Chapter Three

Sara made sure to take the pain medicine right away after she got home. She would be fast asleep by the time Bruce arrived.

The next morning, she hurried to get in the shower while Bruce was sleeping. She quickly got dressed in some sweats and went down for breakfast.

"I see Master Wayne is still asleep. I made a full breakfast this morning. Help yourself to anything you like."

"Thank you, Alfred. I'm starving." Sara piled eggs, bacon, and a bagel on her plate. After grabbing some juice, she sat down and inhaled her food.

"Miss Sara, did you have dinner last night?" (Alfred had been calling her "Miss Sara" since she and Bruce started dating. They were both used to it, and Sara liked it. Alfred was like a father-in-law to her. So, whatever the female version of "Master" was, it didn't matter).

"No, I didn't. I was exhausted when I got home and went straight to bed. I have no idea when Bruce came in."

Alfred smiled. "I'm glad you didn't wait up for him. I believe he walked in the door a few minutes before 1:00am."

"You still wait up for him. You don't have to do that anymore, but I think it's sweet."

"Old habits are hard to break, Miss Sara. I'll always watch out for him – though I believe there is now someone who can do a better job. Providing she doesn't get herself killed, of course."

Sara almost choked on her bagel. Did Fox say anything to Alfred?

Sara played it cool. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that you were supposed to call me when you were done with class. There was another incident last night. If you continue to walk in that area, I am afraid you could be the next victim."

OK, thought Sara. He doesn't know. He is just worried about me.

"You're right. Please don't tell Bruce that I took the train."

"Your secret is safe with me. Just make sure to call next time." Alfred kissed her on the head and walked toward the library.

Sara had some thinking to do, so she did her favorite thing and took a walk. The grounds of Wayne Manor were much safer than the Narrows.

I don't know why I want to continue being a vigilante (of sorts). Bruce was a true vigilante – a real crime fighter. I'm just a regular woman obsessed with economics and music. I have some self-defense experience, but I don't have any weapons, or any clothing to protect myself. I think I need a trip to the sporting goods store. Bruce once told me that when people tried to copy Batman they would use hockey pads for protection. That isn't such a bad idea! But what about a mask of some kind? A ski mask could get ripped off my head, or it could shift so I couldn't see. Maybe one of those costume masks – minus the glitter. My hair should be covered. A wig? Some kind of cowl? Maybe Bruce has one of his old ones. I'll search the bat cave when no-one is looking. Oh, shoot - his cowl will have ears. I'll check the costume shop for those, too. Now the question is, when and how do I get myself to the Narrows? It can't be on music class night. I will have to make something up. I understand my poor husband so much better now. He had to live a lie all those years. How did I end up here? I could stop, but I like helping people. Sara, you are completely crazy.

When Sara got back to the house, Bruce was eating breakfast.

She put her arms around him from behind and said, "You slept late! Alfred told me you didn't get in until 1:00am. How was the client dinner?" Sara hoped he wouldn't get up to hug her. The pills were wearing off, and she would probably start crying from the pain. Thankfully, he just turned and gave her a kiss.

"The dinner part was fine. They told me about what they need from us; we asked each other questions, etc. After that, the fun began." Sara could tell he was being sarcastic. Bruce continued. "The three gentlemen, ahem, proceeded to get completely wasted on my dime. At midnight they were talking about going to a strip club. When I didn't get on board with that idea, they decided to stay and keep drinking. Obviously they wanted me to pay for the strip club – including tips."

"I'm sorry. I can truthfully say that I don't miss those meetings. And I definitely don't miss getting hit on by some drunk."

"I guess I can't complain too much – no one hit on me." Sara giggled, and Bruce got up from his chair.

"You know what your giggle does to me." Bruce lifted Sara up and carried her upstairs. Uh, oh – he is going to try to touch me, and for the first time in my life, I don't want him to!

"Why don't we continue what we started last night?" Bruce had his arms around her tight, and Sara had to keep from screaming.

Sara managed to wiggle away and said, "As much as I would like that, I need to finish editing my first draft. If I don't turn it in by tomorrow my editor won't be able to look at it before she goes on vacation. And it's her birthday, so I need to go shopping for a gift."

"You can get away this time, but I will find you and make you mine!" Bruce gave an evil laugh which made Sara laugh. She thought: I have already started lying. Terrific.

Sara got cleaned up, picked a car, and drove to the stores. She would go to the mall a few miles outside of Gotham. She didn't want to run into anyone she knew.