Chicago, IL
gardy720
This amethyst time shard is close to my original reality, except it seems to be taking place a couple of years later, Clark thought. Judging by Lois’s age and my appearance, it must be 2010. He reclined in his bed, as Lois slept peacefully by his side.
Lois is my girlfriend? Superman shook his head. Who’d have thought it? He spotted a fancy, well written invitation on the dresser next to the bed. It was for tonight’s Daily Planet Charity Ball. Lois had mentioned it in passing earlier in the day, just after Clark appeared in this time shard.
I suppose a public appearance together might eliminate some Paparazzi type interest, now that Lois is a nationally renowned journalism figure, Kal speculated. The intrepid young reporter had now garnered a following which stretched from coast to coast. The unwanted attention would later prove to be a problem for both of them. Lois had gone toe to toe with Lex, uh Julian Luthor, he mused.
Julian’s defeat was a public humiliation and freed the Daily Planet from his evil rule. The ruthless business mogul had cut jobs, causing hundreds of people to become unemployed. Perry White had suddenly reemerged with some substantial financial backing, and wrested the paper from Luthor.
Superman turned on his side to face Lois. She may be the one after all, he mused. As interesting as all this is, I can’t see how it helps me with my overall problem, namely saving the Earth’s future by redesigning its past. I was able to find Oliver, Bart, AC, and Victor Stone, yet we still have to meet and discuss what I know. Brainiac, and Darkseid were formidable enemies. I’ll need all the help I can get.
Where was this time shard’s real Clark Kent, I wonder? After a while Superman drifted off to sleep. The next morning after breakfast with Lois, Kal guessed that he hadn’t told Lois his secret, yet. He did everything he thought that a normal boyfriend would do, including driving Lois to work.
She was to meet with Perry White and his new staff, which left Clark free to explore this alternate reality. Metropolis 2010 didn’t appear all that different to him than it had a couple of years ago. Some businesses had come and gone to be sure. The Daily Planet’s familiar spinning globe had been replaced with a newer one, and the logo had been updated.
"Hey CK!" A familiar voice shouted over the din of onrushing traffic. "Jimmy? How are you?" Clark carefully shook the young photojournalist’s hand. "Good." He answered. "When did you get back?" Superman was at a loss. Clark Kent had gone somewhere, but where? "Just recently." Kal responded evasively. "How was it?" Jimmy prodded. "Uh, okay. It went as well as could be expected."
Clark replied vaguely. "Have you given any more thought to joining the Planet’s staff?" Jimmy had been hanging around with Chloe too much. He’d picked up her habit of on the spot interviewing. "I don’t know, Jimmy. I mean how would it be, having Lois and I working so closely together?"
"You and Lois have worked on things before, not necessarily related to the paper." Jimmy remarked. "True. Now things are different." Clark countered. "Different? How so?" He probed like a good cub reporter should. Superman gave him ‘the look’. Jimmy gasped. "Oh! I see!"
"You know CK, I had a premonition about you two! She needs you CK, more than anyone else in the world." Jimmy added earnestly. Clark shrugged it off. "Jimmy, what does your newfound psychic ability tell you where the best place for coffee is around here?"
Superman playfully ended the awkward conversation. "Sure, CK." He pleasantly backed off. "The best by far is Caraway Coffee across the street from Metropolis Central Park. I can barely afford to drink there, though. I hope you have deep pockets." Kal smiled. "Thanks, Jimmy."
"C’mon, I’ll buy you some overpriced Lattes." Clark offered. They walked across the busy downtown street together. "Hey CK, now that you have a date, are you going to the charity gala tonight at the Royal Metropolis Arms?" Superman considered the question. Now that I have a date? Had Lois been hiding their current relationship? Was the shoe on the other foot? Had Lois developed trust issues?
"That’s the plan, Jimmy." Kal finally answered. "It sounds like a real snore fest. Are you going?"
Jimmy nodded. "Yup. Chloe and I will be there." Clark patted Jimmy on the back. "How is our intrepid reporter?" Jimmy shifted uneasily. "Okay, I guess. You haven’t called her in over a month."
