What happened

Once Barbara had described the way the City seemed to work, Crowley made quick work of finding his things. The flat was first, but it was there and waiting for him already, in a choice piece of real estate near the City's center. And facing away from the huge naked statue that he was getting the distinct feeling he wanted to avoid.

The flat was just where he expected, and, just as he'd expected, there was a private garage for the Bentley. He parked, added a few dozen shields and wards to the garage to ensure that no one else would be able to get near the car.

Plants, sound system, entertainment system, telephones, his private safe, bedroom, study, the sleek computer that looked like it could exceed the speed limit... it was all there. Once he was sure that everything was in it's place, Crowley dove for the phone and dialed the number to a certain bookshop in Soho.

"I'm sorry, but the number you have dialed is not in service at this time."

Crowley stared at the phone for a moment before slamming it back onto the cradle. Of course it had been a cordless, but sometimes you just needed to slam a phone. He headed for the door, and it slammed behind him.

It was time to look for a book store.

( Read more... )

Newspaper article:
Society Supports Youth Center


The City's creme de la creme were in attendance last night at a charity event to raise money for the restoration of an old elementary school into a Teen Youth Center. The driving force behind this new hope in our City was none other than mega industrialist Bruce Wayne. Mr. Wayne was quoted as saying he hopes, "To provide a safe haven and alternative to the streets."

The building in question was closed down a few years ago due to budget cuts and is up for auction. The gala last night, however, was not to buy it, Mr. Wayne will do that outright. It was instead for funds for the renovation. There are plans for a basketball court, a boxing ring and a dojo, along with offices for counselors and possibly dorms; one for boys and one for girls. The simply christened 'Todd Youth Center' will not be trying to replace the systems already in place to deal with disenfranchised youth. Rather, it wants to a pre-step. Mr Wayne was also quoted as saying. "Every single step counts, even the baby ones."

In between rubbing shoulders with the Mayor and Police Commissioner Leob, sipping champagne and talking with eligible bachelor Bruce Wayne himself, there were ample opportunities to slip a check into the donation box of honor in the middle of the room. There was also a silent auction. Of course, no few women suggested a bachelor auction but alas it was not meant to be.

At the end of the night, the accountant's tally was that close to a quarter million had been raised by the auction and in a few days the results from the direct donations should be in.

For the curious, however, the more burning question is who is or who was J.P. Todd ? Some lost soul that Bruce Wayne couldn't help ? A long dead friend and colleague ? An old teacher ? Mr. Wayne refused to comment. But the plaque sitting neatly behind the fund raising box reads

"In honor of J.P. Todd. No life is without merit, no death is meaningless as long as there are people to hold your memory close in their hearts."

Anyone interested in contributing to the memory of the mysterious J.P.Todd should contact the Wayne Foundation, or the newspaper with the heading 'Todd Youth Center'.

( Read more... )

Email to ben.grimm@city.net

Ben,
Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. I've found a job here. Or rather, a job seems to have found me. I suppose the financial security will be nice, but I can't shake the feeling that I've stepped into someone else's ready-made life, and I'm not sure I like it all that much.

At any rate, if you're still up for meeting for lunch, would you like to meet me perhaps tomorrow? There's a cafe on the corner of First and Main St. that I'd like to try. It hasn't moved for the last week, so hopefully it will still be there tomorrow afternoon. Eleven all right for you?

Cheers,
Jennie