Selena anxiously tapped a pristinely sharpened fingernail on her computer keyboard. She glared at the cursor who seemed to mock her through it's incessant blinking.

"Ugh! I give up! Screw this report," she exclaimed shoving herself away from her desk.

The clock on her wall read four thirty. She still had two hours to kill until she met Bruce for dinner. Her father was out for the afternoon under the watchful eyes of their private security. His latest passion was going out with some friends to a newly opened chess club downtown. For all she knew it was just another bar with babes as she had yet to check it out herself. One would think their security would question her father's common sense, but they were hired more for their brawn than brains. Heck, they'd probably join his little charade, but at least they were loyal. Selena walked into her kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water. She'd spent all afternoon working through their company's financial forms and now she was seeing scrolling numbers everywhere. Her head was pounding and it was times like these when she envied Bruce's ability to run a multi-million dollar corporation.

As she gulped down half the bottle, a knock sounded on her door. She growled. "I swear if it's those rowdy boys again…" She swung open the door to see the fiery red hair of Chelsey Hawkins.

"Chelsey?! What are you doing here?"

"Hey, Selena. I'm so sorry for intruding on you like this, but I don't know who else to turn to."

Selena looked at the woman standing before her. Her face was gaunt with dark circles barely visible underneath a hastily done make-up job. Selena stepped to the side gesturing for the woman to come in.

"Do you want some tea or coffee? I was about to make a cup myself."

"I'll take some coffee, thank you."

"So, have you been in town long? I didn't even know you were in Gotham," asked Selena grabbing some mugs.

"I actually just got here last night."

"Really, for business? I'm surprised you got in with Gotham on high alert."

Chelsey Hawkins was a fashion designer by trade in New York City for the People's Outfitter, the largest fashion company this side of the Atlantic.

"I got in with minor delays though they questioned my reason for coming. I'm here for personal matters, not business. Gotham has potential, but it needs work."

Selena scoffed. "Yeah, I'm afraid the only customers you'll find here are wannabe criminals who can't decide on a color scheme and a vigilante who only wears black. Good luck with that."

"That guy's still around?"

"Who, Batman?"

"Yes, I heard he quit the gig."

"No, he's still kicking and cleaning up the streets just about every night. Gotham's night life has increased by nearly 200% since his first appearance over a decade ago."

"Hmm, I see."

Selena set down two steaming cups of coffee on the table. "So, if you're not here on business then what's up? Don't tell me you finally decided to visit your old college roommate?"

Chelsey nearly choked on her coffee. "Did you just call yourself old? You're not even thirty-five, girl."

"Shut up. You know what I mean," Selena replied smiling. "Seriously, why are you here?"

Chelsey set her cup down with a clink. "I need your help."

"You need my help? Since when did the great Valedictorian of our class need help? Let alone from me."

"It's about Derick."

"Derick? You mean locked up Derick?"

"No, I mean Mr. Released on bail last week Derick."

"Released on bail...What?!" Selena's eyes widened in shock. "You're telling me that idiot is now wandering the streets unsupervised and a free man?!"

"Yes, and it gets worse."

Worse?! How could it possibly get worse than that?

Chelsey paused her head bowed. Selena reached over noticing her friend's hands shaking.

"Chelsey, what is it? What's wrong?" Selena brushed a lock of loose curly red hair off her friend's forehead.

Chelsey looked up tears in her eyes. "He found me. Last week, he showed up at my office right before a big corporate meeting. He said he just wanted to talk, but I told him there was nothing to talk about."

"Wait, I thought you had a permanent restraining order against him."

"I did, but it's been nullified."

"No. No way. How's that even possible? That was a direct order from the judge!"

"I don't know. Bribery, threats, blackmail he's fully capable of all of it and then some. But I have a feeling someone else is backing him up."

"Really? What makes you say that?"

"Well, unfortunately I don't have any proof, but I've just had this funny feeling. A gut feeling like I'm being watched."

"Really? Have you seen anything out of the ordinary?"

"No, but two nights ago when I was walking home some guy was loitering around my apartment building. He looked suspicious so I kept walking and entered through the back entrance. When I crossed back through the front lobby, he was gone."