"I guess I’ve been busy." Superman defended. Doing what, exactly? He silently wondered. "She and Lois still talk a lot, don’t they?" Jimmy shuffled away again. "Chloe and Lois aren’t really that close anymore." He confessed. "Really?" Kal was astonished. "Why? Or shouldn’t I ask?"
"Look CK, I love all of you, but I don’t want to get in the middle of anything." Jimmy sidestepped the question, which was unusual for him. "I understand. I"ll talk to Lois." He added. "We can’t have any ill feelings going on." Kal sighed deeply. It’s always something.
"Thanks CK." Jimmy lightened the mood. "You never know, one day I might pop the question to Chloe, and I’ll want all of our friends and relatives to be at the wedding." Clark grinned brightly. "Good. That’s a laudable goal, Jimmy. I definitely want to be around for that."
The two of them entered the coffee house under the inconspicuous eyes of Julian Luthor’s personal investigators. One was already on his cell phone. "Yeah boss, he’s back. He’s down the street from the Daily Planet with that photo kid. Do we move?"
High in Luthorcorp Tower, Julian Luthor leaned back in his expensive, imported leather chair. "No, let’s just keep an eye on them for now. I’m certain that they’ll be at the gala tonight, bleeding hearts that they are. We can plan to get all of them at once, after we confirm their specific interests, of course."
He snapped off the miniature cell phone, and buzzed the intercom in the outer office. Those troublemakers have cost me a small fortune over the years, he thought. Now, they’ll pay. "Miss Mercer, can you step into my office for a moment?"
The intercom crackled. A low gruff female voice responded: "Of course sir, I’ll be right in."
The WayneCo corporate jet landed at Metropolis International Airport promptly at 4 PM, a full three hours before the start of the Daily Planet Charity Benefits Gala. Bruce, Dick, Barbara, Selena, and Alfred quickly debarked and made their way through a small crowd to a waiting limo.
A few members of the press loitered outside the plane to snap photos of the young billionaire and his crew. One such photojournalist, Jimmy Olsen and a certain reporter named Lois were among the attendees. Selena enjoying all the attention, stopped several times to pose for pictures, much to Bruce’s irritation. The international community would now link Selena and Bruce together.
"She’s certainly full of herself." Lois told Jimmy sourly. "Yeah." Jimmy smiled lustily, making sure he caught Selena’s low cut strapless dress, and long tan legs in his shot. "Easy Olsen, you’re fogging up the lens." Lois taunted. He managed to catch Barbara and Dick in some shots as well.
"Uh, Mr. Wayne!" Lois yelled above the milling crowd. "Can you stop for an interview?" Bruce shook his head. "No thank you." He said politely. "I’ll be initiating a short press conference during the gala tonight. That’s assuming that you’re going, Miss...?
"Lane, Lois Lane, Daily Planet." She edged closer to Bruce, much to Selena’s objection. Dick and Barbara had felt left out, and horned their way past Alfred to flank Bruce and Selena. Jimmy got a closeup of both Selena and Barbara, before the crowd filled in, distracting them from the camera.
"Miss Lane, I can give you a brief statement." Bruce said gallantly, as he looked over the young reporter. "WayneCo is proud to contribute to the Daily Planet’s Neediest Kids Fund. We’ll be announcing the exact figures and how they’re to be divided later tonight. Thanks to you all."
With that, Bruce and Selena walked away arm in arm, followed by Barb and Dick, while Alfred waited by the limo with the doors open. "Well done, Master Bruce." He praised as he let them all slide in. As usual, Bruce insisted on riding up front with Alfred. The original driver had left after being well paid. "I could get used to this." Selena purred, literally, as she reclined on the leather seats.
"Please don’t." Barbara hissed as Dick slid away from the two women. "It’ll be hell getting the cat hair out of our clothes." She taunted Selena, who frowned and made a scratching motion with her hands. "Yeah, this will be fun." Dick grumbled as Bruce chuckled.
