Kissing Steel (Book 1) *UPDATED*

Chapter 6

I sat on my office chair, my legs crossed and my chin resting on my hand. I miss comfy chairs. I miss really comfy beds. I looked out the window wondering if Bane made it to the car. Perhaps I could call him and ask? Ha. I laughed at myself.

Sometimes I just forget that I'm not working in a normal, boring, everyday kind of job.

There goes my phone. "Miss Dawn?"

I pressed the button, "Yes, Anna?"

"The officers are here. Said they were looking for you."

"They're back?" I peeked from my room through my glass window, seeing two men standing with coats. They're not the same men I spoke to before.

"These are different officers," Anna said. She paused and I heard a man in the background talk, "It's Jenkins."

I had no idea who he was, though. Maybe he was a new officer. I stood up and went out of my room to see them both.

"Officers," I greeted them then shook their hands.

"Hello Ma'am. We're here to talk to you about the latest issue on--"

"Gentlemen, please." I interrupted, pointing at my office room. He nodded and followed behind me until we reached my office.

"Please, do sit down."

"Who's your new partner?"

He glanced at the Jenkins dude. "Oh, this is Jenkins. He's an intern. Unfortunately, Thompson couldn't make it today." He let out a light laugh.

"I see. Well, how may I help you?"

He nodded, "Yes, well, we are here about the previous case regarding the terrorist, Bane."

"Gentlemen, I already told you. I do not know anything."

"We know that, Ma'am. Our chief might've asked you about it. But we wanted to just clear things up."

"What do you mean?"

"We need a formal testimony. And since you came to the department the first time, chief insisted that we paid a visit in return. Courtesy."

"That's...nice. Again, I'll repeat what I told him. I didn't see anyone." I sat back relaxing, "But I do know something."

He paused. Jenkins seemed to be too interested as well.

"I think this guy, Bane, is nothing but a show off. He's been in public, promising the reckoning when in fact he's just stalling."

He did not answer whilst he kept listening, staring at me.

"Don't waste your time on it. It's probably some political ruse. A distraction," I paused. "Have you even heard from Batman yet?"

I noticed both officers felt uncomfortable. It's great. They think I'm no help which can get them off my ass.

He paused, glancing at his friend beside him, "Well...thank you for that, Ma'am. But we believe otherwise."

I raised both my hands before standing up, "Just my two cents. Either way, good for business, right? People will want protection for themselves." Better to appear like a repulsive businesswoman. That way they'll hesitate asking for my help.

"Sure," he said hesitantly. "Thank you again."

"Not a problem, officer." I flashed a cocky grin.

We shook hands.

"Don't worry, when I see anything strange, I'll report quick."

He smirked and left the room with his fellow cop.

✦

Outside the Pine building; parking lot.

Jenkin's phone rang before they went inside the car.

"It's my mom." He said.

"Make it fast," the officer says before getting in the car.

Jenkins turned to answer the phone. "Sir?" he whispered. "We're clear."

An enthusiastic voice answered through the other end of the phone. "Perfect."

The boy smirked, ended the call, and hopped in the police car with his partner.

✦

"We can trust her." Bane said, sitting on the makeshift bed.

Tate who was standing behind him responded, "Just make sure she works clean."

Bane chuckled, "She does."

"The last thing you need is a distraction. You need your full attention to our final act, Bane. Remember your purpose."

"A distraction?" Bane's eyebrows furrowed, "I am nowhere near distracted. I assure you that I am more than focused."

"Better make sure of it." Tate responded before approaching Bane and reaching her hand for his cheek. Softly, she spoke. "Do not forget where you came from. You are alive because of my father. And he gave you a greater purpose. What would he say?"

Bane remained silent. Tate caressed his cheek before walking away.

Somehow, something felt missing. For the first time in years, he questioned his purpose. And for the very first time, he had seen Tate in a different light.

If Amy was there, she might have disagreed with Tate.

No, he cannot be distracted. That's what she is, isn't she? At least that's what Tate says. But why does he feel the need to have her presence?