Disclaimer: This is not assicoated in anyway with Marvel Comics who make the Batman comicbooks, nor is it associated with Early Edition, it's cast, and Fox Family.  Rating is PG due to some fighting.
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The Catwoman's Prize
by Lori Anderson

Chapter 1

Gary and Toni arrived in Gothan City two weeks after they got back from their honeymoon.

"So this is Gotham City.  It looks like came out of a comic book or something," Gary said looking around.

"It does, but this is where my friend calls home.  She grew up here," Toni told her husband.

"Where did she said she'd meet us at?  I forgot what her phone call said."

"We're to meet her at the courthouse where her father works.  Barbara said she'd take us inside to meet her father and Chief O Hara.  Yes, in caseyou're wondering, the chief is Irish."

"This should be interesting.  Is that the courthouse up ahead?."

Toni looked and nodded.  "Yes, that's it.  I see Barbara standing outside the steps waiting."

Gary drove their rental car to the front of the courthouse and parked it in a parking space.

"Toni!  It's so good to see you after all these years!," Barbara Gordon exclaimed embracing her friend.

"Hello Barbara.  It's good to see you too.  This is my husband Gary.  Gary, this is Barbara Gordon," Toni told them introducing each other.

"Hello Barbara.  Nice to meet you," Gary said shaking her hand.

"It's nice to finally to meet the man who won my friend's heart.  Welcome to Gothan City.  Please follow me.

My father and the chief is inside in his office at the top floor," Barbara said smiling at him.

They followed her inside the building and rode the elevator up to the commisioner's office.

Barbara lead the way inside her father's office once they were off the elevator.

"Father, Chief O Hara, this is my friend Toni, and her husband Gary," she said introducing Toni and Gary.

"Welcome to Gothan City Mr. and Mrs. Hobson.  Congrulations on your wedding," Commissioner Gordon said shaking Gary's hand, and kissing Toni's.

"It's a honor to meet you too sir.  You have a nice city here," Gary replied shaking the men's hands.

"We want your visit to be a pleasant one.  Feel free to call us on anytime while you're here."

"Thank you sir.  I'll remember that."

"Commissioner, why don't you tell them about the party Bruce Wayne is giving tonight?  They might like to go," Chief o Hara asked remembering the phone call that came in earlier.

"Oh yes.  Thank you for reminding me chief.  Millionaire Bruce Wayne is giving a dinner party tonight .  Procedes are going towards a charity that he supports.  I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I invinited you and your lovely wife to come.  I'll call him right now and do so."

The commissioner picked up his phone and dialed Bruce Wayne's number.

Alfred, the butler answered it, and went to tell Bruce that he had phone call.  "Call for your Master Bruce.  It's the commissioner.  He says it's important," he said.

"Thank you Alfred," Bruce replied and went to pick up the phone on the table.  "Hello commissioner."

"Bruce, a friend of Barbara's and her husband are here in town, and I would like to invite them to your party tonight if that's alright.  Their names are Gary and Toni Hobson," Commissioner Gordon said.

"Gary and Toni Hobson.  Sure.  It's alright with me if they come tonight.  I would like to meet them if they're friends of Barbara's.  I'll tell Alfred to expect them."

"Thank you Bruce.  You'll like them once you meet them.  Good bye."

The commissioner turned back towards his guests.  "Bruce said that it was alright with him that you both come to the dinner party.  He's looking forward to meeting you."

"This should be a very interesting evening tonight," Toni said.

"I know you became a police detective Toni, but you haven't told me what Gary does for a living," Barbara said smiling at her friend who was proudly standing by her husband.

"He's part owner and manager of a bar called Mc Ginty's in Chicago.  He used to be a stockbroker at one time, but he quit it because his boss was always needling him," Toni told Barbara.

"That sounds very interesting.  I'd like to hear all about it sometime while you're here Gary."

"There's really that much to tell Barbara," Gary said glad that Toni didn't mention the paper.

Chapter 2

Gary and Toni arrived at Wayne Manor for the dinner party.  Gary was dressed in a tuxedo, and Toni was dressed in a very loving evening gown that she had brought with her on the trip.

"Wow!  This place is really awesome," Gary said as he and Toni walked towards the door.

"Barbara told us what to expect when we arrived honey," Toni reminded him.

"She was right.  Shall we make our entrance?"

They walked to the door and Alfred opened it before Gary could knock.

"Mr. & Mrs. Gary Hobson," he announced smiling to the others.

"Thank you Alfred," Gary said as he lead his wife into the main room. Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson also dressed in tuxedos came towards the pair.

"Welcome to Wayne Manyor!  I am Bruce Wayne, and this is my ward, Dick Grayson," Bruce said.

"This is my wife, Toni.  Toni, this is Bruce Wayne, and Dick Grayson," Gary told Toni introducing her.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Wayne," Toni said extending her hand for him to shake.

"The pleasure is mine Toni," Bruce replied kissing her hand.

"Hello Dick."

"Hello Mrs. Hobson," Dick said kissing her hand too.

"Please call me Toni.  You sure do have a nice mansion here."

"Thank you.  Please follow me to the dinning room.  I'll introduce you and Gary to the other guests."

Bruce lead the way to the dinning room where the other guests were waiting.

"You already know Commissioner Gordon and his daughter."

Gary nodded.  "We met at the commissioner's office earlier today," he replied.

"This is Mrs. Stone.  She is the leading chairwoman of the children's home equipment drive I'm sponsoring. Mrs. Stone, this is Toni and Gary Hobson.  They're friends of Barbara Gordon," Bruce said introducing everyone in the group.

