A.N So sorry for the delay in my stories. I've been dealing with some tough stuff in real life. I hope to get back to writing more, so thanks for being so patient and for your support. Enjoy the new chapter.

Chapter 7

It'd been a week since Selena had spoken to Bruce about the cold case. She shook her head. How did she always seem to wind up helping him help Batman? She took one last look in the mirror before placing her hands on her hips as she stared at her reflection. She wore a navy-blue strapped cocktail dress with three-inch black heels.

Now, she had a dinner scheduled with Harvey Dent, an old friend. Well, many years ago it had been more than friends. She had been a young naïve woman rebelling against her father and always sneaking out to high end parties.

Her father never liked Mr. Dent, but he had been kind to her, and she had been in a spot of needed attention and he gave it to her. Bruce knew they had dated for several months, so he never butted in, but Selena knew he worried about her. As she descended to her car, she thought back to the time when Bruce had pulled her aside one evening at a social event. He sensed something was up when she had been avoiding Mr. Dent all night. And it was his party.

He asked her what was wrong and at first, she had snapped at him saying it was none of his business. Which was true to which he agreed.

"I just don't want you to get hurt, Selena," Bruce said softly.

"Why do you care? You always have girls hanging on your every word or arm for that matter."

Bruce rolled his eyes. "I just don't think he's the right man for you."

"And you think you are?" Selena bit back.

Bruce turned to stare at her. "What? No! Selena, I would never put you in that position."

"Why not?"

Bruce leaned back against a stone pillar. "Because you're my friend. One of the few true friends I have. I would never want to jeopardize that. Not ever."

"For real?"

Bruce nodded firmly. "I mean it."

As Selena started the car up, she realized one thing about Bruce was that he always kept his word. Commitment was something she valued in a man. Commitment and honesty and Bruce had both those qualities. For someone who lost both his parents as a child, he turned out to be one of the kindest and caring men she'd ever known.

Harvey Dent and Bruce had a lot in common both coming from wealthy families and investing in Gotham City. But she had never known Dent as a person until they had dated. Today, she cursed herself for ever believing she could fall for the man knowing what lay beyond the piercing brown eyes, charming grin, and blonde hair. He turned out to be just like the high school studs she used to date. All charm on the outside with nothing but selfish desires of their own lives on the inside.

She had called Harvey two days ago after she spoke with Bruce about the cold murder case. Though, it had been five years since they were together last, he still liked her. It was a complicated relationship that feigned itself as simple and whole.

Strangely, it wasn't Selena who had broken it off, but Harvey Dent. He had gotten so invested in his work, he no longer had time for her so, he told her he needed a break. She accepted thinking it'd only be a few weeks, but he never came after her. There was always some excuse about some great new project that would change the face of Gotham City.

Over time, she distanced herself from him, turning to looking after her own father and keeping him out of Gotham's prisons. Eventually, a month later Selena called him and explained that it would be best if they were just mutual acquaintances that ran in the same circles. He reluctantly agreed, but Selena knew he still had feelings for her.

She pursed her lips in frustration. Bruce had been right. Dent was not the man for her. Though he had been the last man to have a long-term relationship with, she had yet to find a good partner. Part of her wanted to remain single. There was something about a strong independent woman that enticed her except Gotham would be the wrong city to settle down in. It would snuff her out like a flame on a windy day.

Her other half felt jealous of seeing young couples walk down the streets of Gotham's boardwalk hand in hand laughing and smiling. Both she and Bruce were nearing their early thirties and were still prime in the game of romance, but she seemed to be stuck on the spinning wheel of inactivity.

She used to tease Bruce about being the first one to settle down and start a family as he was the most eligible bachelor in Gotham. There would always be an interest in him. Even the wives of investors and government officials took a double take. With ebony black hair and crystal blue eyes it was a wonder he didn't have a wife or girlfriend yet.

Now, he had a new ward, Richard Grayson. Selena was one of the few people who knew the kid was under the guardianship of Gotham's richest man. With as much attention as he got as a CEO, goodness knows what the media would do to a child. It would be a frenzy fest and she didn't blame him for keeping Dick hidden from the public eye.

Selena pulled into the parking lot of Cecil's Restaurant and Bar. Shutting the car off, she pocketed her phone seeing it was nearly six. She slipped on her fuzzy black sweater knowing it could be chilly inside with the air conditioning. Even with night approaching, the city felt stuffy and humid.

She locked her car and hurried inside. A female server asked for the name of the reservation before escorting her to a private booth. She smiled warmly handing her a menu and asking if she wanted something to drink. Selena ordered a water and waited for Harvey Dent.

A few minutes later, he appeared dressed in one of his hundreds of pressed black suits. Selena got up to greet to him to which he returned the greeting via a kiss on the cheek.

"Hello, Harvey."

"Good to see you, Selena. How's life treating you?"

"I've been well. Staying busy with work and watching over my father. Thank you for meeting with me tonight."

"Of course. I'm glad we could catch up," Dent drawled opening up his menu. "It's nice to get out of the office."