"What was he wearing?"

"Well, that's the weird thing. He was dressed in a business suit but had no briefcase or luggage with him. This past week we've gotten some new tenants so I thought maybe he was one of them. I've never seen him before so that's why it raised a few flags."

"Have you seen anyone else like that since then?" Selena asked taking a sip of her coffee.

"No, but I came here because of something else."

"What is it?"

Chelsey reached into her purse and pulled out a brown package. "This was left on my desk last Monday." She pulled out a single slip of paper and slid it across the table. Scrawled across it in neat black letters was the word 'Triad'.

"Triad? What is that?"

Chelsey pressed her lips together and a true look of fear crossed her face. Selena set her coffee down. "What's wrong?"

"The Triad is a lethal gang from China. My ex owes them money from the drug ring."

Selena's eyes widened in surprise. "You've got to be kidding me! That idiot! Are you serious? How much does he owe?"

"Well, that's kinda the funny part …"

Selena crossed her arms. "Alright out with it."

"I have the money."

"WHAT?! YOU BROUGHT IT WITH YOU?!"

"He was afraid of something so he gave me a key to a storage unit and it's inside. I took it out before I came here. And then he left me this note."

She pulled out a small piece of paper. Scrawled in a hasty writing that was clearly made in a rush were three sentences.

Bring to Gotham. Triad will meet you there. Location: Gotham Harbor.

Selena's eyes widened. Gotham Harbor? Wasn't that where that cold case murder took place? "What are you going to do?"

"I don't know. Should I go to the police?"

"The police?! They will arrest you! There is only one thing we can do!"

"What?"

"We must take it to Batman."

"BATMAN? Why him? Isn't he dangerous?"

"Dangerous? I don't know, but he knows how to handle large groups of criminals. Let's give him the money in which he will give to the TRIAD and then beat them all up and voila problem solved!"

Chelsey eyed her friend with a strange look. "Are you okay? I think you've been reading too many spy novels. You sound insane."

"Oh, and I suppose you have a better plan?" Selena said, tossing her head.

Chelsey frowned. "How are we supposed to contact him? Wait, don't tell me you have his personal number."

Selena smiled. "Ha! No, but I know someone who can get in touch. Get the money and we'll plan it out tonight. There is no time to waste."

"I have the money. It's in that bag." Chelsey pointed to a bright pink and black spotted duffel bag covered in butterflies that lay next to Selena's couch.

Selena raised a brow. "Really?"

"Hey, I thought it would be suspicious if I carried it around in black bag. Come on, give me some credit here."

"Actually that's pretty smart, Miss Valedictorian."

"Thanks!"

"So, how much money are we talking here? A couple thousand dollars?"

Chelsey frowned. "I don't know, I just grabbed it and stuffed it into the bag."

"You didn't count it?!"

"Hey, I panicked."

"Why didn't Derick just take the money and run?"

"I have no idea. Maybe he suddenly felt the urge to do good?"

The two sat in silence for a minute. Selena then got up and locked the front door and closed all her shades. "So, shall we count it?"

"Right now? Here?"

"Won't they track our fingerprints?"

"Not if we wear these," Selena said, whipping out some latex gloves from a kitchen drawer. "You know I hate getting chicken juice on my hands."

Chelsey grinned at her. "Alright. Let's do it!"

An hour and a pot of coffee later, the two women flopped down on Selena's couch. "I can't believe this. What exactly was Derick doing?"

Selena sat there stunned. Before them rising like a small city from her table was $500,000 dollars. She had never seen nor touched that amount of money before. She suddenly felt very dirty.

"Where on earth did he get this from? Did he rob a bank vault?!" Chelsey clutched a fuzzy red pillow to her chest.

First a manhunt for an international terrorist and now the Chinese Triad! She took out her phone and hit Bruce's number. She paused. Once she contacted him there was no turning back. She turned to her friend. "Chelsey, I know we have been friends since our college days but can you honestly tell me you have nothing to do with this?" She gestures to the pile of money in front of her.

"I solemnly swear all I know is what I told you." Chelsey looked at her with wide open eyes.