"Pleased to meet you Toni.  You too Gary ," Mrs. Stone said shaking Toni's hand, and then Gary's.

"Nice to meet you too Mrs. Stone," Gary replied kissing her hand like a gentleman.

"Same here Mrs. Stone," Toni said smiling.

"This is our mayor and his wife," Dick Grayson said as the mayor and his wife came over.

"It's nice to meet you both," the mayor said shaking  Gary's hand, and kissing Toni's.

"Thank you sir.  It's a honor to meet you too," Gary told him.

"My, your husband certainly is handsome Toni," the mayor's wife told Toni.

Toni proudly smiled at Gary.  "Thank you.  That's one reason I married him."

Gary felt himself almost blush when people talked about him.

"Dear, you're embrassing the poor man.  Lets go find out seats," the mayor told his wife.

"If anyone pitches my check, I'm out of here," Gary whispered to his wife.

"She just gave you a complement, sweetheart.  No need to blush," Toni replied.

"Let's go find our seats at the dinner table, shall we."

Gary escorted his wife to where Bruce had Alfred set their places at the table.

Chapter 3

"The commssioner tells me that you own a bar called McGinty's in Chicago, Gary," Mayor Smith said.

"Yes sir.  Acutally, I'm part owner of the bar.  I have a friend who's also a partner.  Her name is Marissa Clark. She's married to a another friend of mine whose name is Emmit.  I can't remember his last name right now," Gary replied sipping some of his wine that Alfred had poured for him.

"Marissa is blind, but she can handle herself very well.  She can sense when someone's not feeling well, or when someone's feeling happy or sad.  Gary can tell you all about it," Toni said.

Mrs. Smith was impressed.  "I am so glad that hear that Gary.  Your friend can help inform a lot of people what they can do, and not let their handicaps stop them," she told him.

"I'm sure Marissa will be happy to hear that when I tell her."

"How long are you and Toni planning on staying in our city?," Bruce Wayne asked changing the subject.

"Until this weekend.  Toni wants to do some catching up with Barbara, and I'd like to see what your city's really like.  I'm curious as to some of the buildings I've seen on the way here," Gary replied.

"I think I can arrange a tour for you Gary."

Gary noticed that one of the men helping serve tonight was eyeing the mayor wife's diamond necklace.

"Uh, Mr Wayne.  That waiter over there seems to be very interesting in the mayors wife's diamond necklace.  I have a feeling that he might try to steal it or something by the way he's looking at it," he told Bruce.

Bruce looked at the man Gary was talking about, and did notice the way he was looking at the necklace.

"Chief o Hara.  That waiter over there is eyeing the diamond necklace Mrs. Smith is wearing in a very odd way.  I suggest someone keep an eye on him in case he gets any ideas of trying to steal it," he said.

Chief o Hara nodded.  "Don't worry Mr. Wayne.  There'll be no stealing of anything tonight.  I promise you that as chief of police.  He looks like one of the catwoman's men," he replied.

"If he is, it means she's back and that means trouble."

Later, Gary and Toni were walking around the pool area, and Gary saw someone moving towards the statue from behind the bushes where the mayor was standing talking to Bruce Wayne.

"Mr. Wayne!  Look out!  Someone's behind that bush!," he yelled pointing to the man.

Chief O Hara quickly siezed the man before he could push the statue on the two men.

"Gotcha!  Commissioner, it's one of the catwoman's men alright.  I think he was trying to cause a diversion for the other one to steal the necklace.

Thanks to Mr. Hobson, he didn't get it done," he said.

"I was afraid of this.  Sorry this happened Bruce," Commissioner Gordon told Bruce Wayne.

"Don't apologize commissioner.  She's up to her old tricks again.  Gary just did everyone here a big favor," Bruce said as he watched the police officers lead the man off the grounds.

Barbara Gordon was also watching and sighed.  "She never gives up, does she father," she said.

The commissioner shook her head.  "I"m afraid we're in for trouble Barbara."

"Who are you talking about Barbara?," Toni asked curious about Catwoman.

Barbara looked at her father.  "I was hoping you wouldn't ask that Toni. Catwoman is a very dangerous feline criminal around here.  She dresses like a cat, and whenever she's around, it means trouble.  I hope you and Gary don't run into her while you're here," she replied.

"I'm a police detective Barbara.  I've handled criminals like her before. "

Chapter 4

The next  morning, in the Catwoman's lair, Catwoman was reading the paper about the dinner party.

"So, both of my men have been thwarted in the robbery attempt last night. This Gary Hobson sounds very interesting to me.  Kitty, I have a job for you," she told her young accompliance.

"Yes Catwoman.  What do you want me to do?," Kitty asked her boss.

"Find this Gary Hobson and bring him here to me.  Do your "need some assistance" routine."

Kitty smiled.  "I get it.  Lure him into my car, and have him drive here under the gun."

"Exactly!  He's purrrfect for what I have in mind."

"I'm on my way Catwoman.  Just where are you going to put him once he's here?"

"That is my business.  You just get him here."

"May I ask what you're going to do with him, or is that none of my business?"

"I'll decide what to do with him once I see him.  Get going."

Kitty nodded and left the lair.  She went out to her car and drove towards town.

Meanwhile, unaware what was about to happen, Gary and Toni were eating breakfast in the hotel's resturant.

"You have a good day today sweetheart.  I'm going to do some sightseeing before lunch," Gary said.