Selena nodded. "I'm sure it is."

What is it with these men and working? She herself could never sit still staring at paperwork or a computer all day. Selena wanted to be a journalist or a communications marketer that traveled around chasing intriguing stories or news. Guess she had to settle for a caretaker and bar attendant.

As her eyes roamed across the menu, she looked up to see Harvey watching her intently.

"What? Am I missing eyeshadow or something?" She spoke sarcasm lacing her voice.

"Nothing. You look beautiful, tonight."

"Harvey, you and I both know we are never going to work out."

"What? Can't you take a compliment?"

"Not, when it sounds like you're hitting on me."

"Touché."

Selena sighed. "Is the prime rib good here?" She had to change the subject. She learned another way to get a man's attention was through his stomach. Harvey wasn't most men, but it always worked.

Harvey's eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. "Good? It's amazing. You've never tried it?"

Selena shook her head.

"That's a shame. I think it's delicious. The red pepper grilled chicken salad is also great. My sister would always order it when she came here."

"Really? When was the last time she visited?"

"A few months ago. She's been out of commission since she broke her hip from a work accident."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Is she doing better?"

"I called her the other day relieved to hear she is feeling better. It's slow going because she had been set back when the bone got infected and she had to have a marrow transplant. But she is on the mend. I'm going to fly down to see her next week actually."

"Oh good. I'm sure she could use the company."

Harvey nodded grimly. "Alright, I know what I want. You ready?"

"Yes."

Harvey waved over the server who took their orders and disappeared.

"So, you sounded concerned on the phone. What else did you want to talk to me about?" Harvey asked folding his hands over the table.

"Well, to be honest I don't know if you can help me."

"Hmm. For starters, I know I can't help if you don't tell me what you need help with."

She took a deep breath pondering how she should approach the subject Bruce needed more information on. Should she ask about the scientist or play it safe and see if he knew the victims?

"Do you remember a few years ago, there was the double murder down at Gotham Harbor? It was a mother and daughter who were killed," Selena asked lowering her voice.

Harvey frowned. "I think so. The killer was never caught right?"

"Yes. So, the police closed the case and now it has been reopened."

"Really? Where did you hear this one?" This was news to Harvey, and he didn't like it one bit.

"I heard a friend discussing it at a bar. Little information has been released on it and I assume it's to keep Gotham from panicking about a possible murderer on the loose."

"Yeah, that's probably smart of them. So, what does this have to do with me?"

"Well," Selena tapped her nails nervously on the table. She avoided looking at Dent until he placed a hand on top of hers. Her head whipped up to meet his worried expression.

"Hey, you can tell me. We may not be together, but that doesn't mean I don't trust you."

"I don't want to sound like I'm prying, but I heard a name come up."

A quick scowl crossed his face before he leaned back taking a sip of his coke. He did not like where this was headed. "Whose name came up?"

"Gregory Hurst. I wanted to give you a heads up as I know he is one of your best employees. I don't know why his name came up or if he has any connection to the victims."

Dent frowned. "He shouldn't. I keep tabs on my employees as you know and no red flags have come up, but that doesn't mean they aren't there. What were the names of the victims?"

"Lisa and Emily Brawden."

"Thank you for letting me know. I will investigate this and straighten the record if need be. Was this information accessed through the GCPD?"

Selena had to think quickly. She couldn't tell Harvey she had spoken with Bruce, but she could twist it. "Well most if it is public knowledge, but the most recent stuff was just hearsay. I was working at the time, so I couldn't ask any questions for confirmation. Plus, I wouldn't want to add to the rumors."

Harvey nodded as their server showed up with a platter full of their food.

They spent the next hour eating and discussing Harvey's latest projects. Though, Selena wasn't a huge fan of his overbearing prideful spirit, some of them sounded interesting. Not much had changed in the company, since she'd last been there five years ago, but she liked some of the new direction. Apparently, the scientist Bruce had been concerned about had begun a new science program that dedicated time and money to help the student population of Gotham. They created a new internship program for engineers, scientists, and chemists.

"Well, it sounds like you've been staying busy," Selena said as their server came by refilling their drinks.

"You should come by the office sometime. There's someone I want you to meet."

Selena's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Who would want to meet me?"

"And old friend of mine. He is interested in a business deal with your father. As you are now in charge of most of his business, I thought I would come to you first."

"Smart man," Selena grinned. "Tell him, I'll think about it. I've got some work to finish up first."

"He'll be here this weekend on Friday. Here's his card if you're interested," Harvey passed her a white business card with gold engraving on the side. It read Max Derain- Entrepreneur.

Selena stopped to study the card for a minute. Why did this name sound so familiar? She dismissed her thoughts, tucked the card away and grabbed her wallet.

"What are you doing?" Dent asked glancing at the credit card in her hand.

She looked up at him confused. "I'm paying the bill."

"It's been taken care of, ma'am," said their server who passed by once more to pick up their plates.

"By who?" They both voiced simultaneously. Selena glanced at Harvey who looked just as surprised.

