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"That's wonderful!" Helen said. Clarissa added, "Congratulations, Selina! Who's the father?"
"But there was only the one time …" I whispered, still in a daze.
"That's all it takes." Clarissa said with a smile. "Who's the father?" She prodded.
"Give her a minute." Helen advised.
"The father … " I whispered. I stood up, tearing my headset off. On rather unsteady heels, I tottered off to the ladies' room.
I heard Helen commenting, "I think this was an unplanned pregnancy."
"I think that's a safe bet." Clarissa replied. "She'll come around."
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Clarissa peeked into the ladies' room lounge, and said, "Selina? You ok?"
I dried my eyes on a tissue, and said, "Clarissa, would you guys mind if I took off a couple hours early? There's a certain gentleman that I need to discuss … arrangements with."
"Um, Selina? You aren't thinking about an … abortion or anything, are you?"
I looked at her in shock. "Certainly not! I may not go to church every Sunday, but I haven't lapsed *that* much!"
"Oh. Okay. You ride the Metro. Did you want me to get you a cab?"
"I'd appreciate it." I said with a smile. I walked over to a sink to splash some water on my face.
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"Here ya go, lady. Wayne corporate. Fare's $7.50." The cabbie winked at me, and said, "By the way, nice costume."
"Thanks, I made it myself. Happy Halloween!" I told him, handing him a ten. "Keep the change."
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I smiled at Jonas at the front desk, and managed to catch an elevator. I pushed the button for the executive floor, ignoring the looks I was getting. :: Must be the costume. :: I thought.
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The elevator stopped, and I stepped out into the executive suite. The blonde receptionist saw the Wayne ID on the chain around my neck, but tried to stop me when I headed for the doors, saying, "Excuse me, Miss. You can't go in there."
I smiled at her, and strolled over to her. I saw her glance at her partner and nod as I sat on her desk, and said, "Hello, Alicia, my name is Selina Kyle." I adjusted my ID badge so she could see it. I continued, "I have some private business with Mr. Wayne. Now, you can announce me to Mr. Wayne, and I promise I won't harm a hair on his head. The alternative is that you and Roger can try and stop me. Oh, I know that Roger's hit his panic button. I'll still get in to see Mr. Wayne, but you two won't be awake at the time." I continued, "Go ahead and announce me. If I hear that he doesn't want to see me now, I'll leave, and see him tonight at the party, but I thought that he would prefer this bit of news to be private." I motioned to her phone, and said. "Go ahead." I stood and stretched, giving Alicia and the security cameras an eyeful. I knew Roger was gay; my sex kitten act had no effect on him.
Alicia glanced at me, then touched her phone, and said, "Mr. Wayne, I'm sorry for the interruption, but there's a Ms. Kyle here who insists on seeing you." She paused a moment, listening to her headset, and said, "Yes, she does have a tail, and a whip."
I stage-whispered, "It's about the hot tub."
Alicia asked, "Did you hear that, Mr. Wayne? Something about a hot tub?" She nodded, and made a hand motion to the arriving security troops and Roger, who relaxed somewhat. She hung up, nodded at the security troops, and stood, smoothing her incredibly short skirt. She said, "Please follow me, Ms. Kyle."
She stopped in front of Bruce's office, knocked, and then held open the door for me. I smiled, and nodded my thanks as she closed it after me. I looked over at Bruce, and said with a smile, "You know, Bruce, after working up here all these years, I still haven't figured out where she hides her gun. How are you?"
"Fine, Selina. What's so important that couldn't wait for tonight, and what's this about a hot tub?"
I strolled over to him, and sat in a chair. "Well, Bruce, you had our last period. Of course, at the time, you were Selina, and I was Bruce. Remember the curse, those miserable days of cramping and nausea? Aren't you glad that you don't have to endure them now? Now, it's my turn." He warily nodded. "Do you remember a few nights ago, we had a very romantic evening in the hot tub, and afterward, we got … acquainted with each other's bodies." He nodded again. "Now, I'm a beautiful woman. I must thank you for that." I continued, "After all that time you spent as Selina, you should know what happens after her period. I would think that you should have remembered that little bit of information, and taken the appropriate … precautions." I smiled, and sat back, crossing my legs and bouncing one booted foot on my knee.
He blinked, and said, "You don't mean … "
I smiled, and said, "That's right. Dr. Phillips called me this afternoon. Blood tests confirm it."
"But, Selina! How was I supposed to know?"
I exploded onto my feet. "How? You were in this body THREE days before! You know what the monthly cycle is! I had no idea what to expect with this body! I've been faking it, being a good actress and digging into your memories all along! Playboy( had more information about a woman's body than I did! I had to get the same information from Dr. Phillips that you got when you were twelve! But you certainly figured out what to do with your … thing quickly enough!"
"Oh, lord! Does that mean that I, you, we … were the first?" Bruce stammered.