"Okay.  Be careful out there today.  I don't want you running into this Catwoman person," Toni told him.

"I promise I won't run into her.  I probably won't even see her whoever she is."

After breakfast, Barbara picked Toni up in her car, and  both women waved good bye to Gary.

Gary waved back smiling not notcing that someome was watching him from across the street.

"Catwoman's going to be pleased when she sees how handsome he is.  Time to go into my rountine," Kitty said lowering her bincoulars, and crossed the street to where Gary was standing.

"Excuse me.  Sorry to bother you, but my car's not running right for some reason.  Maybe you can take a look at it and see what you can find,  I'd appreicate any help you can give me," she told him.

Gary couldn't help noticing how young Kitty was.  "I'm not a mechanic miss,' he said.

"Just look at  the engine please.  Maybe you can direct me to the nearest
garage."

"Alright.  I'll see what I can do miss.  Where's your car at?"

Kitty pointed across the street.  "That's it.  Uh, I forgot to ask you your name so I'll know who to say sent me to the garage. What's your name sir?"

Gary smiled.  "Gary Hobson."

Kitty took out her small pistol and put in in his side.  "Someone wants to see you.  Get in the car, and drive where I tell you to.  Please don't try anything stupid."

Gary couldn't believe he was being kidnapped in broad daylight.

He did as Kittly said, and with her holding the gun on him inside her car, drove to the Catwoman's lair.

"Here he is Catwoman.  This is Gary Hobson," Kitty said smiling as she pointed with her gun at Gary.

Catwoman smiled as she saw how handsome he was.  "Good work Kitty.  Leave us alone.  I can take it from here.  Go fix your nails.  They're looking a little too sharp," she told her assistant.

Kitty left the room and Catwoman approached her hostage.

"You're a handsome one.  From now on, you're mine until I decide when you can leave," she told him.

"What do you mean I'm yours?," Gary asked.

"You just became a part of my lair.  In other words, you 'll do exactly as I say and what I want when I want."

"You, you mean as your slave?"

"In a way.  You're going to help me get a very valuable item."

Chapter 5

Catwoman showed Gary the article in the paper about the diamond collection that was going to be on display at the Gothan City Museum.  "They're worth a fortune, and would look very good on me," she told him.

Gary gulped.  She was telling him she was going to rob the museum which meant he was in trouble.

 "Why don't you let me go, and I promise I won't tell anyone what you're going to do miss Catwoman," he suggested, and could tell by the smile she had, that she wasn't going to let him go.

"Sit down handsome.  Kitty!  Bring us some refreshments."

"Coming Catwoman.  Your hencemen are here," Kitty replied coming in with the drinks.

"Excellent.  I knew I could depend on my friend to follow through for me. Hand me the phone.  It's time to call Commissioner Gordon, and tell him that I have Mr. Hobson as my guest."

"Here you are boss," the first man said handing her the catphone.

Kitty watched Gary with interest as he sat on a chair next to Catwoman as she had told him to.

"Commissioner, this is Catwoman.  I have Gary Hobson in my lair as my hostage.  He is fine, and will be so if you don't do anything foolish," Catwoman told the commissioner over the telephone.

"You fiend!  If you hurt him, you'll answer to me!, Commissioner Gordon said.

"He will not be harmed if you do not attempt anything foolish such as trying to find him.  I will let you talk to him."

She handed Gary the phone.  "Go ahead and talk to the commissioner."

"Hello Commissioner," Gary said aware of the gun pointed at him by one of the men.

"Mr. Hobson.  Are you alright?"

"Relatively yes."

"What does she want?  Money for ransom? "

"She want's the diamond in the museum."

"What?!  Impossible!  There has to be something else she wants."

Catwoman took the phone from Gary.  "You heard him correctly.  I will exchange him for it.  You have until 4:00 tomorrow afternoon to decide.  If I do not have the diamonds after then, Gary Hobson will be my permanent guest in my private den  in my liar.  I am very serious Commissioner.  4:00 tomorrow afternoon.  Good bye."

Commissioner Gordon felt sick as he hung up the phone.  "She's demanding we give her the diamond collection at the museum in exchange for Gary Hobson at 4:00 tomorrow afternoon.  If we don't, he's her hostage until she decides when he can leave," he told Cheif O Hara.

"So that's why she kidnapped him!  That feline fiend!," the chief said.

"The only way to save Mr. Hobson is to call the Cape Crusader."

The commissioner went over to the hotline, and pushed the button. Inside Wayne Manor, Alfred answered the hotline phone, and went to get Bruce and Dick.

"It's the commissioner sir," he said.

"Thank you Alfred," Bruce replied, and he and Dick Grayson went to the study to take the call.

"Yes Commissioner," Bruce said in his batman's voice.

"I need your help Caped Crusader.  Catwoman has struck again."

"We'll be right there."  Bruce hung up the phone, opened the secret button that opened the batcave's poles.

Five minutes later, Batman and Robin were driving in the Batmobile towards the commissioner's office.

"Catwoman has kidnapped Gary Hobson and is holding him for ransom Batman," the commissioner told Batman and Robin after both were inside his office.

Chapter 6

"What did Catwoman do this time Commissioner?," Batman asked seeing how distressed his friend was.

Commissioner Gordon sighed.  "She's kidnapped Gary Hobson Batman.  He and his wife were at a dinner party at Wayne Manor last night with us, and Gary noticed that two of Catwoman's men were there in disguise trying to steal the mayors wife's diamond necklace.  She just called to tell me that she has Gary prisoner at her lair and in exchange for his safe return, she wants the diamond collection at the museum," he replied.

