Chapter Seven

Selina Kyle appeared at the front door of Wayne Manor twenty minutes after the call from Bruce. Alfred immediately ushered her into the library where Bruce was waiting.

Bruce looked at her with contempt. "Well, you certainly took your time."

Selina, confused by his summons, could only stand silent as she took in his violent stare.

Bruce walked over to a chair that held the costume Sarah was wearing when she was found. He picked it up and threw it to Selina. "Explain this."

She looked through the clothes, and replied, "I have never seen these before. They look like a cheap alternative to my suit. Where did you get them?"

"My wife was found half-dead in the Narrows wearing that outfit. Are you saying that you played no part in that?" Bruce was slowly moving toward her, frightening her with each step. Selina knew to choose her words carefully.

"I have no idea why she was wearing this or why she was in the Narrows. Why don't you ask her?"

"I haven't had the chance! She just became conscious after being out for two days! Now, you better have an answer for this, or so help me I will see to it that you end up in a far worse condition."

Alfred was listening outside the door, and knew that he should step in before Bruce did something he would regret.

"Master Wayne, the doctor has finished examining Miss Sarah, and wishes to speak to you."

Bruce left the library and hurried upstairs. On the way, Alfred told Bruce what he heard and how he was alarmed at the prospect of Bruce injuring Selina.

"Alfred, I have never been so angry in my life. I hope that I will show restraint, but I am not promising anything."

Bruce entered the room where Sarah was resting. He gave her a kiss, and asked the doctor how she was doing.

"Mr. Wayne, I believe Sarah has made a nice recovery. Her brain shows no signs of swelling, and I think it is safe to take her of the IV and move her to her own bed. She will still need to rest for a week or so. She should drink lots of fluids, and she can eat anything that sounds good to her. Discourage her from going up and down the stairs. You have a lot of them here. Let me know if you think she is experiencing more symptoms." The doctor smiled and patted Bruce on the back. Bruce turned and thanked the doctor.

Sarah began to sit up in bed, and Bruce made her lay back down. "I can sit up. You heard the doctor – sitting is still resting. I just can't do laps around the manor."

Bruce just shook his head. "Alfred, will you help me move my stubborn wife to our bedroom?"

"I would be happy to, Master Wayne. Miss Sarah, the fact that you have the energy to be stubborn is a delight to me. I am very thankful you are well." Alfred kissed Sarah on the head and said, "Here we go – nice and steady."

With one of them on each side, Sarah felt comfortable walking to the bedroom. Alfred had changed the sheets, put flowers on the bedside table, and set up a tray with Sarah's laptop and favorite books. He also had a television moved into the room so Sarah could watch movies.

After Sarah was settled in bed, Bruce took a good look around the room.

"Alfred, you never did all this for me when I would come home late bruised and battered." Bruce pretended to look a little hurt.

"It's quite simple, Master Wayne. I didn't think you deserved special treatment for acting like a lunatic. And besides, I like Miss Sarah more than I do you." Alfred winked and left the room. Sarah couldn't help but laugh at the frown on Bruce's face.

Bruce sat next to Sarah, and gently stroked her hair while looking into her eyes.

Sarah's eyes filled with tears. "I'm so sorry, Bruce. I just couldn't stand by as those girls got hurt. I was going to tell you. I never wanted you to find out what I was doing like this. I love you so much. I shouldn't have deceived you."

"You don't have to apologize. I've had time to think it over, and I can't put any blame on you. After all, seeing innocent people get hurt was the reason I acted as I did all those years. You were brave, Sarah. I just thank God that you are still here with me. I want you to rest, but first I need to ask you something. Why were you dressed up like Catwoman? Did she encourage you to do those things?"

"No. I haven't spoken to her in a long time. The idea just came to me all of a sudden. I thought that if anyone saw me they would assume I was Selina and my identity would be safe. You know she isn't my favorite person, so if she was suspected of being a vigilante by the police, I would rather them go after her than me. Not very kind of me, I know."

"I wouldn't worry about being nice to her. As far as I'm concerned, she deserves everything she gets. That reminds me, I have to address some unfinished business downstairs. Do you need anything before I go?"

Sarah put her hand in his and said, "Just a kiss." Bruce passionately complied.

Selina was still in the library waiting for Bruce. He could see that Alfred had brought her something to drink.

"I just spoke with my wife, and she confirmed that you have not been in touch with her, and did not put her up to anything. I hope you understand how immensely lucky you are. You can go."

Selina was not satisfied with his explanation. "Wait – what was she doing that made you demand my presence, and accuse me of somehow harming her?"

"That is none of your business. Like I said, you can go."