"Oh, that's right we're in Gotham!" Kim's hand went straight for her forehead with a loud slap. She couldn't believe she had completely forgotten about where she was. Through the bolts of lightning, Caryl had heard her. She tried to contain her small giggles with her fingertips over her red lips. Forcing Kim to crack up with a smile of embarrassment.
"How did you forget where you were Kimmie? Did Gotham already mess with your head?" Caryl joked around making the girls laugh.
Ann overheard the conversation and was listening through the corner that led to the kitchen. She felt relieved, she had been afraid that Kim would have grown a bit distant with her sister since it had been a decade since they last spoke to her. At that time Ann and Caryl were arguing over Caryl's husband, needless to say, their relationship as sisters grew heated and distant. It only solidified as Caryl divorced him months later. It had always haunted her mind, though if it were not for a random call in the middle of the night that rekindled their sibling love a few years back Ann wouldn't be here.
"This city is so big, how come I've never heard of it Aunt Caryl?"
Caryl's giggles suddenly faded away and became a sigh of frustration. This question was very common for her, but a question that she never liked to answer. Kim instantly regretted asking, as it seemed to be more stress than she really could handle. She was Gotham's number one Psychiatrist and Rehabilitation expert; it must have been a very heavy burden to handle. Finally, the silence was broken.
"Kim, Gotham isn't exactly a friendly place. To be honest, there is no real reason for me staying here, except for the amazing pay that I'm receiving from Blackgate, but I have wanted to move back closer to you and the rest of your family for so long. What I'm trying to say is that I don't want you getting hurt here and only be here as much as necessary. People with connections have power, and when all of that is said and done it doesn't help that crime is through the roof. Only the strong survive in Gotham, it's a dog-eat-dog world." Caryl looked behind her shoulder eyeing the window as the rain droplets hit heavily against it. She placed her hand against its cold smooth surface, her palm feeling the leftover force of each drop of rain that collided against it.
"This city deserves so much more."She said gently.
Ann felt conflicted that her sister was going through the pain she had been. She deserved so much better, and she definitely could get exactly that in Middleton. A nice guy to settle down with, raise a family and be close to her direct family as well. No doubt she could easily get a position at the Middleton Hospital with the reputation she had. Unknowingly Kim felt the same, and placed her hand on her aunt's shoulder beaming a warm smile.
"Maybe I can help. It can't be too bad, right? I've handled plenty of bad guys and super freaks before, so not the drama!"
"Aww thank you Kimmie."
Caryl just hugged her niece and Kim hugged her back, making Ann tear up a bit. Aunt Caryl soon got up from her spot and walked towards the living room where Jim and Tim were discussing their weather-controlling hand-held unit once more. Concentration was broken for everyone with a sudden ring of the phone. Caryl looked towards it though her expression was that of cold stone. Walking towards the phone she picked it up knowing exactly who it was and what they would want, with a sigh, she lifted the phone to her ear.
"Yes, Commissioner? No I can't tonight; I'm with my family for Thanksgiving dinner… I know the agreement placed in my contract at Blackgate but have some common sense-"
Ron had rejoined Kim eavesdropping on the phone conversation; they looked at each other confused and worried that something might be wrong at this 'Blackgate' place. Rufus even poked out of his pocket and looked oddly at Caryl who held the phone close to her person in a weak pose of sorts. A loud sigh erupted from Caryl as she rubbed her temples once again. Ann and James heard this as well and peaked from over the kitchen after completing the dishes for Caryl.
"Fine… I'll be there in an hour." she sighed. Caryl slammed the phone down, ending the heated call. Ann and Kim grew sick of seeing their relative in such a position and came to her aid. Ann, however, raised her hand at her daughter, wanting to take care of the ordeal by herself. Kim obliged and returned to Ron.
"Caryl is everything okay?" Ann asked.
"No, that was the GCPD Commissioner, the bastard wants me to go to Blackgate and evaluate some more individuals, even if I've already met quota last week and on a holiday. He's a prick."
"Is there anything we can do to make things better?" Ann asked, but Caryl just smiled and shook her head.
"No, I will be fine Ann thank you so much though. Hey, I have an idea, why not we all go out to this nice little restaurant I go to for special occasions? It's Le Bernardin, a seafood restaurant that is close to the Wayne Enterprises building, you know the big tower with the "W"? It's amazing!"
"Sure thing Caryl! Should we make reservations for say 4:00 P.M.?"
"That will be perfect!" With that, Caryl hopped on her laptop near her brown leather computer back and made reservations. Smiling, she closed her laptop and placed it in her bag. Kim handed her umbrella as she sighed once more.
"Sorry about this everyone… I will make it up tomorrow!"
"Come on boys, we're heading back." James echoed as Jim and Tim finished their conversation and headed to the door, Kim followed and Ron followed after. Kim felt more concerned now than ever. Why would the Commissioner of the Gotham City Police Department request Aunt Caryl back to Blackgate on a day that she wanted off to spend time with family? It made no sense to her whatsoever, though there is nothing she could do about it, so Kim decided to suck it up for now. There may yet be an opportunity for her to help, and maybe this could ease her tension on having no missions for the past 2 weeks.
As they entered the elevator Aunt Caryl was making sure she had everything she needed for a quick session back at Blackgate. Ron and Rufus were looking around the elevator enjoying the music. Tim and Jim showed signs of exhaustion as they yawned. James and Ann were consulting with Caryl, wondering if this sort of thing was a common occurrence, and it was.