"Holy diamond ransom," Robin exclaimed.

"Exactly Robin.  Did she give a certain time this exchange was to take place commissioner?"

"Yes.  We have until 4 tomorrow afternoon Batman."

"She said if she doesn't have it by then, that Mr. Hobson will be her permant guest," Chief O Hara said.

"I would expect less from her chief.  Has his wife been told about his being kidnapped commissioner?"
 
The commissioner shook his head.  "Not yet.  She's with my daughter Barbara. I hate to tell her Batman.  She'll feel gulity for inviting them here and having this happen."
 
Batman understood.  "It wasn't her fault commissioner.  Catwoman doesn't play by the rules.  You'd better tell Barbara what happened so she can break the news gently to Mr. Hobson's wife.  Robin and I promise that we will find Gary Hobson and rescue him from Catwoman before the deadline."

"I knew I could count on you caped Crusader."

The commissioner called the number of the resturant that Barbara and Toni were having coffee at.

The waiter came over and told Barbara she had a phone call.

"I'll be right back Toni," Barbara told Toni as she went over to the phone booth.

"Barbara here.  Oh hello father," she said speaking into the phone.

"I've got some bad news Barbara," Commissioner Gordon told his daughter.

"It sounds serious.  What is it?"

"Catwoman has kidnapped Gary Hobson.  She demanding we give her the diamond collection from the museum as ramson for him tomorrow afternoon .  We have until 4 that afternoon to do it."

Barbara looked over at Toni dreading the fact that she has to tell her friend about her husband.

"I'll tell Toni and we'll be right over father.  I dread telling her."

"She has the right to know Barbara."

"I know.  Thank you for telling me. See you in a while."Barbara sighed and returned to her table.  "Toni, I hate telling you this,
but Gary's been kidnapped," she said.

"What?!  By who?  Why?," Toni asked unable to believe what she just heard.

"The who is Catwoman, and the reason why, is that she wants to exchange him for the diamond collection in the museum.  My father just told me that Catwoman has given him until 4 tomorrow afternoon to agree to it."

"Gary wouldn't want your father to cave in to that criminal.  I want to know everything."

"We'll go to my father's office right now."

Five minutes later, both women were inside the commissioner's office having left the resturant.

"Gary wouldn't want you to do anything you don't want to just to free him sir.  I know he'd tell you that if he could.  Did you talk to him, or was he allowed to speak to anyone?," Toni told the commissioner.

"Your husband was allowed to say that he's fine and want Catwoman wanted Mrs. Hobson.  Batman and Robin are already working on finding him and getting him out of there before the deadline," Commissioner Gordon replied as Barbara handed Toni a glass of water to calm her nerves.

"Poor Gary!  She better not hurt him, or she'll deal with me personally."

"Batman and Robin won't let anything happen to Gary.  I can promise you that.  They'll rescue him in time," Barbara said wishing she could become Batgirl and help them.  She knew that she had to stay at Toni's side and help her through this ordeal.  Batgirl could wait for a while.

"Barbara, why don't you take Toni to your apartment and wait for our call.

We'll call you once we know that Batman and Robin have safely taken Gary from Catwoman's lair."

"No.  I want to stay here commissioner.  She might call , and I want to talk to Gary," Toni told him.

"I understand Mrs. Hobson.  You're welcome to wait here with us."

Chapter 7

Toni Hobson decided she'd do all she could to help save her husband,  and just sitting around waiting for a call wasn't the  answer.  "No.  I'm going to help Gary anyway I can, even if I have to find the person who's behind his kidnapping.  I know it's this Catwoman, but she's not getting her paws into my man!," she told everyone.

"What are you going to do Toni?  Batman and Robin will find Gary and bring him back," Barbara asked.

"I'm going to launch my own investigation of this catwoman person by asking anyone who knows her some tough questions.  You can either help me, or wait here Barbara."

"I'm going with you Toni.  I know someone who can help us."

"Really?  Who's that?"

"Her name is Batgirl and she's a good friend of mine.  She's going to be at my place in ten mintues."

"Let's go see her."

Meanwhile, inside the catwoman's lair, in her denroom, Gary was being guarded by one of her men.

"Uh, can I have something to drink please?  Being held hostage is making me thristy," he asked.

"Sure.  What do you want?," the man replied.

"Beer would be nice if you have it."

"No problem.  Kitty!  Come here!"

Kitty came over towards the men from her position in the room.

"Yeah, what do you want Leo?," she asked smiling at Gary.

"He wants a beer.  Keep an eye on him while I get it," Leo replied.

"I'd be happy to watch him. Go get the beer.  I'll keep an eye on handsome here."

Leo nodded and handed her the gun as he started to leave the room.

"Where are you going Leo?  I told you to guard the prisoner," Catwoman told her henceman.

"I'm going to get him a beer boss.  He's thristy," Leo replied.

"Go get it then.  I want him happy for the exchange later."

"I'll be right back boss."

Catwoman entered her main room and smiled at her prisoner sitting on the sofa.

"Are you comfortable Gary?," she asked him.

Gary raised his bound hands.  "I'd be more comfortable if my hands weren't tied," he replied.

"I don't remember giving the order to have his hands tied in front of him."

"It was one of your men who did it Catwoman.  Thought it was a sure way to make sure Gary didn't escape," Kitty replied, and Catwoman frowned.  She knew who it was.

"Felix!  Get in here!  Now!," she called.

