Chapter Four: Vicky, Selina, and the Cat Burglar!

Dick gave his formal tie one final tug. Perfect! Giving his reflection a self- satisfied nod, he checked his watch. Six thirty. He had plenty of time before the first guests arrived. There was a brief knock at the door, and Bruce stuck his head in.

"Ready?" he asked brusquely. Dick smirked. He'd never seen Bruce look nervous prior to a date before. It appeared that tonight was going to be exceptionally fun to watch from the sidelines.

"Yeah. Lemme get my jacket," Dick replied. Then he added innocently, "I thought Ms. Kyle and the other guests weren't due for another half hour?"

Bruce nodded absentmindedly, his mind obviously on the impending evening. Smiling to himself, Dick retrieved his dinner jacket from the closet. The two men were dressed in almost identically cut white dinner jackets. A formal dinner party in honor of Selina Kyle was Alfred's idea. No, Dick amended. It had been Alfred's Command.

Dick smiled as he recalled the scene from a few nights before when Alfred initially expressed his shocked dismay at Bruce's suggestion of a casual get together...

"'A casual get together', sir?" Alfred's droll voice dripped sarcasm. "Pray tell, are we having a backyard barbecue replete with hamburgers, hotdogs and relish for Ms. Kyle's first visit to Wayne Manor?"

"That's a terrific idea, Alf!" Dick replied enthusiastically. "Bruce, a barbecue would be so cool. I mean, no offense, but this place can sometimes seem like a mausoleum. We don't want to scare off Ms. Kyle after only her first visit here. Who knows...she might even walk away thinking that you're not some kind of stiff or something."

"A 'stiff'?" Bruce asked, slightly insulted.

"Aw, you know what I mean," Dick said. "Like you're part of a museum collection. Y'know, like one of those Egyptian mummies that's been dead for a few thousand years only doesn't know it yet." Dick looked at Bruce. "Well, jeez, Bruce! You don't want her think that you're, like, the living dead, do you? I mean, you're the coolest guy in Gotham City, but the whole secret identity gig makes it kinda hard for you to show your cool side--"

Dick stopped.

Bruce's mouth twitched slightly. The brief twinkle in his eye showed that he was trying desperately not to break out in laughter. Or in Bruce's case, not to break out in a half-smile.

Dick grinned broadly, feeling relieved. It was good to see Bruce looking happy again. This Selina Kyle must be pretty special, he thought. Dick felt suddenly anxious to make a good impression. Maybe a backyard barbecue wasn't such a good idea after all.

"Alfred, I agree with Dick," Bruce was saying thoughtfully. "Selina might enjoy a nice informal cookout with just us. Casual...just family--"

"--Uh, Bruce," Dick interrupted. "Maybe Alfred's right, and we *should* put our best formal foot forward."

"Sir?" Alfred asked taken aback.

"Well, why not?" Dick replied with a shrug. "I mean, we don't want Ms. Kyle to think that we're a bunch of slobs, do we? Let's face it, the squalid bachelor pad motif is so overdone." Dick looked at Bruce and Alfred. "I think that we should pull out all the stops for Ms. Kyle's visit, Bruce--black tie, dinner jacket...the whole nine yards. What d'you say?"

"You don't think that would be too much for a first visit?" Bruce asked. "That she wouldn't leave thinking I'm some kind of a 'stiff' as you said?"

"Heck, no. If I were a girl, and I finally got invited to the 'famous' Wayne Manor, I think that I'd feel *insulted* if you didn't plan something really special for *my* first visit," Dick opined. "Besides, how could any girl not fall at your feet? You're a great guy, Bruce! Just ask Alfred!"

Bruce and Alfred exchanged wry expressions. Bruce crossed his arms and gave his ward a pointed look. "And just why, may I ask, are you so suddenly interested that I make a good impression?"

Dick gave Bruce his most guileless look. "I don't know what you're talking about, Bruce. All I want is to make Ms. Kyle's first visit to Wayne Manor a memorable one for her...and for us."

Bruce nodded slowly, his disbelief apparent. "Uh-huh. Whatever is going through your devious mind, young man, I'm fairly certain that it's way off base. I like Selina, and I want you to meet her. That's all."

"Sure, Bruce," Dick said innocently. "Whatever you say. It's just that..."

"It's just 'what'?" Bruce asked.

"Well, I just can't remember the last time you brought anyone home specifically to meet me. I mean there was that one time with Candy Sweet...the 'model'--" Dick rolled his eyes at this. "--who made a pass at me--"

"--Please!" Bruce interrupted, cringing at *that* mistake. Dick had only been fourteen at the time. "The less said about that bubble-brained blonde, the better! A 'mutual friend' set us up. And I *didn't* invite her here specifically to meet you, just for a game of tennis. I gave Ollie a piece of my mind later, by the way, for insisting that he introduce us!"

