Chapter 9

Sara allowed Bruce back into the manor after two nights. When he returned he was very apologetic.

"I'm sorry. You were right. I shouldn't have spoken to you that way. Have you been ok while I was gone?"

"I'm feeling much better. Alfred took good care of me. I'm sorry I kicked you out, but I didn't want to say anything I would regret. Things were heating up too much."

"Let's put it behind us." Bruce kissed her and it was clear he wanted to take things in a more passionate direction. "Are you feeling up to making love?"

Sara grabbed him and said, "Hell, yes!"

The sex was definitely in their all-time "top 10." He did everything she loved and more. She did the same.

Afterward, Bruce said, "People who say married sex is boring aren't doing it right."

Sara laughed, and wholeheartedly agreed. "Especially married make-up sex. I have nothing to complain about." Bruce crawled on top of Sara and began to start another round.

"Wow. Just…wow." Sara's mind was officially blown.

"I'm glad I didn't disappoint."

When Sara was completely healed, she started back with her writing. Her economics textbook was being published and set for release by the next school term. Now she was writing about the quality of mental health care in the U.S. She was inspired by the mother of one of the kids in the music group. She had told Sara about her battle with depression, and how it was a struggle even with the newest medications. Sara wanted to know more about the different treatments, and decided to investigate and write some articles and maybe a book that would give some guidance to those in need of help. She had a psychiatrist friend who was interested in co-writing the book with her since Sara didn't have any credentials in the psychiatric community.

Sara went to her music groups every week as scheduled, and always had Bruce or Alfred drop her off and pick her up. Every time they drove away from the school, Sara couldn't help but wonder what might be going on in the shadows. Was there a girl being beaten or raped? The thought made her shiver. She couldn't stop thinking about it, and she knew that her mission wasn't over. If Bruce didn't want to help her, she would have to find help somewhere else. She thought of someone she could go to. It would be a long shot, but it was worth a try.

One day when Bruce was out for the afternoon, Sara called John Blake. They had been friends as long as she had known Bruce, and she knew she could trust him.

John answered, "Hey Sara! How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling well – all healed!"

"How can I help you?"

Sara nervously cleared her throat. "I was hoping we could meet and discuss some things. Are you free for coffee?"

"Sure. What time?"

"Can you meet at the coffee shop on 8th and 40th in half an hour?"

John was filled with curiosity. "Great. I'll see you then."

Sara called for Alfred to tell him she would be out running errands. Thankfully he didn't ask for specifics.

When Sara arrived at the coffee shop, John was there waiting. He stood up and gave her a hug.

"It's good to see you! I'm glad you're feeling better."

"Thanks. It was a faster recovery than I expected. I'll get to the point of this meeting since it is unusual."

"You have my attention." John said as he sipped his coffee.

"You probably know, or have at least guessed, that Bruce was not happy with my previous activities in the Narrows."

John smiled. "That is the understatement of the century."

"Yes. And that is the crux of my problem. You see, I need to find a way to go back out there more prepared. I was hoping you could help me. Now before you say anything, let me make my case. We both know what goes on down there. There are almost nightly attacks on young girls, and they need help. I want to continue to help them, but I need some things – an outfit or suit with better protection, and some training in fighting. Bruce and Lucius won't help, obviously, so my resources are limited."

"Sara, do you realize what you are asking me to do? You want me to go against my friend, your husband, and help you to continue to put yourself in peril? How do you think you could possibly convince me to do that?"

"I was hoping to appeal to the side of you who wants to do some good in this world. You are my friend, and I need someone who supports me and believes in me. I was also hoping that you would be my partner. I know you are busy patrolling Blüdhaven, but I was thinking maybe you could spare a night or two a week between 8:00pm – 10:00pm to help me in Gotham? Bruce would like knowing I'm not alone down there."

"I couldn't help you if I wanted to. When Bruce finds out I even considered this, he will beat me to a pulp. He was Batman, remember? He can easily do that. Then you will have a partner in traction. I wouldn't be much help."

"So you are considering this?" Sara looked at him with a twinge of hope.

"Is that what you came away with from what I just said? You have fully earned your stubborn reputation, I'll give you that. To answer your question, yes. Part of me is considering this. I do believe you want to help others – you have already proven that. You did that, successfully, without a suit or decent training. Your courage is impressive, but you almost died, remember?" John sat back in his chair with a heavy sigh. "I don't know what to tell you."

"That's my point! I was hurt because I didn't have the right tools! And the list of people who could assist me with that issue has dwindled down to you. Actually, there is someone else I could ask. I don't trust her AT ALL, but she might be willing to help if only to piss off Bruce…"

"Oh, no – no, no, no. You cannot talk to Selina. You're right – you can't trust her. No one can. She is all about her own agenda, and she wouldn't hesitate to leave you for dead if you got in her way."

"Does that mean you will help me?"

"Give me some time to think about it."