"Yes boss," Felix said coming into the room .

"Untie Hobson's hands.  I didn't tell you to tie them in the first place."

"But boss, he might escape if he's not tied up."

"I don't think he will.  Do as I say, or you'll be sorry."

Felix went over and untied Gary's hands.

Gary rubbed his hands trying to get the feeling back in them.  "Thank you."

Leo came back with a can of beer in his hands and gave it to Gary to drink.

"Here you are kid," he said smiling.

Gary opened the can and took a sip of the beer.  "What happens if you don't get the diamonds?  I have a wife who'll stop at nothing to get me back."

"The detective.  Yes, I did a background check on you in case you're wondering.  I admire your wife. Let her try to find you.  She doesn't know where to start looking."

"You don't know Toni.  She always get her man or woman as the case may be."

"We shall see.   To answer your question, you will remain here and the diamonds will be mine anyway."

"You're going to steal them."

"Exactly.  I always get what I want."

"Hey boss.  Forgot to tell you.  The commissioner got Batman and Robin after you,"Leo told her.

"What?!  I knew sooner or later he'd call them.  Let them come.  We'll be ready for them."

Chapter 8

Barbara Gordon knew she was taking a chance about what she was going to do, but Toni's love for Gary showed her that Toni needed all the help she could get to save him for Catwoman's clutches.

"Batgirl can help you in certain ways because she also dealt with the feline criminal at times. Trust me.  She'll help you save Gary from Catwoman too," she told Toni as they entered her building.

"You sound like you know this person real well Barbara," Toni said as they rode the elevator up.

"You'd be surprised Toni.  I'll tell her why we need her, and I'm sure that she'll help us.  Here's my apartment."

The two friends entered Barbara's apartment, and Barbara went into her kitchen for a minute.

"Would you like some coffee Toni?," she asked taking out a cup from her cupboard.

"I'd like to meet this Batgirl first Barbara.  All I can think about is Gary in that criminal's hideout, and I just want to find him and personally tear that woman apart," Toni replied.

"I understand.  Go ahead and get something to drink.  I'll go tell Batgril we're here."

Toni sighed and went into the kitchen to get a glass of water to drink. Barbara went to her bedroom, activated her secret wall , and in a few minutes, she was Batgirl.

Batgirl came towards the kitchen and Toni almost dropped her glass of water.

"Barbara told me all about it Toni.  Don't worry.  I'm going to help you get him safely back," she said.

"Where is Barbara?," Toni asked looking around for her friend.

"She said she was going to stay here and wait for the phone call from her father.  She knew I could help you a lot more than she could in certain areas concerning Catwoman.  I think the first place we should start is the museum.  I have a hunch that Catwoman might try to steal the diamond collection anyway."

"Let's do it then.  My husband's time is running out."
 
 As Batgil and Toni were leaving to go to the museum, Batman and Robin were in the batcave already doing some important work on their batcomputer about Catwoman.

"If I know Catwoman Robin, she won't wait for the commissioner to agree to the trade.  She'll try to steal the diamonds tonight from the museum and use Mr. Hobson as a hostage to keep the police at bay," Batman told Robin as they looked at their old files on the Catwoman.

"Gosh Batman!  Do you think she'd really try to steal the diamond collection with all the security around it?," Robin asked knowing full well that Catwoman would try it.

"You know the answer to that old chum.  She doesn't play by the rules.  Wehave to assume that she'll try to steal the diamonds tonight, and we'll be there to stop her from doing it."

"Maybe we could force one of her men to tell us where Gary Hobson is being held in her lair."

"That's what I was thinking of.  Let's see if we can get the museum's diagram on the computer."

Meanwhile, Batgril and Toni were already at the museum looking at thediamond collection.

"So this is what she's after.  This is what Catwoman will trade for my husband," Toni said.

Batgril nodded.  "She'll send her men to steal it tonight without waiting for the commissioner to agree to the trade if she gets nervous.  We're going to pull a little surprise on her."

"What do you mean?  Do you have a plan that'll lead us to where Gary is?"

"If I can arrange it with the curator, I can put a homing device on one of the diamonds. "

"I get it.  We can follow the signal straight to her lair."

Batgril shook her head.  "Toni, I know you want to be part of this rescue, but if you get put in danger, it'll only make him feel worse knowing that he was somehow responsible for it.  Let me handle it."

"You're asking me to stand back and watch you save Gary.  I love him too much to let him down by not being part of his rescue operation.  There must be something I can do that won't put me in danger or him."

Batgirl thought for a monment.  "Maybe there is.  Let me talk to the curator for a minute."

She went to the curator's office and Toni stood there looking her wedding ring.

"I promise that I'll get you back honey if I have to personally tear that criminal apart with bare hands," she softly voved as she gently touched her ring thinking of Gary.

Batgril returned with the curator.  "This is Mr. Fredrick.  I've warned him that his diamond collection was in danger of being stolen tonight.  Mr. Fredrick, this is Toni Hobson.  She's the wife of the man Catwoman kidnapped.  She intends to trade him for your collection."

"I am so sorry your husband is in that terrible woman's clutches Mrs. Hobson," Mr. Fredrick said.

"It wasn't your fault Mr. Fredrick.  Gary had no way of knowing what would happen," Toni replied.

"You may put a homing device on one of the diamonds Batgirl.  If it'll help save Mr. Hobson, please go ahead."

"Thank you sir.  Please remove the glass so that the alarm won't go off."

The curator carefully removed the glass case, and Batgirl put her homing device on the large diamond.

