Chapter Five
Wally dragged himself through the main entrance to Wayne Towers at approximately 9:50 am having only left the building a few hours prior. What was expected to have been a few pointless hours of uninformed and mundane questions from men with little to no grasp of the scale of his work had turned into something much different than originally expected.
Instead of pharmaceutical reps and brand marketers, Maxwell had brought scientists and chemists along this time, people who actually understood and comprehended most of the concepts involved in Wally's formulas. They'd read the preliminary findings, followed the trial profiles, but in the end seemed more interested in its ability at identifying specific areas of the genome and mass production timetables than tangible results in just one living-breathing subject.
Lord had been careful about pushing to see the formula tested, knowing Wally still had several steps to go before he would even consider administering it to Marcus or anyone for that matter, but that patience was quickly running out with the amount of money the delays were costing. In the end no matter what a philanthropist his PR people tried to make him out to be, in the end it was still all about profit.
Between his late night at the lab and his extracurricular activities with Nightwing and company the past few weeks, his internal clock was finally shot to hell, his metabolism and lack of sleep taking over and leaving him as much a zombie as the ones he had hoped to watch the night before on AMC.
All he knew was he needed the strongest cappuccino Megan Morse had to offer along with a half dozen of her custard filled and chocolate cake doughnuts. That would be a good way to jump start what was surely to be another long day.
He presented his ID and quickly passed through security, making a beeline for the café when he stopped dead in his tracks and witnessed a most unusual site, Wayne Industries newest hire, a one Artemis Crock…. actually smiling.
She stood at the counter of the café with the sandy brown headed owner, laughing and talking, acting surprisingly…normal. Wally wondered briefly if Megan had pulled the old Jedi mind trick on the blonde, pulling a warm and genial woman out of her ice queen exo-skeleton, unwilling to admit even for a second that perhaps his own charms and guile were not as polished as he'd like to believe.
She had a great smile he admitted. It was nice to see a real one, a genuine one, as opposed to the snide and sour ones he'd received on an almost daily basis since he first introduced himself. It was refreshing to see her actually enjoying a conversation over Megan's delicious wares then watching her pour out or drop the ones he'd brought the blonde while trying to break the ice.
Wally hadn't realized how long he'd been lost in her smile until another patron rushed past him, accidently bumping the speedster and knocking his back pack to the ground with only an annoyed excuse me, while he hurried inside to purchase the last of Megan's morning treats before they were gone.
The patron's quick and noisy entrance briefly stole Megan's attention, pausing the two women's pleasant conversation for a moment and causing Artemis to look up and catch sight of the red head standing at the entrance. Wally winced as her pleasant smile and demeanor quickly returned to the irritable sneer he was used to seeing, and just as quickly Wally spun around and left, his stomach pleading with him on one side while his brain warned him of the potential ass kicking she'd threatened on the other. On this rare occasion his brain actually triumphed.
xxx
Dick Grayson exited the main doors of Wayne Towers and proceeded to make his way over to the crosswalk of 33rd and Broadway, pressing the crosswalk signal and waiting for the light to change. It was a rare sunny day in Gotham, a sweltering 48 degrees, uncommon for the city during its winter months. Another cold front was soon to be on its way, one that was sure to drop several inches of snow over the next few days, so seeing the sun, even momentarily, was a nice reprieve.
Dick crossed the street, passing under the stone archways into the south entrance of Gotham Central Park looking for his best friend. He hadn't even considered searching for him at the lab, if it was a sunny day Wally West was sure to be outside enjoying it.
Up ahead the speedster sat on a park bench with sunglasses on, Netbook open on his lap while his notebook balanced precariously on the armrest of the bench. Wally yawned and continued scribbling on the college ruled pages before leaning over and typing his answers furiously on the keypad. Dick knew for a fact that Wally owned a scientific calculator, he'd purchased it for the speedster himself years ago, but when it came to numbers Wally was old school, and with his speed probably faster than the device anyway. He'd just entered in his last formula when a shiny metal device landed on the soft brown grass at his feet. The started speedster quickly looked up at his smiling friend.
"Busted," Dick grinned as Wally bent down to retrieve the device.
