Murder at Wayne Manor

Chapter 23

Gotham; September 25th, 17:59 EST

I rush through the front door of the manor, tossing my briefcase on a nearby chair while loosening my tie. Alfred is suddenly there at my side as if appearing out of thin air, no doubt to clean up after my hurricane-like entrance. He is unruffled by my whirlwind arrival, having experienced them more times than not over the last several years.

"Running late, Master Bruce?" he calmly observes as I toss my suit jacket at him.

"Meeting ran late at Wayne Enterprises," I reply as I immediately make my way to the library. "Diana and I were supposed to leave to inspect the new Watchtower an hour ago. Is she down there waiting for me?"

"Yes, sir, but I should tell you—"

"Not now, Alfred," I interrupt him as I set the time on the hands of the grandfather clock.

I can hear Alfred's sigh as I quickly begin my descent down the steps into my sanctuary. Whatever he has to tell me will have to wait. I've kept the princess waiting too long and I'm more than anxious to see her. I'm looking forward to spending some time alone with her.

Even though we'll be meeting the rest of the founders on the Watchtower to check on its progress and to make any last minute changes, I'll have her all to myself on the flight there and back. It's something that has been lingering in the back of my mind all day, the things that I want to tell her.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, I immediately stop at the sound of Diana's voice. She sounds upset, but I can't make out what she's saying or who she's talking to. Her tone is more than clear, however. I begin to make my way towards her only to be brought to an abrupt stop by the sound of Clark's voice.

I'm more than a little annoyed by his unexpected and undesired appearance, wondering what he was doing here and what he had said to upset her. Memories of our conversation three months ago filter through my brain, reminding me how he had pretty much told me to stay away from Diana and not to get involved with her.

My hands become tight fists as I stalk to the changing area, angry that Clark was more than likely trying to talk her out of a relationship with me. My blood grows hotter as their voices become louder, pieces of their conversation reaching my ears and fueling my resentment.

"...none of your business, Kal."

"...only trying to keep you from getting hurt, Diana."

"I can take care of myself."

"But you don't know him like I do."

With a growl, I finish putting on my uniform, grabbing my cowl and gauntlets before storming to the hanger where they're waiting for me. I've had more than enough of Kent's interference and I'm more than prepared to tell him so.

"You have no idea the long line of women who have paraded through his life and his bedroom. All of them thought they could fix him, but they couldn't, Diana."

"I'm not looking to fix him," she snaps. "I don't want to change him."

"He'll only end up breaking your heart, Di," he warns her. "You can do better than him."

"There is no better man than Bruce," she angrily states.

"You just don't know him like I do," he tries again.

She glares darkly at him, her obstinacy rearing its head. "I thought he was your best friend, Kal."

"He is," he confirms with unmistakable exasperation. "You both are."