Chapter Text
MEMORIAL DAY: THE SOIREE, MONDAY, 5:00 PM
Ryan is standing on the Gotham City Yacht Club deck, looking through a pair of binoculars down at the yacht party where her mark is located. Every step she takes towards her destination will be made with intention. She needs to know who is already on the boat compared to who RSVP’d to attend, and those most likely to crash but who haven't arrived yet. She knows every face and background, and has a prepared conversation for anyone she might encounter. However, her plan is to only interact with specific people that will lead her to Kate Kane.
It’s a rare, beautiful summer day, without even a breeze running from the water to Amusement Mile. While planning a yacht party in the typically gray city was always a risk, this time of year tended to behave favorably. So, the Kanes played the odds and continued with their annual Soiree. Everyone who was anyone, or wanted to be someone was in attendance. The party was invite-only, but guests were allowed to bring others, because more people meant more press. So, if you knew someone who knew someone, you could spend the afternoon indulging in top-of-the-line champaign and the highest quality Hors D'oeuvres that money could buy.
The Kanes were well known, and admired by as many as they were judged by. They made regular contributions to charities, including the donations that came out of their summer Soiree - invited guests were expected to bid on various offerings from local businesses, or to make sizable grants to the foundations promoted during the event if they preferred that to what was being auctioned. This kept those who would loudly criticize them for their lavish, nanny and waitstaff-filled lives at bay, because the community had become dependent on contributions from the event over the years. Nonetheless, it was clearly all for show, because they never frequented those businesses, and had no relationships with the individuals who operated them. All of it was handled by the event planners to generate positive PR for social media and news outlets.
Ryan’s pathway to infiltrating the Kanes begins with their playgirl daughter, Kate, who she’s spotted talking with her step sister Mary Hamilton and a woman she didn’t expect to see. A tall, modelesque Black woman in a wide brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses that make her look like she belongs with them even though her demeanor suggests she’s uncomfortable. Reading body language, and anticipating a person’s feelings and reactions is a critical skill that Ryan has honed. The long-legged woman in a tangerine blazer and short set, with caramel braids falling down her back isn’t sure she should be at this party. Ryan can’t really afford any detours from her plan, but she is confident that she can handle one small variable. She tucks the binoculars back into her duffle bag, and heads to the yacht club's locker room to store her gear and give herself one last look before she begins her journey towards revenge.
~~~~~
5 DAYS EARLIER: THE LOFT, WEDNESDAY, 11:00 AM
Luke carries an extra large box through the brown door with glazed windows, into Ryan’s new penthouse loft. While it shouldn’t be new, because she almost lived here once before, that chance had been taken from her almost 13 years ago. At the time, this was a two bedroom apartment that she and her mom were moving into. It has since been renovated and opened up to become a one bedroom with a huge master closet and a relatively open floor plan, with the exception of a couple of glass walls separating the kitchen and living area.
Luke: “Aren’t you the one who’s been training to take down a linebacker for the better part of a decade? Why am I stuck with the big box?”
Ryan gently places her wooden box with the symbol for unconditional love etched into its lid and filled with everything her mom passed down to her before her life was brutally taken, onto the kitchen counter, while Luke all but drops the box onto the floor.
Ryan: “Because we need to keep up appearances. And break it, you buy it.”
Luke: “What’s even in it? Bricks?”
Ryan: “Equipment.”
Luke: “That’s not mysterious…”
Ryan opens the smaller box and looks at the last picture she has with her mom, which will never get hung in this place.
Ryan: “We’re home, Mama.”
Luke comes up behind her and looks at the picture.
Luke: “Probably weird to be back here…”
Ryan quickly places the picture back in the box, closes the lid, and slides it in the empty cupboard above the stove where a vent would typically be, but the built-in microwave serves that purpose now. She turns to face Luke, with a determined expression on her face.
Ryan: “No…She wanted this place for us. And not coming back would just be letting them keep what they tried to take from us. I’m going to get it all back for her.”
Luke: “So, where do we start?”
Evan: “Knock knock?”
Ryan quickly shifts her expression into one with ease and lightness.
Ryan: “Right here, right now…EVAN! You made it!”
Evan: “Robyn! This place is incredible! Modern vintage? Your agent must be amazing to have found such a gem before it was even listed!”
Instead, Ryan had one of her contacts offer the prior renter a job out of the country that started in the same week that she was beginning her own new job. When the renter said they’d be breaking a lease and would need a sign-on bonus to cover the cost, their boss-to-be agreed to their counter offer, and also said they knew of someone who was moving to Gotham and urgently looking for an apartment. The switch was seamless.
Ryan met Evan earlier that morning while getting an iced coffee with oat milk at their favorite Java spot, where they went every single morning at 7AM sharp. She’d ordered right before them, paying with cash, and leaving her change to pay for the coffee of the person behind her. Evan caught her at the napkin and sugar bar, sprinkling brown sugar on top of her drink, and came over to introduce themselves, having never seen her before after months of the same daily routine.
Evan: “Evan Blake, they/them. Thanks for the coffee newbie.”
Ryan: “Robyn Wilde, she/her. You’re welcome, and it’s nice to meet you!”
Ryan, of course already knew who they were, and that they would be there, and how to make them fall in love with her so that they'd be instant best friends who absolutely had to hang out before the day was over.
Ryan: “I think it was just meant to be.”
Evan: “Just like us, new bestie! And who’s this handsome gentleman with excellent taste in suits?”
Ryan: “You said your name was Larry?”
Luke rolls his eyes, and reaches out his hand to shake Evan’s.
Luke: “Luke. We just met downstairs.”
Ryan: “That’s right! Luke offered to help me carry this box upstairs when he saw me get it out of my trunk.”
Evan: “Honey, you know Robyn’s into the ladies, right? But I’m free tonight.”
Luke: “Thank you, but she and I have the same taste, and I was just offering because the box looked big enough for her to fit inside of it.”
Ryan: “We’ve known each other for five minutes, and you’re already making short jokes?”
Evan: “I find a sense of humor very sexy.”