The red head sighed and placed the communicator back in his pocket.
"You know Bruce spent a lot of money on those things, kind of defeats the purpose when you don't carry them."
"I know, but every now and again it's just nice to be out of pocket, why do you think I'm out here to begin with?"
"Probably has something to do with hating your prick of a boss," Dick replied amused, picking up Wally's notebook and sitting down beside him.
Wally laughed, "I thought you big wig corporate types weren't supposed to trash the competition outside amongst us commoners."
"When it comes to Lord, I can make exceptions." Dick smirked.
"I don't really hate him," Wally conceded, "it's more of a…. mutual distaste for each other, but for the most part he leaves me alone and lets me do my thing, so I can't complain that much."
Dick frowned, "You should have come and worked for me, Bruce and I would have created a whole division just for you."
"What? And have you boss me around all day and all night? No thanks." Wally chuckled. "So where are the samples you wanted me to look at?"
"Bruce has them," Dick replied, "I thought you might have your hands full with the clinical trials coming up, so we gave them to Dr. Hamilton over at STAR to check out."
Wally nodded, "He's good, but I could have done that, you didn't have to send them out."
"Don't worry about it, you've been busy. How's the kid?"
"He's doing good. He's ready to get this thing started. I just need to complete few more simulations and then we'll be ready. Thanks for asking."
Wally smiled appreciatively at his friends concern before his brows furrowed a bit, "So is it as bad as you thought?"
Dick sighed grimly. "It's nasty shit Wally; this new drug makes Krokidil look like a skin rash, it's addictive as hell and literally eats you up from the inside out. Most antibiotics have absolutely no effect on it, and even when they do, then you have to worry about the cravings and withdrawal. It's some of the worst stuff I've ever seen."
Wally remembered the images Dick had shared. The effects if left untreated were horrifying. Whoever was responsible for something like this didn't deserve prison, they deserved worse. That's not how his team operated, but Wally had little sympathy when it came to those responsible for the suffering of others.
"Gotham PD has really cracked down lately, trying to stem the tide, but Wally they can't keep it contained for long. We've got to find the dealers soon and figure out who's behind this before it goes mainstream. You still up for working the Narrows tonight?"
"Yeah I'll be there. I'm going by the Salvation Army on the way home to pick up my uniform, What about you? Does Armani carry a junkie drug addict clothing line?"
"You're lecturing me on fashion while you're wearing worn out sandals and a pizza stained lab coat?" Dick questioned.
"Touché" Wally surrendered.
"See ya tonight," Dick confirmed as he stood up from the bench and began heading back towards his office.
"So uh…"Wally stuttered, catching his friend's attention. "I see Megan's gotten friendly with your new hire? How's that going?"
"Fine." he smiled, "Much better since we called in the Varsity and benched the JV."
"Ouch," Wally mocked, covering his wounded heart.
"Truth hurts sometimes West." Dick grinned.
"You think she's ready?' Wally asked sincerely.
"We're about to find out,"
xxx
"So what do you think?" Artemis beamed, pushing her mother's wheelchair into the apartment.
"It's beautiful Artemis, absolutely beautiful. How can you afford something like this?" Paula asked taking control of the wheelchair and guiding herself around the spacious living room.
"Wayne Enterprises foots the bill for the first six months, then after that I have the option of renting at a reduced rate, as long as I stay employed with the company for 24 months. Mr. Wayne evidently owns tons of properties all over the city and does this for a lot of his upper level employees. When my six months is up we can either stay or find a new place."
"We?" her mother asked.
"Yeah Mom….We. You and I, just like it used to be."
"Artemis I can't," her mother protested.
"Yes…you can. All of this is because of you. You set me right, you put me here."
"Well I had a little help" Paula smiled, very aware of the archer back in Star who became more of a father to her daughter than Crusher ever could.
"We both did, and now it's my turn. Your things will arrive here by Tuesday."
Paula's shock quickly turned to anger. "Artemis you have no right to make decisions for me. I have a life back in Star, friends. What if Jade tries to come home and… can't find me" her voice broke in sadness.