"Now, when she grabs it, the device will be activated, and I can track the signal to her lair."

"A good plan Batgirl.  We'll also follow the signal to the Catwoman's lair," Batman said.

Batman and Robin were standing there behind Toni having just arrived in the Batmobile.

"Toni, this is Batman and Robin.  Gentlemen, this is Toni Hobson," Batgirl said.

"Have no fear dear lady.  Your husband will be returned to you safe and sound," Batman told Toni.

Chapter 9

"Wouldn't Catwoman know that there's a  homing device underneath the diamond?  I'm not putting Gary's chance of freedom in something like that. I know you know what you're doing, but like you said, she doesn't play by the rules, and in this case, neither am I.  Gary means too much to me," Toni said.

"She's right Batman. Catwoman would discover it sooner or later, and then, Mr. Hobson would really be in trouble.  I  remember she found it one other time when we tried it," Robin told Batman.

"I remember that too Robin.  There is one thing we can do to get her curiosty aroused enough to make her slip up.  Excuse me a minute.  I'll be right back," Batman said and went to talk to the curator for a minute. He came back with a plan in mind.  "Mr. Fredrick is going to let Mrs. Hobson hold one of the diamonds for safe keeping.  Go ahead and present it to the lady sir," he told them.

Mr. Fredrick handed Toni  the big diamond removing the homing device from it first.

"Here you are Mrs. Hobson.  With the museum's compliements," he said smiling at her.

"Thank you Mr. Fredrick," Toni replied putting the diamond in her purse. Robin smiled.  "I get your plan Batman.  Catwoman will discover one missing and will go crazy trying to find where it is.  She might even call the museum to ask where it is," he said.

"Precisely old chap.  If she finds out that Mrs. Hobson has it, she'll try to contact her and arrange some kind of exchange for it.  Or she might send someone to try to steal it from Mrs. Hobson."

"Let her try it.  I'll get Gary back whatever it takes."

"I suggest we leave here for now.  Let the feline criminal make her move," Batgirl said.

Meanwhile, inside the Catwoman's lair, Gary was eating lunch that Catwoman had one of her men get and bring back.  She watched him eat with interest and a evil smile came on her face.

Gary saw it and knew it meant trouble for him, but he didn't say anything.

"I've just decided that I'll keep both the diamonds and you, handsome," she finally  told him.

"What?!  You, you can't mean that," he gasped almost dropping his sandwhich.

"I can, and I do.  You're too valuable a prize to give back."

Gary gulped wishing that Toni and the police would hurry up and find him.

Catwoman called for her phone.  "I'm going to inform the commissioner about my change of plans."

She dialed the commissioner's office and waited for him to answer the phone.

"It's Catwoman again.  I've had a change of plans.  I will not exchange Gary Hobson for the diamonds.  I intend to keep both for my pleasure.  I wil have both before four tomorrow afternoon.  Good bye," she told him. Commissioner Gordon hung up the phone and turned to Cheif o Hara.  "You heard chief?", he asked.

"Aye commissioner.  I knew she'd  pull a doublecross sooner or later," the chief replied.

"I'd better tell the caper crusader about this.  I know he's not going to like it."

Batman wasn't surprised when he heard about the Catwoman's latest call.

"I knew she'd try something like that commissioner.  However, she will find out that the collection will be minus one piece if she steals it tonight," he said from the batphone in the Batcave.

"I suppose we should tell his wife about this, although I dread it."

"She has the right to know commissioner.  She's at your daughter's apartment."

"I'll call her and tell her Batman.  I hope whatever you have going works."

"It will commissioner.  Trust me, it will.  Good bye,"

Batman hung up the batphone and turned to Robin.  "Catwoman has changed her plans.  She intends to keep Mr. Hobson as well as the diamonds for her own pleasure," he told his helper.

"Holy doublecross!  Mrs. Hobson won't like this change of events," Robin said,

"That is why we are putting our plan into action."

Chapter 10

"The museum closes at five.  You two will go there at seven, and sneak in using your tools.  Bring me the diamonds, and be very careful with them.  I don't want them scratched.  Kitty, you go with them and be their lookout in case of any security guards should come by.  You know how to take care of him.  Don't trip any alarms while you're in there.  I'll stay here and keep our good looking guest company. Now get going," Catwoman told her helpers giving them their instructions for the heist.

"Gotcha boss.  We'll be back with the ice in a while," Leo said.

"Just get out of here and do your job."

The three criminals left the lair walking out towards the catcar parked outside.

Gary checked his watch.  It was almost time for the heist, and there was nothing he could do to prevent it.

"Relax my handsome friend.  They'll  be back with my diamonds, and I'll have them and you all to myself," she told Gary sitting down in her chair and smiling at him as he sat on the recliner across from her.

"You know you'll get caught sometime, don't you.  Why don't you let me go? My wife's probably worried about me by now, and if I know Toni, she'll do whatever she can to find me," Gary said.

"You're mine right now, and I suggest you start enjoying my company.  I can get a tad cranky when something I want doesn't suit me.  Lay back and just forget about everyone else."

"I'd much rather be with my wife if you don't mind."

Catwoman smiled, and somehow it made Gary shiver even though he wasn't cold.

She got out of her chair and went over to him.  She gently pushed him down on the cushion with her hand.

"You get up just once without asking, and I'll tie you to my chair myself. Understand?"

Gary nodded and stayed where he was watching as she returned to her chair. Meanwhile, Toni was back in Barbara's apartment looking at the diamond she held in her hand.

