Part 9: She's Back
Barbara and Bruce were driving from the restaurant, having lost the usual gaggle of photographers that often followed him. It was a quiet dinner they enjoyed together and were heading to a show in the theater district when Bruce’s phone rang, the highly encrypted one that usually meant trouble.
“If Barbara’s with you, you’ll both want to hear this.” Dick Grayson said. Bruce put the phone on speaker.
“You two listening to the radio?” Dick asked.
“No, why?” Bruce asked.
“Turn it on to a news station. You’re not going to believe this.”
Barbara found a station that was covering the event live.
“If you are just tuning in, the Golden Lioness Jewelry store, down in the fashionable First District area, has just been robbed.” The announcer reported. “We have a live report from the scene. Julia?”
“Why do I have a bad feeling about this?” Barbara said, noting the name of the shop.
“We have just learned that the Gotham City police believe that have a suspect in this robbery.” The female reported said. “And it’s none other the infamous Catwoman.”
“Catwoman?” both Bruce and Barbara said aloud.
“Yes, after a long hiatus, it appears the famous female cat-burglar has finally returned to the streets of Gotham City to inflict her brand of criminal activity. I have learned that the police have reviewed the surveillance tapes from the shop and have no doubt it was Catwoman herself that perpetrated this crime. After cutting the phone lines that would have alerted the police, she entered the store from a skylight, cutting away the bars and entered the shop. Acting alone, she simply smashed the cases and stole the jewels before exiting the same way she came. Though she left no clues behind, the security cameras recorded her activities and confirm who did this daring robbery. Police are canvasing the area to find more clues as to Catwoman’s trail and whereabouts.”
“Dick, where’s Katrina?” Bruce said turning the car towards the First District, referring to the mind altered Catwoman that was currently serving as a maid at Wayne Manor since the Professor wiped out her Catwoman persona and replaced it as a gentle, yet submissive servant’s personality.
“She’s right here, and has been all night.” He replied. “After dinner, she and Alfred cleaned up and were together in the library reading, all evening. She never left the grounds, or Alfred’s sight for that matter.”
“But if Katrina is at Wayne Manor, how could she have done this?” Barbara asked.
“Because it wasn’t Katrina.” Bruce responded.
No one spoke for a moment, the impact of his works taking hold on them.
“So that means this was the act of an imposter.” Barbara started.
“Or there’s a new Catwoman?” Dick finished.
“Exactly.” Bruce answered. “Who in Gotham doesn’t know Catwoman? All a woman needs is a costume and a taste for all that glitters to become her. But this one doesn’t fit Catwoman’s usual M.O. It’s too simple, to direct. The real Catwoman liked jewels, but she was very selective and only targeted the finest available, not just what’s left overnight in a middle tier jewel’s display case. No, we’re dealing with someone else, less sophisticated but none the less an imposter.”
“But we’re still going to check it out, right?” Dick asked.
“Yes, we must.” Bruce replied. “Barbara and I are nearby. We’ll take a look as best we can without getting too close or too obvious. We’ll stop back later tonight to get a closer look at the crime scene.” Everyone knew what that meant by later tonight. It would require a change of wardrobe.
The area was cordoned off, with the police not letting anyone in, especially an expensive sports car.
“We not going to see anything from here” Barbara said.
Bruce drove away. “Dick, I’m going to drop Barbara off at her place then head back.” He ended the call. “So much for our lull from the crime fighting business.”
“We knew it wouldn’t last. What time should we meet at the store?” Barbara asked.
“We’ll wait till the police to clear out, so we best not arrive till after midnight.” Bruce replied. “Sorry about tonight.” He added.
“There’s always other nights.” She replied as they pulled up to her building. Bruce walked her to the door. “But since we have a bit of time, can I entice you to come in for a few moments?” she asked, tugging at his tie.