The blond knelt down in front of her mother, "I have every right to take care of you, and don't give me that I have a life crap. I know how lonely you are. I check in with Mrs. Tyson every week and she tells me you never leave the apartment, never go out with your friends, and for the record I have a feeling that when Jade's ready, she'll' find us no matter where we are."
"I got a second chance Mom, and now it's your turn. There's a rehab program over at Gotham Memorial, five blocks from here. They've had a lot of success in reversing certain types of paralysis. You're getting into that program if I have to drag you there myself, just like you did when you sent me to college."
Paula wiped her watering eyes, unsure what to say. She was a survivor, unused to receiving anyone's kindness or generosity, one of the byproducts over being married to an abusive psychopath.
"I really don't have much choice do I?" Paula slyly smirked
Artemis smiled warmly. "No mom, ya really don't."
xxx
Later that evening, Dick Grayson sat behind the large computer monitor located deep within bowels of Wayne Towers. This hidden base, hundreds of feet below street level couldn't hold a candle to the Batcave, but was more than sufficient to house the hero's battle suits and weapons inventory, as well as being a central meeting place for his teammates who conveniently worked within and around the Tower.
It was no small task to make available a high priced business space within the building for a first-time entrepreneur with no business experience such as Megan Morse and her morning bakery, or manipulating a business competitor into taking up valuable real estate within Wayne Tower that had accidently been listed at much reduced rate than intended, but that's one of the hundreds of reasons why Bruce Wayne was a powerful and cunning businessman. Wayne knew Maxwell Lord would jump on the property just to spite him, and in the end had turned out to be an excellent investment and location for a second lab and conference space within the center of downtown business district, one that Dick's best friend had so conveniently found a job in.
The team had not had an official base since leaving Mt. Justice, back in the days when school and social calendars were the only obstacles for seven teenagers organized by their mentors to learn the intricacies of teamwork and perform as a group, a unit.
They all had grown up now, finished school and moved on to the next phase of life as working adults, all the while continuing to be the heroes they were groomed for, one day possibly replacing their mentors and continuing to protect and serve in their names.
On the display stood a detailed US map, highlighted by a series of blinking red dots, spread sparsely in different sections around the country, but with most of the indicators grouped together and blinking brightly in one location. Gotham.
A deep voice resonated in the darkness of the partially lit room. "It's not spreading as fast as I assumed it would."
Bruce Wayne stepped out of the shadows, dressed completely in the battle armor of the Dark Knight sans the cowl that usually hid his face.
Dick concentrated on the task at hand, not even the slightest bit startled at his mentor's stealthy appearance. "There's no way of knowing for sure those other cases are the drug were looking for, or just cases with similar symptoms."
"We are ground zero, there's no doubt about that," Bruce replied grimly.
One of the first things Bruce had taught Dick once he had moved into the mansion all those years ago, even before he shared with him his alter ego, was the game of chess. Dick was a natural, within weeks easily making complicated moves and quick decision with his pawns, but Bruce constantly reminded him to keep his eyes on the entire board, the bigger picture. It wasn't easy, but the trick was to always stay to moves ahead of your adversary. That lesson had never left Dick, which made his current predicament all the more frustrating. His adversaries' moves made no sense.
"I just don't get it," Dick answered rubbing his tired eyes. "With Boston and Metropolis just a few hours away, I'd have bet good money it would be on the streets there by now, but someone is keeping it confined here, and I want to know why."
"Are you going out tonight?" Batman asked.
"Yeah Wally and I are heading to the Narrows around 11:00. I asked Commissioner Gordon to drop the police presence there for a few days so the dealers could get comfortable again and crawl out of their holes to get back to business. We'll try to get some more samples and mark a few dealers for follow up surveillance. It will also give us a chance to keep an eye on Arkham, and make sure our traffickers aren't passing that shit inside. That's the last thing that place needs."
"Call me if you need backup up," Batman acknowledged. "I'll be out late."
Dick smiled. "You usually are."
xxx
Artemis could feel her blood pressure rising as she searched the halls of Gotham Memorial for a vending machine. What was supposed to be a fairly simple process for signing up as a voluntary test subject for the Spinal Research Foundation had become a bureaucratic paperwork clusterfuck. The blonde cursed herself for not doing more research into the program before convincing her mom there was still a reason to hope.