"Well, there was that one other time when--" Dick began thoughtfully, then stopped. All of a sudden, his eyes lit up in laughter.

"That one other time when, 'what'?" Bruce asked suspiciously.

"I can't tell you," Dick said, desperately holding back his laughter. "I just remembered...Oh, brother! I haven't thought about *that* in years! It just *dawned* on me what you two were doing!"

Dick began laughing helplessly.

"I could've lived a happy and fulfilling life without ever figuring *that* out!" Dick abruptly collapsed on the sofa, his merriment overcoming him. "Honestly, Bruce...I never knew. I've never even given it a second thought. I *really* honest to God thought we were all just playing--"

"--Playing?" Bruce interrupted, a suspicious glimmer flitting across his dark eyes.

Dick nodded, trying to suppress his bubbling laughter. "Hide and seek!" he finally managed.

Bruce went suddenly still, his dark countenance thunderous. "You are treading on very dangerous ground, young man," he said quietly. "You'd best watch your next step very carefully."

Dick quickly choked on his laughter, swallowing nervously. "Uh, I don't know what you mean, Bruce. I was just a kid, remember? *You're* the one who told me to go hide downstairs and that you'd come look for me. Is it *my* fault that I found...what's her name?...Vicky Vale, first? I mean, it was Saturday...You'n me, we *always* had breakfast together in your room on Saturdays!"

"I think my advice is still fairly sound today, Dick," Bruce said, grimly. "You'd better run and hide, because when I find you..."

Dick didn't wait to hear Bruce finish the statement. He immediately took off, flying down the mansion's elegant main corridor.

"You'll never *fiiiinnnnd* me!" Dick called back tauntingly. He heard a noise behind. Yawp! Dick couldn't believe his eyes. Bruce was actually chasing him, and the look on his guardian's face was not one Dick wanted to come up against. Gulping nervously, Dick turned on the speed and instinctively sought the high ground.

"Master Dick! The chandeliers, sir!"

"Thanks, Alfie," Dick muttered, gratefully.

"Taking sides, Alfred?" Bruce said from somewhere behind Dick.

"*I*, sir?"

Dick lost the rest of Alfred's response as he desperately vaulted over a sofa, leaped onto the huge dining room table, and balancing himself like kid on a skateboard, easily slid across the highly polished surface, narrowly missing an exquisite flower arrangement.

As Dick came off the opposite end, he launched himself upwards. Laughing delightedly, Dick grabbed onto one of the elegant chandeliers that graced the Manor's massive formal dining room. Swinging from one to another, Dick somersaulted in midair, aiming towards the upper banisters.

"You can't catch meeeee!" he taunted, bringing himself up and over the railing onto the second story landing.

"Oh, no?" a deep growl threatened behind him. Dick gasped, laughing, managed to give Bruce the slip, and the chase was on once again.

That evening, for a few precious moments, the sounds of playful laughter, running feet, and slamming doors echoed through the normally staid halls of Wayne Manor.

Dick grinned amusedly at the recollection. Glancing over at his guardian's serious demeanor, Dick conscientiously tamped down the sudden snicker he felt beginning to simmer within. No need to embarrass Bruce tonight, he relented.

The Vicky Vale memory was just one of many forgotten episodes that made up Dick's largely happy childhood years in the Manor. As he and Bruce made their way downstairs, Dick was suddenly flooded with memories of that particular Saturday...

Nine-year-old Dick woke up excitedly. It was Saturday! No school today, and Bruce didn't have to go to work. Saturdays were a special time for Dick and Bruce. Since that first Saturday morning when Dick timidly entered the master bedroom to see if his new guardian was awake, Saturday mornings spent together had become almost a ritual.

Over breakfast, the two would discuss local and world events, Dick's school week, pending homework, and the status of his training. Bruce, in turn, would fill his ward in on the cases Batman was currently working on. In all, Saturdays were reserved for their growing father/son relationship.

In anxious anticipation, Dick quickly slipped on his house shoes (Alfred's orders) and rushed to his guardian's bedroom. Not bothering to knock, Dick ran up to the foot of the massive bed, then stopped.

Dick blinked, confusion washing through him. He could hear the distinctive sounds of giggles coming from underneath the covers. And from where he stood, it looked like more than one person was thrashing about, almost as if they were fighting. However, the giggles, and...Dick's eyes widened...Bruce's distinctive baritone laughter...made him realize that whatever was going on, it must be fun.

"Can I play, too?" Dick asked innocently.

The smothered giggles and laughter immediately stopped. Dick heard what sounded like a surprised shriek, which was quickly muffled. Bruce's dark tousled head instantly appeared from beneath the covers.

"Dick!?" he asked, nonplussed. "What are you doing here?"

