Homecoming (Complete)

Chapter Thirty-Six

"Mr. Wayne," Philippus answered the video call. "What can I do for you?"

"How many times do I have to ask you to call me Bruce, Philippus?" Bruce smiled at her.

"Perhaps next time you ask it will stick," Philippus said blandly. "What can I do for you Mr. Wayne?"

"Ever the serious one," Bruce sighed. "I was wondering if Diana was around. I tried her cell but she's not answering."

"Just a second," Philippus started flipping through the various cameras in the house to see if she could find Diana. "Oh," she muttered, quickly turned the camera off, and turned to face Bruce. "She's ah...a little...ah...tied up at the moment."

"Did you just blush?" Bruce chuckled. "I don't think I've ever seen you blush, Philippus. I didn't think you were capable. You know, you shouldn't have cameras in the bedrooms. It might be considered bad form."

"They're not in a bedroom," Philippus muttered. Bruce laughed.

"It's actually Alex I was trying to track down. I assumed Diana would know where she is," Bruce grinned. "I guess I know where she is now too. Do you think you could get her to call me? Er...when she's no longer tying up Diana, I mean."

"I'll get Diana to tell her, yes," Philippus's face was stony. "May I ask what it's regarding? Or is it private?"

"I get the feeling you don't like Alex very much," Bruce frowned. "I'm not sure what you have against her, but I think if you gave her a chance..."

"Mr. Wayne," Philippus cut him off, "is there anything else to the message or do you just want me to get Diana to tell Alex to call you?" Her voice was icy when she said Alex's name.

"Okay," Bruce nodded with a sigh, "as you wish. Just let her know I've finally tracked down Beth. I'm arranging to fly her in but I need to know where."

"I will tell Diana," Philippus said. "Was that everything?"

"Yes," Bruce sighed. "You really should give Alex a chance..."—Philippus cut the connection—"or not," he finished to himself.

* * *

"Diana, Mr. Wayne called," Philippus turned as Diana walked into the control room, fresh from the shower.

"Oh? When?" Diana asked, walking over to the desk to flip through the mail stacked on the edge. "What did he want?"

"A couple of hours ago," Philippus answered. "He was looking for Alex." Diana looked at her sharply.

"What have you got against Alex, Philippus?" Diana asked. "You're barely civil to her most of the time, and every time you mention her when she's not around you have this...tone...."

"My apologies, Princess," Philippus turned back to the monitors. Her tone did not convey the same sentiment as her words. "I will endeavour to do better."

"It's okay," Alex said from the doorway. "You don't have to like me, Philippus," she smiled sadly, "but you should be honest with Diana about why." Philippus whipped around to look at her.

"And what would you know of my reasoning?" Philippus demanded.

"Empath, remember?" Alex replied. "And, before you get upset with me, I can't help it. You've been projecting your feelings at me with a ferocity that I can't completely block." She grimaced. "I swear you have a touch of empathy of your own. You're the first person I've met so far that I can't block out."

"What's she talking about, Philippus?" Diana asked. Philippus ground her teeth and glared at Alex.

"Mr. Wayne would like Alex to call him," Philippus turned to face Diana, eyes flashing anger. "He says he's tracked down Beth and would like to know where Alex wants her flown in to."