When it came to work, Artemis was thorough up to the decimal point when submitting reports and analysis, how she could have been so lax regarding something as important as her mother's health infuriated her.
Within minutes of filling out the registration paperwork, both mother and daughter were inundated with residency issues, documentation of injury and subsequent treatment history. Then came the rejection of Paula's current insurance before finally classifying her as a low level candidate due to her age and date of injury The Foundations preferred to work with subjects who had suffered paralysis within the last five years, being as those individuals would have a higher chance for success. Tidbits like that were left off the website and all the research materials Artemis had gathered prior to making the appointment. There was still a chance she could get into the trials one day, just an incredible slim one.
No matter the words of comfort Paula gave her daughter in the registration office, Artemis knew the truth. This was all on her, all her fault
She rounded the corner, her mind a million miles away when she suddenly ran directly in to a man carrying two large sodas in either hand, all the while balancing file folders and an iPad, nearly knocking the contents from his hands but unable to halt the crushed Styrofoam cups from spilling all over him
Green eyes stared down at his soda covered lab coat and computer tablet before meeting apologetic blue ones, monetarily apologetic to be precise. Once she discovered who she had run into her demeanor completely changed.
"God Damnit!" she cursed.
"Aw man!" Wally whined, his crushed cups gushing the remainder of his drinks all over his lab coat and the floor.
"What are you even doing here?" she groaned.
"I was about you the same question," Wally replied.
Artemis closed her eyes in surrender, wondering how this day could possible get worse. The answer to that question now stood before her drenched in brown soda stains
"My mom's a patient here, or at least trying to be. What's your excuse? I swear to god West if your stalking me again I'll…."
"Calm down, not that's it's any of your business, but I'm actually here with a patient."
"You're not a medical doctor," she snapped.
"Thanks for clarifying that Ms. New York Medical Review Board," he answered sarcastically. "I'm consulting with an internist here for a family I'm working with."
"Right," she groaned unbelievingly.
"Never mind," he grumbled, "It's complicated and thanks to you I'm going to be late." Wally reached into his pocket retrieving his wallet only to find it empty. "And that was last of my money. Perfect."
"Serves you right," she replied, "Not as much fun when someone else is screwing with your job is it?"
He sighed, "You're right. I had this coming. Look I hope your mom's ok, I mean it. This is a great hospital, they'll take good care of her."
"Hasn't worked out so far," she trailed off.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
Artemis rolled I eyes, unbelieving she was actually going to share something personal with one of the banes of her existence.
"I don't even know why I'm even telling you this. I screwed up ok? My mom's a paraplegic, and I finally convinced her to leave Starling City and come out here with me, then I told her about the Spinal Foundation and she got so excited about the medical trials, but somehow I missed the fine print and now I don't even think she even qualifies. So I'm kind of having a shitty day and I really don't need you making it worse."
"Ok," he said sincerely, an honest look of concern on his face.
"Ok then," she confirmed a little taken back. Sincerity from this annoying ginger was not something she was expecting, but almost nothing today had gone according to schedule. "I'm uh…sorry about the cokes. I can buy you another one if you want," she offered with just a trace of defeat in her voice.
"No I'm good. You go take care of your mom. I'm really sorry things didn't work out."
She sighed. "Yeah me too. Dr. Mire has done some really incredible things with reversing certain types of spinal damage, and I wouldn't be here today without my mom. I just wanted this so bad for her. Any improvement would have meant the world to her."
She paused for a second, clearing her throat. "Look I'm sorry for dumping on you… literally. Anyway good luck with your patient."
"Yeah, You too," Wally answered, taking off his jacket and squeezing it out over the closest garbage can.
"Thanks," she replied and they passed each heading off in opposite directions.
Wally stopped for a moment, racking his brain at something she'd said.
"Hey Artemis?"
She stopped and turned towards him
"What was that doctor's name again?" he asked.
"Dr. Mire with the Gotham Spinal Research Foundation."
"Dr. Ryan Mire?" he questioned.