One trusted member of Bruce’s team, Lucius Fox, remained behind in the jet, ‘guarding’ the cargo. It had been listed officially as Mr. Wayne’s personal car, two motorcycles, and supplies. The pilot, Hal Jordan, had taken the WayneCo job on a whim, to supplement his Air Force Test Pilot income.
Jordan had quite the reputation as a party boy. He and Bruce had met at a governmental fund raising event. Bruce had him thoroughly investigated and he’d passed well enough to be hired as a temporary employee. Alfred still had a number of reservations.
Once out of the limelight the crew relaxed at the five star resort hotel. Dick and Barbara had adjoining rooms, as did Alfred and Selena. Bruce, of course, had taken the rooftop penthouse suite for obvious reasons, though the resort hotel was barely seven stories high.
Bruce and Dick hit the pool, as Barbara and Selena began to ready themselves for the dance. Naturally, even among Metropolis’s elite, a few nosy hotel residents stopped by to shoot the breeze, or to gawk and shmooze with the young billionaire.
Dick amused himself by viewing the ‘local color’ as he called it, namely two young pretty college coeds, Brandy and Mary Ellen, from Metropolis University. They usually stopped to shoot the bull with Dick to find out more about Bruce.
One girl he saw didn’t fawn over or hit on him or Bruce, which aroused his curiosity. A young woman about his age casually strolled around the pool area in a sensible royal blue one piece swimsuit. She also wore mirrored sunglasses, and appeared to be completely uninterested in them.
Dick couldn’t resist. He followed the girl towards the snack bar near the pool area entrance, admiring her form. Her long raven black hair had two long streaks of golden yellow running down it, at opposing ends of her thin face. Her hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail. Visible, dangling from her ears, were two silvery, lightning bolt shaped earrings.
"Hey! How’s it going?" Dick yelled when he had gotten close enough. The girl, at first, ignored him, but reluctantly turned to face him. "Hello." She said with disinterest. "Are you with anyone?" Dick asked. "Do you see anyone?" The girl replied coldly.
To his credit, Robin didn't give up. "Richard Grayson." He extended a hand. "Lake, Laura Lake." She responded, accepting his hand.
“Do you know who he is?” Dick asked with disbelief, gesturing towards the Batman. Laura shook her head. “No. Should I?” He pointed. “That’s Bruce Wayne, Chairman and CEO of WayneCo Industries.” Laura stared at him stoically. “Sorry, never heard of him. What’re you guys doing here?”
Laura’s mood had lightened a bit. I could certainly use more friends, she rationalized, though I doubt if a billionaire would care about me. I know I can’t afford to hang out with them. “We’re here for the Daily Planet Charity Benefit.” Dick explained. “Sounds like a worthy cause.” Laura commented dryly. “What’re you doing here?” Robin countered.
“I’m looking to meet someone.” Laura reddened. “Let me rephrase that. I’m looking to meet a specific person that said he’d be here.” Dick nodded. “Who? Maybe I can help?” He offered, not willing to give up on her, yet. Laura reluctantly decided to trust him.
“Oliver Queen. Do you know him?” Laura asked as Robin stifled a gasp. “Uh…I’ve never met the guy, but Bruce knows who he is. Would you like to meet him?” Laura nodded. “Fine.” Dick led Laura over to Bruce who had just finished socializing with a couple of foreign elites. “Bruce?”
The shirtless Batman was seated comfortably on a posh chaise lounger, sipping an ice tea. “This is Laura Lake.” Robin introduced. “She’s actually looking for Oliver Queen.” Bruce stared at him for a moment, apparently caught by surprise. He stood. “Miss Lake, nice to meet you.”
He shook her hand. “Nice firm grip.” Batman remarked as he rubbed his hand. Laura smirked. “I didn’t mean to bother you, Mr. Wayne.” She began. “Richard here insisted that I meet you.” Bruce flashed a lopsided grin. “Oh Richard did, did he?” Batman teased Robin who reddened.