Kim was yet again trapped in her mind, ignoring her surroundings, what's worse was that dark unknown force was creeping at her skin again. Her hands traveled up her arms as if her hands alone cleansed her body from this malicious feeling, she was sick of it. This city had done something to her while she had been admiring it for a short time, something toxic. Kim had no choice but to fight it off till they got back to the Royal Hotel once again. The elevator had finally stopped breaking Kim from the haunting cage that was her mind. Her eyes darted around and last landed on Boe, who was reading a comic book. His red eyes darted up and looked with concern, and noticed the familiar scowl on Caryl's face.
"You gotta be kidding me? Commissioner Loeb called you again? I mean, I know I can be a jerk sometimes, but Loeb is a piece of crap, hope it goes well." Boe chuckled as his eyes darted back to his comic book. Ann took notice of this and couldn't help but look back at Boe a bit confused.
"That was different," Ann commented.
"Boe said it himself, he can be a pain. At least he is man enough to admit it." Caryl replied.
"Yeah if you can call that a man?" Ron commented as they entered the outside world through the revolving door. Rufus had a chuckle at Ron's comment and so did Kim. She was glad some humor could be conducted out at least as it helped keep this dark feeling away. Everyone then said their goodbyes to Aunt Caryl as they parted ways. James pulled the family van back up as Caryl's cab drove away going west. Kim then was the first to enter the Van followed by Ron, and then by Jim and Tim with Ann in last, everyone was covered in raindrops on their clothing. Ann then spoke about a previous thought in her mind.
"She deserves so much better. Wonder who this Commissioner person is, he had better give my sister a break or I ought to give him a piece of my mind." Ann threatened.
"I know, it didn't sound very nice when he was on the phone with Caryl." James replied. This made Kim lighten up with an idea. She reached for her handbag that she had brought with her and pulled out her Kimmunicator, pressing the main button instantly patching through to Wade. As She expected he was about to bite into a cheeseburger and next to him was a medium-sized soft drink from Cow'n'Chow, wearing the same old blue short-sleeve shirt.
"Wade, can you do me a favor?"
"Sure Kim what's up?" Wade asked.
"Can you look up everything associated with the words Blackgate and Gotham?" With a few strokes of his keyboard, Wade had everything he needed. He squinted at his main screen making sure he was reading everything right. Ron and Rufus scooted closer, intrigued with what Wade would find.
"Okay, it says here that Blackgate Penitentiary is located off of Gotham Bay and was once known as Gotham State Penitentiary, but it closed down in the '80s due to the crime rate becoming too low to where all criminals left would be apprehended at the GCPD and some were shipped to state prisons. It reopened in the '90s due to crime spikes and ever since it's been steady. Blackgate is under control of Gotham City Police Department's Commissioner Gillian Loeb, who has some surprising political power and authority." Wade replied.
"Why would a Police Commissioner need any form of political power?" Ron asked. Kim looked back at Ron and then towards Wade. Ron was by far no highly intellectual being, but Kim had to admit, it was a good question. Wade continued to scan his computer screen, finding not-so-great info.
"Looks like he is in league with The Mayor of Gotham City, and someone by the name of Carmine Falcone, and they both are viewed as powerful individuals within Gotham's Underworld." Kim made a frustrated sigh, she knew what that meant. Instantly connecting that her Aunt was under the thumb of a greedy corrupt Police Commissioner. Thankfully Ann didn't overhear this. Having her mother freak out about her sister was the last thing Kim wanted on this trip.
"Come on Wade, any good news?" Kim silently begged. Wade responded with a few more strokes of the keyboard.
"Well, it also mentions that The Mayor of Gotham won't be running for very much longer, he is getting impeached for aiding drug transportation in and out of the city with the help of the Falcone's, and making Loeb turn a blind eye. That's not the weird part though,"
Kim's hand went straight to her head in frustration. Whenever Wade gave any sort of unusual intel, the word "weird" was used often. She was in no mood for anything 'weird'. Ron saw this too and also showed a sign of stress and Rufus just stuck his tongue out. Wade frowned, taking no pleasure in giving the news to Kim. With a deep breath, he decided to just let out his words out and get it over with.
"There are two other individuals that it barely talks about. Crime lords that are not only challenging each other but the Falcone's, and taking ground from him." Kim looked confused. With what she had just learned it seemed that Carmine Falcone was invincible, he had the city's government and their police force under his thumb, but now he is losing ground from two new crime lords? Kim just looked at Ron, and then thought of what Aunt Caryl said. Only the strong survive in Gotham.
"So who are they?" Kim asked.
"I can't find anything useful about them… I'll do some more digging and get back to you." Kim's Kimmunicator went black, as Wade ended his transmission. Kim groaned, now more frustrated after than before calling Wade. So far this trip has been a downward spiral, from not having any missions for two weeks, to finding out that her Aunt is trapped in a city full of corruption with no escape. Ron knew this as well and just placed his hand on Kim, taking her by surprise. This was one of many reasons why he was her best friend.
"Hey no worries, we will find a way to get your Aunt out of this mess." Rufus just gave Kim a thumbs up and a big smile. Kim couldn't help but hug Ron with Ron soon returning the hug. The whole ordeal though had made them both oblivious to the fact they were back at the Grand Royal Hotel. Ron and Kim just looked at each other and blushed for a short moment, Ron allowed Kim to get out of the van first.
The family ran inside as James handed the keys to the valet. Jim and Tim had rushed to the elevator wanting nothing more than to finalize the designs on their handheld weather control device. Ann and James were right behind them with James' hand over her shoulders on her opposite arm. Ron and Rufus waited for Kim who held her head low. Her mind was trapped with images of her Aunt doing things that she was being forced to do. Though nothing too dark, it still made her feel uncomfortable even without the dark malicious feeling that would normally creep up on her from time to time. No wonder why no one wanted to be here, this city changes you for the worse.
