BAE Chapter 15

“Barbara Gordon!”

Jim Gordon is saved. It’s not the first time he’s been saved by a redhead.

Barbara collects herself and turns around, coming face to face with Vicki Vale. Before she can even try to say anything, another redhead muscles in beside her.

Summer Gleeson.

Both are attractive women, but only Vicki is flaunting it in a daring, lavender evening gown that shows entirely too much cleavage. Her heels are insane and her lips are glossier than Alfred’s shoes. Her eyes glint with curiosity.

Summer’s dressed nicely, but still a reporter. She frowns at her colleague and straightens her glasses. Vicki’s hair is lighter than Barbara’s and Summer’s is darker. The three of them make for a nice palette.

“Hi, Commissioner,” Vicki says distractedly to Dad as she sticks her hand out to Barbara. “Vicki Vale, Gotham Gazette. Let’s talk about this incredible glow-up that you’re having, Ms. Gordon. Let’s talk about how a girl with a few gymnastics trophies and an attractive public figure for a father finds herself on the fast track at Wayne Enterprises.”

Barbara is stunned by the deluge of words. Vicki is fearless.

“Or,” Summer cuts in, literally giving Vicki a hip bump to get in front of Barbara, “You could talk to an actual reporter. Summer Gleeson, Gotham Insider. Ms. Gordon, I understand you declared a sudden sabbatical to take this position. Bruce Wayne hasn’t been seen in three months. Are you making your move while Mr. Wayne is away?”

Behind them, a third woman is snapping photos. She’s a pretty brunette, dressed less conservatively than Summer, but not as lasciviously as Vicki. Her black dress and matching flats are cute, but she looks uncomfortable in them, as though she doesn’t wear these sorts of clothes often. Her press pass identifies her as a photographer with the Gotham Gazette: Lisa Vale.

Barbara can see the resemblance. She didn’t know that Vicki had a sister.

Vicki bumps back in.

“Ms. Gordon, how are you coping as a victim of the Seed attack?” she asks.

That is playing dirty. It’s not surprising that Vicki has gotten access to the medical records that would reveal the names of the victims. It’s a little surprising that she would immediately threaten to out Barbara as one of them. She’s probably bluffing, but it’s a shrewd move. Vicki is good. She’s hoping this ambitious young woman is worried about her public image and wants to shape it. Vicki’s well-known for her willingness to do anything to get what she needs.

“Vicki, do you really want to admit to having illegal access to protect health information in front of the police commissioner?” Summer asks tiredly.

“Ridiculous. It’s just a rumor,” Vicki laughs.

“A rumor about a girl who nobody knew about until this morning?” Summer counters.

Dad leans toward Barbara. “You got this, Princess?”

“I can handle them, Dad,” she assures him. He looks worried.

Barbara smiles.

Should she offer an exclusive to Vicki?

Or to Summer?

Or blow them both off?