Luke: “Robyn, Evan, it was nice to meet you, but I’ve got to get back to work.”
Evan gets close to Ryan and speaks in a hushed tone.
Evan: “He’s working somewhere pretty fancy in that Armani suit.”
Ryan: “It was nice to meet you, Luke. Thanks for the help! And, speaking of work, I appreciate you breaking from your bitchy boss to spend your lunch with me.”
Evan: “Please. It’s so intense over there right now, I’m glad for the break. I just told her I’d be checking in on some of the vendors for the event next week while I was here. So she’s not expecting me back for a while, anyway.”
Ryan: “What’s the event again? And you said they were the Cranes?”
Evan: “The Kanes. Girl, you’re going to need to get better at names if you’re going to be spending time with the wasps in this part of Gotham. Anyway, it’s their annual, Memorial Day Soiree. The event that kicks off all of the good deed events for the summer.”
The Kanes are at the top of the one percenters in Gotham, with Jacob Kane being the founder of The Crows, which was initially private security for the rich and famous, but expanded beyond its scope of governance because the GCPD wasn’t keeping the local riff-raff far enough away from its clients. To add to their wealth and comforts, Jacob had married Catherine Hamilton, CEO of Hamilton Dynamics, the leading defense company that backed The Crows when it came to fruition. An arm of the company was working to make strides in how technology was leveraged for healthcare. Their designs were so advanced and required such high-quality materials that only those with the greatest access and means had ever benefited from their creations. And, because what wealthy family doesn't also own more property than they can live in, if for nothing else besides for tax write-offs, they'd also bought and managed apartments and condos under the brand Kane Properties, though that had dwindled down to this last building, which Ryan was now residing in.
Ryan still can't believe that this building, that used to be in one of the most overlooked areas of Gotham, where cops might not even come in time to save you if you needed them at the wrong time of day or you weren’t the right person making the call, had been gentrified to the point that she was neighbors with people who drive Jaguars as their commuter cars. When the Kanes realized that the area was turning and that they couldn't ignore this building anymore, they decided to flip it.
Ryan: “Good deed events?”
Evan: “Yes! The rich love to make a big show of giving their money away to us little folks as an excuse to throw fancy events while the sun’s out. They started them back up when both of their twins came home, to cover up the misdeeds of the bad twin and show off the glory of the good twin. And their youngest, who’s really the best of them and is on her way to being an MD, is almost of no concern to them, which is a huge miss since her social media following is at least a quarter of the attendees with big pockets.”
Ryan: “There’s a good twin and a bad twin? Why does this sound like a Lindsay Lohen movie?”
Evan: “More like the Olsens. There’s a Mary, a Kate, AND a Beth!”
Ryan: “You’re kidding!! Too bad there’s no Ashley. What’s their mom’s name?”
Evan: “I am not! Except, the twins are Kate and Beth. And Catherine Hamilton is actually Mary’s mom. Their father, Jacob Kane, married her just a short year after their mom’s car was driven off of the road by a big, yellow school bus, and over a bridge with them inside of it. Kate was able to grab her sister and swim to safety, but Beth always wished Kate had saved their mother instead.”
Ryan: “Well, you’re certainly well informed.”
Evan: “Oh yeah, we go way back! Kate and I were really close in high school. She’s always been unapologetically out, and she was the only person I could talk to when I figured out being referred to as him all of the time felt like being called out of my name. She was my prom date! And Mary has been fighting for attention by being a perfect angel forever, and all it does is make them ignore her more, but she’s absolutely lovely. Beth is evil incarnate.”
Ryan: “But you work for their mom? Planning these events?”
Evan: “Among other things. I’m a scholarship kid who went to school with all of them, so I have to actually work my way up to CEO, no offense.”
Ryan: “None taken.”
Evan: “I’ve got goals, honey! I’m an entrepreneur. They’ll all see how fabulous I make the Kanes look, and be begging me to do the same for them in no time. Then I’ll hire a team, and I can be the queen of my own ship!”
Ryan: “So, what’s going to make you look your best at this event?”
Evan: “Besides my Dior, making them have such a fantastic time, and feel so competitive from the richness they’re surrounded by that they want to spend all of their money to remind everyone they have it. It costs a grand to even walk through the door, but I need them to drop at least ten of those, or I’m going to have to spend my summer chasing them down and convincing them to give back to the community that they don’t actually give two shits about.”
Ryan: “Hey, you know at least one person who does actually care, and that you wouldn’t have to chase down.”
Evan: “Seriously? You would come? It would make it soooo much more fun for me if you were there!”
Ryan: “Of course I’d come. I’ve gotta start putting faces to all of these names at some point, anyway.”
And just like that, Ryan’s plan was in motion.
~~~~~
13 YEARS AGO: THE LOFT
Ryan: “Mama, why don’t we have the same last name?”
Cora Lewis had just finished signing the leasing agreement and collecting the keys for their new apartment that sat above the restaurant she had recently opened. She had been working for the Kane family as their personal chef, and had managed the catering for their frequent, large events until she’d saved enough money to open her own restaurant. She’d named it Big Bellies, because she wanted everyone who walked in to walk out feeling stuffed. Cora had spent so many years taking care of The Kanes, that when she’d informed them she was interested in opening her restaurant in the building, they suggested she and her daughter move into the apartment that sat above it, and they even discounted her lease for both properties to help her get a head start (and as an early Christmas gift). It was the perfect way for her and Ryan to start this next chapter of their lives.
Ryan had clearly been chewing on a question as they’d begun their climb up the stairway.
Cora: “I’ve actually been waiting to see if you’d ever ask about it. Honestly, I didn’t want to take the choice from you. Your birth mother named you Ryan Wilder, and that’s a connection you still have to her. You and I have been able to make lots of other connections in these 14 years.”
Ryan: “I guess that makes sense. It is nice to know I keep some part of her with me. But, do you ever feel bad that we don’t have the same name?”
Cora: “Not at all. I met your mother, and while she couldn’t keep you, she did love you very much. I’m glad she was able to name you, and I think she chose a name that fits you well. But you know if you ever want to change your name, I think Lewis would fit you well too, in any way you might want to incorporate it.”
