The soft hum of streetlights flickered overhead as Justin stepped out of the police station, his expression unreadable, jacket slung over his shoulder.
The crisp evening air brushed against his skin, a welcod contrast to the stale, over lit walls of the interrogation room.
Waiting just beyond the short steps were Skylar and Jessie.
Skylar’s arms were crossed, expression cool and unreadable, while Jessie gave a lazy wave, leaned casually against the side of a black car.
“About ti,” Jessie said, tilting her head. “Thought they were gonna strip-search you next.”
Justin’s eyes flicked to her, mildly amused. “If they had, they’d be the ones in cuffs.”
Skylar rolled her eyes. “Let’s just go.”
They walked toward the car in silence, the tension hanging unspoken between them. Justin noted how Skylar avoided eye contact.
“You could at least say thank you,” Jessie muttered toward her friend as they approached the car.
Skylar shot her a sharp look. “It’s his job.”
Jessie raised a brow, sighing. "Being appreciative won't hurt".
Justin said nothing, sliding into the back seat while Jessie drove.
---
The car pulled into the long driveway of the Wayne mansion. Golden lights from the grand windows spilled onto the pavent as the gate slid closed behind them.
Jessie opened her door and stretched. “Looks like I’ve overstayed. My ride’s five minutes out.”
“You could’ve told us that earlier,” Skylar said, her voice tired.
Jessie winked. “And miss all this fun? Nah.”
As she stepped toward the front doors, she glanced back at Justin. “A job well done for your first day huh?".
Justin smiled."Pretty much"
Jessie laughed and walked inside.
Inside the foyer, the soft murmurs of the mansion's evening staff filled the background.
“Stephanie’s upstairs,” Skylar said flatly.
“Did she ask about what happened?” Jessie asks puzzled.
“She’s... curious,” Skylar replied, starting up the stairs. “She’s quiet, not blind.”
Right after replying she turned towards Justin about to say sothing but was interrupted by Becky.
“Mr. Justin, Mr Wayne requests your presence in his study" She said with her head bowed a little. Justin adjusted his collar and turned, following the woman's voice.
---
The study was dimly lit, old books and expensive whiskey lining the shelves. Mr. Wayne stood by the window, hands behind his back.
“You handled yourself well,” he said, not turning around.
“It wasn’t a job I expected to go sideways that quickly,” Justin replied.
Mr. Wayne finally turned. “Which brings us to the issue. I guess the hangout didn't go exactly as planned then.”
Justin stepped forward. “Exactly. It escalated quickly and weirdly, I have a feeling that this was planned"
Mr. Wayne stayed quiet for a while as he narrowed his eyes at Justin thinking to himself. He walks towards his seat and sits down adjusting himself comfortably then replies to Justin." Well you're not wrong it was indeed a test, although I hired you I still needed to test your performance "
Justin expression shifted as he heard him confirm his guess.
"So you used the life of your granddaughters as a gamble?".
Mr Wayne chuckles quietly as he shakes his head. " Not really, I had it all planned but it seems there was an unexpected event that happened midway".
Justin replies." We were arrested by fake cops and she got kidnapped. Unless that was also part of your plan then I'll say soone leaked the info out as there wasn't many people that knew about this".
Mr. Wayne’s expression darkened. “You think soone in this house…?”
Justin nodded toward the window, where the garden lights glowed faintly.
Mr. Wayne exhaled. “Keep your guard up. You’ve only just begun.”
Justin gave a subtle nod and turned to leave.
---Later that night,
The soft rustle of sheets filled the air as Skylar shifted on her bed, absently flipping through the pages of an untouched book. A quiet knock ca at the door.
“It’s open,” she called.
Stephanie stepped in, hoodie-draped and barefoot, her blond hair loose around her shoulders.
“You’re still up,” she said softly.
“So are you,” Skylar replied, setting the book down.
Stephanie wandered over and sat on the edge of the bed. Silence settled between them—comfortable, if a bit heavy.
“You think he’s dangerous?” Stephanie asked eventually.
Skylar leaned back against her headboard. “He is. But I don’t think he’d hurt us. Still…”
“You don’t trust him.”
Skylar nodded. “Not yet. Not completely.”
Stephanie looked toward the door, thinking. “Jessie seems to like him.”
“Jessie likes anything that fights back.”
Stephanie gave a quiet laugh. “You don’t hate him though.”
Skylar frowned. “I don’t trust him. That’s different.”
“But you’re curious.”
Skylar said nothing, which was answer enough.
“Do you think he’ll stay?” Stephanie asked softly.
“Only if we’re worth his trouble,” Skylar said.
Stephanie hesitated. “I think… he’s not that bad right?".
Skylar turned her head slightly, watching her sister.
“Get so sleep, Steph.”
“You too, Sky.”
Stephanie walked toward the door, but paused before leaving. “He’s not like the last one. I can tell.”
Skylar’s gaze flickered as the door shut behind her. She laid back, eyes tracing the ceiling, thoughts knotted and restless.
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