Selena patted her knee. "Alright. I believe you. Let me make a quick phone call." Selena knew there was only one person she could ask and it wasn't Gordon.

The phone line clicked as it connected. "Hey, Selena!" Came back a young cheerful voice.

"Dick? Hey, I wasn't expecting you to answer."

"Sorry, Dad is busy right now. Can I help you?"

"Uh, ask him if he needs any ingredients for Alfred's cake and have him call me back. Thanks."

"Sure thing. Hold on one sec."

"Hey, Dad do we need any ingredients for Alfred's cake on Sunday?"

Selena heard the kid yell from the other line. Several mumbles later Dick popped back on the line.

"Can you pick up strawberry frosting and a case of eggs? Oh and some fresh strawberries."

"Sure thing," Selena replied.

"Oh, wait! Dad's here! Thanks Selena!"

The phone went silent and then Bruce answered. "Hi Selena, thanks for picking those things up."

"No problem!"

"Dick said you had something else?"

"Oh, yeah. I got something I need your help with but I don't know if it's the right time with everything going on."

"I see. Is it about the zoo with monkeys?"

"Yes." Monkeys were code for talking privately.

"Let me find some bananas and I'll call you." Bananas were code for a secure line.

"Thanks. I think your son would like to zoo."

"I think he would too."

With a click the line went dead. Selena glanced up at her friend who looked ready to bolt.

"Relax. My friend is going to get back to me about fixing this situation. Until then why don't we seal these up and stash them away." Selena didn't feel comfortable having that much cash out in the open.

Together the two of them bagged the expensive paper into an even amount and then packed them away in her duffle bag. Selena wasn't exactly sure how to explain all of this to Bruce. She'd just have to tell him the truth.

Many years ago she would have wanted to fill her bathtub full of cash and buy a one way ticket to Mexico but now she had matured and that meant doing the right thing. Her life was now here.

Selena showed Chelsey a secure spot where they could store it.

She plopped back down on her sofa. "So, I assume you know what's going on in the city?"

"Yeah, I heard about the international manhunt for a terrorist? He was here?"

"Uh, well, I don't know about the boss but his network was active here." Selena kept her mouth shut not sure how much she should spill. Chelsey caught her hesitation.

"I saw about the explosion at the Wayne Mansion. It was on the radio. Know anything about that?"

Selena blinked before looking away. She trusted her friend but something stopped her. She swallowed and decided to repeat what the news held. Right now Bruce trusted her with the knowledge of his son so she had to honor that. Chelsey didn't need to know all the details.

"Yeah, it was terrible. They haven't identified the cause of the explosion but could be a gas line or something."

"Haha, girl you know I can read you like a book. What are you not telling me?"

Selena tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "A staff member did get hurt, but he wasn't the target."

Chelsey's eyes widened. "They were after Mr. Wayne?"

Selena nodded taking a sip of her coffee. "It sure looks that way. He was out at his office when it happened. I am relieved he wasn't at home."

"Relieved? I thought you hated that guy?"

"Hate is a strong word. I don't hate him."

"Really? Cause whenever you got drunk you'd rant for hours about him."

Selena frowned. "Guilty. Besides that was a long time ago. I wasn't in my right mind then."

Chelsey laughed. "You always said alcohol makes you honest. Am I wrong?"

"No. I just didn't like him because I was jealous. The prince of Gotham seemed to have everything together while my world was falling apart. Not very glamorous I know."

"I see. What about now?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you still hold the same opinion about the prince of Gotham?"

Selena shook her head. "I misjudged him. I figured that out after dating several other men that ran in his same circles. I am a true idiot."

"Oh come on. It couldn't have been that bad?"

Selena sighed. "I'll never forgive myself for how I treated him in the beginning. He didn't deserve my angry outbursts. How embarrassing."

"Well at least you don't have to see him again right?"

Selena set down her coffee with a snort. "That was years ago. We have a different history now."

Chelsey stared at her in confusion. "What exactly are you saying? I thought you only knew him in passing? What have you been holding out on me, girl?!"

"Look, I knew you were going through some tough things so I didn't want to make a big deal about it. You know I have enough eyes on me already."