Ryan grinned, and Cora could tell that she was going to sit with that idea for a bit before coming to a conclusion.
Ryan: “I figured out that I want a yellow comforter for my bed.”
Cora: “That sounds about right.”
Ryan: “Are you trying to say I’m predictable?”
Cora: “Do you think I’ve suddenly forgotten my daughter’s favorite color? And I’ll bet you’d like a plaid pattern, too.”
Ryan: “Okay, okay. You’ve made your point.”
When they arrived in front of their new brown door with glazed windows, Cora slid the key into the lock, turned the knob, and quickly swung the door open, enthusiastically greeting their new apartment. And then all hell broke loose!
Because The Kanes owned the building, one of their twin daughters, Beth Kane and her friends (who went by the Wonderland Gang and nicknamed Beth Alice because of her access to hallucinogenic drugs such as snakebite) would party in the vacant apartment. The unit was in a lower income area, and their parents’ friends wouldn’t be aware of their comings and goings.
The teenagers (panicked and under the influence) overreacted to Cora and Ryan’s seemingly abrupt entrance into the apartment, and several of them attacked the two ladies. Ryan’s instincts kicked in, and she tried to fight the teenager’s back, to protect her mama. Completely unexpectedly, one of the teenagers pulled a revolver on Ryan.
Ryan: “Come on. You’re not really going to use that thing!”
The kid cocked the gun as a final warning, and Cora jumped in between them, unable to risk her daughter’s life. Startled, the kid pulled the trigger, and Cora was shot in close range. The property manager was still downstairs packing up his things. He called the police when he heard the gunshot.
Beth watched the confrontation between her friends and the new tenants go down from a corner of the room. When Cora’s body hit the floor, and Ryan dropped to her knees screaming, Beth yelled for her friends to run. Everyone who followed her orders escaped. When the police arrived, they tried to pull Ryan away from her mother and she lost it, flailing frantically and demanding that they let her go. She and a couple of the more intoxicated children who did not leave with the rest of their friends were apprehended.
~~~~~
THE HOLD UP, 11:30 AM
Sophie: “You’re late, Jordan. We’ve talked about this.”
Jordan: “Sophie, no one is here. What exactly am I late for?”
Sophie: “Your commitment to be here by 11AM. It’s 30 minutes after, and people will be here soon for lunch.”
Jordan: “This is not Point Rock. No one is going to die or have to do burpees if I’m a few minutes late to roll silverware for the lunch crowd. Also, it’s a Wednesday. It’s not like people are going to be beating down the door to get in here, like they do on - oh wait, they never do!”
Just then, Luke walks through the doors that seem to rarely be locked. He looks around the empty restaurant and bar, as if he isn’t there for one, singular purpose. The bright space, with high ceilings, and tables and chairs encircling the bar, so that the bartenders have nearly a 360 view of the restaurant, are not yet prepared with their usual place settings. There are three exits at the back: one leading into the kitchen, and two on either side of their doors leading out of the bar area. Sophie and Jordan stand at the counter, where Sophie had begun rolling the silverware into linen cloths.
Sophie: “See…? One customer couldn’t even wait until we opened! You never know what the day might bring. It’s always better to be prepared.”
Jordan: “Luke is not a customer.”
Sophie: “Listen Jordan, just because no one is going to die, that doesn’t mean there won’t be any consequences. I’m trying to help you develop some work ethic, and take responsibility for yourself. Mom needs our help, I’m not always going to be around to take care of you, and if Luke is here to buy something, that does make him a customer!”
Sophie had played a big part in taking care of her younger, half-sister Jordan from the time she was born until Sophie graduated from high school, when Jordan was 7. Sophie was an ROTC kid, and was recruited to join Point Rock’s military academy after graduation. The time away caused some strain on the sisters’ relationship. She was in her last year of her reserves, and she’d served the first 3 years in National City. The DEO recruited her for field work, and she’d always admired Alex Danvers. When the Crows got word of her quickly moving up in the ranks, under Director Danvers’ mentorship, they tried to poach her for Gotham, reminding her that her hometown needed more help than National City did.
Sophie was considering taking the Crows up on their offer, because she did miss her sister, and she could feel Jordan pulling away through their calls and texts, which were becoming less frequent. Her mom sounded frustrated with Jordan’s rebellion and irresponsibility. That wasn’t the sister she’d left, who was head strong, but looked up to Sophie and wanted to make her proud. But Sophie had missed out on too many of Jordan’s in-between moments. She would show up for the big ones, such as prom and and graduation, but she wasn’t around for Jordan to climb into her bed when she went through her first real breakup, or to drop her off at school when she was having a hard time with some of her classmates, or to defend her when her mom was being so strict that she had to sneak out to go to the school dance.
Since Sophie returned, Jordan has been resentful of her for trying to snap back into her quazy guardian role, just because now it fits into her life again, all of the sudden. Unfortunately, once she got back, she realized her mom was frustrated by more than just Jordan. Her health seemed to be declining, and she wasn’t keeping up with the restaurant and bar. There were overdue bills stacked in the office, and Sophie asked the Crows for more time, because she needed to help get their house in order.
Jordan: “Always? You just got back. I’ve been taking care of myself just fine, thank you. And I'm not a kid. I don’t need you or anyone else to take care of me.”
Sophie: “Seriously Jordan? You’re still on that? You’re really punishing me for pursuing my career? And if you don’t want to be treated like a kid, stop acting like one!”
Jordan: “We’re not talking about me. What was any of it even for if you’re still here, running this bar? You left me alone, and now you’re not using that oh so important field training or whatever.”
Luke: “It looks like now’s a bad time. Maybe I should come back.”
Both of them stop and stare at Luke, realizing they’d completely forgotten he was there.
Jordan: “No, you stay, I’ll go.”
Jordan walks to the back, into the kitchen, and Sophie drops her head in her hands, exhausted and completely at a loss. She is not prepared to deal with an angry teenager.
Sophie: “I swear, I don’t know what I’m going to do with her. I know I didn’t live here, but she acts like I completely disappeared. I came back as often as I could. I called, facetimed, texted. I’ve been as present as I could be.”
