Dispel The Darkness

[lesliethompkins]

Hope for the best, expect the worst. It's one of the many valuable lessons Leslie has learned over the years. Taught by her father, reinforced by experience. She had hoped the bomb delivered maliciously to the clinic would not be an indication of things to come. Somehow she knew that wouldn't be the case.

A week later, there are three patients in residence. Black Mask has had his revenge. Leslie and a select few are left to pick up the pieces.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"Ah. Very good. I would be displeased if I had to make room in my calendar to give the man a verbal thrashing."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

She chuckles. "I have the distinct impression that neither manners nor reputation are of much importance to our recent guest."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"Manners, no. Reputation, however...." He casts a pious glance skyward. "I would say that Mr. Constantine simply has a more elastic approach to his reputation than the average man."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

She pauses over her coffee. "Elastic?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"Quite. For some men, their reputation must be unsullied, or at least consistent. Mr. Constantine prefers to let his reputation suit whatever arcane purpose he has at any given time."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

Her expression grows serious. "He was here to supposedly help Selina."

She wonders briefly if his presence here was driven by some other motive.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"Of that I have no doubt," Alfred returns, "but why else was he here?"

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

"You suspect him of something devious?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"Frequently."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

The rolling of the eyes speaks volumes. A smile once again graces her face. "I imagine some rather colorful stories could be told. He referred to Bruce as 'the prat'. I assume the two don't get along."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"Rather like oil and flame, my dear doctor." Alfred barely sniffs. "More coffee?"

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

"That would be lovely. Thank you. Speaking of Bruce-"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"Quite. I am certain he has already overexerted himself." Balancing the tray, he offers her his arm. "Shall we?"

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

Their work is never done it seems.

Happily, she slips her arm his and they return silently to the choices they've made.