They entered into the door but didn’t make much farther. Once the door was closed, they were on each other and didn’t waste time moving past the hallway. In moments, Barbara’s dress was on the floor, leaving her in nothing more than a lace garter, a pair of sheer stocking and her spiked heels. He pushed her against the wall and knelt down, eating between her legs as his hands fondled her firm ass and full breasts, making Barbara pant and gasp as his mouth ravished and worked her over. She was on fire and climaxed in moments, crying out as the orgasm overwhelmed her, nearly making her go weak
When her strong orgasm was finally over, she silently turned away from him and bent over slightly, her hands against the wall, giving him the perfect view of her back half while silently telling him what she needed. Bruce entered her from behind, driving his rigged hard manhood deep into her warm, wet love tunnel. The two moaned and groaned as he plunged into her repeatedly, getting close to his own orgasm as he forced his rod deep into her hot love box. But before he would come, Barbara pulled away, dropped to her knees and engulfed him in her mouth, to finish loving his rod with her full lips. He came a moment later, with Barbara fully taking him in and holding his ass to keep him there, swallowing down his sizable load of sperm till every last drop was drained. Even when he was done, the man was still impressive with his rod nearly as hard as when they started.
Too bad they didn’t have time for seconds.
“You amaze me every time.” He said as he hitched his pants back up. Barbara didn’t bother to dress.
“Only because you inspire me.” She replied as she kissed him. “Now run along, we’ve got work to do.”
Bruce was gone a moment later and Barbara was up in the bath off her bedroom for a quick shower. Cautious as always, she reviewed her security systems before she began her transformation into purple clad, red headed Batgirl. An hour after arriving home, and well before the planned rooftop meeting, she was out on the Batcycle sweeping through Gotham City for criminal activity before heading to the planned rendezvous.
The police had cleared and secured the scene well before midnight, so it was simple for the crime fighting trio to access the burglarized shop. They silently looked around, careful not to seen or heard from the street. It was Batman who made the only real discovery of the night, examining the one display case that wasn’t smashed
“What’s out of place here?” he quizzed his companions. The others looked in. Outside the props to help display the items it contained, like flowers and some crystal figurines, the case held bracelets of gold and silver and watches for both men and women, but nothing with diamonds or jewels of any high value.
Catwoman liked sparkle and nothing here did that well enough.
“I assume you mean outside of it not being broken into.” Bargirl replied.
“Holy misplaced toys.” Robin exclaimed. “The train!”
Robin was correct, a small die cast metal train, a replica steam engine of decades past, was in the case, right where something must have set. Though a classic shape and look, it could have gone along with the pocket watches, it wasn’t quite what would be appropriate for its setting and purpose of promoting high quality and value. One could have easily overlooked it, but to Batman’s razor-sharp eye, it was a clue.
Batgirl quickly picked the lock and Batman carefully removed it from the case, carefully making sure it wasn’t booby trapped. Seeing a small amount of dust below proved it was placed in the case recently. It didn’t provide any other clues to its meaning.
“But why would Catwoman leave it behind?” Batgirl asked, examining it herself.
“A piece to a puzzle would be my guess.” Batman said.
“Do you think this robbery was just so this could be left here?” Robin asked.
“Quite possible.” replied Batman. “Why do such an open and daring robbery to get so little for the effort. No, I think this was left here on purpose for us to find.”
“This could be some common thief trying to throw the police off the trial with a Catwoman angle” Robin replied.
“Perhaps, by why leave this behind.” Batgirl replied, holding up the toy. “Batman’s right, and my women’s intuition is telling me this is bigger than just a simple robbery.”
“Which means we have a new, seriously big problem on our hands.” Robin stated.
“Sadly, you’re correct.” Batman replied. “But the question becomes why, and what is this going to lead to.”
A further search of the shop found nothing further, so they left as the came then headed to another rooftop to talk further.
“Robin and I will take this little train back to the Batcave to see if it holds any further clues. I doubt it will, but let’s not leave any stone unturned.”
“Meanwhile, I’ll trace the jewels to see if they show up at any pawn stores or resale shops in the next few days.” Batgirl said.
“Beyond that, we can only wait for the next clue to turn up.” Batman said.
“There is one other thing I’d like to mention, on a different subject.” Robin said. “Catherine Wentworth.”
“Something new to report?” Batman said.
“That’s the problem. There’s nothing to report.” Robin replied. “No one has seen her for over a week, which is almost unheard of. She’s missed social events and has not been seen at any club, party or function. She’s not left the city that anyone knows of but she’s not responding to her cell phone. It’s like she’s disappeared.”
“It’s possible, boy wonder, that you’ve been replaced,” Batgirl stated.
