ferris_ceo (ferris_ceo) wrote in dc_heroes,
@ 2010-07-23 11:24:00

Entry tags:

Another charity fundraiser (open)
It was always good business to be seen in public supporting a good cause.

Carol told herself this as she smiled yet again at another tuxedo-clad man regaling her with his list of good deeds to impress her. President and CEO of Ferris Air sounded good, and it looked lovely when written in a calligraphy hand on an invitation. The fact that she was currently drowning in paperwork back at the office and should be attending to it put a bit of a damper on the evening.

She tacked her smile in place and listened to...what was his name again?...with feigned interest, hoping for a rescue or at least a distraction. A waiter with more champagne would do nicely.

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	thedarkknight 2010-07-26 02:47 am UTC (link)
	"English butlers can certainly deal with strange proclivities and odd schedules." Bruce says with a knowing grin. "What about a house-husband? I mean, you certainly aren't starved for admirers, if all the men in this room are any indication." Bruce says. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	ferris_ceo 2010-07-26 03:17 am UTC (link)
	How in the world had they gotten onto this topic? "Admirers all well and good, but they're a lot like flirting, all attention without intention. At the very least, without my interests at heart, and that's a requirement for someone I'll trust to order me about and keep me on track." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

thedarkknight
2010-07-26 03:39 am UTC (link)

"You and I do sort of have a few of the same problems." Bruce says.

"It's tough to know if someone likes you because you're you, or because of your bank account." Bruce says.

"I've dealt with that a lot. But we're young, we're in good health and we could stand to have some fun." Bruce says.

"So, here's my idea. We leave now, before pompous dinner arrives. My car is out front, so we can get in, find a place that does a good Philly cheesesteak, then find the highest point in the city and talk about how we grew up having to be all business during the day and...still all business at night.

What do you say, Carol? Feeling adventurous?" he asks.

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ferris_ceo
2010-07-26 04:18 am UTC (link)

It was quite an offer. One that was smooth and practiced, but nonetheless attractive for the sole reason that it would get her out of here. On Bruce Wayne's arm, true, but out of here and the resulting publicity would die in less that twenty-four hours. Something told her that Bruce Wayne was a man who could take a 'no' if she decided she didn't want to accept any well practiced suggestions on how to end the night.

"I say that I haven't had a really good Philly cheesesteak in a long time."

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	thedarkknight 2010-07-26 04:33 am UTC (link)
	"Then dinner it is." he says, offering her his hand. He's pretty sure she's not in on the embezzling from the charity by now, but it doesn't hurt to be sure. Once he has her alone, he can figure her out for sure. "Hope you don't mind being out late, but I'll make sure I have you back before it gets too late." Bruce says. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

ferris_ceo
2010-07-26 04:54 am UTC (link)

She took his hand and felt the weight of a roomful of eyes riveted on them. Some of those eyes seemed a little sharp as women who wanted to spend the night with Bruce Wayne looked daggers at her back. If she were younger, she'd revel in the feeling.

Oh, what the heck. She reveled in it now. She liked being a force to be reckoned with in her little pond, even if it was borrowed for the next few hours.

"I don't mind being out late if the company is interesting. You are definitely not boring."

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thedarkknight
2010-07-27 12:30 am UTC (link)

"What can I say? I try to keep things interesting." Bruce says, leading her out of the building.

Out front, a wizened old man stands before a Black Bentley and nods to Bruce, then turns a charming smile on Carol.

"Miss Ferris, my name is Alfred Pennyworth. I will be ferrying yourself and Master Bruce to any destination you choose this evening. If you require anything, please let me know." Alfred says.

"Alfred, could you please stop hitting on my date? We just met." Bruce says, mock-chidingly.

"Very well, Master Bruce." Alfred says blandly, opening the car door for the two of them.

