Murder at Wayne Manor

Chapter 12

Batcave; May 11th, 20:49 EST

"At this rate, construction of the new Watchtower will be complete by November," I inform them, feeling an unexpected wave of disappointment that the words brought me. It meant that Diana would be moving out of the manor soon. I find it's not something that I'm looking forward to. "If there are any changes that we want to make to the layout, we need to do it soon."

"I really like these modifications that Diana suggested," Clark said from his position to my left.

"Yah, man," Flash chimed in with his usual exuberance that never ceases to annoy me at any given moment. "I especially like the idea of expanding the commissary and turning it into a twenty-four hour buffet."

"Why am I not surprised?" John mutters from beside the speedster, his arm still in a sling.

I'm actually quite surprised that John even came to the founders' meeting, especially after what had happened at the last one. Diana and I had voted Shayera out, John abstaining from the whole process. The hurt still lingers in his eyes even now though he tries his best to hide it.

I know that he doesn't blame me or Diana for voting against Shay. He and I had talked about it right after Shayera had announced her resignation. He had admitted to me that he wasn't even sure how he would have voted, his emotions being pulled apart at the seams.

I had told him to call me if he needed anything, but I hadn't heard from since he left to return to Detroit. Diana has talked to him a couple of times, Flash and J'onn more frequently. I feel a little guilty that I hadn't made more of an effort to check on him, but I loathe being forced to face my own emotions let alone talking to someone else about theirs.

I'm not exactly best friend material even on a good day. Clark could definitely attest to that, could probably write an entire book about what a friend shouldn't be or do based solely on his experiences with me.

"I am quite pleased with your changes to the monitor womb, Diana," J'onn interjected, forcing me to mentally rejoin the meeting. "These are excellent ideas that will help us perform out duties far more proficiently."

Diana flashes me a cocky smirk that says "told you so", but I choose to ignore it. "So we are in agreement on these changes?" I press for a final vote.

Everyone readily agrees, approving of Diana's modifications and even I have to admit that they are pretty brilliant ideas. I'm just annoyed with myself for not thinking of them sooner. I flip through the agenda that I had put together; more than ready to move this meeting along so I can get my visitors out of the cave and get ready for patrol.

"You know I might have some suggestions for changes too," Flash pipes up.

"No," I snap.

"But I have good ideas," Flash claims.

"Write it down and send me a letter," I tell him, turning my attention to Green Lantern. "John, I want you to come back for full duty only when you're up to it and not before. I know all of this has been the hardest on you."

"No, I want to get back to full duty as soon as possible," John replies, his voice grim. "I need to get back to work with the League and not just when a big emergency arises that requires all of us."

"We're going to need you at your best, John. That robbery we intercepted last month is just the tip of the iceberg. The Injustice Gang is ramping up for another attempt to strike, but we will be prepared for them."

"We need to be hyper-vigil at all times, keep our eyes open for anything suspicious," Clark agrees with me. "I know crime has increased in Metropolis alone since the Thanagarian invasion. I can only imagine that it has been the same way all over the country."