Luke: “She’ll come around. Just give her a little time to adjust. She wants you here, and that’s why she’s lashing out.”
Sophie looks up appreciatively at her sort of friend, who is growing on her, though she isn’t sure she’s ready to tell him that. Initially, she judged Luke for being Kate’s errand boy. She and Kate had history, and she knew how privileged and unaware she could be. Luke is a genius, and more deserving than she is, but he acts like Kate’s lackey, and Sophie finds herself wanting to shake him every time he walks through their bar as a messenger boy. The fact that Kate could also speak for herself, but chooses to send her carrier pigeon instead of facing Sophie means that Luke often has to receive her annoyance in response.
Sophie: “Yeah, well, sorry you had to see that, though I’m not sure you won’t have to see it again. I feel like this road might be a long one. Anyway, what’s Kate want, now?”
Luke: “What if I just wanted to come see my friend, Sophie?”
Sophie: “Then maybe we could actually call ourselves friends, but my money’s on Kate sent you.”
Luke: “Can’t it be both?”
Sophie: “I haven’t decided yet. But if you keep walking in on family arguments, I might not have a choice…”
Luke: “I don’t know whether or not to hope for that, so I guess we’ll just play it by ear.”
Luke pulls an envelope out of his suit pocket and slides it across the bar counter. It has Sophie written across in calligraphy. Sophie laughs to herself, because he really was becoming the metaphor, and she can’t help but finally unload her thoughts. She’s on a roll, anyway. Might as well keep with the theme.
Sophie: “Why do you do this for her? You’re her head of security. There’s no one else she can send, or that you can send?”
Luke: “I don’t think she trusts anyone else... And, I don’t run all of her errands, just the ones that bring me here. I’ve spent too much time around them, and being here, around you…I get to relax a little, if you catch my drift.”
In other words, Luke likes hanging out at this Black owned business, and is glad to not have to code switch for a while. Sophie can appreciate that.
~~~~~
4 DAYS BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY: THE LOFT, THURSDAY, 5:00 PM
Luke Cell: I got a hit on his corporate card for a deposit at The Royal Hotel. And she put a block on his calendar from 11AM to 2PM tomorrow.
Luke had hacked into Candice Long’s computer, Jacob Kane’s secretary, so that he had access to both of their emails and their calendars. He’d also placed alerts on Jacob’s, Catherine’s, and Candice’s credit cards, so he was notified about all transactions. It would be pretty difficult for Jacob Kane to do anything without Luke knowing about it.
Ryan Cell: Do we have eyes there?
Luke Cell: Just tapped into their security cameras. I’m also on the hotel’s booking system, assigning them a room where a traffic light is angled towards that window.
Ryan Cell: Curtains?
Luke Cell: This old hotel only has those sheer things that aren’t even worth closing. We’ll get them going in, and we should be able to see enough to make your point.
Ryan puts her cell phone down, and places her computer on her lap. She rewatches the news interview of Candice Long taken after the trial that landed her in Kane County Juvenile Detention Center. Jacob Kane was a witness, as the building’s owner and one of Beth Kane’s parents.
A couple of the kids who had been arrested at the scene with Ryan had been convinced to name as many of the other kids as they could if they didn’t want to be considered accessories to the crime. The GCPD was trying to collect everyone’s story, to get as close to the truth as they could. However, by the time the other kids were brought in for questioning, they’d all been coached by their expensive lawyers to tell the same story: that Cora pulled a gun out, and one of the kids tried to disarm her, and the loaded gun was fired in the struggle.
Candice had been in the audience, holding Catherine’s hand while they watched Ryan’s public defender question Jacob. They hugged with relief when the jury decided that Ryan was solely to blame for Cora Lewis’s death, because she had supposedly broken into the building and organized the party. Later, Ryan would be sentenced to 18 months in juvie for trespassing and possession of drugs, and the other kids would be assigned community service for participating in the events that led to the trial.
The news correspondent was waiting outside of the courthouse to speak to anyone who would respond, and Candice couldn’t resist the chance to capitalize on a few minutes of importance and fame. She called upon one of her hidden talents, and organized her face into the most concerned expression she could muster.
Correspondent: “Ma’am? How do you feel about the judgment? Do you feel justice was served?”
Candice: “It’s just so sad that these foster kids can’t find more suitable homes, with people who will raise them well, you know? To think, this girl was living with someone who would try to shoot a kid, and exposed her to such violence that she would try to fight the people who are meant to protect her. It’s really awful. I hope they’re able to rehabilitate her, so that she can still have some sort of life at the end of her sentence.”
Listening to this woman speak so ignorantly and lie on her mother made Ryan see red.
Candice, or Candy, was not only Jacob’s secretary but Catherine’s best friend. No one else understood Catherine’s husband as well as she did, and it served them both to be able to negotiate his schedule and whereabouts. Candy always made sure Catherine received exactly what she wanted for birthdays, Christmas, and anniversaries, and Candy received a personal invitation to keep Catherine company at every waspy event in return. Even though she was compensated better than any other administrative assistant she knew, Candy still didn’t make a fraction of what it took to coexist with her wealthy friends. So, when Beth complained about her head killing her aloud one evening, when her parents weren’t in the room, Candy offered her a Vicodin for the pain. She’d developed carpel tunnel in her wrists from years of administrative work, and a corrective surgery left her with nerve damage that resulted in an open prescription for pain meds.
When Beth told her friends that she felt better than numb after taking the pill, all of them wanted in on the action. Purchased pills eventually evolved into stronger drug sales, and the kids referring to Beth’s dealer as The Candy Lady. Beth loved the power that came with being the source for her friends’ entertainment. So only she knew where to get the goods, which meant Ryan had to get really crafty about finding the person who had supplied the kids the drugs that made one of them take her mom’s life, so she could take their life too.
She slammed her laptop shut, and pulled out the journal that held one of the letters she'd read hundreds of times from the open wooden box sitting beside her.