An attractive strawberry blonde slowly emerged from the covers next to Bruce. Dick's eyes widened and his small mouth formed a surprised "O" at her somewhat shy appearance. Beautiful blue eyes framed by lovely, long eyelashes studied Dick nervously. Dick looked at her curiously. She was holding the covers up to her chin, but Dick saw that she was obviously not wearing a pajama top. He looked over at Bruce. His guardian was also naked from the waist up.

Alfred will be mad, Dick thought disapprovingly. Alfred told Dick that civilized men and women slept in their pajamas.

"It's Saturday," Dick said, shrugging, in answer to Bruce's question, as if that explained everything. He turned to the strange woman and addressed her in a rush. "Hi. I'm Dick. Who're *you*? Don't you have any PJs?" Not giving her time to reply, Dick shook his head warningly. "Alfred won't like that. He gets mad at me if I forget to put mine on." His face lighting with an idea, Dick gave her brilliant smile. "I know! You can borrow a pair from Bruce."

The redhead began to laugh softly. She sat up, still holding her covers to her chin. "Hi, Dick. I'm Vicky. Vicky Vale. I, uh, didn't think to bring any PJs with me, but I appreciate your offer."

"That's okay," Dick said, running to Bruce's dresser. He pulled up a small chair and climbed up on it, pulling open the top drawer.

"Uh, chum," Bruce began quietly, "that's quite all right. I'll get Vicky a set of my pajamas. And you know that's a very good idea. I don't why I didn't think of that myself. Vicky, don't you think that was a really good idea?"

Vicky nodded, still smiling.

"Look, Dick, why don't you run on downstairs and hide? Vicky and I had just decided to, uh, play hide and seek...right, Vicky?" Vicky smiled at Dick, her eyes dancing merrily. Again, she nodded in agreement.

"If you go on and hide," Bruce continued, "that'll give Vicky here a chance to get dressed, and uh, well, she'll hide, too, and I, um, will look for the both of you, then we'll all have breakfast together. What do you say?"

"Oh, boy! You'll never find *me*!" Dick said, laughing happily as he ran off to hide. He slid to a halt at the door. Turning around, Dick gave Bruce a profoundly thoughtful look. "Are you and Vicky getting married?" he asked, seemingly out of the blue.

Both sets of adult eyes widened at the question. "Why would you ask that, chum?" Bruce asked quietly.

"When I was a little kid, my Mom told me that Mommies and Daddies slept in the same bed after they got married." Dick dropped his eyes, then raised them slowly, meeting Bruce's longingly. "If you get married and have your own little boy, will you still want me?"

Bruce sat up and called Dick over to him. Dick walked hesitantly back to Bruce's side of the bed. Bruce reached for his ward and easily lifted him up, sitting Dick next to him on the bed.

"Listen to me, chum. If I ever get married and have any other children, you'll still be my son. I mean, we're partners, right? Don't ever think that that'll change. Do you understand?"

Dick nodded, smiling broadly. Impulsively, he hugged his guardian's neck, then turned to Vicky. "You're pretty. Do *you* like little boys?"

Vicky gave him a wistful smile. "I like little boys very much, Dick. I hope one day to have one just like you."

"Go on, chum," Bruce said. "Scoot. I'll be down in a minute to look for you."

"You'll never *fiiiinnnnd* me!" Dick repeated as he ran happily out the door...

Later that morning, the breakfast dishes long since cleared, Dick sat firmly ensconced next to Vicky, within the protective fold of her arm, on the large comfortable leather sofa in the Family Room. Bruce lay stretched out on the opposite end, the morning paper covering his face as he napped quietly.

While Vicki read out loud, Dick sat cuddling drowsily next to her, feeling warm. Mom used to hold him and read to him like this. He began to secretly hope that Bruce *would* marry Vicky.

Dick smiled at the memory. Sadly, Bruce never asked Vicky to marry him, and eventually she found someone else. Bruce never brought another woman home who made Dick feel as safe and warm as Vicky did that Saturday morning so long ago.

"Ready, chum?" Bruce asked.

Dick came back to the present. "As ready as I'll ever be. Do I look okay?"

Bruce's facetious response stopped at his lips. Instead, he gave Dick a clinically measured look, taking in his boy's height, build, and strikingly handsome features. Bruce gave himself a mental headshake. When had his little boy grown up, he asked himself. One day Dick was running into his bedroom with a broken train set, begging Bruce to "Fix it for me!" and now--?

Girls made their debuts into high society when they turned sixteen. Perhaps Bruce needed to start looking into introducing Dick to Gotham's glitterati. Not that the boy needed the old man's help, he added. But still...

"Bruce?" Dick asked. "Something wrong?"

"What?" Bruce snapped back to the question at hand. "Oh, no. Nothing's wrong. No, you look quite striking in your new jacket. The cut's perfect on you. And, for once, there's not a hair out of place." Bruce added grinning.