"You really think this plan is going to work?," she asked Batgirl.

Batgirl nodded.  "Trust Batman Toni.  Once Catwoman finds out that you have the diamond, she'll jump at the chance to arrange a meeting to dicuss exchanging it for your husband.  Once you know, let us know," she replied handing Toni a glass of water for her to drink.

Toni looked at the clock on the table.  The time was almost six thirty.

"Almost time for her to make her move."

"One thing you should know about that woman is that she never plays by the rules.  That's why it pays to be one step ahead of her and any other criminal in this business.  Tell me, just what kind of work does your husband do?  Anything that would be of particular interest to Catwoman?"

Toni knew she had to be careful what she told people about what Gary did for a living.

"He owns a bar in Chicago called McGintys.  We live right above it in an apartment.  I'm a detective for the Chicago police department myself," she replied.

"Sounds interesting.  Don't let Catwoman know that last part.  By four oclock tomorrow afternoon, Gary will be back with you, the diamonds in the museum, and Catwoman will be behind bars."

Toni sighed.  "If she harms one hair on his head, I'l personally declaw her myself," she vowed.

Batgril laughed.  "I'd like to see that.  Don't worry.  Nothing will go wrong with this plan."

Chapter 11

The trio of criminals arrived at the museum at seven, and managed to slip inside using their tools.

"Kitty, stay and keep a lookout.  We'll get the diamonds and be right back,"Leo told Kitty.

Kitty nodded, and the two goons went towards the diamond collection display case.

Using a glass cutter, they cut a hole in the middle of the case, reached in, and took the diamonds.

They didn't notice that one of them was missing.  The men ran back toward Kitty, and all three quickly left the museum.  They got back in the catcar and drove back to the liar with the stolen diamonds.

"We got them boss!," Leo said smiling at Catwoman when they entered the main room.

"Good work you three!  Let me see them," Catwoman told her henceman smiling at them.

Leon handed her the bag that contained the diamonds.  "They're all yours," he said.

Gary looked on as Catwoman opened the bag and carefully removed the diamonds.

Immediately, she discovered that the biggest one was missing from the rest.

"You idiots!  There's one missing.  Didn't you look while you were putting them in the bag?," she asked.

"Gee boss.  We thought they were all there," Leo replied.

"As you can see, one is missing.  I want that diamond.  The collection isn't complete without it"

"Maybe the curator did something with it Catwoman," Kitty said.

"Call him!  Get him on the phone.  Now!"

"Is something wrong Catwoman?," Gary asked finding all of this interesting.

"Nothing that concerns you my handsome friend."

"I got the curator on the phone boss.  He's not too happy that you called him," Leo told his boss.

Catwoman took the catphone from him.  "What did you do with that big diamond that was in the collection?,"  she demanded , the anger of the trick he pulled showing in her tone.

"I gave it to a lady to keep for me so it wouldn't be stolen with the rest," Mr. Fredrick replied.

"Tell me her name and phone number."

"Why should I tell you anything?"

"Because, if you don't tell me, I will crush your precious collection one by one until it's no more."

Mr. Fredrick shuddered.  "Alright.  Her name is Toni Hobson, but I don't know her phone number."

Catwoman looked over at Gary  upon hearing his wife's name mentioned.

"Thank you very much.  Good night."  She hung up the phone.  "It seems that your wife has the diamond I want.  I may exchange you it for it after all."

Gary was surprised, but knew that Toni somehow had a plan for getting him back that included the diamond.

Catwoman dialed the commissioner's office.  "This is Catwoman.  Is there a Toni Hobson there?  I wish to speak to her.  It concerns someone she cares about very much," she told the commissioner.

Commissioner Gordon smiled.  Batman's plan had worked just as he had said it would.

"Yes she is.  Please wait a minute," he replied, and put his hand on the mouthpiece.  "She took the bait just like Batman said she would Chief O Hara.  She wants to speak to Mrs. Hobson," he told the chief. Chief o Hara smiled.  "I knew the feline crook would miss one of the diamonds," he said.

The commissioner turned to Toni who was there with Batgirl having arrived a few minutes earlier.

"It's for you Mrs. Hobson," he said offering her the phone.

Toni took the phone from the commissioner thanking him.  "This is Toni Hobson speaking," she said.

"This is Catwoman.  I have your husband and you have the diamond from the collection I want.  I suggest we meet somewhere and discuss arrangements for a trade."

"Sounds fair.  I give you the diamond and you give me my husband.  You pick the time and place."

"The KitKat Club.  Tomorrow at nine.  Come alone."

"I'll be there.  You come alone too, and no tricks."

"Agreed.  Nine tomorrow.  Good bye until then."

Toni handed the phone back to the commissioner.  "She says to come to the KitKat Club tomorrow at nine to discuss a trade.  The diamond for Gary," she told him.

"I'll tell Batman and Robin that the meeting has arranged.  While you're keeping Catwoman busy, we'll be going to her lair, and freeing your husband," Batgirl said.

Chapter 12

Batgirl called Batman on the hotline phone from the commissioner's office to tell him the news.

"Batman, it's Batgirl.  Your plan worked.  Catwoman just called and arranged to meet Toni at the KitKat Club tomorrow at nine.  I doubt if she comes alone like she wants Toni to," she told him.

Batman knew Catwoman too well for her not to come alone.  "You go with Mrs. Hobson to the KitKat Club. Hide yourself so that when Catwoman arrives, and is not alone, you take care of whoever came with her. Robin and I will go to the lair, find Mr. Hobson, and get him out of there. We'll meet back at the commissioner's office where everything will be wrapped up," he said to Batgirl on the phone.

