79 Chapter 79: Trails Of Gotham Part 3

"Internship?" Arias paused at the door and turned to face Barbara with a raised brow. It was at that moment she realized that what she had said carried very little sense.

It wasn't like Arias run some corporation or major organization and even if he did, what reason was there for her to seek an internship when her desired course of study after high school had very little to do with what Arias was involved in.

Barbara quickly lowered her head in regret for what she had blurted out but she couldn't think of anything better to ask. Arias could guess that she spoke in the heat of the moment as even Jim looked confused by her words.

Arias had already decided to no longer actively pursue Barbara, since she wasn't particularly important for his plans going forward and thus wasn't worth the extra trouble. But who was he to deny her if she was willingly offering herself up?

A small smile crept up on his face and he turned to face the father and daughter duo with one hand resting in his pocket.

"Funny you should ask; I was actually considering announcing an internship program at Gotham high some time next week. It's still just an idea but should it come into fruition, you're free to apply as long your grades are excellent and enough teachers recommend you. If that's all, have a good day."

Keeping a neutral expression and tone, Arias spoke quickly and pretty much made up the entire thing. The last thing he needed to do was show interest in Barbara.

By pointing on that excellent grades and recommendations were a must, he left the panel open. Making both Barbara and Gordon think that he wouldn't be giving her any special treatment.

For Gordon, this served to calm his nerves on the matter. Arias knew it would be problematic if he showed interest or special attention to his daughter.

While for Barbara, it served to show her that she wasn't really all that special and that it was very possible for her to get snubbed in the selection, should it even occur.

In reality though, Arias just wanted to consider the matter further. If he decided to go through with it, it was obvious Barbara would be selected. He already knew her grades were the best in her class with a clean track record to match, meaning it wouldn't be the least bit suspicious if she won. If anything, it would be strange if she got snubbed.

Regardless, for now his mind was focused elsewhere, Catwoman. He found Officer Martinez standing outside the door and briefed him on what Gordon instructed. Afterward, the officer led Arias to the cells at the lower levels of the building.

Meanwhile, back in the office, Gordon proceeded to ask Barbara what led her to ask her such a thing. "Internship? But you always do your internships with the Gotham PD, why not do the same this year?"

His reason for asking wasn't what Barbara thought. In his mind, Barbara looked up to her, hence the immense interest in policing over the years. But now, she suddenly wanted to do her yearly internship elsewhere. This had him thinking, did she perhaps look up to Arias now?

Considering the circumstances, it wasn't that inaccurate of a guess to make. Still, Barbara made up her own reason.

"That's the thing Dad, I don't think there's anything more I can learn by doing another internship here. More importantly, if the only internship experiences I have are from the Gotham PD, my qualifications will be doubted since my dad is the commissioner. I would have tried for the mayor's office but… yea."

Although it was something she only thought of on the spot, it made near perfect sense for the given scenario. If she really had an internship from someone as influential as Arias, it would certainly serve to her benefit in future and perhaps open up new opportunities. As a father, Gordon could only support her.

"I can see your point, you really have thought long and hard on these things huh? Well, I'm sure you'll get it. Anyway, let me finish up and we can get going."

At the same time a few levels down, Officer Martinez and Arias had arrived at their destination. But rather than a cell, Catwoman was in an interrogation room.

They met another officer standing right outside the door, this time a female with a very masculine look to her. Martinez tipped his hat at her at smiled. "Vanessa, someone has come to see the thief."

At first, Vanessa looked incredibly pissed but upon seeing Arias, her frown turned into a wide but rather creepy smile. She immediately removed her hat and held it against her chest before greeting Arias. "Mr.… Mr. Markovic, It's an honor to meet you, thank you for all you've done for this city."

One would think she were meeting the president but he could understand her feelings to some extent. Her and many others went from being underpaid doing dangerous work to being overpaid for doing regular work. At least when compared to departments from other cities.

Like a seasoned politician, Arias answered charmingly as he reached out to shake her hand. "Gotham is our home; we all have to do our part. Thank you too for keeping the streets safe."

Vanessa's smile got only more creepy and so Martinez decided to subtract himself from the equation. "Well, I'll be waiting in the hall if you need me."

After Martinez left, Vanessa opened the door and led Arias inside the interrogation room. He would have preferred speaking with Catwoman alone but Vanessa clearly wasn't one of his corrupt officers, just a blind follower of his if anything so it wasn't worth asking, especially with Jim Gordon still upstairs.

Once inside, Vanessa's smile faded quickly and was replaced by a spiteful frown. "Well Selina, you must've used up every last inkling of your luck to get Gotham's finest billionaire to pay waste like you a visit."

Whether out of jealously or sheer hate for criminals, officer Vanessa didn't hold back when addressing Catwoman, who was seated on a lone chair wearing an orange baggy jumpsuit.

As she turned, she had a bright smile on her face which immediately turned grim when she saw Arias standing behind Vanessa with a grin. Arias couldn't help but immediately tease her. "What's with the sudden long face? Were you expecting a visit from another billionaire?"

Selina's frown grew deeper once Arias said that but she couldn't retort angrily. Instead, she smiled again and began to play games. "Why would I when Gotham's finest billionaire if here to see this little ole kitty hmm? So then big boy… did you come to just stare? This kitty's time is precious y'know?"

As if talented in the art of pushing people's buttons, every word Selina spoke had Vanessa looking more hostile. Arias knew he wouldn't get anywhere with her if he just beat around the bush so he spoke freely.

"Funny you say that, I consider my time precious as well but I just so happen to want a pet to join Gotham's task force and as luck would have it, you'll do."

Selina didn't appreciate his reply but she got the gist of the situation. "Well, this kitty is quite demanding. Why should she agree to be part of some circus show?"

Vanessa had grown tired of Selina at this point and wanted to snap at her. "How dare you insult-." But before she could finish, Arias gestured for her to be quiet. "Don't interrupt me."

Like a trained dog, she kept quiet and stepped back slightly while thinking. 'I think that made me wet.'

Arias then turned his attention back to Selina and gave her an ultimatum in words that she could understand.

"Don't overestimate your value. But keep in mind that I have no reason to not use what I know for my benefit. As for you, you're nothing but an abandoned stray with only two options. I guarantee you that only one of those options has a good ending. You have until tomorrow morning to reach a decision; I won't make the offer again so I advise you to think long and hard."