Dick grinned in response. He felt slightly nervous. Besides the guest of honor, they were also expecting Lucius and Mattie Fox, along with their soon to turn fifteen-year-old son, Tommy. Jim and Barbara Gordon were also coming. Dick and Bruce agreed that Selina might feel more comfortable if she weren't the sole guest. And, this way Bruce could introduce her to his closest friends, as well as, Dick.

Dick was looking forward to the evening, and to seeing Barbara again. Even if she still thought that he was only a kid, he sighed resignedly. Maybe, some day, he thought wistfully.

On the other hand, Dick was happy that Tommy would be there. Dick hadn't seen him since Tommy enrolled in a special music program for gifted children a couple of years ago. The conservatory he attended was located several hours away in Upper Gotham State. The two youngsters exchanged occasional letters, but it would be nice to see him again.

And, of course, he'd finally get to meet the guest of honor, Selina Kyle.

Perhaps Selina Kyle wasn't a 'dish' as Bruce said, but brother, she sure was a *fox* in every sense of the word, Dick thought. He hadn't been able keep his eyes off her through the entire meal, to the point that he'd hardly spoken two complete sentences to Barbara.

"Tell me, Jim," Mattie was saying as Alfred cleared the dinner dishes. The group was getting ready to move to the family room for coffee and dessert. "What's the GCPD doing about this sudden spate of 'cat burglaries' that have been plaguing Gotham City?"

"Cat burglaries?" asked Selina curiously. "How intriguing." To Dick's fascination, as Selina tilted her head slightly to give Gordon her full attention, the soft glow from the chandeliers above seemed to catch her diamond earrings and necklace in a rainbow of defused sparkles. She spoke in a soft, sensuous contralto that held Dick in thrall.

Selina's long, sable hair, worn up in a French twist, was tastefully adorned with an emerald comb that set off her exquisite green eyes. She was wearing a simple black shift that showed off her gracefully athletic figure to its greatest advantage.

Dick felt somebody's eyes him. He immediately shifted his gaze to Bruce, who was glaring at him with a single raised eyebrow. Grinning sheepishly, Dick turned his attention to the conversation at hand.

Gordon was talking about the recent burglaries. His interest piqued, Dick listened. He'd spent the greater part of the two previous evenings on the Cray computers researching both the current string of robberies and any similar ones in the past. What he'd found out was enough to catch even Batman's interest...

"Nothing really intriguing about this particular case, Selina," Gordon said gruffly. "The MO has been the same with each robbery. The perp selects a high rise apartment building, which is seemingly burglarproof, but somehow manages to break in, although not through ordinary means."

Looking around the table, Gordon saw that he had the other guests' attention. Sitting up a bit straighter, he continued.

"Usually, the burglar gains entrance through a window or the balcony. And it doesn't matter what floor he's selected, either. He actually broke into a thirty-story apartment once. From the window." Gordon shook his head in reluctant admiration. "The building was over forty stories high, and near as we could figure, the burglar must've lowered himself from the roof, then, using a glass cutter, broke in. However, prior to gaining entrance, he first had to disable the alarm system. A very sophisticated system, by the way...one of the best available."

"Is it possible that the burglar knew his victims?" asked Lucius. "It seems much too coincidental that he knew exactly where and when to break in. Not to mention the location of the valuables that he's stolen."

Selina gave a soft, almost purr-like laugh. "I thought you said that this case wasn't 'intriguing,' Jim. So far, you have *my* undivided attention." She looked around the table. "What about the rest of you?"

"I've been fascinated by it ever since I got home for Spring Break," Barbara said. "Remember the other day when you met me at the library, squirt?" Ignoring Dick's answering scowl, she continued, "I was doing some research into any other cat burglaries with similar MOs for Dad." She looked suddenly thoughtful.

"Did you discover anything, Barbara?" Selina asked, taking a sip from her wineglass.

"I'm not sure, really. May I tell them what I found, Dad?" she asked. At Gordon's nod, Barbara related what she'd uncovered with her research. "Well, there's really not much to tell other than about thirty-seven years ago, there was a string of similar burglaries in town."

Dick and Bruce exchanged sudden glances. So far Batman and Robin hadn't called Batgirl into the case. Apparently, Barbara discovered some of the same information that Dick uncovered.

"So Gotham is in the grips of a reign of terror being visited upon us by a sixty-two year old burglar?" Selina asked, laughing softly. Dick again noticed Selina's engaging, almost purr-like laughter.

Barbara smiled, chagrinned. "No. Unfortunately, that cat burglar has been dead for these past thirty-seven years. He was killed on his last job." She gave her father an apologetic look.

"What happened, Barbara?" Tommy asked, his curiosity overcoming his natural shyness. It was one of the first words the quiet boy had spoken that evening.

