It had been two weeks since the appointment with Bruce Wayne, and Callie had heard nothing. She was anxious, knowing that the response would be, had to be, a positive. However, until she got that answer, nothing could be started. She was in a foul mood, and certainly had no desire to go to the charity function which she was currently dressing for. Putting the final touches on her deep garnet colored lipstick, she gave herself one more check before grabbing her shawl and clutch, and headed downstairs to the lobby.

Callie knew she was an attractive woman, however she didn't put much stock in looks, and that added something to make her not only unique, but even lovelier. An inner confidence that not many individuals possessed shone through like a light shining in a storm. As she made her way to the man waiting for her on one of the lobby couches, she didn't notice that whomever she passed stopped dead in their tracks, unable to resist a glance at the vision she was. That evening she was wearing a red satin sheath which fell to her ankles. There were slits up both sides stopping at mid thigh, so that a tantalizing display of leg showed as she walked. The dress molded her body, a body that most women would pay thousands of dollars to possess. The top of the dress was a halter style that attached at her neck, and left the expanse of her back bare all the way down. The style made a vee over her breasts showing tanned and perfect cleavage. Her silky hair was left down, but held up by a ruby clip on one side. Rubies swung from her ears in a thin line, just brushing her shoulders. Her feet were encased in black sandals which strapped up her ankles to clasp at mid calf. She completed the look with a red shawl made of the same satin as the dress, and a small black clutch with ruby insets.

The man waiting for her stood as she approached. "You look stunning." he told her with pure male appreciation shining out of his eyes.

She graced him with a small smile, "Thank you Lawrence, shall we go." He offered her his arm and they made their way to the limousine waiting outside for them. Callie knew that she probably shouldn't have let Lawrence act as her escort for this benefit, but she'd been unable to come up with a reason to decline him when he'd unexpectedly asked her. It was an extremely rare occurrence, the unexpected, she'd been so surprised that she'd agreed. However she knew that she would have to make it clear to him that this was nothing more than a one time arrangement. She had no time or inclination for anything of the romantic variety, and even if she was, it wouldn't be with Lawrence. Not that he wasn't attractive, he was in a generic pretty boy sort of way. Slightly taller than she was, light blonde hair, square jaw, lovely chocolate brown eyes, athletic build from years of tennis and racquetball, and of course he was highly intelligent, but then he'd have to be to be Vice President of Hughes Labs, and one of its most prominent scientists.

The Centurion Hotel was one of the newer and ritzier hotels in Gotham. Built in the last year after the near destruction of Gotham, the hotel had become quite popular with the city's elite. It had a five star rating, and a five star restaurant. As they entered the Silver and Gold Ballroom, Callie accepted a flute of champagne off of a passing waiter, and pasted a pleasant smile on her face.

Bruce climbed out of his low slung sports car and tossed the keys lightly to the valet. He helped the two gorgeous and lanky models out of the passenger seat, and they escorted him inside one to each side. He sighed to himself thinking that although the women were beautiful, sometimes playing this part in public got old. Alfred was right though, he needed to keep a public playboy persona if he was going to keep his dual identity safe. Also this fundraiser was one held by Wayne Enterprises, and he was Wayne Enterprises. The whole purpose behind the ball was to raise money to rebuild the destroyed railway. Make it better, keep it cheap. Give something good back to the people. One of the blondes on his arms leaned into him, and it took all of his control to keep from wincing. It had been an extremely long and painful week for Batman, and there was still more to be done. If he was honest with himself there was many years of work left to be done.

The first person he saw upon entering the ballroom was Calliope Hughes, she was speaking quietly with a light haired man whom he'd seen at many other similar affairs. She made his mouth go dry. The second person he saw was Rachel Dawes, and that just made a tear in a slowly healing heart. Sure he understood the reasoning on why they couldn't be, but that didn't mean there wasn't pain involved. She looked beautiful, and was currently dancing with a man that Bruce recognized as a newer attorney in town. A part of him felt guilty, but his eyes were drawn back to where Calliope had been. He frowned a little to find she wasn't there. His two dates went to find the ladies room, and Bruce took a drink from a waiter, his gaze drawn once again to Rachel laughing with who he assumed was her date for the evening.

"She's quite lovely." a husky voice came from his right.

He was startled that he hadn't noticed her approach.

"Rachel Dawes, a very high profile Assistant District Attorney. You grew up together didn't you?" she asked taking a sip of her champagne.

Without looking away from Rachel he responded, "We did." With one last look at his childhood love he turned to face the woman next to him. "It's a pleasure to see you again Ms. Hughes."

She acknowledged him with a slight nod. "Indeed."

"My apologies that we haven't been able to get back to you regarding your proposal…" he began, but stopped when she held up her hand.

"Please, Mr. Wayne, tonight is certainly not an evening to discuss that kind of business." he watched her as she took in her surroundings. "I mean after all, here we are surrounded by the beautiful people, and for an excellent cause." she took another sip, and met his eyes. "As I understand it, this is being held by Wayne Enterprises. With such a big event, I hardly see where you would have possibly had the time to put towards anything else. I'm sure you'll have plenty of time, and I'm sure that with your excellent advisors you'll reach an intelligent conclusion. Isn't that right Mr. Fox?"

Lucius Fox, Bruce's director of Wayne Enterprises, had approached and leaned in to kiss Callie on the cheek. "I certainly know by now to never disagree with a beautiful woman. How have you been Calliope?"

"I can honestly say that I'm pleased to be back home, and not pleased with the task of finding a permanent residence." she hadn't completed her sentence when Lawrence joined them; putting his hand on the small of her bare back. Bruce watched a slight frown flutter briefly over her face. In fact, if he hadn't been watching so closely, he probably wouldn't have even noticed it.

"Lawrence James, Mr. Wayne. It's an honor to meet you." he said shaking Bruce's hand. "Calliope, shouldn't we dance?"

A small appeared on her face, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Of course. If you gentlemen will excuse us."

Bruce and Lucius watched the couple move to the floor, and Lawrence James pulled her close to him. "Boyfriend?" Bruce asked in a husky voice.

"No, look at the way she pulls back, leaving space between their two bodies. Besides Lawrence James wouldn't be able to handle that little girl. She's been a spitfire since she was a toddler. I knew her parents almost as long as I knew yours."

"You saw the proposal she gave me."

"I did. I must say, it's intriguing material, and really not much risk for Wayne Enterprises. But if that little girl's theories are valid, there would be a lot for Wayne Enterprises to gain, as well as a lot for the people of the world to gain."

"I see." he watched as the man said something close to Calliope's ear, she shook her head and sighed, looking slightly exasperated.

"Interested?" Fox asked.

"It read as a sound deal." Bruce answered.

"I wasn't talking of the proposal." The older man said with an amused tone.

Bruce just looked at the other man, his expression never changing.