"First, last, and only one I've done as a female!" I snapped. "As a male, well, the 'playboy' façade had to be maintained, but I made sure that I used protection. The paternity suits, well, it was easier to buy the girls off than dispute the claims." I glared at Bruce, and said, "The first time as a man, and what happens? You get me knocked up! This is all your fault, and you're going to pay for it!" I took some deep breaths, and forced myself to calm down. "I can't be bought off like the other bimbos we've bedded. What do you bet that this is why J'onn refused to switch our minds back?" I leaned over his desk, and continued, "If I'm going to be enduring nine months of hell because of YOU, there are two things I'm going to promise you, Mr. Bruce Wayne. You're going to be enduring them with me, and I'm going to have a ring on my finger by the end, come hell, high water or alien invasion. Our child will NOT be born a bastard, is that clear?" I closed my eyes, took another few deep breaths, then turned and smiled at him. I calmly walked to the door, and said; "I'll see you at the party."
As I walked out, closing the door a little more forcefully than required, I bumped into Lucius. He reached over to steady me, and said, "Excuse me! I don't think we've met. I'm Lucius Fox."
"Selina Kyle." I offered. I started toward the entrance, and he joined me, pulling open the doors.
"You're the young lady that's been helping out Bruce! I'd like to thank you for that." He eyed my costume, and said, "I see you're in the Halloween spirit. I assume you're going to the party tonight. I hope you do well in the costume contest, 'Ms. Catwoman'." He grinned, and I smiled back.
"I hope so!" I said. "I'm sorry to burst in on you like this, but I had some news I had to give to Bruce, and it just couldn't wait, but he was very happy to hear it. Have a nice weekend!" I waved at Lucius, and grinned at Alicia and Roger. I strolled to the elevator, and pushed the button.
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I decided to stop by to see Stephanie, so I got off at the 21st floor, and turned to enter Information Systems. I stopped, and asked the receptionist, "Ask Ms. Miller if she's got a minute to see Selina Kyle, would you?" She nodded, and touched the right buttons while I took a seat. In a minute, I saw Stephanie come down the ramp in her usual jeans, sneakers, and golf shirt.
She called out, "Selina! Glad you could make it! C'mon with me. Great costume, by the way."
"Thanks." I replied. "I missed the tail, so I put it back on, but where's your costume?"
"Oh, I'll change into it later." she said. I followed her into her office, and shut the door. I saw her ball gown hanging on a coat rack in a plastic bag, and a dartboard with Luthor's photo on the back of the door. She settled down behind her desk, put her feet up, and said, "What brings you downtown?"
"Well, I had some papers that I thought I'd bring by, and news that couldn't wait, so I came down to see Bruce, and tell him the results of my doctor's visit." I smiled, putting my bag on the floor.
"Wait a minute. Does that smile mean what I think it means? Are kittens in the future here?" She said with a smile. I nodded, and she bounced up out of her chair, pulling me out of hers, and pulling me into a hug. "Congratulations, Selina! How long?"
"The doctor says that I'm only about two weeks along. That puts the due date in early July." I said. I took a deep breath, and said, "I'm rather nervous. Okay, I'm scared silly."
Stephanie snorted, and said, "You, the famous Catwoman? Scared? Yeah, right. Women have been doing this since the dawn of time. So that means that our illustrious CEO got caught with his pants down again? Somehow I doubt he'll be able to buy you off."
"I expect a ring on my finger, all right." I said, waggling my fingers in the air. I sighed, and said, "I know what you mean, but this is my first one, and it's not like breaking into Cartier's vault, you know. No, this is a lot tougher, more like breaking into Area 51."
Stephanie chuckled, and joked, "I'm surprised you didn't steal one of the flying saucers there!"
"Where could I pawn it?" I asked in surprise. "Besides, the last time I was there, the drives were taken apart. Apparently, Boeing can't figure out antimatter."
Stephanie blinked, and whispered, "You're serious?"
"Of course." I said. "Oh, by the way, I've got something for you." I dug into my bag, and pulled out an interoffice envelope. "I figure that you can cross-reference them against your network logs or something. That should give you an idea who the 'ghost' employees are. The extension lists are there, too. That should help to filter them out."
Stephanie shook her head. "Email logs. Everyone has an email account on my server, even HR and Finance. If the ghosts don't access their accounts, well, then…"
I held up my hand. "Wait until I can find out where the money's going and why. That way, we can roll up the entire network. These will give you names to watch for, though."
"Good job! I'll let Tee and her security troops know." She glanced at her monitor, and asked, "You going to join us for the party tonight? Seeing as how you're dressed for it, and all?"
"Well, just for a bit. I do have another one to go to, though."
"Good. Close the blinds, would you? I need to change." Stephanie started to untie her shoes.
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While Stephanie changed, I excused myself to look for a ladies' room. As I walked through the department, I noticed that some people had come in costume, and others had brought a duffle bag. I stopped at the receptionist's desk, and asked her where the washroom was.
"It's down the corridor between the monitor shop and the supply room." She answered, and waved vaguely. "Can I ask you a favor? Could you cover the phones for me? I really need to pee, and I need to change for the party, too."
