The Midnight Case

Chapter 12 : A genuine date

Wayne Manor

Sitting in the living room Dick and Luke stood aside in silence as Alfred tended to my wound while Bruce looked at the wound. "It's bad, isn't it?" I asked him.

"It certainly is." He said with a sigh, holding my hand and looking at the engagement ring on my hand. "You have been injured two times on the same spot Isa."

"But my worries are confirmed Bruce. They have vibranium daggers that can pierce through my suit. I'm still working on the hybrid, for now we're like sitting ducks against this kind of dagger."

"I am concerned Dame Isabella, as much as I have from Master Bruce about your previous injuries."

"Alfred, I don't want to think about who did this but thank you for not saying who."

"You're welcome Miss Mace." The old butler replied, scooping up the stitching kit and placing them on the medical tray. "I'll get these sterilized." As soon as he left Christian and Camilla descended from the stairs. But his expression was as mad as hell.

"You okay Isa?" Camilla asked, sitting at the opposite couch. "That's a nasty wound."

"It's okay Cam. I'm fine." I said.

"What were you two thinking you plonkers?! You torched the place and got Isa injured, you're just lucky when we managed to salvage another truckfull of vibranium." Christian scowled.

"Chris." I said, holding up a hand. "We still have one truckload of it. Just take it as a compensation, it's part of the job."

"I know that but it's not worth the risk Isa."

"Explain yourselves, both of you." Bruce then said. "We told you to wait didn't it?"

"Yeah, the goons said it was metal so I thought..."

"You torched it." He pointed out. "Do you even know what's inside?"

"It's a dangerous move you two have pulled. Bruce was right." Camilla joined the conversation. "What were you thinking?"

"You torched it, you have to explain to my dad." I said. "He won't like this."

"Sorry to interrupt the meeting sir. But I think this is for you." Alfred then walked in. Nearly all of us shared awkward glances while Bruce took the envelope and opened the seal.

"An opera performance? Tonight?" Hearing this I looked at him while Cam and Chris folded their arms in silence, not giving a glance at the culprits who nearly ruined our mission. Placing the envelope on the table his head lowered a little, like he is thinking about something. "How about a date? Tonight, with me." He asked. "Maybe we can use this to plan for our next step."

"..." I looked at him, speechless.

"Well we do can have some time out. Although it's not a good old pub."

"You drink?" I asked.

"Well... a few times. But no worries, I didn't get myself drunk."

"No, I mean... just me and Isa."

"Oh... okay. No third wheels allowed, that's fine. Maybe we should give time for them to be alone, before marriage."

"... Okay, I'll go." I replied reluctantly.

Hours later

Sitting at the dressing table I gently took the hairbrush and brushed my hair. Choosing a sapphire blue gown I omitted the crown as it acts as a distraction and potential target for any robbers. Slipping on a pair of white high heels I heard a knock at the floor and placed down the brush. Bruce was smiling slightly when I opened the door and stepped inwards. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you." A shyful smile.

"I went out for a walk at the Diamond District and... and I bought this for you." Holding up a crystal necklace he gently tied it around my neck. "It makes a perfect match on you." Then he gave me his arm and leads me out of my bedroom and down the stairs.

"Have fun." Camilla said before we say our goodbyes. I merely smiled back as Bruce politely closed the door of the black Aston Martin before entering the driver's seat. As the car passed by the bridge linking the outskirts to the city I turned to look at the river glittering on the surface.

"Your cousin was... being nice." Bruce said. "Of all the looks I've seen you in, I still prefer you in evening wear. Not that I'm complaining about you wearing your battle suit and weapons."

"Maybe your idea for a date was right. We can have time alone."

"You're beautiful and intelligent. Not to mention your capability in handling a task, that's the reason I liked you Isa."

"You're not so bad too Bruce. Bold and daring, empathy and wisdom, the reason why I liked you too."

"And now we're carrying them to the next step of our lives."

"Have you ever considered telling your grandmother?"

"No, not yet. I'm not sure that she's ready."

"Why would you say so?"

"I don't know, maybe it's the fact that she has been raising me after my mom died. I should think carefully before telling her." The car then stopped in front of the opera house and he opened the door for me after he got out. Taking him by the hand we walked up the staircase together and entered the theater hall.

During the performance the singer sang while we sat on the opera box on top. I did not know the music but I awkwardly combed back strands of my hair when I saw Bruce was looking at me instead of focusing on the performance. Instead of laughing at the awkwardness he held my hand and gently kissed me on my cheek. After the performance we joined the guests at the bar at the lower floor. "Oh Bruce, a new lady with you?" An elderly woman addressed him.

"She's a keeper." He replied, a smile.

"Haven't I saw her before on television?" Another man stopped by. 

"Hold on, I have to take this." Bruce replied, excusing himself. Giving a slight bow I too excused myself when I felt my phone buzzing in my clutch.

"Dad?" I asked after pressing 'answer'.

"Isa? Thank God that you're safe." He said with a sigh of relief.

"What happened?"

"The motorcade was attacked. I hate to admit it Isa, but I have to tell you, I heard your conversation with my brother."

"Oh... sorry. I should've..."

"It's not your fault Isa. He was right, someone was targeting me."

"So, who is it?"

"Gerald Grant."

"That Gerald Grant?" I asked, my voice lowering. "Wasn't he..."

"Locked up in a Fed Prison for life? He hired someone to kill me."

"What now?"

"He is now under questioning Isa. I'll inform you if something comes up."

"Ok... please dad, be safe. For me?"

"I will Isa, don't worry about me."

"What happened?" Bruce asked, as he puts down his phone.

"It's dad, the motorcade was attacked an hour ago. He's safe for now."