Chapter Forty-Two
Barbara moved down to the cave and set to practicing the balance beam. She had just moved on to the uneven bars when the Bat mobile pulled in.
"So, did you find anything?" Barbara asked casually.
"Nothing specific of Daggett. The scene was clearly not Catwoman's handy work."
"Meaning?"
"The thief used acid on the alarm rather than claws. The means of entry was a grappling hook and there were signs of other amateurish devices."
"I see."
"Look Barbara, I know you don't like Selina, but you're wrong about her."
"She's a criminal Bruce, she and Zanah both, they shouldn't be here, and you shouldn't be so quick to defend her. She is more than capable of stealing that cat."
"She was a criminal and she wouldn't take the cat again. I no sooner believe her capable of that than of Dick's killing someone. As for Zanah, I've seen no indications of criminal activity."
She's snuck out of the manor at night on a couple different occasions now."
"Sneaking out at night is hardly grounds for criminal activity."
"She's dangerous. They both are. They've threatened me."
"Because you're asking for a fight. You upset Selina last night. You're lucky all she did was threaten you. Look, you may not like her, but she is my choice. Right or wrong, I love her and she is my wife."
"She's a criminal that makes her the wrong choice."
"You're wrong. Selina and I are the same. She is my match."
""She's dangerous Bruce, if she betrays you she could get you killed."
"Love has its risks. She's my choice, just as Gill is yours, and Zanah maybe Dick's or maybe it will be someone else later on I don't know. The point is it's his choice to make. You let him go, you can't expect him to not move on. Its wrong to keep him as well, when you don't love him."
"What about Julie?" Barbara asked changing the subject.
"Julie and I could never have worked. She can't accept the life I lead. Selina can, because we're the same."
"So, what are you saying that Ivy is the right choice for Dick because she can accept this way of life?"
"No. Ivy is an insane homicidal criminal. Dick knows that."
"Selina's no different."
"My wife is neither insane or homicidal. She is not a danger to me, herself or society at large."
"She's a criminal."
"This is getting us no where. Selina is my choice. Get over it and don't upset her again."
"Fine," Barbara said in defeat before she withdrew.
Batman changed out of his suit and once again Bruce Wayne moved upstairs to discuss how to handle the press conference that night.
"Alfred can you get Dick and Barbara for me?"
"Of course sir. Where shall I have them wait for you?"
"The dining room."
"And Miss Zanah?"
"Bring her too. She knows about Selina's problems with Daggett, perhaps she can suggest further damage control."
"Yes sir."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome sir."
Bruce and Alfred made their way upstairs, Bruce turning right towards his bedroom and Alfred turning to the left to gather the others.
Stepping into his room Bruce found Selina asleep on the bed. She sat up at the sound of his footsteps and smiled. "Come on Selina, its time we all sat down and discussed our business this evening."
Selina nodded and got out of bed. "What did Gordon say?"
"He knows you're not responsible."
"The crime scene?"
"Amateurish at best. Lacks your personal touch. Definitely a set up."
"Will the cops believe that?"
"Gordon will."
Selina nodded and the two of them moved down stairs to the dining room where Dick and Zanah sat waiting at the table. Barbara stood by the fireplace avoiding the outsider. She shot Bruce a pointed look then glanced at Zanah asking silently what she was doing there.
"I asked Zanah to join us due to the latest turn of events in Selina's problems with Daggett. Other family matters will be discussed in private of course," Bruce said.
Zanah nodded her understanding knowing the discussion would have a lot to deal with the figure the press was calling Clay Face. She didn't want any part in that matter. The guy had nearly killed her. He knew somehow about her connection to Daggett. Not many people knew of Daggett's interest in her. One person came to mind, the fake cop who had brought her in. Who is he? Who ever he is I'd better stay away from him.
Barbara pacified took a seat at the table as Bruce and Selina did the same.
"What did the investigation turn up?" Dick asked.
"A set up," Bruce replied.
"Retaliation," Dick said.
"Yes, probably only a first wave," Bruce said.
"From what I've seen I would say expect more," Zanah whispered.
"What kind of trouble should we expect?" Selina asked.
"Attacks two fold. That put you in question and a secondary target in question. From what I've heard he doesn't just go after you, he attacks what's important to you as well."
"He knows I'm Catwoman if it wasn't public knowledge would he expose me?"
"Only if it served his purpose, more than likely he'd keep it secret to hold it over you, unless he wanted to be rid of you."
