Chapter 16: Accidental Meeting
The three Justice League rookies went home once patrol was over while the Bat trio went to the cave. Bruce was waiting for them at the computer doing analyze on a small vial.
"How was the rest of patrol?" Bruce asked them.
"Uneventful," Batgirl informed her. "There were a few muggings and a robbery, but other than that it was a relatively quiet evening."
"Yeah so what's in the vile?" Robin asked.
"Working on it," Bruce responded.
"That's the drug that cloak guy gave Karloff," Nightwing observed. "How did you get a sample of it? I'm pretty sure Karloff isn't the kind of vampire who would entrust something this important to a relatively new recruit."
"You're right, he's not," Bruce responded. "This isn't his. I followed them to another one of their meetings and grabbed one as Batman."
"So, who was the guy in the cloak?" Batgirl asked.
"David Cain," Bruce told them. The three's eyes widened in shock.
"He's in Gotham?" Robin questioned. "But why? And why is he selling drugs?"
"Analyze complete," the computer said. Bruce looked over at the screen.
"This isn't a traditional drug," Bruce stated. "From looks of its chemical composition it's meant to enhance a vampire's physical capabilities as well as their magical powers."
"So, basically it's a testosterone for vampires," Nightwing said.
"Basically yes," Bruce responded.
"That explains why Karloff wants it," Batgirl started. "But how are they manufacturing it, is the question."
"That and who the supplier is," Robin added. "There's got to be someone else who's got the big bucks to make something like this."
"Do we know what the side effects are?" Nightwing asked.
"According to computer the drug can cause temporary and possibly permanent insanity once injected into someone," Bruce informed them.
"That's one bad backlash," Robin said. "So, what's our next move?"
"We go to their meeting tomorrow night and see if we can find out anymore about their operation," Bruce told them. "I'll be John Valjean; you all will be listening in. Once it's over, follow them as a far and close as you can without getting caught and see if you find the money giver."
"Excuse me but Master Bruce you are scheduled to attend Miss Veronica's party in an hour," Alfred informed him. Bruce sighed.
"Continue to research any connections Karloff has and that drug," Bruce told them. "I'll be back by one-thirty."
"Thanks for coming with me," Etta said to Diana as they pulled up to the manor.
"Of course," Diana responded. "Anything for a friend." Etta smiled.
"Alright let's head inside," Etta stated as Steve stopped the car.
"I'll be back to pick you up at around 2," Steve told them.
"Great, thanks dear," Etta responded. She and Diana both got out of the car and made their way to the front door.
"Name please," the doorman said.
"Etta Candy and this is my plus one Diana Prince," Etta responded. The doorman quickly scanned through the list and found Etta's name.
"Come on in and enjoy the party," the doorman said.
"Thank you," Etta replied. They both entered the foyer and were suddenly greeted by the hostess Veronica Vreeland.
"Etta! It's so good to see you!" Veronica exclaimed. She hugged Etta furiously.
"It's good to see you too," Etta responded. Veronica released her from the hug and smiled before looking at Etta's companion.
"And who's this beautiful young lady?" Veronica asked.
"OH, this is my friend, Diana Prince," Etta informed her. "Diana this is Veronica Vreeland." Diana shook Veronica's hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Diana said.
"You as well," Veronica replied. "Well, I'd better get back to mingling with the other guests. Have fun!"
"Thank you," Etta responded. Veronica then quickly went over towards the large crowd of people near the ballroom. Etta turned to Diana.
"So, now what?" Diana asked.
"Now we go and mingle about," Etta said as they made their way towards the buffet table. "Have you never been to a big party before?"
"I have but usually it's a charity," Diana told her.
"Yes, but that means you're working," Etta responded. "This is purely for fun."
"Etta, you and I have very different ideas of fun," Diana replied. "And remind me again why Steve couldn't go with you?"
"He had a guy thing planned with some friends before we found out about the charity," Etta explained.
"Makes sense," Diana said. They were now at the buffet table.
"Oh, I think that's….yes that's Matilda!" Etta exclaimed when she saw a familiar woman in the crowd. "Matilda!" Etta walked quickly over to her old friend. Diana smiled and took a drink off a waiter's tray. Big parties were never Diana's thing; she preferred training. Diana then looked over and noticed a familiar face leaning against the wall drink in hand.
"Well if it isn't Bruce Wayne?" Diana said as she walked towards him. The man turned and indeed it was Bruce Wayne.
Bruce had not expected much to come of this. He only went because he had promised Veronica and since Bruce Wayne needed to remain in the public eye otherwise the league would become suspicious.
"Well if it isn't Bruce Wayne?" Bruce turned his head and saw Diana Prince walking towards him. Bruce quickly mustarded a fake smile.
"Miss Prince," Bruce greeted.
"Please, call me Diana," Diana replied.
"Sorry, force of habit," Bruce responded. "You know Veronica?" Diana shook her head.
"No, but my friend does," Diana told him. "I'm her plus one. You?" Bruce nodded.
"We're not super close but we're friends," Bruce said as he continued to shift from one foot to the other. "You like parties?"
"Not really," Diana admitted. "I prefer relaxing with a good book or tr-exercising. How about you?"
"Promise not tell the press?" Bruce asked with a smirk. Diana returned the gesture.
"Promise," Diana said.
"Between you and me…." Bruce started before lowering his voice to a whisper. "I don't like them either." Diana let a small chuckle and smirked.
"So, the great billionaire, playboy hates parties?" Diana questioned.
"I don't necessarily hate parties; it's just not preferred thing," Bruce responded.
"Well, your secret is safe with me," Diana said. People then started to gather around in the main room and the music changed.
"Alright everyone! Can you hear me?!" Veronica exclaimed. Everyone turned in her direction and grew silent. "Okay! Now grab a partner and let's dance!" People started parring up and dancing a soft waltz. Bruce looked at Diana and she at him for an uncomfortable amount of time.
"What?" Diana asked.
"May I…um…may I have a dance?" Bruce asked.
"Oh, um…" Diana started. "Yes." Bruce extended his arm and he guided her to the dance floor. The two started dancing a slow waltz and they were enjoying themselves as well. Soon enough the dance was over, and the clock struck one.
"I have to go," Bruce told her. "Thank you for the dance."
"Thank you as well," Diana responded. "Oh, I almost forgot." She pulled out her phone. "What's your number?"
"xxx-xxx-xxxx," Bruce told her. Diana typed the number into her phone and sent Bruce a text. Bruce pulled out his phone when he heard it bing. He opened the text from the unknown number. This is Diana.
"We'll be in touch," Diana responded. "I hope you have a good rest of your evening Mister Wayne."
"You as well," Bruce said before heading towards the door. Diana smirked.
'That dance was actually kind of nice,' Diana thought. Unknown to her, Bruce was thinking the same thing.