Chapter 8: Best Laid Plans

Oswald's surprise visit left Bruce feeling troubled. Selina mentioned his criminal record in the UK, and although his crimes were serious enough, Bruce wondered just how far his former friend was willing to go. Oswald's plan to "take over Gotham" once the mafia destroyed themselves proved he had tyrannical potential.

Nevertheless, he was right about one thing; the people of Gotham needed a strong leader to bring about a reformation. Thomas and Martha Wayne dreamt of a city freed from the dangers of criminal authority and Bruce wanted to make their dream a reality. Unfortunately, he had little chance of succeeding with the mafia's vice-grip over the city's industries. To make matters worse, city hall and the police department—the institutions supposedly built upon the principles of liberty and justice— were at the mercy of the kingpins. If Bruce wanted to fight a war against Gotham's criminal empire, he would have to do it alone. First, he needed to put himself in a position of power by gaining the trust and respect of the city...and Wayne Enterprises was his best bet. The company had been supporting the city through its industrialization and charity ventures for decades and the death of his parents only further endeared it to the public.

The Wayne family had been involved in the world of business for centuries. Bruce's ancestors arrived in the Dutch colony that eventually became Gotham City in the 1640s. Nathanial Wayne, the first of the family to settle in America, built a merchant house that launched the beginning of the family empire. In the 1860s, Judge Solomon Wayne and his brother Joshua expanded the single house into a corporation of twelve sites throughout the city. The Waynes pooled their resources with their close friends Henry Cobblepot, Amadeus Arkham, and the genius architect Cyrus Pinkney to create the Gotham known to the modern world. The first Wayne Tower, constructed by Solomon's son Alan in 1888, was one of Gotham's greatest architectural wonders. Once the tallest building in the city, the tower served as a welcome to travelers arriving in Gotham Bay and a promise of protection to the citizens. At the top of the tower was a stained-glass observation deck that was open to the public daily as a present to the city's people. When the building fell into disrepair, it was gifted by the family to the city as a landmark. The modern Wayne Tower—where Bruce was currently headed—was built by his great-grandfather in the 1920s. The building paid tribute to its predecessor while embracing the art deco style of the Roaring '20s. At 100 stories tall and 1,200 ft. in height, Wayne Tower remained the tallest and most impressive building in Gotham.

Bruce parked his Aston Martin in the reserved section of the underground garage and took the private elevator up to the top floor. The last time he had been to the CEO's office was fifteen years ago. The building had undergone massive renovations and his father was eager to show off his new office. At the time, Bruce was too young to understand the complexities of his father's job, but he was always told how privileged his life was thanks to the family business. He could remember the first time his father brought him to Wayne Enterprises as if it were yesterday.

~15 YEARS PRIOR~

Bruce held on tightly to Thomas's fingers as the elevator traveled skyward. His father's presence gave him comfort in the cramped, vibrating machine. At seven years old, his mind was filled with irrational fears, the newest being small spaces. After the incident on the manor grounds a few weeks earlier, every noise, passing shadow, and tight space sent his young heart into a frenzy.

He breathed a sigh of relief when the elevator came to a gentle stop and the embossed gold doors slid open.

"Are you ready to see Dad's new office?" Thomas asked as they stepped into the lobby of the 100th floor.

Bruce jumped up and down impatiently. Thomas chuckled and pushed open the double oak doors.

Beyond was a grand, circular office with beige and gold-striped wallpaper and walnut wainscotting. Little flecks of pure gold twisted into the veins of the brown marble floors. To the left of the room was a fully stocked bar, above which was a hand-painted mural of a ship amid a raging storm. To the right of the office were two leather armchairs and a chess table in front of a wall of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Behind Thomas's desk were three rounded glass doors that led to the office's private balcony.

Bruce instantly ran to the window and pressed his face against the cold glass, desperate to see his father's magnificent view of the city. Thomas slid the doors open and casually approached the railing of the balcony. Bruce hung back at the threshold, peering timidly at the long drop from the deck to the ground below.