“You’re here to locate Mr. Queen of Queen Industries?” Bruce started the questioning pleasantly. “Yes, Mr. Queen and I have business.” Laura stated evenly. “No, not that kind of business.” She took pride in watching both men blush. Batman played it off.
The scrappy teenager was clearly no pushover, Bruce critiqued. “Have you ever worked with Mr. Queen before?” Laura sighed. “Nope, I’ve never met the man.” She was unsure of how to proceed. This cloak and dagger stuff was not familiar to her. “Have you ever met him?”
Laura turned the interrogation back on Bruce. “Yes, I’ve met Mr. Queen a few times.” Bruce admitted. Though I have no idea what he’s been up to, I have some suspicions, he reflected silently. Laura caught Robin checking her out and stared at him. He turned away sheepishly.
“Richard tells me that you’re here for the Daily Planet gala?” She continued. “Yes, Miss Lake.” He confirmed. “Would you like to go?” Bruce asked politely, probably looking to see what kind of a reaction that would bring. Laura had suddenly gone speechless.
Dick gawked. “I have two extra tickets. Perhaps you can bring Mr. Queen?” Bruce always had a point or ulterior motive for asking any question, it was what made him a great detective, and successful crime-fighter. What are you up to, Bruce? Robin wondered silently.
“Um…I can’t afford the ticket price.” Laura ashamedly admitted. “They’re complimentary. I always buy extras for just such an occasion.” Bruce urged. “Okay, I’ll take one, if you don’t mind, Mr. Wayne.” She answered without hesitation. Decisive. I like that. It’s a good quality. Batman mused. “Mr. Queen can certainly buy his own way in.” Laura added.
Bruce nodded. “Stop by the service desk, and mention my name, Miss Lake. I’d rather the tickets be used.” One long golden yellow swath of hair seemed to have a mind of its own. The offending bang encircled Laura’s ear, and ended up near her mouth.
Damn genetic freak hair! Laura silently cursed, brushing it away from her face. I’ll be luckyif my hair doesn’t suddenly go blonde, or red, or green! That would really be impressive to Mr. Wayne, and Richard. “Thank you Mr. Wayne. Will do.” Laura said though her mind was elsewhere. I’ll have to zip back to Nebraska to change into the appropriate dress.
“Please, call me Bruce.” He shook her hand again, much more carefully this time. “Okay, you can call me Laura, and you too, Richard.” Laura smiled brightly. They seemed like decent sorts, she observed. “I’ll see you both tonight, then?” It was nearly 5 pm. Laura still had to meet up with Oliver.
Simultaneously, Selena and Barbara headed for the pool. They’d done all of the prepping they could before the dance, managing to save a few moments to relax. Bruce and Dick nearly drooled as Selena strolled up to them in a leopard print bikini and four inch heels.
Barbara seemed slightly uncomfortable in her more sensible black and gold one piece swimsuit and flip flops. Laura and Barbara exchanged glances. By comparison, Laura was about a half a head taller than Barb and just a bit taller than Selena. Laura was a little stockier than either of the women.
Dick was in his element now. Thanks to Bruce, he was surrounded by three pretty women. Yet, Robin was growing tired of riding on the Batman’s cape tail. He had been considering going out into the world on his own, however he hated to leave Bruce and Barbara alone to carry on in Gotham.
“Brucey, I can’t leave you alone for a minute.” Selena went out of her way to sound like an airhead, to the point of flipping her long curled blonde hair around her fingers, and glancing at everyone above her designer sunglasses.
This was all part of the Catwoman’s persona. She was an actress, a thief, a radical environmental activist, and at the moment, a good friend to Bruce. Any of which, could change on a moment’s notice. Selena was split right down the middle between good and evil, love and hate.
She would always bounce between light and dark, wrong and right, depending on which served her current purposes. Selena enjoyed her disguise as a ditzy gold digging blonde, but beneath that, as Bruce well knew, she was shrewd, cunning, and a leather clad master thief.
