Over the next number of days, Grace was brought to sing for Bane. Always at different times.
Once it was in the middle of the night. She had to sit in her pajamas while she sang for him.
They didn't even discuss it anymore.
He appeared. They went to his room. She sang. He brought her back.
It was becoming a routine.
A routine she found she didn't mind all that much.
It was almost like being a performer again.
But that was an early chapter in her life. Now she taught others how to perform.
Bane didn't want to be taught, he just wanted to be entertained.
He was always complimentary of her singing and gave her a loan of his book collection to read while he slept. He seemed to like fiction. Tales that took you away from where you were.
It was a temporary escape from this prison.
It was an odd dynamic.
The jailer and prisoner.
But what was more strange was when he didn't call for her one day. And for several days after.
She couldn't remember seeing him at all that week.
Barsad too, had disappeared.
She still saw Patrick at least.
Bartov, who had become her escort in Barsad's unusual absence, allowed the siblings to have breakfast and lunch every day.
The pair couldn't speak freely. Every time she would ask a question about the work he was doing, another warning look was thrown her way.
Once, Patrick let slip something about the men. He called them mercenaries.
"You mean like guns for hire?" She was intrigued.
"Okay, breakfast time is over. Let's get your baby sister back to her room." Bartov took away her bowl and roughly grabbed her arm to drag her out of the cafeteria.
"Hey! Watch it!" Patrick scrambled after them. "Don't manhandle her like that!"
"What did I say?" She asked the surly Russian as he dragged her from the room.
"Nothing, your big brother and I have work to do, and you have… I don't know what you have, but we can't keep babysitting you."
"Maybe you should trust me to look after myself."
"Nice try, kotik." He smirked at her narrowed eyes. "Home sweet home."
She was shoved inside and kicked the door when she heard the tell-tale sounds of the locks turning.
She wanted to scream in frustration. Bartov actually made her miss Barsad.
Resigned to another night of boring monotony, she was surprised to see a familiar item on her bed.
Her fiddle.
How did it get here?
She took it out of the case and almost cried when she was able to play for the first time in weeks.
The vibration of the strings produced such a beautiful sound. It was like she was floating, just lost in the music.
He remembered.
When Bane had disappeared, she feared that her chance to see her precious instrument was lost too.
Did this mean he was back?
She couldn't tell if the fluttering in her stomach was from fear or eagerness to see him again.
xxx
Bane and Barsad moved Dr Pavel through the compound and into the room they had prepared.
Another piece of the plan was in place.
Things would progress quickly from here.
The annual commemoration of Harvey Dent's death and the success of the Dent Act was to be held at Wayne Manor soon. Then the Cat would complete her part of the deal.
"I'm going for a shower, then I need a nap." Barsad and his team had little to no rest over the last week.
Yesterday they travelled for 19 straight hours to get back.
Bane waved him off and made his way to his rooms for a much-needed shower.
He preferred to shower in private at the base as he wished to remove his mask.
Quickly taking it off and swallowing a strong pain relief substitute he climbed into the small shower.
Allowing the hot water to soothe his muscles he watched a mixture of dried blood and dirt sink down the drain. It had been worth it. Every death and the sacrifice of his fellow mercenary got them one step closer to their goal.
Your death will not be in vain my brother.
Stepping out and quickly brushing his teeth was when he felt the first signs of fire creeping up his spine.
Grabbing his razor, he used the last of his strength to shave his face.
Once all his activities were complete, his mask was fitted back on his face.
Inhaling the mist gave him a sense of relief.
He looked in the mirror and into his tired eyes. He needed to sleep.
And there was only one person that he wanted to see.
With that thought he left his room and went in search of Grace.
When he heard the soft instrumental sounds outside her door, he was pleased to hear that his orders to recover the instrument were followed.
With a courtesy knock, he unlocked the door.
She was still playing, but accidently screeched the last note. Obviously, his visit was a shock. Her hair sat on top in a messy bun and her eyes shined in the dull room.
"Hello, my dear."
"Hi." She looked as lovely as ever. "You're back?"
"I am. How do you fare?"
"I'm a lot better now that I have this." She gestured to her fiddle.
"You are pleased with my gift?"
She scoffed slightly. "I bought myself this the first time I went to Ireland 16 years ago. As far as I'm concerned, you have returned this, not gifted it." She put the fiddle away in the case.
"I still expect to be shown some form of gratitude. This was not an easy task. Your apartment is still considered a crime scene." Bane stepped further into the room.