“I doubt it.” Robin replied. “I know she goes through men like there’s an endless supply and could be hunkered down with some stud all this time, but for her to totally disappear from the party scene is totally unheard of. I even went by her place today and no one responded, not even her maid. And not to be boastful, but I don’t think she was done with me yet, so why would she give me the cold shoulder.”
“We’ve got more questions than answers.” Batman said. “And I don’t like it. It’s time we start getting some. I’ll find out if Brad Wentworth has anything to say about sister whereabouts. Robin, you see if you can find anything from your angle, the clubs, friends, charities, the maid. No need to be discreet any longer, you’re the jealous boyfriend who wants to know where his love interest is. Batgirl, keep an even close eye on Jennifer. If my hunch is correct, Brad Wentworth is going to make his big play soon. Meanwhile, let’s find out who this new Catwoman is, what’s her game and if there’s a connection between her and the Wentworth’s.”
A few days later, Barbara was in her office at the head branch of the Gotham City Library System working on her computer. Her official duties were done and she was digging around into the Wentworth family history, hoping to get some inspiration as to what the next move against Jennifer might be. So far, nothing was triggering anything that could be helpful and the stolen jewels had not surfaced.
Indeed, Catherine Wentworth had disappeared. Bruce was able to get from Brad that she was out of town on a vacation, but neither Barbara nor Dick could confirm the story. No airline tickets, car rental or cruise line bookings, no traveling companions or boasting of her destination. No cell phone or email contact. In fact, her cell phone GPS was not displaying a location. Dick even went to her apartment, in the guise of Robin, to investigate and didn’t find a thing. The place didn’t even look the same and even the maid was gone.
The toy train was a dead end as well. Nothing remarkable about it, no fingerprints or clues to who owned it or what it was intended to mean. And the new Catwoman had not struck again or left any further clues.
No answers yet.
Barbara’s desk phone rang.
“Hello Barbara!” Jennifer Wentworth said cheerfully. “I know this is short notice, but do you have time for lunch today? I’m in the city and would so love to see you, if you have the time.”
“Oh, that sounds delightful.” Barbara replied. “Let me check my schedule. Yes, I have time today.”
“Oh wonderful. I can swing by and pick you up around noon.”
At noon the long black limo pulled up in front of main library branch. The driver opened the door for Barbara and she climbed to be warmly greeted by Jennifer. They dove to a small but expensive café where the doorman helped them from the vehicle and a table was waiting for them. Barbara was happy that their lunch turned out to be nothing more than two friends just having lunch. They talked and laughed about nothing serious, just girl talk. After an hour, Jennifer offered to drive Barbara back to her office. The limo pulled up and the doorman opened the door for them, leaving the driver behind the wheel. They pulled into traffic still talking over nothing. But after a few moments, Barbara realized they were not heading back to the library nor were they heading to the Wentworth estate.
Jennifer lowered the partition. “David, please take Miss Gordon back to her office.”
The driver didn’t respond.
“David, you’re going the wrong way. Please take us to the main office of the Gotham City Library.” She said, this time more firmly.
The car turned, but was still going the wrong direction. In fact, they were going farther from their destination.
“David, are you not listening. You’re going the wrong way.”
The car suddenly pulled over to the side of the road, jerking the occupants then came to a halt.
“David, have you lost your mind. What on earth are you doing? “
As the driver turned to face the back passengers, the barrel of a large silver handgun pointed at them. The driver took off the hat to display a pair of black cat ears and turned to show she was wearing a black mask.
“Good afternoon ladies.” She purred. “Lovely day for a drive.”
“Catwoman” Barbara said softly, not believing her eyes.
“Very observant, Miss Gordon.” She said. “You have the eyesight of a Persian cat. Now, hands up.”
But it wasn’t Catwoman, at least not the same one she had faced so many times before. Though hidden behind the mask and long black hair, Barbara knew she had seen this woman before, yet she was slightly different. Maybe a bit thinner in the face or something, but she truly believed she knew who it was but couldn’t place her.
“What’s the meaning of this!” Jennifer demanded as both women raised their hands. “Who are you, and where’s my regular driver!”
“Miss Gordon has correctly identified me. As for your driver, I gave him the day off. He’s taking a little cap nap right about now.” Catwoman said. “As for the meaning of this, you will soon know. But remember the old saying; curiosity killed the cat, and be warned it can do the same for rich widows and mousey librarians if they don’t do exactly what they are told.”