"Check.  I was going to do that anyway because I don't trust Catwoman."

"How is Mrs. Hobson holding up during this?"

"She's vowed to personally declaw Catwoman if she harms one hair on her husband's head."

Batman laughed at the thought of Toni Hobson taking on Catwoman.  "That I"d like to see.  We'll see you tomorrow in the commissioner's office."

"Good bye Batman."  Batgirl hung up the phone and turned to the others.

"Knowing Catwoman, she'll probably not come alone like she wants you to, Toni.  Don't worry.  I'm going to be around to take care of anyone who comes with her.  Batman and Robin will bring your husband here after they rescue him from the lair."

Toni nodded.  "I'll be glad to hold him in my arms again and never let him go," she said.
 
The next morning,  Batman and Robin were on their way to the Catwoman's lair, and Toni was on her to meet Catwoman as arranged with Batgirl secertly hiding somewhere in the KitKat Club already.

In the lair, Catwoman was giving her helpers their last minute instructions.

"Kitty, you'll drive me to the KitKat Club, and wait outside while I go meet his wife.  Leo, you and Leon will stay here and guard our guest. I'll call you when I have the diamond to tell you what you do next.  Kitty, let's go," she told them.

"I wish I could stay here and guard him," KItty said looking at Gary lying on his side on the cushion.

"I need you with me in case I have to make a fast getaway.  The men can handle this."

She and Kitty left the lair and the hencemen took their positions.

Leo stood by the door keeping watch, and Leon sat in Catwoman's chair facing Gary.

"You sure your boss doesn't mind you sitting in her chair?," Gary asked.

"Better to guard to you sitting down.  You want something to eat?," replied Leon.

"I'm not hungry right now.  Coffee would be nice though."

"I'll get it for you," Leo said, and went towards the little room where the coffee pot was at.

He heard a noise outside, and drew his weapon just in case.

"Stay here with the prisoner.  I heard something outside.  I"ll be right back," he told Leon.

Leo went towards the door, opened it, and looked outside.  "Just a cat meowing," he said with relief.

"Here kitty.  You want some milk?"

Robin slipped inside while Leo was busy talking to Cat, and Batman tapped Leo on the shoulder.

"Batman!  I've got to warn Leon!," Leo gasped when he saw Batman.

"Oh no you won't," Batman said and Leo took a swing at Batman.

Batman ducked, and punched Leo square on the jaw.  Bop!  Leo fell to the ground.

"Okay, go inside and find your master," Batman told Cat who had already ran inside the building.

Meow.  Gary heard it and looked to see his cat coming into the room where he was.

"Where did this cat come from?  Must be a stray.  Seems to like you though," Leon told Gary.

Gary only smiled and knew that someone had sent the cat to him.

"Freeze mister!," Robin told Leon, coming towards the other hencemen. Leon aimed his pistol at Robin, and was about to pull the trigger when something sailed through the air.

The batarang knocked the pistol from Leon's hand, and it skittled towards Gary.

Gary sprang towards it, and picked it up.  "Watch out!  He's got a knife!," he warned Robin.

Robin saw the knife in Leon's hand, grabbed the hand, gave it a hard twist making the henceman drop it it pain.  "Thanks for the warning.  Are you alright Mr. Hobson?," he asked looking at Gary.

Gary walked over towards his rescuer and nodded.  "Yeah.  How's my wife?," he replied.

Batman smiled.  "She's fine,although worried about you.  Here comes the commsisioner and the police chief."

Commissioner Gordon, Chief o Hara, and some of Gothan's finest came into the room.

"Alright men.  Put the cuffs on this one, and put him with the other one in the car," Chief o Hara ordered.

"I'm glad to see you're alright Mr. Hobson.  You can ride with me back to my office," Commissioner Gordon told Gary, and Gary was only too glad to follow them outside to freedom.

Meanwhile, unaware that her men were on their way to jail, and her prisoner was freed, Catwoman was meeting with Toni inside the KitKat Club in a private booth to arrange the trade.

"You give me the diamond now, and I'll call you later where you can get your husband," she told Toni.

"That won't be necessary Catwoman.  Her husband has just been freed, and your men are on their way to jail.  As for your helper outside, I've made sure she doesn't come in to help you," Batgirl told Catwoman.

"He can't be free!  You'll pay for this!," Catwoman growled and made a move towards Batgirl.

"Hold it right there Catwoman!  You're under arrest for kidnapping and robbery!," Chief O Hara announced coming into the resturant with his men having been told by Batman where the meeting was.

"You husband's waiting for you at the commissioner's office Mrs. Hobson. I'll be happy to take you there in my car if you wish," he told Toni as Catwoman was being lead out in handcuffs.

"Thank you chief.  Is Gary alright?," Toni asked as she went outside with the chief.

"He's fine.  Just can't wait to see you."

Five minutes later, Toni embraced Gary trying not to cry tears of relief that he was alright.

"I'm so glad you're alright!  She didn't hurt you, did she?," she asked him.

Gary shook his head.  "No.  I was worried about you honey.  How you were holding up through all this," he replied kissing her and getting kissed back.

"Let's go home.  I suddenly want to go back to Chicago and our friends."

"Alright.  We'll go home right now if you want to."

Toni nodded, and they said their goodbyes, and left Gothan City heading back to Chicago.

Email the author:  Lori Anderson
 
 

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