"I don't know. Some guy dropped off an envelope with your name on it, miss."

"And you didn't think to question it?" Selena practically growled. In her lifetime, she had plenty of experiences with shady boyfriends or people trying to take down their family business. "I'll be right back," she nodded at Dent before following the server to the front.

He walked around the desk before pulling out a white envelope. He handed to Selena who opened it. There was a note inside that explained her bill had been taken care of as repayment for a family favor. There was no signature attached so she asked who the electronic signature belonged to with the bill. It's signed Peter Sherin.

Selena smiled. Mr. Sherin was an old family friend. He was like a grandfather to her. She shook her head. That man always seemed to know what she was up to.

"Is everything alright?"

She looked back up at the server who looked curiously at her.

"Yes. We are good to go. Here is a tip."

"Thank you. Miss Kyle, I don't mean to pry but I couldn't help but overhear you discussing the Brawden case. I don't know what you're looking for, but I might be able to help you."

Selena cocked her head at him. "Really? How so?"

"My shift ends in fifteen minutes. If you mind sticking around, I'd like to talk. That is if you have the time."

She glanced down at her phone. It was nearing 7:30. She didn't have to be back home till nine.

"Alright, come find me when you're done." The server nodded as Selena went back to her seat.

Dent glanced up at her as she sat down. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, a family friend of mine has treated us tonight."

Harvey grinned. "Be sure to thank them for me. Otherwise, I would have been happy to pick up the tab."

Selena rolled her eyes. "Well, aren't you the gentleman. You do realize I was the one who invited you to dinner, no?"

"Whatever you say, Kat." Harvey used to call her that when they were dating years ago. Though she was no longer interested in him, she didn't mind hearing the old nickname.

Once Harvey left, Selena shot a quick text off to Bruce that she was following up on a lead. A few minutes later, the server she had spoken to slid into the booth across from her. He introduced himself as Max Lyon. He was lanky with spiky blonde hair and hazel eyes.

Selena smiled at him as if to reassure him. She had no idea what his connection was to the case, but she hoped the information would be useful.

"So, what did you want to discuss, Max?"

The kid, about the age of 24, glanced warily around him. "I've heard the news reports that the case was reopened for investigation. I don't know if I can be of any help, but I was a very close friend of the Brawden's. The daughter, Emily, and I knew each other from high school. We shared some mutual friends, but I was closer to her mother."

"So, you and Emily never dated?" Selena asked slightly suspicious.

The kid laughed. "No, I'm not exactly her type. She would always be out partying with her friends and meeting guys who had deep pockets. I was never close with her, but her mother, Lisa, knew my mom and helped care for her when she had cancer. Mrs. Brawden was there when my father wasn't. After my mom passed, she took me under her wing. Her daughter distanced herself from the family more so after that. I don't know who would ever commit such a heinous crime. I hope they can find the person who did this."

"I'm sorry, Max. It sounds like Mrs. Brawden meant a lot to you."

"They both did. Though her daughter and I weren't close, she didn't deserve what happened to her."

"Max, have you ever heard of a man by the name of Gregory Hurst?"

Max shook his head. "No. Am I supposed to be familiar with it?"

"No. I was just curious. Did Mrs. Brawden have any other children besides Emily?"

Max perked up at the question to Selena's surprise. "Yes. She did. I was wondering why they never mentioned the boy, but perhaps it's for safety matters. She mentioned she had a son named Jack. Last I heard he had been placed in the foster care system. Mrs. Brawden told me he was from her first marriage. Poor kid has lost his whole family."

Selena raised an eyebrow.

Max continued on. "Lisa lost her first husband to a work accident. She never remarried. I don't know if any of this is of any help. Was there anything specific you were looking for?"

"This helps a lot. I'm helping a friend who is investigating the case, so I'm glad I ran into you. I hate to ask this as I am sure you've been asked a million times, but can you think of anyone who would want to harm this family?"

Max shook his head his lower lip quivering. "No. Everyone who I knew that knew them always spoke highly of them. Emily was never a troublemaker and she eventually straightened out her partying. I don't know any of her past boyfriends, but the police have combed through anyone who may have known her but have come up empty handed. Maybe something new will show up within the next few weeks, but it seems slim."

"Kid, I know it may seem hard to accept, but don't give up hope. Someone out there is fighting for this family which means the truth will come out. There will be justice for your friends. It'll just take some time. If I hear anything at all, I'll let you know." With that Selena handed him a card that had her personal number.

"Thanks, Ms. Kyle."

"Please call me Selena. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me on this difficult topic." She got up, shook his hand, and made her way through the brisk night to her car.

It wasn't much information, but there was something there. Perhaps, Bruce could get something more out of it. He seemed good at pulling out the smallest of details from the barest of gleaned information. He really should be a detective. That man never ceased to surprise her.

What originally started as a few questions, now intrigued her. As she roared down the highway toward her home, she brushed the thoughts of the case to the side. It could wait. What worried her now was the man, Harvey had mentioned. Why did he sound so familiar, and why was he interested in her father's business?