The Lone Knight (Under The Cowl Book #1)

CHAPTER 20

Like the rest of the college kids here, Stephanie too wanted to embrace in the debauchery of dancing without a care for who was watching. Drink until she could no longer feel her cheeks because she would be smiling and laughing and grinding on whatever boy she found cute while lost in the music.

Wherever she turned her head there was an empty bottle on the table, the window ledge, the fireplace mantle, or in the corner of the room after the trash bin sat filled to the top. She wanted so badly to dump an unopened bottle she'd turn and find sitting under the melting ice in the cooler by the fridge down her gullet. But Stephanie knew if she were to do that it would pull her focus away from Rachel and the danger that may come her way.

Rachel didn't ask for any of this, to be the possible target because of her father's corruption.

Stephanie found Mike not having much fun either, like a bundle of nerves bouncing his knee up and down. 

She didn't want to put too much pressure on him. But he was all she could call on for help. Renee would've stuck out like a sore thumb. He probably had something else better planned in the works for tonight. Surely the idea of putting his life on the line was not on the agenda. I promise I'll make it up to you.

Suddenly a spark in the crowd drew the attention of everyone on the other side of the room. Few started to run while many trapped in the beats of the song playing were too distracted to notice.

Stephanie could see fear in the eyes of those who caught wind of what put them in a state of frozen fear.

She then found Mike quickly stand up from his chair and head straight Rachel. He too discovered what's forced some to turn tail and run away.

Around the corner on the other side of the room Stephanie watched the man she now recognized for the first time in the light as the man she knows as her hero, the man who saved and changed her live for the better, emerge with a shotgun in hand looking for the prize that was surely Rachel Hart.

Making her way through the bustling crowd running away from the man with the shotgun, everything moved in slow motion. So close yet so far, Stephanie watched a frightened Mike grab Rachel by the arm and pull her away from Jessie, confused as to what's happening. 

Mike took her away into another room before she's sighted.

Aware she won't make it in time to come between Bruce and Rachel, Stephanie knew she had to improvise.

Stephanie honed her sights in on Bruce's finger around the trigger.

The booming echo of the shotgun blast aimed toward the ceiling sent a shockwave throughout the penthouse suite.

Shocked and frozen stares followed, finding the man they did not know in the center of the room grabbing everyone's attention.

The crowd stopped, too afraid to leave as the only exit stood behind the shooter.

Stephanie stopped too.

She blended into the crowd, making sure she goes on unseen.

"I have come for one person." She watched Bruce announce loudly with his voice hoarse, nearly unrecognizable as the voice of the man she once knew. "Bring me Rachel Hart and I will allow you all to live."

Like most post teenage youth, the testosterone driven alpha males didn't take kindly to ultimatums or threats. Even if it meant keeping your mouth shut and remaining submissive could save their life, did no such thing .

So entered the self-proclaimed hero, a young man Stephanie did not know, step forward with his large muscular arms and cut chest seen through the tight shirt he wore. Not one to bend to threats and more like the one who makes the threats, was not going to change his MO now by yielding.

"I don't know who the hell you think you are, but I'm not some frightened field mouse you think you can threaten because you've got that gun in your hand."

Who the hell are you showing off for?

Stephanie reached for her baterang tucked in her utility belt, grazing its bladed edge with the tips of her fingers ready to jump in to make sure Bruce does not harm this stupid kid.

Stephanie watched Bruce take a step towards the tough guy standing up to him. And immediately she matched.

Her fingers on the baterang loosened as Bruce moved his finger from over the trigger.

A weighted relief removed, Stephanie too moved her hand from behind her back and began to step back into the crowd until she subtly detached from everyone else.

More of the hero's buddies however decided to do the same as their friend. 

Stepping forward to challenge Bruce, they had no idea what it they are getting themselves into.

Stephanie made her way down the hall toward the bedrooms.

She twisted the doorknob to the room where she left her Batgirl suit. 

Locked, she whipped out her trusty lock picking kit tucked in the back pocket of her jeans. It opened easily. But not alone, she found four other kids in the corner of the room who were quick to sober up once they heard the shotgun go off.

Stephanie recognized two of them from her business courses. The other two are people she didn't think would attend a party as wild as this one has been. 

"Amanda, Brendan." she greeted.

Neither said a word, likely too afraid to speak at the risk of giving away their location to anyone who'd hear.

The duffel bag sat on the edge of the bed. And luckily it remained zipped closed.

"Quite the party huh, did you guys have fun?"

"Before or after the gun shots." Brendan said with his fogged bifocals dressed in condescension.

"Hey, no need to be a dick, Brendan."

Amidst the awkward silence Stephanie hurried over to her bag and unzipped to see what should still be inside.

Relieved for only a second, hesitation reared its ugly head.

There was no other place where she could change. And once she reaches into that bag these four people will know her secret. Not like I belong in this world. After I get Bruce back, Renee is going to help me get back home anyway. What does it matter if these people find out who I am?

Ripping off her jacket and pulling off her shirt, Stephanie revealed her utility belt. Removing her belt and stepping out of her boots and jeans, Stephanie stood nearly half naked wearing only her mismatching bra and panties.

Out of her duffel, Stephanie slipped on her under armor tights before stepping into her body armor of the Batgirl.

It felt so effortless to put on. Fitted just for her, she pressed the release button inside the collar to eject the black and purple cape.

Stephanie tried her best to avoid the glares of her classmates and their friends who all sat slack jawed and wide-eyed.

"You think you all can keep this between us?" Stephanie asked, each one of them nodding their head in agreement.

Lastly she grabbed the cowl and slipped it on over her head. Not as snug as she thought, it felt perfect.

All at once Stephanie could hear the shuttering clicks from the cell phones in the hands of her classmates and their friends. "Could you all wait a few days before posting? You'll likely get more views after tonight."

Again they all nodded in agreement.    

"Thanks. You won't regret it."