Part 2: Funerals and Wills
All of Gotham’s richest and finest, and those hoping to be, were in attendance, and all doing their best to look spectacular in mourning wear, which a few of them did spectacularly. Though most of those who ringed the freshly dug grave site despised Bartholomew ‘Bad-Worth Bart’ Wentworth, they still came out in droves for the cameras and press that covered the funeral. Hundreds were there, outwardly looking sad, but many gleeful that the despicable business leader was finally as cold and lifeless as most thought his heart really was and about to be planted, his remaining mark in life a large, cold granite marker.
Barbara Gordon stood a row back, across from the family of the deceased. She was wearing in simple, plain dress with modest heels and hose, all in black, a small hat on her head and wrist length black gloves on her hands, just as a proper mourner should. She was flanked by Bruce Wayne on her right and Dick Grayson on her left. Bruce looked crisp and impeccable in an expensive black Armani suit, white oxford shirt and black tie. Dick was more casual as a collage guy would normally appear, not sporting a tie but still looking properly soulful in a black collarless shirt, sport coat and slacks.
Barbara hardly heard what the minister was saying during the graveside service. She was more interested in reading the body language of the immediate family of the deceased. And what a novel it would make.
Jennifer Wentworth, the wife of the deceased, was not even close to half her husband’s age. She married the old man when she was 25 and was now a widow a month shy of 3 years of marriage. Of course the word ‘gold-digger’ ran rampant when the engagement to the very attractive blonde was announced. But word was she truly was in love with her husband, even though he did little to return that love. Jennifer, a meager secretary at one of his many companies that caught his eye before their wedding, was Wentworth’s third wife, having married and divorced first early in life and his second wife passing away in a violent hit and run accident that has never been solved.
Looking at her now, as attractive as the black attire made her slender figure look, Jennifer Wentworth seemed to be truly upset. She sat stiff, her back straight and kept her head up, but as hard as she tried to be strong and not let the public see her grief, her head often dropped as if her pain was overcoming her outward display. She held a small white hanky in her hand gloved hand, dabbing her eyes beneath her sheer black veil on occasion. Either she was truly in heart aching misery or an actress giving an academy worthy performance.
Or both.
Sitting next to Jennifer was Bartholomew Wentworth’s son from his first marriage. Bradley, or as he preferred, Brad, was in his late-twenties, over 6 feet tall with a full head of dark hair and a muscular build, none of which he got from his father’s genes. With a combination of his mother’s good looks and his own large bank account, he was a well know playboy around Gotham City, often showing up to events with not 1 but 2 lovely ladies that were barely of legal age. But in the business world, it was said he was nearly as ruthless as his father in dealing, but also said to be not as smart and more of a hot head that his mentor.
Looking at the man, he didn’t seem to be grieving at all. He look rather stoic, almost indifferent, at the flower draped casket before him, often making eye contact with those in the assembled crowd, nodding to those he knew, almost glaring at those who would be challengers, including Bruce, and apparently flirting with any young babe who happen to be noticing. In addition, there was a pronounced gap between him and his father’s third wife, clearly displaying all was not well and unified at the Wentworth estate.
Next to Brad was a lovely dark haired creature, just a year younger than her sibling. Catherine Wentworth, the apple of her father’s eye and who favored him most, was as gorgeous and shapely as any beauty pageant contender. Her trim figure tall, with a full chest and sculpted buttock was the envy of many a woman in Gotham. Her face was as beautiful as a goddess, and she was as elite as a princess socialite could be, with the ethics and drive of the same. At one point, it was rumored that she had considered becoming a world class gymnast and never lost her dexterity as one. In the end, she was as typical a daddy’s girl heiress as one could imagine, never working a day in her life, partying all night and going through men like they were in endless supply, and rumored to both dabbled with women and enjoy a kinky escapade from time to time as well. She even tried to get her claws into Bruce a few times, despite the fact she was closer to Dick’s age than Bruce’s.
Catherine looked a bit more upset and distraught that her brother, but still managed to over-dress and over-sex her mourning attire. Beneath her tailored black jacket, she wore a black satin corset with lace trim that made her already heaving chest defy gravity. She matched it with a short and rather tight satin pencil skirt, sheer black hose and stiletto 5” pumps a stripper would be envious of and find a hard time dancing in. She added a small black hat and gloves but no veil, which let her vibrant green eyes, thin nose and full red lips be seen. But she ignored proper mourning tradition by wearing her most expensive bobbles of diamond earring that looked like chandlers and a diamond necklace that cost more than the average person’s homes.
Catherine liked her bling.