"Yeah I think so, why?" she responded.
A smile stretched across the red head's face as he took out his phone and began typing
"Do you know him?" she asked, a small gleam of hope growing in her chest.
"No, but your boss does. Dick, Bruce Wayne and Dr. Mire do a lot of charity work together. I think they were in a foursome at the Mayor's fundraiser at the Gotham Country Club last week, golf not orgy," he grinned while the archer rolled her eyes.
His phone buzzed a few moments later and Wally read the incoming text and quickly replied before putting his phone away.
"Sorry about that. Anyway, head on back up and tell the receptionist that Bruce Wayne sent you. They're probably getting a call right now. I think things will move a little more quickly now."
"Oh god you didn't..."
Wally read the next text and smiled triumphantly "Yep it's done."
"You idiot!" she snapped, "I don't want my personal life dragged through Wayne."
"This has nothing to do with your job Artemis, it's about your mom and me calling in a favor from a friend, that's all. Stop overreacting all the time jeez."
"But…" she tried to add
"But nothing. Just relax ok? Wayne Foundation is set up for people just like your mom. It doesn't matter who you work for. You just need to start with them next time. Read the section in the Wayne Industries handbook about the employee's assistance program a little better instead of trying to figure out if Dick can fire me."
"He told you?" she asked uncomfortably.
"He thought it was funny, me…not so much."
Artemis bit her lip nervously, not knowing what to say.
"I'm kidding, but how about we call us even ok? Everything's going to work out just fine, just have a little faith."
Artemis stood stunned. "I uh…I don't know what to say. Thanks."
"Don't thank me, thank Dick. You got a great boss Artemis. Trust me bosses like that are rare, I'm speaking from first person experience. He's got a huge heart, huge feet too if that's of any interest to you, cause you know what they say…."
"You're doing it again," she scowled.
"Sorry. Free word of advice, don't make a huge deal of it with him, Just a simple thank you is all you need. He gets uncomfortable with the mushy stuff, just ask about any single girl in Gotham and they'll tell you the same thing. He was happy to do it. For some strange reason I can't figure out he likes you."
"Shut up," she smiled, lightly hitting his arm.
"Go back to your mom, tell her everything's going to be fine, and then look in the mirror and tell yourself the same thing."
"I…I will," she smiled.
Wally expected her to hurry off, but instead she just stood in the middle of the hallway staring at him curiously.
"What?" he questioned.
"I don't get you. I can't figure you out. One minute you can be this annoying douchebag and the next a pretty decent guy. Which is it?"
"Guess you'll just have to find out," he smiled, "See you around babe."
"Don't call me babe," she groaned to his amusement.
Wally walked past her and pushed the call button to head back up to the pediatric ward. From down the hall Artemis yelled as he waited for the car.
"Just tell me one thing, why the mailman routine? Is that a big hit with the secretaries or something?"
Wally smiled. "Mildred Boyles."
"Who?"
"Mildred Boyles. She's been in the Wayne mail room since the late 1950's. They say she was actually hired by Dr. Wayne himself. Her only daughter was hit by a drunk driver and died about ten years ago and her husband passed away three years last March. She's raising her grandkids, has rheumatoid arthritis in both hips, never takes a sick day, never makes excuses, and never complains. Instead of cursing him, she thanks God for everyday she gets to wake up on this big blue marble."
"So….?"
"She never asks for help Artemis, not once. She never acknowledges what I do for her, never says thank you, not that she has too, but bakes me cookies every Friday and leaves them in my office and never says a word."
She noticed that his green eyes even from a distance seemed to glow.
"Sometimes it's the people that really need the help most that are the ones too afraid to ask. And if I can do something, anything to make someone's little a little easier, if it just means grabbing a handful of packages and mail, or just making a simple phone call, why in the world would I pass a chance like that up? Kind of makes me feel like a superhero," he said proudly before entering the elevator.
"Well helloooo ladies," he smoothly delivered to his fellow passengers just as the door shut, leaving the confused archer alone in the hall. Her mind warned her to stay on guard around the ginger doctor but a small place in her heart was starting to send a different message, and that began to worry her.