She wanted nothing more than the peace she had from the car trip coming here to this godforsaken city. All she wanted to do was get some sleep and it wouldn't take much time for her to do so. As James and Ann exchanged another kiss the boys had gone back to their room of 514, Kim just collapsed on her bed and looked out the window covered in raindrops. Lighting and thunder echoed through the city as Ann had changed to her pajamas. Looking over her shoulder she noticed Kim still didn't change and was just lying down on her bed facing the window.
"Kimmie? Everything okay, why haven't you changed yet?" Ann asked her daughter, her obvious tone of concern sank deep into Kim's mind. Struggling to either keep it a secret or break this news to her mother. On one end her mother could try and provide some form of help towards Aunt Caryl, though she would freak out finding out she is in a gridlock of corrupted officials. Option two would leave her mother completely in the dark about the whole situation. Kim was no fan of deceiving her mother, just like she did to cover up her lies back on Halloween in Middleton when she was stuck with the Centurion Project body armor. Kim had just grunted forcing her face into her pillow. She then felt her weight shift to her left as her eyes barely revealed themselves to her mother who looked down at her daughter.
"Kim?" Kim bit her lips as the pressure continued building inside, she chose to follow an old gut instinct.
"Sorry mom, I just have a major migraine for some reason."
"Oh okay, let me get you some medicine." Ann quickly got up and went to the bathroom. Kim's hand swiftly went to her forehead, cursing herself for lying to her mother. Her mind juggled with possible ways to safeguard herself from regret. She didn't want to see her mother react to her sister under the thumb of Gotham's most corrupt, especially if she has any small connections to one of the city's biggest crime lords.
Kim's mother had soon returned holding a blue pill in her palm and a small cup of water in her right. Kim had simply taken both from her mother, eyeing the cerulean pill in her hand. She thought of it as a symbol of the consequences she would face in her near future for fooling her mother. She closed her eyes and downed the pill, with a quick shot of water, feeling it go down her throat. Her mind did start to slow down, finally sensing her body starting to relax, her eyes becoming heavy with each passing second. Soon her eyes shut and the gift of the night had befallen her. Kim had fallen right to sleep.
Ron and Rufus were surprisingly the first of the boys to wake up the next morning, as Gotham's morning light had just begun to show from the skyscrapers. He looked out the window and back to James, and the twins. He snuck silently towards the all-white bathroom. Looking at himself in the mirror, but instead of his cheering attitude, he showed discord. Rufus had crawled out of his pocket instantly figuring out what was wrong as the two started a conversation.
"You know Rufus, I feel bad about Kim's Aunt. No one should have to deal with stuff like that; we've got to help Kim out! The question is how?" Rufus scratched the back of his bald head with his claws, his little mind gears and cogs turning with every thought. Ron's fingers snapped, catching Rufus's attention.
"We should talk to Aunt Caryl as much as we can to see if we can get any dirt on these guys… wait what were their names again? Wait, don't tell me. It was... ugh it was that Officer guy um..." Rufus just let out a grunt towards Ron with disappointment on his little face. Before Ron's brain could focus on the name, a knock was heard on the bathroom door. The voice of James had appeared from behind the door in a weak state. Ron could tell that Mr. Possible had just woken up and needed to use the restroom as he did as well.
"Ronald, you all right in there?"
"Uh yeah, sorry Doctor P, I will be out in a second!" Ron gently picked up Rufus and put him on his shoulder, a defeated look on his face was evident as he hesitated to even open the door for a slight second. As he entered the main room James just gave him a warm smile and walked into the bathroom starting the shower. Now trapped in his mind, Ron collapsed in bed once more trying to make sense of everything that had happened the night before. How could a close friend's family member get sucked in by all of this? Ron grunted as he grabbed the nearest pillow and slammed it into his face groaning. The boys had just woken up as well now wanting to test their new device until their father took it away from them and hid it somewhere in the room.
After what seemed like a while the twins, James, and Ron were all ready for their late lunch run-in with Aunt Caryl. They all decided to stay indoors and hang out together as a family. As they exited the room the girls had also finished, with Ann wearing a sparkling blue dress that complemented the white dress that Kim had put on with a matching leather handbag. Ron cocked an eyebrow as Kim never usually wears white dresses at all. Had the entire situation dealing with her Aunt changed her in that way, maybe Gotham really was getting to her.
"Kim? Since when do you have that white dress?"
"Yeah Ron, surprised me as well, where did you get it?" Her mother asked. Kim blushed as she looked down at the dress hugging her curves well.
"Oh, well I've always had it, it just didn't occur to me that I never wore it, and I got it from Club Banana thanks to Monique." She replied.
Ron just returned his usual smile towards Kim, making her feel much more comfortable. Breaking the moment was James as he called for everyone to the elevator as it arrived. Kim looked into the time on the Kimmunicator since it was 3:30 now it should be at least 5:30 back at Middleton, her thumb darted to the main button to page Wade but stopped, hesitating and deciding to hold it off until they reached the car. She didn't want to have her mother overhear any sort of detail that she had learned from Wade the night prior. With her mindset, she placed the Kimmunicator back in her bag and heard the bell of the elevator door as they opened slowly revealing the lobby once again.
She caught up with the rest of the gang as the car hop had just taken the keys from James to fetch their Van. Kim then felt a cold rush against her skin as she looked to see several men eyeing her in her gorgeous white dress from all around. She just glared back at them as they all gawked at her. Their eyes quickly darted away avoiding any awkward eye contact. In response, she just cursed them under her breath
"Unbelievable…" she whispered.
"You say something KP?"
"Uh, no Ron."
The Car Hop had just returned with the Van as he just handed James the Keys and bowed wishing them to drive safe. James nodded with a smile of acknowledgment and called for everyone to pile into the van, they sat in the same places thus far. It wasn't long until the Kimmunicator rang its familiar Jingle. Kim reached for her hand back and answered eagerly.