Both brother and sister seemed impatient, like they wanted to get things over with and move on. Brad often looked at his watch as the minister spoke, as if he was running late for a meeting and even called his assistant over, a beauty of a redhead with a smartphone at the ready, to tell her something, which she quickly entered in and sent off. The act received a rather nasty glare from the widow Jennifer when it happened a second time.
At last, the service was over. One by one, the family placed a single rose on the polished oak casket, Jennifer pausing to touch the casket, Brad tossing it with a small smile and Catherine with a bit more remorse. The rest of the gathering paid their respects in turn, said a small something to the family and drifted off to their own transportation, cellphones in hand to resume their normal lives, the interruption of their day now over. With the important guests gone, the family headed off to their waiting limos, Jennifer separate from his children. Bruce, Barbara and Dick, casually watching nearby, returned to their waiting limo, the door being held open by Alfred. As their car brought up the near end of the line of retreating autos, no one spoke for a moment, all processing the event.
“Well, that was both boring and interesting.” Dick said, breaking the silence. “What a bizarre display.”
“You can say that again.” Barbara replied. “Did you notice how each one of them was responding differently?”
“Each one has their own agenda.” Bruce added. “Alfred, did you happen to pick up on any good gossip?” he asked through the open partition.
“I did, sir.” The elderly but very sharp minded butler replied. “As you are well aware, sir, the help often knows most If not all of the family secrets.”
“Yeah, do we know that!” Dick joked.
“Correct Master Dick, but a true friend of the family knows how to keep one’s mouth shut.” Alfred replied with a whimsical smile.
“And we have the best friend imaginable.” Barbara added.
“Not a friend, Barbara, family.” Bruce corrected, and sincerely meant it. After the death of his parents, Alfred became more of a brother or father to Bruce than just the hired help. “What did you hear Alfred?”
“Well, sir, as you correctly suspected, the Wentworth family may be blended, but hardly close knit at all. It seems the children despise the widow entirely, and are rather worried about the family fortune, or to be precise, where the fortune is going.”
“That was clearly on display today.” Barbara said. “I think a sheet of ice separated the kids from Jennifer.”
“Yeah, Brad shot lasers rather than compassion over to his newest mommy.” Dick said. “And looked like he’d rather be somewhere else than sitting next to her.”
“And he did, for their next stop will be of the greatest importance to him.” Bruce responded. “They’re on their way to the lawyers for the reading of will.”
“Correct, sir, it is indeed their next destination.” Alfred added.
“No wonder why he wanted to get out as fast as he could.” Barbara replied.
“Yeah, it’s all about the money with Brad.” Dick added. “And there’s a lot of it to be concerned over.”
“Exactly Dick.” Bruce replied. “And rumor has it, ‘Bad-Worth Bart’ may have revised his last wishes a short time ago, which if true, will only throw the family dynamics into an even greater turmoil than we witnessed today.”
“That sounds ominous.” Barbara replied.
“I believe, sir, you’re being rather too kind to the children’s affection toward the widow.” Alfred interjected.
“Yes Alfred, I am. Brad’s learned his lessons well from his father and is just as ruthless. I’m concerned he’ll be far more merciless this time around, considering it directly affects his own wealth and standings.”
“You don’t mean he’s capable of doing harm to Jennifer?”
“I do mean so, Barbara.” Bruce added. “Evil isn’t any less when wearing an expensive business suit. Brad Wentworth is capable of almost anything, just like old Bart was. I’m convinced it was no accident that took his second wife’s life and I’m afraid Brad inherited that perverse bloodline as well.”
“Quite true, sir.” Alfred added. “The gossip among the domestic help was the elder Wentworth’s were far from being in wedded bliss and were in fact about to separate before the accident timely occurred.”
“A divorce would have made for a very messy and costly affair for ol’ Bart.” Barbara added. “Who knows what mud they would have slung had it reached the courts, and the publicity it would have drawn.”
“How convenient of her to die so timely.” Dick added. “So he got rid of the problem like a bad stock. Nice guy.”
“And I fear the same for Jennifer.” Bruce said. “So I believe it would be wise of us to be a little proactive here. With things quiet in Gotham these days, we have the time to devote to the cause.”
“What do you have in mind?” Barbara asked.
“A sports analogy, actually.” Bruce said. “A little game of 3 on 3, with tight 1 on 1 coverage.”
“Each one of us watches one of them.” said Barbara.
“Yes, but we do more than just watching. We need to get close to them, so they will let their guards down a bit while we watch for warning signs. Dick, since you’d have the best chance at this, I want you to get in close by running in Catharine’s social circle. Be at the same nightclubs, the same parties, gatherings, concerts and such. Talk with her, dance with her, get her cell number, get to be her friend.”