“What do you want from us?” Barbara replied, trying to look nervous before the new criminal while studying every feature of her face and speech.
“From you, Miss Gordon, nothing but a little assistance and then you will be released. My plans don't include the police commissioner’s daughter, other than to tell her story.”
“To the police?” Barbara asked.
“Yes, but more importantly, to Batgirl.”
Both women gasped. But Barbara was relieve to know her other identity was safely hidden, for now.
“Mrs. Wentworth, on the other hand, is a different story. But I can’t have her riding in the back freely. That’s where you will assist me, Miss Gordon.”
“How?” Barbara replied.
Catwoman tossed a bag into the back onto Barbara’s lap. “Open it up.” She said.
Inside were several bundles of ropes, a small roll of surgical tape and a pair of handcuffs.
“If you would be so purr…fectly kind as to tie up Mrs. Wentworth with those ropes. Be quick about it and do a good job. I’ll be rather upset if I see you leaving any kind of slack in the ropes or knots within reach.”
Barbara took a bundle of rope from the bag. Jennifer lowered her hands and put them together, her palms facing one another. Barbara was about to slip the rope over her hands when Catwoman stopped her.
“Not quite correct. Behind her back and let me see you do it, if you please.”
Jennifer turned away from Barbara and placed her hands behind. In a moment, her wrists were bound. Barbara didn’t take any chances, tying her hands tightly and with the knots away from her fingers.
“Do her elbows next.” Catwoman demanded. As Barbara tied up the widow’s arms, Catwoman told her to pull the rope tighter, making her elbows almost touch before she tied it off.
“Now the legs, at both the ankles and knees.” Catwoman ordered. A few moments later, Jennifer’s legs were as useless as her arms, the ropes cinched in the middles to keep her bound.
“Now, use the hanky and tape to gag Mrs. Wentworth, so that I don’t get distracted at her grumbling as I drive, and crash this fine automobile onto a ditch.”
Barbara wadded up the cloth and inserted it into Jennifer’s mouth, who was beginning to whimper. “Stay strong” Barbara whispered. But it did little to comfort the widow. At Catwoman’s direction Barbara used 3 strips of the tape to seal the blonde’s lips shut.
“Well done, Miss Gordon. You seem to have a natural proficiency for kink. Perhaps you should consider becoming a dominatrix.”
“Sorry Catwoman, I’m into books, not bondage.”
“Pitty. You’re missing out on such a wonderful purr..fession.” Catwoman said. “But perhaps you’re better suited for the submissive role. Shall we find out? Get another hanky from the bag and put it in your mouth. Purr,,,fect. Now, put tape over your lips. Use another strip. Purr,,,fect. Get out the handcuffs and lock them onto your wrists, behind your back if you would. Tighter, Miss Gordon, I don’t want you getting loose too quickly. Let me see your hands. Purr,,,fect Miss Gordon . Now sit still and remain quiet for a moment.”
Catwoman made sure no one was coming in either direction before she got out of the car. She opened the door to the back and pulled Barbara out, taking the bag with them and closing the door behind. With the gun barrel poking into the bound librarian’s back, she led Barbara over to a small clump of trees and made her sit on the ground with her back against one. Using a long rope, she wrapped it around Barbara and the tree, pinning her against it. Catwoman then bound her ankles together with another rope, even though it wasn’t necessary to keep the librarian in place. Lastly, she straddled he bound librarian and sat on her lap, smoothing down the tape across her lips, just to verify her gag.
“Now Miss Gordon, you’re only need to sit here on station and wait for help” she purred as her hand brushed through Barbara’s hair. “Someone should be along this way before dark. Scream if you want, for what little it will do. I only need a few moments to clear the area before you attain your freedom. Tell the police as much detail as you like, but I’m sure it will get to Batgirl soon enough.” She added, running her a finger under she captive’s chin, lifting it as she did.
“If she only knew it was already old news to Batgirl.” Barbara thought to herself. She only nodded in response, doing her best to look frightened before the black clad thief.
“I was right, you are a submissive.” she purred as her hands gravitated to Barbara’s chest, her claws poking into Barbara’s boobs. “Too bad my plans don’t call for taking you with me as well. You would have made a pretty little cat toy for me to play between inflicting my whims on Mrs. Wentworth.”
