"Computer: display file on Hawkgirl."
Batman's main computer showed a photo of Hawkgirl flying over Midway. Then another fighting some criminals. He was storing as much information about her, like he did with all possible friends and foes. He leaned back in his chair and reviewed his work so far.
The wings were clearly biological. Her anatomy must be quite different from that of a human's. She was fairly lean, but muscular. The way she stood at attention…her walk…she had some military training too. No noticeable scars or tattoos. The only noticeable ornaments were two large earrings. Why wear something that big in battle when she could tear her ears to shreds? Why wear them? Her eyes were jade green…her hair…brown? It was hard in the dark.
"Don't forget to add that she has a mean kick." Batman turned to see Dick Grayson, Nightwing, entering the Batcave. He looked at his bruised arm. "And I think she tried to bite me."
"Why wear a mask?" said Batman.
"I…don't follow…"
"Look at her. She has a ten-foot wingspan…at least. How do you hide wings that big? It must be a big issue to disguise herself as a human. Probably only does it as an emergency. So why wear a mask…what is she hiding?"
"There is such a thing as being too paranoid."
* * *
It was dawn. Shayera got dressed. Not in her Hawkgirl costume—but as Sarah Hall. She had a trench coat on to cover her wings and her hair was covering her earrings—Emmett had told Shayera early on that her earrings were somewhat noticeable. Jordan was less polite and said they were gaudy. Mavis had been upset by the stolen goods, and wanted Sarah to investigate along with Hawkgirl. And since Mavis knew Shayera and Sarah were the same person, she thought it wouldn't be too hard.
"So, what, do I need to contact the museum there?" Shayera had asked before leaving Midway.
"Oh no," said Mavis. "The jewels belong to the Wayne family. Talk to Bruce Wayne of Wayne Enterprises."
So at eight o'clock Shayera found herself in an elevator in Wayne Enterprises' main building in downtown Gotham. Somehow, Mavis had managed to squeeze Sarah in an appointment. Please don't let me fall asleep in the middle of this meeting…
Mr. Wayne secretary showed Sarah the meeting room. "I must apologize, Miss Hall, but Mr. Wayne seems to be running late. Would you like something to drink?"
Sarah found herself alone in the room, taking sips of the coffee the secretary had made. She was a little put off by this delay. What nerve this guy has. Mavis had pulled strings to arrange this meeting at such short notice. She could just picture this Mr. Wayne—an old fossil, balding and overweight…
The secretary came in about fifteen minutes later. "Is Mr. Wayne back yet?" asked Sarah.
The old woman pursed her lips. "Mr. Wayne has faced a delay. Can I change your appointment to next week?"
Sarah was taken back. "Change the appointment? I don't have the time. Valuable jewels have been stolen—"
"I am sure Mr. Wayne will not be bothered about the loss of some rocks."
She said it so smugly…this was annoying Sarah. "Rocks? Those were all rare carved stones. My museum's lost money because of this. And some thief needs to be punished!"
Sarah was about to get violent when a deep, smooth voice came from behind. "Sorry about the delay. There was an accident—some guy was going the wrong way on a one-lane street. I'm sure it happens to everyone."
Sarah spun around. Old, bald, and fat he wasn't. Bruce Wayne was over six feet, with dark features and a sweet smile. Well I suppose Earth can produce a few attractive looking men. "You're Miss Hall, I presume? Of the Midway Museum?"
"Huh? Oh yeah!" she shook his hand. "Sarah Hall of the Midway Museum of History. I'm head of the Antique Weapons department."
The secretary looked shocked. "Mr. Wayne, one of the accountants from Metropolis—"
"It can wait. Let's get this over with." He turned back to Sarah. "Weapons? Sounds like a very interesting position, Miss Hall," said Wayne in a dry voice.
You have no idea, rich boy. Handsome, yes, polite, no. "Anyway, I am here to return to you some of the stolen goods." She gave him a box with the jewels from the pigeon she had captured.
"Excellent. You recovered the topaz, that one was always my favorite." He set the box down and turned back to Sarah. He looked her up and down, evaluating her. Miss Hall was lean and olive-skinned, with bright red hair and strange green eyes. Very attractive, if only she would get out of that trench coat. "Weapons expert, right?"
"Yes. That's why I was hired."
Wayne leaned back casually. "Well, I just bought this set of armor and weapons recovered on a dig in Germany. I was thinking of donating them to some museums, but I have no way of knowing if they are even museum quality. How would you like to come over to a party I'm hosting tomorrow night? Afterwards you can check them out. And if you think the pieces are good, feel free to take a few back to Midway as a thank you."
Sarah tried not to open her jaw in surprise. But her eyes did light up. Midway's collection was in shambles, and Mavis was scrambling to find any and all pieces to fill the collections. Shayera knew Mavis well—and Mavis would kill Shayera if she didn't try to get some donated weapons. Great. An evening with this snotty aristocrat. Mavis owes me one. "Well, I'll have to find something to wear…but I'd be glad to. The Museum would be very grateful for your donations."
"And I'd grateful for your company for the evening. A pleasure…Miss Hall."