Bruce caught the end of Alfred's mutterings and frowned. 'I wonder what that's about,' he thought curiously before brushing it aside and heading for his guests. Curiosity and a dash of hope quickened his step.
The last time the detective brought unexpected female company it had been his friend Selina aka Cat, whom he hadn't seen or heard from since he confessed his feelings to her. 'Its not her. I'm sure Alfred wouldn't be so pleasant if it were. But who else could Alfred mean when he said young lady?'
His questions were laid to rest as he entered the drawing room and saw the girl sitting with Jim. She was beautiful, but not in the obvious Hollywood glamour style of his ex Silver St Cloud, or the diamond in the rough style of Selina. She was exotic and understated, her caramel skin, and long dark curls accentuated her high cheekbones and slightly pointed chin. She sat demurely in a light blue sundress with her ankles crossed, and her downcast eyes hidden behind wire rimmed glasses. Her thick hair was clipped at the nape of her neck with an eye-catching butterfly clip.
Next to her the Jim looked about as civilized as a caveman. He obviously hadn't shaved in days, his tie was crooked, and his eyes were so bloodshot that they were almost more red than white. "Hello Detective," he said by way of announcing himself as he walked fully into the room.
The sudden sound of his voice caused the girl's eyes to pop up and he felt his heart skip a beat. Her eyes were blue-grey which was stunning against her skin, but it was the raw fear and anger that he saw in the split second before she smiled that took his breath away.
James stood up and said quickly, "Ah Bruce, there you are. Bruce, I'd like you to meet my niece Kalliope. Kalliope, this is Bruce Wayne. The young man I was telling you about? Kalliope here is going to start at your fancy school in a few days and well I figured, seeing as you'll be classmates, maybe you could show her around a little bit. Just for a couple of days or so."
