Electra's Web

CHAPTER ONE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS


HER photo had been in all the newspapers, her comings and goings relayed across every TV channel and her name on the lips of almost everyone around. Electra had caused the biggest stir in Gotham City for years.
Yet for all her fame the fabled Batman had yet to meet her.
Not that it was an omission that caused him any great distress.
His time had been consumed by the crimewave that had gripped the metropolis over the past three months: Diamond robberies, bank vaults raided and the mysterious deaths of two prominent politicians.
To his great frustration he'd made absolutely no headway in any of the cases so far - although he was in no doubt they were all linked.
But finally it was inevitable the two most talked-about people in Gotham would run into each other - the occasion being a City Hall reception to honour Outstanding Community Ambassadors.
The Caped Crusader had noticed her from afar as she was surrounded by a crowd of eager men both young and old all of them obviously bedazzled by her beauty.
Later purely by chance the pair found themselves together to the side of a small crowd in one of the VIP rooms adjoining the main hall.
Although never easily impressed Batman could immediately see why she had caused so much fuss.
She was tall and slender with an exquisite tanned figure. Piercing blue eyes shone from a perfect face and thick auburn hair cascaded around her shoulders. Her strapless purple dress was cut low to reveal an ample bosom and one side was slashed open past the knee showing her shapely, perfectly-sculpted leg.
She spoke politely but confidently with the hint of a Southern drawl which only served to heighten her allure.
"It's a pleasure to meet you at last Batman," she purred gazing into his eyes. "I'm disappointed my earlier requests were not met with any response."
Batman was slightly taken aback at what seemed like a slight admonition.
"My apologies," he said politely. "I've been very busy."
"Haven't we all Batman. But I'm not accustomed to people refusing my requests. Whoever they may be."
The crimefighter ignored her obvious display of misplaced grandeur and simply nodded.
"Well, we meet now. How are you finding Gotham City?"
"Absolutely divine. Such an exciting place. Made all the better for having people like yourself here."
She paused for a second as though considering and then added: "Which, actually, brings me to a little proposition I have.
"Something of mutual benefit for us both."
"Do go on," said Batman intrigued.
She moved closer to him so they were almost touching and flashed her eyelids. Batman could smell the soft scent from her hair and expensive perfume.
Her thigh brushed gently against him as she looked upwards staring intently into his face.
"I have big plans for this city," she said. "Very big plans.
"It needs a thorough shake-up to best serve our interests.
"To be frank - it needs a woman's touch. My touch."
She smiled keeping her eyes fixed on his and her voice dropped to a breathy whisper.
"You, Batman, could be very useful to me. A combination of your brawn with my brains and beauty would be unstoppable. We could rule this city.
"I'm proposing you come work for me. I have no doubt you would be very able.
"And I could give you a very comfortable, very satisfying life. I'm sure you understand what I mean."
He felt her hand touch his thigh as she finished speaking and she ran her tongue over her full, red lips almost lasciviously.
For a moment Batman felt lost in her deep blue eyes - as though he could just sink into a warm embrace with her.
He realised she was probably the most attractive woman he had ever set eyes on.
Her slight touch on his leg was sending incredible feelings coursing through his body and the first stirrings of sexual longing. As if it almost had a mind of its own his hand began moving slowly forwards to touch her waist.
Then as fast as he'd fallen into some sort of erotic trance something pulled him back. His Batsense was ringing alarm bells all over his head.
Electra was undeniably beautiful and seductive yet her words and ways signalled danger. He suddenly realised she was a woman to be watched carefully - and also, for some reason he could not explain, even perhaps feared.
"That's a very ambitious proposition Ms Electra," he said finally after what seemed like a pause of several minutes. "But I think the city runs fine as it is.
"And I have no desire to be your partner thank-you."
There was no mistaking the flash of anger which shot across Electra's face. Her whole body seemed to stiffen at the unexpected rejection.
She stepped back away from him and her expression went cold.
"If the city runs so well Batman," she said curtly. "Then how come it's in the grip of a crimewave that you seem completely incapable of stopping?"
Her barb hit the spot - and immediately confirmed the Caped Crusader's suspicions of her. His face darkened and he glared at her angrily.
"It will soon be over," he said. "Rest assured."
Electra grinned sardonically.
"Your faith is very touching Batman. I wish I could share it."
She turned as if to go but then seemed to change her mind and faced him again.
An amused smile creased her lips and her voice took on its familiar seductive tone.
"It's a shame you won't accept my kind offer Batman but that's your loss and undoubtedly someone else's gain. Tell me, how's that adorable little friend of yours Robin?"
"He's fine thank-you," replied Batman brusquely wondering where this was going.
"That's good. It must be so difficult having to keep a watchful eye on him all the time."
"Robin's perfectly capable of looking after himself," said Batman crisply. "I don't have to watch over him all the time."
"Oh, I'm sure. I'm sure. But you really should. He's such an attractive young man. Many a woman would love to get their hands on him.
"And you know how easily an 18-year-old's thoughts can turn to matters of the flesh. All those young hormones raging around his body."
She smiled knowingly at Batman and pursed her lips.
"I'd hate to see him corrupted in any way - wouldn't you?"
With that she wheeled away with just a passing glance over her shoulder.
"Do pass on my regards to Robin won't you?" she said. "And tell him I'd love to meet up with him some time soon."
Batman stood watching as she walked away to be soon surrounded by a gaggle of admiring men.