"Hey Wade, what's the sitch?"
"Okay, so I did some more digging this morning, it wasn't easy but I may have found something!" With a few strokes of his keyboard a picture of a man in a white suit with tiny gray stripes protruding downward. His scowl matched his jet-black hair and square jaw, while his cheekbones were sharp and easily presentable. All were complemented by his dark brown eyes and a few scars on his face, with a look of disgust on his face to boot.
"Okay Wade, who's the creepy guy?"
"Roman Sionis; He owns a big steel mill in the Industrial District."
"I'm guessing that's not all he's known for," Kim replied with a raised brow and a smile.
Wade then pressed the right arrow key on his keyboard causing the photo to change. This time a much more grainy photo taken without Roman's knowledge but this time he was holding a large .45 caliber Browning 1911 pistol with an extended barrel pointed upward to the left. A small cigarette was in his right hand still lit showing its small smoke trail. This time Roman's face was covered with a black skull with its canine teeth sharpened and showing a nasty facial expression leaving only two holes for his eyes to see through as it easily covered his entire face as it made it nearly impossible to identify the man under the mask, though for Wade, what seems impossible can be easily accomplished.
"Right! He is the biggest Crime lord in Gotham right now under the guise of the Black Mask. He is suspected to be responsible for a lot of highly sophisticated big-time robberies in the city, not to mention becoming the biggest pain thorn on Mr. Carmine Falcone's backside. He has a strategic mind with Gotham's underworld with drug trafficking as is his primary economy and it may be safe to say that he has at least 10 deliveries every day with no way of tracking where they arrive and when they leave. What's worse is that he is a big fan of torture, anyone who was killed by The Black Mask had lacerations, cuts, missing toes, fingers, and 2nd to 3rd-degree burns on their bodies before they died, and Kim the body count has spiked… Kim?"
Kim couldn't help but be a bit shocked at the entire situation ignoring Wade. Sure she dealt with villains like Dr. Drakken, Monkey Fist, and Gemini, but none of them resorted to killing. Not even Shego resorted to getting those glowing claws of hers bathed in blood. Black Mask on the other hand… It was like an addiction, he thrived on his enemies' tears and futile screams for mercy. The thought that her Aunt could be somehow involved with a man like Black Mask made her sick inside, almost losing the battle to fight off anxiety. Wade called one final time; this time breaking Kim's thought process.
"S-sorry Wade. This is just new to me. This stuff should only be in those creepy movies about being possibly kidnapped and held hostage and Black Mask loves it."
"I know. It might be best to try and get Aunt Caryl out quietly. Without any form of resignation with Commissioner Loeb. Do you suppose that Loeb and Black Mask are working together?" Wade's words hit Kim hard. It would be a great strategic advantage to have the City Police Commissioner under a crime lord's thumb, & Black Mask fit the bill perfectly. Aunt Caryl could evaluate any patient within the Black Gate prison, and if any of those thugs worked for Black Mask it wouldn't take much time for them to be released with the help of Commissioner Loeb. Aunt Caryl could be trapped in a continuous cycle.
"It's a start. With those two working together any thug could get out in a matter of days a secondary system to where any arrested 'employee' of Black Mask would be released with the help of Loeb and using my aunt. This has turned personal."
"Kim, hold your horses there. We can't go after this guy as we do with Drakken and the others. This guy changes the whole playing field, a whole new ball game." While Kim wanted to do everything she could think of, Wade was right. Black Mask is something completely new. It would be foolish to go in headfirst with that same 1911 pointed right at her and Ron, and to get him involved? Kim couldn't bear the thought of Ron getting hurt in such a way and fought off those nightmarish scenarios. Her mind then heard the door being opened and her eyes shot out wide. Looking to the right, finding her father holding the door open for her. She noticed the restaurant that they had arrived at.
It was easy to say that Le Bernardin was a high-class restaurant. Looking through the glass walls seeing every waiter and waitress wearing a suit at the least. Aunt Caryl had already arrived and waved her hands towards Ann who waved back. Kim took special notice of her Aunt's smile, even after all that happened last night she had the strength to smile. This is one aspect that Kim had always admired about her Aunt.
As the group entered the restaurant the host professionally-led them to the 7 seat table next to the bar area. Kim took a seat nearest to the bar next to her parents while Aunt Caryl and the boys sat on the other side closest to the window. Aunt Caryl and the others had been looking at the menu as Kim was still stuck in her mind. The woman sitting right across from her was the city's best Psychiatrist, and as a result, it got her involved with its most crooked officer, and its most dangerous crime lord. Talk about unfairness.
Kim was so stuck in her mind that she hadn't even noticed the waitress was waiting for her order. She snapped back to reality, blushing a bit in embarrassment. The waitress must have been a bit older than herself as she had her dark brown hair in a ponytail and her brown eyes matched Kim's green eyes waiting for her answer.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I just want some water please." The waitress just nodded with a smile and wrote down her answer.
Kim had looked to see if anyone had noticed her stupor, thankfully no one else did. Kim did see something else though. As she turned her shoulder a man with a baseball cap and a white stained T-shirt acting loud and rambunctious. He held a Bud Light beer can. Hollering about in his drunken stupor he tried to make contact with the Waitress.
"Hey there p-pretty lady, why don't you strut that nice behind of yours over here and sit on ol' Papi's lap?" The waitress just ignored the drunk and walked into the other part of the restaurant.
Kim growled at the drunken man's stupor and wanted to confront him on it. A hand was placed on her shoulder as her head swung seeing her father eye the man as well with a hidden sign of disgust. Kim never really witnessed anyone be that way at Middleton, at least to the best of her knowledge. She was however aware that her father was never a fan of her dating anyone, so for him to see another individual act in such a way, must push his peeve button. He shrugged it off and went back to looking at the menu.