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	ferris_ceo 2010-07-27 01:42 am UTC (link)
	Carol liked the elderly man immediately. There was something about an English accent that was attractive, especially when the speaker was being charming. She paused before getting into the car and leaned toward Alfred with a mock conspiratory air. "If what I require this evening is a rescuel I may depend on you?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	thedarkknight 2010-07-27 01:47 am UTC (link)
	Alfred smiles. "I have my baseball bat in the trunk if necessary, Miss Ferris." Bruce rolls his eyes as she gets in. "I always knew a beautiful woman would win him over faster than an obscene paycheck." Bruce says. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	ferris_ceo 2010-07-27 02:35 am UTC (link)
	Carol settled into the butter soft leather seat. "Alfred is in a unique position," she said when Bruce was inside, humor clear in her voice. "All I know is your reputation. He knows you." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	thedarkknight 2010-07-27 02:39 am UTC (link)
	"It's a basic advantage of having raised me. There aren't many people who can say they've known me that long. In case you haven't heard, I don't get close to people often. Emotionally close, I mean." he says. "You planning to expose me as a kind-hearted gentlemen to the world? My company's stock would plummet if people thought I was...deep." Bruce chuckles. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	ferris_ceo 2010-07-27 02:52 am UTC (link)
	"I would not presume to comment on your depths or shallows on such a short acquaintance," Carol didn't laugh, but it was bubbling beneath the surface. "Alfred and his baseball bat have more than vouched for you...for now." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	thedarkknight 2010-07-27 02:57 am UTC (link)
	"He told you it was a baseball bat? He's not being honest with you. It's a crowbar." Bruce says. Well, a crowbar and a shotgun, but really, why explain the bit about the shotgun? He doesn't like it as is, but Alfred says it comes in handy. "Carol, I think you're watching your words with me. Be blunt. Be frank. Be honest. I can take it." Bruce says. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

ferris_ceo
2010-07-27 03:28 am UTC (link)

"Well, if it's blunt you want..." She shifted in the seat to face him. "I love Philly cheesesteak and good conversation, but I'm not a social climber or supermodel. The end of the evening won't include one of us hastily dressing to get home before dawn. And, I'm perfectly capable of using Alfred's crowbar myself. As charming as he is, I'm not a damsel in need of rescue. If that's blunt and honest enough for you, feed me so I can uphold my end of the conversation."

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thedarkknight
2010-07-27 03:45 am UTC (link)

"All right. I can work with that." Bruce says.

"For the record, you're safe from any sexual advances you might be worried about. I didn't come here to try to sleep with you, though I'll say the idea isn't repugnant by any means. You don't look like the type that needs to be saved.

I know that type, and they bore me." Bruce tells her.

"I invited you along tonight because I wanted to know if you're aware of the embezzlement going on at Dennison's Halfway House, the benefit we just left. I have reason to believe that there's mob involvement in the charity, and there are several SEC violations that could be brought against charity and anyone who's donated." Bruce explains.

"I had to figure out if you were in on it, or about to be the unwitting recipient of an audit from the government. I'm glad I found out you're aboveboard.

A prison jumpsuit doesn't become you."

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ferris_ceo
2010-07-27 07:41 am UTC (link)

"Good to know I'm not repugnant." Carol was still amused despite the odd turn the conversation had taken. There was, however, a tiny but noticeable relaxing in her shoulders. She let herself sink into the leather seat a bit.

"I was not aware of any embezzlement in the charity. You must know how stringent the rules are when government contracts are involved. One infraction can pull a contract worth millions. I really was there because my secretary put it on my schedule and I decided to check it out. She has a soft spot for halfway houses. Her nephew was in some trouble a few years' back and she's taken an interest in them. I only donate after I've done my own research."

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thedarkknight
2010-07-27 12:25 pm UTC (link)

"I'm well aware of those rules, Carol, but it seems whoever is doing the skimming in the organization things that they're above the law. I don't like getting involved with people like that." Bruce says.

"In any event, any investigation is going to be launched, starting tonight. We got out of there just ahead of the police, who will be looking to speak with the organizers and get to the bottom of things." Bruce says.

"Meanwhile, we're on our way to feed you." he grins.

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	ferris_ceo 2010-07-27 01:41 pm UTC (link)
	She grinned back. "Then I owe you a thanks on behalf of Ferris Air. Your timely intervention is doubly appreciated. Now I won't be bored into a stupor and I get to have a Philly cheese steak. It's a win-win for me." (Reply to this)(Parent)

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