Her eyes became sad.
"What are they saying about me?"
"Does it matter?"
"I don't want my parents thinking I was murdered."
"We cannot allow any slip ups in our operation. It will all be revealed soon enough."
"And then you'll let me go?" She had hope in her eyes.
He didn't answer her. He didn't know the answer himself.
"Come with me, my dear." He held open the door.
"Why?" She shrank back.
"I am in need of sleep."
"Okay, but first can I have a shower, my hair's a mess."
"Your hair is fine."
"I'm sure you mean well, but you're not exactly my first port of call for hair advice." She looked at his bald head.
He blinked at her remarks.
"Please?" She asked with a small smile.
"My men are currently using the facilities. And I am almost certain you won't want to go in there after." There would be blood and dirt. Much more than Bane's shower.
Suddenly he had a thought.
"My room has a shower; you are free to use it." She blinked slowly, processing his offer. "If you have no objections?"
He could see her processing the idea in her head.
"That would be nice. Thank you."
She gathered her toiletries and her towel and slipped on her flip flops.
As they exited, she caught sight of her fiddle case in his grasp.
"I wish to hear you play."
"Of course."
They walked together and sure enough, there was a line to use the showers. She spotted Barsad chatting near the front.
She was tempted to welcome him back, but Bane's quick pace didn't allow for the exchange of pleasantries.
She caught his eye and gave him a smile.
He returned her grin with a confused look. Watching as she followed Bane down towards the corridor where Bane's room was.
She felt Bane look over his shoulder, normally she walked beside him.
She sped up and once they were behind his locked door, he showed her the shower and left her to it.
"Is that blood?" She asked before he closed the door.
"It is not mine."
"Oh." That didn't give her any comfort.
"I will give you ten minutes. Use them wisely."
Once the door closed, she turned on the shower and let it run for a minute. She wanted to get rid of the blood before she got in.
The water pressure wasn't great but at least it was hot.
She groaned as she relaxed under the spray. Her hair was cleaned and she even used an exfoliating scrub that cost her more than she'd admit. It was a treat and she definitely needed one today.
She could tell that she had about four minutes left. She was glad as she wanted to moisturise. She stood before the mirror and she felt something drip down her leg.
On no. Not now.
The bright red blood was an unwelcome guest. Damn, she somehow forgot her period was due this week.
"Fuck fuck shit fuck."
She grabbed as much toilet paper as she could and tried to clean up her leg while trying to keep her towel on. It was just a precaution in case-
The door opened.
His eyes met hers, annoyed that she wasn't dressed. But slowly his eyes travelled down her towel clad body and landed on the blood that dripped onto the floor.
"I-I got my…my-" She trembled.
"Do you have supplies in your room?" He asked.
"Yes, in a blue make-up bag."
"Stay there." He closed the door and she tried to make a pad out of toilet roll.
She heard Bane call out and order someone to get her bag. She couldn't tell who he called.
Oh god. Please don't look in the bag.
Xxx
"O'Brien! Come here." He called the structural engineer over.
"Yes, boss?" The man didn't seem bothered that he had lost his place in the line for the showers.
"I need you to take this key and open the maintenance office number 3 and secure a small blue bag in Miss Fitzgerald's red suitcase."
"Sure, boss." The man turned to leave.
"Do not try and take any souvenirs." He didn't want another Bartov incident.
"Wouldn't dream of it." He saluted good-naturedly.
Bane re-entered the room and heard the tell-tale sounds of clothes rustling as Grace redressed.
It wasn't the best experience for women. Let alone for one stuck in her jailer's bathroom.
He could hear her sighing intermittently. He hoped O'Brien would hurry up.
"Sir, I got the goods." Bane heard the Bostonian call out.
He opened the door to see a grinning O'Brien.
"Here you are, Sir. Hope you and Miss Fitzgerald have a nice evening." With an exaggerated wink, the tall man left.
Bane, too confused to even question his bizarre behaviour, quickly passed the bag through to Grace.
Their hands touched through the gap in the door.
He couldn't repress the exhale at her touch.
He sat on his bed, ready for sleep.
Maybe it wouldn't hurt to shut his eyes.
Xxx
The bag had been opened. She knew it had been as soon as she saw it.
She opened the bag and yep, among her tampons and pads, was that full box of condoms she bought 'just in case'.
Oh god, if Bane saw. Hopefully he wouldn't mention it. They were both adults after all.