Kim had just now opened the menu, it was blank, white and with nothing but the menu and its descriptions just one statement, 140 per person. Kim's eyes shot wide and looked to her Dad who had the same expression on his face. The total for their tab alone would be just south of 1000. James notified Ann immediately afraid that they may not be able to afford it. Ann notified Caryl, and to her surprise laughed.
"Don't worry Ann, Loeb had to give me a big advance for working on the Holidays, I do owe Captain Gordon for telling him straight almost didn't give it to me."
"Oh, who is this Captain Gordon, someone special?" Ann gave Caryl a sly smile and a snicker. Caryl blushed badly as she dropped the menu in shock and waved her hands palms facing towards her sister.
"W-What!? N-No, it's not like that at all! He and I just work together! Besides for your information Ann, He has a wife and a daughter named Barbara, and possibly the only honest cop in the GCPD." Caryl just huffed and crossed her arm facing away from Ann as they soon playfully laughed. Kim sighed softly. Captain Gordon now was the only person in all of Gotham that had his head on straight as far as she was concerned. Ron noticed this too as Rufus just sat in his pocket. Kim immediately snapped to a different train of thought.
"R-Ron! Put Rufus away, we are in a high-class restaurant and can get kicked out because you have him, please just put him in your pocket before someone notices!"
Kim's fingers wrapped around her nose as she shook her head. Ron just sighed and looked down to Rufus who just shared their sad expression as Rufus crawled into his pocket as the waitress had just returned with all of their drinks. Kim was happy at last as she swiftly left for a bit. Heading to the bar to grab a bottle of cabernet sauvignon. Kim looked behind her shoulder once more to notice two glasses as well.
Her eyes instinctively darted to the same drunk man from before as his eyes were peering all around the waitress's body. It was obvious that she felt uncomfortable about the whole thing. Doing whatever she could to avoid eye contact with the specific individual who then started to obnoxiously whistle, what Kim next saw was both unexpected and uncalled for. His hand had dropped the beer can which spilled creating a small mess on the counter and darted towards her slapping her hard on the butt. The slap echoed through the restaurant and caused her to lose balance falling forward straight towards Kim, the wine already tilting towards her.
Time for Kim slowed down almost as the waitress fell over the obnoxious drunkard nearby, Kim could see it playing out. The wine spilling onto her dress, her father having to engage the drunken man for such rude behavior. She clenched her eyes, simply waiting for the cold liquid to coat her, then... nothing.
She opened her eyes to find a tall man holding the waitress by her waist with one hand, and her wine platter in the other. His Brown eyes locked in place on the waitress to make sure she didn't move, and then they would revert to Kim. He then slowly stood aiding the waitress back up on her feet in the process. He stood a few inches above her, his suit a bit messy from a small spill of red wine. The waitress just could not stop herself from bowing in complete embarrassment. She could tell that the waitress was fighting tears. How could she after getting humiliated by being spanked by a drunken man at work and then spilling wine all over a man's suit?
"Oh dear god, I'm so sorry! Please don't report this to my manager! It all happened so fast I-"
Kim felt bad for the waitress, almost having no faith in the man she begged before, wanting to protect her. Her hand was placed on the back of her chair ready to stand up as the waitress continued to beg, both were halted by the raising of his right hand.
"It's all right ma'am, there's no need to worry, nothing I can't handle. Besides, the suit was getting a bit small, and it is nowhere near your fault." Kim felt relieved to see this man be so kind-hearted to the girl and understanding that the real cause of the trouble was the man who slapped her in the behind. Though more questions started to unravel, who was this man, where did he come from and why did he help her when he had no real obligation.
More questions formed but all were silenced by the approach of another individual. This man bared a small resemblance to the other, his jet black hair and square jaw, along with his dark yet alluring presence and physique caught Kim's eye. She could tell his body was lean and very well built and his blue calming eyes were like the ocean. The other man noticed his approach and turned around; no words were exchanged until the taller of the two finally spoke. His voice was low and strong, yet relaxed and calm.
"Good work Ben, that could have turned out a whole lot uglier than need be."
"Thank you, sir. I just hope that this little incident doesn't make us late for our meeting with the board of directors." Kim's mind was chock full of many questions, she couldn't factor all of them, but the most common were who were those two men, and what was their relations, they were business partners but normal business partners aren't too keen on dining at a restaurant that would cost each 140 per person. Ron then had an outburst of excitement making the situation a bit more awkward. His hands slammed on the table catching everyone's attention.
"Wow! Sweet moves bro! I've never seen someone react that fast!" The brown-eyed man looked at Ron a bit confused and annoyed. He took notice of Ron's gargantuan smile as he awkwardly didn't say anything. He then observed Rufus as he was giving him a small thumbs up. He just sighed and pulled his sleeves up and gave the other taller individual his coat. Kim noticed how massive this man's arms were. Their muscles bulging from just moving, even the Waitress started to blush a bit from just their sheer size. His voice then rose again from the silence with a hint of rage.
"Uh... Thanks. Now to deal with this piece of-" before he could finish, the other man interrupted. Placing his hand in front of him. Ben stopped as he gave the taller individual a quizzical look.
"No need." With a wave of his hand, two security guards approached the scene. The man explained the situation in detail; both of the officers nodded and then approached the drunkard. The drunk tried to defend himself and called the dark-haired individual a lunatic. Both officers couldn't help but burst into laughter after hearing his drunken lingo and told him to place his hand behind his back. The drunk was handcuffed and taken away right after. Kim's eyes were wide, whoever this man was had power, just like what Caryl was talking about last night. Only the strong survive in Gotham and this particular figure must have had some connections to have someone arrested on the spot. The man smiled and looked towards the guests who saw the entirety of the event. He stood in front of everyone; he first smiled at his new audience and spoke out.