Dear Daughter,
I'm starting this journal for you because there are so many things I want you to know, and thoughts don't always come when you need them, or when the timing is right. Instead, whenever they come to me, I'll save them for you here. And when the timing is right for you, or when you need to hear these words the most, they'll be waiting for you, ready for you to read as often or as little as you want.
If nothing else, the most important thing I need you to always know is how loved and cherished you are. And not just by me, Ryan. There are people you've yet to meet who would give anything they could to see you happy. I'm not only talking about the people you'll encounter in the future who will fall in love with you as naturally as I did, but the people who knew you before you were whatever version of yourself you are today. They love you fully and completely as the beautiful human you are.
I imagine being adopted might sometimes make you feel like you were given up. Like someone else didn't want to be your parent. On those days, I ask you to consider if they knew what a gift you are, and that blessing someone else with the opportunity to know and raise you was actually the kindest and most generous thing they could do. As a mother, I can't imagine the difficulty in deciding to trust someone else to give my child everything she needs and deserves. That I was chosen is something I have never taken for granted. And daughter, that you also chose to love me back means more than I will ever be able to express to you.
No matter where this life takes us, we will know that we were given the gift of each other. It's a gift that is undoable, and will always be ours to keep.
I can't wait to share everything I can with you. I love you.
Your Mama,
Cora
~~~~~
3 DAYS BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY: OUTSIDE THE LOFT AND THE HOLD UP, FRIDAY, 12:00 PM
Luke Cell: They’re in the room.
Ryan Cell: On my way.
Ryan had arranged for Evan to meet her at The Royal Bar in the hotel for day drinks. She was going to create her very own meet cute with Candice Long. When she reaches the bottom of the outside set of stairs from her loft, she is approached by a black cat that seems to know her. It has a crook near the end of its tail, and is small for a cat its age.
Ryan remembers her immediately. This is the cat she rescued her first week as a freshman in high school. A hawk had swooped down right in front of her, and caught the kitten by its tail. The kitten clawed and tried to wrangle away, slowing the hawk down, and automatically, Ryan dove after it, catching the baby cat and wrapping it into her arms. The hawk was not deterred, and tried to get the cat out of Ryan’s arms. She was rolling on the ground, trying to kick it away. A classmate who’d seen the whole thing ran over to save her, swatting the large bird with her backpack. Sophie Moore was two grades older than Ryan, but they still managed to end up in PE together, as their last class for the day. Ryan had been leaving out of the locker room when it happened, and Sophie had left just shortly after her.
Sophie: “Oh my god, are you okay?”
Ryan: “Nothing a little Neosporin won’t fix. I’m more worried about this kitty. She’s so freaked out.”
Sophie: “That was pretty brave, and a little stupid.”
Ryan: “Sounds like me.”
Sophie knelt down next to Ryan and began petting the kitten’s head.
Sophie: “What are you going to do with her?”
Ryan: “I don’t know. I know if I take her to animal rescue, they’re just going to put her down. Cats aren’t exactly a limited commodity around here.”
Sophie: “Can you keep her?”
Ryan: “Nah, my mom and I live in an apartment. Pretty sure they don’t allow pets.”
Sophie looked around, hoping for an idea. And sure enough she got one.
Sophie: “I might know a place.”
She stood up, and reached out to take Ryan’s hand. Ryan clasped it and let Sophie help her up. Then she started walking, with determination, back towards the gym, and Ryan followed as closely as she could, taking two steps for every one of Sophie’s.
Ryan: “Where are we going?”
Sophie: “Ever been on the roof of the gym?”
Ryan: “No. Have you?”
Sophie: “Kicked a soccer ball up there once, and ran up to get it.”
Ryan: “That was one hell of a kick! But I guess with legs like that…”
Ryan let the sentence trail off, not really sure how the older student would feel about Ryan noticing her that way. Sophie couldn’t help but blush at the compliment.
When they made it onto the roof, Sophie took them over to a small but empty storage closet.
Sophie: “I think they forgot this was up here. I found the ball next to it, and the door was swinging open and shut. My neurosis wouldn’t let me leave it like that.”
Sophie took her sweater out of her backpack and made a small bed for the kitten. The storage had vents built into it that would allow for a little light and ventilation, but they’d have to figure out how to fix it up. Ryan bent down, and carefully placed the little black cat who seemed undernourished on its temporary bed.
Ryan: “You’re going to be okay Selina.”
Sophie: “Selina? Like Catwoman?”
Ryan: “Do you hate it?”
Sophie: “Nope. She’s a fighter, just like this little one, and just like her mom. It’s perfect.”
Ryan smiled at the idea of being a fur mom.
Ryan: “Moms. She’s yours, too. You saved us.”
Sophie matched Ryan’s smile. She got the feeling this girl would be a bit of trouble... And yet, like a moth, she felt drawn to the foolishly courageous flame sitting next to her.
Sophie: “Moms then.”
Sophie: “Selly, there you are!”
Sophie approaches Ryan, grateful to know what happened to her cat. Ryan is holding her, and she is burrowed into her neck, purring.
Ryan: “Sophie Moore, right?”
Sophie: “Yeah! Thanks for saving my cat. She ran off when I was trying to change her into this Pride Month collar. How do you know my name?”
Ryan: “I rented the loft upstairs - took over the lease for Reagan. She told me all about the family who ran The Hold Up. Apparently she’s a fan of yours.”
Sophie: “Mine? I thought she was into… you know what, never mind. Welcome to the building. Man, Selly really loves you. She never lets anyone hold her. She’s kinda a scardy cat.”
Ryan pulls her up to face her. She taps her nose to the cat's nose like old times.
Ryan: “Hi Selly.”
The cat purrs back at her.
Sophie: “It’s short for Selina.”
Ryan: “Pride Month doesn’t start for a few days. You’re starting early.”
Sophie: “Kinda needed something to cheer me up. But, hey, you should come by the bar sometime. You can have a drink on the house, as thanks for saving her. What’s your name? I’ll put it down in case I’m not there.”
Ryan is mostly relieved and only a little sad that she isn’t recognizable. With the right attire, hair, and makeup, people can be easily distracted.
