14

Recommended theme song for the next few chapters "Disturbia" by Rhiana

Brian flagged a taxi, and gave the first address that popped into his head.

It took about twenty minutes before they got there, none of which he remembered.

Standing on the curb, he realized that it was Zeke's home. Shoving his hands into him pockets, he studied the neat, white house and well kept lawn. Nothing fancy, but not a dump.

Jasmine's words had upset him, more than he wanted to admit. To face the fact that his best friend had effectively separated him from his daughter was a horrible thing to contemplate. The deeds his child had accused Zeke of were equally as bad.

The more he thought about it, the more turmoil rolled in his chest until he gave up and walked to the door. Zeke answered, and at the look on Brian's face, stood aside without a word.

"Jasmine told me something today, and I wanted to talk to you about it, Zeke." Brian Richards announced.

"Guess offering you a beer wouldn't be a good idea then." Zeke stalled.

"No, and answer me this: Did you carve Jasmine's face?"

Sitting down slowly, Zeke eyed his old friend closely. "What do you think?"

"I think…" Brian clenched his fists slowly. "I think you did it."

Zeke looked away, his face devoid of emotion. "I'm sorry you feel that way, Brian. We've been friends for a long time; I guess I thought that counted."

"It should, and leaving my daughter alone should be a part of the deal!" Brian screamed, blue eyes dark with pent up rage. "How could you? She came to you for help, she had no intention of hurting anyone. Unit 40 is dead and buried, just stop looking over your shoulder! It's going to get you killed, if I don't do that here and now."

The other man leaned forward, and studied the floor for a moment, then stood up and faced his former partner. "Her investigation had nothing to do with Unit 40. Jack is still out there, he could do enough damage, even though I slowed him down. No, she was looking into gang activity. Money flow, names, faces dealers, the usual. It lead right back to me, or would have." A smug smile crossed his face. "You see, I do consider you friend enough to be honest, and will honestly say that you have a very limited time to act on this little favor. Have a good life, Brian. I hope it lasts."

With that he turned away and Brian tore out of the house.

Hailing a taxi, he gave his daughter's address and prayed he wasn't too late.

Jasmine wondered if a new TV was in order. It had broken, fixed itself, and broken again. She gave up and took the back off to see if any wires were loose before throwing it away. A bang caused her to look up from the machine in her lap as her father walked in. He looked around franticly.

"No one's stopped by?"

She stared at him blankly. "Just Alfred Pennyworth, but he left ages ago. Where have you been?"

Brian combed the apartment, and came out with his bag crammed full of his stuff. "Pack a bag, we're leaving."

"I'm sorry, why?"

"I went to see Zeke. If I don't kill him, he should count himself lucky. Move, we have to get out of here."

She pushed the electronics aside and walked over to him. "Dad, what did he say?"

"I confronted him, he didn't like it." Brian laughed humorlessly.

"Yeah, that probably wasn't a good idea…"

He snorted. "He's not going to let either of us stay here long, at least not in one piece." She gave a dry smile, and he paused. "Jasmine, I'm so sorry, I should have listened." He dropped to the couch and rubbed his face. She waited a second, and then slid in beside him.

"You mean you believe me?"

"I should have all along, sweetie." He gripped her hand. "I have no idea what to do now."

She leaned back, her dark hair falling wherever it felt like. "I need to go to Wayne Tower, Dad. Why don't you come with me?"

Thirty minutes later, they were walking down the hall to Lucias' office. She checked in, accepted the file he handed her, and introduced her father. The older gentleman shook hands politely, wondering what would blow up this time.

Jasmine led Brian to Bruce's office, and was about to knock when an impeccable British voice said, "He'll be done in a moment, miss. Just signing for a material's trade."

She smiled and stuck her hands in her pockets. "Alfred, this is Brian Richards, my dad. This is Mr. Wayne's man, Alfred Pennyworth."

"Mr. Richards," Alfred nodded, a little stiffly. Apparently he wasn't as prepared to forgive and pretend nothing had happened as Jasmine was.

A group of men walked out, and the detective dove in. She was breathlessly explaining the situation to Bruce as her father and the butler entered. The young man's face was grim as he faced Richards.

"Is this true? Zeke Howe is involved with the mobs?"

Brian nodded. "I can turn him into my office, I work for the government. But that could take a lot longer than is wise."

"Turn him in anyway, I don't want to face a lawsuit." Bruce studied them for a second. "Alfred, take Jasmine to the storage units, I'll run over a few things with Mr. Richards and be along later."

"Very good, sir." He ushered the young woman out of the building, and into the gorgeous black car he drove.

She buckled up and glanced back at Wayne Enterprises. "I hope Bruce knows he's just emptied a can of worms."

"Never fear, miss, he's been living in a can of worms since he outfitted the batcave."

Laughing, she closed her eyes. "Jack is going to have a field day."

"I wouldn't doubt it." He remarked, wryly.