"I do hope that what happened here today does not affect your personal experience here at the Le Bernardin restaurant, the food here is excellent and the staff here will treat you with the utmost respect, Thank you for your time." With that people around couldn't help but clap and smile, some even stood up and some whistled. Kim notices that Caryl had stood up, clapping fast with a massive grin on her face. Ben had also been clapping picking up his leather portfolio after dropping it to catch the waitress who also had been clapping. The man waved back at some with a smile and reproached Ben.
"Executed perfectly as always," Ben said.
Kim clapped as well, she was indeed impressed. But still, the questions piled up, who was this Gentlemen. How can one man be able to have another arrested with just a snap of his fingers? Kim was about to speak up when her father beat her to the punch.
"Wow Caryl, that man is something else, who is he?" James asked.
"That is Gotham's brightest mind, billionaire philanthropist, and pioneer of the city's future, Bruce Wayne!"
Bruce had started to chat with Ben about seemingly private matters, along with telling Ben to roll his sleeves back down and handing him back his coat. Kim then spoke up and asked Caryl another one of her many questions.
"Caryl, does Bruce have any relation to Wayne Enterprises?" Kim asked. She didn't know Bruce actually caught wind of the table of 7 and was listening in.
"That's right Kim Possible; I am the C.E.O of Wayne Enterprises." Bruce acknowledged. Kim's head jolted behind her to find Bruce giving her eye contact with a charming smile. Kim felt a bit embarrassed to have the actual person who owned the company answer such a silly question. Suddenly it hit her, Bruce knew her name. He knew who she was.
"Wait, you know who I am?"
"The world-famous teen hero, Kim Possible. I've heard much about you." Bruce extended his hand to Kim. She was hesitant at first, but she then reached for his hand and shook it. She took in the strength Bruce had in his shake and how firm his grasp was.
"Ah, I knew she looked familiar, you're on the news quite a bit. I'm Benjamin, Ben for short." Ben said.
"Do you recognize me!?" Ron exclaimed in joy, leaning forward towards both men. Giving them a large smile, pointing at himself & moving his eyebrows up and down. Both Bruce and Ben looked at each other for a second, sharing a quizzical expression. They both looked at Ron as Bruce spoke.
"I'm sorry?" Bruce asked.
"It's me, Ron. Ron Stoppable? T-The sidekick?" He said with a doomed expression on his face. Both men blinked.
"I'm afraid we haven't heard of you Mr. Probable was it?" Bruce asked, looking towards Ron with a perched eyebrow.
"Stoppable!" Ron exclaimed in defeat with a facepalm.
Kim sighed in both embarrassment and humor. She would be lying if she didn't at least have some kind of laughter to see Ron embarrass himself for recognition, but at least his pants were not ripped. When the handshake was done Caryl was in shock. Hardly anyone got close to Bruce Wayne let alone shake his hand. Only those who worked close to him got a glimpse of him, the only other person so far that she knew of as of now that was close to Bruce was Ben. Bruce then noticed Caryl and extended his hand to her as well. Caryl blushed in shock and shook it as well, his words sinking into her mind.
"Your Dr. Caryl O'Malley, a leading psychiatrist and rehabilitation expert, it's good to know there are other people that wish to change this city for the better like me."
"Uh... likewise Mr. Wayne!" Caryl tried to keep composure in front of Bruce but needless to say, she had a hard time. Bruce just thought of it as normal behavior, he then looked around and checked his watch. Bruce's arm then rose into the air and it wasn't long before the same waitress arrived on the scene. Kim had a hard time believing that Mr. Wayne was as good of a person as everyone around her seemed to believe, everyone she had encountered with that kind of power had some evil agenda. With a massive business like Wayne Enterprises, she concluded that Bruce could have endless possibilities for being a supervillain with massive potential, with a pocketbook almost as big as Señor Senior Sr. Bruce could be a major threat to the world.
"Yes, Mr. Wayne?" the waitress asked.
"Do you know how long our table will be ready for?" The waitress laughed nervously. Bruce's warm smile was making it easier to give him the news.
"I'm sorry Mr. Wayne but it maybe another hour before we can seat you..." she noticed Ben scoffing.
"That's not going to work we have a meeting with the board in an hour and a half." Ben said.
Ann saw a golden opportunity and took it. A mischievous smirk lit her face up, looks like Mr. Wayne had no ring on his fingers...
"Oh well we can share a table!" Ann said everyone looked to her baffled by the generosity.
"Oh I don't think that is necessary we can surely sit at the bar or go somewhere else, we don't want to intrude," Ben interjected.
"Oh nonsense," she looked toward James with an expression of a smile with anger in her eyes which darted towards her sister. James had been married to Ann long enough not to go against her with that face.
"N-No it's no trouble at all, kids squeeze in for our new guests." James aid as everyone began to move their chairs. Ann couldn't help
Bruce and Ben just looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. This is where they wanted to eat, and a table was offered. He waved his hand as another waitress approached.
"Please pull up two more chairs for myself and my executive assistant, and I'll have a glass of Viognier wine to drink."
"Bruce, what about the meeting?" Ben exclaimed leaning into Bruce's ear.
"Then postpone it, the meeting involves something that can wait anyway." He responded
Ben just sighed and rolled his eyes. Pulling out his phone and sending the text to the remaining attendees. The waitress had already pulled the chairs up for the two men. Ann couldn't helper but mischievously grin at her sister who in response leaned in and whispered "I'm going to kill you for this..."