"Big deal?! It's huge to catch the eyes of Bruce Wayne. I can't even get an exclusive interview with him!"

Selena winced. "Don't make it weird. We're just friends."

"That man is like a diamond. Everything else dulls around him like the very world is the black velvet he rests upon."

"Did you just call Bruce Wayne a stone?"

"Yes, a perfect gemstone. So, what's he truly like?"

Selena took a sip of her coffee to stop herself from smiling. She never had many friends but she considered Bruce to be one of her closest friends. She'd wear it on her heart like a badge of honor.

"He's a hard worker, intelligent, loyal, and patient."

"You sound like you just described a man's best friend. Try again."

Selena sighed. "See I knew you wanted an inside scoop."

"Come on, you can't blame a girl for trying. I'm trying to network here."

"And I'm the middleman?"

"No, you're my wing woman. You say he's different from how the media perceives him. How so?"

"He's kind, respectful and cares deeply about those he holds dear. He's not afraid to back down from a fight and pursue what's right. He's helped me out at times when I didn't even deserve to be within ten feet of him. He's a lot tougher than people give him credit for. He may seem cold and off putting, but there's a strange warmth about him. Knowing his background being an orphan, I can't imagine the struggles he went through as a kid. I'm beyond honored to know him let alone be friends with him."

Chelsey nodded, absorbing her every word. "So, he knows about you and Dent?"

Selena nodded. "I would have never realized the man Dent was if it weren't for him. And no our breakup wasn't because Bruce was jealous his friend was dating a rival."

"Is he seeing anyone?"

"Who Dent?"

"No, Mr. Wayne."

"Not to my knowledge. Poor guy has enough on his plate. I doubt his calendar has any room for dating."

Chelsey sighed. "You'd be eaten alive by the women in NYC. I can feel their jealousy burning through the atmosphere."

Selena shook her head. "You're so weird."

"Are you hungry? I can make you something. I've got leftover spaghetti or other snacks?"

Selena's phone buzzed. It was Bruce.

"I've got to answer this. Just make yourself at home. Help yourself to the kitchen. Make yourself some food. I'll be back." Selena hurried away to her office. She shut the door and pulled out a drawer and typed in a code to an unlabelled black phone. She hit the number 3582 which connected to Bruce's line.

"Selena?" Bruce answered. Selena could hear the concern in his voice. "What is it? Are you safe?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm calling for a different reason. I have a friend who needs Batman's help. Can you get in touch with him?"

"I can try. I believe he's gone underground since the Feds arrived in town."

"Right, I suppose he would."

"Why Batman? Can the police not handle it?" Bruce didn't like the sound of whatever was brewing.

"Honestly, I think the police will just make a mess of it. I know the timing sucks but all I need is for Batman to deliver a package to Gotham Harbor and wipe out the ones coming to collect it."

"Selena, if you're implying what I think you are, I'm going to need more details. Are you wrapped up in whatever this is?"

"No! It was actually my solution to the problem. I thought Batman could deliver something to the party and then crash said party."

Bruce laughed. "Why does Batman need to crash the party?"

"Cause they're bad guys?"

"Which means they are too much for the police."

"Look, I thought this way less people are involved and the issue would be solved faster."

"What's the package?"

"It's a deposit of money to pay off a debt."

"I see. Anything in exchange for it?"

"No, just my friend's long awaited freedom from the scum of the earth."

"Who's the recipient?"

Selena paused. "..."

"Selena. Tell me who it is. I know it is a dangerous group if you're asking for the vigilante's help."

"It's the Triad."

"I see. When is the deadline?"

"I don't know. The message didn't say." Selena didn't like how calm Bruce sounded.

"This friend of yours I presume also got caught up in it and is being used as bait?"

"Yes. I trust her with my life. I'm sorry Bruce to drag you into my problems again."

"This isn't your fault, Selena. You're just helping a friend. Do you want me to look into him?"

"Him?"

"The original party? I can safely assume an ex?"

Selena gaped. "How did you know?"

Bruce chuckled. "Oh, come on, it wasn't that hard to figure out. What kind of idiot uses his girlfriend to pay back his debt to one of the worst crime cartels in the world?"