Noticing his son's anxiety, Thomas took a knee and opened his arms. "It's all right, son. I've got you."

Bruce cautiously approached his father, concentrating on his shoes rather than the rushing wind around them. Thomas lifted him off the ground and held him snuggly in his arms.

Wayne tower was so tall that Bruce could see nearly every building in Gotham, from the business sector on Founder's Island straight ahead to the lawless East End behind him. Bruce felt like the king of a microscopic realm, watching over his people from his palace above the clouds.

"This city has been kind to us, Bruce," his father said, gazing out across the horizon. "Gotham—in all its sinister glory—made us who we are. She's our true mother and her citizens are our family. That's why we need to care for each other and try to make this a better place for everyone. This tower and this company are just the start of our family legacy and a better future for this city."

He glanced at Bruce's dazed expression and ruffled his hair affectionately.

"I know you don't understand what I mean now, but that's all right. One day, though, I hope you'll continue our legacy long after your mother and I are gone."

Bruce wrapped his arms around his father's neck and pulled him close, oblivious to the tragedy soon to come...

~THE PRESENT~

His mind returned to that horrifying night in the alley behind the theater. The thought of losing his parents, understandably, never crossed his mind. What child would think of such a morbid concept at seven years old? The same city that Thomas Wayne proudly declared gave his family everything took it all away with the pull of a trigger less than a year later. Perhaps Bruce childishly believed what everyone said; his parents were prominent figures in society, therefore safe from the dangers faced by ordinary people. As he would learn far too young, death doesn't discriminate.

Bruce stared at the smog-shrouded skyline from the familiar rounded glass window. He felt a pang of guilt at the thought of moving into his father's office and filling the role of CEO he left behind. Though Bruce was prepared to lead the company one day, stepping forward only after his father's murder felt disrespectful to Thomas's memory.

"Can I help you?" came a croaky voice from behind.

He turned to see an older woman with graying brown hair and hazel eyes standing in the doorway. She was the very definition of decorum in her kitten heel pumps and tweed suit with a pearl brooch. One look at her might fool some into thinking she was a kind old lady, but Bruce knew of her capacity to be strict and direct.

"Mrs. Zellerbach," Bruce greeted with a charming smile. "Lovely to see you again."

She blushed and waved him off. "It's good to see you too, Bruce. You know, when I saw you standing by the window just now, I thought I saw Thomas's ghost. I'm sure you've heard this too many times, but you look so much like him."

Bruce shook his head. "I'm always flattered by the comparison. He was a great man. I can only hope to live up to his memory. Strangely enough, I was thinking about him too before you came in. It's hard to imagine anyone else working in this office but him."

"Now you understand how I've felt working here the last fifteen years," she mused as she sat behind the desk, rubbing the arms of the leather chair wistfully. "Thomas was a dear friend...it still feels improper to sit in his seat. Then again, I was only meant to keep it warm for you."

"I'm glad you feel that way," he replied. "I was afraid the board wouldn't take too kindly to me stepping forward so soon."

"We've practically been preparing for this moment since the day you were born! When we received the news about your parents, we pledged to keep the company afloat until you were ready to take charge. In any case, it's what Thomas would have wanted."

"I appreciate all of your hard work. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get prepared."

"You don't need to apologize. It's not as if we expected you to become a CEO during grade school," she chuckled. "Speaking of, am I correct in assuming your mysterious absence was academically related? The last I heard, you were planning to attend Gotham City University...but then Alfred told me during one of our fundraisers that you were traveling abroad."

Bruce took a seat across from her as he thought up a convincing reply. He knew he would need to become a gifted storyteller when everyone started to ask questions regarding his whereabouts.

"You're right. Alfred suggested that a little foreign culture might benefit me, so I went to school in Europe. I should have let you know as soon as I came home, but I had a few things to take care of first."

"Quite right," she returned teasingly. "I read the latest issue of Gotham Insider. Congratulations on your engagement! I remember you and Ms. Kyle being very close when you were young. I saw her recently during an auction at the Modern Art Museum. She grew to be a charming, sophisticated young woman. I wish the two of you all the best."

