Electra's Web

CHAPTER FOUR: A TWISTED TALE THE MANSERVANT showed Batman into a large, lavishly furnished drawing room off the main marble-floored entrance hall of the mansion. He was struck at how young and muscular the servant looked. More like a male model than the average butler. He was left waiting for what seemed like an age before Electra deigned to grace him with her presence. She was dressed in a leather knee-length skirt, high-heeled shoes and a sparkling short gold top held up by the thinnest of straps and cut to reveal most of her cleavage. She walked over to the drinks cabinet and poured herself a brandy - pointedly not even bothering to offer her visitor anything. "What can I do for you Batman?" she asked after taking a sip. "I'm here to tell you to stay away from Robin," he said firmly. "And why would that be?" "That's none of your business. I don't know what little game you're playing lady but I can make a pretty good guess and it won't work. "You're to stay away from Robin." Electra took another sip of her brandy and pursed her lips. "And what if Robin doesn't want to stay away from me Batman?" she smiled. "He will." "That's not the impression I got." Electra glanced down at herself as though admiring her own body and then flashed her eyes back to Batman. "In fact I got the distinct impression he was very keen to see a lot more of me," she said. A smile creased her face as she saw the unmistakeable look of anger in the Caped Crusader's face. "I won't tell you again," he said through gritted teeth. "Stay away." To his surprise Electra nodded her head. "Of course," she agreed - but then continued: "If that's what Robin wants. "After all, he is 18 now I believe. Old enough to drink, old enough to vote, old enough to make his own decisions." She paused for a second and then added very slowly and purposefully: "Even old enough to have sex if he so desires. "So Batman - wouldn't it be right to let Robin decide exactly what he wants? "I can always ask him next time we meet." Batman's anger was almost boiling over now. But before he could reply they were interrupted by the manservant. "The catering arrangers are here ma'am," he said. "Ah wonderful," said Electra. "Do excuse me Batman. I'm planning a little soiree for this evening. "You're not invited, of course. It's a very select gathering." She put down her drink and walked past him to the door. As she got their she turned as though having just remembered something. "Oh, if you do see Robin before me can you remind him to be here by seven? "My manservant will see you out." A huge grin spread across her face as she disappeared into the entrance hall - delighted at having led Batman another merry dance. ------------ THE BOY WONDER was nowhere to be found when the Caped Crusader returned to the Batcave. He waited and waited but there was still no sign. Finally he called his partner on the Batcom. "Where are you?" he asked with a sense of urgency in his voice. "Another bank robbery," replied Robin. "Union State Bank, East 31st Street. Quite a haul." The information barely registered with Batman - he was more intent on keeping Robin out of Electra's clutches. "OK Robin. We need to get down to work tonight. Get back as soon as you can." There was a pause on the other end and then Robin's voice came through again. "I had something else planned for tonight," he said. "It's important Robin," replied Batman. "OK," said the teenager. "See you in an hour." Batman set down the communicator with satisfaction. His first little victory over Electra. He could just picture the look of disappointment on her face at Robin's failure to keep their date. As Batman and Robin got down to work later that evening the guests were arriving at Electra's mansion. She greeted them all warmly and worked the room to perfection - gracing all with her presence. But in reality her thoughts were already drifting to the next evening. And a certain more exciting rendezvous at 7pm sharp.