The Way We Fall | Bruce Wayne

CHAPTER 23 - Beyond Business

Sara wanted the conversation to be over. She wanted to retreat back into the bedroom, again becoming a recluse. Between the sergeant's questions and the concerned glances she received from Bruce, she couldn't tell which was bothering her the most.

"You okay, Ms. Carter?" She heard Bruce ask beside her.

"I'm fine, why?"

The color had drained from her face, and somehow she hadn't noticed the subtle trembling of her hands.

"I think she's heard enough for now," he said to Sergeant Gordon, ignoring her question. Who was he to speak on her behalf?

"No, I'm alright," she spoke up rather quickly. "The sergeant has one more question. I think I can handle that." As she spoke the latter with slight hostility, her gaze narrowed toward the man sitting beside her. Just what she needed - for him to see her as a damsel in distress. She was well aware he had bailed her out of a situation, not once but twice, and she was determined to make sure he wouldn't make a habit out of it.

Looking back to the older man sitting across from her, she sat up straighter. "You were saying, Sergeant Gordon?"

It wasn't hard to notice his eyes dart between her and Bruce. "Well, if you're sure you're up to it. Is there anyone you believe could have the motives to attempt something like this?"

Sure, maybe the person who'd hired her was trying to informally terminate their nonexistent contract. Although, if that was the case, how could they have known where her apartment was? Over the past few years, she'd been able to maintain perfect secrecy. It almost made her wonder how on earth someone like Batman could remain untraceable.

Bruce snapped his fingers as a thought popped into that mind of his. "That guy at the banquet. What was his name?" He looked to her.

"Phillip Miller," she said, recalling the unfortunate evening. That man had held a piercing look in his eyes that told her that retaliation was inevitable. But this? Seeing Sergeant Gordon patiently waiting for the explanation, she continued, "He tried to persuade me into changing the partnership deal, moving it over to his company instead. QuantumCore Robotics. That was until someone kicked him out." With that, she turned her gaze to Bruce.

"Do you think that would warrant an attempted homicide?" The sergeant asked, seeming doubtful.

"Given the seriousness of Gotham's organized crime, I wouldn't put it past him," Bruce answered, raising a point that put her on edge. They made eye contact for a moment, she could see a hint of uneasiness in his gaze. Maybe almost fear. "And I wouldn't take any chances."

Sergeant Gordon appeared to be convinced enough to consider it. "We'll check it out. In the meantime, Ms. Carter, I recommend you keep it low for a while. Out of the public radar. Just until we get a better idea of who's behind this and why."

Yet another reason for her to stay locked up in the bedroom.

"And, since we don't know exactly what more this person is capable of, it's best no one knows she's staying here," he nodded to Bruce, sealing the secret.

She had feared placing him in danger on account of her. But even now, he made no mention of having her leave. As he nodded to the sergeant in return, he accepted the burden. And the risk. Neither of which was his to hold.

Sara had opened her mouth to try to suggest something else when Sergeant Gordon stood to his feet. "Then as far as we're concerned, Sara Carter has left Gotham City until further notice." He looked to her now, awaiting approval.

"This could get really messy," she shook her head as she stood with them. "I can't have Mr. Wayne be responsible for my protection."

Bruce was quick to interject. "Consider it part of the contract."

"This is beyond business, Mr. Wayne."

"Exactly. It's about your safety. And I'm not just going to stand around while you're in danger on account of a partnership with my company."

"Then what's stopping me from calling it off right now?" She didn't have the power to do so and she knew it.

"Ms. Carter," Sergeant Gordon promptly interrupted the quarrel, "if it's any reassurance, I think Wayne Manor is the safest place in Gotham. Until we learn more, I think it's best that you just stay put for a while."

"You wouldn't go against police orders, would you?" Bruce pressed amusingly with a subtle smirk over his features. Oh, he had no idea.

It was two against one, and if Alfred joined them to give his input, she was sure it'd be three. There weren't many other alternatives, if any. Looking to the sergeant, Sara breathed a sigh. "Alright, consider me under house arrest."

Sergeant Gordon chuckled, "Well, I don't think that's necessary." As he turned to leave, he addressed her a final time, "I'm sure you're in good hands, Ms. Carter." Somehow she knew he was right.