She took Bruce’s arm like a cat pawing her favorite toy. “I didn’t know that they let animals in the pool area.” Laura commented as she glanced at Selena. “Excuse me?” She frowned. Bruce could almost imagine her claws contracting and opening, as Barbara snickered.
Dick whistled and looked away. “Your cat.” Laura pointed to the black short haired feline with the shiny coat near Selena’s feet. Isis had followed them through the gated pool area entrance. “Don’t worry, she won’t bite.” Selena began, glancing at Barbara and Dick.
“That is, unless you’re a mouse or a bird.” She added sarcastically. As they feared, Selena had figured out that Robin and Batgirl had accompanied them to Metropolis. The cat was out of the bag, so to speak. Isis scurried past them to find a nice shady spot, just beyond the swimming pool.
Barbara moved in closer to Dick. “Who’s your friend, Romeo?” She teased Robin. “Laura Lake, this is Barbara Gordon and Selena Kyle…our dates for the gala.” Dick choked out the words. “Nice to meet you all.” Laura said diplomatically. Graceful, calm, good, Bruce praised young Laura.
Barbara looked like she was ready to spit nails at Robin. Laura decided that this was as good a time as any to make her exit. “I guess that I’ll see you all tonight. Bye.” Laura waved. “Thanks again for the ticket offer.” Selena waited until Laura was supposedly out of earshot.
“Who’s the kid, Bruce?” She grilled. He shrugged. “Laura Lake.” It was clear that Bruce didn’t trust Selena with the truth. Also, she had a habit of turning young girls towards the criminal lifestyle. Early on, the Catwoman had tried to encourage Barbara to join one of her capers.
Fortunately, Batgirl was able to resist the temptation. Oliver Queen was up to something, and Bruce wanted to know what. Given an opportunity, the Batman may want to quiz Laura later on tonight, he thought. Bruce was trained to think several moves ahead.
Laura headed for the Tiki Bar just opposite the pool area. She seated herself near the end of the physical bar. The bartender eyed her suspiciously. “Ice Tea, please.” Laura ordered to make a point. He nodded and began searching for the appropriate glass.
After a few moments, Laura was tapped on the shoulder. “Miss Lake?” A woman in her early twenties with long curled blonde hair asked. “Yes. Who wants to know?” She took a sip of her tea. “Dinah Lance. I’m an associate of Oliver Queen. I believe he requested a meeting.”
It was not a question. “Sure. Where is he?” Laura turned to face her. “Oliver thought it best to meet privately.” Dinah said calmly. Laura didn’t trust her of course. It wasn’t as if this Dinah could do any damage to her at all. “Fine. When and where?” Laura asked shortly.
She pretended to be uninterested and fearless, though her stomach was doing flips. Meeting new people is definitely not my strong suit, Laura thought. “In about a half an hour, be at the hotel billiards room. Third table from the left. I’ll be watching nearby, so don’t try anything stupid.”
Dinah warned, though Laura wanted to smack the irritating blonde, she forced herself to remain calm. “Okay, in a half an hour, then.” Laura said, refusing to make eye contact with her.
The strange woman casually walked away, and Laura was alone again, save for the bartender. She continued to people watch, specifically keeping an eye on Bruce, Richard, Selena and Barbara. After a few more moments, Barbara walked up behind her. “Miss Lake?” Batgirl began.
“Yes? Oh hello Miss Gordon.” Laura was relieved that it wasn’t Oliver’s henchwoman. “Barbara, please.” Laura nodded. “Can I get you an ice tea?” She offered. “Yes, thanks.” Barb mounted the barstool next to her. The bartender returned to take their orders.
After he did so, Laura decided to be more aggressive. Mysterious DVDs, covert meetings with billionaires, and her futile search for Clark, were starting to grate on her young nerves. “You’re wondering what business I have with Oliver Queen?” Laura posed, assuming that Richard told her.