Barbara looked around the table. The others' interest encouraged her to continue. Within minutes, the dinner guests were transported to another time and place...

That night, thirty-seven years ago, Barbara began, the cat burglar had already hit three other places. His take for the night so far was close to fifty grand, a vast amount in those days.

Like the current cat burglar, the one from thirty-seven years ago also seemed to have a strange affinity for cats; although, not to the extent of our present one. However, he did at one point, go so far as to wash out the food bowl of one of his victims' pets. He even left the poor, hapless owner a warning that if she didn't take better care of her cat, he'd be back.

On earlier burglaries, the guy had perhaps hit one or two places, max. And he'd never taken more than he could carry. For some reason, though, this night he got greedy. As I said before, Barbara continued, he'd already hit three other places, so the GCPD was hot on the burglar's trail.

As soon as he cracked open this particular safe, located in the offices of the Wayne Foundation, they had him. Apparently, a rookie cop surmised that the next target would be the newly established Wayne Foundation offices.

Doctor Thomas Wayne and his wife, Martha, held their first fundraiser that night for the Foundation. Apparently, they'd raised close to a quarter of a million dollars. Doctor Wayne and his wife were good people who opened their hearts--and wallets--to the people of Gotham. They were honest and trusting; therefore, they didn't think it necessary to place the money in a bank that night, nor to hire any security guards.

Instead, Doctor Wayne just put all the cash and checks in his office safe for the night. The cat burglar struck at about three a.m. The Wayne Foundation building was completely deserted.

Completely deserted, that is, except for one, young, twenty-two year old rookie cop, named Jimmy Gordon...

Barbara paused. "Care to take it from here, Dad?"

Gordon smiled at his beloved daughter and took up where she'd left off...

I was beginning to feel extremely foolish, Gordon began. I mean, I'd been ordered to stay off the case by the detectives in charge. This was their case, and I was just a wet-behind-the-ears rookie. I'd only been on the force for three months.

But something told me...I don't know, call it gut instinct, that the cat burglar was going to strike a fourth time that night. I just knew that the three previous robberies that night had been but a practice run for the real thing--the big payoff.

I don't know how I knew, but I knew, as sure as I'm sitting here, that this would be the Big One. The last hit. After tonight, the cat burglar was going to sit back and live off the laurels of his ill-gotten gains.

And there was only one place on this particular night that I knew would have the kind of money he'd need to retire in style, the Wayne Foundation building.

So, early that evening, I found a broom closet in which to hide. When everyone vacated the building for the night, I made my way to Doctor Wayne's private office. I found a nice dark corner, pulled up a chair, and waited.

I waited so long that I seriously began to feel like I was on the wrong track. But eventually, my waiting paid off. At approximately two-fifty-eight, I heard a noise from outside the window. You must understand, that Doctor Wayne's office was located on the thirty-ninth floor, so anyone outside had no business being there.

I heard a strange, high-pitched scratching sound, and immediately realized that the cat burglar was carefully cutting the glass. Within minutes, he was inside. And the strangest thing...I know we'd been calling him a 'cat' burglar, but to my surprise that's exactly what he turned out to be. The man was wearing some kind of a 'cat' mask--you know, with ears and whiskers--and he had on one of those one-piece jobbies, called a 'cat-suit.'

I thought I was dealing with either some kind of a wise guy or a real nutcase. So, I didn't take any chances. I remained hidden, until he committed sufficient offenses in my presence to put him away for life. By the time he'd filled his sack with all of the night's take, I had him covered.

I called out, Halt, in the name of the law!...I know, I know, but I was young and feeling mighty nervous. Anyway, it did the trick. He stopped what he was doing and just stood there, his back to me, his hands held out at his sides.

I started walking towards him, keeping him covered the whole time. You have the right to remain silent, I began. Anything you say can and will be used against you--

That's as far as I got. Next thing I knew, I was tumbling head over heels, my gut kicked in. Jeez, but he was fast...quick as a cat! Before I could recover, he was letting me have it with *both* feet. I lost my grip on my handgun, and we both dove for it. To this day I don't really remember what happened next. We struggled for the gun.

Finally, he managed to wrest it from me altogether. Keeping me covered, he slowly backed to the window. He warned me that he didn't want to shoot me, but that he would if I interfered. Well, I wasn't about to let him get away...not after all this.

So, still being young and foolish, I saw what I thought was an opening, and I dove for him. He fired. I knew I'd been hit. I could feel this incredibly cold hand suddenly spreading its fingers through me. I just looked at him...I don't know. I must've looked desperate, because he dropped the gun, and rushed over to me.

He began treating the wound by applying pressure to stop the bleeding. He ripped up some of my uniform shirt and used it as makeshift bandage. While he worked, he cussed me out a blue streak for throwing him off his timetable. I was quickly losing consciousness, and although I was grateful that he hadn't left me there to bleed to death, I still had a sworn duty to perform.