Ryan: “That’s very kind of you, but totally unnecessary. The pleasure was all mine, Selly. And hey, it was nice to meet you too, but I’ve gotta run.”
Ryan passes the cat back to Sophie and quickly struts to her car. She has no idea how she’s going to pull off being this close to her first crush, and the person she spent months coparenting a cat with, but she does know she’s not ready to get too far down this path of lies she has to weave for her mission. Not today at least.
~~~~~
THE ROYAL HOTEL, 1:30 PM
Ryan: “Excuse me, where’s the restroom?”
Candy: “I’ll beg your pardon! I don’t work here!”
Ryan: “Forgive me. I’m totally new here, and your vest and blouse kind of match the uniforms the bartenders are wearing.”
Candy: “Well you must be new here! I’m Candy Long.”
Candy says that as if it should mean something - as though everyone in Gotham knows who she is. And in truth, being best friends with the Kanes did come with its own bit of local celebrity. As if being given an invitation to make friends, Ryan offers her hand to shake.
Ryan: “Glad to meet you Candy. I’m Robyn Wilde. I just moved into the Loft above The Hold Up.”
She slowly accepts and shakes Ryan’s hand back, clearly feeling unsure about her decision.
Candy: “That’s quite a distance from here…”
Ryan: “My friend Evan has been introducing me to all of their favorite bars and was supposed to meet me here, but they got trapped at work. They said this is the best bar if I ever want a change of scenery, and to avoid the prying eyes at the usual spots. I take it you agree, since we’re both here?”
Candy: “This hotel has a nice conference space. I was consulting with their events personnel for a company meeting I’m planning for The Crows. Evan, you say? You wouldn’t happen to mean Evan Blake?”
Ryan is pleased that she picked up on the name.
Ryan: “Yes! Do you know them?”
Candy: “They work for my best friend, Catherine.”
Ryan: “Oh! You’re best friends with Catherine Hamilton. I’ve heard about her. I’m going to her Soiree on Monday.”
Candy: “Are you now?”
Just then, Jacob Kane walks out from the hallway of the Renaissance era hotel, and into the attached bar and restaurant. Candy was supposed to have gotten a head start. He stops in his tracks when he sees her standing in front of him, and appears to look passed her at the vaulted, dome ceiling, seemingly appreciating its paintings.
Ryan: “Isn’t that the CEO for The Crows? I think he’s waiting for you. It’s really great that he’s so involved in planning company events.”
Candy: “Yes, it is. And on that note, I’ve got to go. Busy day. Nice to meet you, Robyn.”
Ryan: “I assume I’ll see you Monday?”
Candy: “Mhm…Ta ta…”
She walks on, and he follows after her, unknowingly.
~~~~~
2 DAYS BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY: SATURDAY, 9:00 PM
Mary walks into The Hold Up with a small group behind her. She walks straight to the bar, but the group finds a table, quickly making a ruckus.
Sophie: “Tag, you’re it.”
Jordan: “You want me to serve the mean girls?”
Sophie: “They’re rich mean girls, who might leave you a good tip if you deal with them nicely.”
Mary: “I’ll leave you a good tip if you just deal with them. It doesn’t have to be nicely.”
Jordan rolls her eyes, and walks over to introduce herself to Mary’s whatever they were.
Sophie: “Not that I’m ever anything but thrilled to see you, but why are you here? How did you end up hanging out with them?”
The Hold Up was frequented by all of the Hamilton-Kane sisters for one reason or another - either enjoying the Moore sisters’ company or because it was considered a family business. Beth took advantage of that last part, expecting bottomless free liquor. In reality, the Moores kept a tab for her, and Kate allowed them to use it towards credits on their rent. Still, Beth never left a tip, so it was better when she came with friends, because some of them were better than others and would leave something for the servers.
Mary: “My mom’s event is in a couple of days, and if Beth does anything to wreck it, I’ll be hearing about it for the rest of time. So, I offered to play designated driver for her and her friends.”
Sophie: “Does that mean you’re not drinking?”
Mary: “Definitely not, I’m just drinking less than they are.”
Sophie cranes her neck to look over at the rowdy bunch.
Sophie: “I’m not sure all of that is the result of drinking. I’ve never known alcohol to make someone act that way. It's like watching Freaky Friday, if they were even more disconnected with reality because they're the entitled upper-classers.”
Mary: “Oh, I’m sure they’re doing more than drinking, but as long as everyone ends up at home alive tonight, and not arrested, I can’t say I care all that much.”
Sophie slides a glass of Tequila with a splash of lime juice on ice over to her.
Sophie: “Well, then, here’s to babysitting a bunch of adults to keep older adults off of your back. So what’s this event about?”
Mary: “OH EM GEE you HAVE to come!”
Sophie: “Nuh-uh, I get enough of all of them here. I don’t need a high dose of the elite on my day off.”
Mary: “Girl! I need it less than you, but come on, you’d be saving me. I can’t be the only one like me at this thing. And my mom is being the worst! She’s trying to pick out what I wear like I’m not in a Doctorate program. She says my style is too colorful for this audience. And just to show her, I’m going to wear something with as much pattern and color as I can find.”
Sophie: “I’m sure you’ll have plenty of friends there who will love to be photographed next to your ensemble.”
Mary: “Followers aren’t friends. Please Sophie! I need someone who understands me there to interpret all of my side eyes and judgmental frowning. I'll make sure you have a good time!”
Sophie: “I usually do…"
Mary: “Yay!! You're saying yes!"
Sophie looks to the ceiling in a mix of prayer and defeat. Mary is nearly impossible to say no to. She sighs heavily before returning to Mary.
Sophie: "I'm saying yes. I’ll come...for YOU. And you owe me.”
Mary: "Absolutely anything!"
Jordan has taken orders of burgers, quesadillas, fries, onion rings, and drinks. The brunette with the bob that they all kept calling Alice, even though Jordan knew her name was Beth, was only interested in a pitcher of beer, and teased Jordan for everything she could think of in the minutes she spent reading and rereading the menu, flipping it back and forth.
