Insanity // J.Valeska

Part Twelve: The File

The Harlem family has had a notorious tradition of having arranged marriages so as to maintain the prestigious namesake that they have upheld for generations. However as their only heir comes closer to the legal age, her parents choice in suitors becomes all the more dire. Per requirement of her ancestors, a legal spouse must be issued before the next of kin takes office, so as should anything happen to the legitimate President, the spouse, acting as VP, will take over as head of the company.

Interestingly enough however, Jefferson and Clarissa neglected to release the name of their daughter's future spouse at their annual company ball, choosing instead to release the name in a more formal setting at a press conference to be held just three days following their death. However due to their untimely death, her parents failure to release the name of Stephanie's future spouse results in all legal action (regarding her act as future President of Global Inc.) will be dismissed due to her failure to comply to the traditions of her ancestors, as written within her contract.

Investigators are searching for the last testimony of Jefferson and Clarissa Harlem, however the document listing their daughter's future spouse appears to be lost. Without said document, Stephanie is unable to take office, leaving the company in the hand's of a panel of directors.

Bruce paused his reading, an idea dawning upon him. Without the document, Stephanie can't be president, however neither can anybody else.

When the killer broke into the Harlem estate, it's possible they stole said missing document so as to tamper with it, which would result in it being missing. Whoever stole the document could forge a new one, writing in a new potential suitor. And with Stephanie still missing, should her future spouse be named, they will take over the company.

Bruce slammed his hands onto the mahogany desk before him, realization settling in. He needed to speak to James Gordon. Immediately.

"Alfred!" Bruce shouted, shoving the crumpled page into his trouser pockets as he dashed from overheated office.

Alfred, appearing quite concerned for his charge, answered Bruce's hurried call: "Master Bruce? Is everything alright, sir?"

"Alfred, we must get to the GCPD, I have to speak with Detective Gordon right away. It's important."

"Well then, I suppose we best head off. Come alone then, sir." Alfred ushered Bruce out the door, concerned as to what Bruce has discovered.

[Jim Gordon]

"Jim, buddy, you've looked over this case a hundred times. I've looked over it a hundred and one times. There's nothing that you've missed. Right now, we need to focus on the cases that the Chief gives us and wait until more evidence appears for Steph's case."

Jim Gordon glanced over his desk at his partner, Harvey Bullock. Harvey had been surprisingly patient with him for the past few weeks, although Harvey's patience was slowly breaking.

Jim released an exasperated sigh, rubbing his forehead with one hand, "Harv, give it up. I can't focus on anything with Steph still out there."

A long pause divided the two cops - Harvey was the first to break the pained silence. "Jim, I hate this more than you do... but there's a good chance that Steph may not still be out there." Harvey looked away at his admission; it hurt to say such a thing.