As sincere as she attempted to sound, Bruce could sense that she wasn't too impressed with his order of priorities, so he changed the subject.

"Thank you. Now, I know I'll have to re-read the company procedures and bylaws, but I'd like to get started as soon as possible. I've been away long enough as is."

Regina nodded her approval. "Excellent. I—"

The office door opened and an older gentleman peered inside curiously. He was tall and slender with receding gray hair, a pointed jawline, and sunken cheeks. His eyes, small and gray, could probe the depths of one's soul with a single, steely glance.

"Apologies for the interruption," he said, his tone raspy, "but Mr. Maganti and I would like to review the budget before next week's board meeting."

"Of course. Bruce, do you remember Mr. Dorian Finch?"

Dorian turned his head, suddenly aware of Bruce's presence.

"Bruce Wayne," he stated in surprise, though his face remained neutral. "My my...it's been some time. I'd be surprised if you remember me. You were quite young when we met and we haven't seen each other since."

Bruce smirked and shook Dorian's hand with a firm grip. "Of course! I wouldn't forget the chairman of the board. My father introduced us at a Wayne Medical fundraiser. I'm afraid it hasn't been as long as you think, Mr. Finch. You've come to nearly every faculty Christmas party I've hosted at the manor since his death..."

Dorian's hand stiffened in Bruce's hold, yet he remained impassive. "I must have missed you..."

There was a tense silence as he and Bruce eyed each other suspiciously. Regina stood from her chair and cleared her throat, visibly uncomfortable. "I'll get you a copy of the bylaws, Bruce," she remarked as she hastily left the room.

As soon as they were alone, Dorian strolled to the bar and poured himself a glass of brandy from the CEO's private collection. Bruce knew it was a subtle power move meant to remind him of who was really in charge. Dorian poured a second glass and offered it to Bruce.

"So...finally come to take up the mantle, have you? Good. I'll admit, you had us a bit concerned after your sudden departure," Dorian declared with condescension.

"It might have seemed sudden to you, but I'd been planning to travel for a while. I figured a little exposure to the rest of the world would do me good if I was going to head up an international corporation."

Dorian smirked, then took a sip from his brandy. "As I'm sure you know, we've taken great care in running this company. The board has kept Wayne Enterprises on a steady path since Thomas's dreadful passing. Our contracts with the military have been highly profitable, so much so that we've become the leading defense contractor and cybersecurity specialist in the nation. Now, I realize you'll want to make a few changes when you become CEO, but I ask that you consider how fortunate you are to have a board that has kept your family's business stable for so long."

Bruce drained his glass and nearly slammed it on the table. "If by stable you mean stagnant, then I'd have to agree," he scoffed. "This city's economy is sinking, yet we're sitting on our millions doing absolutely nothing. Why is that, exactly? When my father was CEO, he worked on solving the city's energy crises and developing a company-funded healthcare system for impoverished communities. With a little more time, Wayne Enterprises could've been the face of clean, sustainable energy and innovative medical research...but you and the other board members are still focused on building weapons for the military. Where is the progress being made here at home?"

Dorian chuckled humorlessly and swirled his drink. "I'll blame your ignorance on your lack of business experience. The fact of the matter is, it takes time for a giant corporation like ours to accommodate significant changes and remain profitable."

"My father created successful medical and industrial divisions of the company in less than twenty years...all without driving away investors or sacrificing his morality. If you want to fool me, Mr. Finch, you'll need a better excuse."

Dorian's cheek twitched as he struggled to maintain his composure. "Listen, son—"

"—Never call me son," Bruce growled. "You think you have me figured out, don't you? I'm nothing more than a spoiled, irresponsible child with a ton of emotional issues and a huge trust fund. Is that right?"

Dorian shrugged. "I suppose if the shoe fits..."

"Good," Bruce smirked. "That's what I want you to believe. I want you to underestimate me, Mr. Finch. Those who are underestimated have the biggest advantage. We know more than we say, listen more than we speak, and notice more than you realize. Want to know what I've noticed in just last five minutes?"