“Just how close should I try to get? Pillow talk close?”
“As much as it will disappoint you, if the opportunity presents itself and you anticipate returns, do it,” Bruce said with a smile, “just be smart, young man.”
“I’m on it. Sounds like I drew the best assignment.” Dick Grayson joked.
“You shouldn’t let your disappointment show.” Barbara said. “And am I to draw Brad as my assignment?”
“No.” Bruce said. “Sex appeal’s the wrong tactic with him. While he considers women inferior and stupid, he keeps his mouth shut around them. Brad’s my target. We may be rivals both in business and social circles alike, we run in those same business and social circles and have a mutual respect for one another while trying to one-up each other.. I’ll have a better chance at getting insight to his dealing and cash flow. Plus if I were to befriend Jennifer, it will seem like Bruce Wayne is making a move on the grieving widow and her money even before the old man’s body is cold.
“For our purposes, dealing with Jennifer will be best suited by a woman’s touch.” Bruce added. ”She’s needs someone to share tea with, a sympathetic ear to tell her woes to and a friendly shoulder to cry on. Someone she can trust to not run to the press and spill the beans on her personally or the family secrets. That calls for your amazing talents, Barbara.”
“I’m on it.” She replied, echoing Dick.
“And with Alfred giving us the scouting report, doing a little quiet, non-threatening probing when he runs into the domestic help at the local markets or limo parking, our team is complete.” Dick added.
“I’m on it.” Alfred replied, adding his echos
“Excellent.” Bruce replied as they pulled onto the campus of Gotham University to drop off Dick, who had a major exam that he couldn’t miss. “In addition, we’ll use our alter egos to do some nocturnal surveillance work and keep an eye on all three. We have our assignments and have our work cut out for us.”
With the youngest member of the crime fighting trio dropped off, Alfred returned to the streets, taking Barbara back to the head branch of the Gotham City Library System. He also raised the divider panel between the driver and passenger compartments to give the later occupants a few moments of privacy. Not wasting the opportunity and the privacy of the blacked out cabin, Barbara sat on Bruce’s lap facing him, her legs straddling him. Bruce couldn’t help but notice Barbara wore stocking rather than pantyhose, which he loved seeing her it. She could feel his manhood hardened against her silk covered crotch. The two kissed deeply, their arms wrapped around each other.
“I wish we had time to continue this.” Barbara said after several minutes, knowing they would be at her destination in moments. “I wish you could be inside me, my hands tied behind my back, your hands roaming over my naked skin.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for this evening,” He replied. They had dinner plans. “for the second round, though not totally naked.” He added with a sly grin as he caressed her nylons.
“Got something special planned for the first round?” she asked.
“Not fully developed but I have a rough idea.” He replied. “I aim not to disappoint.”
“You never do. Looking forward to it already.” She said after she kissed him and dismounted her lover. A quick check of hair and makeup in the mirror showed she was ready to resume her normal yet somewhat drab persona as they pulled up to the library. A few moments, Bruce was on his way to Wayne Enterprises and she was in her office checking voice mails and plowing through emails so she could get to her research on the Wentworth family. But her mind kept drifting to what Bruce could have planned for her this evening. She expected she’d be tied up, which never disappointed, but he had the look in his eye that he had something new planned. She found herself fidgeting in her chair just thinking about it, growing excited at the prospect.
But things were far different in a 15th floor office just a few blocks away, and exciting in a far different way. The Wentworth clan had heard the reading of revised will and it did not go well. In the end, Catherine got several million in cash, an ocean front home in Florida and an 8 figure trust fund plus stocks amounting to 5% controlling interest in the empire. Brad was named president and CEO of all of Wentworth’s holdings, plus just enough shares to control the board of directors, in addition to several millions in cash and a place on a private Caribbean island to call his personal retreat.
But it was Jennifer who got the bulk of the estate. Tens of million in cash, the estate in Gotham and another in the Hamptons, plus a large enough slice of the stocks in Wentworth’s holdings that would only add millions to her bank account for years to come. In short, she controlled over 70% of the family worth, almost a half a billion in total.
Brad first demanded to see the document, which was all proper and legal, then demanded a copy of his own, which was anticipated and at the ready. He stormed out of the office, with Catherine in close pursuit. He ordered the driver to head to his office, with was not far from the lawyers. Once there, he snapped at everyone who dare cross his path as he ordered his corporate lawyers to review the will. He continued to sulk till his office door was closed, isolating the two siblings. Catherine settled onto the leather couch, listening to Brad rant and rave for the next half hour till the senior lawyer entered with a report.