She turns on the balls of her feet and starts walking away quickly, trying to escape them. One of them jumps up and is on Jordan’s heels.
Tatiana: “Hey, sorry about that! My friends are totally dumb. I don’t know why I deal with them, either.”
Jordan: “Even though I kind of hate her, I’m used to Beth. Terrorizing people is just in her DNA. But you’re new.”
Tatiana: “Yeah, I have a very controlling older sister who felt like I needed to step up and contribute more. So she sent me here to help my cousin Ocean out.”
Jordan: “I can relate to that. Well, your first drink’s on me, as a fellow kid sister with one who thinks she can mold me into what she deems is an acceptable adult.”
Tatiana: “Thanks! You said your name was Jordan, right? I’m Tatiana.”
Jordan: “Right. I’ll be back soon.”
Tatiana isn’t supposed to make friends, but she might have to make this one exception.
~~~~~
1 DAY BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY: SUNDAY, 10:00 AM
Kate Kane walks into The Hold Up before it’s opened.
Jordan: “Your girlfriend’s here.”
Sophie: “I don’t have a…oh.”
Kate approaches the bar, where Sophie is looking through a binder.
Kate: “Don’t look so happy to see me.”
Sophie: “Just surprised. It’s usually Luke.”
Kate: “He’s off today.”
Sophie: “Good to know you give him days off.”
Kate: “I’m not a villain, Sophie.”
Sophie finally peels her eyes away from her binder, exasperated, and gives Kate the attention she came for.
Sophie: “What’s up?”
Kate: “You didn’t RSVP.”
Sophie: “Huh?”
Kate: “The invitation? That Luke left…”
Sophie had forgotten she tucked the envelope in the back of her binder. She quickly flips to the back cover, and pulls it out of the sleeve. It hadn’t even been opened.
Sophie: “I’m sorry. It’s been so crazy around here…”
Kate: “It’s a ticket to my parents’ Memorial Day Soiree on Monday.”
Sophie: “Oh, yeah…Mary actually begged me to keep her company at it, yesterday. So, I guess I’ll be there.”
She slides the unopened letter back over to Kate, indicating that she already has her ticket. It's possible that the envelope contains more than a ticket, but Sophie is okay with never knowing the answer to that. Kate seems to take the hint, at least for now.
Kate: “One more thing…You know I never charge your mom late fees, but she’s technically behind two months on the rent. I’m not sure how much longer my parents are going to let me keep this building if they feel like it’s losing money.”
Sophie: “Aren’t losses a good thing when you run businesses?”
Kate: “We have enough of those for taxes. We got out of the real estate business a while ago, and this is the only one we keep, in part because I know what it means for your family. So, if there’s anything you can do to help me out…”
Sophie: “That’s why I’m here, Kate. I’m trying to figure it out.”
Kate: “I know, and I’m sorry. I’ll let you get back to it. See you tomorrow.”
Sophie returns to her binder, appearing even more distant than before, and Kate about faces, making her way towards the exit, with the invitation in-hand.
~~~~~
7 YEARS AGO: POINT ROCK
Kate was straddling her motor cycle with her helmet in her lap, and her bag wrapped up behind her when Sophie arrived. She’d texted Sophie to meet her out front. A few hours prior, she’d overheard some other cadets joking about how they thought Kate wanted to be one of the guys, and how they could show her how to be a woman. One said all he needed was one night of drinks with her at a night club to turn her back right.
She’d defended herself, and started an argument with them. Of course, she was reprimanded for instigating the situation. She felt the guys also should have been held accountable for harassment, but that would have required the Sergant to acknowledge that what was being said about Kate was unacceptable.
Kate: “I’ve got to get out of here.”
Sophie: “What? We’re so close to graduation. Why do you even let the things those guys say get to you? They don’t matter!”
Kate: “Sophie, I have never been closeted in my entire life. I want to be with you, but not like this. If you want to be with me too, I think you should come with me.”
Per usual, Sophie and Kate had lived completely opposite lives, and this was just another example of that. In the beginning, it was fun to sneak around. She’d noticed Kate noticing her, and she’d never had the chance to just let go and explore those feelings. When Kate finally approached her one day, she just went with it, and let herself feel what she was feeling.
But they were so different. Being gay in an organization that preferred not to recognize the existence of queer people was easier to get through if you weren’t doing it alone. But that was really the extent to which they had anything in common. And beyond having someone to take comfort in, and know your secret, they spent so much time disagreeing on things, it wasn’t actually that hard to convince people they didn’t get along.
Sophie: “That doesn’t make any sense, Kate. Why would you stay this long just to leave before you make it to the end?”
Kate: “Everyone has their limit. I’m tired of hiding parts of myself, and feeling unwelcome here.”
Sophie: “You’re at the top of the class, and everyone loves you. What are you even saying?”
Kate: “They love the version of me they’ve convinced themselves I am. They don’t even know me. Only you do.”
Sophie: “No, you know what? That you can even ask me to walk away from this after I’ve invested so much, and you know what I have to go back to - you talk about them not knowing you, but do you even know me?”
Kate: “I know you’re better than these people. They don’t deserve you.”
Sophie: “I’m not doing this for them. I’m doing it for me, and my future. And if you don’t get the difference - that you have the privilege of walking away from something that you chose to do out of convenience and just happen to be great at, because you can be anything you want when you get home…and that I’ve had to give my all to even be seen standing next to you…Maybe it is best if you do go.”
Kate: “Are you serious right now? You want me to leave?”
Sophie: “I don’t want you to do anything. What you decide to do is none of my business.”
Kate: “Don’t be that way.”
Kate tried to reach out for Sophie’s hand, but Sophie wouldn’t take it. She realized that she’d been holding onto this relationship as some sort of safety net that she didn’t need. Kate wasn’t going to be who caught her if she fell. If Sophie fell, she’d pick herself up, just like she always did.
~~~~~
MONDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, 5:30PM
Luke meets Ryan at the doorway onto the yacht. He's in a white Canali suit with a pink knotted tie, and she's wearing a green cropped top with thick straps and a matching pair of high waisted pants that flare at her heels. Her hair is parted down the middle and tied back into a bun, showing off her large hoop earrings, and she has black tinted and rose gold rimmed Bvilgari sunglasses on.