Bruce had sat next to Caryl and Ann, and Ben sat next to Caryl and Kim. As they sat down Bruce's drink was being poured and Ben placed his portfolio next to Ron and the waitress asked the same question. Ben ordered a Louisiana Hurricane causing Bruce to head towards Ben with a cocked eyebrow, making Kim feel a bit awkward. After all, she was sitting close to the number one bureaucrats of Gotham City. She struggled to keep her composure, Bruce knew about her. He knew who she was and that rubbed Kim a bit the wrong way. Even the waitress knew who Bruce was.
"Mr. Wayne, it's nice to meet you! I'm Ann Possible; I work as a Brain Surgeon at the Middleton Hospital." Ann said her smile caught Bruce's eye and he returned the gesture.
"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Possible, and I assume you must be her father?" Bruce asked looking to James.
"Yes, James Timothy Possible. I'm a rocket scientist for the Middleton Space Center."
"Remarkable Mr. Possible," Bruce said before he took a sip of his wine as Ben's drink arrived. Its ruby red and tangy orange color started to beautifully blend as Ben stirred it with his straw, he closed his eyes and took a sip of his drink letting it take over him. Ron couldn't help but eye at the fruity drink and even became awed inspired by it.
"Hey, Ben, can I have a sip?" Ron asked.
Ben stopped drinking and took in Ron's question. Noticing Ron eyeing the Hurricane drink absorbing in its warm colors. Ben just looked up to Ron and gave him a cold glare. His brown eyes stared straight into Ron's soul and he immediately backed off feeling its icy tone. Even Rufus retreated into Ron's pocket as the glare continued and darted to him. Bruce also heard the question and looked oddly towards Ron, but he continued his conversations at the other end of the table and saw it as usual behavior for a person of Ron's age. Kim, on the other hand, sighed and covered her face in embarrassment. She wanted to forget that only Ron could have ever asked such a question at 17.
Bruce finished his drink and his conversations with the adults in the group. When once again he looked at his watch, noticing that only 12 minutes had passed when he and Ben sat down. He observed everything around him, the conversations Caryl and Ann were having, how fast Tim and Jim consumed their food, Rufus's behavior, all were at his attention. He even notices the tapping of Kim's fork and how repetitive it was, 2 taps per second on the left corner of her plate. He then paid attention to Ben who had been writing things down in his portfolio, meeting dates, conference calls, and other important events for his company. He even took notice of a small inhale from Caryl, mentally preparing for her question.
"So Bruce, anything new your company is coming up with?" Caryl asked.
"The meeting I postponed today was concerning something small, mainly a way of helping out any small businesses by creating key card terminal locks, as well as security cameras, motion detectors, and a plethora of other security technology." Bruce kept his composure as he answered the question. His entire body language showed sophistication and well-behaved aristocratic tendencies. Ben just kept looking at his portfolio, not making any form of conversation whatsoever. The waitress soon arrived and approached the men at the corner of the table.
"Are these going to be separate checks? I wanted to make sure before I receive the order!" The waitress asked.
James then sighed and reached for his wallet gripping it tightly. James had pulled out his credit card, catching Caryl's attention. Eating here might not have been an appropriate choice. She loved her sister's family, but she then goes and makes them pay nearly a grand just for lunch?
"Yes, there will be two checks, one for my family and-"
"I thought I told you I would cover your bill." Aunt Caryl interrupted, causing Ann to place her hand on her sister's own. This caught both the eyes of Bruce and Ben, who then exchanged looks with each other for a quick second concluded with a nod by Bruce and a few pen strokes from Ben.
"Oh Caryl you don't have to do that, we can surely pay for it" Ann replied.
"That's not the point Ann. I should have thought about how expensive this place is and with a group this size-"
"One check, I'll cover it." Bruce interrupted.
Kim's eyes went wide as well as everyone else's had at the table. James' heart skipped a beat as he heard Bruce's words as well as Ann's and Caryl's. Even Jim and Tim looked up to Bruce with a surprised look and a cocked eyebrow. Ron and Rufus even look at Bruce in astonishment. Kim did the math in her head, 7 people make 980 plus three more being 320 would total 1,260. James spoke up almost right after stuttering profoundly.
"Mr. Wayne that's very kind for you but I can certainly pay for my family and we just met it wouldn't be right for me to-"
"It's nothing Mr. Possible. This deal I'm finishing will be able to pull millions in return, that's why I postponed the meeting. It's just legal stuff that gets in the way after that, and there is no logical reason for us to hold a meeting about the paperwork that forces my company to wait a few months to help out the city." Bruce protested his warm smile which melted Caryl's anxiety away.
James just nodded in acceptance and didn't want to push the situation any further. It wasn't long afterward that the waitress had gotten everyone's food order and rang it through their system. Kim and Ron had taken a liking to Bruce very quickly. Her worries instantly washed away with the few sentences he uttered. Bruce was an honest good man trying to change his city for the better. It was also very clear that he had their trust, no one like Carmine Falcone, or Roman Sionis. Bruce Wayne was the pioneer of Gotham's Future. Kim then looked to Ben who had finally joined the table after putting his portfolio aside. Kim though ignored it as it was mostly just business stuff that the two men discussed.
Ron had started to play around with the silverware to himself while Jim and Tim acted like their normal weird selves. It only took 30-45 minutes for their food to arrive as a perfectly cooked salmon arrived in front of her. The smell was alien but attractive. As she took the first bite the taste sunk into her tongue. It was rich and savory as she enjoyed every minute of it. Ben had ordered the same and took bigger bites and ate with a napkin on his lap as Bruce ordered a salmon as well. Bruce then broke the silence.
"Mr. Possible, I was wondering if there is any way my company could establish a partnership with the Middleton Space Center. We have just designed a satellite that can achieve long-range global communication from a single point in orbit whether it be at its apoapsis point or its perigee point, on a massive multitude of channels both private and public. Though I do plan on launching that satellite by the end of this year." Bruce asked.