"If he did want her dead, what would he do?" Bruce asked.
"If he had proof he'd reveal her to her enemies, that way his hands are clean of the matter."
Bruce blinked and considered the answer knowing Daggett had a video tape of yesterday's confrontation, he'd have to get it before things went from bad to worse. Batman wouldn't allow open war in his city if it could be prevented.
"How do we do damage control?" Selina asked.
"Don't respond in the way he expects. Turn the tables, put him in the negative spotlight."
"Thank you Zanah," Bruce said, both in gratitude and way of dismissal.
Zanah rose from the table. "You're welcome," she replied before withdrawing from the room and returning upstairs to her room.
Once she was gone Bruce turned his focus to Barbara. "You're job is to go to Daggett's penthouse and get the video surveillance tapes from yesterday."
"He knows?" Barbara asked with disbelief.
Bruce said nothing, just moved on with the discussion. "While you take care of that matter, Dick and I will deal with Clay Face. Selina I think it would be best…"
"No, you heard Zanah, she said not to play into his hand. He'll expect me not to show up. I'm going."
"What if that's what he's counting on instead?" Bruce asked.
"You're going to need help. You're sending Batgirl to deal with my mess. I'm not leaving this up to you and Robin. I heard what happened last time when you had Wraith's help."
"That's why I don't want you there. He went after Wraith, because he thought she was connected to Daggett. He will go after you."
Selina sighed, knowing he was right.
"Besides, you're not being there will be even more of a headache for him. Your showing up as Catwoman only makes his case against you stronger," Bruce added.
"Okay, I'll stay away. You've made your case, but I'm going to make a few inquiries of my own. See if any purchases have been made lately for the kind of equipment needed to pull off the museum robbery."
"Fine. Barbara once you're done head over to the press conference. We may need your help."
Barbara nodded. "What about the Wraith?"
"If the Wraith turns up, she will figure to be an ally," Dick commented recalling she had helped him.
"Against Clay Face yes, but from what I hear she's after Daggett too," Barbara said.
"You and I will worry about getting Daggett clear," Bruce said.
"You're gona leave me to deal with Clay Face alone?" Dick asked alarmed.
"I don't think you'll be alone," Selina said.
"I don't like this. Dividing our forces. It's crazy. She should clean up her own mess," Barbara said eyeing Selina.
"This isn't her mess, its mine," Bruce said.
"This is her fault. She made this mess with Daggett. She should be going to get that tape."
"If she goes she'll be walking into a trap. It builds his case against her."
"Let him. She and Zanah are going to get us all killed!"
"That's enough," Bruce snapped.
"You're both so blind. They don't belong here. Selina's left you exposed and all of Zanah's suggestions. She works for the guy. Wake up!"
Selina's green eyes flashed with anger. "Watch your step Batling," she hissed. "Zanah saved Bruce's life."
"Yeah, so he'd trust her. I'm telling you she and Daggett work together. Did any of you ever consider she could be here to finish the job she stopped?"
"Zanah is not working for Daggett. She's an ally, one you'd be wise not to alienate," Selina snapped.
"Enough! This is exactly what Daggett wants, us at odds with each other. We're running things as they are laid out. End of Discussion," Bruce said before he got up from the table and left Selina close behind.
"She's right you know. I should be cleaning this up."
"He'd expect that. It's best for Catwoman not to be seen for a while, until things get straightened out."
"You want me to hide out?" Selina asked with disbelief.
"For now."
"If the police start looking for me?"
"We'll go directly to Gordon."
"I can take care of myself."
"I know, but he's got you at a disadvantage."
"True, but he has you at the same disadvantage."
"Not for long," Bruce said with more certainty than he felt.
"Just be careful they're both dangerous and I don't know if I could handle your death again," Selina joked with a laugh, but it sounded weak to her and felt forced.
"I will," he whispered before kissing his wife.
The two moved out of the open to the privacy of their room, both wanting to avoid further argument from Barbara.
Downstairs…
Dick rose from the table and shook his head. "Nice going Babs not only did you manage to upset Bruce's wife but you're now one step away from alienating the entire house.
"Oh sure, make fun but I'm right about this. You won't convince me other wise."
"Fair enough, but I think it's obvious the reverse is true as well, so just keep your opinion to yourself," Dick said before he too withdrew heading upstairs to see about asking Zanah if she were up for a movie.
Barbara swore in frustration before making her way back to the cave practice room to vent her growing hostility and frustration.