With that, the black clad woman strutted back to the limousine, first doing something to the rider in the back before she drove off a moment later, Barbara squirmed against the tree and her restraints as Catwoman looked back at her while pulling the car away, leaving Barbara alone and tied up against a tree.
She didn’t sit for long. As soon as the limo was out of site, Barbara quickly worked to free herself from the cuffs. The ropes round her chest came off next and she pealed the tape from her lips, removing the drenched hanky from her mouth before untying her ankles. It took as little as 3 minutes to get free.
So much for this Catwoman’s bondage skills, though wondered if her easy escape was intentional or not. She only hoped Jennifer would be as successful.
Using her cellphone, she called the police to report the kidnapping. About 10 minutes later, the first squad car arrived, followed by another and a few reporters who monitor the police channels. With the police searching the area, Barbara was taken to police headquarters, where her father was waiting her arrival. She gave her statement to both the police and later to the press. Within an hour, her father drove her home and stayed with her for a short time, then headed off to lead the search for the missing widow and wait for the ransom demand he thought would be forthcoming.
Finally alone the next call she made was to Bruce, who hurried over with Dick Grayson in company, who entered her apartment from the secret entrance in full costume. For the fourth time, she recounted her story. Batman asked her questions, driving out every last detail.
“The only positive here we know it’s not Katrina.” Batman said at the end of her narrative. “Both Robin and I saw her today and know she could not have perpetrated this act.”
“If I could only figure out who this Catwoman is. I know I’ve seen her before.” Barbara added.
“So it’s officially fair to say there we have a new Catwoman to deal with.” Robin asked.
“Yes, it is, and it’s also fair to say we underestimated her.” Batman replied. “We cannot make that mistake again. Our mistake may cost us Jennifer Wentworth’s life.”
“No, not yet at least.” Barbara replied. “She’s using Jennifer as bait, for Batgirl. Only when she has both will Jennifer’s life be truly in peril.”
“Or the ransom is paid. Do you think there’s a link between the prior attempt on Jennifer’s life and her kidnapping?” Robin asked. “Was it this Catwoman who attacked Jennifer the first time?”
“More than likely there’s a connection.” Batman said. “But there’s still the collaborator from the first attack to account for, and that will be a problem to connect up, even after we catch the Catwoman.”
“So what’s our next move?” Barbara said.
“We don’t wait for the ransom demand. We go looking for Catwoman’s trail and hope it leads up to Jennifer Wentworth.” Batman answered.
“Good. Give me 15 minutes to get ready….” Barbara started
“You’re not coming.” Batman replied calmly to the surprise of Robin and the shock of Barbara.
“What? Why not?” she said more angrily that she wanted to.
“You said it yourself. Jennifer’s the bait, Batgirl’s the quarry. If Batgirl stays off the streets and out of site, Catwoman will need to keep dangling the bait to draw her out. So if Catwoman doesn’t have you, she won’t harm the widow Wentworth.”
“So you propose I just sit here and do nothing while Catwoman does who knows what to Jennifer?”
“I didn’t say that.” Batman replied calmly. “Catwoman needs Jennifer, so she will be safe. Robin and I will do the legwork. But right now, the best thing for everyone involved is for Barbara Gordon to do what she does best, research the clues and look for a possible hideout where Catwoman is holed up with Jennifer Wentworth. Once we know that, we can move in as a team, capture Catwoman and rescue Mrs. Wentworth.”
“You realize she wants us both dead.”
“Yes, I do,” Batman said.
“But she won’t do anything till she has Batgirl in her claws.” Robin added.
”I’m going to feel so helpless not being out there, helping find her.” Barbara replied. “It’s my fault Jennifer’s in this situation. I should have done more when I had the chance.”
“Both Jennifer and Batgirl did nothing to provoke this. This is evil, plain and simple.” Batman replied, taking her hands. “Don’t dwell on the act, but focus on the resolution.”
“We’ll find them both.” Robin added, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“I know you’re both right, but I don’t have to like it.” Barbara replied.
Darkness had nearly fallen when Batman and Robin left, off to gather clues and trying to pick up Catwoman’s trail. Barbara was soon on her computer, digging around the Gotham City archives.
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03.02.13
story continues in Batgirl - The Return 10: Meeting Face to Face
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