When his back was to me for a moment, I managed to reach my gun, and cocking it, I pointed it at him. I ordered him to bring me the phone, and still barely hanging onto reality, I called for backup.

When at long last, I heard the sirens, I passed out. That's the last I remember. When I woke up, I was in the hospital.

I was told that cat burglar had been killed while trying to escape. The GCPD chased him all over the city's rooftops. My partner, O'Malley, told me that 'The Cat,' as the burglar had been dubbed that night, was a sight to behold, leaping from rooftop to rooftop, swinging from the eaves with what looked like a whip. O'Malley said that it was the most incredible thing he'd ever seen. Finally, The Cat was surrounded at the Katmandu Towers. He had no where to go. He was ordered to surrender, and when he didn't give up, the police sniper was ordered to take the shot.

The force from the impact of the high-powered police sniper rifle threw him over the building and down to the waters of the Gotham River below. Although, his body and the loot were never recovered, he was presumed dead...

"I don't understand, Commissioner," Tommy said tentatively. "If The Cat tried to save your life when he could've just let you die, why did the GCPD kill him?"

Gordon glanced at him sadly.

"The official story was that the cat burglar wounded a police officer while in the performance of his duty. The *real* reason? Some eager beaver cops were out to make a name for themselves at the expense of others' lives. That man could've been taken alive. Instead, because of me, he's dead today."

"And because of *him*, you're alive." Selina uttered this last, barely above a whisper. Gordon quickly looked over at her, and then slowly nodded in agreement.

"Yes, because of him, I'm still alive today. And believe me, it's a guilt I live with every day of my life."

A solemn gloom seemed to settle over the dinner table.

As if to alleviate the mood, Bruce suddenly stood and tapped his wineglass for attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, enough shoptalk for the moment. I would like to propose a toast...Gentlemen, if you would please join me?"

As one, the men all stood. "To the ladies...for gracing us tonight with their beauty, their charming dinner conversation, and their most delightful company."

Together, the men intoned cheerfully, "To the ladies!" The women all exchanged pleased, yet embarrassed glances at the unexpected accolade.

"Gentlemen, please assist your lovely dinner partners with their seats. It's time that we move on to the Family Room. Alfred will be serving coffee and dessert there, and he promises us a big surprise!"

The other guests gamely went along with Bruce, voicing their anticipation of a special surprise from Alfred.

Soon the small group of closely-knit friends were all sitting comfortably around the Wayne Family Room's massive fireplace. A cheery fire helped keep the early Spring chill away. Lucius and Mattie Fox were sitting together, hand-in- hand, in a loveseat just big enough for two. Lucius leaned over and whispered something to his wife. She turned to him suddenly and playfully slapped him on the arm.

"Look at them," Tommy whispered to Dick. "Like a couple of kids." Dick was showing Tommy the baby grand piano. Tommy gasped in delight at its clear tones and immediately began playing Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.

Dick smiled as he stood next to his childhood friend, watching and listening as Tommy played. The Fox's twenty-year marriage had been a constant presence in Dick's life. Lucius and Mattie were practically family, and Dick cared for Tommy like a kid brother.

Dick shook his head ruefully. For an only child, you sure have a lot of 'siblings', Grayson.

He looked over to where Bruce and Selina were sitting, strangely apart, on the large leather sofa immediately in front of the fireplace. Dick narrowed his eyes, thoughtfully. What's with that, he wondered? He didn't wonder long, however, because at that moment, he caught sight of Barbara standing in the dimness near the massive bookcases.

The dancing flames from the fireplace threw unusual combinations of shadows and light in her direction. Dick saw how her flaming red hair seemed to just naturally glow by the firelight. She looked like a sunset at midnight, he mused.

"Jim, if you'll pardon my ghoulish curiosity," Selina called over the quiet murmur of conversation, "this cat burglar still has me fascinated. If the others wouldn't mind, I'm dying to hear some more about the current one." She paused, almost like a guilty child caught doing something naughty.

"Well, if the others don't mind me talking cop shop," Gordon replied.

"Heavens no, Jim! I'm also dying to hear more," Mattie assured him.

"Me, too," chimed in Tommy, pausing, then continuing with his playing.

"I'm also interested, Jim," admitted Bruce.

"Very well, Selina," Gordon said smiling. "What else would you like to know about the perp?"

"'Perp'? 'He?'" Selina asked distastefully. "Are you implying that you know your 'cat burglar' is a 'he', Jim?"

"No, no not at all. We have no clue as to the burglar's gender."

"That's an interesting point, Jim," Bruce broke in. "Have you managed to tie in any female cat burglar MOs to our current thief?"

