss Kyle is no thief."
"Last I heard she had been sentenced for stealing the Jade Cat," Knox commented.
"That was all a misunderstanding. I asked Miss Kyle to consult on the recent theft of my prized statue hoping to determine who the real thief was. I had no idea the museum had increased security. I explained all this to the curator and my fiancé has been exonerated."
"I'll bet..."
"Miss Kyle is no criminal, she's a hero. Selina saved my employees from certain death at the hand of this killer on the loose you're all calling Clay Face."
"Miss Kyle is that true?" Knox asked.
"Yes, Catwoman is no longer a threat to Gotham City."
"Miss Kyle isn't it true that you and Mr. Wayne used to be a couple?"
"No, Mr. Wayne and I are just old friends," Selina replied, but her care with his name stated otherwise for him.
"Miss Kyle…" they began.
"Any further questions to my fiancé that are not related to the issue at hand will be ignored," Daggett said.
The conference ended a little after noon and Bruce watched as Selina and Daggett left to go eat. He followed them carefully not wanting his appearance there to be too obvious. Selina was right for her trap to work it had to appear as if he had indeed left her.