"We don't understand how he got the money or why he didn't take it and run off?"

"I'll tell you why. He's a marked man trying to throw a bone to the pack of wolves at his heels. He's trying to delay the inevitable because he knows the Triad leaves no stone unturned."

"How do you know so much about them?"

"Don't be so surprised. I've had dealings with their leader in the past. Strictly legitimate business but I know ambitious people can get caught up in shady networks. Drugs are a highly sought after product on that side of the world. I'm sure the Triad is at the center of the drug trade in China."

"I'm glad I came to you."

"Don't thank me yet. I can't guarantee Batman will take this request on especially with everything going on right now. I will do my best to help you, Selena but I will need you to email me all the details and the name of the party responsible. As for your friend, I will keep her anonymous but I hope she learned a lesson about the company she keeps. I'll see you tonight."

"Bruce, wait!" Selena stared at the phone that beeped as the line disconnected.

She could tell Bruce wasn't pleased at hearing the news. She wasn't either but her hands were tied. And the timing of it all didn't help. She turned the phone off and relocked it in the drawer. Though she knew Bruce's last words weren't aimed at her, they still stung. He knew of her dark past and the trouble her father brought around. The danger her naive younger self had walked into. The danger she invited into her home and now it seemed it was back. Fine, she'll face it head on like always. Whipping out her secondary laptop, she typed up everything Chelsey had told her and sent it over a secure network to Bruce's email. She told Bruce to have Batman find that dirt bag and have him arrested. He deserved to rot in a cell. Forever.

She exited the office to find Chelsey warming up two plates of spaghetti. Selena took a seat at the counter.

"My contact is working on connecting your case with the vigilante. It could take some time."

"I understand. I'm so sorry for putting you in this position. I wasn't planning on visiting you under these circumstances."

"I know. I'm just glad you're safe."

Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose. "I wish you were here Alfred. You'd know what to do." He said to the empty air around him. He did feel bad hanging up so abruptly on Selena but he needed a minute to process.

This would be so much easier if she knew his dual identity. He didn't have to feel like he was jumping through hoops to get answers.

He desperately needed to get back to his Batcave. However, that was going to be difficult with his 24/7 watchdog nearby. The only time he could have some semblance of time alone was when he was at work but maybe he could figure out something. An idea slowly began to take form.

Bruce needed to rebuild his mansion and yes he had the original schematics but only the contractors knew that. He and Dick had agreed to go over the plans for the new house. If he could get a chance to return home and do some personal measurements without eyes on him he just might be able to.

Bruce left the room and found his way down to the Intel room. It was a small office now filled with various surveillance equipment from cameras to radar. He knocked on the door and peeked his head in.

"Agent Halley?" Bruce asked.

The woman had been in a corner watching several monitors. She stood up hearing his voice.

"Mr. Wayne, what brings you here?"

"I thought I'd check in. Any news yet?"

"No, but I've heard they are on the terrorist's trail and are closing in. Hoping we'll hear something soon from my superiors."

"That's good news. Can I ask for a favor?"

"Yeah, what is it?"

"Would you and your team be willing to let me return to Wayne Manor for an hour? I'd like to do some measurements and make sure the rebuilding process is on the right track."

That was partially true. But his real mission was to get to the Cave.

"I suppose I could escort you. Is the kid staying here?"

"Yes. I don't want him back home until it is rebuilt."

"Alright, when do you wish to go?"

It was about 4pm and Selena wasn't coming over until 7pm. "Is now okay?"

Agent Halley looked at her watch. "Now works. Let me notify my team. I'll be waiting out front."

"Can we take my car?" Bruce asked.

Halley looked up in surprise. "You don't want to take a bulletproof cruiser?"

"I highly doubt anyone will be coming after me at this time of day but if it makes you feel better, my car is bulletproof; to an extent."

Agent Halley shook her head. "Of course it is. You're Bruce Wayne. Let's take your car. I'll meet you in the garage in ten minutes."

Bruce turned away and headed to his room to grab his supplies. Whatever storm was brewing had already broken over the city and Batman would be at the center of it.