“Uh…yeah, actually.” Barb began warily. “I know that it’s none of my business…” Laura remembered that she still hadn’t any real girl friends outside of Shana Springbrook. “I don’t mind.” It wouldn’t hurt to be friendly, she considered. “You’ll have to tell me about yourself as well.”
Barb had expected that comment. Oddly enough, she hadn’t any girl friends either. “Okay, as much as I can.” She said vaguely. Laura was becoming very curious. Why would these strangers even care what she was doing? There had to be more to all this than attending a charity ball.
Her gut told her that something was up. Laura decided to trust Barbara with some of the details. “I’m meeting Oliver Queen shortly, I’ll know more by then.” Laura stated. “Would you like me to back you up? I mean you’re going alone, aren’t you?” Barb’s offer shocked Laura into silence.
“I appreciate that.” She finally said. “It’s nothing major, I hope.” Laura continued. “I just met one of Queen’s female minions. I didn’t care much for her attitude.” Barb’s curiosity was peaked. “I have to deliver some information to Queen.” Laura added.
“He should have some for me as well. I can’t go into any details of course.” Barb nodded, letting her reddish brown hair flip to one side. “I understand. It’s nothing illegal, is it?” Batgirl pried. “No, I don’t think so.” Laura was to deliver two DVD discs that she had to Oliver personally.
He, in turn, was supposed to share his DVDs with her. All four discs had been sent by Chloe Sullivan, who was currently in trouble with the Feds, and the Luthors.
(See Beyond Smallville: Evolution)
“I have to go.” Laura said. Barbara glanced over her shoulder at Bruce and Dick. Selena had thankfully taken to snoozing quietly on the expensive chaise lounger with a frilly cocktail in her hand. Perhaps she’s taking a cat nap, Barb smirked at the thought.
Bruce watched everyone suspiciously, and Dick had been swimming laps across the pool. Good, no one would notice that I left. “Right behind you, Laura.” The two teens headed into the hotel and patiently made their way into the billiards room. Barbara dropped back.
She chose to watch from nearby, in case Queen was plotting something off color. She’d seen pictures of the young billionaire, but had never met him. If Laura was being set up, it was up to Batgirl to swoop in and save the day. Laura found the predetermined pool table.
Oliver Queen was a blonde haired man of about twenty five, Laura guessed. He was dressed in a light green Polo shirt, and black cutoff jeans shorts. He had a squared jaw with a small dimple at the center of his chin. He was growing a new moustache and goatee.
“Miss Lake?” Oliver asked without losing any concentration on his shot. He hit the cue ball squarely and pocketed three successive solid colored balls. “Mr. Queen?” Laura asked, folding her arms across her ample chest. “I take it you have the items?” He questioned, lining up his next shot.
“Certainly. You also know that I didn’t bring them here with me.” Oliver hit the cue ball and pocketed two more solids. “A sensible precaution.” Oliver commented. “I have my discs nearby.” Laura leaned on the edge of the table, pushing it down, causing him to miss his next shot. “Very well.” He glanced at her with some annoyance. “Let’s see some ID.” Laura demanded.
Oliver frowned as he reached into his hip pocket and produced a driver’s license. Was Laura in league with someone else, like Luthor? He wondered. Was she holding out for money to release Chloe’s data? ‘Oliver Queen’, Laura read silently. It could have been faked, she imagined.
At the moment it seemed legit. Meanwhile, at the back of the room: “Find anything interesting?” Dinah asked coyly. She’d come up behind Barbara, startling her.
“Huh?” Batgirl whirled and flashed her most ‘innocent’ look. “Let’s go, red.” Dinah ordered, pushing Barb forward. “Hi Oliver, I guess we have a new friend.” Dinah’s voice dripped with sarcasm as she guided Barb to the pool table. Laura rolled her eyes, handing Oliver his wallet back.
“You have a back up.” Oliver praised. “Good thinking. I like that. I’m all about teamwork.” He boasted. “You can get the discs and we’ll wait here.” He offered. Laura glanced at Dinah expectantly. The blonde meta human opened her small black shoulder strap purse.