“Just doing a cursory review it appears the document was well prepare and appears to be completely legal and binding. Considering the date it was written, notarized and filed, it would be hard to dispute its validity based on any mitigating factors. We can do a deeper review if you so desire.” He reported and was indecently dismissed a moment later.
“We’ll see if this holds up in court.” He said as she stomped around the office, looking at his copy of the will and jabbing at it with his finger. “I’ll get the best lawyers working to dissolve this and revert back to the prior. Once that’s done, we’ll throw Jennifer back to the sewage hole she came up from.”
“Good luck with that.” Catherine replied, adjusting her 3 carat diamond ring. “You heard what the man said, it’s about as iron clad as possible. It seems daddy decided to screw us over for Jennifer yet again.”
“Given enough time and money, I’ll get it over turned.”
“And just how much will that cost us, big brother? Five, ten, twenty million? And what will be left after, even if we win, which we have no certainty of? The only real winners will be the lawyers collecting their absurd fees and the newspapers printing the daily accounts. And what about our name? Before it’s over, we’ll be ruined in our social standings around all of Gotham City and Jennifer the heroic victim, even if we win.”
“You just don’t understand what’s happening here. Pay close attention to me, sister, while I explain to you how this works.” He replied, knowing she had little mind or interest in business. “She has the bulk of the estate and most of the key assets. And while she doesn’t have controlling interest in the company, all she needs to do is throw her votes in with someone on the board against us and we’re done.”
“You mean, you’re done.” Catherine added. “You know, with what Daddy gave me, I could do the same.”
Brad glared at his sister. “Yes, you could, but I know where all the bodies are buried, and you surely want those to stay that way as much as I do. So don’t even think about screwing with me, dear sister.”
The truth was, while they pretend to be blood siblings as the Wentworth family claimed, they were of no direct relation what so ever. Catherine was the result of an affair by Bartholomew with some woman in the accounting department and Brad from Bart’s wife’s affair with the gardener. Bart’s mother went into seclusion in the islands for over a year till both children were born. Catherine’s mother was given a trust fund and send off, with Catherine never knowing her. She was later reported to have been swept out to sea while walking a beach, the trust conveniently reverting back to the family estate. Brad’s father died before he was born, alleged to have gotten mixed up in drug deal that went bad. Catherine and Brad later learned of their parents, wisely choosing not to disclose it for fear of losing their social standings and the vast inheritance that seemed to be theirs.
“If you take me down, I promise you, I’ll drag you with me.” Brad threatened. ”Just remember one thing sister, without me in control of the empire, the money dries up and we go broke. Then you’ll be forced to go get a job. And you have only one real marketable skill, though hardly a legal one.”
“And you well know what that is.” Catherine smiled. “Well, since both of us have skeletons in the closet we’d like to keep hidden, it looks like we need to stay united and work together.” She replied. “So you better start channeling all that anger energy of yours into a viable plan to get Jennifer out of the way and our family fortunes back so we can continue to live the life we’ve both grown accustom too.”
“Three years he stayed with that gold digging bitch, and for what.” He replied, sitting behind his desk. “What was he thinking?”
“Like all men, he was thinking with his other head.” Catherine replied, crossing her legs and letting her already short skirt ride up her thigh. “From what the servants have said, little Jennifer’s quite a sex kitten and the two of them got down and dirty often, being rather kinky in the process.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard that gossip too.” Brad replied. “Like father, like daughter.” He added, referring to Catherine’s sexual preferences for the erotic. “Must run in the family.”
“Again, you know it well.”
Brad became thoughtful for several minutes. He looked out the windows, over the skyline of Gotham City, but hardly noticed what he was looking at. He was deep in thought turning the problem over and over.
“What are you thinking, big brother?” Catherine asked, seeing an eyebrow raise, a sure sigh that he developed a thought.
“I’m thinking that if we want to keep our family fortune, we’re going to need to do something about getting rid of the undesirables who don’t belong.” He started looking at the will once more and an evil grin came to his lips.
“Obviously, but how do you propose we do that and keep our dainty hands clean?” she asked, seeing the look in his eyes. She’d seen that before and it never culminated well for those he plotted against.
“Go home sister.” He said at last, looking at the will again. “Right now, I need time to think and look into this deeper. We’ll get together later this week to talk this through. But if I’m right, we might be able to solve all our problems in one simple act. And the best part is Jennifer will help us accomplish it, thought she doesn’t know it yet.” He added with a sadistic grin.
You can also leave feedback & comments for this story on the Plaza Forum
19.10.12
story continues in Batgirl - The Return 3: A Meeting of Ways
o0o