Lin Beifong is a Hero (unbendable) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2012-10-30 03:24:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, barbara gordon (batgirl), lin beifong |
"Detective Lin Beifong"
Who: Barb and Lin
What: Lin checks up on Barb
Where: Barb’s home
When: Last Thursday
Status: Complete
Rating: PG
Lin didn’t often do something like this, but with what was being reported in the tabloids and her own research on the Net and what she could glean from the casefile, she thought she ought to speak to Barbara Gordon. Not to accuse her of anything, but to assure her there was no investigation and no suspicion.
Wearing what she usually wore to the job (black pants, long coat, button up white shirt), she walked up to the door and knocked.
Barbara had been avoiding people for most of the week, since Skeeter’s article had appeared, and she had already had calls from fellow members of boards she was on asking if she was okay. Which basically meant ‘are you really under investigation of murder because that doesn’t look good on the company’. So she hesitated before going to answer the door.
Upon finding the woman on her doorstep she frowned, “If you’re a reporter you can speak to my lawyers I have nothing to say” she told her, annoyed that they would have the gall to come to her home.
"Detective Lin Beifong," Lin said, giving the woman a reassuring smile. "And before you ask, you're not under any investigation. I just thought you might want to talk. And get some reassurances."
The wind was taken out of Barbara’s sails with those words and her shoulders dropped, she stepped back to allow the Detective in. “I apologise Detective, it’s been an...eventful week” Barbara said before offering a forced smile, “Can I get you a drink?” she offered.
"Just some water would be fine." Lin walked in, looking around to take in the type of home Ms. Gordon lived in. She nodded her head, as if approving, "I wish there was something I could do for you, beyond the official statements."
Barbara nodded leading Lin into the kitchen where she retrieved a bottle of water from the fridge and set it down with a glass. “Thank you” she said graciously, “That’s very kind of you. My lawyers are presenting Ms Skeeter with a libel suit this afternoon, I don’t expect it will do much to stop her but, well, I couldn’t sit back and do nothing”
"Maybe it'll scare her straight." Unlikely, Lin thought, but one could always hope. She took the glass of water when offered and sipped at it, "She'll probably try to settle out of court."
Lin studied Barb. She couldn't imagine being in the spotlight with this.
Barbara knew it probably wouldn’t do much but she appreciated the woman’s words and as she said it made her feel better to be doing something instead of nothing. “Most likely” Barbara agreed, but that was something she’d have to consider if it happened. She preferred the idea of dragging the woman kicking and screaming through the courts but doubted it was going to happen. The whole thing was taking its toll on Barbara, and on her relationship with Bernie, though she was trying as much as possible to hide it from everybody.
Lin took another sip of her water. It was the sort of action of one accustomed to doing so not because she was thirsty but because it was a tactic in interrogation. Not that she was interrogating Barb, but it was a habit.
"It's hard, isn't it," She said. "Are you getting harassed?"
“It’s frustrating” Barbara allowed, “As many people as there are who don’t believe the trash she writes there are still many who do, it makes continuing as normal...difficult” she added before shaking her head, “No. Not unless you count the ‘boys club’ of board members who would love to force me out. Thankfully Bruce has been supportive, even though this is a difficult time for him personally”
"Doesn't seem fair to him, having to mourn while also dealing with this crap. I wish I could help more. Like I said, there's no investigation into you personally, beyond the initial question and answer session you've already been through." Lin smiled reassuringly, "We have the right perp, and the system will take care of him."
“Thank you” Barbara said, giving Lin an honest smile, “I do appreciate you coming out here. I know it’s not usually in your job description. I have no doubt justice will be served.”
The detective nodded her head, "Something I've been learning lately is there's always a human side to everything. It's important to keep in mind."
“Important yet something many people in your line of work forget about” Barbara replied, “Though not as often as reporters of course” Barbara didn’t hold it against the police, after all they would find their job a lot harder if they related to everybody they dealt with but reporters had no such excuse they were just out for what they could get.
If you were even willing to call Rita a reporter. Lin wasn't sure she wanted to. Rita was more of a lie peddler. It was a protected right, which made it annoying, "I just hope you get enough money out of her to shut her up for awhile."
“My thoughts exactly” Barbara said, “At the very least I hope to get enough to help the local hospital. Somebody should gain something from all of this”
Lin smiled. She finished her water and got to her feet, "I like how you think. I should get going, I'm sure you have plans."
Barbara inclined her head as the detective rose, “Thank you for taking the time to come out” she said as she escorted Lin to the door.
Lin shook Barb's hand, "Hope we meet again under more pleasant circumstances."
She let go and waved a little, before heading down the walk to her car.