Dorian quirked an eyebrow.

"You have a clear plan for this company's future, one that involves getting richer while pretending you're making your millions providing for the common good. My father's death gave you the perfect opening. You've had control over this company for nearly fifteen years and you're not willing to give that up for anything, least of all me."

He leaned over Dorian, using his imposing height to his advantage.

"Let me be clear— I won't allow my family's legacy to fall victim to your ambitions. I'm willing to lose everything to defend my father's dream and the future of my family and this city. The question is, Dorian...what are you willing to sacrifice?"

"You're not the only one invested in this company," Dorian retaliated. "The difference is, I've earned the respect of the board during my forty-year career. Meanwhile, the ink on your diploma has hardly dried and you think you have the skills to operate a multi-million dollar corporation. If that's true, why didn't you approach Regina the moment you returned? Why didn't you report here early every day to show the board you meant to lead this company dutifully? In my eyes, and hopefully the other board members, you have yet to prove you are knowledgeable enough to run this business and will treat it with the highest respect."

"I agree that I need to prove myself worthy of this responsibility, but let's be honest. It doesn't matter if I'm here twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. When I become CEO, you'll stop my every attempt to make this company a success."

"You talk as if this company is dying! Your father's interest was in charity work, not corporate profit. He would have drained our resources in a foolish attempt to save this godforsaken city! If I hadn't redirected this company's focus, you wouldn't have a business left to inherit!"

"Don't pretend you did any of this for my benefit! You're using my family's name to sell weapons of mass destruction, siphoning every dollar from this company, and leaving Gotham to rot. You're profiting off of other peoples' misery and laughing all the way to the bank!"

"And yet the number in my account is less than yours," Dorian taunted. "Do you honestly believe your family got rich by playing fair? By always doing the right thing? If so, then you're more naive than I thought. Your parents were at liberty to spend their money on the people because they already had so much of it...but how much was made on the suffering of those same people, I wonder? The Waynes have deceived more people than anyone else in this town. They were just better at hiding it."

"That may be so. I have no control over the past, only myself and my own actions. I'd spend every last penny of that money if I could save my home. You could take my house, cars, valuables, and millions away from me tomorrow, but at least I'd still have my soul."

The room fell silent as the men glared angrily at each other, fury radiating off them.

"Let's face it, Dorian," Bruce began at last. "Neither of us can achieve anything while the other is here. There's only one way this can end...one of us will have to leave."

Dorian gave him a smug smile. "Then may the best man win."

"Here they are!"

The men turned to see Regina entering the office with a few heavy books tucked under her arm. She passed them to Bruce and he began to flip through the pages.

"You know, Regina...I could come in first thing tomorrow. I should have the procedures committed to memory by the end of this evening."

"Well, there's no need to rush," Dorian replied with false reassurance. "It takes time to learn the complicated workings of a corporation."

Bruce closed the book with a snap and took a confident step toward Dorian. "Considering I graduated summa cum laude with a master's degree in business, it shouldn't be too difficult for me to understand."

Regina placed a comforting hand on Bruce's arm. "I'll tell you what—take some time to study the bylaws and you can shadow me throughout the week as I make the rounds. There will be a board meeting next Thursday to discuss some of our larger projects, so it would be wise for you to attend. We can discuss the transfer of power with the board at length."

Bruce shook her hand. "I greatly appreciate your time today, Regina."

She smiled as Bruce made his way toward the door. He and Dorian watched each other with narrowed eyes until it closed behind him.

...

Bruce drummed his fingers against the cover of the procedures book impatiently as he waited for the elevator. It was clear to him that Dorian Finch had no intention of allowing him to become CEO. He held onto power for too long to give it freely to someone as young and inexperienced as Bruce. The only way to convince the board to support him instead of Dorian was to follow Regina closely and make an active display of his dedication to the company.

When the doors opened, Bruce was instantly met with a familiar face. The man had dark skin, graying textured hair, a goatee, and thick-rimmed square glasses. He wore a green patterned cardigan and beige khakis—a bit too casual for the company's environment—but he was such a beloved employee that no one corrected him. His contribution to Wayne Enterprises' technology department made him an invaluable asset, giving him plenty of free reign.

