Yeah.
That tracks.
2
BEN
Well, who’d’ve thought it.
Finally, something interesting around here.
Something to ease the panic that’s been in my chest for weeks. Ever since Dad’s little announcement.
I thought this expo would be more entertaining. Clark Industries owns twenty other international brands under our umbrella, many of which own subsidiary brands under their own umbrellas. All those many businesses are here at the Clark Industries International Expo to show off, schmooze, seal deals and secure contracts.
And to impress me, should I pass by their booth.
Thought this would be a distraction for me.
Thought I could lift spirits and give the people a laugh. Turn on the ol’ Clark charm.
Yet, it’s been a total bore and a half.
Until now.
Ellie and I rush to help Janie up, which is a remarkably awkward feat with the bulky glass jar costume on. She stands still, gathering herself, eyes closed.
“Janie,” I say again, since my—hmm, acquaintance? Friend?…Employee?—has yet to open her gorgeous gray-green eyes. It’s been ages since I’ve seen her. She looks a bit thin, a bit pale. Definitely tired and unhappy and…did she just groan at having to talk to me? “You know I can see you, right?”
That gets her.
“Be—uh, Mr. Clark. Hi. Hello.”
“You two know each other?” Ellie says next to us.
I laugh, “Mr. Clark?Is the old codger here?” I pretend to look about for my dad. “C’mon, darling, we’re old friends, yeah? Call me Ben.”
She sighs, “Hey, Benedict.”
“Hey, yourself. Why didn’t I know you were working for Mellman’s? Wait, why the hell are you?” I frown. “And why’ve they got you here, doing this?”
“Hazing?” Janie murmurs.
“It’s tradition, the newest hire has to wear the suit each year,” Ellie chirps. I try to remember what she is…Mellman’s Chief Sales something. I look back at the gorgeous face stuck in a small, ridiculous cutout.
“Does Emerson know you’re—”
“No!” Janie almost shouts back at me, her remarkable face growing animated in the felt hole. “I...I didn’t want any special treatment from you or your brother, or any of Skye’s family either. I didn’t send out the bat signal.”
“Oh, am I Batman in this scenario? Surely.”
“You know EmersonClark too?!” Ellie squeaks at Janie, interrupting me. I get the feeling she’s a tad peppy for Janie, especially right now. She looks like she needs relief.
Hmm, how can I politely dismiss Ellie from our conversation?
“I’m at least Bruce Wayne,” I add, shooting a wide smile at Janie but she continues to slow blink and breathe deeply, like she needs to gather herself. Like she’d rather be invisible than have to chat with me. So, basically the same as every other time I’ve been around her, but without her usual snark. “Ellie, love, remember that delicious cocktail you introduced me to a few booths back?”
“The Dirty Whirley or the—”