"Of course! I'm fairly certain I can get the board to meet with us. Working with Wayne Enterprises will surely be a blessing for the Space Center! If you're ever in town shoot me an email." James was ecstatic about aiding Mr. Wayne with the launch of the satellite.
Kim felt warm and happy inside as one man had made up for all of the negative experiences here in Gotham. Bruce notices her smile and shared one right back with her. Another hour had passed, spent by conversations of past missions by Kim and Ron, surgeries from Ann, and much more before the waitress returned with the bill now paid for by Bruce. He left two 100 bills under her pen and his signature.
As the group left the restaurant, Bruce and James continued their conversation over the ramifications and specifications of launching the Wayne COM 7 Satellite as they called it. Ben had begun to lean on a light pole with his blazer hung over his shoulder and darting his eyes down every alleyway they could spot. Kim had noticed this peculiar behavior Ben had shown and his eyes darted right for hers within a few seconds. Not wanting awkward eye contact her eyes darted towards Ron who luckily had an instant question requiring an answer.
"Anything new with your Aunt and those other guys from Wade?" Ron asked.
Kim had forgotten about all she learned from Wade 2 hours ago when they first arrived here. The same debate played out now as it did last night as she either needs to tell Ron the seriousness about the subject of Black Mask or leave it all to rest and find a way to help out Aunt Caryl another way. This decision would lead to the same result.
"Oh, it was nothing too important Ron almost like a dead-end," Kim cursed herself in her head for lying once more to Ron now.
"Ah man, hoping for at least something… is that a limo?" Ron asked.
Kim's head darting towards the upcoming vehicle. It was a black 1954 Rolls Royce Phantom IV in mint condition. She then took notice that Bruce and her father had shaken hands and a much older man exited the vehicle, waiting by the passenger door, and stood straight keeping the same facial expression. His top hat that matched his black suit covered his gray hair and a sharp thin black pointed mustache that faced downward helped add to his distinguished appearance. Bruce walked past Kim waving goodbye, Kim returned the wave as well. Ben had put his blazer back on and out of sudden impulse, she darted for him before he finished.
"Hey, Ben was it? I just wanted to say thanks for the help back there with the wine and sorry about the suit too." Kim blushed a bit knowing that it must have been an expensive article of clothing that got ruined by the incident prior. Ben just chuckled.
"It's nothing Ms. Possible. Like I said it's almost too small so it was about to be thrown out or given away. So don't sweat it and have a good day." With a small bow, Ben acknowledged Kim and walked into the car as the butler closed it behind him. Kim looked back as the butler tipped his cap to her and entered the car. By the time her father had pulled up with the van the car Ben and Bruce entered had driven off. Kim just smiled now a bit more confident with Gotham.
Ben had opened his portfolio as he relaxed against the leather seats, not affected by the hurricane's alcohol one bit. He just wrote away notes that he found about Kim. Her hair, eye color, body type, assumed weight, and calculated height. Ben also had a separate column for Ron and even Rufus. He mouthed the details to himself saying everything at least once or twice for memorization. He even was able to determine they both were attending Middleton High School as juniors.
Bruce glanced at Ben's portfolio and just looked back towards the window. Ben noticed his peering as well but brushed it off as normal behavior for Bruce. Several minutes had passed before the driver reached a four-way intersection. His soft British accent rang like bells.
"Where to now sir?" The Driver asked.
"I'm headed back to Wayne Enterprises Alfred, Go ahead and take Ben back to the Manor," Bruce replied.
"Yes, Sir."
Alfred took a right towards the Midtown section of Gotham where the Wayne Enterprises tower stood tall in all its glory past the Diamond District. Ben cocked a smile as he knew exactly what Bruce was planning for the evening. The moon was going to be out in a few hours, and that's when the most lively parts of the day for both Ben and Bruce occurred. Ben slapped his portfolio shut and placed it between himself and Bruce, who instantly picked it up and reviewed what Ben had written. Ben just looked at Bruce with a confident stare watching his eyes dart left and right, reading all there was. When Bruce closed the portfolio and placed it back, his words were part expected and left field.
"Good work Ben, you were able to find out a great deal of information about those kids by just sitting next to them. It's vitally important that you master that skill as fast as possible; it could spell trouble for you if you don't."
"We should be fine Bruce; nothing too dangerous as it's been a full 3 months now and you must admit I've done a good job. If we can work together on those fronts however, we can affect more than just Gotham in the long run." Ben looked Bruce directly in the eyes. They gleamed with confidence as Alfred interrupted the two gentlemen.
"Pardon me sir, but who was the family you two were interacting with when I arrived?" Alfred Asked.
"That was the Possible family, and partially why I have a chardonnay stain on my shirt. But their good people Alfred and I'll just toss this out, no need to worry about cleaning it up." Ben answered.
"Possible family, you say? Isn't that the family of that teen hero girl from down south?"
"Yes Alfred, that was the family of Kim Possible. Her Father and I discussed an availability to launch the communications satellite back in Middleton, but she's a damn fool."
These words hit Ben unexpectedly, almost having him doubt what he had just heard from Bruce. Bruce never was cold like the mob bosses, but he did have his moments where his unfathomably strategic genius intellect would take over from his people skills. Ben saw it as nothing as he knew why Bruce said that. Bruce never was a fan of letting people get too close.
The only people that did get close to him were Lucius Fox back at Wayne Enterprises, Alfred, and Ben himself. Though that never explained everything. Especially when it had something to do with that cold December night. That same night where everything changed for him. An old scar acted up again as it started to tingle a bit. He began to scratch the scar on his right shin that was propped up by his left leg. It was the same scar that appeared on his leg from that terrible incident, and he was only 7 years old on that cold December night.