"Bruce, I haven't been able to determine *any*thing about our perp," Gordon said tiredly, "other than he or she has a fondness for cats."

"Cats?" Fox asked. "Like the previous cat burglar?"

"Yes," Gordon said nodding. "Cats. But unlike the first cat burglar who broke into office buildings and private homes alike for the simple purpose of robbing them, the current burglar has broken only into homes and apartments that have a housecat. Usually, the burglar washes the cat's bowl and leaves it clean and dry on the kitchen countertop."

Gordon shrugged his shoulders.

"Unlike his predecessor, he's never left any letters threatening reprisals if the owners don't clean up their act. However, on at least two occasions, the burglar has done more than just wash the food bowl, he's dumped the litter box in the middle of the living room and taken the cat." He looked around the table helplessly. "I don't know...you tell me why he'd steal a house cat. It's got *me* stumped!"

"Maybe the burglar likes cats and he or she is telling the cat owners to take better care of their pets," offered Tommy shyly.

Dick smiled at him and jumped in with his own two cents. "Sure, Commissioner," Dick chimed in. "Maybe the reason the burglar took the house cats is because they were being mistreated. I know that one act of kindness doesn't take away from the fact that the burglar stole some expensive jewelry and a large amount of cash. But maybe the burglar is only casing places that *have* cats, which for what ever reason, he or she believes are being abused."

"That's quite an astute observation, Dick...Tommy," Selina interjected. "Perhaps these young men have a point, Jim. Perhaps, your 'cat burglar' is merely giving back some grief to people that he or she believes have been either cruel or negligent in the care of their innocent household pets?"

"You may be onto something, boys...Selina," Gordon said thoughtfully. "I'll have my lead detectives look into it first thing tomorrow."

"What about 'Batman'?" Selina asked.

"What?! Batman?!" Gordon asked, almost spewing out his drink. He quickly dabbed at his lips. "Forgive me, Selina, but the GCPD doesn't bother Batman over a string of 'cat burglaries' or 'cat-nappings' for that matter. The Dark Knight has enough on his plate with crazies like the Joker and Two-Face. There's no reason to bother him with the frightening crime wave of the Cat Burglar!"

The other guests laughed lightly at Gordon's quip. Selina's soft, purr-like laugh left Dick a bit reticent. Giving himself a mental headshake, Dick smiled to himself. So far, the evening had gone well. The others were utterly disarmed by Selina, and Dick liked her from the start. She was beautiful, gracious, intelligent, and completely charming. Dick felt that she would make a perfect match for Bruce.

Plus, Bruce was obviously smitten by her.

"Excuse me, sir," Alfred spoke up from the doorway. "But all is in readiness."

Bruce gave Alfred a brief nod, then turning to the others, he stood. "Ladies and gentlemen. It's always special to share a meal with friends and family." The others nodded in agreement. "But when we are gathered on the occasion of not one, but two birthdays...then, the occasion becomes even more memorable."

Bruce faced Dick. "Dick, I know that sometimes the old man forgets that you're growing up. But I assure you that only a blind man wouldn't notice tonight just how much you've grown and matured since the first day you walked into my life, a small scared kid, with a pair of bright blue eyes that could tear a guy's heart out." Bruce swallowed, getting his emotions under tight control. "Dick, I'm proud of who you are, and I'm proud of who you're going to be. And more than anything else I've ever done in my life, Son, I'm proud...and grateful...for the privilege of watching you grow all these years."

Dick stood slowly, stunned by the public tribute from Bruce. He blinked rapidly to hold back the sudden onslaught of tears. Unable to articulate a coherent answer, Dick stood silently, holding his guardian's gaze for a long moment. To lighten the mood, Bruce added, "And no, Dick, you don't get another car out of me this year."

The room erupted in a light smattering of relieved laughter. Barbara ran quickly up to Dick and hugged him. "You might be all grown up, Dick," she whispered fiercely, "but you're still a squirt." Smiling teasingly, Barbara gave Dick a quick, sisterly peck on the cheek, then moved over to sit next to her father.

Bruce walked over to stand next to his boy, and placed his hand warmly on Dick's shoulder. He gave Dick a half-smile, then turned and nodded at Lucius and Mattie. Lucius immediately stood.

"Tommy, when I held you for the first time," Lucius began, "you were only five minutes old. It was love at first sight. That was fifteen years ago, next week, and my love for you hasn't dimmed. Son, your mother and I couldn't be prouder of you, or love you more than we do right now."

"Tommy," Mattie began, "you're my baby boy, and you always will be. But tonight, one week before you turn fifteen, your Daddy and I want to--" Mattie stopped, overcome with emotion.

"Your mother and I want to tell you that we are proud...so very proud...of the young man that you've become." Lucius paused, near tears. "We love you, Tommy."

