Chapter 1
Lord Peverell has been monitoring Drake Industries and Tim Drake who has been visiting the café ever since his son died. It’s interesting how the business continues to stay afloat with an underage acting CEO, and the dutiful son who stays home while the parents are absent.
Harry has keeping an eye on Timothy Drake since he started showing up. He tends to slip in and out typically unnoticed. Always order a drip coffee with 2 shots of expresso with vanilla syrup but never from Harry. He leaves a large tip and stays for 2 hours. Recently he has been showing up with some type of makeup/concealer and hides a limp or wince.
If the parents aren’t home, then who is hurting the teen?
Harry was determined to catch Timothy Drake today. So, while Harry was annoying Angel and Candy with being at the counter all afternoon, he kept a close eye on the door. When Mr. Drake finally stepped in and up to order Harry already had it prepared and said, “So, Mr. Timothy Drake we finally speak. Do you mind joining me for a spot of conversation? Drink is on the house today.”
Harry watched as Timothy took a breath and smiled slightly, “I have been waiting for this conversation. Very well. Which table?”
Harry handed over his drink and grabbed his own as he had been waiting for this moment. He leaped over the counter and walked to his favorite table and chairs. It was out of the way and all exits were visible. Plus, the table was on the darker shade of red with black outlining. There were stickers under the table that little Jason had placed when he received them from teachers. In short, this time was precious.
Sitting down, Harry looked over Timothy noticing some slight swelling near his right eye and he was not using his left hand and kept gently resting on the table.
“May I call you Tim?” Harry started.
“Drake Industries apologizes for copying your business flow,” Tim finished.
They had spoken at the same time, and both were confused.
“Umm right,” Harry shifted, “I do believe we think this conversation is about different things. Would you like to go first?”
Timothy shifted in his seat before clearing his throat, “You may call me Tim if you want,” Tim lowered his voice, “Lord Peverell.”
“Right. That info says between us and just call me Harry,” Harry winked sipping his drink.
“As you wish. Drake Industries noticed your business strategy and the good it has brought to its area and wished to do something similar. While we are not able to fully replicate your approach, and we have not yielded as high of results but there have been significant changes. If you would like a public apology, Drake Industries can offer one.”
“Imitation is the highest form of flattery. So, no worries,” Harry waved him off, “As Bigwell says, ‘See a need, fill a need.’ Please keep doing good.”
“If it wasn’t about that, then what did you want to speak to me about?” Tim scrunched his brows together.
“Are you safe?” Harry stared at Tim his face solemn.
Tim looked shocked and slightly incredulous, “Wha.. What?”
“This might sound weird or harsh, but your parents aren’t home enough to cause that many injuries.”
As if to hide them better, Tim sat straighter, trying to hide his wince.
“So, is there some form of guardian that is hurting you?” Harry questioned gently.
“no?... No, there isn't” Tim said a little stronger at the end.
“Okay. If there is and you feel like you can trust me in the future, let me know and I will do what I can to make you safe,” Harry promised settling back into his chair.
“Yeah, um. Thanks?” Tim seemed thrown by the conversation.
“Also, there are no set times that limit your time here. If you wish to be here longer or more frequently you are welcome to do so,” Harry explained making it clear Tim was allowed to be here.
Tim seemed flabbergasted and took a few minutes to gather himself. When he drained the last of his coffee, he said, “I appreciate the offer. As of right now, I will have to decline.”
Smiling Harry replied, “Fair enough. The offer to help is always open. It doesn’t expire. Now you would like to speak a little about business or would prefer to escape from my terrifying presence?”
“You would talk business with me? Like without a merger or formal partnership?” Tim’s eyes widen in shock and awe
“I’m not worried about you stealing anything. I’d rather answer questions for you.”
“I… are you sure,” Tim asked unsurely.
“Positive” Harry affirmed and gestured for two more drinks for them.
“In that case,” Tim pulled out his phone and tapped a few before asking, “How did you come up with the idea of fostering better relations between your businesses and clients?”
Oh boy…
**
Harry waved a final time before slumping onto the table. He felt like had been through the wringer. Tim has a quick mind and is over-analytical.
“Have fun with Stalker?”
Harry looked up and saw Jason sliding into the recently vacated seat with a bagel.
“He is sharp and hyper fixates. Also, stalker?” Harry questioned raising a brow.
“Yeah, he would creep around taking pictures of us during patrol. Can't tell you how many times I caught him in unsafe areas,” Jason snorted taking a bite.
“Really? I don’t remember you talking about him,” Harry frowned trying to remember.
“Eh, I usually got two teas to go and tried to stalk him first and took him home near the financial district,” Jason shrugged waving the bagel around.
“Why not his manor? He lived next to Wayne,” Harry asked puzzled.
His poor kid looked so poleaxed; he couldn’t help but snicker.
“Your stalker is Timothy Drake of Drake Industries,” Harry deadpanned.
“What the fuck?” Jason seemed to short-circuit with his half-eaten bagel raised halfway to his mouth.
Dick was walking by and plucked the bagel eating it in two bites then asking, “What did you do Dad?”
“Who knows,” Harry sighed laughing when Jason seemed to come back online.
“What the fuck? And hey who ate my bagel?” Jason half yelled looking around.
Dick and Harry just shared a look and sighed.