As Kate’s head of security at Wayne Enterprises, he’s been feeding her information for weeks. Even though he’d worked his way up in the company, and Bruce Wayne, its prior CEO, was grooming him as successor, when Bruce took an unexpected leave of absence, with no explanation to the board, they chose a family member to take his place. Wayne’s image was their primary concern, and the Kanes were considered reliable.
Luke: “Right on time.”
Ryan: “Every minute matters.”
Luke: “I guess it’d be unnecessary to ask if you’re ready, then.”
Ryan: “Same answer. Kate’s on the deck.”
Luke: “Alright then, let’s go party.”
They begin walking through the dining room that the entrance lands in. When they reach the top of the stairs, Evan, who's wearing a pastel pink Dior suit with a matching bowtie, is the first person that sees them.
Evan: “Robyn, you didn’t have to bring me a gift!”
Ryan: “Luke and I just keep running into each other. We did not come together.”
Luke: “I work for Wayne. I’m Kate’s head of security.”
Evan: “How did I make it this long without meeting you? Luke, tell me you have a handsome brother.”
Luke: “Wish I could.”
Evan: “Just a shame. Well, look, let's get you both some drinks and show you off a bit, yeah?”
Evan grabs a couple of glasses of champagne off of a tray from a server and hands them to Ryan and Luke. Then Evan thinks aloud, about who they should introduce them to first, but Kate beats Evan to the punch when she sees Luke. She reaches up and waves him over. He speaks under his breath.
Luke: “It’s go time.”
The three of them walk over to the small, round, high-top table where the women Ryan had seen before were still situated around. Kate is the least dressed up person at the party, likely because she can be. She wears linen pants and a white button up, with the top three buttons undone. For Kate, it’s just another day on a boat.
Kate: “Luke! You made it! And you brought a friend. I'm Kate Kane.”
Ryan: “Actually, we’re just getting to know each other. Evan invited me. I’m Robyn Wilde.”
Sophie: “Ah, nice to see you again, Robyn.”
Ryan had to accept that she couldn’t avoid that happening forever.
Ryan: “Same to you, Sophie.”
Kate: “How do you guys know each other?”
Sophie: “Selly introduced us. She ran off again, and Robyn found her.”
Kate: “Did she try to claw your eyes out?”
Sophie: “Nope, I found them snuggling.”
Ryan gives her a small smile. Sophie is going to be a little more trouble than she anticipated. She is trying to make friends with Kate, and already Sophie is pitting them against each other. She needs to redirect.
Ryan: “And you are?”
Mary: “I’m Mary Hamilton. Catherine is my mom, which makes me Kate and Beth’s younger, step sister.”
Ryan: “Well, I love the rainbow plaid! Plaid is my favorite pattern - I’m such a stereotypical lesbian.”
Mary does a slight curtsy with a big grin, while both Kate and Sophie seem to take note of Ryan's last comment.
Mary: "Evan, where have you been hiding her? It would have been nice to know you had another friend who'd appreciate my style!"
Evan: "We actually just met last week, and I already love her."
Ryan leans in to nudge shoulders with Evan.
Ryan: "The feeling is mutual! We're going to be besties!"
Kate: "Cute. I take it you're new in town, then?"
Ryan: "Yup! Moved into The Loft above The Hold Up the day we met. This is off the record until tomorrow, but I'm going to be announced as Jeturian's interim CEO."
Kate: "So you're the new tenant. Reagan left so fast, I wasn't really sure what happened. But, congrats on everything."
Ryan catches Sophie rolling her eyes and fights back a laugh. She's gathering the tension between Sophie and Kate means they have history and this might be a forced proximity situation. And, if Kate and Reagan were at all involved, Sophie's reaction to Reagan liking her might also make more sense.
Ryan: “Thanks! So, what’s the agenda for this thing? Is there some sort of schedule?”
Evan: “I’ve got you, babe! Scan this!”
Evan holds up a postcard with a QR code that was laying on the table, and she scans it with her phone. The auction is about to start in a few minutes.
Ryan: “Ooh, fun! It’s time to start bidding. I’m going after this Muay Thai lesson at the community center.”
Kate: “You like martial arts?”
Ryan: “I do. I’m proficient in about a half a dozen forms. It’d be cool to add another to the list.”
Kate: “We should spar sometime! It’s not actually that easy to find another woman to practice with.”
Ryan: “I’d love that!”
Mary: “Whoa.”
Sophie: “What’s up, Mary?”
Mary: “I’m pretty sure I just saw my mom go off on our dad. It must be pretty bad for her to risk making a scene.”
It is bad. Luke had used a burner to text Catherine, Candy, and Jacob stills from the video footage they’d captured of Candy and Jacob at The Royal Hotel. Suddenly, Catherine is walking very purposefully towards the stage, and she grabs the microphone as soon as she is in the center of it.
Catherine: “Happy Memorial Day, everyone! Thank you for spending this day of remembrance with us. As is appropriate on days where we acknowledge the loved ones who have served and are no longer here, we’re taking this opportunity to give back to our community. And so, we appreciate you for digging deep into your pockets to help the organizations that are taking care of those most in need in Gotham. My very best friend, Candy, is so invested in this idea that she wanted to start off the action for it this year. She has already committed fifty thousand dollars towards the Alpena Youth Corrections Facility in upstate Gotham. She knows how important it is to help kids who have been impacted by things like drugs find their way to recovery, and this particular cause is so very close to her heart. Please give her an applause for showing us what we should be challenging ourselves to do here tonight.”
You can hear shattering just before the applause starts, as Candice drops her champagne and the glass hits the floor. Servers run over to clean up the sharp fragments that had spread everywhere, and Candy smiles at everyone, nervous by both her public error and the sudden attention.
When the applause ends, Catherine says a few more words and sends everyone off to find the tables with descriptions of what is being auctioned off. As the crowd begins to move, so does Candy, towards the exit.
One down, so many more to go.