Tommy cried out and ran into his parents' arms. Like Bruce, Lucius tried to lighten the mood by adding, "And no, you don't get your presents until next week!" The others laughed lightly.

The lights to the family room suddenly went out. Before the gasps of surprise from the guests could turn into real panic, Alfred appeared at the double doors, a giant birthday cake before him. The room burst into spontaneous applause, accompanied by a smattering of ooh's and ahh's.

The cake had two 'numeral candles' on the center: 15 and 16, which were in turn surrounded by the appropriate amount of lit candles. In blue and yellow lettering, the words 'Happy Birthday, Dick and Tommy' were written in lovely script on the face.

Dick and Tommy grinned delightedly, and their friends and family began to sing "Happy Birthday" to them. The youngsters each quickly made a wish and blew out their respective candles.

The rest of the evening wound down all too soon. Dick didn't really have a chance to speak to Barbara, but he and Tommy entertained the other guests with a musical interlude, Tommy on the piano; Dick with his guitar. They selected a simple John Denver tune that they both knew well, with Dick doing the vocals in his clear tenor.

"Lady, are you crying?
Do the tears belong to me?

Lady, my sweet lady, I'm as close as I can be
I swear to you our time has just begun."

"Dick," Lucius said into the stunned silence that followed the kids' performance, "any time you want, I think that I can get you an audition at Tommy's music conservatory."

Dick dropped his head, embarrassed. "Thanks, Mister Fox," he managed. Barbara walked up to him.

"Dick, I didn't know you could sing so well. And Tommy, your playing is as lovely as ever." The youngsters smiled at the compliments. Dick wished privately that Barbara knew the song was meant for her.

"Dick, Tommy," Selina said coming up to them. "Thank you both so much. I *love* that song...my father used to sing it all the time when I was a little girl." She stopped, suddenly, as if she'd said too much. Then smiling graciously, she thanked them again.

Bruce came up behind her, and gently placed his hands on her arms. "Are you ready to go home, Selina?" he asked. Turning to him, Selina gave him a smile whose force Dick could feel, all the way over where he was sitting.

Grinning to himself, Dick crossed his fingers, and quietly repeated his birthday wish. "She's the one for him. Please, don't let anything spoil it for them."

"What did you say, squirt?" Barbara asked. At his dark look, she gave him an apologetic smile. "I mean, 'what did you say, Dick'?" she amended.

"Nothing," Dick said, shaking his head. "A birthday wish can't come true if you tell it to others. And this is *one* birthday wish that I'm gonna do everything in my power to make come true."

The guests were all slowly saying their good-byes and making their way to the front entrance.

"A lovely evening, Bruce," Mattie said.

"Dick, don't be a stranger," Tommy added, shaking his hand. "Write me! I miss my Gotham friends!"

"Thanks for having us, Bruce," Gordon said. "Hopefully, by the time I see you again, this 'cat burglar' mess will be over."

"Selina, it was wonderful meeting you," Barbara said. "I hope to see you again, soon."

"Yes, Selina," Mattie called, "I'm having a little brunch next Wednesday for some of the executive wives from Wayne Enterprises. We'd love to have you. Please, don't make up your mind now. I'll call you on Tuesday."

Selina nodded her head, while giving Bruce a 'Help me out, here' look. Bruce simply smiled at her. As the other guests finally drove off, Bruce turned to her.

"Better get used to it, Selina. I'm afraid that Mattie Fox has been trying to marry me off since I graduated from college. If she has any say in it, you're the next target of opportunity."

Selina looked seriously at Bruce.

"Would you prefer that I don't attend?" she asked.

"Are you kidding? Mattie is part of my strategic plan to wear down your resistance."

"What resistance?" Selina asked suggestively. They immediately looked lost in each other.

Dick, who'd been watching their by-play amusedly, decided that it was time to make his exit. "Uh, Ms. Kyle," he began, clearing his throat.

Bruce and Selina turned as one; they'd obviously forgotten all about him.

"Um, I, uh, just wanted to say that, uh, it's been a real pleasure. I mean, that--"

"Dick, please call me, Selina," she requested. Selina walked up to him and gently lay her hand on his arm. "And it's been a real pleasure for me to meet you, too. I was very worried about you, you know." At his startled look, she nodded for emphasis. "Oh, yes...meeting the teenage son is always one of life's awkward moments, but you made it easy for me. And I appreciate it." She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, causing him to blush furiously. "Happy birthday, Dick. And many happy returns."

Dick smiled at her, then looked quickly over at Bruce, who was watching them with a slight smile. Unable to meet their eyes, Dick looked down quickly. "I- I'm really happy that you both like each other so much. If-if you were ever worried about me...how I'd feel about it...don't be...I-I couldn't be happier for Bruce or for you, Ms., uh, S-Selina." With that, Dick turned and quickly went up to his room.

Continued...

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