She quickly used her towel to clear up the rest of the blood after putting the pad in place.
Her white towel had been ruined. Maybe Barsad would bring her to do laundry soon.
She exited the bathroom to see him already laying down, seemingly asleep.
She set down her bag and debated just leaving him to rest. He did look exhausted. Whatever he did while they were away must have been draining. Even Barsad looked more sluggish than normal.
Her fiddle caught her eye and she decided to play for him as he slept.
She played through a variety of soft melodies. No trad music though. Not the most peaceful music for lullabies, but good to liven up a sullen pub.
She kept an eye on the clock. An hour had passed already. Occasionally, he would twitch and breathe a heavy sigh as he slept.
Her arms, tired of playing the instrument, gave up and she began to sing softly.
He stirred and she attempted to give him space as he awoke.
Their eyes met and for a moment, his eyes looked too glassy to be completely lucid.
"Grace." He whispered.
"Yes?"
"You sing wonderfully."
"Thank you. And thank you for getting my…things." She blushed.
"You are most welcome." He sat up and stretched his huge arms above his head. She felt a fluttering in her stomach. She blushed again when he caught her looking.
"I am needed elsewhere. I shall return you to your room." He redressed in a long-sleeved black top that hugged his muscles.
He gestured for her to leave first.
She clutched her blood-stained towel and held her bag. Bane carried her fiddle; it was almost hidden under his arm.
There was still a line of men waiting for a shower.
There was a group listening adamantly to a man she'd never seen before.
"…full box and everything from what I heard. I bet she's worn out." He smirked slightly.
She frowned at the half conversation. Were they talking about her? Was there another woman here?
"Don't look so glum Fitzgerald, this can only be good for you. You have an in with the boss now." Someone clapped her brother on the back.
She could see her brother's forehead become a mass of furrows. It became a full-on scowl as he spotted her walking with Bane. Her stomach cramped, and automatically she began to rub her stomach.
She tried to reassure him with a smile, but his eyes darkened when they landed on something she was holding.
Before she could talk to him, her brother stormed down the hall.
"Patrick-" She tried to call after him, but he had rounded the corner out of sight.
Several men were looking at her, smirking like they knew something she didn't. A simple look from Bane and their grins disappeared.
"Come along, my dear." She almost jumped when his hand touched the small of her back. She allowed him to lead her past the men.
Once she was safely back in her room she thought back to her brother. Why did he react so strongly to her walking with Bane?
"Do you require anything else for your…situation?" Fair play to him, he didn't blush like most men do.
"Some chocolate." She laughed.
She could see the skin around his eyes crinkle, like he was chuckling.
A smile really was all in the eyes.
"Thank you for playing. I am sorry I was unconscious for what was surely a wonderful performance."
"You're welcome and... thanks for getting it for me. I know you didn't have to." She whispered that last part.
"You are welcome... Good evening." He nodded and locked her into the room.
She decided to finish the book Barsad gave her last week.
Xxx
"Sir, we have a problem." Barsad caught him as he walked into the main area.
"What is it this time?" He sighed. Not even one day of peace after a successful mission.
"There's been a murder inquiry into Grace's disappearance." Barsad explained. "The police think it was someone who wasn't happy with how she handled an incident in the school. A student's father."
"And who would that be?"
"Roman Sionis." He threw a newspaper on the desk before Bane.
Custodial worker, Gary Herald, at Hamilton High School, claims that when he last spoke with missing person, Grace Fitzgerald, on the day of her disappearance, she had come out of a rather heated meeting with business entrepreneur Roman Sionis. Miss Fitzgerald was rather concerned that she had been put on some 'list'. Gary remembers the conversation clearly, 'I think she was afraid of what he might do to her'.
Mr Sionis' lawyer has declined to comment.
"That man has had numerous men and women killed. It's long overdue for him to be brought before the law." And if he did in fact threaten Grace, then he would get what's coming to him.
"But sir, Sionis Steel supplies Daggett's construction company. If we lose him, we lose valuable time."
Barsad was right.
They had to clear Sionis somehow.
"Did you erase the building's security cameras when Grace was captured?"
"Yes. We have them backed up though."
"Release them. Let the police believe it was the pizza boy."
"The pizza boy?"
"Before Bartov accosted him, he found out that the young man was on parole for aggravated assault. They will throw him back in Blackgate for sure."
"I'll have Fitzgerald recover the data."
"Update me when you hear Sionis' fate."
"Of course, sir."