"I don't mind, but don't take too long, ok?" I replied. "I need to use the washroom, too." She nodded, grabbed a duffle and her dress bag and scooted back, and I took over her station. The phone rang before I had my headset on, and I answered, "WayneCorp Information Systems."
From the various knick-knacks scattered around her workstation, I deduced that the receptionist's name was Stacy. I was squirming in my seat when she finally reappeared, dressed in an ornate velvet dress that looked like something Scarlett from Gone with the Wind( might wear. She apologized, saying, "Sorry I took so long."
"That's ok." I said with gritted teeth. I stood, and quickly walked the way she had come.
After poking down various dead ends, I found the right corridor, only to find three other women in line ahead of me, the first two with dress bags. I sighed, and wondered if I could sneak into the men's room, which seemed to be un-occupied. I gritted my teeth again, and crossed my legs, leaning up against the wall to wait.
After what seemed like forever, five guys had moved in and out of the men's room, two changing into a costume. When the last one came out, I asked him, "Excuse me. Was there anyone else in there? I was wondering if I could … borrow it for a minute." The redhead ahead of me chirped "Me, too!"
"Um, no, there's no one else. There's only one toilet, though, and the door doesn't lock."
"Thanks." He nodded, and walked off. The redhead looked at me, and asked, "How long does it take to get out of that?" She indicated her own Little Bo Peep outfit with the multiple petticoats and the bloomers, and said "This takes a while. I've got to take everything off to get to the bloomers, they're more of a bodysuit."
"Probably about as long, it's very tight. Go ahead, you were ahead of me. I'll watch the door, just please don't take too long!" I begged. She handed me her staff, and disappeared inside.
After a while, I knocked on the door, and called, "How are you doing?"
"Just getting dressed again, come on in." she replied. I looked at the other line, and one of the women motioned to 'go ahead'. I smiled in thanks, handed her the shepherd's staff, and ducked inside.
I closed the door firmly behind me, and looked around the small, rather dirty room. Sink, toilet, urinal and wastebasket. I glanced again at the urinal, and then reached behind me for the zipper.
"Guys do have it easier, don't they?" the redhead said. "Let me help you with that."
My costume was around my thighs, above my boots when a fellow walked in, stood in front of the urinal, and let loose. He sighed, put himself together, stepped around Stacey, washed his hands, glanced at us, then walked out without a word. I looked at her, and she looked at me. "Well, it is a men's room." I said.
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I was arranging my hair, and Stacey asked, "Do you mind a question?"
"Not at all." I replied.
"You're really … um, her? Catwoman, I mean?"
I smiled, then nodded. She exhaled, then said, "Well, maybe it's our current … environment, but there's something I've always wondered. I've never seen the answer in any of the newspapers or magazines about the … um, well … "
"The 'cape and tights set', you mean?" I said with a grin.
She nodded. "Where do you, um, when you're up on a rooftop?"
I laughed, and pushed open the door. "If I have time, I'll find an all-night diner, or a McDonalds(. Otherwise, there's a lot of places on a roof where you can have some temporary privacy."
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The party featured a cash bar and a rent-a-DJ, with a familiar face. While my costume didn't allow for pockets, and I had left my bag in Stephanie's office, there were no shortage of men that wanted to buy me drinks. I stuck to mineral water, however.
"Care to dance?" I turned, and Bruce was holding out his arm.
"My pleasure." The music changed to a slow waltz, and I followed him out to the floor.
:: Who's leading? :: I asked.
:: I am, of course. Selina, I'll be here for a few more minutes, then I have to leave. I need to get out on patrol. ::
:: Give me a few minutes, then I'll catch a ride with you to the Manor. Watch where you put your hand, buster! :: I thought to Bruce.
:: That's where you hold the girl you're dancing with. ::
:: Girl? Backwards and in heels. ::
:: Just like Ginger Rogers. :: Bruce smiled sweetly at me.
:: Wait until I get you on a rooftop, 'Fred'! ::
The music ended, and a tango came up. We separated, and left the dance floor to others. I stopped by the DJ, and said, "Don't you work for WGHO? I thought I recognized your voice."
"Yes, I'm Shawna Foxx, the morning drive-time slot."
"I thought so. I really like your show, and Oswald's been looking for a DJ. Would you be willing to do a little work on the side? We could really use a professional at our next karoke night at the Iceberg."
"The Iceberg? Karoke night?"
"You know, Penguin's place? We have a karoke night every so often. We pay very well, you know."
I saw the realization in her eyes; then she said, "I'll have to let you know, Ms. Catwoman. My schedule is kind of full right now."
"All right." I grabbed a napkin, and scribbled. "My email address. Send me a message if you have any questions."
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When we got home, I changed, and mounted my cycle. I had promised Sheila a quick visit as Batgirl.
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"Hello, Batgirl!" Sheila said. She filled out a Green Lantern suit well. The fake ring glowed on her left hand. She took a sip of her fruit punch, waved her hand in the air, and said, "Too bad this ring's not real. We could use it."
"Why, what's happened?"
"You haven't heard? Joker's been released."
### Chapter 27: Of Parties and Plans
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