She produced the DVDs, quickly replacing them in the purse. “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.” Oliver joked suggestively. “In the meantime, we’ll keep your friend, Miss…?” Batgirl sighed. “Barbara Gordon.” Oliver smirked. “We’ll keep Miss Gordon busy.”
Some back up I turned out to be, she mused. I’m really good at getting myself captured, she grimaced, glancing apologetically at Laura. “We’ll be here.” Oliver chalked up his cue stick. “Miss Gordon, care to play?” Dinah grinned darkly, as she sat on a raised stool behind Barbara. “I’ll be right back.” Laura grumbled. With that, Laura stormed off to Clark’s barn, where she’d hidden the discs.
Of course, Laura had made copies of Chloe's discs, and would reluctantly give Oliver his copies as Chloe had instructed. She zipped back to Oliver in moments, just as he and Barb were finishing their game. This was all done under the watchful eyes of Dinah, who seemed to be quickly growing bored with the whole scene.
Oliver studied Laura carefully, trying to determine his next move. "Here you go." She handed Oliver the discs. "Just like that?" Dinah asked with skepticism. Barbara shifted uneasily as she climbed up onto the bar stool.
"Look Queen," Laura began. "I happen to care about Chloe", actually Clark, she thought. "I'm not one to chase the almighty dollar." Oliver was testing her. She'd passed, as a potential candidate for his new 'club'.
Barbara, trained briefly as a criminal investigator, silently observed all of the exchanges, and she committed their names to memory. She'd have quite a bit to report to Bruce about, tonight, before the gala.
"Okay Miss Lake." Oliver grinned arrogantly. "You and your friend can go without any further harassment. Unless you'd care to tell me how you know Chloe?" He fished. Laura smirked. "Sorry. No can do." She added: "I have to get ready for the dance."
Dinah's eyebrows rose. "The Daily Planet bash?" She hopped off her perch, startling Barbara. "That's the one." Laura confirmed as she gestured for Barb to follow. "After all, it's all in who you know, isn't it?" Oliver folded his arms, trustworthy, determined, and a bit of a smart ass. He mused. I think i'm beginning to like her.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Queen, Miss Lance." Laura said smugly as Barb stepped in behind her, without taking her eyes of Oliver's blonde sidekick. "See you." He gave them a mock salute, and handed the discs off to Dinah.
The girls left to return to the swimming pool area, leaving the couple to debate the day's events. "What do you think, Di?" Oliver questioned his new girlfriend. "She's a bit cocky." The Black Canary criticized. "Not unlike someone I know." The Green Arrow flirted. "The question is, why is young Miss Lake so confident?"
Dinah shrugged. "I wonder...do you think I should follow her?" Oliver shook his head. "No, we know where she'll be tonight. Besides, I want to decode these discs. They may contain the final clues to Chloe's whereabouts."
Laura walked back to where Bruce and Richard had been standing. Naturally, the boys were gone, and Selena was just packing up her towel and glasses. "Not going for a dip?" Laura asked casually, as Barb rolled her eyes.
"No thanks. Cats hate water." Selena snickered as Isis padded out from behind the foliage, and quickly sauntered up beside her owner. "I see." Laura watched as Selena smiled evilly and strolled towards the poolside elevator. Barb sighed with disgust.
"What's with the cat lady?" Laura wondered. "Don't ask. Anyway, she's Bruce's problem tonight. See you later?" Batgirl asked hopefully.
"Sure, until then, and thanks for backing me up." Laura said diplomatically. "Sorry I couldn't be of more help." Barb apologized. "No big deal. I knew that Oliver and his Amazon lackey wouldn't make an issue of anything. See you."
Batgirl waved as Laura carefully walked away, disappearing in an instant, behind a nearby stock delivery truck. Barb stood there analyzing her new friend. There is something very different about that girl, she observed. She's way too sure of herself.
In Laura's mind, nothing could have been further from the truth. Meanwhile, across town, some very dramatic changes were taking place.
Chicago, IL
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