"Mr. Fox?!" Bruce asked, astounded.

He laughed and cheerfully shook Bruce's hand. "Mr. Wayne! Wonderful to see you again! And please, it's definitely Lucius by now."

"Lucius, of course. It's good to see you too. How are you?"

"I wouldn't complain even if I could!"

"How's the family?"

"They're great! My oldest, Tam, is going to business school later this year, Luke is playing on the varsity football team, and Tiffany joined the robotics club. She wants to become an electrical engineer."

"Like father like daughter!" Bruce joked.

Lucius sighed, but he was smiling proudly. "Sometimes, I think she's more like me than me."

"What about your wife, Tanya?"

"Still telling me I work too much," Lucius laughed.

"I hate to say it, but she might be right. Even my father said he never met a more enthusiastic employee."

"Engineers are like artists; when inspiration strikes, there's no slowing us down."

The two shared a laugh.

"Well, are you here to take up the reins at last?" Lucius inquired. "Mr. Thomas would be incredibly proud."

Bruce straightened his tie awkwardly. "So everyone keeps telling me."

Lucius gave him a confused look. "Did something happen? I assume you spoke to Regina?"

"I did. She appears to be the only one on my side, at the moment."

"Is Finch giving you trouble?" Lucius asked, dropping his voice to a whisper.

Bruce's eyes widened. "Yes...how did you know it was him?"

Lucius leaned in conspiratorially. "Let's say...I sense a snake in the grass."

"So do I. What were you thinking?"

Lucius shrugged. "I have a hunch he has some sort of secret agenda. Lately, he's been sticking very close to the Chief Financial Officer, Michael Maganti. I don't think I've ever seen them in the same room outside of meetings since I've been here, which is almost thirty years. Maganti is a bit too...slow for someone like Finch, which could be the point for all I know."

"It seems a little suspicious," Bruce seethed. "He wanted to review the quarterly budget with Regina and Maganti when he came in. Not unusual, but I'm noticing a connection."

"I certainly see no reason why those two would be together unless it had to do with money."

"Speaking of, what do you know about Wayne Enterprises' military projects?" Bruce asked. "Finch seemed to defend that area of the company strongly."

Lucius sighed. "It's a bit complicated. Wayne Aerospace, Wayne Steel, and Wayne Yards design and store quite a few vessels and aircrafts for the navy, as I'm sure you know. The WayneTech division has fitted these crafts with the latest sonar, stealth, and security technology, but nothing more than that. Finch is attached to our contracts with the government because they're making the most money, not to mention the prestige that comes with being the preferred designer for the military."

"What about the other branches? I looked over some of my father's initiatives while I was away. Wayne Industries was making serious headway on developing a stable fusion power plant and Wayne Medical was in the first round of testing a vaccine to combat HIV. What happened to those projects? Why doesn't Dorian consider them profitable?"

Lucius looked puzzled. "I'm honestly not sure. I heard we received funding from the World Nuclear Association for the fusion plant and we were flying over a research team from Germany to test the HIV vaccine. Your father was on the path to making a considerable difference. If those plans succeeded, he likely would have won a Nobel."

Bruce clenched his jaw, deep in thought. A nearby meeting room opened and office workers flooded into the hallway.

"I should get going," Bruce groaned. "I have a lot of reading to do if I want to sway the board to my side by next Thursday. Take care, Lucius."

He stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the parking garage. Just as the doors were about to close, Lucius placed his hand between them and offered Bruce a sincere smile.

"Remember, Mr. Wayne...this is your company and everyone here knows that. Your father was a brilliant, generous man whose ideas would have taken the world by storm had he lived to put them into action. I have no doubt that you could do the same, if not more. Personally, I very much look forward to seeing the future of this company with you standing at the helm. If you ever need an ally in these walls, you know you can find me in the tech lab."

Bruce smiled gratefully. "I know. Thank you, Lucius."

He nodded and the doors slid slowly closed.